Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global RevPAR grew by 0.1% in Q3 2025, consistent with Q2 performance, driven by strong trading in EMEA-A and improvement in Greater China [5][6] - Year-to-date global RevPAR increased by 1.4% [22] - In the Americas, RevPAR decreased by 0.9% in Q3, with the U.S. down 1.6% due to slower trading conditions [5][6] - EMEA-A RevPAR increased by 2.8% in Q3, with year-to-date growth at 3.8% [6][7] - Greater China saw a 1.8% decline in RevPAR in Q3, an improvement from previous quarters [7][8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Rooms revenue for business days increased by 4% globally, while leisure and groups decreased by 2% and 4% respectively [8] - System growth included the opening of 14,500 rooms across 99 hotels globally, marking a 17% year-on-year increase [9] - The Americas saw a gross system growth of 3.6% year-on-year, with 2,700 rooms opened in Q3 [10] - EMEA-A region experienced a gross system growth of 10.4% year-on-year, with 4,200 rooms opened [11] - Greater China achieved a gross system growth of 12.8% year-on-year, with 7,600 rooms opened [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In EMEA-A, RevPAR growth varied by market, with the UK up 2.8% and the Middle East up 9.5% [7] - Greater China showed strong growth in Tier 1 cities, while Tiers 2 to 4 faced declines [8] - U.S. government travel remained about 20% lower than the previous year, impacting overall demand [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to launch a new collection brand targeting the upscale to upper upscale segment, initially focusing on the EMEA-A region [19][20] - The new brand aims to complement existing brands like Voco and Vignette Collection, which have seen success in the market [19][20] - The company is optimistic about long-term demand drivers, despite short-term challenges in the U.S. market [18][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in returning to growth in the U.S. as economic uncertainty subsides [6][18] - The outlook for 2025 includes expectations for 12% EBIT growth and 15% EPS growth [22] - Management highlighted strong fundamentals in the U.S. economy, including employment and consumer spending, as positive indicators for future performance [32][34] Other Important Information - The company is 78% through its $900 million share buyback program, reducing share count by 3.9% [14] - IHG plans to change the currency of its ordinary shares traded on the London Stock Exchange from British pounds to U.S. dollars starting January 2026 [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Net system growth for 2026 and RevPAR outlook - Management is comfortable with a consensus of around 4.5% net system growth for 2025, with strong signings and conversions expected to continue [25][27] - RevPAR for the fourth quarter is expected to be similar to Q3, with short booking windows impacting performance [30][31] Question: New brand launch and U.S. demand weakness - The new brand launch is focused on the EMEA region due to a higher proportion of independent hotels available for conversion [42][43] - Weakness in U.S. leisure demand is attributed to several factors, including lower international inbound travel and economic uncertainties [47][48] Question: Timing of new brand launch and performance in China - Details on the new brand launch will be provided in the coming months, with expectations for continued improvement in China [55][56] Question: Ruby brand performance and churn rates - The Ruby brand is performing well with multiple signings and openings planned [62] - Management aims to reduce churn rates to 1.5% over the long term, with no immediate need for brand refreshes [66][67] Question: Buyback completion - Management is confident in completing the buyback program by the end of the year [67]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global RevPAR grew by 0.1% in Q3, consistent with Q2 performance, driven by strong trading in EMEA-A and improvement in Greater China [4] - Year-to-date global RevPAR increased by 1.4% [21] - In the Americas, RevPAR decreased by 0.9% in Q3, with the U.S. down 1.6% due to slower trading conditions [5] - EMEA-A saw RevPAR growth of 2.8% in Q3, with year-to-date growth at 3.8% [5] - The company opened 14,500 rooms across 99 hotels globally in Q3, marking a 17% year-on-year increase [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Rooms revenue for business days was up 4% globally, while leisure and groups were down by 2% and 4% respectively [7] - In the Americas, gross system growth was 3.6% year-on-year, with 2,700 rooms opened in Q3 [9] - EMEA-A gross system growth was 10.4% year-on-year, with 4,200 rooms opened in Q3 [10] - Greater China gross system growth reached 12.8% year-on-year, with 7,600 rooms opened in Q3 [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In EMEA-A, occupancy increased by 1.6 percentage points to 75.3%, while rate was up 0.6% [5] - Greater China experienced a 1.8% decline in RevPAR in Q3, but occupancy improved by 0.6 percentage points to 64.4% [6] - The Middle East saw a strong 9.5% growth in RevPAR, driven by the UAE [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to launch a new collection brand focused on the premium segment, initially targeting the EMEA-A region [18] - The new brand aims to complement existing brands like Voco and Vignette Collection, which have seen success in conversions [19] - The company is optimistic about long-term demand drivers, with a focus on expanding its portfolio of world-class brands [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in returning to growth in the U.S. as economic uncertainty subsides [5] - The company remains on track to meet full-year profit and earnings expectations, with consensus for operating profits at $1.259 billion, implying a 12% growth [15] - Management highlighted strong fundamentals in the U.S. economy, including low unemployment and resilient consumer spending [31] Other Important Information - The company is 78% through its $900 million share buyback program, reducing share count by 3.9% [12] - IHG intends to change the currency of its ordinary shares traded on the London Stock Exchange from British pounds to U.S. dollars starting January 2026 [13][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for net system growth in 2026? - Management feels confident about the trajectory of net system growth, with consensus for 2025 at 4.5% excluding the Venetian [24] Question: What are the expectations for RevPAR in the U.S.? - Management indicated that they are comfortable with the consensus for RevPAR, which is around 1.3% for the full year [28] Question: Can you elaborate on the increase in credit card fees? - Management confirmed an increase of about $40 million in 2025, with a gradual increase over the next three years [35] Question: Why is the new brand launching in EMEA and not the U.S.? - The EMEA market has a larger proportion of independent hotels, making it a more attractive area for conversion and collection brands [39] Question: What factors are contributing to the weakness in leisure demand in the U.S.? - Management noted several factors, including lower international inbound travel and the impact of tariffs, but remains optimistic about long-term strength [45]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global RevPAR grew by 0.1% in Q3 2025, consistent with Q2 performance, driven by strong trading in EMEAA and improvement in Greater China [4][5] - Year-to-date global RevPAR increased by 1.4% [25] - In The Americas, RevPAR decreased by 0.9% in Q3, with a 1.6% decline in the U.S. due to slower trading conditions [5][6] - EMEAA saw a RevPAR increase of 2.8% in Q3, with year-to-date growth at 3.8% [7][8] - Greater China experienced a 1.8% decline in RevPAR in Q3, an improvement from previous quarters [8][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Rooms revenue for business days increased by 4% globally, while leisure and groups saw declines of 2% and 4% respectively [9] - System growth included 14,500 rooms opened across 99 hotels globally in Q3, marking a 17% year-on-year increase [10] - The Americas had a gross system growth of 3.6% year-on-year, with 2,700 rooms opened in Q3 [12] - EMEAA's system growth was 10.4% year-on-year, with 4,200 rooms opened in Q3 [13] - Greater China achieved a gross system growth of 12.8% year-on-year, with 7,600 rooms opened in Q3 [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In EMEAA, RevPAR growth varied by market, with strong performance in Southern Europe and a 9.5% increase in The Middle East [8] - The U.S. market continues to face challenges with government travel down 20% compared to the previous year [6] - Demand in Greater China is supported by the growing middle class, despite a decline in RevPAR [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to launch a new collection brand targeting the upscale to upper upscale segment, initially focusing on the EMEAA region [22][23] - The strategy includes expanding the portfolio of world-class brands and enhancing the enterprise platform for owners [22][23] - The company aims to maintain strong development activity, with 2025 projected to be one of the largest years for openings and signings [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in long-term demand drivers despite current slower trading conditions in the U.S. [21][22] - The outlook for 2025 includes expectations for operating profit growth of 12% and adjusted earnings per share growth of 15% [20] - Management highlighted positive economic fundamentals in the U.S., including strong employment and consumer spending [44][45] Other Important Information - The company is 78% through its $900 million share buyback program, which has reduced the share count by 3.9% [16] - A bond issuance of $4.1 billion is outstanding with a blended borrowing cost of around 4.3% [16] - The company plans to change the currency of its ordinary shares traded on the London Stock Exchange from British pounds to U.S. dollars starting January 2026 [17][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Net system growth outlook for 2026 - Management is comfortable with the consensus of around 4% net system growth for 2026, supported by strong signings and conversions [32][36] Question: RevPAR expectations for 2026 - Management indicated that RevPAR is expected to remain flat in Q4, with a comfortable outlook for 2026 based on economic fundamentals [39][42] Question: Credit card fees increase - Management confirmed an increase of approximately $40 million in credit card fees for 2025, with a gradual increase over the next three years [52] Question: New brand launch details - Management will provide more details on the new brand launch in the coming months, including timing and projections [79] Question: Performance of Ruby brand - The Ruby brand is performing well with five signings since opening and plans for further expansion in the U.S. [89] Question: U.S. market occupancy concerns - Management acknowledged lower occupancy in the U.S. compared to pre-COVID levels but expressed optimism for recovery driven by improved revenue management and economic fundamentals [101][106]

Core Insights - The rise of county-level consumption is driven by economic development and improved infrastructure, leading major brands to expand into these markets [1][2][4] - Sam's Club has opened its fourth store in Suzhou, targeting strong economic counties and cities, with a focus on customized and high-quality products [1] - The county market is becoming increasingly vital, with the county and township market accounting for 38.8% of total retail sales in the first three quarters of the year [2] Group 1: Market Expansion - Major brands, including international hotel chains and coffee shops, are entering county markets due to saturation in first and second-tier cities [3][4] - The hotel industry is seeing significant growth in county tourism, with brands like Hilton and Marriott establishing a presence in these areas [3] - Starbucks has expanded to 7,758 stores in China, covering over 1,000 county-level markets, indicating a competitive push into lower-tier cities [3] Group 2: Economic Factors - The county market offers lower property and operational costs compared to urban centers, making it attractive for businesses [4] - Rapid economic growth, urbanization, and rising income levels in counties are contributing to increased consumer spending [4] - Counties serve as crucial points for rural revitalization, enhancing local attractiveness and investment environments through the presence of high-quality brands [4]

Core Viewpoint - The FTSE 100 Index is experiencing downward pressure as investors assess recent UK macroeconomic data, including GDP, employment figures, and industrial and manufacturing production [1] Group 1: Market Performance - The FTSE 100 Index has retreated to a low of £9,436, indicating a significant decline in investor confidence [1]

Group 1: Autodesk - Autodesk is an application software company serving various industries including architecture, engineering, construction, product design, manufacturing, media, and entertainment, with over 4 million paid subscribers across 180 countries [1] - The company has transitioned to a subscription model, with over 95% of its revenue now recurring, which is expected to drive further top-line growth through upsells and a loyal user base [8] - Autodesk's competitive advantages stem from high switching costs and network effects, making it difficult for users to transition to competing software [7] Group 2: Copart - Copart has become the largest online salvage-vehicle auction operator in the U.S., with its top line growing nearly fivefold since 2009 due to land expansion and increased salvage volume [4] - The company has nearly tripled its land capacity since 2015, focusing on areas prone to natural disasters, which is crucial for handling an influx of salvage vehicles [3] - Copart conducts over 3.5 million transactions annually through its virtual bidding platform, connecting vehicle sellers with over 750,000 registered buyers [5] Group 3: InterContinental Hotels Group - As of the end of 2024, InterContinental Hotels Group operates nearly 990,000 rooms across 19 brands, with a strong presence in both midscale and luxury segments [9] - The company is well-positioned to leverage its brand assets and loyalty program, which has approximately 145 million members, to drive growth despite economic uncertainties [10] - Over 99% of the rooms are managed or franchised, providing a recurring-fee business model with high return on invested capital and significant cancellation costs for property owners [12]

Core Insights - IHG is focusing on growth in major U.S. urban markets and positioning the Ruby brand for cost- and style-conscious travelers [3][5] - The Ruby brand aims to expand to over 120 global hotels in the next decade and more than 250 hotels in the next 20 years [4] - IHG's CEO for the Americas expressed confidence in the Ruby brand's appeal and growth potential in the U.S. market [5][7] Company Strategy - IHG plans to utilize new-builds, conversions, and adaptive reuse to grow the Ruby brand [3] - The company is accelerating conversions to enhance system growth, as noted in its second-quarter earnings report [3] - The Ruby brand is designed to offer essential amenities while eliminating unnecessary extras, catering to guest preferences [4] Market Position - IHG acquired the Ruby brand for approximately $116 million earlier this year, marking it as the company's 20th global brand [7] - Ruby currently has 34 hotels either open or in the pipeline across major European cities, indicating a strong foundation for expansion [7] - The company anticipates growth in the "urban micro" segment in the coming years [5]

Core Insights - IHG Hotels & Resorts announces the U.S. development opportunity for Ruby Hotels, targeting cost- and style-conscious travelers in urban markets [1][2] - Ruby Hotels aims to expand its presence in the U.S. following its successful European operations, with plans for over 120 global hotels in the next decade and more than 250 in the next 20 years [4][5] Company Overview - Ruby Hotels, founded in Germany in 2013, currently has 34 hotels in major European cities and is now entering the U.S. market [2][4] - The brand focuses on a premium urban lifestyle approach, offering standardized guest room designs with high-quality finishes and essential amenities [3][4] Market Strategy - IHG's strategic growth plan for Ruby prioritizes major U.S. urban markets and includes various project types such as new builds, conversions, and adaptive reuse [2][4] - The brand is designed to appeal to individualist travelers seeking character-driven premium stays at affordable prices, while maintaining its unique design and operating model [5] Growth Potential - IHG expects accelerated growth in the "urban micro" segment, which presents opportunities for increased owner and traveler interest in Ruby Hotels [4] - The partnership with IHG provides Ruby owners access to a robust distribution and technology platform, as well as the IHG One Rewards loyalty program [4][5]

Core Insights - The overall travel demand is steady globally, with recovery observed after a turbulent period earlier in the year [2][4][5] - The hospitality industry, particularly IHG, has seen growth across all brands in the U.S. for the first half of the year, despite challenges at the lower end of the market [6][7] - China is showing signs of recovery in the hotel market, with expectations for growth in the coming years [9][10][11] Global Economic Context - Economic conditions are improving with stable inflation and interest rates, contributing to positive GDP growth and household income growth [3][5] - The U.S. market is experiencing a thawing of consumer anxiety, which is expected to support economic growth through 2025 and 2026 [5][6] Performance by Region - In the U.S., all brands under IHG reported revenue per available room (RevPAR) growth in the first half of the year [6][7] - China has faced challenges but is expected to see a turnaround, with RevPAR improving in Q2 compared to Q1 and year-over-year [9][10] - The Middle East, Southeast Asia, and India are identified as high-growth markets for the hospitality industry [20][22] Competitive Landscape - The hotel industry remains competitive, with IHG being one of the top three hotel groups globally, holding only 4% of the world's hotel rooms [13][14] - New brand entries in the market are anticipated, but IHG has a strong position to thrive amid competition [12][14] Consumer Behavior Trends - Consumers are increasingly valuing experiences over material goods, which is positively impacting the travel and hospitality sectors [16][17] - Room rates have shown growth in most regions, although not at a rate exceeding inflation [15][16] Employment and Hiring - The hospitality sector continues to be a significant job contributor, with IHG hiring across various regions, including rural areas [18][19] - The current employment market is competitive, but IHG maintains a strong value proposition for employees [19]

Core Viewpoint - Hilton Group has quietly allowed some hotels to cancel executive lounges based on actual conditions, indicating a shift in operational strategy towards flexibility and cost management [1][2][6]. Group 1: Hilton's Strategy - The cancellation of executive lounges is not a mandate but an operational suggestion, allowing hotels to provide alternative options for guests [2][3]. - The approach to executive lounges will be more selective and strategic, focusing on properties that can effectively attract guests and generate positive reviews [5][10]. - New Hilton properties in China have not consistently included executive lounges, reflecting a flexible approach to amenities based on market conditions [3][10]. Group 2: Industry Trends - Marriott is also closing executive lounges in several Courtyard hotels starting March 2025, with some locations announcing permanent closures without alternatives [6][8]. - The trend of closing executive lounges is part of a broader "slimming down" strategy among five-star hotels, as these amenities have become cost burdens rather than value-adds [9][12]. - The operational costs of maintaining an executive lounge are significant, often exceeding the revenue generated from them, leading to their removal in favor of more profitable services [13][19]. Group 3: Changing Consumer Preferences - There is a noticeable shift in consumer expectations, with many guests feeling relieved rather than disappointed by the removal of executive lounges, indicating a change in the perceived value of such amenities [9][15]. - The concept of executive lounges has evolved, with their original purpose of providing a high-end experience for business travelers becoming less relevant in the current market [10][20]. - The hotel industry is moving towards a model where services are tailored to actual demand rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, emphasizing quality over quantity [21].