Chesapeake Lodging Trust (NYSE: CHSP) is a self-advised lodging real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on investments primarily in upper-upscale hotels in major business and convention markets and, on a selective basis, premium select-service hotels in urban settings or unique locations in the United States. The Trust owns 15 hotels with an aggregate of 4,722 rooms in seven states and the District of Columbia.
Chesapeake Lodging Trust reported its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 with a 8.9% increase in RevPAR for comparable 10-hotel portfolio over the same period in 2011. For the quarter, the Trust produced EPS of $0.21 compared to $0.18 a year ago. For the 9 months, the Trust produced EPS of $0.47 compared to $0.21 a year ago, an increase of 124%.
On August 21, 2012, the Trust acquired the 520-room W Chicago – Lakeshore located inChicago, Illinois for approximately $124.9 million, including acquired working capital. The Trust funded the acquisition with available cash on hand and a borrowing under its revolving credit facility. The Trust entered into a long-term management agreement with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. to continue operating the hotel under the W flag.
On September 7, 2012, the Trust acquired the 429-room Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa andMarina located in San Diego, California for approximately $59.8 million, including acquired working capital. The Trust funded the acquisition with available cash on hand and a borrowing under its revolving credit facility. The Trust assumed the existing management agreement with Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
Chesapeake Lodging Trust announced that its board of trustees has declared a dividend payment of $.22 per common share. The dividend will be paid on January 15, 2013 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 31, 2012. The dividend represents a 5% annualized yield based on the closing price of the Trust’s common shares on December 12, 2012. Chesapeake Lodging has a current dividend yield of 4.08% which was increased 10% in the past year.
Chesapeake Lodging is projected to grow EPS by 19.8% in 2013. First Call consensus has a BUY recommendation with a 1.7 rating. Chesapeake Lodging has an equity summary score of 7.5 out of 10 for a Bullish outlook.
Chesapeake Lodging Trust (NYSE: CHSP) has a 12-month price target of $26.50.