Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global RevPAR grew by 0.1% in Q3 2025, consistent with Q2 performance, driven by strong trading in EMEAA and improvement in Greater China [4][5] - Year-to-date global RevPAR increased by 1.4% [25] - In The Americas, RevPAR decreased by 0.9% in Q3, with a 1.6% decline in the U.S. due to slower trading conditions [5][6] - EMEAA saw a RevPAR increase of 2.8% in Q3, with year-to-date growth at 3.8% [7][8] - Greater China experienced a 1.8% decline in RevPAR in Q3, an improvement from previous quarters [8][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Rooms revenue for business days increased by 4% globally, while leisure and groups saw declines of 2% and 4% respectively [9] - System growth included 14,500 rooms opened across 99 hotels globally in Q3, marking a 17% year-on-year increase [10] - The Americas had a gross system growth of 3.6% year-on-year, with 2,700 rooms opened in Q3 [12] - EMEAA's system growth was 10.4% year-on-year, with 4,200 rooms opened in Q3 [13] - Greater China achieved a gross system growth of 12.8% year-on-year, with 7,600 rooms opened in Q3 [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In EMEAA, RevPAR growth varied by market, with strong performance in Southern Europe and a 9.5% increase in The Middle East [8] - The U.S. market continues to face challenges with government travel down 20% compared to the previous year [6] - Demand in Greater China is supported by the growing middle class, despite a decline in RevPAR [9] 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 EMEAA region [22][23] - The strategy includes expanding the portfolio of world-class brands and enhancing the enterprise platform for owners [22][23] - The company aims to maintain strong development activity, with 2025 projected to be one of the largest years for openings and signings [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in long-term demand drivers despite current slower trading conditions in the U.S. [21][22] - The outlook for 2025 includes expectations for operating profit growth of 12% and adjusted earnings per share growth of 15% [20] - Management highlighted positive economic fundamentals in the U.S., including strong employment and consumer spending [44][45] Other Important Information - The company is 78% through its $900 million share buyback program, which has reduced the share count by 3.9% [16] - A bond issuance of $4.1 billion is outstanding with a blended borrowing cost of around 4.3% [16] - The company 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 [17][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Net system growth outlook for 2026 - Management is comfortable with the consensus of around 4% net system growth for 2026, supported by strong signings and conversions [32][36] Question: RevPAR expectations for 2026 - Management indicated that RevPAR is expected to remain flat in Q4, with a comfortable outlook for 2026 based on economic fundamentals [39][42] Question: Credit card fees increase - Management confirmed an increase of approximately $40 million in credit card fees for 2025, with a gradual increase over the next three years [52] Question: New brand launch details - Management will provide more details on the new brand launch in the coming months, including timing and projections [79] Question: Performance of Ruby brand - The Ruby brand is performing well with five signings since opening and plans for further expansion in the U.S. [89] Question: U.S. market occupancy concerns - Management acknowledged lower occupancy in the U.S. compared to pre-COVID levels but expressed optimism for recovery driven by improved revenue management and economic fundamentals [101][106]