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Gasoline prices are on the rise to a national average of $3.19 per gallon, according to GasBuddy. And it will probably head higher from here as people take advantage of the remaining summer months.

Demand is definitely at its highest level this year, with plenty of people taking to the road for the vacations they’ve been dreaming of. Considering the continuing airline issues going on due to lack of staffing and who-knows-what-else, they’re probably the wise ones. American Airlines (AAL) was the one to make the negative news list the most as of late. But a much more “economic” competitor is taking the brunt of the heat now.

Spirit Airlines (SAVE) had to come out recently and admit that, “This is not our proudest moment,” amid more cancellation drama. According to USA Today, CEO Ted Christie blamed the 1,700+ flight cancellations on what boiled down to a crew shortage.

Since that’s precisely what American Airlines is saying as well, I have to wonder why these companies are offering as many flights as they are in the first place? To an outsider, at least, it doesn’t many any sense.

Meanwhile, across the big pond – the biggest one – The Communist Party of China has locked in on its next big-business target: food delivery giant Meituan (MPNGY). The accusation is that it’s acting like a bully monopoly. The punishment is about a $1 billion fine.

That’s still significantly less than the $2.8 billion fine on Alibaba (BABA) in April. Then again, Meituan isn’t worth as much. Though, once again, we’re talking about a company with billions of foreign investment backing it. Speaking of Alibaba, that big tech company is now saying that its industry won’t be enjoying the same tax breaks it once did going forward. In short, the crackdown continues.

The World According to REITs

Another solid 16 real estate investment trusts (REITs) reported their Q2 earnings recently amidst several bouts of smaller news. For instance, Tanger (SKT) priced $400 million of 2.75% notes due 2031 to redeem its 3.875% and 3.75% senior notes due 2023 and 2024, respectively. And Four Corners Property Trust (FCPT), Indus Realty Trust, and Braemar Hotels & Resorts (BHR) made property purchases.

As for the actual earnings releases:

• American Homes 4 Rent (AMH) announced 2Q core FFO of $0.33 per share and raised its guidance. What used to be set at $1.24-$1.30 for the full year is now expected at $1.29-$1.35. Same-home core net operating income rose 12.2% year-over-year, and new leases rose 13.7%.
• CorePoint Lodging (CPLG) achieved adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) of $0.41 per share and sold 25 non-core hotels for about $143 million. It also reported a 34% increase in its comparable average daily rate (ADR) and a 2,750 basis-point jump in comparable occupancy.
• CatchMark Timber Trust (CTT) saw strong Q2 results, with recognized net income of $1.8 million, or $0.04 per share. That makes sense against its 24% increase in timber sales revenue. U.S. South pulpwood and sawtimber stumpage prices were up 25% and 13%, respectively, year-over-year. And it’s following through on plans to simplify its business and strengthen its position to take on the future.
• Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital (HASI) delivered $0.20 fully diluted earnings per share in Q2 compared to $0.16 in Q2-20. Net investment income came in at a $9 million loss compared to an $8.5 million gain. But its portfolio grew 43% year-over-year to $3 billion. And managed assets were 29% higher to $8 billion.

Maybe that last set of details will put HASI back on the “nice” list.

Source: The Daily REITBeat