Key Takeaways RCL posts double-digit growth in e-commerce visits, conversions and pre-cruise revenue bookings.Nearly 90% of pre-cruise purchases flowed through digital channels, marking a structural shift in behavior.Tech upgrades and Points Choice aim to boost loyalty and expand cross-brand ecosystem participation.Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) is seeing rapid expansion in the adoption of its digital commerce ecosystem, supported by a marked increase in platform usage and deeper integration across the ...

CHICAGO, Nov. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vivid Seats Inc. (NASDAQ: SEAT) (“Vivid Seats” or “we”), a leading marketplace that utilizes its technology platform to connect millions of buyers with thousands of ticket sellers across hundreds of thousands of events each year, today announced a strategic collaboration with United Airlines, the world’s largest airline*, to offer MileagePlus® members the ability to unlock new ways to earn miles on live events through Vivid Seats. Vivid Seats is offering United® M ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - EZCORP achieved record revenue of $1.3 billion for fiscal 2025, up 12% year over year, with adjusted EBITDA of $191.2 million, up 26% [4] - EBITDA margin expanded to 14.7% from 13%, and net income surged 30% to $110.7 million [4][6] - Cash position increased to $469.5 million from $170.5 million in fiscal 2024, reflecting a $300 million senior notes offering [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Pawn loan (PLO) of $303.9 million increased 11%, with a same-store basis growth of 9%, driven by higher average loan sizes [12] - Merchandise sales of $176 million increased 9%, with same-store sales up 7%, and merchandise margin remained steady at 35% [12] - In the U.S. pawn segment, total revenues increased 13% to $238.9 million, with PLO growth of 9% on both total and same-store basis [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Latin America, fourth quarter revenues were $96.9 million, up 17%, with PLO up 17% to $70.1 million [16] - Jewelry composition in PLO increased by 450 basis points to 41%, indicating a shift towards higher-value items [16] - The U.S. remains the largest market with 247 stores in Texas, followed by Florida with 95 stores [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its store base and enhancing digital transformation to improve customer engagement [4][10] - Strategic initiatives include a targeted incentive compensation campaign and a robust loyalty program, with EZ Plus Rewards membership up 26% to 6.9 million members [9][10] - The M&A pipeline remains active, with multiple opportunities being evaluated for strategic integration and return on invested capital [20][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the business model, stating that the company can adapt quickly to changes in gold prices [26][27] - The company anticipates continued robust revenue growth, particularly outside of scrap sales, despite potential economic pressures [44] - Management highlighted the importance of operational excellence and customer-centric initiatives in driving future growth [8][21] Other Important Information - The company has transformed its earnings profile significantly since fiscal 2021, with net income increasing from $21 million to $110 million [17] - Digital initiatives have led to a 42% year-over-year growth in online payments in the U.S., demonstrating strong customer adoption of digital platforms [10][63] - The company is committed to improving inventory efficiency and scaling operational best practices across all geographies [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about gold prices and their impact on business - Management acknowledged that while rising gold prices are beneficial, the core business remains strong regardless of gold price fluctuations [26][27] Question: Future performance and growth potential in Latin America - Management indicated that there is still significant growth potential in Latin America, particularly in jewelry lending and digital adoption [30][33] Question: Insights on the M&A pipeline and future acquisitions - Management confirmed a robust M&A pipeline with a disciplined approach to acquisitions, focusing primarily on existing markets [35][36] Question: Impact of U.S. consumer behavior on store performance - Management noted strong demand for loan products, indicating that consumer pressure remains high, but specific impacts from external factors like government shutdowns are unclear [74] Question: Changes observed from digital initiatives - Management reported significant growth in online loan payments and customer engagement due to digital initiatives, enhancing store efficiency [62][64]

Core Insights - WestJet has launched a new hotel booking platform, WestJet Hotels, in partnership with Rocket Travel by Agoda, allowing customers to book hotels globally and earn WestJet Rewards points [1][2][4] Group 1: Partnership and Platform Features - The collaboration aims to enhance the customer experience by integrating hotel bookings with flight services, thereby encouraging loyalty through the WestJet Rewards program [2][4] - Rocket Travel by Agoda will manage the entire customer journey, from search and booking to customer service, providing access to a vast inventory of over 500,000 global hotel properties [2][4] Group 2: Customer Benefits and Rewards - Travelers booking hotels through the WestJet Hotels platform will earn at least two WestJet points per dollar spent, with additional benefits for top-tier members [4] - The initiative is part of WestJet's strategy to enhance its rewards program and provide a more rewarding loyalty experience, focusing on key travel corridors across North America, Europe, and Asia [3][4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - System-wide RevPAR growth was reported at 0.3% for the quarter, impacted by a holiday shift and lapping one-time events from the previous year [6][18] - Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter was $291 million, in line with expectations, with owned and leased segment adjusted EBITDA increasing by 7% when adjusted for asset sales [20][25] - Total liquidity as of September 30, 2025, was approximately $2.2 billion, including $1.5 billion in capacity on a revolving credit facility [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Leisure transient RevPAR increased by 1.6% year-over-year, with luxury brands seeing approximately 6% growth [6][7] - Business transient RevPAR was flat for the quarter, but improved by 3% in the United States [8][19] - Group RevPAR declined by 4.9%, in line with expectations due to difficult year-over-year comparisons [8][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR outside of the U.S. performed well, with Europe seeing positive growth driven by strong international inbound travel [18] - Greater China experienced RevPAR growth due to increases in leisure transient demand [19] - The all-inclusive portfolio reported net package RevPAR growth of 7.6% compared to the third quarter of 2024 [7][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to exceed a 90% asset-led earnings mix in the near term and has a strong development pipeline of approximately 141,000 rooms [10][11] - The introduction of new brands, such as Hyatt Select and Unscripted, is expected to drive growth and enhance the company's market presence [10][11] - The loyalty program, World of Hyatt, surpassed 61 million members, reflecting a 20% year-over-year increase, and is positioned as a key strategic asset [12][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about forward-looking booking trends, particularly for group business, which is up in the high single digits for full-service U.S. hotels [9][35] - The company anticipates average rates to increase in the low to mid-single digit range in 2026 compared to 2025 [9] - Management noted that leisure demand remains strong, with October RevPAR increasing by approximately 1% in the U.S. and 5% globally [24][75] Other Important Information - The company expects to incur approximately $50 million in restructuring charges this year, primarily recorded in the third quarter [17] - The full-year adjusted EBITDA outlook is expected to be in the range of $1.09-$1.11 billion, reflecting an 8% increase at the midpoint compared to last year [25] - The company plans to return approximately $350 million to shareholders in 2025, inclusive of share repurchases and dividends [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on net rooms growth for 2026 - Management indicated strong organic growth, expecting continued acceleration in signings and a net rooms growth of 6%-7% for 2026 [29][31] Question: Group pace in the U.S. and internationally for 2026 - Group pace was reported to be up in the high single digits, with strong bookings in October, indicating confidence in future group business [35][36] Question: Clarification on G&A expectations - Management expects adjusted G&A in 2026 to be moderately below 2024 levels due to organizational changes and efficiencies [39][40] Question: Capital returns and restructuring charges - The increase in capital returns is attributed to the new agreement with Chase and the restructuring charges factored into free cash flow [42][43] Question: Economic intensity of the master agreement with Home Inns - The partnership with Home Inns is expected to provide significant growth opportunities, with a focus on quality and strategic locations [48][49] Question: Cost program initiatives - The company is moving towards an insight-led and brand-focused organization, aiming for greater efficiency and improved performance [54][56] Question: Confidence in the RevPAR environment for next year - Management expressed optimism about RevPAR growth due to upcoming events like the World Cup and strong leisure demand [71][75] Question: Current sentiment regarding China - Management feels incrementally better about the Chinese market, noting strong performance in luxury brands despite some challenges [77][82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, the company reported revenue of $424 million, a 25% increase or $85 million compared to the same quarter last year [22][24] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $78 million, reflecting a 22% increase or $14 million year-over-year [24][25] - Adjusted EPS rose to $0.19, up from $0.16, marking a 19% increase from Q3 of the previous year [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Company-operated revenue reached $393 million, a 27% increase or $85 million year-over-year, with same shop sales growth of 7.4% driven by 6.8% transaction growth [25][26] - System-wide same shop sales growth was 5.7%, supported by a 4.7% increase in system transaction growth [22][23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company successfully expanded into six new states in 2025, bringing its total presence to 24 states [5][6] - The average unit volumes (AUVs) across the system reached record highs, indicating strong customer demand and brand appeal [5][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to open approximately 175 new system shops in 2026, with a long-term goal of 2,029 shops by 2029 [6][30] - The strategic focus includes enhancing the food program to drive breakfast and morning day part occasions, with plans to complete the rollout by the end of 2026 [12][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term durability of the business model and the effectiveness of transaction-driving initiatives, raising full-year guidance for total revenues and same shop sales growth [7][30] - The company noted that transaction growth has been consistent, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of growth, and highlighted the importance of culture and customer experience in driving sales [21][22] Other Important Information - The company has invested in advanced analytics and tools to maintain momentum as it scales, reinforcing its long-term financial model [20][30] - Coffee costs are expected to remain elevated into 2026, impacting margins, while labor costs are anticipated to be affected by regulatory changes in California [26][45] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the key levers for traffic growth and future innovations? - Management believes there is significant runway in innovation, paid advertising, and the Dutch Rewards program, with ongoing efforts to segment customer offers [32][33] Question: How is the company performing among younger consumers? - The company reported strong performance among younger cohorts, with 75% of transactions coming from Dutch Rewards, indicating brand loyalty despite economic challenges [35] Question: Can you provide insights on customer feedback regarding the food program? - Customer and employee feedback has been positive, with improvements noted as the food program rolls out in new markets [36][37] Question: What is the impact of food on ticket dynamics? - The company noted a 4% comp lift in shops that have food, with a significant portion coming from transaction growth [40] Question: How has competition affected sales in new markets? - Management reported no negative impact from competitors in new markets, maintaining strong sales momentum [41] Question: What are the dynamics of the paid advertising efforts? - The company plans to continue ramping up paid advertising to build brand awareness and drive transactions through the Dutch Rewards program [54][55] Question: How is the mobile order and pay feature performing? - The mobile order mix reached 13%, with expectations for growth as new shops are rolled out [56][57] Question: What operational changes are needed for the food rollout? - The company is adding new equipment and training to ensure that food offerings do not slow down service, with positive throughput metrics observed [58][59]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q3 2025 was $886 million, a decrease of 4% year-over-year due to lower capacity [5] - Revenue per passenger increased to $106, up 1% from the prior year, supported by an 81% load factor, nearly three percentage points higher than last year [5] - RASM was 9.14 cents, with stage-adjusted RASM improving 2% year-over-year to 8.76 cents [5][10] - Non-fuel operating expenses were $729 million, down 6% sequentially, while adjusted CASM ex fuel was 7.53 cents, 9% higher year-over-year [9][10] - The net loss for Q3 was $77 million, resulting in a net loss per share of $0.34 [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loyalty program generated approximately $7.50 in revenue per passenger in Q3, up more than 40% year-over-year [7] - The company announced 42 new routes launching through early 2026, expanding its presence in major metro areas and new international destinations [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Competitive seat capacity is projected to decline by two percentage points, with significant reductions by Spirit Airlines, which is exiting 36 overlapping routes and reducing frequencies by 30% across 41 others [5][6] - The company expects to return to growth in 2026, capitalizing on the developing competitive landscape [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The strategy remains to be the leading low-fare carrier in the top 20 U.S. metros, leveraging enhancements to the loyalty program and upgraded product offerings [4] - The rollout of first-class seating by spring is seen as a key milestone for elevating customer experience and revenue opportunities [4] - The company aims to preserve its industry-leading cost advantage while managing costs aggressively [4] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in a more balanced supply-demand environment due to the capacity reductions of competitors [3] - The competitive landscape is shifting in favor of the company, with expectations of a good path to a favorable environment for Frontier [3][6] - Management noted that the current operational improvements and reduced complaints year-over-year are positive indicators for future performance [47] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $691 million in total liquidity and issued a $105 million note secured by spare parts and tooling [10] - The company expects another 10 aircraft deliveries in Q4, which will support growth [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the risk of the industry filling in for the capacity that is coming out? - Management believes it is unlikely as the capacity being removed is low-cost and low-yield, which only the company can profit from [15] Question: How long do you think the tailwind lasts? - Management sees a good tailwind for the next year, but acknowledges that it will eventually change [16] Question: What would be the financial impact of a government shutdown? - Management believes they can accommodate customers and expects a positive impact on RASM due to fewer flights [20] Question: How much of a risk does the MAX 10 certification present? - Management does not see it as a major risk, citing less capacity in their markets and the inefficiency of expanding basic economy offerings [22] Question: How has Spirit's capacity cuts changed pricing dynamics? - Management noted that Spirit's capacity cuts have led to improved pricing dynamics, with RASM improvements in overlapping markets [28] Question: What is the expected impact of loyalty program enhancements? - Management expects significant engagement and revenue growth from the loyalty program, with a 40% year-over-year increase in revenue per passenger [34] Question: What percent of the network will be premiumized by 2026? - Management stated that 100% of the fleet will have the first-class product, which is expected to significantly improve RASM [76] Question: Is there potential for a merger with Spirit? - Management refrained from commenting on mergers but emphasized the significant opportunities available to Frontier due to competitive capacity reductions [78]

Core Insights - United Airlines has integrated Lyft into its MileagePlus loyalty program, allowing members to earn airline miles on eligible Lyft rides, enhancing the travel experience for customers [1][2][4] Group 1: Collaboration Details - Lyft riders who are MileagePlus members can earn between one and four miles for every dollar spent on eligible rides [2] - The collaboration is expected to expand by early 2026, enabling MileagePlus members to redeem miles directly for Lyft rides and receive automated flight alerts and ride reminders [3] Group 2: Strategic Goals - The integration aims to create a seamless travel experience from departure to arrival, providing more ways for travelers to earn rewards [4] - Lyft's Chief Marketing Officer highlighted that many customers use Lyft for airport trips, thus enhancing the value of their rides [4] Group 3: Additional Offerings - United Airlines launched a new debit card that allows customers to earn miles on everyday purchases, further engaging customers in the loyalty program [5] - The debit card is seen as a natural extension of the loyalty program, providing additional earning opportunities for members [5]

Core Insights - McDonald's reported solid global comparable sales and loyalty momentum in Q3, but underlying growth slowed, and company-operated restaurant sales declined [1][2] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share for Q3 were $3.22, missing the analyst consensus estimate of $3.33 [2] - Quarterly sales totaled $7.07 billion, below the expected $7.095 billion; consolidated revenues increased by 3% (1% in constant currencies) [2] - Revenues from franchised restaurants rose by 7% to $4.363 billion, while sales from company-owned restaurants fell by 3% to $2.563 billion [2][3] - Global comparable sales increased by 3.6%, with a 2.4% gain in the U.S. and a 4.3% increase in International Operated Markets [4] - Operating income rose to $3.357 billion from $3.188 billion year-over-year [4] Loyalty and Customer Engagement - Loyalty-member Systemwide sales across 60 markets reached approximately $34 billion over the last twelve months, with over $9 billion for the quarter [5] - The company emphasized delivering value, menu innovation, and effective marketing to drive customer traffic [5] Currency Impact - Systemwide sales and revenue were negatively impacted by the war in the Middle East, particularly in International Developmental Licensed Markets [6] - Favorable foreign currency translation added $151 million to total revenues and positively impacted diluted earnings per share by $0.04 [7] Future Outlook - McDonald's reaffirmed its 2025 outlook, expecting net restaurant unit expansion to contribute slightly more than 2% to Systemwide sales growth in constant currencies [8] - Projected capital expenditures for 2025 are between $3.0 billion and $3.2 billion, primarily for new restaurant expansions [8] - The company plans to open approximately 2,200 restaurants globally in 2025, including about 600 in the U.S. and International Operated Markets [9] - Expected free cash flow conversion rate is in the low-to-mid 80% range [9]

Lyft customers can once again earn miles toward their next flight.The ridesharing company on Wednesday said it's partnering with United Airlines to offer MileagePlus points to riders who link their accounts, months after it ended an eight-year partnership with Delta Airlines.Once linked, riders can earn one mile for every dollar spent on Standard Priority Pickup and XL rides and two miles for every dollar booked on business profiles. Extra Comfort, Lyft Black, Black SUV and regular airport rides will earn t ...