IHG(US:IHG)2025-10-23 09:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global RevPAR grew by 0.1% in Q3 2025, consistent with Q2 performance, driven by strong trading in EMEA-A and improvement in Greater China [4] - Year-to-date global RevPAR increased by 1.4% [20] - In the Americas, RevPAR decreased by 0.9% in Q3, with the U.S. down 1.6% due to slower trading conditions [4][5] - EMEA-A saw RevPAR growth of 2.8% in Q3, with year-to-date growth at 3.8% [5] - Greater China experienced a 1.8% decline in RevPAR in Q3, an improvement from previous quarters [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Rooms revenue for business days increased by 4% globally, while leisure and groups saw declines of 2% and 4% respectively [7] - System growth included the opening of 14,500 rooms across 99 hotels globally in Q3, marking a 17% year-on-year increase [8] - The Americas' gross system growth was 3.6% year-on-year, with 2,700 rooms opened in Q3 [9] - EMEA-A region achieved gross system growth of 10.4% year-on-year, with 4,200 rooms opened in Q3 [10] - Greater China reported gross system growth of 12.8% year-on-year, with 7,600 rooms opened in Q3 [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In EMEA-A, RevPAR growth varied by market, with the U.K. up 2.8% and the Middle East up 9.5% [6] - Greater China showed strong growth in Tier one cities, while Tier two to four cities faced declines [7] - The U.S. market continues to experience challenges with government travel down 20% compared to the previous year [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to launch a new collection brand focused on the premium segment, initially targeting the EMEA-A region [17][18] - The new brand aims to expand the company's offerings and attract more owners to its enterprise platform [17] - The company is optimistic about long-term demand drivers, despite short-term challenges in the U.S. market [16][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the return to growth in the U.S. as economic uncertainty subsides [5] - The company remains on track to meet full-year profit and earnings expectations, with consensus for operating profits at $1.259 billion, implying 12% growth [14][15] - Management highlighted strong fundamentals in the U.S. economy, including low unemployment and resilient consumer spending [30][32] Other Important Information - The company is 78% through its $900 million share buyback program, reducing share count by 3.9% [12] - IHG plans to change the currency of its ordinary shares traded on the London Stock Exchange from British pounds to U.S. dollars starting January 2026 [13][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Net system growth for 2026 and RevPAR outlook - Management is comfortable with consensus expectations for net system growth at around 4% for 2026, supported by strong signings and conversions [24][26] - RevPAR is expected to remain flat in Q4, with management confident in achieving growth in 2026 based on economic fundamentals [28][30] Question: New brand launch and U.S. demand weakness - The new brand launch is focused on the EMEA region due to a larger addressable market of independent hotels [39] - Weakness in U.S. leisure demand is attributed to several factors, including lower international inbound travel and temporary market conditions [44][45] Question: Ruby brand performance and churn rates - Ruby is performing well with five signings and 20 open hotels, with plans for further expansion in the U.S. [59] - Management aims to reduce churn rates to 1.5% over time, with no immediate need for brand refreshes [63] Question: U.S. occupancy and industry dynamics - Management noted that improved revenue management strategies have led to higher rates, leaving room for occupancy growth [71] - The company is optimistic about returning to pre-COVID occupancy levels, despite current challenges in the U.S. market [73]