The position now accounts for 8% of AUM, making it the fund’s 4th-largest holding.What happenedAccording to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission dated November 12, 2025, Rock Creek Group, LP, sold 70,500 shares of Choice Hotels International (CHH +0.64%) in the third quarter. The stake’s value declined by $23.74 million relative to the previous quarter, bringing the holding to 741,079 shares worth $79.23 million as of September 30, 2025.What else to knowThis was a sale, leaving Choice Hotels ...

Core Insights - The company is optimistic about the U.S. lodging cycle, expecting stronger demand driven by lower interest rates, AI infrastructure investments, and favorable demographic trends, alongside significant events like the 2026 World Cup [1] - The hotel pipeline is projected to be 1.7 times more accretive than the current portfolio, indicating a focus on high-quality hotel additions that enhance earnings per unit [2] - The company achieved a nearly 2.5% year-over-year increase in global rooms, with a strong emphasis on higher revenue segments, which now constitute 90% of the portfolio [3] Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter rose 7% to $190 million, reflecting growth in higher revenue brand mix and international business contributions [4] - The company generated $185 million in operating cash flow year-to-date, with $69 million in the third quarter, supporting capital allocation priorities [38] - Adjusted earnings per share for the third quarter were $2.10, down from $2.23 year-over-year, primarily due to increased amortization expenses from the acquisition of Choice Hotels Canada [37] Market Trends - The U.S. economy transient segment occupancy has improved year-to-date, indicating a potential positive turn in the cycle [5] - The occupancy index across the U.S. portfolio has increased slightly year-to-date, a positive early indicator for broader RevPAR growth [6] - The international business is positioned as the fastest-growing segment, with a 35% growth in adjusted international EBITDA and an 8% year-over-year increase in the international portfolio [8] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focusing on a higher value direct franchising model, which has grown by 22 percentage points over the past three years, now representing 40% of the international rooms portfolio [7] - Investments in technology are aimed at enhancing franchisee support, with a $6 million technology investment program nearing completion [19] - The loyalty program has grown to over 73 million members, with enhancements expected to drive member engagement and direct bookings [23] Future Outlook - The company expects U.S. RevPAR to range between -3% and -2% for the full year, with a tightening of the adjusted EBITDA outlook to between $620 million and $632 million [40] - The focus remains on capturing demand from retirees and the blue-collar workforce, with significant growth expected in these demographics [24][60] - The company anticipates continued growth in international markets and a doubling of international adjusted EBITDA by 2027 [7][68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 7% year-over-year to $190 million, driven by a stronger revenue brand mix and growth in small and medium business traveler revenue [4][24] - Global rooms grew by 2.3% year-over-year, with higher revenue segments expanding by 3.3% [25][28] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for Q3 2025 was $2.10, down from $2.23 in the prior year, primarily due to increased amortization expenses and temporary tax impacts [31][35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. extended stay segment saw a 12% year-over-year growth in room system size, with openings increasing by 14% [25][28] - The international business achieved a 35% growth in adjusted EBITDA, with an 8% year-over-year increase in the international portfolio [9][24] - The economy transient segment outperformed its chain-scale RevPAR by 310 basis points year-to-date [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International RevPAR increased by 9.5% year-over-year, with EMEA leading at 11% growth [28] - U.S. RevPAR declined by 3.2% year-over-year, attributed to softer government and international inbound demand [28] - Canadian operations reported a 7% increase in RevPAR for Q3 [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its higher revenue-generating segments, with 98% of its global pipeline in these brands [5][24] - A strategic shift towards a higher value direct franchising model has been implemented, with international EBITDA margins expanding to 70% [8][9] - Investments in technology and AI are aimed at enhancing franchisee success and operational efficiency [16][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the U.S. lodging cycle, citing favorable demographic trends and upcoming events like the 2026 World Cup as demand catalysts [6][7] - The company anticipates sustained RevPAR growth driven by strategic investments and an expanding business travel base [29][36] - The retiree demographic is expected to significantly contribute to future demand, with a projected increase in travel spending [22][49] Other Important Information - The company returned $150 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases year-to-date [33] - The full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance has been tightened to a range of $620 million to $632 million [35] - The company is on track to complete its technology investment program, enhancing its operational capabilities [17][23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on the EverHome joint venture and asset recycling - Management explained that the joint venture allows for longer-term hotel ownership while still focusing on asset recycling, with a net benefit of $25 million from the transaction [37][39] Question: Rationale for not buying back stock during the quarter - The decision was based on prioritizing investments in the business and the acquisition of the remaining interest in Choice Hotels Canada [41][42] Question: Long-term outlook for room growth in the U.S. - Management indicated that the focus remains on high-quality products in the pipeline, with expectations for continued growth in higher value segments [43][44] Question: Insights on the RevPAR environment and competition - Management noted that the current environment is cyclical, with signs of recovery in occupancy rates, particularly in the economy segment [46][48] Question: Expectations for 2026 and growth opportunities - Management highlighted the growing retiree demographic and the resilience of small business travelers as key drivers for future growth [50][52]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total sales of €318.8 million for the year, a decrease of 3% compared to the previous year [6] - Gross margin improved to 36.3% in 2024, up from 34.3% in 2023 and 29.7% in 2019, indicating a significant enhancement in profitability [15][16] - The operational loss for the year was €6.3 million, a notable improvement from a loss of €22.5 million in 2019 with higher sales [16][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Branded sales accounted for €289 million, representing approximately 93% of total sales, an increase from 80% in 2019 [7][9] - Direct-to-operator store sales reached €70.1 million, up 4% from 2023 and 18% from 2019, driven primarily by growth in the U.S. market [11] - The company closed two underperforming Natuzzi Italia stores and one Divani Divani store, reflecting a strategic move to optimize retail locations [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a challenging and volatile market environment, impacting overall sales performance [6][7] - The U.S. market showed resilience with the opening of a new store in Denver, contributing to the growth in direct-to-operator sales [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on transforming from a manufacturer to a brand retailer, emphasizing the importance of retail presence and customer experience [10][24] - A significant restructuring effort was undertaken, including the relocation of production from Shanghai to Qinzhou, aimed at improving cost efficiency [14][21] - The company is committed to organic growth and enhancing profitability through improved sales per store and effective marketing strategies [98] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate current market challenges, highlighting the flexibility of its production capabilities across various regions [61][66] - The management acknowledged the uncertainty in the market due to potential tariff increases but emphasized the company's preparedness to protect margins [62][64] - The focus remains on improving consumer confidence and sales across all geographies, supported by new product launches and marketing initiatives [81][82] Other Important Information - The company has made significant investments in developing new marketing and retail competencies, aiming to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency [24][32] - A strategic divestment of non-core assets is ongoing, with the completion of a transaction involving High Point expected in March 2025 [19][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: How will increased tariffs impact pricing and margins? - Management indicated that they are proactively protecting margins through discussions with partners and implementing surcharges where necessary to mitigate tariff impacts [62][63] Question: What is the company's strategy for increasing revenue? - The focus is on organic growth, improving sales per store, and leveraging new collections and marketing strategies to drive traffic [98] Question: What tools and systems are in place to support the retail transition? - The company has developed analytical tools to diagnose store performance and improve merchandising strategies, enabling faster decision-making [90] Question: What is the outlook for profitability and potential retail expansion in the U.S.? - Management believes that breakeven can be achieved at lower sales levels than in the past, with a focus on nurturing new stores opened in the U.S. [99][100]