Marriott International(MAR) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

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]