Hyatt Hotels will buy Playa Hotels & Resorts for about $2.6 billion including debt, net of cash, the company said on Monday, seeking to boost its presence in Mexico and the Caribbean. The acquisition follows rising interest in upscale and luxury offerings outside the U.S. as more Americans take advantage of a stronger dollar.Playa runs 24 high-end, all-inclusive resorts across Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Hyatt has offered $13.50 per Playa share held, representing a 40.5% premium to its last ...

Hyatt Hotels (H) shares ended the last trading session 4.9% higher at $166.34. The jump came on an impressive volume with a higher-than-average number of shares changing hands in the session. This compares to the stock's 4.1% gain over the past four weeks.Hyatt Hotels' rally is buoyed by optimism regarding its ongoing discussions with Playa Hotels & Resorts. On Feb. 3, 2025, the company announced an extension of its exclusivity agreement with Playa, allowing more time to explore potential strategic alternat ...

Investment Community Teleconference Set for February 20, 2025 at 8 a.m. ETTORONTO, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Hydro One Limited (TSX: H), the largest electric transmission and distribution utility in Ontario, plans to release its fourth quarter financial results the morning of February 20, 2025, before North American financial markets open. A summary of the results will be distributed by newswire and the complete MD&A and financial statements will be posted at www.hydroone.com/investors and www.sedarplus. ...

Building upon its expansion in the all-inclusive segment, Hyatt Hotels Corporation (H) entered a long-term, asset-light strategic joint venture (JV) with Grupo Piñero. The partnership, headquartered in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, will oversee Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts properties and own the Bahia Principe brand. This move enhances the company’s presence in the growing all-inclusive market.The 50/50 joint venture broadens Hyatt’s portfolio, creating more opportunities for guests and World of Hyatt member ...

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (H) has left no stone unturned to expand its portfolio and strengthen the company’s position in the hospitality sector. The company is not only focusing on new hotel openings but also concentrating on acquisitions.Recently, the company entered into exclusive discussions with Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V. (PLYA) regarding potential strategic options, including the possible acquisition of Playa.Playa Hotels & Resorts, known for its all-inclusive resort offerings, presents an attractive ...

The Future Investor with Albert Anthony is a new series of curated research articles on the Seeking Alpha platform, focusing on growing a diversified portfolio and unlocking future drivers of performance.Albert Anthony is the pen name of a contributing analyst who has covered over +200 stocks on this platform since 2023, growing to over 1.07K followers. Based on this new article series, he is also working on a new book on Amazon to be called The Future Investor: Growing a Diversified Portfolio (2025 edition ...

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (H) has been capitalizing on rising demand, new hotel openings and strategic acquisitions. Furthermore, its emphasis on both organic and inorganic growth, supported by loyalty programs and an asset-light business model, bodes well.Shares of Hyatt have risen 19.7% in the year-to-date period compared with the Zacks Hotels and Motels industry's 26.5% growth. Although the company has underperformed the industry in the said period, strong momentum across all group customer segments will ...

Hotel stocks have been initial beneficiaries of the Trump pump. In the days following the U.S. presidential election, many hotel stocks are seeing high single-digit gains as investors move off the sidelines and start to pick winners.  As we head into the holiday season, consumer discretionary stocks are getting attention. And it’s easy to see why the hospitality industry is a good place to hunt in that sector. Although consumers have cut back on other expenses, they still have shown a willingness to travel. ...

Core Insights - The "Experiential Luxury in China" report highlights a recovery in tourist arrivals in 2024, which is positively impacting the experiential luxury market despite economic challenges such as rising living costs [1][4] - There is a notable shift among consumers towards spending on meaningful experiences rather than material goods, indicating a changing consumer behavior in the luxury sector [1][4] Market Overview - The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Experiential Luxury market in China, including retail sales data, growth sectors, leading companies, and brands [2][4] - Key product categories covered include Luxury Foodservice and Luxury Hotels, which are significant drivers of growth in the market [2] Data Insights - The report includes historical and forecasted market sizes, company shares, brand shares, and distribution data, offering a detailed view of market dynamics [3] Key Findings - In 2024, there is a clear trend towards prioritizing experiences over possessions, exemplified by the Ritz-Carlton winning the Leading Luxury Hotel award [4] - Hyatt Corp continues to lead the market in 2023, with ongoing new hotel openings contributing to its competitive edge [4] - The integration of AI in Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) is noted, alongside a gradual emergence of sustainability as a concern in the luxury travel sector [4] Prospects and Opportunities - The experiential luxury market in China is expected to experience a bright forecast period, driven by increased domestic travel and a focus on sustainability in business travel [5] - Anticipated rising sales and new luxury hotel openings are expected despite prevailing economic uncertainties [5] Category Data - The report includes detailed sales data for Experiential Luxury by category from 2019 to 2024, along with percentage value growth and forecasts for 2024-2029 [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics - System-wide RevPAR grew by 3% in Q3 2024, with luxury brands showing the strongest growth [12] - Leisure transient revenue decreased by approximately 4%, driven by declines in the United States and Greater China [12] - Group rooms revenue increased by approximately 6%, with strong performance in both the U S and Europe [14] - Business transient revenue grew by approximately 16%, with similar growth in the U S [15] - World of Hyatt membership reached a record 51 million, a 22% increase year-over-year [16] - Gross fees for the quarter were $268 million, up 11% year-over-year [41] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $275 million, a 9% increase compared to the previous year [44] Business Line Performance - Leisure transient revenue declined due to weaker demand in the U S and Greater China [12] - Group rooms revenue growth was driven by corporate meetings and social events, particularly in the U S and Europe [14][36] - Business transient revenue growth was led by large corporate accounts, especially in major urban markets [15][36] - All-inclusive resorts in the Americas saw a 10% increase in bookings for the festive period and over 20% for Q1 2025 [13] - Loyalty program engagement was strong, with a 16% increase in co-branded credit card spending through the first nine months of 2024 [16] Market Performance - RevPAR in the Americas (excluding the U S) increased by approximately 4%, while all-inclusive properties in the Americas reported a 5% decline in net package RevPAR due to hurricanes [37] - Greater China saw a 7% decline in RevPAR, driven by a 9% drop in domestic travel, though international inbound travel showed moderate growth [38] - Asia-Pacific (excluding Greater China) reported a 10% increase in RevPAR, driven by strong inbound travel from Greater China and the U S [39] - Europe experienced a 15% increase in RevPAR, driven by the Summer Olympics in Paris and Euro 2024 in Germany [40] Strategy and Industry Competition - The company continues to focus on its asset-light business model, with significant growth in management and franchise fees [11][29] - Hyatt's pipeline expanded to 135,000 rooms, a 10% increase year-over-year, with significant activity in the U S and Greater China [18] - The company completed the acquisition of Standard International, adding 22 hotels and approximately 2,000 rooms, with plans for further expansion [25] - A joint venture with Grupo Pinero will add 23 all-inclusive resorts, expanding Hyatt's all-inclusive portfolio by approximately 30% [27] - Hyatt has returned $4 4 billion to shareholders, including $4 2 billion in share buybacks, as part of its capital allocation strategy [32] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the sustainability of strong demand levels, supported by forward booking activity [38] - The company expects full-year system-wide RevPAR growth of 3% to 4%, with U S RevPAR growth projected at 1% to 1 5% [49] - Greater China's RevPAR is expected to improve in Q4 due to government stimulus measures, leading to flat full-year growth compared to 2023 [50] - Net rooms growth is expected to be in the range of 7 75% to 8 25%, with potential adjustments based on the Grupo Pinero joint venture closing [51] - Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 is expected to range from $1 1 billion to $1 12 billion, a 5% increase at the midpoint [53] Other Important Information - Hyatt completed the sale of Hyatt Regency Orlando for $1 07 billion, marking the completion of its third asset disposition commitment [23] - The company repaid $750 million in 2024 notes, reducing total debt outstanding to approximately $3 1 billion [46] - Hyatt's total liquidity as of September 30, 2024, was approximately $2 6 billion, including $1 1 billion in cash and short-term investments [46] Q&A Session Summary Question: Drivers of the updated guidance for net rooms growth and the impact of the Grupo Pinero joint venture [56] - Net rooms growth was impacted by slippage of over 2,000 rooms into 2025 and higher-than-expected attrition, primarily due to brand standards and market-specific issues [57][58] - The Grupo Pinero joint venture is expected to contribute incremental management fees and other revenues, with more details to be provided after the transaction closes [66][69] Question: Credit card fees and renewal timing [71] - Hyatt's co-branded credit card spending increased by 16% year-over-year, driven by the growing World of Hyatt membership base [16][72] - The current credit card arrangement is set to expire towards the end of 2025, with ongoing discussions for renewal [75] Question: Impact of hurricanes on distribution and destination business [77] - Hurricanes negatively impacted bookings in the Caribbean and Southeastern U S, leading to a $46 million EBITDA hit in Q3 [78][121] - Leisure booking trends have accelerated into Q4, with strong forward bookings for resorts and distribution business [79][80] Question: Attrition rates and brand standards [81] - Attrition rates were higher than expected in 2024, primarily due to brand standard issues and market-specific challenges [58][81] - Hyatt does not currently have a brand for downgrading hotels, which may lead to higher attrition in the future [82] Question: Opportunities for inorganic growth and market multiples [96] - Platform acquisitions are typically valued at high multiples initially, with expectations of reducing to low double-digits over time [97][100] - Hyatt has significant white space in underpenetrated markets, providing opportunities for growth through acquisitions and conversions [101] Question: Leisure demand mix post-Grupo Pinero joint venture [103] - Leisure demand currently accounts for 50% to 55% of total demand, with the joint venture expected to increase this slightly [103] Question: Optimal number of brands and potential streamlining [122] - Hyatt aims to add brands with distinct identities and experiences, avoiding overlap with existing brands [123] - The company is forming dedicated lifestyle and luxury groups to better serve distinct customer segments [127] Question: Gross net unit growth and transient business pace [129] - Gross net unit growth of 6% includes run-of-the-mill conversions but excludes large portfolio deals [129] - Transient business pace for Q1 2025 is strong, primarily driven by occupancy rather than ADR [132]