We recently compiled a list of the 10 Most Undervalued Hotel Stocks To Invest In Now. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Wynn Resorts Limited (NASDAQ:WYNN) stands against the other hotel stocks.

Exploring the Hotel Market: Trends and Highlights

The hotel market is experiencing a significant transformation as it rebounds from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a report by Zion Market Research, the global hotel market was valued at $1.37 trillion in 2023. The market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.14% during 2024-2032 to reach a value of $2.99 trillion by the end of the forecast period. This growth is driven by increased travel demand, higher disposable incomes, and a resurgence in both leisure and business travel.

SiteMinder’s Hotel Booking Trends 2023 report reveals significant changes in the hospitality industry as it rebounds from the pandemic. The report analyzes bookings from travelers in 20 of the world’s most established destinations. According to the report, in 2023, international check-ins increased in all but one market compared to the previous year. Malaysia, New Zealand, and Taiwan experienced the biggest jumps due to their border reopenings in 2022.

In 2023, hotels raised their prices while still achieving record check-ins. The average daily rate (ADR) globally reached $192, reflecting an 11% increase from 2022 and a 38% rise compared to 2019. Italy saw the largest increase, with its ADR rising by $42 or 20% year-on-year. This indicates that hotels are responding to strong pent-up demand by adjusting their pricing strategies.

Despite the increase in prices, travelers are booking shorter stays. According to the report, 81% of hotel stays globally were for just one or two nights. Only a small fraction of stays were longer than three nights, highlighting a shift in traveler preferences.

Investor Sentiment in 2024

Overall, hotel investors are feeling positive about the market for 2024. In the US, many investors are eager to increase their investments in hotels.

CBRE Hotels Research conducted a Global Hotel Investor Intentions Survey in early 2024 to evaluate the hotel investment landscape. The results show that investor sentiment in the US is strong, with 50% of respondents planning to increase their allocation to hotel acquisitions this year. About 35% expect their acquisition activities to stay the same as in 2023, while less than 16% anticipate a decrease.

Despite high interest rates, many investors are looking to buy hotels. Over 70% of those surveyed said they are focusing on value-added and opportunistic investments. These types of acquisitions allow investors to improve properties by adding rooms, redesigning spaces, or enhancing amenities to boost returns and long-term value.

Our Methodology

To compile our list of the 10 most undervalued hotel stocks to invest in now, we used the Finviz and Yahoo stock screeners to find the largest hotel companies. We also reviewed our own rankings and consulted various online resources to compile a list of the largest publicly traded hotel companies, the most popular hotel stocks, and REITs.

From an initial pool of over 30 hotel stocks, we focused on those trading at under 20 times their forward earnings as of November 11. Then, we selected the stocks that analysts believe possess the greatest potential for growth. Finally, we ranked the 10 most undervalued hotel stocks to invest in now based on their average price target upside potential according to analysts as of November 11, 2024.

At Insider Monkey we are obsessed with the stocks that hedge funds pile into. The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

Wynn Resorts Limited (NASDAQ:WYNN)

Forward P/E: 16.05

Analysts’ Upside Potential: 34.34%

Wynn Resorts Limited (NASDAQ:WYNN) is an American company that develops and operates high-end hotels and casinos. The corporation owns and operates Wynn Las Vegas, Encore Boston Harbor, Wynn Macau, and Wynn Palace, Cotai. WYNN is one of the most undervalued stocks in the hotels, resorts, and casinos industry.

The company has reported an impressive financial performance for the third quarter of 2024, with operating revenues reaching $1.69 billion, a slight increase from $1.67 billion in the same period last year. The third quarter results reflect strong demand, strong mass gaming win in Macau, and solid non-gaming performance in Las Vegas. Wynn Resorts Limited (NASDAQ:WYNN) managed to grow its hotel revenue by 5%.

The company is making strategic investments. In the third quarter of 2024, Wynn Resorts Limited (NASDAQ:WYNN) contributed $18.2 million of cash into a 40%-owned joint venture that is constructing the Wynn Al Marjan Island development in the UAE, which is expected to open in 2027. The company has already invested $532.6 million into this project, viewing it as a future tourism hotspot that could significantly enhance long-term cash flow.

Wynn Resorts Limited (NASDAQ:WYNN) is also focused on returning capital to shareholders. The company increased its share repurchase authorization to $1 billion. This move signals confidence in their financial health and future growth potential.

Additionally, the company continues to innovate its offerings. In the Q2 2024 earnings call, the management shared that Wynn Resorts Limited (NASDAQ:WYNN) is enhancing its food and beverage offerings with innovative concepts. The company has renovated four venues at Wynn Palace and introduced the new Drunken Fish restaurant at Wynn Macau. Additionally, a destination food hall is set to open in mid-2025 at Wynn Palace, promising an exciting dining experience. In the casino sector, Wynn Resorts Limited (NASDAQ:WYNN) is revitalizing the exclusive Chairman’s Club at Wynn Macau and planning a similar upgrade for the Chairman’s Club at Wynn Palace.

Overall, Wynn Resorts Limited’s (NASDAQ:WYNN) strategic investments in new developments, commitment to shareholder returns, and focus on enhancing customer experiences make it an attractive stock for investors looking for opportunities in the hospitality industry.

Overall, WYNN ranks 3rd on our list of the most undervalued hotel stocks to invest in now. While we acknowledge the potential of WYNN as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than WYNN but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.