BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com BloggingStocks http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/media/feedlogo.gif BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Improving Hotel Occupancy Levels Spell Upside for Priceline's Stock]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/03/03/improving-hotel-occupancy-levels-spell-upside-for-priceline-s-st/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/03/03/improving-hotel-occupancy-levels-spell-upside-for-priceline-s-st/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/03/03/improving-hotel-occupancy-levels-spell-upside-for-priceline-s-st/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Priceline.com Incorporated (PCLN) mainly competes with Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz in online travel services like bookings for air tickets, hotel stays and car rentals. Priceline recently released its Q4 2010 results.

Two highlights of the results are a 44.3% year over year increase in gross travel bookings, and a 68% rise in international revenues compared to same quarter last year. Rising international revenue reiterates our view that Priceline (through its acquisitions like Booking.com and Agoda) should be able to leverage its foothold in European and Asian markets.

Continue reading Improving Hotel Occupancy Levels Spell Upside for Priceline's Stock

Improving Hotel Occupancy Levels Spell Upside for Priceline's Stock originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air travelhotelsonline bookingpricelineThu, 03 Mar 2011 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Options Update: Wynn Resorts Volatility Flat]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/10/21/options-update-wynn-resorts-volatility-flat-shares-at-two-year/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/10/21/options-update-wynn-resorts-volatility-flat-shares-at-two-year/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/10/21/options-update-wynn-resorts-volatility-flat-shares-at-two-year/#commentsFiled under:

Wynn Resorts, Ltd. (WYNN) closed up 2%. November put option implied volatility is at 48, January is at 46. This is near its 26-week average of 47, according to Track Data, suggesting non-directional price movement.

Children's Place (PLCE) closed down 13% on a lower Q3 EPS view due to a slower sales trend. November option implied volatility is at 47, December is at 45, January is at 43. This is above its 26-week average of 40, according to Track Data, suggesting larger price movement.

Options Update is by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com.

Options Update: Wynn Resorts Volatility Flat originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>childrens placehotelsinthenewsoptionsresortsWYNNwynn resortsThu, 21 Oct 2010 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Options Update: CBOE Volatility Index Decreases As Market Rallys]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/10/05/options-update-cboe-volatility-index-decreases-as-market-rallys/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/10/05/options-update-cboe-volatility-index-decreases-as-market-rallys/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/10/05/options-update-cboe-volatility-index-decreases-as-market-rallys/#commentsFiled under: ,

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is down 1.66 to 21.87. The 10-day moving average is 22.85, the 100-day moving average 26.71.

SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) overall implied volatility is at 19. The 26-week average is 20. GLD up 2% as gold closes at record high of $1342.

Marriott International, Inc. (MAR) is expected to announce Q3 EPS on October 7. October put option implied volatility is at 40, January is at 37. This is near its 26-week average of 36, according to Track Data, suggesting higher near tem price movement into EPS.

Update is by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com

Options Update: CBOE Volatility Index Decreases As Market Rallys originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>goldhotelsmarriotoptionsTue, 05 Oct 2010 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Marriott International Turns a Quarterly Profit]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/11/marriott-international-turns-a-quarterly-profit/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/11/marriott-international-turns-a-quarterly-profit/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/11/marriott-international-turns-a-quarterly-profit/#commentsFiled under: ,

Thursday morning, hotelier Marriott International (MAR) announced a fourth-quarter profit of 28 cents per share. Adjusted earnings came in at 32 cents per share, topping the consensus estimate of 25 cents per share.

Quarterly revenue slipped to $3.38 billion from $3.78 billion a year ago, thanks in part to worldwide comparable revenue per available room dropping 12.2%. Part of this drop was lessened by what the company notes are productivity improvements, lower management wages, and procurement savings through volume discounts and compliance.

Continue reading Marriott International Turns a Quarterly Profit

Marriott International Turns a Quarterly Profit originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredhotel roomsHotelRoomshotelsmarMarriottThu, 11 Feb 2010 09:10:00 EST<![CDATA[PhoCusWright Sees Hotel Industry Strength in Latin America]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/10/phocuswright-sees-hotel-industry-strength-in-latin-america/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/10/phocuswright-sees-hotel-industry-strength-in-latin-america/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/10/phocuswright-sees-hotel-industry-strength-in-latin-america/#commentsFiled under: ,

The hotel market may be straining in the United States and Europe under the weight of new capacity financed during the real estate boom, but the situation is much different in Latin America.

According to travel industry research firm PhoCusWright, international, regional and independent hotels are popping up all over the continent, with both large and small projects in the works to tap into growing demand in the region. In the cities, where it's tough to find real estate, old neighborhoods are "reinventing themselves," PhoCusWright reports, in order to take advantage of the market's potential.

Continue reading PhoCusWright Sees Hotel Industry Strength in Latin America

PhoCusWright Sees Hotel Industry Strength in Latin America originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2016 olympics2016OlympicsBrazilChilecolombiahothotelhotelsLatin AmericaLatinAmericaluxuryolympicsperustarwoodWed, 10 Feb 2010 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Hotel mortgage delinquencies up five times]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/30/hotel-mortgage-delinquencies-up-five-times/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/30/hotel-mortgage-delinquencies-up-five-times/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/30/hotel-mortgage-delinquencies-up-five-times/#commentsFiled under: ,

A decline in revenues is forcing hotels into foreclosure. The aggressive deals being used to lure guests onto a property is helping to bring in some revenue, but it may not be enough. Occupancy is down 10%, which has sent hotel mortgages into delinquency faster than the rest of the commercial real estate industry.

And it could get worse next year. An oversupply of guestrooms could keep room rates low, making 2010 a high-risk year for hotel foreclosures. Demand should gain 1.6%, according to hotel research firm STR Global, but average room rates are likely to fall 3.4%. The result would be the greatest spread between demand and rates in the 20 years STR Global has been collecting data.

Continue reading Hotel mortgage delinquencies up five times

Hotel mortgage delinquencies up five times originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commercial mortgagescommercial real estateForeclosureshothotelsihgIntercontinentalHotelsGroupinthenewsmortgagesreal estateStarwoodHotelsMon, 30 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Marriott beats in Q3, but is stock too high to buy?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/09/marriott-beats-in-q3-but-is-stock-too-high-to-buy/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/09/marriott-beats-in-q3-but-is-stock-too-high-to-buy/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/09/marriott-beats-in-q3-but-is-stock-too-high-to-buy/#commentsFiled under: ,

Marriott International (NYSE: MAR), a leading brand in the highly competitive hotelier industry, posted third-quarter results Thursday morning. Management actually went beyond the high end of its guidance by producing adjusted income from continuing operations of 15 cents per diluted share. According to our earnings preview, Wall Street was figuring on 13 cents per share for the bottom line.

Of course, the earnings beat has to be put in some perspective. Earnings from continuing operations declined well over 50% year-over-year. And the top line plunged 17%. These are significant drops, and they show that the global recession still has some bite left in it, no matter what some of the rosier headlines as of late have said about a recovery.

Continue reading Marriott beats in Q3, but is stock too high to buy?

Marriott beats in Q3, but is stock too high to buy? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredhotelsJ.W. Marriott Jr.J.w.MarriottJr.MARmarriott internationalMarriottInternationaltravel industryTravelIndustryFri, 09 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Marriott earnings preview]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/07/marriott-earnings-preview/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/07/marriott-earnings-preview/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/07/marriott-earnings-preview/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Marriott earnings previewHotel giant Marriott International Inc. (NYSE: MAR) will get its chance to impress Wall Street tomorrow morning before the market opens when it reports its third quarter earnings numbers.

Analysts are expecting to see the company show earnings of 13 cents for the quarter, down from 34 cents per share during the same period last year. The last time the company reported earnings was on July 16 when it beat out analyst estimates of 21 cents per share by reporting 23 cents for its second quarter.

Continue reading Marriott earnings preview

Marriott earnings preview originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Collins StewartCollinsStewartearningsearnings previewEarningsPreviewhotelsMARMarriottWed, 07 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Timeshare growth spurt ends severely]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/29/timeshare-growth-spurt-ends-severely/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/29/timeshare-growth-spurt-ends-severely/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/29/timeshare-growth-spurt-ends-severely/#commentsFiled under: ,

Timeshares, that wonderful relic from the 1970s, are about as popular as disco and excessive chest hair this year. Thanks to the recession, timeshare sales are forecasted to suffer their worst fall since this vacation option came on the scene more than 30 years ago. The plunge could reach 30 percent, according to Howard Nusbaum, president and CEO of the American Resort Development Association, a trade group, and the next year and a half could be tough, as well.

In the United States, timeshare sales fell 8.5% last year to $9.7 billion. They reached their peak the year before, when sales hit $10.6 billion, according to a study by Ernst & Young. The 2008 decline was the first sustained by the industry since it started keeping score in 1975.


Continue reading Timeshare growth spurt ends severely

Timeshare growth spurt ends severely originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ernst and youngernst youngErnstAndYoungErnstYounghotelhotel stockshotelsHotelStocksmarriottmarriott hotelsMarriottHotelsmarriottinternationalstarwoodstarwood hotelsStarwoodHotelstimesharetimeshareswyndhamwyndhamworldwideTue, 29 Sep 2009 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Hotel room rates slump in the first half of 2009 ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/16/hotel-room-rates-slump-in-the-first-half-of-2009/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/16/hotel-room-rates-slump-in-the-first-half-of-2009/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/16/hotel-room-rates-slump-in-the-first-half-of-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Marriott HotelIn another sign of how companies have been forced to adapt to changing economic times, the average price for an American hotel room dropped 17% (year-over-year) during the first six months of 2009.

The average traveler booking a room in the U.S. can now expect to pay $115 a night, down from $139 during the first half of 2008. New York City and Washington D.C. were the priciest destinations on the list, although Las Vegas is the most popular destination. Gaming fans can grab a room in Sin City for an average of $82 per night.

Continue reading Hotel room rates slump in the first half of 2009

Hotel room rates slump in the first half of 2009 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer price indexConsumerPriceIndexCPIhotel ratesHotelRateshotelsinthenewslodgingWed, 16 Sep 2009 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. travel exports to rebound in 2010]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/26/u-s-travel-exports-to-rebound-in-2010/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/26/u-s-travel-exports-to-rebound-in-2010/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/26/u-s-travel-exports-to-rebound-in-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

How can exports not rebound? Last year ended on a sour note after posting record results, and 2009 is by all accounts likely to be ugly. The tourism and travel industry is expected to shed more than 200,000 jobs this year. Fortunately, there's a light at the end of the tunnel. The U.S. Department of Commerce expects international visits to the United States to come back in 2010 - after its first forecasted year of decline (i.e., 2009) since 2003.

This year, international travel to the United States is expected to fall 8%. The following year, however, U.S. travel exports are expected to gain 5%, with 5% annual increases through the end of 2013. We'll come out ahead in all this, but it's going to take some time.

Will the influx of foreign visitors over the next four years be enough to turn the travel industry in the United States around? It's too soon to tell right now, and much will depend on the contributions made by domestic routes. Needless to say, even this glimmer of hope must be welcome to investors committed to the airline and hotel sectors.

U.S. travel exports to rebound in 2010 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 26 May 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlineairline industryairline sectorAirlineIndustryairlinesAirlineSectordepartment of transportationDepartmentOfTransportationexportexportshotelhotelsinternational travelinternationaltravelinthenewstourismtourism and traveltourism industryTourismAndTravelTourismIndustrytraveltravel industrytravel stocksTravelIndustryTravelStocksTue, 26 May 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Economic headwinds likely to weigh on Marriott]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/04/22/economic-headwinds-likely-to-weigh-on-marriott/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/04/22/economic-headwinds-likely-to-weigh-on-marriott/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/04/22/economic-headwinds-likely-to-weigh-on-marriott/#commentsFiled under: ,

Upscale hotel chain Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) is likely to experience difficult leisure conditions for at least the next year. Further, when the economy rebounds, consumers will be looking to add back basics, rebuild nest eggs, and perhaps replace an aging car: few will be thinking about a vacation in a far away destination.

Likewise, business travelers will continue to be asked to belt-tighten: conference call when possible, meet without a night's stay when possible, and perhaps stay at lower-cost hotel when traveling great distances.

Continue reading Economic headwinds likely to weigh on Marriott

Economic headwinds likely to weigh on Marriott originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hotelsinthenewstravelWed, 22 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple market cap higher than GE: A speculative buyout menu for Apple]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/04/apple-market-cap-higher-than-ge-a-speculative-buyout-menu-for-a/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/04/apple-market-cap-higher-than-ge-a-speculative-buyout-menu-for-a/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/04/apple-market-cap-higher-than-ge-a-speculative-buyout-menu-for-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Quietly, something of a market milestone passed this week. The market capitalization of Apple surpassed that of General Electric. Apple (NAS:APPL) has 2008 revenues of $32.5 billion. GE (NYS:GE) had 2008 revenues of $182.5 billion. Yes, Apple, should it choose, could quite conceivably acquire GE. Not that it would want to, as GE has a slew of problem loans on its books courtesy of its troubled finance arm. Piqqem Sentiment on Apple and GE is, of course, quite divergent with Apple way positive and GE way negative.

Continue reading Apple market cap higher than GE: A speculative buyout menu for Apple

Apple market cap higher than GE: A speculative buyout menu for Apple originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaplAppleffeaturedFordgegeneral electricGeneralElectrichotelsMAWed, 04 Mar 2009 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Doomsday Scenario: Just the numbers, ma'am]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/04/doomsday-scenario-just-the-numbers-maam/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/04/doomsday-scenario-just-the-numbers-maam/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/04/doomsday-scenario-just-the-numbers-maam/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Even while dancing on the edge of the Great Abyss one should keep one's eye on the numbers. In this case, the key indicators that presage an economy at risk of totally imploding. Sure, the auto sales numbers were no worse than grim expectations and the ISM manufacturing number was actually a positive. But, oh, we have lots of nasty numbers to go around. Start with the RevPar number. That's short for revenue per available room at hotels and is a solid indicator of the health of the travel industry, as well as the state of business travel spending. The number? Down a stunning 15.3% in the month of January, year-over-year.

Continue reading Doomsday Scenario: Just the numbers, ma'am

Doomsday Scenario: Just the numbers, ma'am originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CMBScommerical real estateggphotelshousing marketHousingMarketmallsresidential real estateRMBStravelWed, 04 Mar 2009 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Five winning Super Bowl trades: II. Short MGM Mirage (MGM)]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/31/five-winning-super-bowl-trades-ii-short-mgm-mirage-mgm/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/31/five-winning-super-bowl-trades-ii-short-mgm-mirage-mgm/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/31/five-winning-super-bowl-trades-ii-short-mgm-mirage-mgm/#commentsFiled under:

In an economy like this, is anyone going to the game?

Yes -- but Pittsburgh people will stay in their cars (hotels are too expensive), and the Arizona people will stay in foreclosed houses (so they should feel right at home).

Speaking of hotels -- short 'em.

I received an e-mail from the Mirage in Las Vegas to come out to watch the Super Bowl for $69 a night.

Last time I was there for the Super Bowl, maybe 15 years ago, it was about $400 a night.

The Mirage is owned by MGM Mirage (NYSE: MGM), which is hovering at a technical support price. Once it breaks through, look out.

I'm not traveling to Tampa or Las Vegas -- I'm staying at home for the big game. And I'm shorting MGM.

Michael Shulman is a contributor to OptionsZone.com.

Five winning Super Bowl trades: II. Short MGM Mirage (MGM) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hotel stockshotelsHotelStockslas vegaslas vegas mirageLasVegasLasVegasMiragemgmmgm mirageMgmMiragemiragesuper bowlsuper bowl tradesSuperBowlSuperBowlTradesvegasSat, 31 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Marriott (MAR) beats estimates, but lowers forecasts]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/10/marriott-mar-beats-estimates-but-lowers-forecasts/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/10/marriott-mar-beats-estimates-but-lowers-forecasts/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/10/marriott-mar-beats-estimates-but-lowers-forecasts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

As we discussed in our earnings preview yesterday, hotel manager Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) reported its second quarter numbers this morning, and as we expected, we were given some more troublesome news from the company.

First the good news. While analysts had been expecting to see the company show earnings of 49 cents a share, the company was actually able to come in higher, with 51 cents per share. However, despite showing 2 cents better than expected, this still represents an 11% drop in earnings from continuing operations.

With so much uncertainty around the company going into this morning's earnings report, you may assume that beating its number by 2 cents would have the stock moving higher in premarket trading. Well, you would be wrong. The stock is actually trading down a little more than 6% following the news.

Continue reading Marriott (MAR) beats estimates, but lowers forecasts

Marriott (MAR) beats estimates, but lowers forecasts originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earnings reportsearnings surprisesEarningsReportsEarningsSurpriseseconomyforecastshotelshousinginthenewsMARMarriotttourismThu, 10 Jul 2008 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Marriot (MAR) second quarter earnings preview]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/09/marriot-mar-second-quarter-earnings-preview/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/09/marriot-mar-second-quarter-earnings-preview/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/09/marriot-mar-second-quarter-earnings-preview/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The earnings season was officially launched last night with Alcoa Inc. (NYSE: AA) reporting better than expected numbers, and tomorrow we are going to see another big name, Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) report its second quarter numbers.

The company is due to report its current earnings prior to the market open, and going into tomorrow's report analysts are looking to see the company show 49 cents per share on $3.15 billion in revenues. The housing slump over the past year has definitely been hurting hotel operators, so it will be interesting to see what kind of quarter Marriott is able to show to its investors.

The last time the hotel chain released its quarterly numbers was back on April 17, when it matched analyst estimates for its first quarter with 33 cents per share. The stock made a brief rally following the release, but over the past month has been in a solid downward trend.

Continue reading Marriot (MAR) second quarter earnings preview

Marriot (MAR) second quarter earnings preview originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DBDeutsche BankDeutscheBankearnings previewEarningsPreviewerningsforecastsHOThotelshousinginthenewsLEHLehmanMARMarriotStarwood HotelsStarwoodHotelstourismWachoviaWBWed, 09 Jul 2008 15:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Hotels getting desperate]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/15/fueling-hotel-guests/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/15/fueling-hotel-guests/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/15/fueling-hotel-guests/#commentsFiled under: ,

Are you wondering what the hotel industry is like during this economic slowdown? Here are a few phrases that may provide a clue:

In a short article tucked away The Wall Street Journal today, there is an interesting marketing idea being presented: using vouchers to bring in paying guests. But to me, the new plan to give away vouchers for free gasoline as a means to bring in guests is not a very exciting idea. In fact, how many ways and in how many languages can you say stupid?

If lower costs do not drive hotel bookings, does the brilliant marketing team at Sleepin' Now & Sellin' Later think that there is any possible way to bring up occupancy with a $50 carrot? I don't think so.

Continue reading Hotels getting desperate

Hotels getting desperate originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuel vouchersFuelVouchershotelsinthenewsMARrecessionTue, 15 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Don't confuse conglomerate Loews (LTR) with that other company]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/16/dont-confuse-conglomerate-loews-ltr-with-that-other-company/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/16/dont-confuse-conglomerate-loews-ltr-with-that-other-company/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/16/dont-confuse-conglomerate-loews-ltr-with-that-other-company/#commentsFiled under:

Loews Corporation logo It goes without saying that diversification is one defense against the onset of a bear market. Further, occasionally the market offers a conglomerate that possesses many of the characteristics of a diversified mutual fund or portfolio, and with the above in mind, Loews is worth a review.

Loews (NYSE: LTR) is a holding company with operations that include property / casualty insurance, hotels, offshore oil/gas drilling, natural gas pipelines, and cigarettes. Don't confuse LTR with that other company with a similar-sounding name: LTR is a conglomerate.

Analysts really like LTR's Diamond Offshore deepwater/midwater oil rig operations, which, as one might sense, are experiencing strong demand and pricing power, given the global drive for more oil. Analysts are equally impressed by LTR's natural gas pipeline business.

Continue reading Don't confuse conglomerate Loews (LTR) with that other company

Don't confuse conglomerate Loews (LTR) with that other company originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 17:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conglomerateshotelsLoewsLTRnatural gas servicesoiltobaccoWed, 16 Jan 2008 17:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Starwood Hotels to open W Bangkok]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/10/16/starwood-hotels-to-open-w-bangkok/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/10/16/starwood-hotels-to-open-w-bangkok/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/10/16/starwood-hotels-to-open-w-bangkok/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

HOT logoStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide (NYSE: HOT) announced today that its W Hotels unit will open W Bangkok in 2011. The new hotel will feature 400 rooms and will be part of a mixed-use development in Bangkok's commercial and diplomatic center. If you think that the company will not fall by too much over the next few months, now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on HOT.

After climbing to a one-year high of $75.45 in July, HOT took a nosedive to a 52-week low of $52.63 just six weeks later in August. The stock has had a bumpy ride over the past few months, but appears to be settling in with support just below $60. HOT opened this morning at $59.55. So far today, the stock has hit a low of $59.06 and a high of $61.53. As of 3:00 p.m., the stock was trading at $60.46, up $0.72 (1.21%). HOT's chart is improving from bearish to neutral, while S&P gives the stock an encouraging 4 STARS (out of 5) buy rating.

For a bullish hedged play on this stock, I would consider a January bull-put credit spread below the $45 range. A bull-put credit spread is an options position that combines the purchase and sale of put options to hedge risk in case the stock doesn't do what you think but still leverage nice returns. For this particular trade, we will make a 6.4% return in just 3 months as long as HOT is above $45 at January expiration. Starwood Hotels would have to fall by more than 25% before we would start to lose money.

HOT hasn't been below $45 since October 2004 and has shown support in the upper $50's recently. This trade could be risky if the company's earnings (due out 10/25) disappoint, but even if that happens, this position could be protected by strong historical support around $55. Additionally, HOT has a strong history of beating earnings estimates, with the company's last earnings miss coming in Q1 2003.

Meg Massie is an options analyst and writer at Investors Observer.
DISCLOSURE: At publication time, Meg neither owns nor controls positions in HOT.

Starwood Hotels to open W Bangkok originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 16 Oct 2007 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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