Company Overview - Comfort Hotels has been a trusted travel companion for over 40 years, operating more than 2,100 hotels worldwide, providing reliable stays with amenities such as free hot breakfast and Wi-Fi [7][12] - The brand has undergone a multiyear transformation, updating guest rooms and public spaces, and now features a new modern logo [12] Industry Insights - A recent survey indicates that 74% of U.S. travelers consider a relaxing breakfast essential for a great vacation, with 66% ranking breakfast among their favorite family travel memories [1] - The survey also reveals that 78% of respondents enjoy sharing food as a way to connect with others, and 57% associate waffles with cozy, relaxing mornings [2] Consumer Preferences - When it comes to waffles, 41% of respondents prefer crispy waffles, while the remaining 59% favor a softer, fluffier texture [4] - Despite the trend of mini-sized products, 67% of consumers prefer full-size waffles, indicating a strong preference for traditional offerings [5] Marketing and Promotions - Comfort Hotels is celebrating National Waffle Day on August 24, inviting guests to participate in festivities and highlighting the emotional connection breakfast, particularly waffles, has with hotel stays [6] - The company is running a national sweepstakes from August 21 to August 25, where guests can win a one-night stay at participating hotels by engaging on social media [10] Brand Positioning - Comfort Hotels emphasizes the importance of breakfast in creating memorable travel experiences, with over 30 million waffles made annually at its properties [3] - The brand aims to deliver a perfect start to the day for all guests, regardless of their waffle preferences, reinforcing its commitment to customer satisfaction [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA reached $165 million, a 2% year-over-year increase, while adjusted earnings per share rose 4% year-over-year to $1.92 [4][24] - Global rooms increased by 2% year-over-year, with a 3% net increase in more revenue-intensive rooms [4][24] - Domestic RevPAR declined approximately 1.6% year-over-year, while overall RevPAR decreased by 2.9% due to reduced government and international travel [27][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The domestic extended stay room system size grew by 10% year-over-year, with a 7% increase in domestic openings [24][25] - The Comfort brand saw a 50% increase in global openings and a 23% year-over-year rise in domestic franchise agreements awarded [25] - The upscale segment expanded by 15% year-over-year, with nearly 29,000 upscale global rooms in the pipeline, a 7% increase over the prior quarter [13][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International business achieved a 10% growth in adjusted EBITDA, with a 5% year-over-year expansion in the rooms portfolio [4][6] - The Canadian 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 [6] - The EMEA region saw a 7% increase in room count year-over-year, with approximately 4,000 rooms onboarded under direct franchise agreements [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transitioning to a fully direct franchising model in Canada, expanding its product offering from eight hotel brands to a full portfolio of 22 [6] - Strategic acquisitions and partnerships are being pursued to enhance international market share, including a recent acquisition of the remaining 50% interest in Choice Hotels Canada [5][30] - The focus on revenue-intensive segments is expected to drive long-term growth, with 98% of the rooms in the pipeline belonging to these segments [14][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the domestic consumer's resilience, citing increased disposable income and a favorable travel environment [17][56] - The company anticipates continued growth in the extended stay segment, which has shown resilience during uncertain economic times [10][18] - Adjusted domestic RevPAR expectations have been revised to a range of -3% to flat for the remainder of the year, reflecting a more cautious outlook [32] Other Important Information - The rewards program expanded to nearly 72 million members, an 8% year-over-year increase, and was recognized as the top hotel rewards program by U.S. News and World Report [19][20] - The company returned $137 million to shareholders year-to-date, including $27 million in cash dividends and $110 million in share repurchases [30] 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 [35][36] Question: What is the growth outlook for Canada? - The company expects healthy growth in Canada, with a strong existing base of franchisees and a focus on both new construction and conversions [41][44] Question: What are the long-term expectations for international EBITDA? - International EBITDA is currently about 6% of total EBITDA, with significant growth opportunities anticipated in the coming years [47][50] Question: What are the current trends affecting RevPAR guidance? - The company noted softness in international inbound and government travel as key headwinds impacting RevPAR expectations [55][56] Question: Can you clarify the operating profit guarantee and its impact on EBITDA? - The operating profit guarantee is evaluated annually, with a total potential payment of $20 million over the life of the agreement [70][71] Question: How is the company managing occupancy and rate in the current environment? - The company is focused on maintaining occupancy while managing costs, particularly in the extended stay segment, which has lower costs per occupied room [76][78]

Group 1: Choice Privileges Program Overview - Choice Privileges is a rewards program that allows members to earn and redeem points for stays at over 7,000 hotels in 46 countries and territories, with additional earning opportunities through partners [7] - The program has been refreshed to provide greater value to its 70 million members, offering more ways to use points, including a sweepstakes for members [1][5] - Members can earn additional entries in the sweepstakes by staying qualifying nights during the promotion period, which runs until October 7, 2025 [1] Group 2: Travel Opportunities and Points Usage - Members can use their points for various travel experiences, including stays near national parks, cultural tours, and beach vacations in the Caribbean and Latin America [3][4] - Specific travel routes and the corresponding points required include a national park route starting at 375,000 points, a cultural tour starting at 425,000 points, and a beach vacation starting at 570,000 points [3][4] - A grand prize winner in the sweepstakes will receive 1 million Choice Privileges points, enabling luxury stays and experiences, along with additional prizes for other winners [5] Group 3: Company Background - Choice Hotels International, Inc. is one of the largest lodging franchisors globally, with over 7,500 hotels and nearly 650,000 rooms across 46 countries and territories [8] - The company operates a diverse portfolio of 22 brands, catering to various traveler needs and driving value for franchise owners and shareholders [8] - The Choice Privileges program and co-brand credit card options facilitate earning reward nights and personalized perks for members [8]

Group 1 - Choice Privileges has been recognized as the No. 1 Hotel Rewards Program by U.S. News & World Report, following a similar ranking by WalletHub, indicating its increasing popularity among travelers [1][2] - The program's evolution focuses on simplicity and clear value for members, making it easier to earn and redeem rewards, which has positively influenced customer response [2][3] - U.S. News highlighted that Choice Privileges allows members to quickly earn free nights and has expanded its offerings through the acquisition of Radisson and partnerships with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, catering to both budget and luxury segments [3] Group 2 - Choice Hotels International, Inc. operates over 7,500 hotels with nearly 650,000 rooms across 46 countries, offering a diverse portfolio of 22 brands to meet various traveler needs [4] - The Choice Privileges rewards program enables members to earn and redeem points at over 7,000 hotels and through partnerships with various distribution platforms, enhancing the value proposition for members [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Choice Hotels reported a record adjusted EBITDA of $604.1 million, representing a 12% year-over-year growth [24] - Adjusted EPS increased by 13% year-over-year to $6.88, exceeding the top end of earnings guidance [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global upscale and above portfolio grew by 44% year-over-year, reaching over 110,000 rooms, which constitutes 17% of the overall system [25] - The company opened its 515th extended stay property, reinforcing its leadership in the fast-growing segment [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International business grew by 4.4% year-over-year, totaling over 142,000 rooms [31] - The new construction rooms pipeline outside the U.S. increased by 14% year-over-year, indicating significant growth potential in international markets [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company relaunched four brands, repositioning Radisson Individuals and Park Inn by Radisson to enhance market presence [25] - The focus remains on revenue-intensive brands, with 98% of the rooms in the global hotel pipeline within these brands, positioning the company for future growth [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the continued growth of hotel demand outpacing supply through 2026, positioning the company favorably for future expansion [26] - The company highlighted the success of its franchisee success system and hotel conversion capabilities as key drivers of growth [24] Other Important Information - The company celebrated the 85th anniversary of its founding brand, Quality Inn, which expanded to nearly 150,000 global rooms [25] - The loyalty program, Choice Privileges, grew to over 70 million members, with a significant portion of active members having high household incomes [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: What changes have you seen in Choice's customer base in the context of the revenue intense growth strategy? - Management noted that business travelers now represent 40% of the overall guest mix, and the loyalty program has attracted higher value customers with significant household incomes [28] Question: Can you expand on the increase in Choice's international footprint? - Management reported a 4.4% year-over-year growth in international business and a 14% increase in the new construction rooms pipeline outside the U.S., indicating strong potential for future growth [31]

Core Insights - Choice Hotels is focused on enhancing the Comfort and Country Inn & Suites brands by providing value to both owners and guests, leveraging brand recognition and franchisee support [1] - Extensive owner feedback and customer studies have led to refreshed brand identities and prototypes aimed at improving hotel performance and guest satisfaction [1][6] Brand Overview - Comfort brand has over 2,100 locations and 122 in the pipeline, offering a welcoming atmosphere for business and family travelers [2] - Country Inn & Suites emphasizes generous hospitality with a residential ambiance, featuring friendly service and complimentary offerings like freshly baked cookies [3][13] Prototype Enhancements - The updated prototype for both brands includes intuitive designs, refined furniture, and energizing color schemes to enhance guest experiences [3][4] - Country Inn & Suites' prototype adds three keys within the existing footprint and reduces the time to open hotels by 30% through streamlined ordering processes [4][5] Performance Metrics - Country Inn & Suites reported a 19-point increase in RevPAR Index and a 20% rise in direct online contributions, alongside growth in revenue from group and business travelers [7] - Choice Hotels achieved the opening of 107 hotels across its upper midscale segment last year, indicating strong development growth [7] Franchisee Support - Choice Hotels provides franchisees with tools like ChoiceMAX for revenue management and ChoiceConnect for property management, aimed at maximizing financial gains [8] - The company’s direct channels, including ChoiceHotels.com and the mobile app, have seen increased booking conversion rates, enhancing franchisee revenue potential [9] Loyalty Program - Both Comfort and Country Inn & Suites participate in the Choice Privileges rewards program, which has over 69 million members and access to more than 7,100 hotels globally [9] Company Overview - Choice Hotels International operates over 7,500 hotels across 46 countries, with a diverse portfolio of 22 brands catering to various traveler needs [11] - The Comfort brand has been a trusted name for over 40 years, known for its smoke-free properties and complimentary amenities [12]