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Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Inc (WH)
NYSE:WH

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (WH) AI Stock Analysis

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WH

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

(NYSE:WH)

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Neutral 61 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:61Neutral
Price Target:
$89.00
▲(6.00% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/25/26
The score is primarily held back by elevated balance-sheet leverage and the sharp 2025 revenue/margin deterioration despite solid cash generation. Technicals are constructive with strong trend and momentum, while valuation looks rich at a 33.24 P/E with only a modest dividend yield. Earnings-call guidance supports modest 2026 growth but highlights continued RevPAR headwinds and franchisee-related fee uncertainty.
Positive Factors
Strong free cash flow generation
Consistent and sizable free cash flow ($433M in 2025) with ~60% EBITDA-to-FCF conversion and substantial shareholder returns demonstrates durable internal funding for development advances, dividends, buybacks and strategic initiatives without reliance on equity issuance, supporting long-term financial resilience.
Large, improving development pipeline and room growth
Record organic openings and a ~260k room pipeline with high signings indicate durable unit-level growth and scale. New-construction bias and higher fee par for openings imply sustainably stronger fee income over time as rooms stabilize and higher-fee openings mature into recurring royalty streams.
Technology & AI driving direct bookings and cost efficiency
The company’s AI deployments materially improve direct-booking economics and lower franchisee on-property labor costs. Structural improvements in distribution mix and service automation should raise long-run fee capture and reduce operating cost exposure for franchisees, strengthening franchise value propositions.
Negative Factors
Elevated leverage and tighter capital structure
A sharp increase in leverage (debt-to-equity near ~6.5x) reduces financial flexibility, raises interest cost sensitivity and limits capacity to absorb shocks. Even with refinancing plans, an elevated debt load increases default and covenant risk and constrains discretionary investment during downturns.
Sharp 2025 revenue and margin deterioration
A dramatic revenue decline and meaningful margin compression weaken the sustainability of fee-related earnings. Lower top-line momentum reduces royalty and ancillary revenue growth potential, making earnings more reliant on cost control and one-off items rather than organic fee expansion.
China & Asia RevPAR headwinds
Persistent RevPAR weakness in China and parts of Asia reduces franchisees' revenue bases and lowers royalty income long-term. Continued ADR pressure in large markets can compress fee-related revenues, make new openings less accretive, and prolong recovery of margins in regional portfolios.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (WH) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionWyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. operates as a hotel franchisor worldwide. It operates through Hotel Franchising and Hotel Management segments. The Hotel Franchising segment licenses its lodging brands and provides related services to third-party hotel owners and others. The Hotel Management segment provides hotel management services for full-service and limited-service hotels. It is also involved in the reward loyalty program business. The company's hotel brand portfolios include Super 8, Days Inn, Travelodge, Microtel, Howard Johnson, La Quinta, Ramada, Baymont, AmericInn, Wingate, Wyndham Alltra, Wyndham Garden, Ramada Encore, Hawthorn, Registry Collection, Trademark Collection, TRYP, Dazzler, Esplendor, Wyndham Grand, Dolce, and Wyndham. As of August 9, 2022, it operated a portfolio of 22 hotel brands with approximately 9,000 hotels with approximately 8,19,000 rooms in approximately 95 countries. The company was incorporated in 2017 and is headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey.
How the Company Makes MoneyWyndham Hotels & Resorts generates revenue primarily through franchise fees charged to hotel owners for the use of its brand names and systems, which include marketing support and operational services. The company earns significant income from initial franchise fees, ongoing royalty fees based on a percentage of the hotel's revenue, and ancillary services such as training and operational support. Additionally, Wyndham benefits from its Wyndham Rewards loyalty program, which not only attracts guests but also enhances the value proposition for franchisees. Strategic partnerships with travel agencies, online booking platforms, and corporate clients also contribute to its earnings, as these collaborations help expand its market reach and drive occupancy rates across its hotels.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 18, 2026
(Q4-2025)
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% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 29, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call highlights strong strategic and operational momentum: record organic room openings, a larger/higher‑quality development pipeline, robust ancillary revenue growth, solid free cash flow generation and active capital returns. Technology and AI deployments are already producing direct booking gains and cost efficiencies. Offsetting these positives are persistent RevPAR pressure (notably in China and certain large U.S. states), a material insolvency‑related non‑cash charge (~$160M) tied to a major European franchisee and near‑term timing headwinds from legacy room terminations and marketing fund timing. Management provided a constructive 2026 outlook with modest EBITDA and EPS growth assumptions and continued shareholder capital return capacity. Overall, strengths in growth, cash generation and digital initiatives meaningfully outweigh the headline operational and regional revenue challenges.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Organic Room Additions and Pipeline Growth
Opened a record 72,000 rooms in 2025 (largest organic room additions in company history), 13% more than 2024; global development pipeline increased ~3% to nearly 260,000 rooms and >2,200 hotels; signed ~870 deals (18 more than 2024) driving long‑term economics.
Net Room Growth and System Expansion
Full‑year net room growth of 4% overall; international net rooms up 9% with EMEA +8%, Latin America & Caribbean +5%, Southeast Asia & Pacific Rim +11%, and Mainland China direct franchising +14%.
Ancillary Revenue Momentum
Ancillary fees increased 19% in Q4 and 15% for the full year 2025, slightly ahead of expectations; management expects low‑ to mid‑teens ancillary revenue growth in 2026 driven by co‑brand card programs, Wyndham Rewards Insider, and other partnerships.
Strong Cash Generation and Returns to Shareholders
Adjusted free cash flow of $433M for full year 2025 (Q4 $168M) with adjusted EBITDA to free cash flow conversion ~60%; returned $393M to shareholders in 2025 ($127M dividends, $266M buybacks); Board increased quarterly dividend by 5% to $0.43 per share.
Resilient Adjusted EBITDA and EPS on Comparable Basis
Full‑year adjusted EBITDA of $718M and fee‑related & other revenues of ~$1.43B; comparable full‑year adjusted EBITDA grew ~4% and adjusted diluted EPS increased ~6% to $4.58 (comparable basis). Q4 adjusted EBITDA was $165M and increased ~2% on a comparable basis despite RevPAR headwinds.
Development Economics Improving
Openings are entering at higher fee par: openings entering system at a fee par premium nearly 40% above current system; pipeline carrying average fee par premium ~30% domestically and ~20% internationally versus existing system; 2025 development advances spend $105M (Q4 $32M).
Technology / AI Adoption Driving Direct Bookings and Cost Savings
Deploying ~350 agentic AI agents handling millions of guest calls/reservation requests, generating hundreds of basis points of additional direct bookings and reducing on‑property labor costs for franchisees; connected to partners (Google AI Mode, Anthropic/Claude) with live click‑to‑book experiences.
2026 Financial Outlook with Modest Growth
Guidance for 2026: global net room growth ~4–4.5%; global RevPAR guidance between +0.5 to -1.5 points; fee‑related & other revenues $1.46B–$1.49B; adjusted EBITDA $730M–$745M (2–4% YoY growth; 5–7% ex one‑time items); adjusted diluted EPS $4.62–$4.80; free cash flow conversion before development advances 55–60%.
Negative Updates
Global and U.S. RevPAR Declines
Q4 global RevPAR down ~6% in constant currency; U.S. Q4 RevPAR down roughly 6% (ex‑hurricane impacts) and U.S. full‑year RevPAR down ~4% (in line with expectations). International Q4 RevPAR down ~1 point overall; Asia / China underperformance highlighted.
China and Asia Headwinds
China RevPAR declined ~10% in Q4 (continued ADR weakness in a deflationary economy) and Asia Pacific (Southeast Asia & Pacific Rim) RevPAR down ~2% in Q4 driven primarily by Korea; management expects improvement but 2025 weakness remains a headwind.
Significant Insolvency‑Related Charge (Revo/Rivo)
Recorded non‑cash charges of ~$160M in Q4 related to the insolvency filings of a large European franchisee (Revo/Rivo), reflecting write‑downs to loans, receivables, development advances and impairment of Vienna House intangibles; fees from Revo were deferred and excluded from 2026 outlook until collectability is clearer.
Near‑Term Timing Headwinds to Rooms and Marketing Funds
Approximately 3,000 legacy affiliated rooms will terminate in Q1 2026, creating a timing headwind in Q1 (not expected to affect full‑year net growth); marketing fund timing caused comparability noise (Q4 marketing fund expenses exceeded revenues by $2M; full year overspend $3M).
Revenue Mix and Fee Pressures
Q4 fee‑related & other revenues of $334M declined ~2% YoY (driven by a 5% global RevPAR decrease, lower other franchise fees and deferral of Revo fees), and increased costs (insurance, litigation defense, employee benefits) partially offset margin performance.
Higher Interest and Certain Cost Pressures
Q4 adjusted diluted EPS was $0.93, down ~4% on a comparable basis due to a higher effective tax rate and higher interest expense despite EBITDA growth and buybacks; noted increases in insurance, litigation and employee benefit costs.
Company Guidance
Management guided 2026 for full‑year global net room growth of about 4.0–4.5% (Q1 largely flat sequentially due to ~3,000 legacy room terminations), global RevPAR to finish between +0.5 and -1.5 percentage points (U.S. Q1 RevPAR expected down 3% to down 2%; roughly flat U.S. RevPAR from Q2–Q4 would achieve the full‑year target), and international RevPAR roughly in line with 2025; fee‑related and other revenues of $1,460–1,490 million with low‑ to mid‑teens ancillary revenue growth; adjusted EBITDA of $730–745 million (up 2–4% YoY, or ~5–7% ex. ~$15M of one‑time variable cost savings and a ~$12M Revo royalty deferral); adjusted net income $354–368 million and adjusted diluted EPS $4.62–4.80 on a diluted share count of ~76.7 million (assumes no buybacks), free cash flow conversion before development advances 55–60%, ~20% of full‑year adjusted EBITDA expected in Q1, Q1 marketing overspend of ~$15–20 million with full‑year marketing funds expected to breakeven, up to ~$400 million of available capital while maintaining net leverage ~3.5x, and about $110 million planned development advance spend.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong, consistent operating cash flow and free cash flow (2021–2025) support resilience, and profitability has remained positive post-2020. Offsetting this, leverage increased sharply in 2025 (debt-to-equity rising materially) alongside a steep 2025 revenue decline and margin compression, raising balance-sheet risk.
Income Statement
62
Positive
Profitability is solid post-2020, with consistently positive operating profit and net income from 2021–2025 and healthy TTM-like margin levels in recent years (mid-to-high teens net margin in 2025). However, the revenue trajectory is mixed: revenues declined in several years and show a steep drop in 2025 (annual revenue growth of -48.7%), and margins also compressed meaningfully from 2024 to 2025 (net margin down from ~20.5% to ~13.5%). Overall: good profitability, but weakening growth/momentum is a key concern.
Balance Sheet
38
Negative
Leverage is the central risk. Debt rose materially in 2025 while equity fell, driving debt-to-equity up sharply (from ~3.79x in 2024 to ~6.53x in 2025). While returns on equity are high (roughly 37%–45% in 2021–2025), this is amplified by the shrinking equity base and higher leverage, which reduces financial flexibility and increases sensitivity to downturns. Asset levels are relatively stable, but the capital structure has become notably more debt-heavy.
Cash Flow
74
Positive
Cash generation is a strength. Operating cash flow and free cash flow are consistently positive from 2021–2025, and 2025 free cash flow improved versus 2024 (free cash flow growth ~9.2%). Cash conversion is generally good, with free cash flow running at ~83%–91% of net income across 2021–2025, indicating earnings are translating into cash. A watch item is that operating cash flow covers a modest share of EBIT (coverage below 1.0 in all years shown), which suggests some working-capital/other cash uses dampen conversion at the operating line.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.43B1.41B1.40B1.50B1.56B
Gross Profit841.00M1.41B815.00M830.00M795.00M
EBITDA466.00M568.00M582.00M638.00M524.00M
Net Income193.00M289.00M289.00M355.00M244.00M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets4.18B4.22B4.03B4.12B4.27B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments64.00M103.00M66.00M161.00M171.00M
Total Debt3.06B2.47B2.21B2.08B2.09B
Total Liabilities3.71B3.57B3.29B3.16B3.18B
Stockholders Equity468.00M650.00M746.00M962.00M1.09B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow321.00M241.00M339.00M360.00M389.00M
Operating Cash Flow367.00M290.00M376.00M399.00M426.00M
Investing Cash Flow-103.00M-65.00M-66.00M179.00M-34.00M
Financing Cash Flow-314.00M-175.00M-402.00M-584.00M-713.00M

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price83.96
Price Trends
50DMA
78.00
Positive
100DMA
76.22
Positive
200DMA
80.21
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
1.84
Negative
RSI
65.45
Neutral
STOCH
70.12
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For WH, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 83.96 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 77.88, above the 50-day MA of 78.00, and above the 200-day MA of 80.21, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 1.84 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 65.45 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 70.12 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for WH.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Risk Analysis

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts disclosed 29 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
74
Outperform
$16.30B31.5832.28%3.60%5.70%9.53%
71
Outperform
$20.88B28.721.21%8.89%23.20%
69
Neutral
$71.72B51.090.21%6.68%48.03%
68
Neutral
$15.50B-305.08-1.51%0.36%2.61%-106.74%
67
Neutral
$5.01B13.79541.60%1.32%2.76%56.02%
61
Neutral
$18.38B12.79-2.54%3.03%1.52%-15.83%
61
Neutral
$6.34B33.7534.53%2.13%3.38%38.04%
* Consumer Cyclical Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
WH
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
83.96
-21.44
-20.34%
HTHT
H World Group
54.52
19.41
55.28%
CHH
Choice Hotels
107.43
-37.53
-25.89%
H
Hyatt Hotels
168.10
28.87
20.74%
IHG
Intercontinental Hotels Group
140.58
17.18
13.92%
HLT
Hilton Worldwide Holdings
313.35
53.84
20.75%

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
Wyndham Hotels Issues $650 Million Senior Notes Offering
Positive
Feb 24, 2026

On February 24, 2026, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. entered into a purchase agreement with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and other initial purchasers to offer and sell $650 million of 5.625% senior notes due 2033 in a private placement to qualified institutional buyers in the U.S. and certain non-U.S. investors. The notes will be guaranteed by certain domestic restricted subsidiaries that also back Wyndham’s existing credit facilities and notes.

The offering, expected to close on February 27, 2026, is structured under Rule 144A and Regulation S and is not registered under the Securities Act. Wyndham plans to use the net proceeds to repay all outstanding borrowings under its term loan A and revolving credit facility, cover related fees and expenses and fund general corporate purposes, effectively refinancing shorter-term bank debt with longer-dated bond financing and potentially improving its liquidity profile and capital structure.

The most recent analyst rating on (WH) stock is a Buy with a $95.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Wyndham Hotels & Resorts stock, see the WH Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyStock BuybackDividendsFinancial Disclosures
Wyndham Hotels Boosts Dividend Amid Strong Development Pipeline
Positive
Feb 18, 2026

On February 18, 2026, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts reported its results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025, alongside posting a new investor presentation and raising its quarterly dividend by 5% to $0.43 per share from the first quarter of 2026. The company delivered 4% global net room growth to 868,900 rooms, opened a record 72,000 rooms and signed an all-time high 870 development contracts in 2025, driving its development pipeline to a record 2,200 hotels and 259,000 rooms, with particular strength in midscale-and-above and extended-stay segments.

Despite a 3% decline in full-year global RevPAR in constant currency, driven by a 4% drop in the U.S. and softness in Asia Pacific, Wyndham achieved record ancillary revenues, 3% growth in adjusted EBITDA to $718 million on a comparable basis and 6% growth in adjusted diluted EPS to $4.58, even as reported EPS and net income fell sharply due to non-cash impairment and related charges. The group generated $433 million in adjusted free cash flow and returned $393 million to shareholders in 2025 through share buybacks and dividends, while continued international RevPAR resilience in EMEA and Latin America and a largely new-construction pipeline positioned the company for longer-term growth despite near-term RevPAR pressure in key U.S. markets.

The most recent analyst rating on (WH) stock is a Buy with a $91.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Wyndham Hotels & Resorts stock, see the WH Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 25, 2026