Core Insights - The discussion highlights a common theme among companies like Duolingo and DoorDash, focusing on shifting investment strategies towards growth and product quality rather than immediate profitability [2][4] - Investors are generally averse to investment cycles, as seen with companies like Meta, DoorDash, and Uber, which have surprised the market by prioritizing investments [3][6] - Despite initial negative reactions from investors regarding investment cycles, there may be opportunities for long-term gains once the bad news is out of the way [4][5] Company-Specific Insights - Duolingo is adjusting its investment strategy to prioritize growth and product quality, which may not align with immediate investor expectations [2] - DoorDash is unifying its platform across various properties and has recently acquired Deliveroo, indicating a focus on long-term operational improvements [3][4] - Despite concerns about consumer demand, DoorDash has shown resilience, with better-than-expected performance in the travel sector as well [5][6] Industry Trends - There is a noticeable bifurcation in the tech industry, where large companies like Google and Meta are performing well due to stable valuations and growth opportunities, while smaller software companies face more scrutiny [7][8] - Google is diversifying its offerings by entering the chip market, which has positively impacted its stock performance [9] - The potential of AI to enhance personalization in e-commerce and travel sectors is highlighted as a significant growth opportunity [13][14]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - System-wide RevPAR decreased approximately 1% year over year, impacted by unfavorable holidays, softer international inbound travel, and portfolio renovations [5][15] - Adjusted EBITDA was $976 million in the third quarter, up 8% year over year, exceeding the high end of guidance [15] - Diluted earnings per share adjusted for special items was $2.11 [15] - For the full year 2025, RevPAR is expected to be flat to up 1% [6][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Leisure transient RevPAR was roughly flat, driven by strong demand in Europe and the Middle East, while business transient RevPAR decreased approximately 1% due to economic uncertainty [5] - Group RevPAR decreased approximately 4%, but group demand showed signs of strengthening for the fourth quarter and 2026 [5] - Management franchise fees grew 5.3% year over year [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Americas outside the U.S., RevPAR increased 4.3% year over year, driven by strong leisure and group demand [16] - In Europe, RevPAR grew 1% year over year, while in the Middle East and Africa, it increased 9.9% year over year [16] - Asia Pacific RevPAR was up 3.8% excluding China, but declined 3.1% in China due to government travel policies [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company opened 199 hotels, totaling over 24,000 rooms, achieving net unit growth of 6.5% [6][10] - The launch of the Outset Collection by Hilton aims to capture the conversion opportunity in the upper mid-scale to upscale collection space [8] - The development pipeline increased to over 515,000 rooms, with nearly half under construction [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about the next few years, citing lower interest rates, favorable regulatory environment, and significant investment cycles as drivers for increased travel demand [6][24] - The company expects RevPAR growth to improve in 2026, supported by easier year-over-year comparisons and event-driven benefits [27] - Management emphasized the importance of cost discipline and efficiency improvements through AI and technology [30][31] Other Important Information - The company plans to return approximately $3.3 billion to shareholders through buybacks and dividends for the full year [4][18] - A cash dividend of $0.15 per share was paid during the third quarter, totaling $108 million for the year to date [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on the timeline for improvement in the operating environment - Management believes there are positive structural factors in the U.S. that will support growth, including lower inflation and a favorable investment cycle [24][26] Question: Potential partnerships with AI companies - Management is exploring AI use cases to improve efficiencies and enhance customer experience, with 41 use cases currently being tested [36][38] Question: Expectations for net unit growth and conversions - Management expects nearly 40% of net unit growth to come from conversions, with new brands contributing as well [47] Question: Balancing luxury investments and returns - Management acknowledges the importance of luxury but emphasizes that the majority of key investments will continue to focus on core brands [52][56] Question: Impact of system-wide fee reductions for owners - The fee reduction program aims to support owners during challenging times and incentivize more conversions [60][62] Question: Fee revenue growth despite more economy rooms - Management believes fee per room will continue to grow due to a mix of higher fee-paying brands and ongoing growth in emerging markets [68][70]

Core Insights - Virtu Financial, Inc. will announce its third quarter 2025 financial results on October 29, 2025, before the US market opens [1] - A conference call to discuss the financial results will take place at 8:00 AM (EDT) and will be accessible to the public via a live webcast [2] Company Overview - Virtu Financial is a leading provider of financial services and products, utilizing advanced technology to deliver liquidity and innovative trading solutions to clients [3] - The company offers a comprehensive product suite that includes execution, liquidity sourcing, analytics, and broker-neutral, multi-dealer platforms across various asset classes [3] - Virtu operates in over 50 countries, allowing clients to trade on hundreds of venues in global equities, ETFs, foreign exchange, futures, fixed income, cryptocurrency, and other commodities [3] - The integrated, multi-asset analytics platform provides pre-, intra-, and post-trade services, data products, and compliance tools for clients to manage risk and invest across global markets [3]

Recent investment in AI shows this investment cycle has legs and could be forceful enough to drag up the entire US equity market in tow. @edwardnh argues, however, that 'new era' thinking is never permanent https://t.co/WaPMkoT0Np ...

Market Dynamics - Holders are expected to outperform traders in this cycle [1]

Every cycle creates new millionaires.This one’s no different.You in or out?💸🚀 ...