Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. announced a 2026 comparable hotel revenue per available room growth target of 3% to 4.5% [1].
The forecast and the accompanying special dividend signal management's confidence in the recovery and stability of the U.S. hospitality sector. By returning capital to shareholders, the company is leveraging a strong start to the fiscal year to bolster investor sentiment.
During an earnings call held on May 7, the company declared a special dividend of $0.72 per share [1]. This move follows first quarter results that the company said exceeded its expectations [2].
James Risoleo, President, CEO and Director of Host Hotels & Resorts, said the results represented a strong start to 2026 [2]. For the first quarter of 2026, the company reported adjusted EBITDA of $543 million [1]. The adjusted funds from operations (FFO) per share was $0 [1].
Performance metrics for the first quarter showed comparable hotel RevPAR growth of 4.4% [3], while comparable hotel total RevPAR growth reached 4.6% [3]. These figures provide the baseline for the company's full-year projections.
Management said the strong first quarter performance justifies the decision to return capital to shareholders via the special dividend [1]. The company continues to monitor market trends to maintain its growth trajectory through the remainder of the year.
“Our first quarter results exceeded our expectations, representing a strong start to 2026.”
The alignment of a special dividend with a positive RevPAR growth forecast suggests that Host Hotels & Resorts is transitioning from a recovery phase to a growth phase. By targeting a 3% to 4.5% increase in revenue per available room, the company is betting on sustained demand in the luxury and upscale hotel markets despite broader economic fluctuations.
