Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, system-wide RevPAR growth was up 40 basis points year over year, with record adjusted EBITDA of $3.7 billion, up 9% year over year [5][6] - In the fourth quarter, system-wide RevPAR increased 50 basis points year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA at $946 million, up 10% year-over-year [6][15] - The company returned $3.3 billion to shareholders in 2025, the highest total capital return in its history [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Leisure transient RevPAR was up 2.3%, while business transient RevPAR was down 2.1% due to U.S. government shutdown impacts [6][15] - Group RevPAR increased by 2.6%, driven by strong international group growth [6][15] - The company opened nearly 200 hotels in the fourth quarter, totaling nearly 26,000 rooms, and added nearly 100,000 new rooms for the full year, representing a net unit growth of 6.7% [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Americas outside the U.S., fourth quarter RevPAR increased 3.8% year-over-year, while Europe saw a 5.3% increase, and the Middle East and Africa region experienced a 15.9% increase [16][17] - Asia-Pacific's fourth quarter RevPAR was up 9.2% excluding China, while RevPAR in China declined 1.4% [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its brand portfolio, including the launch of the Apartment Collection by Hilton and the Outset Collection, to capture new market segments [10][12] - The development pipeline reached over 520,000 rooms, with expectations for sustained net unit growth of 6%-7% for 2026 and beyond [11][18] - The company aims to enhance its Hilton Honors program to drive loyalty and engagement, with nearly a quarter billion members [13][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, expecting stronger economic conditions and improved performance in EMEA and APAC regions [7][30] - The CEO highlighted macroeconomic factors such as decreasing inflation and increased investment in technology as positive indicators for future growth [21][25] - Management noted that early 2026 trends are positive, with strong group bookings and leisure demand [7][30] Other Important Information - The company has been recognized as the number one world's best workplace by Fortune and Great Place to Work for 2025 [13] - The company continues to focus on non-RevPAR-driven fees, which are expected to grow above the algorithm due to strong credit card and timeshare performance [73][74] Q&A Session Summary Question: Overview of the broader economy and lodging industry - Management remains optimistic about 2026, citing macroeconomic improvements and a potential trend towards middle-class real wage growth, which could increase disposable income and spending on travel [21][30] Question: AI and technology partnerships - The company is actively exploring AI applications across its operations, focusing on efficiency and customer experience improvements [34][41] Question: Growth of lifestyle and luxury brands - Management believes that as lifestyle and luxury brands gain scale, they will create a network effect that enhances market share and profitability [46][49] Question: Development environment and key money usage - The company maintains discipline in key money usage, with a focus on upper upscale and luxury segments, while expecting conversions to play a larger role in future growth [55][56] Question: RevPAR guidance and quarterly cadence - Management anticipates a balanced performance throughout the year, with potential upside from events like the World Cup [60][62] Question: EPS growth rate - Management explained that EPS growth is impacted by share count and interest expenses, with adjusted EPS growth expected in the low double digits [67][68]