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]