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, contributing to a full-year 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 region's Fourth Quarter RevPAR was up 9.2% excluding China, while China saw a decline of 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 Outset Collection, targeting the apartment-style lodging segment [10][12] - The pipeline reached over 520,000 rooms, with expectations for sustained net unit growth of 6%-7% for 2026 and beyond [11][17] - The company aims to enhance its Hilton Honors program, making loyalty more accessible and rewarding [12][13] 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 showed positive trends in group bookings and leisure demand, with expectations for RevPAR growth of 1%-2% year-over-year [7][18] Other Important Information - The company was named the number one world's best workplace by Fortune and Great Place to Work for 2025 [13] - The company continues to see strong performance in its luxury and lifestyle brands, with nearly 30% of total openings in the quarter coming from these segments [8][9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Overview of the broader economy and lodging industry - Management expressed optimism about the economy, citing macro and micro forces that are converging positively, including decreasing inflation and a favorable investment environment [21][30] Question: AI and technology partnerships - The company is actively exploring AI applications across its operations and is engaged with major tech players to enhance efficiencies and customer experience [34][41] Question: Growth of lifestyle and luxury brands - Management indicated that as the lifestyle and luxury brands gain scale, they will benefit from network effects, leading to increased market share and profitability [46][49] Question: Development environment and key money usage - The company remains disciplined regarding key money, with a focus on maintaining a competitive edge while managing development costs [53][56] Question: RevPAR guidance and quarterly cadence - Management acknowledged the complexity of the upcoming year but expressed confidence in the guidance range, citing potential upside from events like the World Cup [60][62] Question: EPS growth rate compared to EBITDA growth - Management clarified that EPS growth is impacted by share count and interest expenses, with adjusted EPS growth expected in the low double digits [67][68]

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, an increase of 9% year-over-year [4][5] - In Q4 2025, system-wide RevPAR increased by 50 basis points year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA reaching $946 million, up 10% year-over-year [5][14] - The company returned $3.3 billion to shareholders in 2025, marking the highest total capital return in its history [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Leisure transient RevPAR was up 2.3% in Q4, while business transient RevPAR decreased by 2.1% due to U.S. government shutdown impacts [5][14] - Group RevPAR increased by 2.6% in Q4, driven by strong international group growth [5][14] - For the full year, net unit growth was 6.7%, with nearly 100,000 new rooms added to the global portfolio [7][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Americas outside the U.S., Q4 RevPAR increased by 3.8% year-over-year, while in Europe, it grew by 5.3% due to strong leisure activity [15] - The Middle East and Africa region saw a 15.9% increase in RevPAR, driven by leisure and group demand [15] - In Asia-Pacific, Q4 RevPAR was up 9.2% excluding China, while RevPAR in China declined by 1.4% [15][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its brand portfolio, including the launch of the Apartment Collection by Hilton, targeting the apartment-style lodging segment [9] - The development pipeline reached over 520,000 rooms, with expectations for sustained net unit growth of 6%-7% for 2026 and beyond [10] - The company aims to enhance loyalty and guest satisfaction through initiatives like the Hilton Honors program, which now has nearly a quarter billion members [11] 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 [6][29] - The company anticipates RevPAR growth of 1%-2% for the full year 2026, with positive trends in group bookings and leisure demand [6][17] - Management highlighted macroeconomic factors such as decreasing inflation and increased investment in technology as supportive of future growth [21][25] Other Important Information - The company opened nearly 200 hotels in Q4, totaling nearly 26,000 rooms, and celebrated several milestones in brand expansion [6][7] - The company was named the number one world's best workplace by Fortune for 2025, marking a significant achievement in employee satisfaction [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Overview of the broader economy and lodging industry - Management noted optimism for 2026, citing macroeconomic improvements and potential for middle-class wage growth, which could increase disposable income and spending [19][26] Question: AI and technology partnerships - Management discussed ongoing efforts in AI, emphasizing a modern tech stack that allows for greater flexibility and efficiency in operations and customer experience [32][34] Question: Growth of lifestyle and luxury brands - Management confirmed that as the network of lifestyle and luxury brands expands, market share and economic performance are expected to improve, creating a positive feedback loop [41][46] Question: Development environment and key money usage - Management indicated a disciplined approach to key money, with a focus on maintaining competitive advantages while navigating market dynamics [51][55] Question: RevPAR guidance and quarterly cadence - Management acknowledged the complexity of the upcoming year but expressed confidence in achieving the guidance range, supported by events like the World Cup [59][60]