Ashford Hospitality Trust Under Securities Fraud Investigation
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 20 2026
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Should l Buy AHT?
Source: PRnewswire
- Investigation Launched: Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of Ashford Hospitality Trust investors regarding potential securities fraud or unlawful business practices by the company and its executives, indicating serious concerns about corporate governance.
- Dividend Suspension: On January 13, 2026, Ashford announced the suspension of dividends for its Series D, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M preferred stock to preserve liquidity, a decision that may undermine investor confidence and future capital inflows.
- Loan Extension: On the same day, Ashford revealed it has extended its Highland mortgage loan secured by 18 hotels, aiming to provide more time for evaluating strategic alternatives, reflecting urgency in financial management.
- Stock Price Decline: Following the announcement, Ashford's stock price fell by $0.35, or 8.1%, closing at $3.97 per share, highlighting market concerns regarding the company's financial health.
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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 Completes Hotel Sales for $307.3M
- Total Hotel Sales: Ashford Hospitality Trust completed the sale of four hotels for $252.5 million and signed agreements for two additional hotels, bringing total gross proceeds to $307.3 million, which will significantly improve cash flow and reduce debt obligations.
- Capital Expenditure Savings: The sales are expected to result in over $60 million in future capital expenditure savings, helping the company alleviate financial pressure in the coming years, thereby enhancing its financial flexibility and market competitiveness.
- Transaction Detail Analysis: The sold hotels achieved a price of approximately $280,000 per key, with an adjusted capitalization rate of 6.0%, demonstrating the company's strategic decision-making capabilities in asset disposal, which is expected to enhance overall investment returns.
- Future Transaction Outlook: The pending sales of Lakeway Resort & Spa and Embassy Suites are expected to close by 2026 for $37.8 million and $17.0 million respectively, further driving the company's asset optimization and financial restructuring.
See More
Ashford Hospitality Trust Completes Sale of Six Hotels
- Asset Sale Strategy: Ashford Hospitality Trust has successfully closed the sale of four hotels and entered into agreements to sell two additional hotels, part of the company's strategic asset sales aimed at optimizing its portfolio, expected to save over $60 million in future capital expenditures.
- Transaction Details: Closed transactions include the sales of Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront and La Posada de Santa Fe, generating $252.5 million in gross proceeds, or $280,000 per key, demonstrating the company's strong performance in the upscale hotel market.
- Future Outlook: The company plans to sell the 168-room Lakeway Resort & Spa for $37.8 million and the 150-room Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas Near the Galleria for $17.0 million, with these transactions expected to close by May 2026, further enhancing financial flexibility.
- Financial Impact: These sales will improve the company's cash flow, significantly reduce future capital expenditure obligations, and lower portfolio leverage, indicating a strong commitment to enhancing shareholder value.
See More
Ashford Hospitality Trust Completes Sale of Six Hotels
- Successful Asset Sales: Ashford Hospitality Trust has successfully closed the sale of four hotels and entered into agreements for two additional hotels, which are expected to yield over $60 million in future capital expenditure savings, further optimizing its portfolio.
- Transaction Details: Completed transactions include the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront and La Posada de Santa Fe, generating $252.5 million in gross proceeds, or $280,000 per key, reflecting the company's strong performance in the upscale hotel market.
- Future Outlook: The company plans to sell Lakeway Resort & Spa and Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas, expected to close for $37.8 million and $17.0 million respectively, further reducing future capital expenditure obligations and enhancing cash flow.
- Strategic Objectives Achieved: These sales not only improve cash flow after debt service but also significantly reduce future capital expenditure obligations and portfolio leverage, demonstrating the company's commitment to maximizing shareholder value.
See More
Ashford Inc. CFO Deric Eubanks to Retire After 23 Years
- Executive Retirement: Ashford Inc. announced that CFO Deric Eubanks will retire in June 2026 after a 23-year career, highlighting the company's commitment to executive stability and continuity.
- Transition Plan: Eubanks will step down as CFO on March 31, 2026, but will continue as Senior Managing Director to assist with financial and transitional matters until June 30, ensuring a smooth leadership transition.
- Leadership Confidence: Eubanks expressed confidence in the company's future, emphasizing the capability of the team and the soundness of the strategy, which enhances investor confidence in the company's ongoing development.
- Succession Plan: Following Eubanks' departure, current Chief Accounting Officer Justin Coe will assume the role of CFO, ensuring continuity and stability in financial management, reflecting the company's focus on future leadership.
See More
Ashford Inc. CFO Deric Eubanks to Retire After 23 Years
- Executive Retirement: Ashford Inc. announced that CFO Deric Eubanks will retire in June 2026, concluding a 23-year career during which he played a pivotal role in various key positions, ensuring financial stability for the company.
- Transition Plan: Eubanks will officially step down as CFO on March 31, 2026, but will continue as Senior Managing Director to assist with financial and transitional matters until June 30, ensuring a smooth leadership transition.
- Leadership Confidence: Ashford Chairman Monty Bennett noted that Eubanks has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the strategic processes over the past 12 years as CFO, leaving the company in a strong financial position, reflecting his significant impact on leadership.
- Succession Strategy: Following Eubanks' departure, current Chief Accounting Officer Justin Coe will assume the role of Principal Financial Officer for the company and its advised REITs, ensuring continuity and stability in financial management while further solidifying the company's strategic foundation.
See More
ASHFORD DECLARES INTENT TO RETIRE OF CFO DERIC EUBANKS
Retirement Announcement: Ashford has announced the planned retirement of Chief Financial Officer Deric Eubanks.
Impact on Leadership: Eubanks' retirement may lead to changes in the company's financial leadership and strategy moving forward.
See More
Ashford Hospitality Trust Completes Hotel Sales for $307.3M
- Total Hotel Sales: Ashford Hospitality Trust completed the sale of four hotels for $252.5 million and signed agreements for two additional hotels, bringing total gross proceeds to $307.3 million, which will significantly improve cash flow and reduce debt obligations.
- Capital Expenditure Savings: The sales are expected to result in over $60 million in future capital expenditure savings, helping the company alleviate financial pressure in the coming years, thereby enhancing its financial flexibility and market competitiveness.
- Transaction Detail Analysis: The sold hotels achieved a price of approximately $280,000 per key, with an adjusted capitalization rate of 6.0%, demonstrating the company's strategic decision-making capabilities in asset disposal, which is expected to enhance overall investment returns.
- Future Transaction Outlook: The pending sales of Lakeway Resort & Spa and Embassy Suites are expected to close by 2026 for $37.8 million and $17.0 million respectively, further driving the company's asset optimization and financial restructuring.
See More
Ashford Hospitality Trust Completes Sale of Six Hotels
- Asset Sale Strategy: Ashford Hospitality Trust has successfully closed the sale of four hotels and entered into agreements to sell two additional hotels, part of the company's strategic asset sales aimed at optimizing its portfolio, expected to save over $60 million in future capital expenditures.
- Transaction Details: Closed transactions include the sales of Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront and La Posada de Santa Fe, generating $252.5 million in gross proceeds, or $280,000 per key, demonstrating the company's strong performance in the upscale hotel market.
- Future Outlook: The company plans to sell the 168-room Lakeway Resort & Spa for $37.8 million and the 150-room Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas Near the Galleria for $17.0 million, with these transactions expected to close by May 2026, further enhancing financial flexibility.
- Financial Impact: These sales will improve the company's cash flow, significantly reduce future capital expenditure obligations, and lower portfolio leverage, indicating a strong commitment to enhancing shareholder value.
See More
Ashford Hospitality Trust Completes Sale of Six Hotels
- Successful Asset Sales: Ashford Hospitality Trust has successfully closed the sale of four hotels and entered into agreements for two additional hotels, which are expected to yield over $60 million in future capital expenditure savings, further optimizing its portfolio.
- Transaction Details: Completed transactions include the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront and La Posada de Santa Fe, generating $252.5 million in gross proceeds, or $280,000 per key, reflecting the company's strong performance in the upscale hotel market.
- Future Outlook: The company plans to sell Lakeway Resort & Spa and Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas, expected to close for $37.8 million and $17.0 million respectively, further reducing future capital expenditure obligations and enhancing cash flow.
- Strategic Objectives Achieved: These sales not only improve cash flow after debt service but also significantly reduce future capital expenditure obligations and portfolio leverage, demonstrating the company's commitment to maximizing shareholder value.
See More
Ashford Inc. CFO Deric Eubanks to Retire After 23 Years
- Executive Retirement: Ashford Inc. announced that CFO Deric Eubanks will retire in June 2026 after a 23-year career, highlighting the company's commitment to executive stability and continuity.
- Transition Plan: Eubanks will step down as CFO on March 31, 2026, but will continue as Senior Managing Director to assist with financial and transitional matters until June 30, ensuring a smooth leadership transition.
- Leadership Confidence: Eubanks expressed confidence in the company's future, emphasizing the capability of the team and the soundness of the strategy, which enhances investor confidence in the company's ongoing development.
- Succession Plan: Following Eubanks' departure, current Chief Accounting Officer Justin Coe will assume the role of CFO, ensuring continuity and stability in financial management, reflecting the company's focus on future leadership.
See More
Ashford Inc. CFO Deric Eubanks to Retire After 23 Years
- Executive Retirement: Ashford Inc. announced that CFO Deric Eubanks will retire in June 2026, concluding a 23-year career during which he played a pivotal role in various key positions, ensuring financial stability for the company.
- Transition Plan: Eubanks will officially step down as CFO on March 31, 2026, but will continue as Senior Managing Director to assist with financial and transitional matters until June 30, ensuring a smooth leadership transition.
- Leadership Confidence: Ashford Chairman Monty Bennett noted that Eubanks has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the strategic processes over the past 12 years as CFO, leaving the company in a strong financial position, reflecting his significant impact on leadership.
- Succession Strategy: Following Eubanks' departure, current Chief Accounting Officer Justin Coe will assume the role of Principal Financial Officer for the company and its advised REITs, ensuring continuity and stability in financial management while further solidifying the company's strategic foundation.
See More
ASHFORD DECLARES INTENT TO RETIRE OF CFO DERIC EUBANKS
Retirement Announcement: Ashford has announced the planned retirement of Chief Financial Officer Deric Eubanks.
Impact on Leadership: Eubanks' retirement may lead to changes in the company's financial leadership and strategy moving forward.
See More
