LuxUrban Hotels Inc. Announces 2024 First Quarter Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

LuxUrban Hotels Inc. (Nasdaq: LUXH) reported its Q1 2024 financial results, revealing a 27.6% increase in net rental revenue to $29.1 million. However, the company posted a net loss of $16.8 million due to a $12.1 million rise in other expenses, higher operating costs, and the termination of a franchise partnership with Wyndham Hotels. Adjusted EBITDA was $2.5 million, down from $4.0 million in Q1 2023. Gross profit fell from $5.4 million to a loss of $4.6 million. The company is focused on improving working capital, cash flow, and balance sheet strength. LuxUrban will file its Form 10-Q with the SEC on May 13, 2024.

Positive

• Net rental revenue increased by 27.6% to $29.1 million.
• Adjusted EBITDA of $2.5 million for Q1 2024.
• Cash and cash equivalents increased to $1.0 million from $0.8 million.
• Increased number of units available to rent, from 571 to 1,535.
• Bookings outlook for spring and summer is encouraging.

Negative

• Net loss of $16.8 million compared to a net loss of $2.8 million in Q1 2023.
• Gross profit turned into a loss of $4.6 million from a profit of $5.4 million.
• Total operating expenses rose to $7.6 million from $4.2 million.
• Significant increase in other expenses by $12.1 million.
• Termination of franchise agreements with Wyndham Hotels.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The latest financial results for LuxUrban Hotels Inc. reveal a mix of positive and challenging outcomes. The company reported net rental revenue of $29.1 million, an impressive 27.6% year-over-year increase. This was primarily driven by a greater number of units available for rent, rising from 571 to 1,535. Despite this revenue growth, $16.8 million net loss indicates severe financial issues, especially when compared to the $2.8 million loss in Q1 2023. The increase in expenses due to the termination of franchise agreements and higher operating costs has significantly impacted the bottom line.

The gross profit turned into a loss of $4.6 million, a noteworthy decline from the previous year's gross profit of $5.4 million. This suggests the company is currently struggling with cost management. The adjusted EBITDA of $2.5 million compared to $4.0 million in the same quarter last year shows a decline, indicating operational challenges despite better top-line performance. Overall, while revenue growth is promising, the profitability and cost issues present considerable near-term risks for investors.

Market Research Analyst

From a market strategy perspective, LuxUrban’s decision to sever ties with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and its shift back to independent operations is significant. This move suggests confidence in the company’s brand and operational capabilities. However, it comes with substantial risks, such as the potential for operational disruptions during the transition period. The company’s strategy to capitalize on dislocations in commercial real estate markets seems forward-thinking, but it carries inherent volatility and market risk.

The increase in non-cash charges for stock compensation and partnership exit costs highlights underlying strategic shifts, but might concern investors about the sustainability of such moves. The company's focus on improving working capital and cash flow is important for long-term stability, yet immediate concerns about increased operating expenses and significant net losses might overshadow these long-term plans.

Hospitality Industry Expert

The operational shift to de-platform properties from Wyndham’s systems and returning to independent management is a bold move that indicates LuxUrban's desire to create a unique identity in the hospitality space. This could offer the company greater control over its operations and potentially higher margins in the long term. However, the short-term impact includes significant expenses and operational risks. The added complexity of managing the transition without disruption will test the company's operational resilience.

The company’s description of their leasing strategy through Master Lease Agreements (MLA) shows a clear attempt to mitigate risks for property owners, potentially making them an attractive partner in uncertain real estate markets. However, the hospitality industry is often susceptible to economic cycles and maintaining high occupancy and revenue per available room (RevPAR) will be critical to leverage these opportunities effectively.

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- LuxUrban Hotels Inc. (“LuxUrban” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: LUXH), a hospitality company which leases entire existing hotels on a long-term basis and rents rooms in its hotels to business and vacation travelers, today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024 (“Q1 2024”), including adjusted EBITDA, which is a non-GAAP measure and is accompanied by reconciliation tables in this release. The Company also announced that it will file its Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2024.

“We reported Q1 2024 net rental revenue of $29.1 million, a 27.6% increase from last year’s first quarter, and adjusted EBITDA of $2.5 million. Our bookings outlook as we enter the seasonally stronger spring and summer months is encouraging,” said Shanoop Kothari, Chief Executive Officer. “We have taken a series of actions designed to stabilize our operations, refine our strategy, and align the business to market opportunities that we believe can deliver the best long-term value to our stakeholders. While some of these choices have been difficult, notably our decision to unwind our franchise partnership with Wyndham, we believe that these initiatives are necessary. We remain mindful of the challenges before us and are committed to proactively addressing them. Our priorities for 2024 include improving our working capital resources and cash flow profile while also enhancing our balance sheet and delivering organic revenue growth from revenue management optimizations and ancillary revenues.”

Select Q1 2024 Financial Results
All comparisons are to the first quarter ended March 31, 2023 (“Q1 2023”), unless otherwise stated.

• Net rental revenue rose 27.6% to $29.1 million from $22.8 million, driven by an increase in average units available to rent to 1,535 from 571, partially offset by lower Total RevPAR¹ (TRevPAR) due to unit mix and the Company’s exit from its franchise partnership and the surrender of certain properties.
• Gross profit (loss) was $(4.6) million as compared to gross profit of $5.4 million. The loss in Q1 2024 included a $12.1 million increase in Other Expenses, that included, among other items, greater costs of commissions, relocation costs, and employee costs and the surrender of certain properties.
• Total operating expenses rose to $7.6 million, or 26.2% of net rental revenue, from $4.2 million, or 18.5% of net rental revenue, due primarily to $2.7 million in non-cash, non-recurring costs associated with the Company’s exit from its franchise partnership (“partnership considerations”) as well as $1.6 million of other non-cash charges primarily associated with stock compensation expense. Excluding these non-cash charges, operating expenses in Q1 2024 were approximately $3.3 million, or 11% of net rental revenue.
• Net loss was $(16.8) million compared to a net loss of $(2.8) million. Net loss for Q1 2024 included the above-referenced items, plus cash interest and financing costs of $2.5 million and non-cash financing costs of $2.3 million.
• Adjusted EBITDA was $2.5 million compared to $4.0 million.
• Cash and cash equivalents were $1.0 million compared to $0.8 million at December 31, 2023.

Property Summary
As of March 31, 2024, the Company leased 13 properties with 1,341 units available for rent with average weighted lease terms of 15.2 years and 19.5 years including extension options.

Termination of Franchise Agreements
On May 6, 2024, the Company terminated its franchise agreements with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts covering each of the Company’s properties included in that relationship. The Company is currently in the process of de-platforming its properties from Wyndham’s systems and moving each of its hotel listings back under full Company control. The Company expects that this process will be completed by the end of May 2024 with minimal operational disruption, although unforeseen risks could cause delays.

As part of the Company’s previously announced initiatives to add industry depth and breadth to its Board of Directors and management, the Company reviewed all existing operational relationships and concluded that over the long term it would be better served operationally and financially by returning to its origins as an independent operator.

Investor Call
The Company will host a conference call on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 9:00 am Eastern Time to discuss the results. Investors interested in participating in the live call can dial:

• (800) 715-9871 - U.S.
• (646) 307-1963 - International
• Conference ID 2430628

A simultaneous webcast of the call may be accessed online from the Events & Presentations section of the Investor Relations page of the Company’s website at www.luxurbanhotels.com. You may pre-register for the webcast using this link: https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/373952880.

LuxUrban Hotels Inc.
LuxUrban Hotels Inc. secures long-term operating rights for entire hotels through Master Lease Agreements (MLA) and rents out, on a short-term basis, hotel rooms to business and vacation travelers. The Company is strategically building a portfolio of hotel properties in destination cities by capitalizing on the dislocation in commercial real estate markets and the large amount of debt maturity obligations on those assets coming due with a lack of available options for owners of those assets. LuxUrban’s MLA allows owners to hold onto their assets and retain their equity value while LuxUrban operates and owns the cash flows of the operating business for the life of the MLA.

Non-GAAP Information
The Company defines adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before income taxes and other taxes, interest and financing costs, non-cash compensation expense, non-cash expenses associated with common stock issuance and stock options, non-cash rent expense amortization, depreciation, amortization expenses, allowances, and CECL, non-cash financing costs, exit costs and non-cash deposit surrender, incremental processing and channel financing fees, non-cash guarantee trust costs, normalized legal and accounting fees, normalized commissions, and non-cash accrual for partnership considerations.

The Company seeks to achieve profitable, long-term growth by monitoring and analyzing key operating metrics, including adjusted EBITDA. The Company’s management uses non-GAAP financial metrics and related computations to evaluate and manage the business and to plan and make near and long-term operating and strategic decisions. The management team believes these non-GAAP financial metrics are useful to investors to provide supplemental information in addition to the GAAP financial results. Management reviews the use of its primary key operating metrics from time-to-time.

Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to be a substitute for any GAAP financial measure and, as calculated, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of performance of other companies in other industries or within the same industry. The Company’s management team believes it is useful to provide investors with the same financial information that it uses internally to make comparisons of historical operating results, identify trends in underlying operating results, and evaluate its business. Attached to this release is a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures of adjusted EBITDA to what management believes is the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (set forth in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). The statements contained in this release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. Generally, the words “anticipates,” “believes,” “continues,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plans,” “possible,” “potential,” “predicts,” “projects,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements in this release may include, for example, statements with respect to the Company’s ability to successfully de-platform its properties from its former franchise partner and operate independently, its ability to improve its working capital and cash flow profiles, enhance its balance sheet and deliver organic revenue growth, scheduled property openings, expected closing of noted lease transactions, the Company’s ability to continue closing on additional leases for properties in the Company’s pipeline, as well the Company’s anticipated ability to commercialize efficiently and profitably the properties it leases and will lease in the future. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are based on current expectations and belief concerning future developments and their potential effect on the Company. There can be no assurance that future developments will be those that have been anticipated. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) or other assumptions that may cause actual results of performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including those set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in our public filings with the SEC, including in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC on April 15, 2024, and any updates to those factors as set forth in subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or other public filings with the SEC. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

________________________ 1The Company defines Total RevPAR (or TRevPAR) as total revenue received by the Company inclusive of room rental rates, ancillary fees (which include but are not limited to resort fees, late/early check-in, baggage fees, parking fees paid to us, and upgrade fees), cancellation fees, taxes (including other pass-through expenses) and other miscellaneous income received by the Company, divided by the average available rooms for rent during a given period.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (UNAUDITED)
	March 31,				December 31,
		2024				2023
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	994,904			$	752,848
Accounts Receivable, Net		486,067				329,887
Channel Retained Funds, Net		1,500,000				1,500,000
Processor Retained Funds, Net		2,633,926				2,633,926
Receivables from On-Line Travel Agencies, Net		6,749,769				6,936,254
Receivables from City of New York and Landlords, Net		6,018,035				4,585,370
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets		1,361,114				1,959,022
Prepaid Guarantee Trust - Related Party		672,750				1,023,750
Total Current Assets		20,416,565				19,721,057
Other Assets
Furniture, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, Net		677,559				691,235
Security Deposits - Noncurrent		20,607,413				20,307,413
Prepaid Expenses and Other Noncurrent Assets		5,974,276				960,729
Operating Lease Right-Of-Use Assets, Net		229,016,100				241,613,588
Total Other Assets		256,275,348				263,572,965
Total Assets	$	276,691,913			$	283,294,022
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	$	28,868,844			$	23,182,305
Bookings Received in Advance		6,576,403				4,404,216
Short Term Business Financing, Net		3,733,417				1,115,120
Loans Payable - Current		1,666,108				1,654,589
Initial Direct Costs Leases - Current		300,000				486,390
Operating Lease Liabilities - Current		1,944,026				1,982,281
Development Incentive Advances - Current		8,893,987				300,840
Total Current Liabilities		51,982,785				33,125,741
Long-Term Liabilities
Loans Payable		1,447,720				1,459,172
Development Incentive Advances - Noncurrent		-				5,667,857
Initial Direct Costs Leases - Noncurrent		3,950,000				4,050,000
Operating Lease Liabilities - Noncurrent		231,815,657				242,488,610
Total Long-Term Liabilities		237,213,377				253,665,639
Total Liabilities		289,196,162				286,791,380
Mezzanine equity
13% Redeemable Preferred Stock; Liquidation Preference $25 per Share; 10,000,000 Shares Authorized; 294,144 shares issued and outstanding as of
March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively		5,775,596				5,775,596
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' Deficit
Common Stock (shares authorized, issued, outstanding - 41,839,361, and 27,691,918, respectively)		418				394
Additional Paid In Capital		98,455,107				90,437,155
Accumulated Deficit		(116,735,370	)			(99,710,503	)
Total Stockholders' Deficit		(18,279,845	)			(9,272,954	)
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit	$	276,691,913			$	283,294,022
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (UNAUDITED)
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
				2024					2023
Net Rental Revenue		$		29,101,207			$		22,814,175
Rent Expense				8,344,007					5,421,867
Non-Cash Rent Expense Amortization				2,093,667					1,651,669
Surrender of Deposits				750,000					-
Other Expenses				22,508,411					10,378,765
Total Cost of Revenue				33,696,085					17,452,301
Gross (Loss) Profit				(4,594,878	)				5,361,874
General and Administrative Expenses				3,755,756					2,742,586
Non-Cash Issuance of Common Stock for Operating Expenses				304,925					884,816
Non-Cash Stock Compensation Expense				724,514					429,996
Non-Cash Stock Option Expense				152,339					167,573
Partnership Considerations				2,679,469					-
Total Operating Expenses				7,617,003					4,224,971
(Loss) Income from Operations				(12,211,881	)				1,136,903
Other Income (Expense)
Other Income				210,076					39,878
Cash Interest and Financing Costs				(2,459,800	)				(2,130,605	)
Non-Cash Financing Costs				(2,324,270	)				(1,704,549	)
Total Other Expense				(4,573,994	)				(3,795,276	)
Loss Before Provision for Income Taxes				(16,785,875	)				(2,658,373	)
Provision for Income Taxes				-					122,161
Net Loss				(16,785,875	)				(2,780,534	)
Preferred Stock Dividend				(238,992	)				-
Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders		$		(17,024,867	)		$		(2,780,534	)
Basic Loss Per Common Share		$		(0.35	)		$		(0.10	)
Diluted Loss Per Common Share		$		(0.35	)		$		(0.10	)
Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding				49,223,606					28,659,358
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement the condensed consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with GAAP, we use adjusted EBITDA as a non-GAAP financial measure. We define Adjusted EBITDA above in the paragraph entitled “Non-GAAP Information.”

The following table provides reconciliation of our net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA.

	For The Three Months Ended
($ in millions)	March 31,
	2024				2023
Net Income (Loss)	$	(16,785,875	)	$	(2,780,534	)
Provision for Income Taxes and Other Taxes		2,788,305			122,161
Interest and Financing Costs		2,459,800			2,130,605
Non-Cash Compensation Expense		724,514			429,996
Non-Cash Issuance of Common Stock for Operating Expenses		304,925			-
Non-Cash Stock Option Expense		152,339			167,573
Non-Cash Rent Expense Amortization		2,093,667			1,651,669
Non-Cash Depreciation, Amortization Expense, Allowances, & CECL		300,252			11,031
Non-Cash Financing Costs		2,324,270			1,704,549
Exit Costs / Deposit Surrender		1,227,750			602,726
Incremental Processing and Channel Financing Fees for Credit Risk		1,527,549			-
Non-Cash Guarantee Trust		351,000			-
Normalized Legal and Accounting		276,143			-
Normalized Commissions		2,118,136			-
Non-Cash Accrual for Partnership Considerations		2,679,469
Adjusted EBITDA	$	2,542,244		$	4,039,776

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240513016429/en/

Shanoop Kothari

Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer

LuxUrban Hotels Inc.

shanoop@luxurbanhotels.com

Devin Sullivan

Managing Director

The Equity Group Inc.

dsullivan@equityny.com

Conor Rodriguez, Analyst

crodriguez@equityny.com

Source: LuxUrban Hotels Inc.

FAQ

What is LuxUrban Hotels' stock symbol?

LuxUrban Hotels' stock symbol is LUXH.

How did LuxUrban Hotels perform financially in Q1 2024?

LuxUrban Hotels reported a 27.6% increase in net rental revenue to $29.1 million but experienced a net loss of $16.8 million.

What were LuxUrban Hotels' total operating expenses in Q1 2024?

LuxUrban Hotels' total operating expenses rose to $7.6 million in Q1 2024.

What was LuxUrban Hotels' adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2024?

LuxUrban Hotels' adjusted EBITDA was $2.5 million for Q1 2024.

How many units did LuxUrban Hotels have available to rent in Q1 2024?

LuxUrban Hotels had 1,535 units available to rent in Q1 2024.

When will LuxUrban Hotels file its Form 10-Q with the SEC?

LuxUrban Hotels will file its Form 10-Q with the SEC on May 13, 2024.

What was the impact of terminating the franchise agreement with Wyndham Hotels?

Terminating the franchise agreement with Wyndham Hotels contributed to increased expenses and operational shifts, but the company believes it will be better served as an independent operator in the long term.

What are LuxUrban Hotels' financial priorities for 2024?

LuxUrban Hotels aims to improve its working capital, cash flow profile, and balance sheet while delivering organic revenue growth through revenue management optimizations and ancillary revenues.

What caused the increase in LuxUrban Hotels' other expenses in Q1 2024?

The increase in other expenses was due to higher costs of commissions, relocation costs, employee costs, and the surrender of certain properties.

What is LuxUrban Hotels' cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q1 2024?

LuxUrban Hotels had cash and cash equivalents of $1.0 million at the end of Q1 2024.