Donald Smith & Co., Inc. Acquires 9.9% Stake in RLJ Lodging Trust

On May 14, 2026, Donald Smith & Co., Inc. filed a Schedule 13G indicating a significant new ownership position in RLJ Lodging Trust (RLJ). As of the event date on March 31, 2026, the firm reported beneficial ownership of 15,000,624 common shares, representing a 9.9% stake in the company. This filing marks a substantial increase from a previously reported 0% position, establishing Donald Smith & Co., Inc. as a major institutional shareholder. The shares are held primarily by Donald Smith & Co., Inc. in its capacity as an investment advisor, with a smaller portion attributed to the DSCO Value Fund, L.P. Specifically, the filer holds sole voting power over 14,289,241 shares and sole dispositive power over 14,862,881 shares. The filing was made under Rule 13d-1(b), certifying that the securities were acquired in the ordinary course of business for investment purposes and not with the intent to influence or change the control of the issuer.