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Host Hotels & Resorts(HST) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-01 15:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDAre for Q1 2025 was $514 million, a 5.1% increase year-over-year, while adjusted FFO per share rose by 4.9% to $0.64 [4] - Comparable hotel total RevPAR improved by 5.8% compared to February, with a 7% increase driven by strong rate growth [4] - Comparable hotel EBITDA margin improved by 30 basis points year-over-year to 31.8% as revenue growth outpaced expenses [4][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Transient RevPAR grew by 6%, particularly strong in resorts, with Maui accounting for nearly half of the transient RevPAR growth [5][6] - Group RevPAR increased by 7% year-over-year, driven by special events and strong corporate group bookings [7][24] - Food and beverage RevPAR grew by 5%, with other revenue per available room increasing by 2% despite declines in attrition and cancellation revenue [9][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong performance noted in Washington DC, New York, New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Maui, with Maui's transient rooms sold up approximately 70% year-over-year [5][6] - Business transient RevPAR grew by 2%, driven by rate growth, while group revenue pace was up 3.3% compared to the same time last year [7][24] - The luxury segment showed resilience, with upper-tier markets performing better than the overall market [39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capital allocation, including share repurchases and property reinvestment, with $585 million remaining under the share repurchase program [12][30] - Continued investment in renovations and redevelopment projects, with expectations of significant operating profit guarantees from the Hyatt transformational capital program [14][15] - The company maintains a cautious outlook for 2025, adjusting guidance based on macroeconomic uncertainties while leveraging its strong balance sheet [18][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding potential deteriorating lodging fundamentals, maintaining RevPAR guidance with a slight reduction in total RevPAR [16][17] - The company is well-positioned to weather economic uncertainties due to its investment-grade balance sheet and diversified portfolio [18][30] - Future guidance reflects a range of potential economic outcomes, with expectations for continued operational improvements in Maui [27][29] Other Important Information - The company expects to complete the mid-rise condominium building at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando by Q4 2025, with deposits already secured [13] - Total property damage and remediation costs at the Don Cesar are estimated between $100 million and $110 million, with $10 million collected in business interruption proceeds [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Recent trends in April from a demand standpoint - Management noted that top markets are performing well, with strong RevPAR performance even excluding one-time events [35][36] Question: Outlook for Maui for the remainder of the year - Maui's Q1 performance was strong, with expectations for continued improvement, particularly in Q4 [44][46] Question: Opportunities for acquisitions in the current market - Management indicated uncertainty in the transaction market but remains opportunistic for future acquisitions [50][52] Question: Consumer environment and off-peak periods - Consistent performance noted across peak and off-peak periods, with strong group booking pace [64][66] Question: Margin management and cost-cutting initiatives - Contingency plans are in place for potential downturns, but no immediate staffing changes are planned [67][68] Question: Impact of tariffs on CapEx budget - The company maintains its CapEx guidance and is monitoring tariff impacts, but no significant risks are anticipated at this time [71][72] Question: Group and business transient demand details - Group lead volumes are moderating, particularly for government groups, while business transient rates are expected to remain stable [80][81] Question: Labor supply and margin pressures - No significant labor supply issues reported, and current margin guidance remains intact despite economic uncertainties [85][86] Question: Performance of the Rich Carlton, Turtle Bay - The hotel is performing well, with a 13% increase in RevPAR, and strategic decisions regarding golf course renovations are underway [99][102]
Compared to Estimates, Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV) Q1 Earnings: A Look at Key Metrics
ZACKS· 2025-05-01 14:36
Core Insights - Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV) reported revenue of $1.15 billion for the quarter ended March 2025, a decrease of 0.7% year-over-year, with EPS at $0.09 compared to $0.95 in the same quarter last year [1] - The revenue fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.24 billion, resulting in a surprise of -7.47%, while the EPS surprise was -81.63% against a consensus estimate of $0.49 [1] Revenue Breakdown - Resort and club management revenues were $183 million, exceeding the estimated $173.93 million [4] - Cost reimbursements generated $133 million, slightly above the average estimate of $129.67 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 9% [4] - Rental and ancillary services revenues reached $187 million, compared to the estimated $186.37 million, marking a year-over-year growth of 3.3% [4] - Sales, marketing, brand, and other fees totaled $142 million, in line with the estimate of $142.07 million, but showed a decline of 2.1% year-over-year [4] - Financing revenues were $125 million, surpassing the estimate of $123.54 million, with a significant year-over-year increase of 20.2% [4] - Sales of VOIs, net, amounted to $378 million, falling short of the estimated $476.78 million, representing a year-over-year decline of 13.7% [4] Stock Performance - Shares of Hilton Grand Vacations have decreased by 11.2% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's decline of only 0.7% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term [3]
Gear Up for Marriott (MAR) Q1 Earnings: Wall Street Estimates for Key Metrics
ZACKS· 2025-05-01 14:20
Core Viewpoint - Analysts forecast that Marriott International (MAR) will report quarterly earnings of $2.27 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 6.6%, with anticipated revenues of $6.27 billion, marking a 5% increase compared to the previous year [1]. Earnings Estimates - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 0.7% lower over the last 30 days, indicating a reevaluation of initial estimates by analysts [2]. - Changes in earnings estimates are crucial for predicting investor reactions, as empirical research shows a strong correlation between earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock performance [3]. Revenue Projections - Analysts estimate 'Revenues- Gross fee revenues' will reach $1.25 billion, a 3.6% increase from the year-ago quarter [5]. - 'Revenues- Net fee revenues' are projected at $1.23 billion, indicating a 3.4% increase from the prior-year quarter [5]. - 'Revenues- Owned, leased, and other revenue' is expected to be $363.16 million, reflecting a 1.7% increase from the previous year [6]. - 'Revenues- Franchise fees' are forecasted at $727.37 million, showing a 5.7% increase from the prior-year quarter [6]. Room Metrics - 'Rooms - Owned/Leased' is projected to reach 14,214, up from 13,111 in the same quarter last year [6]. - 'Rooms - Managed' is expected to be 587,915, compared to 566,944 a year ago [7]. - 'Rooms - Franchised' is estimated at 1,102,261, an increase from 1,049,173 in the previous year [7]. - 'Rooms - Total' is projected to reach 1,723,831, compared to 1,643,172 a year ago [8]. - 'Rooms - Franchised - Total International' is estimated at 270,179, up from 236,467 in the previous year [9]. Market Performance - Over the past month, Marriott shares have recorded returns of -1.6%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.7% change [9].
Summit Hotel Properties(INN) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-01 14:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR in the same store portfolio increased by 1.5% year over year, driven by a mix of rate and occupancy growth [4] - EBITDA margin contracted by less than 50 basis points compared to the first quarter of the previous year, with pro forma operating expenses increasing by only 1.5% year over year [4][20] - Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter was $45 million, a modest decline compared to the prior year, primarily due to net effective asset sales completed in 2024 [22] - Adjusted FFO was $27.4 million or $0.22 per share, benefiting from lower interest expenses due to deleveraging efforts [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Urban portfolio RevPAR increased nearly 3%, outperforming the total industry by approximately 80 basis points [17] - Suburban and small town metro portfolios generated average RevPAR growth of 1.2%, driven by hotels in specific regions [19] - The resort location type accounts for only 11% of total guest rooms, with significant capital investment expected to enhance performance [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - January RevPAR declined by 1.5% due to weather-related disruptions, but February saw a robust increase of 8.1% year over year [5] - March RevPAR declined by 1.6% in the same store portfolio, with a 10% decline in the qualified segment, primarily due to weakness in government-related travel [5][10] - April RevPAR is expected to decline by 45% compared to last year, influenced by difficult calendar comparisons [8][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on managing expenses effectively in a lower revenue growth environment, with EBITDA margins contracting only 15 basis points on 1.6% RevPAR growth over the past five quarters [11] - A $50 million share repurchase program has been approved to return capital to shareholders and drive value creation [15][26] - The company continues to prioritize a balance between returning capital to shareholders, investing in the portfolio, reducing corporate leverage, and maintaining liquidity for future growth [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term prospects for the portfolio despite near-term macroeconomic uncertainties [11][15] - The company expects a modest pullback in demand, particularly in government and international travel, but anticipates some recovery as the year progresses [10][32] - The outlook for the second quarter indicates a RevPAR decline of 24% compared to the previous year, with expectations for flat RevPAR growth for the full year [12][14] Other Important Information - The company has closed on a $275 million delayed draw term loan to refinance maturing convertible notes, preserving cash flow [24][25] - Total liquidity stands at over $300 million, with an average interest rate of approximately 4.6% [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: How have trends evolved within government and international travel? - Management noted that the most acute impact was felt in March, but there is optimism for recovery as the year progresses [31][32] Question: How have trends for business transient customers evolved? - Business transient travel has held up reasonably well, with no significant downward trend observed [34] Question: Is leisure travel being impacted the most? - Leisure travel is expected to be resilient, with potential shifts towards more domestic travel [40][41] Question: What proactive measures are being taken regarding margins? - Management has focused on managing contract labor and employee turnover, without implementing deeper cuts seen in previous downturns [55][56] Question: Thoughts on the buyback announcement and capital allocation? - The buyback program is seen as a compelling opportunity due to significant dislocation in stock prices, with funding expected from reduced CapEx and potential asset sales [59][61] Question: Latest thoughts on joint venture partner's capital deployment? - The joint venture partner is well-capitalized and prepared to take advantage of dislocation opportunities, though transaction activity is expected to slow [64]
Hyatt(H) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-01 14:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a system-wide RevPAR growth of 5.7% for the quarter, with adjusted EBITDA increasing by approximately 24% to $273 million after adjusting for assets sold in 2024 [14][26][30] - Adjusted EBITDA for the owned and leased segment increased by 18%, while the distribution segment adjusted EBITDA improved by 9.6% [26] - The company repurchased approximately $149 million of Class A common stock during the quarter, with about $822 million remaining under the share repurchase authorization [26][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Business transient RevPAR grew by 12%, driven by large corporate customers, while group RevPAR increased by 9% [14][22] - The luxury brand categories saw RevPAR growth of over 8%, contributing to a RevPAR index gain of over two percentage points [22] - The all-inclusive resorts in The Americas reported a net package RevPAR increase of over 4% compared to the first quarter of 2024 [14][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the United States, RevPAR increased by 5.4%, positively impacted by the shift of Easter and the presidential inauguration [22] - RevPAR in Greater China was flat compared to last year, but market share increased by approximately 1% [23] - International inbound travel from the broader Asia Pacific region increased by 14% compared to last year, with RevPAR in Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China) up 11.2% [23][24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on an asset-light business model, with over 80% of earnings now coming from asset-light operations, compared to approximately 40% at the time of the IPO [19] - The introduction of the Hyatt Select brand aims to expand offerings in the upper midscale segment, targeting shorter stays in secondary and tertiary markets [12][20] - The company ended the quarter with a development pipeline of approximately 138,000 rooms, a 7% increase over last year [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted mixed indicators for future booking activity, with expectations for RevPAR growth in international markets to outperform the United States [16][18] - The company anticipates RevPAR growth to moderate for the remainder of the year, with a full-year 2025 RevPAR range of 1% to 3% [28][29] - Management expressed confidence in the strength of the asset-light model to navigate macroeconomic uncertainties [19][20] Other Important Information - The company is progressing with the Playa transaction, with a tender offer period extended until May 23, 2025 [8] - The company issued $1 billion of senior notes and closed on a $1.7 billion delayed draw term loan to finance the Playa acquisition [27] - Total liquidity as of March 31, 2025, was approximately $3.3 billion, including $1.8 billion in cash and cash equivalents [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on line items or business units performance in a choppy macro environment - Management noted strength in the first quarter but acknowledged a slowdown in leisure bookings, particularly in U.S. resorts, while the all-inclusive business remains solid [35][36] Question: Are there cancellations or just less bookings? - Significant cancellations were noted in government business, while corporate bookings are up double digits [54][57] Question: Progress on Playa transaction and potential buyers - Management expects to sign a deal for asset dispositions but noted uncertainties regarding timing [60][62] Question: Construction landscape and cost inflation - Developers are seeing cost inflation of up to 20%, but there is ingenuity in sourcing materials domestically to mitigate impacts [66][68] Question: Confidence in Playa transaction conditions being met - Management expressed confidence in meeting key conditions for the Playa transaction, particularly regarding antitrust clearance [77][78] Question: Changes in non-hotel related fees outlook - Non-hotel related fees are expected to grow healthily, with strong results in franchise and other fees [82][86] Question: Co-brand credit card negotiations - Management believes they will achieve a competitive new deal due to the brand portfolio and performance of the World of Hyatt program [89] Question: All-inclusive business and point of sale changes - There is an increase in Canadian travelers, contributing positively to the all-inclusive segment, while the U.S. remains the dominant market [93][95] Question: Dispositions this year excluding Playa transaction - Timing for dispositions is unpredictable due to market disruptions, but management expects to close on some properties [97][98]
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts(WH) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-01 13:32
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA grew 9% on a comparable basis and adjusted EPS increased 20% [6][24] - Global RevPAR grew 2% in constant currency, with U.S. RevPAR starting strong but softening in February and March [7][9] - Free cash flow was $80 million, converting from adjusted EBITDA at approximately 55% [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fee-related and other revenues increased by $12 million year over year, driven by a 9% increase in royalties and franchise fees [22] - Ancillary revenue growth was primarily driven by higher credit card and partnership fees [22][19] - The company opened 15,000 rooms, a 13% increase from the previous year, and signed 6% more deals than a year ago [15][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International RevPAR grew in all regions except China, with Latin America seeing a 25% increase [8] - EMEA RevPAR rose 6%, while Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim posted 8% growth [8] - In China, RevPAR declined 8% year over year due to pricing pressure [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on growing its system and supporting franchisees, with a record first quarter for room additions [14][20] - The strategy includes prioritizing development in higher fee par geographies and expanding direct franchising [18] - The company aims to capture trade down demand from both leisure and business travelers seeking value [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the summer travel months despite recent softness in demand [10][41] - The outlook for full-year constant currency global RevPAR is revised to range between down 2% to up 1% [25][26] - Management remains confident in the long-term growth strategy and the resilience of the business model [29][21] Other Important Information - The company returned nearly $110 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends [24] - Wyndham was named one of the world's most ethical companies for the third straight year [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the changes in the U.S. RevPAR outlook? - Management noted that normalized April demand improved, with RevPAR running about a full point ahead of the prior year, indicating potential positive momentum [39][40] Question: What is the long-term outlook for net room growth? - Management reaffirmed a long-term net room growth outlook of 3% to 5%, with a record first quarter for room openings [52][56] Question: How is the company managing development costs amid rising prices? - Management highlighted efforts to shift sourcing and negotiate with suppliers to manage increased costs effectively [67][69] Question: What is the company's strategy regarding key money? - The company is being selective with key money allocations, focusing on high-quality revenue accretive opportunities [78][80] Question: How is the company addressing the recent trends in infrastructure demand? - Management reported a gradual resumption of infrastructure fund disbursements, with expectations of continued growth driven by private investment [106][110]
Hyatt(H) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Presentation
2025-05-01 13:29
Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA reached a new record of $20 million[2] - Net income was $307 million[2] - Diluted EPS was $0.19[2] - Gross fees totaled $273 million[2] Operational Growth - Pipeline rooms grew by 7.0%[2] - Net rooms grew by 10.5%[2] - System-wide hotels RevPAR increased by 5.7%[2] Membership - World of Hyatt member growth reached a new record of approximately 56 million members, representing a 22% increase[2]
Summit Hotel Properties(INN) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-01 13:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR in the same store portfolio increased by 1.5% year over year, driven by a mix of rate and occupancy growth [4] - EBITDA margin contracted by less than 50 basis points compared to the first quarter of the previous year, with pro forma operating expenses increasing by 1.5% year over year [4][19] - Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter was $45 million, a modest decline compared to the prior year, primarily due to net effective asset sales completed in 2024 [20] - Adjusted FFO was $27.4 million or $0.22 per share, benefiting from lower interest expenses due to deleveraging efforts [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Urban portfolio RevPAR increased nearly 3%, outperforming the total industry by approximately 80 basis points [16] - Suburban and small town metro portfolios generated average RevPAR growth of 1.2%, driven by hotels in specific regions [18] - Resort location type accounts for only 11% of total guest rooms, with significant renovations expected to boost performance [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand softening was noted in early March, particularly in government and international travel segments, with March RevPAR declining by 1.6% in the same store portfolio [5][10] - The company expects April RevPAR to decline by approximately 45% year over year, influenced by difficult calendar comparisons [7][12] - The first quarter saw a 2% decline in average daily rate (ADR) despite absolute ADRs increasing year over year across most demand segments [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a $50 million share repurchase program to return capital to shareholders and drive value creation [14][24] - Continued investment in renovations is expected to enhance the quality of the portfolio and drive future profitability [21][25] - The company is focused on managing expenses effectively in a lower revenue growth environment, with a strong emphasis on cost controls [11][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term prospects for the portfolio despite near-term macroeconomic uncertainties [10][14] - The company anticipates a modest recovery in government and international travel segments as the year progresses [30] - Management noted that leisure demand is expected to remain resilient during economic uncertainty, with expectations for group demand to remain strong [11][39] Other Important Information - The company has a total liquidity of over $300 million and no significant debt maturities until 2027 [23] - The average interest rate on the company's debt is approximately 4.6%, with 71% of pro rata share of debt fixed [23] - The company reduced its full-year capital expenditure guidance to $60 million to $70 million, allowing for flexibility in response to market conditions [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trends in government and international travel segments - Management noted that both segments experienced the most acute impact in March but have stabilized at lower levels, with optimism for recovery as the year progresses [30][31] Question: Business transient customer trends - The midweek negotiated business segment has held up reasonably well, with no significant downward trend observed [32] Question: Impact on shorter booked weekend leisure trips - Management indicated that leisure demand is expected to be resilient, with potential shifts towards more domestic travel [39] Question: Expense management and potential brand negotiations - Management stated that proactive expense management has been effective, and they have not yet needed to implement deeper cuts seen in prior downturns [55] Question: Share repurchase program and capital allocation - The company plans to fund the buyback through a combination of reduced CapEx and opportunistic asset sales, while maintaining a healthy balance sheet [61] Question: Joint venture partner's capital deployment view - Management indicated that their joint venture partner is well-capitalized and prepared to take advantage of market dislocations, though transaction activity is expected to slow [64]
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts(WH) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-01 12:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA grew 9% on a comparable basis and adjusted EPS increased 20% [6][24] - Global RevPAR grew 2% in constant currency, with U.S. RevPAR starting strong but softening in February and March [7][9] - Free cash flow was $80 million, converting from adjusted EBITDA at approximately 55% [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fee related and other revenues increased by $12 million year over year, driven by a 9% increase in royalties and franchise fees [23] - Ancillary revenue growth was primarily driven by higher credit card and partnership fees [23][19] - The company opened 15,000 rooms, a 13% increase from the previous year, and signed 6% more deals than a year ago [15][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International RevPAR grew in all regions except China, with Latin America seeing a 25% increase [8] - EMEA RevPAR rose 6%, while Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim posted 8% growth [8] - In China, RevPAR declined 8% year over year due to pricing pressure [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on growing its system and supporting franchisees, with a record first quarter for room additions [14][20] - The strategy includes prioritizing development in higher fee par geographies and expanding direct franchising [18] - The company aims to capture trade down demand from both leisure and business travelers seeking value [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the summer travel months despite current uncertainties [10][40] - The outlook for full year constant currency global RevPAR is revised to range between down 2% to up 1% [25][26] - Management highlighted the resilience of their business model, which is asset-light and designed to perform through economic cycles [29] Other Important Information - The company returned nearly $110 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends [7][24] - Wyndham was named one of the world's most ethical companies for the third straight year [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Changes in U.S. RevPAR outlook - Management noted that normalized April demand improved, with RevPAR running about a full point ahead of the prior year [38][39] - They expect leisure transient demand to pick up into the summer months, with pricing holding firm [40][41] Question: Long-term outlook and sensitivities - Management confirmed that the long-term growth algorithm remains intact, with net room growth expected to continue [50][52] Question: Development backdrop and conversion business - Management expressed confidence in the development pipeline, with a significant increase in new construction openings [60][62] Question: Trends in infrastructure and macro impact - Management noted a slight slowdown in infrastructure demand but expects continued growth driven by federal allocations [102][106] Question: Ancillary revenue growth expectations - Management continues to expect low teen growth for ancillary revenues, driven by contract-based income [96][97]
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts(WH) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-01 12:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA grew 9% on a comparable basis and adjusted EPS increased 20% [5][21] - Global RevPAR grew 2% in constant currency, with U.S. RevPAR starting strong but softening in February and March [6][8] - Free cash flow was $80 million, converting from adjusted EBITDA at approximately 55% [22] - The company returned nearly $110 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends [6][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fee-related and other revenues increased by $12 million year over year, driven by a 9% increase in royalties and franchise fees [21] - Ancillary revenue growth was primarily driven by higher credit card and partnership fees [21][18] - The company opened 15,000 rooms, a 13% increase from the previous year, and signed 6% more deals than a year ago [14][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Latin America RevPAR grew by 25% excluding Argentina's hyperinflation, while EMEA RevPAR rose 6% [7] - International RevPAR grew in all regions except China, where it declined by 8% year over year [7] - U.S. RevPAR is expected to decline about 3% for the remainder of the year based on recent trends [24][42] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on growing its system and supporting franchisees, with a strategic emphasis on higher fee par hotels [12][17] - The development pipeline reached a record 254,000 rooms, with a significant increase in net room growth across all regions [14][15] - The company is prioritizing development in higher RevPAR markets and is selective about capital deployment [72][73] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the resilience of their business model during economic downturns, citing historical outperformance [10][11] - The outlook for 2025 has been refined to reflect a more cautious view of industry-wide RevPAR performance, with expectations ranging from down 2% to up 1% [24][25] - Management noted that consumer sentiment is currently weighing on leisure occupancy, but there are signs of positive momentum as summer approaches [41][42] Other Important Information - The company was named one of the world's most ethical companies for the third consecutive year [19] - The company continues to invest in technology innovations to enhance service and operational efficiency [109] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the changes in the U.S. RevPAR outlook? - Management noted that normalized April demand improved, with RevPAR running about a full point ahead of the prior year, indicating potential for a positive summer [35][36] Question: What is the long-term outlook for net room growth? - Management reaffirmed a long-term net room growth outlook of 3% to 5%, with a record first quarter in room openings and strong signings [47][49] Question: How is the company managing development costs amid rising prices? - Management highlighted efforts to shift sourcing closer to home and negotiate with suppliers to mitigate cost increases, particularly in construction materials [61][62] Question: What is the outlook for ancillary revenue growth? - Management continues to expect low teen growth for ancillary revenues, driven by contract-based income and a strong co-branded credit card program [92][94] Question: How is the company addressing infrastructure demand? - Management reported a steady demand for infrastructure-related travel, with expectations for continued growth driven by federal spending on infrastructure projects [100][102]