Core Insights - Hyatt reported a fourth-quarter system-wide RevPAR growth of 4%, driven primarily by luxury brands, with leisure transient RevPAR increasing about 6% year over year, including 9% growth across luxury brands [3] - The company emphasized a strong performance in international markets and luxury travel, with a notable increase in World of Hyatt membership, which grew to over 63 million, up 19% year over year [6][7] - Hyatt's asset-light strategy is accelerating, with expectations for asset-light earnings to reach approximately 90% by 2026, supported by the ~$2 billion sale of 14 Playa hotels [5][14] Revenue Performance - In the U.S., RevPAR rose 0.5%, with full-service RevPAR up 2% while select-service RevPAR declined due to softened business transient demand [1] - Group RevPAR increased by 3%, aligning with management's expectations and benefiting from a favorable U.S. calendar [2] - For the full year, gross fees rose 9% to $1.198 billion, with organic gross fees growing nearly 8% on a compounded annual basis from 2017 through 2025 [15] Development and Growth - Hyatt achieved net rooms growth of 7.3% in 2025, marking industry-leading growth for the ninth consecutive year, with a record development pipeline of about 148,000 rooms [8][10] - The U.S. experienced its strongest year of signings in five years, with 50% of signings in markets where Hyatt previously had no brand presence [10] - New brands such as Hyatt Select and Hyatt Studios are gaining traction, contributing to the overall growth strategy [11] Financial Outlook - For 2026, management guided to system-wide RevPAR growth of 1% to 3%, with net rooms growth expected at 6% to 7% and gross fees projected between $1.295 billion and $1.335 billion [19] - Adjusted EBITDA is anticipated to be in the range of $1.155 billion to $1.205 billion, representing 13% to 18% growth after adjustments [19] - The company plans to return $325 million to $375 million to shareholders through repurchases and dividends [19] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focusing on deeper relationships in portfolio deals, preferring management or franchise agreements over simple affiliations [12] - Hyatt's asset-light transactions, including the sale of hotels and long-term management agreements, are designed to strengthen its position in luxury all-inclusive offerings [13] - Management plans to update its definition of Adjusted EBITDA starting in Q1 2026 to align with peers and the evolving strategy [18]