Choice Hotels (CHH) Q3 2025 Earnings Transcript

Core Insights - The company is optimistic about the U.S. lodging cycle, expecting stronger demand driven by lower interest rates, AI infrastructure investments, and favorable demographic trends, alongside significant events like the 2026 World Cup [1] - The hotel pipeline is projected to be 1.7 times more accretive than the current portfolio, indicating a focus on high-quality hotel additions that enhance earnings per unit [2] - The company achieved a nearly 2.5% year-over-year increase in global rooms, with a strong emphasis on higher revenue segments, which now constitute 90% of the portfolio [3] Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter rose 7% to $190 million, reflecting growth in higher revenue brand mix and international business contributions [4] - The company generated $185 million in operating cash flow year-to-date, with $69 million in the third quarter, supporting capital allocation priorities [38] - Adjusted earnings per share for the third quarter were $2.10, down from $2.23 year-over-year, primarily due to increased amortization expenses from the acquisition of Choice Hotels Canada [37] Market Trends - The U.S. economy transient segment occupancy has improved year-to-date, indicating a potential positive turn in the cycle [5] - The occupancy index across the U.S. portfolio has increased slightly year-to-date, a positive early indicator for broader RevPAR growth [6] - The international business is positioned as the fastest-growing segment, with a 35% growth in adjusted international EBITDA and an 8% year-over-year increase in the international portfolio [8] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focusing on a higher value direct franchising model, which has grown by 22 percentage points over the past three years, now representing 40% of the international rooms portfolio [7] - Investments in technology are aimed at enhancing franchisee support, with a $6 million technology investment program nearing completion [19] - The loyalty program has grown to over 73 million members, with enhancements expected to drive member engagement and direct bookings [23] Future Outlook - The company expects U.S. RevPAR to range between -3% and -2% for the full year, with a tightening of the adjusted EBITDA outlook to between $620 million and $632 million [40] - The focus remains on capturing demand from retirees and the blue-collar workforce, with significant growth expected in these demographics [24][60] - The company anticipates continued growth in international markets and a doubling of international adjusted EBITDA by 2027 [7][68]