Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR grew by 1.5%, indicating resilience in the operating model and geographic footprint [2][3] - Gross system growth was 6.6% and net system growth was 4.7%, driven by record hotel openings and development activity [3] - EBIT increased by 13% and adjusted EPS grew by 16%, supported by a $900 million share buyback [3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company signed over 102,000 rooms across 694 hotels, a 9% increase compared to 2024, excluding acquisitions [3] - Fee margin expanded by 360 basis points due to operating leverage and increases in ancillary fee streams [3] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Early trading performance in all three regions for 2026 has been positive, indicating strong market conditions [4] - In China, RevPAR is gradually improving, with indications of a positive trend continuing into 2026 [12][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a new $950 million share buyback program and launched the Noted Collection brand [4] - The focus remains on strategic growth through brand expansion and maintaining a strong pipeline of hotel openings [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strength of the enterprise platform and long-term growth outlook, despite challenges in 2025 [3][11] - Positive indicators for 2026 include strong GDP growth, low unemployment, and increased consumer spending in the U.S. [70][72] Other Important Information - The company is committed to maintaining a disciplined approach to cost management, with a projected cost increase of only 1% in 2026 [16][30] - The branded residences segment is expected to see substantial growth starting in 2027, contributing positively to future earnings [45][77] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the levers to ensure EPS growth if RevPAR does not improve? - Management indicated that ancillary revenues are expected to continue growing, and cost control measures will remain in place [15][16] Question: What is the scope of deferred key money into 2026? - Management noted that some investments may roll over from 2025 into 2026, but they remain confident in growth prospects [10][11] Question: How does the company view margins in China? - Management acknowledged slight declines in margins but expressed confidence in improving unit economics and RevPAR in the region [21][22] Question: What is the outlook for branded residences? - Management is optimistic about the growth potential of branded residences, with significant increases expected starting in 2027 [45][77] Question: How does the company plan to address the decline in fee revenues? - Management clarified that the take rate is not reducing and attributed some changes to strategic shifts in brand positioning and key money [85]

Acquisition and Development - Aravest and Wee Hur have acquired Hotel Miramar Singapore for SGD160 million, approximately SGD465,100 per key, with plans to refurbish and rebrand it as DoubleTree by Hilton Singapore Robertson Quay, set to reopen in Q4 2026 [1] - CG Capital plans to develop five new hotels in Thailand, with a combined investment of over THB5 billion, focusing on key resort destinations in Phuket and Koh Samui [5] IPO and Market Activity - Coliwoo, a co-living spin-off of LHN Limited, debuted on the Singapore Exchange at SGD0.615 during its IPO, raising approximately SGD101 million, with a public tranche that was 20.7 times subscribed [2] - Jardine Matheson has announced a privatisation offer for Mandarin Oriental, valuing the luxury hotel group at approximately USD4.2 billion, representing a 52.3% premium to its last closing price [4] Strategic Growth and Expansion - Cross Hotels & Resorts, recently acquired by Sono International, aims to grow its portfolio to 100 hotels by 2030, leveraging Sono's resources for regional expansion [3] - Coliwoo targets an expansion of 800 rooms annually, aiming to reach 4,000 rooms by 2026, currently managing 25 properties with over 3,000 keys [2]