I believe that shares of Host Hotels & Resorts, the largest lodging real estate investment trust and one of the largest owners of luxury and upper-upscale hotels in the world, are well positioned for the further growth. The company came up with encouraging results in third-quarter 2014. It reported an earnings surprise of 6.25% as it benefited from a notable rise in comparable revenue per available room (RevPAR) and occupancy. Host Hotels also announced a special cash dividend of 6 cents per share in addition to its regular quarterly cash dividend of 20 cents per share. This special dividend, combined with the regular dividend of all the four quarters of 2014, reflects a rise of 63% from the aggregate common dividend of 2013. The company’s solid portfolio of upscale hotels across vibrant markets has the necessary potential for significant capital appreciation. Therefore, I believe Host Hotels is poised to grow and reward investors in the quarters ahead, backed by its solid operating portfolio performance as well as improving market fundamentals, especially in the West Coast market with strong lodging demand and lower supply. Moreover, while global economic hurdles continue to persist, the lodging sector is expected to benefit from the improving US business as well as strong international travel and tourism volumes. The low oil price is an added advantage as it drives more travel, thereby encouraging tourism volumes. With target price of $27, Host Hotels’ shares represent nice medium-term investmrnt opportunity, in my opinion. Especially for dividend-seeking investors. $HST, Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. / 1440