Core Insights - The company is optimistic about the U.S. lodging cycle, expecting stronger demand driven by lower interest rates, AI infrastructure investments, and favorable demographic trends, alongside significant events like the 2026 World Cup [1] - The hotel pipeline is projected to be 1.7 times more accretive than the current portfolio, indicating a focus on high-quality hotel additions that enhance earnings per unit [2] - The company achieved a nearly 2.5% year-over-year increase in global rooms, with a strong emphasis on higher revenue segments, which now constitute 90% of the portfolio [3] Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter rose 7% to $190 million, reflecting growth in higher revenue brand mix and international business contributions [4] - The company generated $185 million in operating cash flow year-to-date, with $69 million in the third quarter, supporting capital allocation priorities [38] - Adjusted earnings per share for the third quarter were $2.10, down from $2.23 year-over-year, primarily due to increased amortization expenses from the acquisition of Choice Hotels Canada [37] Market Trends - The U.S. economy transient segment occupancy has improved year-to-date, indicating a potential positive turn in the cycle [5] - The occupancy index across the U.S. portfolio has increased slightly year-to-date, a positive early indicator for broader RevPAR growth [6] - The international business is positioned as the fastest-growing segment, with a 35% growth in adjusted international EBITDA and an 8% year-over-year increase in the international portfolio [8] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focusing on a higher value direct franchising model, which has grown by 22 percentage points over the past three years, now representing 40% of the international rooms portfolio [7] - Investments in technology are aimed at enhancing franchisee support, with a $6 million technology investment program nearing completion [19] - The loyalty program has grown to over 73 million members, with enhancements expected to drive member engagement and direct bookings [23] Future Outlook - The company expects U.S. RevPAR to range between -3% and -2% for the full year, with a tightening of the adjusted EBITDA outlook to between $620 million and $632 million [40] - The focus remains on capturing demand from retirees and the blue-collar workforce, with significant growth expected in these demographics [24][60] - The company anticipates continued growth in international markets and a doubling of international adjusted EBITDA by 2027 [7][68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 7% year-over-year to $190 million, driven by a stronger revenue brand mix and growth in small and medium business traveler revenue [4][24] - Global rooms grew by 2.3% year-over-year, with higher revenue segments expanding by 3.3% [25][28] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for Q3 2025 was $2.10, down from $2.23 in the prior year, primarily due to increased amortization expenses and temporary tax impacts [31][35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. extended stay segment saw a 12% year-over-year growth in room system size, with openings increasing by 14% [25][28] - The international business achieved a 35% growth in adjusted EBITDA, with an 8% year-over-year increase in the international portfolio [9][24] - The economy transient segment outperformed its chain-scale RevPAR by 310 basis points year-to-date [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International RevPAR increased by 9.5% year-over-year, with EMEA leading at 11% growth [28] - U.S. RevPAR declined by 3.2% year-over-year, attributed to softer government and international inbound demand [28] - Canadian operations reported a 7% increase in RevPAR for Q3 [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its higher revenue-generating segments, with 98% of its global pipeline in these brands [5][24] - A strategic shift towards a higher value direct franchising model has been implemented, with international EBITDA margins expanding to 70% [8][9] - Investments in technology and AI are aimed at enhancing franchisee success and operational efficiency [16][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the U.S. lodging cycle, citing favorable demographic trends and upcoming events like the 2026 World Cup as demand catalysts [6][7] - The company anticipates sustained RevPAR growth driven by strategic investments and an expanding business travel base [29][36] - The retiree demographic is expected to significantly contribute to future demand, with a projected increase in travel spending [22][49] Other Important Information - The company returned $150 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases year-to-date [33] - The full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance has been tightened to a range of $620 million to $632 million [35] - The company is on track to complete its technology investment program, enhancing its operational capabilities [17][23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on the EverHome joint venture and asset recycling - Management explained that the joint venture allows for longer-term hotel ownership while still focusing on asset recycling, with a net benefit of $25 million from the transaction [37][39] Question: Rationale for not buying back stock during the quarter - The decision was based on prioritizing investments in the business and the acquisition of the remaining interest in Choice Hotels Canada [41][42] Question: Long-term outlook for room growth in the U.S. - Management indicated that the focus remains on high-quality products in the pipeline, with expectations for continued growth in higher value segments [43][44] Question: Insights on the RevPAR environment and competition - Management noted that the current environment is cyclical, with signs of recovery in occupancy rates, particularly in the economy segment [46][48] Question: Expectations for 2026 and growth opportunities - Management highlighted the growing retiree demographic and the resilience of small business travelers as key drivers for future growth [50][52]

Core Insights - Choice Hotels International is launching MainStay Suites in Australia, marking the brand's first expansion outside North America with seven new properties [1][4] - This expansion strengthens Choice Hotels' Australian portfolio to 7,487 rooms across 163 hotels, solidifying its position as a major player in the local market [2][4] - The Australian market is experiencing a surge in demand for extended stay accommodations, particularly in sectors such as business, healthcare, government, and construction [3][7] Company Strategy - The introduction of MainStay Suites aligns with the company's growth strategy and enhances its international footprint, catering to corporate and government travelers as well as project-based workers [4][5] - All new properties will participate in the Choice Privileges loyalty program, allowing members to earn and redeem points at over 7,100 hotels globally [4] - The launch is supported by a strategic partnership with Extended STAY Australasia, leveraging local expertise to deliver a tailored extended stay model [5][9] Market Opportunities - The demand for extended stay accommodations is expected to continue growing, providing significant opportunities for further expansion of the MainStay brand across Australia [4][5] - Choice Hotels anticipates high single-digit international room growth this year, with a portfolio exceeding 150,000 rooms outside the U.S. [5][7] - Recent achievements include agreements in China and Japan, as well as expansion efforts in the Caribbean and Latin America, indicating a robust international growth trajectory [5][6][12]

Core Insights - Choice Hotels International has launched two innovative campaigns, "Stay in Your Rhythm" and "The WoodSpring Way," to promote its extended stay brands, emphasizing the importance of maintaining routines for guests during long-term stays [1][2][5] - The company operates over 550 extended stay locations, with 51 under construction and more than 350 in the pipeline, positioning itself as a leader in the long-term lodging market [1][5] Group 1: Campaign Details - "Stay in Your Rhythm" focuses on the amenities available at all extended stay brands, allowing guests to maintain their daily routines, such as cooking and exercising [2][5] - "The WoodSpring Way" highlights the exceptional hospitality provided by WoodSpring Suites staff, creating a home-like atmosphere for guests [3][5] Group 2: Brand Recognition - WoodSpring Suites was ranked the 1 economy extended stay brand in the J.D. Power 2025 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study, achieving top rankings across six evaluated dimensions for four consecutive years [4][5] - The brand's commitment to guest service is reflected in its consistent recognition for guest satisfaction, including being the 1 overall economy hotel brand in 2022 [4] Group 3: Market Positioning - Choice Hotels aims to educate the growing population of extended stay travelers on the value offered by its brands, emphasizing efficiency, cleanliness, good value, and flexibility [5] - The campaigns will be promoted through various channels, including social media and digital platforms, throughout 2025 and into 2026 [5]

Company Overview - WoodSpring Suites has been recognized as the 1 economy extended stay brand for four consecutive years in the J.D. Power North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study, ranking 1 in 2024 and 2023, and 1 overall economy hotel brand in 2022 [1][4] - The brand focuses on providing a welcoming environment with spacious suites featuring in-room kitchens at affordable weekly and monthly rates [1][4] - As of Q1 2025, WoodSpring Suites operates 265 locations across the U.S. and is one of four extended stay brands under Choice Hotels, which has surpassed 500 extended stay hotel properties [2] Industry Insights - The J.D. Power North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study measures customer satisfaction based on six factors: communications and connectivity, food and beverage, guest room, hotel facility, staff service, and value for price [3] - The 2025 study evaluated 102 brands across nine market segments, based on responses from 39,219 hotel guests for stays between May 2024 and May 2025 [3] Brand Strategy - WoodSpring Suites recently launched a new marketing campaign titled "The WoodSpring Way," emphasizing the exceptional hospitality provided by its staff [1] - The brand's offerings include fully equipped kitchens, on-site laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi, and flexible payment options, catering to longer-term guests [4] Parent Company Overview - Choice Hotels International, Inc. is one of the largest lodging franchisors globally, with over 7,500 hotels and nearly 650,000 rooms in 46 countries and territories [5] - The company has a diverse portfolio of 22 brands, including full-service, upper upscale, midscale, extended stay, and economy properties, aimed at meeting various traveler needs [5]