Choice Hotels (CHH) Tops Q4 EPS by 6c; Guides FY15 EPS Below Views

Choice Hotels (NYSE: CHH) reported Q4 EPS of $0.43, $0.06 better than the analyst estimate of $0.37. Revenue for the quarter came in at $185.4 million versus the consensus estimate of $178.74 million.

Domestic system-wide revenue per available room ("RevPAR") increased 11.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2014, as occupancy and average daily rates increased 370 basis points and 3.8 percent, respectively from the same period of 2013.

Outlook

The company's consolidated 2015 outlook reflects the following assumptions:

• All figures assume no additional repurchases of common stock under the company's share repurchase program; and
• The effective tax rate for continuing operations is expected to be 31.8% and 31.1% for the first quarter and full- year 2015, respectively.

Franchising

• EBITDA from franchising activities for full-year 2015 are expected to range between $254 million and $259 million;
• Net domestic unit growth for 2015 is expected to be approximately 1%;
• RevPAR is expected to increase approximately 11% for the first quarter and range between 6.5% and 8% for full-year 2015; and
• The effective royalty rate is expected to increase 2 basis points for full-year 2015 as compared to full-year 2014.

SkyTouch

• Net reductions in EBITDA relating to our investment in the SkyTouch division for full-year 2015 are expected to range between $15 million and $20 million.

Consolidated Outlook

The company's first quarter 2015 diluted EPS is expected to be $0.37. The company expects full-year 2015 diluted EPS to range between $2.14 and $2.21. EBITDA for full-year 2015 are expected to range between $236 million and $241 million.

*** The Street is looking for Q1 EPS of $0.38 and FY15 EPS of $2.26.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Choice Hotels (CHH) click here.

You May Also Be Interested In

• Growth isn't weak enough to truly undercut inflation pressures - BMO
• Safe & Green (SGBX) Provides Update on Audit and Planned 10-K Filing
• Netflix (NFLX) raised to Buy at Needham & Company on revenue upside