Wyndham Hotels & Resorts(WH) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA grew 9% on a comparable basis and adjusted EPS increased 20% [6][24] - Global RevPAR grew 2% in constant currency, with U.S. RevPAR starting strong but softening in February and March [7][9] - Free cash flow was $80 million, converting from adjusted EBITDA at approximately 55% [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fee-related and other revenues increased by $12 million year over year, driven by a 9% increase in royalties and franchise fees [22] - Ancillary revenue growth was primarily driven by higher credit card and partnership fees [22][19] - The company opened 15,000 rooms, a 13% increase from the previous year, and signed 6% more deals than a year ago [15][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International RevPAR grew in all regions except China, with Latin America seeing a 25% increase [8] - EMEA RevPAR rose 6%, while Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim posted 8% growth [8] - In China, RevPAR declined 8% year over year due to pricing pressure [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on growing its system and supporting franchisees, with a record first quarter for room additions [14][20] - The strategy includes prioritizing development in higher fee par geographies and expanding direct franchising [18] - The company aims to capture trade down demand from both leisure and business travelers seeking value [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the summer travel months despite recent softness in demand [10][41] - The outlook for full-year constant currency global RevPAR is revised to range between down 2% to up 1% [25][26] - Management remains confident in the long-term growth strategy and the resilience of the business model [29][21] Other Important Information - The company returned nearly $110 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends [24] - Wyndham was named one of the world's most ethical companies for the third straight year [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the changes in the U.S. RevPAR outlook? - Management noted that normalized April demand improved, with RevPAR running about a full point ahead of the prior year, indicating potential positive momentum [39][40] Question: What is the long-term outlook for net room growth? - Management reaffirmed a long-term net room growth outlook of 3% to 5%, with a record first quarter for room openings [52][56] Question: How is the company managing development costs amid rising prices? - Management highlighted efforts to shift sourcing and negotiate with suppliers to manage increased costs effectively [67][69] Question: What is the company's strategy regarding key money? - The company is being selective with key money allocations, focusing on high-quality revenue accretive opportunities [78][80] Question: How is the company addressing the recent trends in infrastructure demand? - Management reported a gradual resumption of infrastructure fund disbursements, with expectations of continued growth driven by private investment [106][110]