Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter adjusted EBITDA rose 10% to $1.35 billion, exceeding expectations, while adjusted EPS grew 9% [15][17] - Global RevPAR increased by 0.5%, driven by nearly 1% ADR growth, offsetting a 30 basis point decline in occupancy [15][17] - Total gross fee revenues increased 4% year-over-year to $1.34 billion, primarily due to rooms growth and strong co-branded credit card fee growth [15][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR growth was strongest in the APEC region, increasing nearly 5%, driven by robust ADR growth and higher demand from international travelers [6][7] - International RevPAR grew 2.6%, outperforming the U.S. and Canada, where RevPAR was down 0.4% [5][6] - Luxury RevPAR rose 4%, while select service brands in the U.S. and Canada saw declines, impacting overall RevPAR performance [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR in EMEA rose 2.5%, with a potential 5% increase when excluding the impact of major events last year [7] - In Greater China, RevPAR was flat due to weaker macro conditions, although market share continued to grow [7][8] - The U.S. business transient RevPAR was flat, with government transient down 14% [8][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue strong net rooms growth, with a pipeline of over 596,000 rooms, including 250,000 under construction [9][21] - Focus on technology transformation to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency [12][14] - Launch of new brands like Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy and Series by Marriott to expand offerings [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates global RevPAR growth of 1%-2% in Q4, with stronger growth expected internationally compared to the U.S. [17][18] - Preliminary outlook for 2026 suggests similar RevPAR growth of 1.5%-2.5% as this year, with the World Cup expected to contribute positively [18][19] - Management remains optimistic about the future, citing strong cash flow performance and ongoing negotiations for credit card partnerships [14][22] Other Important Information - Membership in Marriott Bonvoy grew to nearly 260 million, up 18% year-over-year, enhancing customer engagement [11] - The company expects full-year G&A expenses to decline by 8%-9% due to efficiency initiatives [20][21] - Total investment spending for the year is expected to be around $1.1 billion, with a focus on growth and shareholder returns [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Credit card program and renewal parameters - Management acknowledged ongoing negotiations and highlighted the growth of the Bonvoy program, which has doubled in membership since 2017 [24][27] Question: Health of franchisees and owner requests - Management noted record signings and efforts to enhance top-line performance, indicating strong franchisee health [36][39] Question: Investment spending trends - Management clarified that increased investment spending is related to tech transformation and existing hotel CapEx, not new development-related key money [44][45] Question: 2026 outlook and RevPAR growth - Management expects U.S. RevPAR to improve slightly, driven by the World Cup, with group pace up 7% [48][50] Question: Development environment in APAC and China - Management reported strong rooms growth and signings in Asia, particularly in Greater China, with a 24% increase in signings year-over-year [60][64] Question: Business transient trends - Management indicated flat global business transient RevPAR, with government transient down significantly, but larger corporate segments showing strength [66][68] Question: AI and digital distribution opportunities - Management expressed optimism about leveraging AI for distribution and enhancing customer experience through new channels [74][76]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter adjusted EBITDA rose 10% to $1.35 billion, exceeding expectations, while adjusted EPS grew 9% [15][21] - Global REVPAR increased by 0.5%, with nearly 1% ADR growth offsetting a 30 basis point decline in occupancy [15][17] - Total gross fee revenues increased 4% year-over-year to $1.34 billion, driven by rooms growth and strong co-branded credit card fee growth [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - REVPAR growth was strongest in the luxury segment, which rose 4%, while select service brands in the US and Canada saw declines [8][9] - Incentive management fees (IMFs) totaled $148 million, down 7% year-over-year, primarily due to declines in the US and Canada [16] - Owned lease and other revenue net of expenses rose 16% compared to the prior year, driven by contributions from newly acquired properties [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International REVPAR grew 2.6%, outperforming the US and Canada, where REVPAR was down 0.4% [5][6] - APEC region saw nearly 5% REVPAR growth, driven by robust ADR growth and higher demand from international travelers [6][7] - Greater China faced challenges with flat REVPAR, impacted by macro conditions and multiple typhoons, although market share continued to grow [7][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to drive growth through technology transformation and expansion of its global portfolio, with a focus on high-end segments [10][12] - The launch of new brands like Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy reflects the company's strategy to diversify offerings and enhance guest experiences [10][11] - The company remains committed to maintaining an investment-grade rating while returning excess capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates global REVPAR growth of 1-2% in Q4, with stronger growth expected internationally compared to the US and Canada [17][18] - The preliminary outlook for 2026 suggests similar REVPAR growth of 1.5%-2.5%, with the World Cup expected to contribute positively [18][19] - Management expressed optimism about the future, citing strong cash flow performance and a robust pipeline of new hotel signings [21][22] Other Important Information - Membership in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program grew to nearly 260 million, up 18% year-over-year, enhancing guest engagement and value for owners [11] - The company is leveraging AI to improve customer experiences and operational efficiency [14][12] - The pipeline of new rooms reached a record high of over 596,000, with significant contributions from conversions [9][10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Credit card program and renewal parameters - Management acknowledged ongoing negotiations and highlighted the growth of the Bonvoy program, which has doubled in membership since 2017 [26][28] Question: Health of franchisee and owner requests - Management noted record signings and efforts to enhance top-line performance, indicating strong owner engagement [36][38] Question: Investment spending trends - Management clarified that increased investment spending is related to tech transformation and existing portfolio improvements, not a change in key money philosophy [44][45] Question: 2026 outlook and business transient trends - Management expects leisure to outperform business transient, with group pace showing positive signs for next year [46][49] Question: Development environment in APAC and China - Management reported strong growth in signings and room growth in APAC, particularly in Greater China, despite macro challenges [60][62] Question: Changes in underlying seasonality - Management observed an extension of peak seasonality into fall, with no significant shifts in customer mix from the US [78][81]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter adjusted EBITDA rose 10% to $1.35 billion, exceeding expectations, while adjusted EPS grew 9% [13][15] - Global REVPAR increased by 0.5%, driven by nearly 1% ADR growth, offsetting a 30 basis point decline in occupancy [13][15] - Total gross fee revenues increased 4% year-over-year to $1.34 billion, primarily due to rooms growth and strong co-branded credit card fee growth [13][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - REVPAR growth was strongest in the luxury segment, which rose 4%, while select service brands in the US and Canada saw declines [6][7] - Incentive management fees (IMFs) totaled $148 million, down 7% year-over-year, primarily due to declines in the US and Canada [14] - Owned lease and other revenue net of expenses rose 16% compared to the prior year, driven by contributions from newly acquired properties [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International REVPAR grew 2.6%, outperforming the US and Canada, where REVPAR was down 0.4% [4][5] - APEC region saw nearly 5% REVPAR growth, driven by robust ADR growth and higher demand from international travelers [4][5] - Greater China faced challenges with flat REVPAR due to weaker macro conditions, although market share continued to grow [5][6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for strong net rooms growth in 2025 and beyond, with a pipeline of over 596,000 rooms, including 250,000 under construction [8][18] - The launch of new brands like Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy reflects the company's strategy to diversify offerings and enhance guest experiences [9][10] - Continued focus on technology transformation and AI integration to improve operational efficiency and customer experience [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates global REVPAR growth of 1-2% in Q4, with stronger growth expected internationally compared to the US and Canada [15][16] - The company expects full-year 2025 REVPAR to rise between 1.5% and 2.5% year-over-year, with a positive impact from next summer's World Cup [16][18] - Management remains optimistic about the future, citing strong cash flow performance and a commitment to shareholder returns [19] Other Important Information - Membership in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program grew to nearly 260 million, up 18% year-over-year, enhancing customer engagement [10] - The company is committed to maintaining an investment-grade rating while returning excess capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide details on the credit card program and renewal? - Management acknowledged ongoing negotiations and highlighted the growth of the Bonvoy program, which has doubled in membership since 2017, indicating strong potential for future credit card fees [22][25][26] Question: What are the trends in franchisee health and owner requests? - Management noted record signings and efforts to enhance top-line performance, indicating strong franchisee health despite macroeconomic challenges [33][34] Question: Can you elaborate on investment spending trends? - Management clarified that increased investment spending is related to non-development expenditures and technology transformation, not a change in key money philosophy [37][38] Question: What is the outlook for business transient travel? - Business transient REVPAR was flat, with government transient down 15%, but larger corporate clients showed encouraging strength [57][58] Question: How is the development environment in APAC and China? - Management reported strong rooms growth and signings in Asia, particularly in Greater China, with a 24% year-over-year increase in room signings [51][56] Question: Are there any changes in underlying seasonality? - Management observed an extension of peak seasonality into the fall, with no significant shifts in the mix of U.S. customers in Europe [65][67]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter adjusted EBITDA rose 10% to $1,350 million, exceeding expectations [17] - Adjusted EPS grew 9% year over year [17] - Global RevPAR increased by 0.5%, driven by nearly 1% ADR growth, offsetting a 30 basis point decline in occupancy [17] - Total gross fee revenues increased 4% year over year to $1,340 million, primarily due to rooms growth and strong co-branded credit card fee growth [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR growth was strongest in the luxury segment, which rose 4%, while select service brands in the U.S. and Canada saw declines [8][9] - Incentive management fees (IMFs) totaled $148 million, down 7% year over year, primarily due to declines in the U.S. and Canada [18] - Owned, leased, and other revenue, net of expenses, rose 16% compared to the prior year, driven by contributions from the Sheraton Grand Chicago and improved performance at other hotels [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International RevPAR grew 2.6%, outperforming the U.S. and Canada, where RevPAR was down 0.4% [5] - RevPAR in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region increased nearly 5%, driven by robust ADR growth and higher demand from international travelers [6] - The operating environment in Greater China remains challenged, with RevPAR flat year over year, impacted by multiple typhoons [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to drive growth by expanding its global portfolio, which grew by 4.7% year over year to over 1.75 million rooms [4] - The launch of new brands, such as Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy and Series by Marriott, reflects the company's strategy to diversify offerings [12][13] - The company continues to focus on technology transformation to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future RevPAR growth, expecting an increase of 1% to 2% in Q4 and 1.5% to 2.5% for the full year 2025 [20][22] - The impact of the upcoming World Cup is anticipated to contribute around 30 to 35 basis points to full year global RevPAR growth [21] - Management acknowledged ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties but highlighted strong demand in the luxury segment and resilience among high-end consumers [8][9] Other Important Information - Membership in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program grew to nearly 260 million, up 18% year over year [13] - The company expects full year capital returns to shareholders to be roughly $4 billion while maintaining leverage in the lower part of the net debt to EBITDA range [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Credit card program and renewal conversation - Management discussed ongoing negotiations with credit card partners, emphasizing the growth of the Bonvoy program and its attractiveness to financial services partners [32][33] Question: Health of franchisee and RevPAR trends - Management noted record signings globally, indicating strong franchisee interest despite RevPAR slowing [41][42] Question: Investment spending trends - Management clarified that increased investment spending is related to non-development expenditures and tech transformation investments [45][47] Question: Business transient trends - Management reported flat global business transient RevPAR, with government transient down 15% year over year, but larger corporate clients showed strength [76][78] Question: Development environment in APAC and China - Management highlighted strong rooms growth and signings in APAC, particularly in India and Indonesia, while noting challenges in Greater China [70][73] Question: Changes in underlying seasonality - Management observed an extension of peak seasonality in Europe, with no significant shifts in U.S. customer demand [90][94]

Core Viewpoint - Marriott's brand transformation of its Fairfield Inn in China reflects its commitment to deepening its market presence, despite facing challenges in the Greater China region, which is currently the only market under pressure for the company [2][3]. Financial Performance - In Q2, Marriott reported total revenue of approximately $6.744 billion, a year-on-year increase of 4.73%, while net profit was about $763 million, a decrease of 1.17% [3]. - Adjusted net profit for the same period was approximately $728 million, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 1.68% [3]. - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 was around $1.415 billion [3]. RevPAR and Occupancy Rates - Global RevPAR increased by 1.5% year-on-year, with the U.S. and Canada markets remaining flat, while international markets saw a growth of 5.3% [3]. - In the Greater China region, RevPAR recorded a decline of 0.5% year-on-year, amounting to $80.06 [4]. - The overall occupancy rate for Marriott's global hotels was 72.2%, a decrease of 0.3 percentage points year-on-year, with Greater China's occupancy rate at 66.9%, reflecting a 0.3 percentage point increase [5]. Market Challenges - The Greater China region is experiencing a decline in average daily rate (ADR), which fell by 1.7% to $112.36, marking it as the only region with a decrease [6][7]. - The company noted that the business travel segment is under pressure, with government-related travel contributing to a decline in occupancy rates [9][10]. Future Outlook - Marriott's CEO indicated that despite macroeconomic uncertainties, global RevPAR growth is expected to be between 1.5% and 2.5% for 2025, with adjusted earnings per share projected between $9.85 and $10.08 [12]. - The company aims for a net room growth of approximately 5% for the year, focusing on the midscale to upscale market segments [11][12].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Marriott reported strong second quarter financial results, with global RevPAR increasing by 1.5% and net rooms growing by 4.7% year over year [5][10] - Total gross fee revenue rose by 4% year over year to $1.4 billion, driven by rooms growth and higher RevPAR [18] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 7% to $1.42 billion [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - International RevPAR rose over 5%, with APAC experiencing a 9% increase and EMEA a 7% increase [6][7] - RevPAR in the US and Canada was flat year over year, with select service and extended stay RevPAR declining around 1.5% [9] - Luxury RevPAR grew by 4%, while RevPAR in Greater China declined by 0.5% due to a weaker macro environment [8][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR in the Middle East rose over 10%, while Europe saw a 4% increase [7] - Government room nights in the US and Canada were down 16% year over year, impacting overall demand [21] - Group revenues for 2026 are pacing up 8% in the US and Canada, indicating a positive outlook for future periods [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance its technology infrastructure through a multi-year transformation project, focusing on loyalty, reservations, and property management systems [33][34] - Marriott is expanding its luxury portfolio and has launched new brands like Series by Marriott to attract value-conscious travelers [12][13] - The company is committed to maintaining its investment-grade rating while returning excess capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects full-year RevPAR growth to be in the lower end of the prior range, between 1.5% to 2.5% [10][20] - The luxury and full-service segments are anticipated to outperform lower-end chain scales, with a positive outlook for the fourth quarter due to holiday shifts and major events [20] - Economic uncertainty remains a concern, but management is optimistic about the long-term growth potential driven by strong demand in luxury and midscale segments [21][22] Other Important Information - The company announced the retirement of CFO Leeny Oberg, with a transition plan in place for her successors [15][16] - Marriott Media Network was introduced to connect brands with guests, leveraging insights into traveler behavior [14][58] Q&A Session Summary Question: Technology transformation project status and expected changes - The company is in the midst of a multi-year transformation of its main systems, with a focus on enhancing guest and owner experiences through new technology [33][34] Question: Implications of recent legislation on development and renovations - The passing of the legislation has reduced uncertainty, potentially driving renovation capital and development optimism among owners [42][43] Question: Group business outlook and lead volumes - Group revenues for 2026 are tracking positively, with no significant cancellations noted, indicating a stable outlook [48][49] Question: Marriott Media Network potential - Early interest from advertisers in the Marriott Media Network has exceeded expectations, indicating a promising future for this initiative [56][58] Question: Residential branding fees volatility - The company remains committed to its residential business, which is a smaller part of the overall fee stream but has high return potential [62][64] Question: Business transient trends and outlook - Business transient RevPAR was down 1% globally, excluding government demand, but corporates are returning to normal travel patterns [68][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Marriott reported a second quarter global RevPAR increase of 1.5%, driven by nearly 2% ADR growth, despite a 30 basis point decline in occupancy [16][5] - Total gross fee revenue increased by 4% year over year to $1.4 billion, reflecting rooms growth and higher RevPAR [16][17] - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 7% to $1.42 billion [17][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR in the luxury segment increased by 4%, while select service and extended stay RevPAR in the US and Canada declined by approximately 1.5% year over year [7][8] - International RevPAR rose over 5%, with APAC seeing a 9% increase and EMEA a 7% increase [6][5] - Owned, leased, and other revenue, net of expenses, rose by 14% compared to the prior year, driven by improved performance at various hotels [17][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR in Greater China declined by 0.5% year over year due to a weaker macro environment, while the US and Canada region's RevPAR was flat year over year [7][6] - Government room nights in the US and Canada were down 16% year over year in the second quarter [19][66] - Group revenues for 2026 are pacing up 8% in the US and Canada, indicating a positive outlook for future periods [19][45] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing its technology transformation, including a multi-year project on loyalty, reservations, and PMS systems [30][31] - Marriott is expanding its luxury portfolio and has plans to open an additional 27 luxury properties this year [12][11] - The introduction of the Marriott Media Network aims to connect brands with audiences throughout the guest journey, leveraging insights into traveler behavior [13][55] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects full year RevPAR growth to be in the lower end of the prior range, between 1.5% to 2.5% over last year, with stronger growth anticipated internationally [9][17] - The company anticipates a flat to 1% increase in global RevPAR for the third quarter, with a more optimistic outlook for the fourth quarter due to holiday shifts and major events [18][19] - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the group segment, despite macroeconomic uncertainties [86][85] Other Important Information - The company announced the retirement of CFO Leeny Oberg, with a transition plan in place [14][15] - The pipeline reached a record of over 590,000 rooms, with 40% under construction [9][10] - The company is committed to maintaining its investment-grade rating while returning excess capital to shareholders [25][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Technology transformation project status and expected changes - Management is in the midst of a multi-year transformation of key systems, with a focus on enhancing guest and owner experiences through new technology [30][31] Question: Implications of recent legislation on development and renovations - The passage of the legislation has reduced uncertainty, potentially driving more renovation capital and development optimism among owners [39][40] Question: Group business trends and future bookings - Group revenues for 2026 are tracking positively, with no significant cancellations noted, indicating a stable outlook [45][46] Question: Marriott Media Network potential - Early interest from prospective advertisers has exceeded expectations, indicating a promising future for the network [51][54] Question: Commitment to residential branding despite volatility - Management remains excited about the residential business, emphasizing its long-term value despite short-term fluctuations [58][60] Question: Business transient trends and outlook - Business transient RevPAR was down 1% excluding government demand, but overall corporate travel is returning to normal levels [64][67]