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]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Choice Hotels reported a record adjusted EBITDA of $604.1 million, representing a 12% year-over-year growth [24] - Adjusted EPS increased by 13% year-over-year to $6.88, exceeding the top end of earnings guidance [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global upscale and above portfolio grew by 44% year-over-year, reaching over 110,000 rooms, which constitutes 17% of the overall system [25] - The company opened its 515th extended stay property, reinforcing its leadership in the fast-growing segment [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International business grew by 4.4% year-over-year, totaling over 142,000 rooms [31] - The new construction rooms pipeline outside the U.S. increased by 14% year-over-year, indicating significant growth potential in international markets [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company relaunched four brands, repositioning Radisson Individuals and Park Inn by Radisson to enhance market presence [25] - The focus remains on revenue-intensive brands, with 98% of the rooms in the global hotel pipeline within these brands, positioning the company for future growth [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the continued growth of hotel demand outpacing supply through 2026, positioning the company favorably for future expansion [26] - The company highlighted the success of its franchisee success system and hotel conversion capabilities as key drivers of growth [24] Other Important Information - The company celebrated the 85th anniversary of its founding brand, Quality Inn, which expanded to nearly 150,000 global rooms [25] - The loyalty program, Choice Privileges, grew to over 70 million members, with a significant portion of active members having high household incomes [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: What changes have you seen in Choice's customer base in the context of the revenue intense growth strategy? - Management noted that business travelers now represent 40% of the overall guest mix, and the loyalty program has attracted higher value customers with significant household incomes [28] Question: Can you expand on the increase in Choice's international footprint? - Management reported a 4.4% year-over-year growth in international business and a 14% increase in the new construction rooms pipeline outside the U.S., indicating strong potential for future growth [31]