Latest news with #HST
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
How Is Host Hotels & Resorts' Stock Performance Compared to Other REIT Stocks?
Bethesda, Maryland-based Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (HST) is the world's largest lodging real estate investment trust and one of the largest owners of luxury and upper-upscale hotels. With a market cap of $10.9 billion, Host Hotels & Resorts owns and operates several properties in the United States and internationally. Companies worth $10 billion or more are generally described as "large-cap stocks." Host Hotels & Resorts fits right into that category, with its market cap exceeding this threshold, reflecting its substantial size, influence, and dominance in the hotel & motel REIT industry. The Next Trillion-Dollar Boom? 3 Stocks to Buy with 300 Million Humanoid Robots on the Horizon. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Now Pays 5% of All Corporate Income Taxes in America Meta's Mark Zuckerberg Says the Technology They're Developing Will 'See What You See and Hear What You Hear' Get exclusive insights with the FREE Barchart Brief newsletter. Subscribe now for quick, incisive midday market analysis you won't find anywhere else. HST touched its 52-week high of $19.36 on Dec. 11, 2024, and is currently trading 18.5% below that peak. Over the past three months, HST stock has gained 7.4%, outperforming the Nuveen Short-Term REIT ETF's (NURE) 2.3% decline during the same time frame. However, Host's performance has remained grim over the longer term. HST stock has plunged 10% on a YTD basis and 14% over the past 52 weeks, underperforming NURE's 4.7% decline in 2025 and 2.4% dip over the past year. HST stock has traded consistently below its 200-day moving average since mid-December 2024, but climbed above its 50-day moving average in May, underscoring its overall bearish trend and recent upturn. Host Hotels & Resorts' stock prices gained 2.9% in the trading session after the release of its impressive Q1 results on Apr. 30. The company's comparable hotel revenue par room surged by 7% compared to the year-ago quarter, this led to a 8.4% year-over-year growth in overall revenues to $1.6 billion, exceeding the Street's expectations by a notable 3%. Meanwhile, its adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) increased by a modest 3.2% year-over-year to $446 million, but its AFFO per share of $0.64 surpassed the consensus estimates by 14.3%, boosting investor confidence. Host Hotels & Resorts has also outperformed its peer Park Hotels & Resorts Inc.'s (PK) 27% drop on a YTD basis and 30.7% plunge over the past 52 weeks. Among the 16 analysts covering the HST stock, the consensus rating is a 'Moderate Buy.' Its mean price target of $17.79 suggests a 12.8% upside potential from current price levels. On the date of publication, Aditya Sarawgi did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Host Hotels Stock Rises 10.3% Quarter to Date: Will the Trend Last?
Shares of Host Hotels & Resorts Inc. HST have gained 10.3% in the quarter-to-date period against the industry's decline of 0.6%. The Bethesda, MD-based lodging real estate investment trust (REIT) owns a portfolio of luxury and upper-upscale hotels in the top U.S. markets and the Sunbelt region. The recovery in demand for the company's well-located properties in markets with strong demand drivers has benefited the company lately. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Let us decipher the possible factors behind the surge in the stock price. This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company has a strong Sunbelt exposure and presence in the top 21 U.S. markets. Its properties are advantageously located in central business districts of major cities, thus driving demand. The improvement in group travel demand and business transient demand has aided occupancy and revenue per available room growth over the past few quarters. In 2025, the company expects comparable hotel RevPAR growth between 0.5% and 2.5%. Host Hotels undertakes strategic capital allocations to improve its portfolio quality and strengthen its position in the United States, where it has a greater scale and competitive advantage. In the first quarter of 2025, the company incurred $146 million in capital expenditure. For 2025, management expects total capital expenditures to be within $580-$670 million. The company disposes of non-strategic assets with lower growth potential or properties with significant capital expenditure requirements through its capital-recycling program. It has redeployed the proceeds to acquire or invest in premium properties in markets expected to recover faster. Per the company's May 2025 Investor Presentation, from 2021 through the end of the fourth quarter of 2024, total dispositions amounted to $1.5 billion, which is 17.5 times the EBITDA multiple. Its acquisitions during this period amounted to $3.3 billion, which is 13.3 times the EBITDA multiple. Such efforts highlight its prudent capital-management practices, preserve balance sheet strength and pave the way to capitalize on long-term growth opportunities. Host Hotels has a healthy balance sheet and has been undertaking steps to fortify its balance sheet. As of March 31, 2025, the company had $2.2 billion in total available liquidity. Moreover, it is the only company with an investment-grade rating among the lodging REITs, having ratings of Baa3/Positive from Moody's, BBB-/Stable from S&P Global and BBB/Stable from Fitch. This renders access to the debt market at favorable costs. Therefore, Host Hotels has ample financial flexibility for deploying capital for long-term growth opportunities while carrying out redevelopment initiatives. Solid dividend payouts are a massive enticement for REIT investors, and Host Hotels has remained committed to that. HST has increased its dividend eight times in the last five years and has a 40% payout ratio. Such efforts boost investors' confidence in the stock. Check out Host Hotels & Resorts' dividend history here. With the above-mentioned factors, we believe the rising trend in the stock is expected to continue in the near term. On the macroeconomic front, recent heightened uncertainty surrounding trade policy and government spending is expected to weigh on the company's growth through the remainder of 2025. Historically, economic uncertainty has hindered business investment, which is strongly correlated to business transient and group demand. Moreover, challenges in the supply chain have led to project delays across the United States, and a restrictive lending environment has made it difficult to obtain construction financing for future projects. Some better-ranked stocks from the broader REIT sector are VICI Properties VICI and Medical Properties Trust MPW, each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for VICI's 2025 FFO per share has moved one cent northward to $2.35 over the past week. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MPW's 2025 FFO per share has moved one cent northward to 57 cents over the past month. Note: Anything related to earnings presented in this write-up represents funds from operations (FFO), a widely used metric to gauge the performance of REITs. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (HST) : Free Stock Analysis Report Medical Properties Trust, Inc. (MPW) : Free Stock Analysis Report VICI Properties Inc. (VICI) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research


Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Accessing federal benefits in Canada just got easier for newcomers
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has introduced a new online application process to make it easier for newcomers to access federal benefits and credit payments. Previously, eligible temporary and permanent residents had to submit paper forms to claim these benefits. With the new system in place, newcomers can now apply online through the CRA's website. For many forms, the process takes less than 20 minutes, CIC News reports. The CRA has also introduced a simplified form for newcomers without children who want to apply for the GST/HST credit and the Canada Carbon Rebate . Newcomers may be eligible for various benefit programs even before they file their first tax return. These include: GST/HST Credit: A quarterly, tax-free payment to help low-income individuals and families offset the cost of sales tax. Canada Carbon Rebate: A quarterly payment to help offset the cost of carbon pricing. The last payment was issued on April 22, 2025, but newcomers can apply for retroactive payments if eligible. Canada Child Benefit : A monthly tax-free payment for families with children under 18. Temporary residents must have lived in Canada for 18 months to qualify. To access these benefits, newcomers must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN), which they can obtain from Service Canada. The SIN application process has also recently been simplified. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) For tax purposes, the CRA classifies someone as a newcomer during their first year of residency in Canada. This applies to both temporary and permanent residents, starting from the day they arrive with sufficient residential ties such as a home, family, or other legal ties. Live Events RECOMMENDED STORIES FOR YOU New Canada strong pass opens doors to citizens and immigrants, providing free access to national parks and discounts on travel Canada's population growth slows as immigration rules tighten The CRA is the federal agency responsible for tax collection and benefit distribution. It also manages certain provincial and territorial programs inclusive of fulfilling tax obligations, excluding that of Quebec.


Time Business News
20-06-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
How to Find a Bookkeeping Company in Toronto: A Step-by-Step Guide
Whether you're a small business owner, a freelancer, or running a growing startup, having reliable bookkeeping services is crucial to managing your finances effectively. In a vibrant and competitive city like Toronto, the options for bookkeeping companies are vast—ranging from large firms to boutique providers and even virtual bookkeepers. But how do you choose the right one for your needs? Here's a practical guide to help you navigate the process of finding a trustworthy Toronto bookkeeper. Before reaching out to any firms, it's important to know what kind of services you require. Bookkeeping isn't just about recording expenses and revenues—it can also include payroll processing, GST/HST filings, bank reconciliations, invoicing, and preparing financial statements. Are you looking for full-service bookkeeping or just help with monthly reconciliations? Do you need industry-specific knowledge, such as for retail, hospitality, or real estate? Knowing your specific needs will help you narrow down your options. Toronto offers both in-person and virtual bookkeeping services. Some businesses prefer face-to-face meetings with a local bookkeeper, especially when dealing with sensitive financial information. Others are comfortable with cloud-based platforms like QuickBooks Online or Xero, and prefer virtual services that offer flexibility and often lower costs. Decide what works best for your comfort level and workflow. Ensure the company or individual you choose has the proper certifications. Look for credentials such as Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) or affiliation with recognized organizations like the Canadian Bookkeepers Association (CBA) or the Institute of Professional Bookkeepers of Canada (IPBC). Certified professionals adhere to ethical standards and continuing education requirements, which means your books are in experienced hands. Word-of-mouth remains one of the most powerful tools when searching for reliable service providers. Ask fellow business owners, accountants, or your local chamber of commerce if they can recommend a reputable bookkeeper in Toronto. Additionally, online reviews on Google, Yelp, or Clutch can provide insights into customer satisfaction, responsiveness, and professionalism. Modern bookkeeping relies heavily on cloud software, automation tools, and integration with apps like Shopify, Stripe, or payroll systems like Wagepoint or ADP. A forward-thinking bookkeeping company will be proficient in these tools and help you streamline your financial processes. Ask potential providers about the software they use and whether they can work with your existing systems. Treat this like hiring a team member. Reach out to at least three bookkeeping companies and conduct brief interviews. Ask about their experience, the size and scope of clients they typically work with, their pricing models, and how they handle data security. This will help you compare and find the best fit for your business culture and budget. Bookkeeping companies in Toronto may charge hourly rates, flat monthly fees, or packages based on your transaction volume. Make sure you understand their pricing structure and what's included. Be wary of providers with unusually low rates—quality bookkeeping requires time and expertise, and cutting corners may cost you more in the long run. Once you've chosen a bookkeeping company, ask for a service agreement that outlines their responsibilities, timelines, confidentiality terms, and how communication will be handled. Some firms may offer a trial period or discounted introductory rate, which gives you a chance to evaluate their service before making a long-term commitment. Finding the right bookkeeping company in Toronto may take a little time, but it's a decision that can significantly impact your financial health and business success. By understanding your needs, doing due diligence, and communicating clearly with potential providers, you'll be well on your way to forming a professional relationship that supports your growth and peace of mind. TIME BUSINESS NEWS


Toronto Star
15-06-2025
- Business
- Toronto Star
Ottawa's GST/HST relief for first-time new home buyers is a broken promise — and too little, too late for GTA
Two weeks ago, the federal government unveiled a measure designed to improve housing affordability: a targeted GST/HST rebate for first-time buyers of newly built homes. Unfortunately, this narrowly focused policy is not just inadequate, it's a broken promise decades in the making. The new proposal offers a full GST/HST rebate for first-time buyers of new homes up to $1 million, with a partial rebate for homes priced between $1 million and $1.5 million. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW While this may sound generous on paper, it ignores the reality for hundreds of thousands of Canadians in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and lower mainland British Columbia, where average prices for new homes exceed these thresholds. In practice, very few buyers in these two key regions will benefit. The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) has made its position clear: this initiative is both geographically biased and far too narrow in scope to meaningfully impact affordability. But what makes this situation worse is the federal government's failure to uphold a commitment it made to Canadians more than three decades ago. When the new GST was being designed in late 1980s, very specific thought went into how the tax would apply to new homes and how the rebate structure would be put together to ensure that the tax would not impact affordability. Business Opinion What's behind the GTA's housing crisis? Two studies shine a light on the problems By addressing approval delays, reducing municipal fees, and focusing on construction of homes, A federal technical paper released in 1989 by then-Finance Minister Michael Wilson outlines those homes under $350,000 would receive a rebate of up to 36 per cent of GST paid, tapering off to zero at $450,000. As seen on Page 19 of this technical paper, the government also committed to reviewing and adjusting these thresholds every two years to keep pace with economic and housing market conditions. That review and adjustments never happened. At the time, the government estimated that 95 per cent of new homes would qualify for at least a partial rebate, with 90 per cent receiving the maximum. This promise helped sell the tax to Canadians with the reassurance that GST would not be a barrier to home ownership. Today, that assurance rings hollow to buyers in the GTA, where average new home prices have long since eclipsed those 1990s thresholds and so now virtually no homes in the region qualify for a rebate. What was supposed to support 95 per cent of new homebuyers now supports close to 0 per cent. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the average price of a single-detached home in Ontario has increased from $276,000 in 1990 to $1,023,000 in 2023, an increase of 270 per cent. Over the same period, the net federal HST collected on these homes increased by 479 per cent, from $8,832 to more than $51,000. This isn't just a statistic; it's a growing burden. That additional $43,000 in taxes, when rolled into a standard 25-year mortgage at 4 per cent, results in an extra $220 in monthly payments, $24,000 in additional interest, and a total financial hit of more than $66,000 over the life of the loan. And that's for a typical new home, not a luxurious mansion. In fact, by failing to update the rebate thresholds as promised, the federal government has quietly extracted nearly $4 billion in additional GST/HST revenue from new homebuyers in Ontario alone — most of it in just the last decade. Business Opinion Sky-high development charges make new home building in the GTA near impossible. Here's what needs to change Failure to cut building costs by modernizing the Development Charges Act, writes Dave Wilkes, The federal government's recently proposed GST/HST relief on new homes for only first-time buyers does not even begin to address the real problem. First-time buyers represent just five-to-10 per cent of new home purchases in the GTA. The rest, like young families upsizing and seniors downsizing, get no help. Plus, the proposed program is geographically biased, as the average price for a condo in the GTA is more and $1 million and the average price of a single-family home (including townhouse and semis) is more than $1.5 million — meaning even those who qualify in the GTA will receive less relief than buyers in lower-cost markets, despite paying more for the same (or lesser) product. The government acknowledges that GST/HST contributes to unaffordability but stops short of meaningful action, so if the federal government is serious about addressing the housing crisis, it needs to start by removing the barriers it helped build. This means expanding GST/HST relief to all new home buyers, not just first-time buyers, and adjusting the rebate thresholds to reflect today's housing markets across the country. This isn't radical, it's simply delivering on a promise made in 1989 and long overdue.