Corinthia growing with ‘clearer focus on efficiency,’ says CEO Simon Naudi

Corinthia Group’s continued growth will come with a renewed strategic focus, according to IHI plc CEO Simon Naudi in comments made to stockbrokers following the publication of IHI’s financial results.

“We are growing on all fronts – as investors, developers and operators – but with a clearer focus on efficiency and capital discipline.”

He said the transition towards a more asset-light model is already visible in recent activity, pointing to the sale of a 72 per cent stake in the Corinthia Hotel Lisbon, based on a €150 million valuation, with IHI retaining a minority share and continuing to manage the property – a model it is now looking to replicate with other mature assets, including Prague.

Corinthia Chairman Alfred Pisani outlined a strategy for IHI plc, centred on regular dividends, improved efficiency and the selective disposal of mature hotel assets to support sustained shareholder returns.

The Chairman said the Group will increasingly focus on profitability, and look to offload mature properties and realise their capital appreciation while redeploying funds into higher-return opportunities in support of growth and a consistent dividend policy.

A central element of the model is the expansion of third-party management agreements generating recurring income without the burden of financing development costs and depreciation, and strengthening overall margins through improved efficiency.

He added that growth in the Group’s service companies – Corinthia Hotels CHL, QP-EQ and C-Rev – is expected to more than offset the impact of asset disposals.

The Chairman’s remarks come as IHI reported a sharp rise in profits for 2025.

Revenue increased by 9.3 per cent to €335.3 million, while net profit attributable to shareholders reached €20.8 million, up from just over €4 million the previous year. Total assets now exceed €1.9 billion, with net asset value per share climbing to €1.52, a net increase of 1 billion.

The Board has recommended an interim dividend of 3c per share, reflecting both performance and confidence in the Group’s outlook.

The group’s expansion continues across key markets, with new openings in New York, Brussels, Bucharest and Rome, and a growing pipeline spanning Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

The group is also seeking third party capital for new projects being led by C-rev in new locations such as Beverley hills and the Caribbean.

IHI is now involved in more than 30 hotels under ownership or operating on behalf of third parties.

Mr Pisani said the focus now is on building a leaner, more agile organisation capable of delivering consistent returns, supported by a stronger earnings base and regular dividend distributions.