Chatham Lodging Trust(CLDT)2025-05-06 18:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company announced a share buyback plan of 500 million of maturing debt [6][7] - The quarterly common dividend was increased by 29% to 20.8 million, adjusted EBITDA was 0.14 per share [24][25] - GOP margin for Q1 was 38.9%, up 30 basis points from Q1 2024, driven by 3.8% RevPAR growth and effective expense control [24][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR growth was strong in six of the top seven markets, with Silicon Valley hotels seeing an 8% increase [14] - The average age of the five sold hotels was 25 years, sold at an approximate 6% capitalization rate on 2024 NOI levels [8] - RevPAR at leisure hotels declined only 1%, while tech hotels showed significant growth [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR in LA increased by 14%, with specific hotels benefiting from fire-related demand [15] - New York, Dallas, and DC markets saw at least 6% growth in RevPAR [16] - Government-related room revenue accounted for approximately 5% of the overall portfolio, indicating limited impact from government travel [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on high-quality premium branded targets for acquisitions to diversify its portfolio [9] - The share repurchase plan and potential acquisitions are viewed as tools to enhance shareholder value [6][9] - The company aims to reduce volatility in cash flow by diversifying its asset base beyond tech-heavy markets [57] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future demand despite current economic uncertainties, projecting flat RevPAR growth for the year [12][13] - The company noted that the current environment has resulted in lower new supply, which could support future RevPAR growth [13] - Management highlighted the importance of adjusting sales efforts to attract leisure travelers in response to declining government-related demand [11][12] Other Important Information - The company completed renovations at several hotels, with a CapEx budget of approximately $26 million for 2025 [22][23] - The company has successfully reduced leverage through the sale of older hotels, with a net debt to LTM EBITDA ratio of 3.6x [25][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on capital allocation initiatives regarding buybacks and acquisitions - Management is looking at both buybacks and acquisitions opportunistically, with a focus on enhancing shareholder value [29][30] Question: Update on potential development in Portland, Maine - The development process is ongoing, with careful consideration of costs and approvals before proceeding [32][34] Question: Performance drivers for the Phoenix hotel - The Phoenix hotel has outperformed expectations due to strong management and market conditions [35][36] Question: Impact of government demand and international travel exposure - Government demand is minimal, and international travel exposure is light, with strong overall performance in key markets [52][53] Question: Guidance on RevPAR expectations for 2025 - The company expects flat RevPAR growth, with potential ADR growth offsetting occupancy changes [54][56] Question: Potential acquisition opportunities and market targeting - The company aims to diversify its asset base and is open to acquisitions in new markets to reduce cash flow volatility [57]