Company Overview - Aoris Investment Management released its Q4 2025 investor letter, focusing on high-quality, wealth-creating businesses with a target return of 8–12% p.a. over a 5–7-year market cycle [1] - The fund's Class A (Unhedged) returned –0.5% after fees, while Class C (Hedged) gained 0.1%, both underperforming their respective benchmarks [1] InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG) - InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (NYSE:IHG) is a leading global hospitality company, with a market capitalization of $20.1 billion [2] - The stock closed at $134.32 per share on March 11, 2026, with a one-month return of -7.92% and a 52-week gain of 20.59% [2] - IHG operates under various brands, including Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza, and has been gaining market share from independent hotels due to its reward programs and consistent service [3] - IHG reported strong results for its September quarter, showing growth in current earnings and a robust pipeline of new hotel openings [3] Hedge Fund Interest - IHG is not among the 40 most popular stocks among hedge funds heading into 2026, with 12 hedge fund portfolios holding IHG at the end of Q4, down from 14 in the previous quarter [4] - While IHG is recognized for its investment potential, certain AI stocks are considered to offer greater upside potential and less downside risk [4]

Core Viewpoint - The owner of the Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza chains reported increased profit and revenue for 2025, driven by expansion in key markets [1] Company Summary - The company is experiencing growth in profit and revenue, indicating a positive financial outlook for 2025 [1] - Expansion efforts in key markets are a significant factor contributing to this growth [1] Industry Summary - The hospitality industry is seeing a trend of recovery and expansion, particularly in major markets, which is beneficial for hotel chains like Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza [1]

Core Viewpoint - InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is anticipating a recovery in U.S. travel driven by the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite reporting a third consecutive quarterly decline in U.S. revenue per available room (RevPAR) [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - IHG's U.S. RevPAR fell by 2% in the latest quarter, underperforming competitors Hilton and Marriott [1] - The company reported a 1.6% growth in global room revenue for Q4, surpassing expectations of 1.5%, primarily due to growth in Greater China and a 7.1% increase in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia markets [1] - IHG's operating profit from reportable segments for 2025 rose by 13% to $1.27 billion, aligning closely with analyst expectations of $1.26 billion [1] Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - IHG has launched a $950 million share buyback program for 2026 and proposed a 10% increase in its annual dividend [1] - The company is optimistic about less turbulent trading conditions in the U.S. and expects stronger demand in the industry leading up to the World Cup [1] Group 3: Market Outlook - The upcoming FIFA World Cup is projected to attract between 1 million and 6 million foreign visitors to the U.S., which is expected to boost demand for IHG's services starting in the second quarter of 2026 [1] - Leisure travel trends in the U.S. have softened as consumers become more cost-conscious amid economic challenges [1]

Company Overview - Compass is a leading global contract caterer, serving 5.5 billion meals annually across more than 25 countries, and is recognized as a well-managed business [2] - The company derives approximately 75% of its revenues in U.S. dollars, highlighting its international operations [4] Currency Change Announcement - Compass announced it will change the currency of its share trading from sterling to U.S. dollars effective April 1, 2024, to align its trading currency with its reporting currency, thereby reducing foreign exchange volatility [1] - This move is part of a broader trend among British companies, with many now reporting in currencies other than sterling [8] Industry Context - The change in trading currency follows a recent adjustment in FTSE Russell's membership rules, allowing companies trading in dollars or euros to be considered for inclusion in the FTSE U.K. Index Series [5] - Other major companies, such as InterContinental Hotels Group, have also adopted this practice, indicating a shift in how British firms operate in global markets [6] Historical Perspective - The trend of companies reporting in foreign currencies is not new, with major firms like HSBC, AstraZeneca, and Shell having transitioned to dollar reporting in recent years [8][11] - Historically, Avis Europe was an early adopter of non-sterling reporting, having faced challenges in the past when attempting to report in the European Currency Unit [9][10] Market Reactions - The announcement from Compass has sparked discussions about the potential for more U.K. companies to follow suit and possibly list on the New York Stock Exchange, reflecting a growing trend of British firms seeking to align with global financial practices [4][13]

Core Insights - IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Rajdeep Infra & Sales to develop a new voco hotel in Lucknow, India, which will feature 135 rooms and is expected to open in Q3 2029 [1][2][3] Group 1: Expansion Strategy - The new voco hotel will be IHG's third property in Lucknow, complementing existing Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza hotels, and aligns with the company's strategy to enhance its presence in key urban locations across India [2][3] - IHG is actively pursuing growth in India, with a pipeline of 80 hotels under development and a goal to operate over 400 hotels in total within five years [5] Group 2: Market Potential - Lucknow, as the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is a significant hub for business, government, education, and tourism, attracting both domestic and international travelers [3][4] - The city’s dynamic growth makes it an ideal market for the voco brand, which aims to provide a premium and distinctive hospitality experience [4]

Core Insights - InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has successfully rebounded from the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on expanding its Holiday Inn brand globally [1] - The hotel industry remains competitive, with rivals like Marriott and Hilton also aiming to capture market share in rapidly growing regions [2] Expansion Strategy - China is identified as a crucial market for InterContinental's growth, with over 1,400 existing or planned hotels across more than 200 cities [3][4] - The company plans to broaden its presence beyond tier-1 cities in China, enhancing its footprint in both mainland China and Taipei [4] Technological Advancements - InterContinental has appointed Wei Manfredi to lead its artificial intelligence strategy, aiming to improve IT architecture and form partnerships with tech companies [5] - AI will play a role in maximizing revenue for hotel property managers and enhancing the traveler experience through AI-powered applications [6] Market Position and Growth Potential - InterContinental's midmarket reputation in the Americas presents opportunities for improvement, particularly in luxury and premium segments [7] - Despite a recovery in travel stocks, InterContinental's performance has lagged behind competitors, indicating potential for growth initiatives to enhance shareholder returns [8]

Company Overview - InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) operates nearly two dozen brands, including Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Staybridge Suites, Hotel Indigo, and Hualuxe, catering to various market segments [6]. Brand Evolution - The company has evolved significantly over the past fifty years, leveraging its well-known Holiday Inn brand to introduce new concepts such as Holiday Inn Express for business travelers and the Club Vacations resort chain [5][6]. Market Position - Despite having a strong brand presence, IHG has not received the same level of investor attention as some of its more prominent competitors, indicating a potential undervaluation in the market [2].

Group 1 - Aoris Investment Management's "Aoris International Fund" Q3 2025 investor letter reported a 6.5% rise in global equity markets, represented by the MSCI AC World Accumulation Index ex Australia, in AUD for the September quarter [1] - The fund's Class A (Unhedged) returned -2.6% after fees, while Class C (Hedged) declined by 1.0%, both underperforming their respective benchmarks [1] - The letter highlighted InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (NYSE:IHG) as a significant stock, with a one-month return of 6.51% and a 52-week gain of 13.24% [2] Group 2 - InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (NYSE:IHG) operates 6,600 hotels under 20 brands, with Holiday Inn being the largest, contributing to approximately half of its revenue [3] - As of December 22, 2025, InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (NYSE:IHG) had a market capitalization of $21.46 billion, with shares closing at $143.42 [2] - The company was held by 14 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q3 2025, a decrease from 16 in the previous quarter, indicating a decline in popularity among hedge funds [4]

Financial 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]

Financial 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 [5][6] - Year-to-date global RevPAR increased by 1.4% [22] - In the Americas, RevPAR decreased by 0.9% in Q3, with the U.S. down 1.6% due to slower trading conditions [5][6] - EMEA-A RevPAR increased by 2.8% in Q3, with year-to-date growth at 3.8% [6][7] - Greater China saw a 1.8% decline in RevPAR in Q3, an improvement from previous quarters [7][8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Rooms revenue for business days increased by 4% globally, while leisure and groups decreased by 2% and 4% respectively [8] - System growth included the opening of 14,500 rooms across 99 hotels globally, marking a 17% year-on-year increase [9] - The Americas saw a gross system growth of 3.6% year-on-year, with 2,700 rooms opened in Q3 [10] - EMEA-A region experienced a gross system growth of 10.4% year-on-year, with 4,200 rooms opened [11] - Greater China achieved a gross system growth of 12.8% year-on-year, with 7,600 rooms opened [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In EMEA-A, RevPAR growth varied by market, with the UK up 2.8% and the Middle East up 9.5% [7] - Greater China showed strong growth in Tier 1 cities, while Tiers 2 to 4 faced declines [8] - U.S. government travel remained about 20% lower than the previous year, impacting overall demand [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to launch a new collection brand targeting the upscale to upper upscale segment, initially focusing on the EMEA-A region [19][20] - The new brand aims to complement existing brands like Voco and Vignette Collection, which have seen success in the market [19][20] - The company is optimistic about long-term demand drivers, despite short-term challenges in the U.S. market [18][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in returning to growth in the U.S. as economic uncertainty subsides [6][18] - The outlook for 2025 includes expectations for 12% EBIT growth and 15% EPS growth [22] - Management highlighted strong fundamentals in the U.S. economy, including employment and consumer spending, as positive indicators for future performance [32][34] Other Important Information - The company is 78% through its $900 million share buyback program, reducing share count by 3.9% [14] - 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 [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Net system growth for 2026 and RevPAR outlook - Management is comfortable with a consensus of around 4.5% net system growth for 2025, with strong signings and conversions expected to continue [25][27] - RevPAR for the fourth quarter is expected to be similar to Q3, with short booking windows impacting performance [30][31] Question: New brand launch and U.S. demand weakness - The new brand launch is focused on the EMEA region due to a higher proportion of independent hotels available for conversion [42][43] - Weakness in U.S. leisure demand is attributed to several factors, including lower international inbound travel and economic uncertainties [47][48] Question: Timing of new brand launch and performance in China - Details on the new brand launch will be provided in the coming months, with expectations for continued improvement in China [55][56] Question: Ruby brand performance and churn rates - The Ruby brand is performing well with multiple signings and openings planned [62] - Management aims to reduce churn rates to 1.5% over the long term, with no immediate need for brand refreshes [66][67] Question: Buyback completion - Management is confident in completing the buyback program by the end of the year [67]