STOCK TITAN

ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST ANNOUNCES PRELIMINARY FOURTH QUARTER 2023 RESULTS

Rhea-AI Impact
(Neutral)
Rhea-AI Sentiment
(Neutral)
Tags
Rhea-AI Summary
Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. (NYSE: AHT) reported a 66% occupancy rate and an average daily rate of $182 for the fourth quarter of 2023, resulting in a RevPAR of approximately $120. Comparable RevPAR increased by 1% compared to the fourth quarter of 2022. The company also saw a 4% increase in Comparable RevPAR for October 2023 compared to October 2022, but a 1% decrease for December 2023 compared to December 2022. Ashford Trust's President and CEO, Rob Hays, expressed satisfaction with the performance, attributing it to increased corporate and group demand, and the company's well-positioned, geographically diverse portfolio. Additionally, the company has raised approximately $91.3 million of gross proceeds through the offering of its Non-Traded Preferred Equity.
Positive
  • None.
Negative
  • The decrease in Comparable RevPAR for December 2023 compared to December 2022 could raise concerns about potential future performance and market trends.

Insights

The report from Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. indicates a modest year-over-year growth in Comparable Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR), which is a critical performance metric in the hospitality industry. RevPAR combines two factors: Average Daily Rate (ADR) and Occupancy Rate. An increase in RevPAR typically suggests either an increase in occupancy, higher room rates, or a combination of both, which can reflect a company's ability to grow revenue and manage its assets efficiently.

From a market research perspective, the reported 1% increase in Q4 and the varied monthly performance reflect a relatively stable demand in the hospitality sector. However, the slight decrease in December raises questions about market saturation, pricing strategies, or shifts in consumer behavior during the holiday season. The company's portfolio diversity and its focus on upper upscale, full-service hotels could be a strategic advantage in attracting corporate and group demand, sectors that appear to be driving growth according to the CEO's comments.

The capital raised through the offering of non-traded preferred equity is significant, amounting to approximately $91.3 million. Non-traded preferred stocks, such as Series J and K mentioned, are generally less liquid than their traded counterparts but offer investors fixed dividends. The proceeds from these offerings can be critical for a REIT like Ashford Trust to invest in property acquisitions, renovations, or to improve their balance sheet by paying down debt. Investors and analysts will be interested in how the company plans to allocate this capital to drive growth and generate returns.

It's also worth noting that the performance of a REIT like Ashford Trust can be a bellwether for the health of the commercial real estate market, particularly in the hospitality sector. As such, the company's performance and capital-raising activities should be monitored for their potential impact on the broader market and for what they signal about investor confidence in this asset class.

The mention of Ashford Trust's 'high-quality, geographically diverse portfolio' deserves attention from a real estate investment standpoint. Portfolio diversification across different geographies can mitigate risks associated with regional economic downturns or sector-specific challenges. For investors, this diversification can be an attractive feature, as it may provide a buffer during market volatility.

Furthermore, the focus on 'upper upscale, full-service hotels' aligns with a segment of the market that can command higher ADRs and attract a more affluent clientele. This segment often has more pricing power and can yield higher margins. However, it also requires significant capital for maintenance and upgrades to maintain competitiveness. The performance and strategy of Ashford Trust in this segment could serve as an indicator for the sector's overall potential for profitability and growth.

DALLAS, Jan. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. (NYSE: AHT) ("Ashford Trust" or the "Company") reported today that the Company expects to report Occupancy of approximately 66% for the fourth quarter of 2023 with Average Daily Rate of approximately $182 resulting in RevPAR of approximately $120.  This Comparable RevPAR reflects an approximate increase of 1% compared to the fourth quarter of 2022. 

Additionally, for the month of October 2023, Comparable RevPAR increased approximately 4% versus October 2022. For the month of November 2023, Comparable RevPAR increased approximately 1% versus November 2022. For the month of December 2023, Comparable RevPAR decreased approximately 1% versus December 2022.  

"We are pleased with our performance for the 2023 fourth quarter," commented Rob Hays, Ashford Trust's President and Chief Executive Officer. "We continue to benefit from increased corporate and group demand, and our high-quality, geographically diverse portfolio, remains well-positioned to outperform."

Further, as previously announced, the Company commenced the offering of its Non-Traded Preferred Equity during the third quarter of 2022.  Through December 31, 2023, the Company has 3,475,318 shares of its Series J non-traded preferred stock outstanding and 194,193 shares of its Series K non-traded preferred stock outstanding raising approximately $91.3 million of gross proceeds.

*  *  *  *  *

Ashford Hospitality Trust is a real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on investing predominantly in upper upscale, full-service hotels.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements and assumptions in this press release contain or are based upon "forward-looking" information and are being made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, among others, statements about the Company's strategy and future plans. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. When we use the words "will likely result," "may," "anticipate," "estimate," "should," "expect," "believe," "intend," or similar expressions, we intend to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous assumptions and uncertainties, many of which are outside Ashford Trust's control.

These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, including, without limitation: our ability to repay, refinance, or restructure our debt and the debt of certain of our subsidiaries; anticipated or expected purchases or sales of assets; our projected operating results; completion of any pending transactions; our understanding of our competition; market trends; projected capital expenditures; the impact of technology on our operations and business; general volatility of the capital markets and the market price of our common stock and preferred stock; availability, terms and deployment of capital; availability of qualified personnel; changes in our industry and the markets in which we operate, interest rates or the general economy; and the degree and nature of our competition. These and other risk factors are more fully discussed in Ashford Trust's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The forward-looking statements included in this press release are only made as of the date of this press release. Such forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions, and expectations of our future performance taking into account all information currently known to us. These beliefs, assumptions, and expectations can change as a result of many potential events or factors, not all of which are known to us. If a change occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans, and other objectives may vary materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. You should carefully consider these risks when you make an investment decision concerning our securities. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company can give no assurance that these forward-looking statements will be attained or that any deviation will not occur. We are not obligated to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances, changes in expectations, or otherwise, except to the extent required by law.

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ashford-hospitality-trust-announces-preliminary-fourth-quarter-2023-results-302030520.html

SOURCE Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc.

FAQ

What is the occupancy rate reported by Ashford Hospitality Trust for the fourth quarter of 2023?

Ashford Hospitality Trust reported an occupancy rate of approximately 66% for the fourth quarter of 2023.

What is the Average Daily Rate reported by Ashford Hospitality Trust for the fourth quarter of 2023?

Ashford Hospitality Trust reported an Average Daily Rate of approximately $182 for the fourth quarter of 2023.

What is the ticker symbol for Ashford Hospitality Trust?

The ticker symbol for Ashford Hospitality Trust is AHT.

What is the focus of Ashford Hospitality Trust's investments?

Ashford Hospitality Trust is focused on investing predominantly in upper upscale, full-service hotels.

What is the CEO's comment on the company's performance for the 2023 fourth quarter?

Rob Hays, Ashford Trust's President and CEO, expressed satisfaction with the performance, attributing it to increased corporate and group demand, and the company's well-positioned, geographically diverse portfolio.

What is the gross proceeds raised by Ashford Hospitality Trust through the offering of its Non-Traded Preferred Equity?

Ashford Hospitality Trust has raised approximately $91.3 million of gross proceeds through the offering of its Non-Traded Preferred Equity.

Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc.

NYSE:AHT

AHT Rankings

AHT Latest News

AHT Stock Data

41.02M
5.48M
1.97%
21.76%
2.5%
REIT - Hotel & Motel
Real Estate Investment Trusts
Link
United States of America
DALLAS