Service Properties Trust Stock Price, News & Analysis

Service Properties Trust (SVC) disclosed its fourth-quarter financial results for 2020, reporting a net loss of $137.7 million, or $0.84 per share, significantly increasing from a loss of $14.9 million in Q4 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the lodging sector, reflected in a 62.4% decline in hotel operating revenues. However, SVC transitioned 112 hotels to Sonesta brands and achieved a 95.3% rent collection rate from retail tenants. The company remains focused on fortifying its liquidity through debt repayments and asset sales, closing on 24 properties for $104.3 million.

Service Properties Trust (Nasdaq: SVC) has transitioned 78 hotels to Sonesta International Hotels Corporation from Marriott International. Ten more hotels are set to transition by the end of March. SVC entered short-term agreements with Sonesta to manage these properties, consistent with previous agreements. SVC holds a 34% ownership in Sonesta, anticipating benefits from its growth and improved management flexibility in challenging market conditions. However, risks include potential operational quality issues with Sonesta, the impact of COVID-19 on hotel performance, and uncertain economic recovery.

Service Properties Trust (Nasdaq: SVC) has announced it will release its fourth quarter 2020 financial results after the market closes on February 26, 2021. A conference call to discuss these results will take place on March 1, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, hosted by CEO John Murray, CFO Brian Donley, and CIO Todd Hargreaves. Participants can join via telephone or listen through a live audio webcast on the company's website. An archived replay will be available until March 8, 2021.

Service Properties Trust (SVC) has announced the final dividend allocations for 2020, totaling $0.57 per share. The breakdown includes $0.54 as ordinary income and $0.01 for qualified dividends, with no amounts classified under unrecaptured capital gains. Key dates for dividends include record dates of January 27, April 21, July 27, and October 26, 2020. Shareholders are advised to refer to IRS Form 1099-DIV for tax reporting purposes and can find further tax basis information in Form 8937 on SVC's website.

Service Properties Trust (Nasdaq: SVC) announced a quarterly cash distribution of $0.01 per common share, amounting to $0.04 annually. This distribution is set for shareholders of record by the close of business on January 25, 2021, with payment expected around February 18, 2021. The company is a real estate investment trust with a portfolio of hotels and retail properties across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada. Future dividends may vary based on several factors assessed by SVC's Board of Trustees.

Service Properties Trust (Nasdaq: SVC) announced the termination of a management agreement with Hyatt for 22 Hyatt Place hotels. Hyatt's obligations under this agreement included a minimum return of $22 million annually, backed by a $50 million guaranty, which has now been exhausted. The termination is effective April 8, 2021. Discussions are ongoing for a possible amended agreement with Hyatt; if unsuccessful, management will transfer to Sonesta International Hotels. SVC owns 34% of Sonesta, indicating potential strategic alignment.

Service Properties Trust (SVC) has completed the sale of ten Hawthorn Suites hotels, totaling 1,212 rooms, for $41 million, which will help repay debt. The hotels had a net carrying value of $30.4 million. Additionally, SVC has entered into a lease agreement for five remaining Hawthorn Suites, set to be sold for $22.3 million by the end of Q2 2021, with an expected return of 8% on lease income.

This strategic move aims to enhance liquidity and reduce debt obligations, vital for SVC's financial health.

Service Properties Trust (SVC) has transitioned the branding and management of 12 hotels to Sonesta International Hotels Corporation, including three from InterContinental Hotels Group and nine from Marriott International. This follows the earlier transition of 99 hotels to Sonesta. SVC's management agreements with Sonesta are short-term, expiring on December 31, 2021. The CEO expressed optimism about leveraging Sonesta's growth and improving flexibility in hotel management amid challenging market conditions.

On December 2, 2020, Sonesta International Hotels Corporation announced a significant expansion with 102 new hotels added to its portfolio, 99 of which were reflagged as Sonesta on December 1. This expansion includes properties in major North American cities such as Dallas, Denver, and Los Angeles, marking Sonesta's entry into new markets, including Canada. The company is also launching the 'Sonesta Simply Suites' brand with over 60 locations, enhancing its presence in the extended-stay segment. Sonesta's portfolio has grown nearly 350%, now operating almost 300 properties across multiple countries.