Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR grew by 1.8%, indicating strong performance across geographic regions and brand depth [7] - Gross system growth was 7.7% and net system growth was 5.4%, driven by significant development activity and record openings [7] - EBIT increased by 13% and adjusted EPS grew by 19% [8] - The company has completed 47% of its $900 million share buyback program, with total returns to shareholders exceeding $1.1 billion this year [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas fee revenues decreased by approximately 1% despite a 1.5% RevPAR growth and 1.5% adjusted net unit growth [11] - Openings in the Americas increased by 40% year-over-year, contributing to future fee growth [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a constructive outlook for US demand and growth, with stable inflation and interest rates [15] - In China, the economy is believed to be bottoming out, with GDP growth of about 5% in Q2 and improved RevPAR trends expected in the back half of the year [67][69] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its luxury and lifestyle collection, with significant growth in branded residential properties [32] - Investments in technology and operational efficiencies are ongoing, with a focus on AI and shared services to enhance scalability and cost management [54][96] - The company aims to continue growing both new builds and conversions, with a strong pipeline of openings and signings [110] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving full-year profit and EPS consensus, despite uncertainties in the short term [15][87] - The outlook for the US hospitality market remains positive, with expectations of continued demand growth [15] - The company is optimistic about the long-term prospects in China, anticipating a recovery in RevPAR trends [67][69] Other Important Information - The company has seen a significant increase in loyalty program enrollments, which is expected to drive future revenue growth [108] Q&A Session Summary Question: Current trading outlook for Q3 and Q4 - Management noted that uncertainties from earlier in the year are subsiding, and they are comfortable with full-year profit and EPS consensus [15][16] Question: Explanation for the decline in Americas fee revenues - Management attributed the decline to high-fee hotels exiting the system and ongoing renovations, but expressed confidence in future fee growth as new hotels ramp up [21][22][25] Question: Insights on branded residential contributions - Management highlighted the growth trajectory in branded residential, with significant demand and early cash flow from sales [32] Question: Technology investment focus - Management emphasized ongoing investments in technology, particularly in PMS and RMS systems, to enhance operational efficiency [35][39] Question: Update on the Garner brand - Management reported strong progress with the Garner brand, with 51 hotels open and a robust pipeline for future growth [80] Question: On the Books revenue visibility - Management indicated that short booking windows make it challenging to provide long-term visibility, but they remain comfortable with current consensus expectations [86][87] Question: Cost savings and margin performance - Management confirmed disciplined cost management practices and expected continued margin expansion through cost savings and ancillary revenue growth [98][99]