Topic: How To Invest

Dear Patrick: Would you please let me know what you think of American Hotel Income Properties REIT? Thank you.

Article Excerpt

American Hotel Income Properties REIT, $10.08, symbol HOT.UN on Toronto (Units outstanding: 35.0 million; Market cap: $351.8 million, www.ahipreit.com), owns 80 hotels, comprising 7,072 rooms in 27 U.S. states. Of that total, 45 of the hotels operate under the Oak Tree Inn brand. For the most part, hotel guests are railroad workers. American Hotel believes this is a profitable niche market, as contracts with large railways keep occupancy rates high relative to the overall hospitality industry. The hotels are close to large rail-switching yards and hubs, and the railway contracts keep them about 75% occupied. The specially designed buildings feature crew shuttles and 24-hour food service. The remaining 35 hotels operate under a variety of licensed banners, including Hilton, Holiday Inn and Marriott. American Hotel began trading in February 2013, after it sold 10.1 million units to the public at $10.00 each. The REIT continues to expand beyond accommodations for the railroad industry by purchasing other hotels near universities, factories and airports. It looks…