WallStSmart

Choice Hotels International Inc (CHH)vsHuazhu Group Ltd (HTHT)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Huazhu Group Ltd generates 2544% more annual revenue ($26.60B vs $1.01B). CHH leads profitability with a 32.6% profit margin vs 18.9%. HTHT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.27. HTHT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

CHH

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.5Value: 4.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.29

HTHT

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.5Value: 6.3Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.95
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CHHSignificantly Overvalued (-70.0%)

Margin of Safety

-70.0%

Fair Value

$64.15

Current Price

$96.77

$32.62 premium

UndervaluedFair: $64.15Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for HTHT.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CHH4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
251.6%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 252 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
32.6%10/10

Keeps 33 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
37.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 37.7%

P/E RatioValuation
14.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

HTHT4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.2710/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Return on EquityProfitability
35.6%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 36 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
31.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 31.1%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.21B8/10

Generating 3.2B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

CHH4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.734/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
30.4x2/10

Trading at 30.4x book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
-19.4%2/10

Earnings declined 19.4%

Debt/EquityHealth
14.821/10

Elevated debt levels

HTHT4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
31.6x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.1%4/10

0.1% earnings growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.952/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
2.431/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CHH

The strongest argument for CHH centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 32.6% and operating margin at 37.7%.

Bull Case : HTHT

The strongest argument for HTHT centers on PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.9% and operating margin at 31.1%. Revenue growth of 10.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CHH

The primary concerns for CHH are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 14.82 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : HTHT

The primary concerns for HTHT are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.43 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CHH carries more volatility with a beta of 0.67 — expect wider price swings.

HTHT is growing revenue faster at 10.8% — sustainability is the question.

HTHT generates stronger free cash flow (3.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor LODGING industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

HTHT scores higher overall (74/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 18.9% margins and 10.8% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Choice Hotels International Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · LODGING · USA

Choice Hotels International, Inc. is a global hotel franchisor. The company is headquartered in Rockville, Maryland.

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Huazhu Group Ltd

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · LODGING · China

Huazhu Group Limited, develops leased and owned, managed and franchised hotels mainly in the People's Republic of China. The company is headquartered in Shanghai, the People's Republic of China.

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