Hyatt(US:H)2025-05-01 14:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a system-wide RevPAR growth of 5.7% for the quarter, with adjusted EBITDA increasing by approximately 24% to $273 million after adjusting for assets sold in 2024 [14][24][30] - Owned and leased segment adjusted EBITDA increased by 18% when adjusted for the net impact of asset sales [24] - The company ended the quarter with total liquidity of approximately $3.3 billion, including about $1.8 billion in cash and cash equivalents [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Business transient RevPAR grew by 12% in the quarter, driven by large corporate customers, while group RevPAR increased by 9% [14][21] - The company achieved net rooms growth of 10.5% during the quarter, with a pipeline of approximately 138,000 rooms, a 7% increase over last year [10][8] - The introduction of the Hyatt Select brand is expected to accelerate growth in the upper midscale segment in the United States [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR in the United States increased by 5.4%, positively impacted by the shift of Easter and the presidential inauguration [21] - In Greater China, RevPAR was flat compared to last year, but market share increased by approximately 1% [22] - RevPAR in Europe grew by 8.5%, driven by leisure travel growth [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on an asset-light business model, with over 80% of earnings now coming from asset-light operations [18] - The company plans to continue reducing ownership of hotels and is actively pursuing the sale of several owned properties [8] - The strategy includes expanding brand presence in suburban and small metro markets through new brands like Hyatt Select and Hyatt Studios [12][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted mixed indicators for future booking activity, with expectations for RevPAR growth in international markets to outperform the United States [15][17] - The company anticipates RevPAR growth to moderate for the remainder of the year, with a full-year RevPAR range of 1% to 3% [27][28] - Management expressed confidence in the strength of the asset-light model to navigate macroeconomic uncertainties [18][30] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately $149 million of Class A common stock during the quarter [24] - The company issued $1 billion of senior notes and closed on a $1.7 billion delayed draw term loan to finance the Playa acquisition [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on line items or business units performance in a choppy macro environment - Management noted strength in the first quarter but acknowledged a slowdown in leisure bookings, particularly in U.S. resorts, while all-inclusive business remains solid [35][36] Question: Booking trends and cancellations - Management indicated that while there were significant cancellations in government bookings, corporate bookings are up double digits [54][56] Question: Progress on Playa transaction - Management expects to sign a deal for asset dispositions soon, with a commitment to a total sell-down of $2 billion by 2027 [60][61] Question: Construction cost inflation and pipeline status - Developers are seeing cost inflation of up to 20%, but the pipeline is vibrant with about 30% under construction [68] Question: Non-hotel related fees outlook - Non-hotel related fees showed strong growth in the first quarter, with expectations for continued healthy growth throughout the year [81][84]