Ashford Hospitality Trust Forms Special Committee to Explore Strategic Alternatives
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 09 2025
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Should l Buy AHT?
Source: PRnewswire
- Strategic Evaluation: Ashford Hospitality Trust has formed a Special Committee to explore various strategic alternatives aimed at maximizing shareholder value, reflecting the company's concern over the gap between market value and portfolio value.
- Asset Sale Strategy: President Stephen Zsigray noted that despite successfully driving EBITDA growth and strategically selling assets, the company remains frustrated with stock performance, indicating a proactive approach to asset management.
- Suspension of Preferred Stock Redemptions: Concurrently with the formation of the Special Committee, Ashford has terminated its current offering of Series L and M Non-Traded Preferred Stock and suspended redemptions for all outstanding non-traded preferred stock, demonstrating caution in liquidity management.
- Market Outlook: The company emphasizes its commitment to exploring potential transactions to address shareholder concerns regarding company value, showcasing a positive outlook towards future market opportunities.
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Analyst Views on AHT
About AHT
Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. is a real estate investment trust (REIT). The Company's portfolio consists of upscale hotels and upper upscale full-service hotels. The Company owns its lodging investments and conducts its business through Ashford Hospitality Limited Partnership (Ashford Trust OP). Its hotel properties are primarily branded under the brands of Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott and Intercontinental Hotel Group. The Company operates through one segment: direct hotel investments. It has a portfolio consisting of approximately 68 consolidated operating hotel properties, which represent over 16,736 total rooms. It owns a 15.1 % ownership in OpenKey, Inc. It owns four consolidated operating hotel properties, which represent 405 total rooms owned through a 99.0% ownership interest in Stirling REIT OP, LP (Stirling OP). The Company also has an investment in an entity that owns the Meritage Resort and Spa and the Grand Reserve at the Meritage (the Meritage Investment) in Napa, California.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Ashford Hospitality Trust Under Investigation for Securities Fraud
- Investigation Launched: Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of Ashford Hospitality Trust investors, focusing on whether the company and its executives engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful practices, which could significantly undermine investor confidence.
- Dividend Suspension: On January 13, 2026, Ashford announced the suspension of dividends for its preferred stock series D, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M to preserve liquidity, a move that may negatively impact investor income expectations.
- Stock Price Decline: Following the dividend suspension announcement, Ashford's stock price fell by $0.35, or 8.1%, closing at $3.97 per share on January 13, 2026, reflecting market concerns regarding the company's financial health.
- Legal Context: Pomerantz LLP, a leading firm in securities class action litigation, has been fighting for the rights of victims of securities fraud for over 85 years, and adverse findings from the investigation could expose Ashford to substantial liability for damages.
See More
Ashford Hospitality Trust Announces 2025 Preferred Share Dividend Information
- Dividend Amount Disclosure: Ashford Hospitality Trust announced its preferred share dividends for 2025, with Series D at $2.1124 per share and Series F and G at $1.8436 each, indicating the company's ongoing efforts to maintain stable cash flow.
- Tax Reporting Preparation: The company will issue Form 1099-DIV in compliance with IRS regulations, ensuring shareholders can accurately report the tax implications of the 2025 dividends, reflecting the company's commitment to compliance.
- Unpaid Dividend Statement: Dividends declared for shareholders of record as of December 31, 2025, remain unpaid, with expectations for prompt payment, which may impact shareholders' cash flow and investment decisions.
- Investor Consultation Advice: The company encourages shareholders to consult tax advisors regarding the federal and local tax implications of the dividends, demonstrating the company's focus on shareholder interests and support.
See More
Ashford Hospitality Trust Under Investigation for Securities Fraud
- Investigation Launched: Pomerantz LLP is investigating whether Ashford Hospitality Trust and its executives have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices, which could undermine investor confidence and lead to stock price volatility.
- Loan Extension: On January 13, 2026, Ashford announced it has extended its Highland mortgage loan secured by 18 hotels, aiming to evaluate strategic alternatives and preserve liquidity, indicating financial pressure on the company.
- Dividend Suspension: To maintain liquidity, the company has suspended preferred dividends, including those for Series D, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M preferred stock as of December 31, 2025, which may displease investors and affect future financing capabilities.
- Stock Price Decline: Following the dividend suspension announcement, Ashford's stock price fell by $0.35, or 8.1%, closing at $3.97 per share on January 13, 2026, reflecting market concerns regarding the company's financial health.
See More
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Market Sentiment: This move reflects the current enthusiasm and optimism surrounding initial public offerings in the financial market.
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Ashford Hospitality Trust Extends Loan and Suspends Preferred Dividends
- Loan Extension: Ashford Hospitality Trust has extended its Highland mortgage loan secured by 18 hotels, reducing the loan balance by $10 million to $723.6 million, which is approximately 65% of appraised value, thereby enhancing the company's financial flexibility.
- Suspension of Preferred Dividends: To preserve liquidity, Ashford has suspended all preferred dividends, including those for Series D, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M, although the company intends to pay previously declared but unpaid dividends as soon as practicable, potentially impacting investor confidence.
- Strategic Evaluation: The decision to suspend dividends indicates potential liquidity pressures as the company evaluates strategic alternatives, with future financial decisions to be based on quarterly assessments, which may affect its long-term investment appeal.
- Market Positioning: As a REIT focused on upper upscale, full-service hotels, Ashford's loan extension and liquidity management strategies will directly influence its competitive position and operational capabilities in the fiercely competitive hotel market.
See More
Ashford Trust Schedules Q4 2025 Earnings Release for February 25, 2026
- Earnings Release Schedule: Ashford Trust plans to release its Q4 2025 earnings after market close on February 25, 2026, highlighting the company's commitment to transparency and investor communication.
- Conference Call Timing: The company will host a conference call on February 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. ET, providing an opportunity for investors to interact with management and enhance market confidence.
- Replay Availability: A replay of the conference call will be accessible until March 5, 2026, ensuring that investors who cannot attend can still access key information, thereby improving information accessibility.
- Online Broadcast: The live broadcast will be available on the company's website, further expanding communication channels and demonstrating the company's adaptability to modern communication methods.
See More
Ashford Hospitality Trust Under Investigation for Securities Fraud
- Investigation Launched: Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of Ashford Hospitality Trust investors, focusing on whether the company and its executives engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful practices, which could significantly undermine investor confidence.
- Dividend Suspension: On January 13, 2026, Ashford announced the suspension of dividends for its preferred stock series D, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M to preserve liquidity, a move that may negatively impact investor income expectations.
- Stock Price Decline: Following the dividend suspension announcement, Ashford's stock price fell by $0.35, or 8.1%, closing at $3.97 per share on January 13, 2026, reflecting market concerns regarding the company's financial health.
- Legal Context: Pomerantz LLP, a leading firm in securities class action litigation, has been fighting for the rights of victims of securities fraud for over 85 years, and adverse findings from the investigation could expose Ashford to substantial liability for damages.
See More
Ashford Hospitality Trust Announces 2025 Preferred Share Dividend Information
- Dividend Amount Disclosure: Ashford Hospitality Trust announced its preferred share dividends for 2025, with Series D at $2.1124 per share and Series F and G at $1.8436 each, indicating the company's ongoing efforts to maintain stable cash flow.
- Tax Reporting Preparation: The company will issue Form 1099-DIV in compliance with IRS regulations, ensuring shareholders can accurately report the tax implications of the 2025 dividends, reflecting the company's commitment to compliance.
- Unpaid Dividend Statement: Dividends declared for shareholders of record as of December 31, 2025, remain unpaid, with expectations for prompt payment, which may impact shareholders' cash flow and investment decisions.
- Investor Consultation Advice: The company encourages shareholders to consult tax advisors regarding the federal and local tax implications of the dividends, demonstrating the company's focus on shareholder interests and support.
See More
Ashford Hospitality Trust Under Investigation for Securities Fraud
- Investigation Launched: Pomerantz LLP is investigating whether Ashford Hospitality Trust and its executives have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices, which could undermine investor confidence and lead to stock price volatility.
- Loan Extension: On January 13, 2026, Ashford announced it has extended its Highland mortgage loan secured by 18 hotels, aiming to evaluate strategic alternatives and preserve liquidity, indicating financial pressure on the company.
- Dividend Suspension: To maintain liquidity, the company has suspended preferred dividends, including those for Series D, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M preferred stock as of December 31, 2025, which may displease investors and affect future financing capabilities.
- Stock Price Decline: Following the dividend suspension announcement, Ashford's stock price fell by $0.35, or 8.1%, closing at $3.97 per share on January 13, 2026, reflecting market concerns regarding the company's financial health.
See More
IPO Momentum Persists: EquipmentShare.com Becomes the Latest Unicorn to Launch Public Offering.
IPO Market Activity: A company with a ".com" in its name is preparing to go public, indicating a resurgence in the IPO market reminiscent of the late 1990s.
Market Sentiment: This move reflects the current enthusiasm and optimism surrounding initial public offerings in the financial market.
See More
Ashford Hospitality Trust Extends Loan and Suspends Preferred Dividends
- Loan Extension: Ashford Hospitality Trust has extended its Highland mortgage loan secured by 18 hotels, reducing the loan balance by $10 million to $723.6 million, which is approximately 65% of appraised value, thereby enhancing the company's financial flexibility.
- Suspension of Preferred Dividends: To preserve liquidity, Ashford has suspended all preferred dividends, including those for Series D, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M, although the company intends to pay previously declared but unpaid dividends as soon as practicable, potentially impacting investor confidence.
- Strategic Evaluation: The decision to suspend dividends indicates potential liquidity pressures as the company evaluates strategic alternatives, with future financial decisions to be based on quarterly assessments, which may affect its long-term investment appeal.
- Market Positioning: As a REIT focused on upper upscale, full-service hotels, Ashford's loan extension and liquidity management strategies will directly influence its competitive position and operational capabilities in the fiercely competitive hotel market.
See More
Ashford Trust Schedules Q4 2025 Earnings Release for February 25, 2026
- Earnings Release Schedule: Ashford Trust plans to release its Q4 2025 earnings after market close on February 25, 2026, highlighting the company's commitment to transparency and investor communication.
- Conference Call Timing: The company will host a conference call on February 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. ET, providing an opportunity for investors to interact with management and enhance market confidence.
- Replay Availability: A replay of the conference call will be accessible until March 5, 2026, ensuring that investors who cannot attend can still access key information, thereby improving information accessibility.
- Online Broadcast: The live broadcast will be available on the company's website, further expanding communication channels and demonstrating the company's adaptability to modern communication methods.
See More
