Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. (NYSE: APLE) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns one of the largest portfolios of upscale, rooms-focused hotels in the United States. Throughout our history, our strategic pillars have been straightforward and consistent: own hotels with broad consumer appeal; broadly diversify our portfolio across a variety of U.S. markets and demand generators; align with the best lodging brands and hospitality management teams in the industry; consistently reinvest in our hotels; maximize value through disciplined capital allocation; maintain financial flexibility with low levels of debt; and foster a work environment where team members are valued and our mission is fulfilled. We are a leading real estate investment company committed to increasing shareholder value through the distribution of attractive dividends and long-term capital appreciation. We operate based on our core values of Hospitality, Resolve, Excellence, Integrity and Teamwork.
Apple Hospitality has always worked to uphold high environmental, social and governance standards. We are committed to minimizing the environmental impact of our Company and the hotels that we own and are dedicated to making a positive impact throughout our Company, the hotel industry, our local community and the many communities our hotels serve. The Company believes that each of its team members plays a vital role in the success of the organization and aims to provide an inspiring, equitable and inclusive work environment where employees feel valued, empowered and encouraged to make positive differences within the Company and throughout their communities. Apple Hospitality REIT (formerly Apple REIT Nine), through its predecessor companies Apple Hospitality Two, Apple Hospitality Five, Apple REIT Six, Apple REIT Seven and Apple REIT Eight, as well as Apple REIT Ten (collectively referred to as the Apple REIT Companies), has a history in the lodging industry that began in 1999.