H World Group (NasdaqGS:HTHT) Q3 2025 Earnings Call November 17, 2025 07:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsChen Hui - CFOJason Chen - Senior Vice President of Supply ChainNone - TranslatorJin Hui - CEOConference Call ParticipantsRonald Learn - AnalystSimon Chen - AnalystDan Qi - AnalystSujie Lin - AnalystLydia Lin - AnalystZiwei Liu - AnalystOperatorGood day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to H World Quarter 3, 2025 Earnings Conference Call. At this time, all participants are in the listen-only mode. Aft ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The group revenue grew 8.1% year-over-year to RMB 7 billion in Q3 2025, surpassing previous guidance [19][64] - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 18.9% year-over-year to RMB 2.5 billion, with a margin improvement of 3.3 percentage points to 36.1% [19][64] - The monetized and franchised business revenue increased by 27.2% year-over-year to RMB 3.3 billion, with gross operating profit rising by 28.6% to RMB 2.2 billion [12][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The number of rooms in operation increased by 17.3% year-over-year, contributing to a group hotel GMV growth of 17.5% to RMB 30.6 billion [11][53] - Membership base exceeded 300 million, up 17.3% year-over-year, with room nights sold to members rising 19.7% [11][53] - The upper-midscale segment saw a 25.3% year-over-year increase in the number of hotels in operation and pipeline, exceeding 1,600 [14][58] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic travel demand continues to grow steadily, particularly during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festivals [8][49] - Supply growth has stabilized, with year-over-year growth rates moderating [8][50] - The demand for leisure travel is shifting from discretionary to necessity, driven by improved infrastructure and changing consumer preferences [6][46] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deepen its roots in the China market, focusing on high-quality growth and service excellence [7][47] - Strategic focus remains on the economy and midscale segments to serve the mass market, with plans to achieve 20,000 hotels in 2,000 cities [13][56] - The launch of the new upper-midscale brand, Ji Icons, aims to meet growing consumer demand for quality living and unique experiences [14][58] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term growth potential of China's hotel industry, citing a shortage of high-quality supply [4][47] - The company anticipates a flattish to slightly positive RevPAR for Q4 2025, with uncertainties in business demand but strong leisure demand [25][72] - Future growth will focus on enhancing membership benefits and exploring cross-industry partnerships to strengthen member engagement [17][61] Other Important Information - The company generated RMB 1.7 billion in operating cash flow, with RMB 13.3 billion in cash and cash equivalents at the end of the quarter [20][66] - Guidance for Q4 2025 expects group revenue growth of 2%-6% and monetized and franchised revenue growth of 17%-21% [21][67] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the implied RevPAR assumption for Q4 2025? - Management indicated that RevPAR is stabilizing, driven by leisure travel demand, with a flattish to slightly positive outlook for Q4 [69][72] Question: What are the reasons behind the recent ADR performance? - The increase in ADR is attributed to enhanced revenue management, product upgrades, and service excellence, leading to improved pricing power [75][76] Question: What are the plans for the newly launched Ji Icons brand? - The Ji Icons brand aims to penetrate the upper midscale segment, with plans for store openings and a focus on cultural preferences [31][78] Question: What is the outlook on cost control and margins? - Management highlighted ongoing efforts in cost control and margin improvement through supply chain optimization and strategic investments [35][38]

H World Group (NasdaqGS:HTHT) Q3 2025 Earnings Call November 17, 2025 07:00 AM ET Speaker4Good day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to H World Quarter 3, 2025 earnings conference call. At this time, all participants are in the listen-only mode. After the speaker's presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session. To ask a question during the session, you need to press star 11 on your telephone. You will then hear an automated message advising your hand is raised. Please be advised that today ...

Core Insights - H World Group Limited reported strong financial results for Q3 2025, with total revenue reaching RMB7.0 billion (US$978 million), an 8.1% year-over-year increase, surpassing previous guidance [4][11][20] - The company opened 749 new hotels in Q3 2025, contributing to a total of 12,702 hotels and 1,246,240 rooms in operation as of September 30, 2025 [2][7][35] - The Legacy-Huazhu segment showed significant growth, with revenue increasing by 10.8% year-over-year to RMB5.7 billion, while the Legacy-DH segment experienced a decline of 3.0% year-over-year [11][20] Financial Performance - Hotel turnover increased by 17.5% year-over-year to RMB30.6 billion in Q3 2025, with M&F revenue rising by 27.2% to RMB3.3 billion [4][13] - Net income attributable to H World was RMB1.5 billion (US$206 million), reflecting a 15.4% year-over-year increase [20] - EBITDA (non-GAAP) for Q3 2025 was RMB2.5 billion (US$346 million), consistent with the previous quarter and up from RMB2.0 billion in Q3 2024 [20][21] Operational Highlights - As of September 30, 2025, the company had 2,748 unopened hotels in the pipeline, indicating strong future growth potential [2][3] - The average daily room rate (ADR) for Legacy-Huazhu hotels was RMB304, with an occupancy rate of 84.1% [9] - The Legacy-DH segment reported a blended RevPAR increase of 6.4% year-over-year, driven by a 4.6 percentage-point increase in occupancy rate [7][10] Guidance and Future Outlook - For Q4 2025, H World expects revenue growth in the range of 2%-6%, with M&F revenue growth projected at 17%-21% [24] - The company aims to achieve a total of 2,300 gross new hotel openings for the full year of 2025, maintaining a focus on high-quality network growth and market share gain [7][24]

Core Viewpoint - H World Group Limited, a significant player in the global hotel industry, is set to release its unaudited financial results for Q3 2025 on November 17, 2025, after Hong Kong trading hours and before the U.S. market opens [1]. Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The unaudited financial results for Q3 2025 will be announced on November 17, 2025 [1]. - A conference call will be held at 7 a.m. (U.S. Eastern time) on the same day to discuss the results [2]. Group 2: Conference Call Details - Participants must pre-register for the conference call via a provided link to receive dial-in details and access codes [3]. - A live webcast of the conference call will be available on the company's website [4]. Group 3: Company Overview - H World Group Limited operates 12,137 hotels with a total of 1,184,915 hotel rooms across 19 countries as of June 30, 2025 [5]. - The company manages a diverse portfolio of brands, including HanTing Hotel, JI Hotel, and Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts, among others [5]. - H World employs various business models, with 8% of hotel rooms operated under lease and ownership, and 92% under manachise and franchise models as of June 30, 2025 [6].

Core Insights - H World Group Limited reported a strong second-quarter performance for 2025, with a 22.8% year-on-year increase in asset-light revenues, driven by hotel GMV growth, loyalty engagement, and network expansion [1][2][3] Financial Performance - Hotel turnover increased by 15.0% year-on-year to RMB 26.9 billion in Q2 2025, while total adjusted EBITDA rose 11.3% year-on-year to RMB 2.3 billion [2] - Manachise and franchise gross operating profit reached RMB 1.9 billion in Q2 2025, a 23.2% increase from the previous year, accounting for 64% of total gross operating profit [3] Strategic Developments - The company opened 595 hotels in Q2 2025, on track to meet its target of 2,300 gross openings for the full year [4] - H World Group operates a total of 12,137 hotels or 1,184,915 hotel rooms globally as of June 30, 2025 [4] Brand Performance - Hanting Hotel ranked No. 1 in HOTELS Magazine's "World's Top 50 Hotel Brands" list, with 4,401 hotels or 378,569 rooms in operation [5] - The Group's presence in the upper-midscale market increased, with over 1,500 hotels in operation, and InterCity Hotel saw a 57.1% year-on-year performance increase [6] Customer Engagement - Customer loyalty strengthened, with membership reaching 288 million as of June 30, and direct bookings through H World CRS accounted for 65.1% of total reservations, a 5.2 percentage point increase from the prior year [7] Growth Outlook - H World has a total of 2,947 hotels in the development pipeline globally and remains optimistic about long-term growth in China's travel and hospitality industry [8] Shareholder Returns - The Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of approximately US$250 million for the first half of 2025, amounting to US$0.081 per ordinary share [9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The group's revenue grew by 4.5% year over year to RMB 6.4 billion, near the high end of previous guidance [15] - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 11.3% year over year to RMB 2.3 billion, while adjusted net income increased by 7.6% year over year to RMB 1.3 billion [16] - The managed and franchised business revenue reported a robust 22.8% year over year growth to RMB 2.9 billion, with gross operating profit rising by 23.2% year over year to RMB 1.9 billion [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The hotel group's GMV grew by 15% year over year, with a member base increase of 17.5% year over year to nearly 290 million [7] - The number of rooms in operation increased by 18.3% year over year, contributing to high-quality network expansion [6] - The lease and own business revenue and gross operating profit decreased by 7.6% and 13.4% year over year, respectively [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The domestic number of travelers continues to grow steadily, but the hotel industry faces challenges due to increased hotel supply and macroeconomic factors affecting business travel [6] - The company observed a slight year-over-year decline in RevPAR for the third quarter, influenced by macro uncertainties and increased supply [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on high-quality growth, emphasizing prime locations in major cities and further penetration into lower-tier cities [6] - The launch of Hanqing 4.0 represents a significant supply chain reform aimed at achieving lower costs and higher quality [10] - The company aims to reach a strategic target of 20,000 hotels in 2,000 cities in the mid-term, with a focus on the economy and middle-scale segments [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the overall performance during the summer holiday was slightly below expectations, leading to a revised outlook for RevPAR for the full year [24] - The company is actively seeking rental reductions and optimizing revenue management to maintain healthy margins in the lease and own business [35] - Management expressed confidence in the long-term growth potential of the Orange and Intercity brands, with plans for continued expansion and product upgrades [50] Other Important Information - The company declared a USD 250 million interim cash dividend, representing 74% of the first half net profit, along with a share buyback of approximately USD 62 million [20] - The company is committed to enhancing membership benefits and improving direct sales capabilities through the Edge Rewards program [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for RevPAR in Q3 and 2025 - Management expects a slight year-over-year decline in RevPAR for Q3, with full-year performance anticipated to be slightly below previous guidance due to macro uncertainties and increased supply [24][26] Question: Impact of New Hotel Openings on Existing Hotels - Management acknowledged potential cannibalization from new hotel openings but emphasized ongoing product upgrades and rational positioning for new openings to mitigate negative impacts [28] Question: Strategic Focus on Asset-Light vs. Asset-Heavy Segments - Management highlighted the ongoing asset-light transformation, with a stable gross margin in the asset-light business and a gradual reduction in exposure to the asset-heavy segment [34][36] Question: Store Expansion and Franchise Sentiment - Management indicated a strict approach to new signings, focusing on high-quality locations and ensuring franchisee profitability, while maintaining a healthy pace of new openings [40] Question: Supply Chain Strengthening and Cost Reduction - Management detailed efforts to enhance supply chain capabilities, achieving a 10-20% cost decline in materials and a 30-day reduction in construction periods for new products [55]

Q2 2025 Key Highlights - Hotel GMV reached RMB 26911 million[22] - Legacy-Huazhu RevPAR decreased by 38% year-over-year[12,24] - Legacy-DH RevPAR increased by 81% year-over-year[12,26] - Total number of rooms in operation increased by 183% year-over-year, reaching 1184915[12,14,21] - H Rewards members increased by 175% year-over-year, totaling 288 million[12,15,62] - Room nights booked by members increased by 288% year-over-year, exceeding 60 million[12,16] - Manachised and Franchised (M&F) revenue increased by 228% year-over-year, reaching RMB 29 billion[18,75] - Total revenue increased by 45% year-over-year, reaching RMB 64 billion[18,70] - Total Adjusted EBITDA increased by 113% year-over-year, reaching RMB 23 billion[19,70] - Adjusted Diluted EPS increased by 95% year-over-year, reaching RMB 042[19] Financial Performance - Total revenue for Q2 2025 was RMB 6426 million, a 45% increase year-over-year[18,70] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was RMB 2270 million, an 113% increase year-over-year[19,70] - M&F revenue for Q2 2025 was RMB 2865 million, a 228% increase year-over-year[18,75] - M&F Gross Operating Profit for Q2 2025 was RMB 1896 million, a 232% increase year-over-year[18,77] Network and Product Development - Hanting Hotels ranked No1 on the "World's Top 50 Hotel Brands" list with 378569 rooms in operation as of June 30, 2025[30,32,117] - The company is enhancing its presence in lower-tier cities[46] - The company is stepping up the development of the upper-midscale segment, with a 233% year-over-year increase in the number of upper-midscale hotels in operation and pipeline[50,51] Guidance - The company projects M&F revenue to grow 20%-24% in Q3 2025 compared to Q3 2024[101] - The company projects total revenue to grow 2%-6% in Q3 2025 compared to Q3 2024, or 4%-8% excluding DH[103]

Core Insights - H World Group Limited has entered the Laotian market by signing four hotel management agreements, marking a significant step in its international growth strategy and expansion in Southeast Asia [1][3][4] Company Expansion - The signing ceremony took place in Vientiane, Laos, on May 29, 2025, and represents H World's first entry into the country, aligning with its "asset-light and internationalization" strategy [1][3] - The new properties will be developed in collaboration with three investment partners: Lao Kunpeng Industrial Co., Ltd., Yuting Hotel Investment Management Co., Ltd., and KP Construction Sole Co., Ltd. [2][4] Project Details - The four hotels will feature H World's core upper-midscale and midscale brands, located in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, which are major tourist destinations [4] - Specific hotel projects include: - Intercity Hotel Vientiane, opening in early 2026, near Wattay International Airport [7] - Intercity Hotel Luang Prabang, expected to open in 2027, located in the historic city center [7] - JI Hotel Vientiane Mekong Riverside, set to open in early 2026, along the Mekong River [7] - Orange Hotel Vientiane International Airport, expected to open in Q3 2026, marking the brand's global debut outside China [7] Market Context - In 2024, Laos saw over 1.97 million international tourists, a more than threefold increase year-on-year, with Chinese tourists making up over 60% of the visitors [5]

Core Insights - H World Group Limited reported strong growth and continued momentum in its asset-light transformation and brand loyalty in the first quarter of 2025 [1] Group 1: Hotel Openings and Operations - H World Group achieved 538 net hotel openings in Q1 2025, bringing the total number of hotels in operation to 11,685 [2] - The total number of rooms worldwide reached 1,142,158, reflecting a 20% increase year-over-year [2] - The company operates in 1,394 cities across China, with plans to expand to 2,000 cities in the future [2] - As of March 31, H World had a pipeline of 2,888 hotels [2] Group 2: Asset-Light Strategy - Revenue from manachised and franchised hotels increased by 21% year-over-year to RMB 2.5 billion (approximately US$344 million) [3] - The manachise model combines the scalability of franchising with operational control, facilitating efficient and brand-consistent growth [3] Group 3: Loyalty and Direct Bookings - H Rewards membership reached 277 million, making it one of the largest loyalty platforms in the global hospitality industry [4] - Direct bookings from members accounted for over 65% of total reservations, a 5.4 percentage point increase year-on-year [4] Group 4: Experience Upgrade Initiatives - The company is advancing product upgrade initiatives to enhance consumer experience across core brands [5] - The upper-midscale segment saw a 36% year-on-year increase in operating hotels and a 22% expansion in the development pipeline [5] Group 5: Future Outlook - The CEO expressed confidence in achieving the full-year target of approximately 2,300 gross hotel openings [6] - The company will continue to focus on high-quality network expansion, brand positioning, service excellence, and strengthening sales capabilities centered around the H Rewards program [6]