ASHFORD HOSPITALITY TRUST INC 8-K

What Happened
On January 13, 2026 Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. (AHT) filed an 8-K and issued a press release announcing it extended the Highland mortgage loan secured by 18 hotels and, as a liquidity-preserving measure while it evaluates strategic alternatives, suspended preferred dividends. The loan was paid down by $10.0 million to a current balance of $723.6 million (about 65% of appraised value) and has a final maturity date of July 9, 2026. Dividends previously declared for recordholders of the Company’s Series D, F, G, H, I, J, K, L and M preferred stock as of December 31, 2025 (payable January 15, 2026) have been suspended; the Company says it intends to pay those previously declared but unpaid dividends “as soon as reasonably practicable.”

Key Details

• Loan paydown: $10.0 million reduction; new balance $723.6 million.
• Collateral & LTV: Loan secured by 18 hotels; balance is ~65% of appraised value.
• Maturity: Final maturity date of the Highland mortgage loan is July 9, 2026.
• Dividends suspended: Preferred dividends for Series D, F–M (declared for record date Dec 31, 2025, payable Jan 15, 2026) are suspended; unpaid dividends will continue to accrue per governing documents.
• Ongoing review: Company is evaluating strategic alternatives and will assess future dividends quarterly.

Why It Matters
The actions are intended to preserve short-term liquidity while the company explores strategic options. Suspending preferred dividends directly affects income for preferred shareholders and may signal tighter cash management. The mortgage extension and $10M paydown modestly reduce near-term leverage, but the loan’s July 2026 maturity is relatively near—investors should monitor refinancing plans or other strategic moves the company announces. The Company noted intent to pay accrued but unpaid dividends when practicable, and dividend accruals remain governed by the respective preferred stock documents.