Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter reached $165 million, a 2% year-over-year increase [24] - Adjusted earnings per share also hit a record of $1.92, marking a 4% year-over-year increase [25] - Global rooms increased by 3% year-over-year, with total worldwide rooms growing by 2.1% [25][28] - Domestic RevPAR declined approximately 1.6% year-over-year, while overall RevPAR decreased by 2.9% [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic extended stay room system size grew by 10% year-over-year, with a 7% increase in domestic openings [25] - The Comfort brand saw a 50% increase in global openings and a 23% year-over-year increase in domestic franchise agreements [26] - The upscale portfolio, including the Send Hotel Collection, reached over 65,000 rooms worldwide, with a 29% year-over-year increase in domestic franchise agreements awarded [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International business achieved a 10% growth in adjusted EBITDA, with a 5% expansion in the rooms portfolio year-over-year [5] - The EMEA region saw a 7% increase in room count, reaching over 63,000 rooms [9] - In Canada, the lodging market is projected to grow at an average annual rate of over 5% over the next five years, reaching over $50 billion in total revenues by 2030 [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its global footprint through acquisitions and partnerships, including the acquisition of the remaining 50% interest in Choice Hotels Canada [6][32] - The strategy includes transitioning to a fully direct franchising model in Canada, allowing for a broader product offering across 22 brands [7] - The company aims to enhance its portfolio by exiting underperforming hotels and focusing on more revenue-intensive segments [13][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the ongoing growth in international markets and the potential for increased market share [6] - The company anticipates continued growth in the extended stay segment, which has shown resilience during uncertain economic times [11] - Despite macroeconomic challenges, management remains confident in the long-term outlook, driven by strategic investments and a focus on higher revenue-generating hotels [23][34] Other Important Information - The company achieved a record second quarter adjusted EBITDA despite a weaker RevPAR environment [24] - The effective royalty rate increased by eight basis points year-over-year, contributing to revenue growth [30] - The company returned $137 million to shareholders year-to-date, including $27 million in cash dividends and $110 million in share repurchases [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company decide on direct versus master franchise in different markets? - The decision is based on market fundamentals, including the ability of small business owners to aggregate capital and the regulatory environment [37][40] Question: What is the growth outlook for Canada? - The dynamics around development and hotel openings in Canada are similar to the U.S., with a healthy growth rate of 5% expected [44][46] Question: What is the long-term expectation for international EBITDA? - International EBITDA is currently about 6% of total EBITDA, with significant growth opportunities anticipated [50][53] Question: What current trends are impacting RevPAR expectations? - The company is experiencing softness in international inbound and government travel, affecting RevPAR guidance [60][61] Question: Are there any significant loans to be aware of? - The company clarified that loans made were not to competitive brands and are primarily for launching new brands [67][70] Question: What is the current status of the global net system rooms? - The guidance for global net system rooms is for 1% growth this year, with strategic terminations of underperforming properties factored in [73][75] Question: How is the company managing the balance between occupancy and rate? - The company is focused on maintaining occupancy share gains, which is crucial for future rate increases [84][86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 5% growth in comparable adjusted EBITDA and an 11% increase in EPS despite a challenging RevPAR environment [6][24] - Adjusted free cash flow reached approximately $170 million year to date, with nearly $220 million returned to shareholders [7][25] - Fee-related and other revenues increased by $31 million year over year, primarily due to higher royalties and franchise fees [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a nearly 20% increase in ancillary fee streams [6] - Over 16,000 rooms were opened in Q2, bringing year-to-date new additions to over 30,000 rooms, a record for the first half of the year [12] - Contract signings increased by 40% compared to the prior year, contributing to a 5% growth in the global development pipeline [12][47] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global RevPAR declined by 3% in constant currency, with international RevPAR growing by 1% [16] - EMEA RevPAR grew by 7%, while Latin America and the Caribbean saw an 18% increase driven by strong ADR [17] - U.S. RevPAR declined by 4%, with a normalized decline of approximately 2.3% [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on developing higher fee par brands and expanding direct franchising in regions previously reliant on master license agreements [16] - The development pipeline reached a record 255,000 rooms, with a significant increase in contract signings and openings [12][47] - The company aims to enhance long-term earnings potential by focusing on high-quality, fee-generating properties [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged ongoing economic volatility due to higher interest rates and inflation, particularly affecting economy and mid-scale guests [19] - The company remains optimistic about RevPAR growth returning to historical levels, supported by low supply levels [38] - The outlook for net room growth has been raised to 4% to 4.6%, reflecting confidence in development activity [26][47] Other Important Information - The company launched several new technology-driven tools to enhance guest engagement and operational efficiency [9][10] - Franchisee satisfaction was reported to be higher than in any past conference, indicating strong confidence in future business prospects [11] - The company is committed to disciplined capital allocation, with $550 million available for deployment this year [25][120] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on RevPAR trends - Management noted that RevPAR was down 2.3% normalized in Q2, with ongoing softness in leisure-focused markets but strength in industrial states [32][33] Question: Net unit growth expectations - The company expressed optimism about net room growth, with expectations raised to 4% to 4.6% for the year, driven by strong development activity [47][96] Question: Impact of Super 8 master licensee situation - Management confirmed a shift towards direct franchising, with significant growth in this area since the spin-off [50][52] Question: Ancillary revenue growth - Ancillary revenues grew by 19% in Q2, driven by the co-branded credit card program, with expectations for continued momentum [60][61] Question: Key money environment - The company reported a consistent environment for key money, with successful penetration in the midscale and above segments [66][67] Question: Echo Suites brand growth - Management highlighted strong growth in the Echo Suites pipeline, with a focus on both new construction and one-off deals [74][75] Question: Q4 RevPAR expectations - Management indicated that Q4 would face tougher comparisons due to elevated demand last year from hurricane-related relief efforts [117]