Earnings Preview: Choice Hotels International

NEW YORK - Hotel franchisor Choice Hotels International Inc. reports second-quarter results after the market closes on Monday. The company franchises hotels under the Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Clarion and Econo Lodge brands, among others. The following is a summary of key developments and analyst opinion related to the period. OVERVIEW: In a hotel sector weakened by slowing consumer spending and soaring fuel prices, analysts said Choice Hotels' pure franchise model may have a competitive edge. As new Chief Executive Stephen P. Joyce said at a conference with analysts this month, the company's performance is driven by new contracts and franchise fees. It is less dependent on revenue per available room, or revpar, growth than many other hotel companies. Joyce succeeded Chuck Ledsinger as chief executive near the end of the... [read full story]