101 posts categorized "financial"

June 19, 2013

Marriott Announces Plans to Transfer Business Services to Accenture; Accenture to Provide Finance and Accounting Services to Marriott; Accenture to Form Accenture Hospitality Services

Marriott International Accenture Logos
BETHESDA, Md., and NEW YORK – Leveraging the strengths of both organizations, Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) and Accenture (NYSE: ACN) today announced plans for a strategic collaboration through which Marriott will transition the services provided by its Louisville, Tenn.-based Marriott Business Services (MBS) finance and accounting (F&A) unit to Accenture, and Accenture will provide F&A services to Marriott and its franchisees.
 
In conjunction with the collaboration, Accenture will create a new business service, Accenture Hospitality Services (AHS), built in part around the operations and capabilities coming from Marriott’s MBS unit. Accenture Hospitality Services will provide management consulting, technology and business process outsourcing services to companies in the hospitality industry.
 
The plan includes the transfer of MBS and its associates to Accenture, and the Louisville operation, just outside of Knoxville, will become an Accenture center of excellence for finance and accounting business process outsourcing and provide those services to Marriott as part of AHS. The best-in-class capabilities from MBS will be combined with proprietary assets, business processes, and software, as well as analytics capabilities for the hospitality sector.
 
The arrangement is designed to provide Marriott’s hotel owners with savings and benefits over a 10-year period comprised of lower costs for a range of business services that will be delivered by Accenture.
 
Carl Berquist, Marriott International’s chief financial officer, said, “Our announcement will provide a new pathway to opportunities for our MBS business and associates.   Capitalizing on both the foundation MBS has built since its inception in 2001 and Accenture’s economies of scale, Accenture Hospitality Services will immediately be able to attract customers throughout the hospitality industry – something MBS could not do as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott.   AHS will also benefit from Accenture’s substantial resources, including people, marketing systems and process management, to enhance operations and attract Accenture customers across other industries, generating even more growth opportunities.”
 
Paul Loftus, global managing director of Accenture’s Hospitality Industry Group said, “By combining the world-class financial processes developed by MBS with Accenture’s scale and cross-industry expertise, Accenture will create a new business service to help lodging and hospitality companies better target strategic outcomes, achieve greater agility and drive new growth areas. We look forward to offering new career opportunities for MBS associates as we develop and grow AHS.”
 
Subject to final contract execution, the agreement envisions transition of MBS operations and services to Accenture beginning in August, with the full transition being largely complete by early September.
 
About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 74 countries and territories.  The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands.  For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.
 
About Accenture
Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, with approximately 261,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive capabilities across all industries and business functions, and extensive research on the world’s most successful companies, Accenture collaborates with clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. The company generated net revenues of US$27.9 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2012. Its home page is www.accenture.com

Note on forward-looking statements: This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws, including the expected timing and completion of the transfer of MBS, the anticipated benefits to hotel owners, the ability of AHS to attract customers throughout the hotel industry, and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including agreement by the parties on, and execution of, final contracts; changes in market conditions; the continuation and pace of the economic recovery; and competitive conditions in the lodging industry.  Some of the additional factors that could cause actual results to differ are discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in each of Marriott’s and Accenture’s most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and are incorporated herein by reference. Any of these factors as well as other risks could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release. We make these forward-looking statements as of June 19, 2013. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Connect with thomas.marder@marriott.com, jeff.flaherty@marriott.com and alex.pachetti@accenture.com

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May 10, 2013

Marriott International Increases Dividend 30 Percent

MILogoHorizBlackMarriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) today announced that its Board of Directors raised the company’s quarterly dividend by four cents ($0.04) to seventeen cents ( $0.17) per share, which represents a 30 percent increase over the previous quarterly dividend amount of $0.13 per share. The dividend is payable on June 28, 2013 to shareholders of record on May 24, 2013.

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 74 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

CONTACT:
Tom Marder
(301) 380-2553
thomas.marder@marriott.com

IRPR#1

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May 01, 2013

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL REPORTS FIRST QUARTER 2013 RESULTS

MILogoHorizBlack

FIRST QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

• First quarter diluted EPS totaled $0.43, a 43 percent increase over prior year results;

• Operating income increased $51 million in the first quarter to $226 million, including an estimated $23 million increase relating to the change in the fiscal calendar;

• North American comparable company-operated REVPAR rose 5.8 percent in the first quarter with average daily rate up 5.3 percent;

• On a constant dollar basis, worldwide comparable systemwide REVPAR rose 4.6 percent in the first quarter, including a 3.8 percent increase in average daily rate;

• At the end of the first quarter, the company’s worldwide pipeline of hotels under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development increased to over 135,000 rooms, including more than 64,000 rooms outside North America;

• Nearly 5,300 rooms opened during the quarter, including roughly 1,200 rooms converted from competitor brands and over 3,000 rooms in international markets.  The company added over 16,000 rooms to the pipeline during the first quarter;

• Marriott repurchased 5.4 million shares of the company’s common stock for $212 million during the first quarter.  Year-to-date through April 30, 2013, the company repurchased 8.1 million shares for $324 million;

BETHESDA, MD – May 1, 2013 - Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) today reported first quarter 2013 results.  Due to the company’s change in the fiscal calendar beginning in 2013, the first quarter of 2013 reflects the period from December 29, 2012 through March 31, 2013 (93 days) compared to the 2012 first quarter, which reflects the period from December 31, 2011 through March 23, 2012 (84 days).  Prior year results have not been restated for the change in fiscal calendar, although revenue per available room (REVPAR), occupancy and average daily rate statistics are reported for calendar quarters for purposes of comparability.

First quarter 2013 net income totaled $136 million, a 31 percent increase compared to first quarter 2012 net income.  Diluted earnings per share (EPS) totaled $0.43, a 43 percent increase from diluted EPS in the year-ago quarter.  On February 19, 2013, the company forecasted first quarter diluted EPS of $0.37 to $0.42.

Arne M. Sorenson, president and chief executive officer of Marriott International, said, “Our business has seen dramatic recovery in the past few years.  In fact, in the first quarter of 2013, we exceeded peak 2007 levels for fee revenue and North American systemwide REVPAR.  Our worldwide development pipeline also reached a record level.  We are more global than ever having grown our system outside the U.S. by nearly 40 percent in the past 6 years.

“Our business is highly resilient.  Our first quarter fee revenue exceeded our expectations.  North American systemwide REVPAR increased nearly 5 percent reflecting strong transient demand and favorable pricing.  Increasingly profitable hotels drove our incentive fees to $66 million with particular strength among full-service hotels in the U.S. 

“Group booking pace for the Marriott Hotels and Resorts brand in North America for the remainder of 2013 is up 4 percent, reflecting somewhat more cautious short-term corporate group demand.  At the same time, our 2014 group booking pace has improved dramatically, now up 5 percent compared to a 4 percent decline just a year ago, reflecting strong long-term group demand and rapidly filling hotels.

“Our development pipeline increased to more than 135,000 rooms under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development, and nearly 20 percent ahead of year-ago levels.  We are delighted by the trust and confidence placed in us by our owners and franchisees around the world.”

For the 2013 first quarter, REVPAR for worldwide comparable systemwide properties increased 4.6 percent (a 4.5 percent increase using actual dollars).

In North America, comparable systemwide REVPAR increased 4.8 percent in the first quarter of 2013, including a 4.2 percent increase in average daily rate.  REVPAR for comparable systemwide North American full-service and luxury hotels (including Marriott Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance Hotels and Autograph Collection) increased 5.5 percent with a 4.3 percent increase in average daily rate.  REVPAR for comparable systemwide North American limited-service hotels (including Courtyard, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites, TownePlace Suites and Fairfield Inn & Suites) increased 4.1 percent in the first quarter with a 4.0 percent increase in average daily rate.

International comparable systemwide REVPAR rose 4.1 percent (a 3.7 percent increase using actual dollars), including a 1.5 percent increase in average daily rate (a 1.1 percent increase using actual dollars) in the first quarter of 2013.

Marriott added 32 new properties (5,257 rooms) to its worldwide lodging portfolio in the 2013 first quarter, including The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal and the L’Hermitage Gantois, an Autograph Collection hotel in France.  Eleven properties (2,322 rooms) exited the system during the quarter.  At quarter-end, the company’s lodging group encompassed 3,822 properties and timeshare resorts for a total of over 663,000 rooms.

The company’s worldwide pipeline of hotels under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development increased to approximately 800 properties with over 135,000 rooms at quarter-end.

MARRIOTT REVENUES totaled more than $3.1 billion in the 2013 first quarter compared to revenues of over $2.5 billion for the first quarter of 2012.  Base management and franchise fees totaled $304 million, a $54 million increase from the first quarter of 2012 of which the company estimates $31 million relates to the change in the fiscal calendar.  In addition to the calendar change impact, the year-over-year increase reflects higher REVPAR at existing hotels, fees from new hotels and the favorable impact of $3 million of fee reversals at two hotels due to contract revisions in the year-ago quarter.  First quarter worldwide incentive management fees increased 32 percent to $66 million and included an approximately $6 million increase relating to the change in the fiscal calendar.  In the first quarter, 33 percent of worldwide company-managed hotels earned incentive management fees compared to 29 percent in the year-ago quarter. 

Owned, leased, corporate housing and other revenue, net of direct expenses, totaled $36 million, compared to $22 million in the year-ago quarter.  The $14 million increase largely reflects higher credit card and residential branding fees, as well as higher termination fees, partially offset by weaker operating results, primarily at one international leased property and costs related to a lease the company terminated.  The company also estimates that approximately $1 million of the year-over-year increase relates to the change in fiscal calendar.

GENERAL, ADMINISTRATIVE and OTHER expenses for the 2013 first quarter increased $33 million to $180 million.  First quarter 2013 expenses reflected an approximately $15 million increase related to the change in fiscal calendar, routine increases in compensation and other expenses, branding and service initiatives and growth in international markets.  Expenses in the 2013 first quarter also included a $2 million change in estimate for compensation paid in 2013 but associated with 2012; $3 million of higher amortization of contract acquisition costs, largely related to the Gaylord transaction; and a $3 million unfavorable foreign exchange impact, which included $2 million related to the Venezuelan currency devaluation. 

Earnings before Interest Expense, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA)
EBITDA totaled $268 million in the 2013 first quarter, a 25 percent increase over 2012 first quarter EBITDA of $215 million.  See page A-6 for the EBITDA calculation.

BALANCE SHEET
At the end of the first quarter, total debt was $3,255 million and cash balances totaled $221 million, compared to $2,935 million in debt and $88 million of cash at year-end 2012.

COMMON STOCK
Weighted average fully diluted shares outstanding used to calculate diluted EPS totaled 320.0 million in the 2013 first quarter, compared to 344.6 million in the year-ago quarter.

The company repurchased 5.4 million shares of common stock in the first quarter at a cost of $212 million.  Year-to-date through April 30, 2013, Marriott repurchased 8.1 million shares of its stock for $324 million.  The remaining share authorization as of April 30, 2013, totaled 26.2 million shares.

2013 OUTLOOK
The company will report its 2013 results on a calendar basis, with quarters ending on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31.  The second quarter of 2013 will include 91 days compared to 84 days in the 2012 second quarter.  Prior year results will not be restated or reported on a pro forma basis for the change in fiscal calendar, although REVPAR statistics will be adjusted to calendar quarters for purposes of comparability.

For the second quarter, the company expects comparable systemwide calendar REVPAR on a constant dollar basis will increase 5 to 7 percent in North America, 2 to 4 percent outside North America and 4 to 6 percent worldwide.

The company expects second quarter 2013 operating profit could total $275 million to $295 million, a $32 million to $52 million increase over the prior year quarter.  The company estimates that roughly $20 million of the year-over-year operating profit increase in the second quarter will be attributable to the change in the fiscal calendar.

The company expects full year 2013 comparable systemwide REVPAR on a constant dollar basis will increase 4.5 to 7 percent in North America, 3 to 5 percent outside North America and 4 to 7 percent worldwide.

The company anticipates adding approximately 30,000 to 35,000 rooms worldwide for the full year 2013.  The company also expects approximately 10,000 rooms will leave the system during the year.

The company assumes full year fee revenue could total $1,535 million to $1,585 million, growth of 8 to 12 percent over 2012 fee revenue of $1,420 million.

The company expects owned, leased, corporate housing and other revenue, net of expenses could total $140 million to $150 million in 2013, a 9 to 15 percent decline year-over-year.  Expected results for 2013 reflect tougher year-over-year comparisons due to the London Olympics, 2013 renovations at some international leased hotels, higher pre-opening expenses, and lower termination and residential branding fees.

For 2013, the company anticipates general, administrative and other expenses will total $675 million to $685 million, an increase of 5 to 6 percent over 2012 expenses of $645 million.  The increase in guidance for general, administrative and other expenses from February 2013 largely reflects the higher than anticipated spending in the first quarter related to unfavorable foreign exchange, legal expenses and a change in estimate for compensation paid in 2013, but associated with 2012.

Given these assumptions, 2013 diluted EPS could total $1.93 to $2.08, a 12 to 21 percent increase year-over-year.  In 2012, the company recorded a $41 million pretax ($25 million after-tax and $0.08 per diluted share) gain on the sale of the equity interest in the Courtyard joint venture.  Excluding that gain from 2012 diluted EPS, the company estimates 2013 diluted EPS could increase 18 to 27 percent year-over-year as shown on page A-9. 

 

Second Quarter 2013  Full Year 2013 
 Total fee revenue         $405 million to $415 million         $1,535 million to $1,585 million
 Owned, leased, corporate housing and other revenue, net of direct expenses $40 million to $45 million $140 million to $150 million
 General, administrative and other expenses     $165 million to $170 million     $675 million to $685 million
 Operating income     $275 million to $295 million     $990 million to $1,060 million
 Gains and other income     Approx. $3 million Approx. $10 million
 Net interest expense1 Approx. $25 million     Approx. $100 million
 Equity in earnings (losses) Approx. $3 million Approx. $0 million
 Earnings per share     $0.55 to $0.59 $1.93 to $2.08
 Tax rate    33.0 percent

1Net of interest income

The company expects investment spending in 2013 will total approximately $600 million to $800 million, including approximately $100 million for maintenance capital spending.  Investment spending also includes other capital expenditures (including property acquisitions), new mezzanine financing and mortgage notes, contract acquisition costs, and equity and other investments.  Assuming this level of investment spending, approximately $800 million to $1 billion could be returned to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.

Based upon the assumptions above, the company expects full year 2013 EBITDA will total $1,185 million to $1,255 million, a 3 to 10 percent increase over prior year’s EBITDA.  Excluding the $41 million Courtyard joint venture gain from 2012 EBITDA, the company expects 2013 EBITDA will increase 7 to 14 percent year-over-year as shown on page A-7.

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) will conduct its quarterly earnings review for the investment community and news media on Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time (ET).  The conference call will be webcast simultaneously via Marriott’s investor relations website at http://www.marriott.com/investor, click the “Recent and Upcoming Events” tab and click on the quarterly conference call link.  A replay will be available at that same website until May 2, 2014.

The telephone dial-in number for the conference call is 706-679-3455 and the conference ID is 25765606.  A telephone replay of the conference call will be available from 1 p.m. ET, Thursday, May 2, 2013 until 8 p.m. ET, Thursday, May 9, 2013.  To access the replay, call 404-537-3406.  The conference ID for the recording is 25765606.

Note on forward-looking statements:  This press release and accompanying schedules contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws, including REVPAR, profit margin and earnings trends, estimates and assumptions; the number of lodging properties we expect to add to or remove from our system in the future; our expectations about investment spending; and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts.  We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those we identify below and other risk factors that we identify in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K or quarterly report on Form 10-Q.  Risks that could affect forward-looking statements in this press release include changes in market conditions; the continuation and pace of the economic recovery; supply and demand changes for hotel rooms; competitive conditions in the lodging industry; relationships with clients and property owners; and the availability of capital to finance hotel growth and refurbishment.  Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release.  We make these forward-looking statements as of May 1, 2013.  We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 74 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012.  The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands, including Marriott Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Bulgari, EDITION, Renaissance, Gaylord Hotels, Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by Marriott, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Marriott Executive Apartments, Marriott Vacation Club, Grand Residences by Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club.  There are approximately 325,000 employees at headquarters, managed and franchised properties.  Marriott is consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business operations, which it conducts based on five core values: put people first, pursue excellence, embrace change, act with integrity, and serve our world. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com

Click here to Download MAR Q1 2013 Press Release Schedules - FINAL.

Contacts:  thomas.marder@marriott.com or betsy.dahm@marriott.com

 

 

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April 29, 2013

Marriott International to Webcast its Annual Meeting on May 10, 2013

MILogoHorizBlackBethesda, Md., April 29, 2013 – Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) will provide a live audio webcast of its Annual Meeting of Shareholders, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time on May 10.  To access the webcast on May 10, or as a recording through the end of the year, go to http://www.marriott.com/investor and click on the "Annual Meeting" page on the left hand navigation bar.  

To view an interactive version of Marriott’s 2012 Annual Report, including a video message from the company’s president and CEO and short videos featuring the company’s four regional presidents, visit www.Marriott.com/investor and click “Annual Report.”

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 74 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012.  The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

Connect with elizabeth.mcglasson@marriott.com

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March 25, 2013

Marriott International Announces May 1 as Release Date for First Quarter 2013 Earnings

MARRIOTTMarriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) will report first quarter 2013 earnings results on Wednesday, May 1, 2013, at approximately 5:00 pm Eastern Time (ET).  The company will hold a conference call for the investment community to discuss its first quarter 2013 earnings on Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 10 a.m. ET.  News media can also access the conference call in a listen-only mode.  Mr. Arne Sorenson, Marriott International's president and chief executive officer, and Mr. Carl Berquist, Marriott International's executive vice president and chief financial officer, will discuss the company's performance.

The conference call will be webcast simultaneously via Marriott’s investor relations website.  Investors and news media wishing to access the call on the web should log on to http://www.marriott.com/investor, and click the link for the first quarter earnings call under “Recent and Upcoming Events”.  A replay will be available at that same website until May 2, 2014.  A transcript of the call will also be available on the company’s website.

The telephone dial-in number for the conference call is 706-679-3455.  Please use conference ID 25765606 when dialing into the call.  To help ensure you do not miss any of the conference call, please dial-in or link to the call on the web 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

A telephone replay of the conference call will be available from 1 p.m. ET, Thursday, May 2, 2013 until 8 p.m. ET, Thursday, May 9, 2013.  To access the replay, call 404-537-3406.  The conference ID for the recording is 25765606.
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Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

Connect with thomas.marder@marriott.com

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March 05, 2013

Marriott International CFO to Speak at J.P. Morgan Conference March 7; Remarks to be Webcast

Marriott International Logo HBETHESDA, MD. – Carl Berquist, executive vice president and chief financial officer at Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR), will speak at the 2013 J.P. Morgan Gaming, Lodging, Restaurant & Leisure Management Access Forum, to be held on Thursday, March 7.  Mr. Berquist’s presentation will be at approximately 5:15 p.m., Eastern Time, and will be webcast live.

To access the webcast, please go to http://www.marriott.com/investor, and then click on the link to the “J.P. Morgan Lodging Forum” under “Recent and Upcoming Events.”

The webcast will be available until June 4, 2013 at the same site.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

Connect with thomas.marder@marriott.com

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February 19, 2013

Marriott International Reports on Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2012

MARRIOTTBETHESDA, Md. – February 19, 2013 - Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) today reported its fourth quarter and full year 2012 results, including the following highlights:

• Fourth quarter diluted EPS totaled $0.56, a 22 percent increase over prior year adjusted results.  Full year 2012 diluted EPS increased 31 percent over 2011 adjusted results to $1.72;

• North American comparable systemwide REVPAR rose 5.9 percent in the fourth quarter and 6.4 percent for full year 2012; 

• On a constant dollar basis, worldwide comparable systemwide REVPAR rose 5.2 percent in the fourth quarter and 6.1 percent for full year 2012;

• Worldwide comparable company-operated house profit margins increased 90 basis points in the fourth quarter and 120 basis points for the full year;

• At year-end, the company’s worldwide pipeline of hotels under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development increased to nearly 130,000 rooms, including almost 59,000 rooms outside North America;

• Over 27,000 rooms were added to the system in 2012.  In the fourth quarter alone, nearly 14,000 rooms were added, including 8,100 Gaylord-branded rooms and 2,800 rooms in international markets.  The company signed a record 57,000 rooms in 2012;

• EBITDA for full year 2012 totaled $1,146 million, a 16 percent increase over 2011 adjusted EBITDA;

• For full year 2012, Marriott repurchased 31.2 million shares of the company’s common stock for $1.2 billion including 6.9 million shares for $257 million in the fourth quarter;

• For full year 2013, Marriott expects North American and worldwide systemwide constant dollar REVPAR to increase 4 to 7 percent.

Fourth quarter 2012 net income totaled $181 million, a 14 percent increase compared to fourth quarter 2011 adjusted net income.  Diluted earnings per share (EPS) totaled $0.56, a 22 percent increase from adjusted diluted EPS in the year-ago quarter.  On October 3, 2012, the company forecasted fourth quarter diluted EPS of $0.52 to $0.56.

For the fourth quarter of 2011, reported net income totaled $141 million and reported diluted EPS was $0.41.  Adjusted net income and adjusted diluted EPS for the year-ago quarter excluded $14 million pretax ($18 million after-tax and $0.05 per diluted share) of timeshare spin-off adjustments.  Timeshare spin-off adjustments included items such as the removal of timeshare business operating results and spin-off transaction costs, as well as the addition of license fees and other related items as if the spin-off had occurred on the first day of fiscal 2011.  See page A-1 for fourth quarter 2011 reported results, the timeshare spin-off adjustments and adjusted results.

Arne M. Sorenson, president and chief executive officer of Marriott International, said, “We were delighted with our 2012 results.  Full year earnings per share grew 31 percent over 2011 adjusted levels to $1.72 and EBITDA increased 16 percent to over $1.1 billion.  We also returned over $1.3 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

“Worldwide international travel increased to record levels in 2012 while hotel supply growth was low in most markets around the world, especially in the U.S.  Despite low levels of new construction in the industry and modest economic growth in some regions of the world, we added over 27,000 rooms to our worldwide system in 2012, increased our worldwide systemwide REVPAR by 6 percent and increased room rates by 4 percent.  Our development team had a record year, signing more than 57,000 new rooms and increasing our global development pipeline to nearly 130,000 rooms at year-end.  To date in 2013, we’ve already signed over 9,000 rooms with nearly 90 percent of those in Asia.

“Twenty percent of our room additions in 2012 were conversions from other brands and 30 percent came from the acquisition of the Gaylord brand.  Thirty percent of all new rooms were located in international markets.  We are excited about our new brand platforms such as the Autograph Collection and EDITION.  Now on four continents, the Autograph Collection has grown to nearly 40 hotels in less than three years.  We’ll soon open our London EDITION hotel and we have six more EDITIONs in our development pipeline.  Today, our luxury brands, Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bulgari, and JW Marriott, together with our luxury lifestyle brand, EDITION, have broad distribution with nearly 150 hotels and over 50,000 rooms.

“Our unit growth is built on our strong brand portfolio fueled by outstanding marketing and service engines.  In 2012, our award-winning Marriott Rewards program topped 40 million members and marriott.com booked over $8 billion in property-level revenue, making it one of the largest retail websites in the world. 

“In January 2013, North American comparable company-operated REVPAR rose 8 percent.  While this year is off to a strong start, we are providing a somewhat broader and more conservative range for 2013 REVPAR growth due to the potential effect on the travel industry of the impending federal budget sequestration.”

For the 2012 fourth quarter, revenue per available room (REVPAR) for worldwide comparable systemwide properties increased 5.2 percent (a 4.7 percent increase using actual dollars).

In North America, comparable systemwide REVPAR increased 5.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2012, including a 4.0 percent increase in average daily rate.  REVPAR for comparable systemwide North American full-service and luxury hotels (including Marriott Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance Hotels and Autograph Collection Hotels) increased 5.7 percent with a 3.4 percent increase in average daily rate.  REVPAR for comparable systemwide North American limited-service hotels (including Courtyard, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites, TownePlace Suites and Fairfield Inn & Suites) increased 6.0 percent in the fourth quarter with a 4.4 percent increase in average daily rate.

International comparable systemwide REVPAR rose 3.2 percent (a 0.7 percent increase using actual dollars), including a 0.5 percent increase in average daily rate (a 1.9 percent decline using actual dollars) in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Marriott added 37 new properties (13,982 rooms) to its worldwide lodging portfolio in the 2012 fourth quarter, including five Gaylord properties (8,098 rooms) from the acquisition of the brand and hotel management business. The JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, the tallest dedicated hotel building in the world, and Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, in Puerto Rico were also added in the quarter while the Brown Palace Hotel in Denver joined the Autograph Collection.  Six properties (1,398 rooms) exited the system during the quarter.  At quarter-end, the company’s lodging group encompassed 3,801 properties and timeshare resorts for a total of over 660,000 rooms.

The company’s worldwide pipeline of hotels under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development increased to approximately 800 properties with nearly 130,000 rooms at year-end.

MARRIOTT REVENUES totaled over $3.7 billion in the 2012 fourth quarter compared to adjusted revenues of $3.4 billion for the fourth quarter of 2011.  Base management and franchise fees rose 7 percent over prior year adjusted levels to $369 million, reflecting higher REVPAR at existing hotels and fees from new hotels.  Fourth quarter worldwide incentive management fees increased 22 percent to $90 million including a $3 million favorable impact of the recognition of previously deferred fees.  In the fourth quarter, 30 percent of worldwide company-managed hotels earned incentive management fees compared to 27 percent in the year-ago quarter.  For full year 2012, 33 percent of worldwide company-managed hotels earned incentive management fees compared to 29 percent in 2011.

Worldwide comparable company-operated house profit margins increased 90 basis points in the fourth quarter.  North American comparable company-operated house profit margins increased 120 basis points and house profit margins for comparable company-operated properties outside North America increased 30 basis points from the year-ago quarter.  For full year 2012, comparable company-operated house profit margins increased 140 basis points in North America, 90 basis points outside North America and 120 basis points worldwide.

Owned, leased, corporate housing and other revenue, net of direct expenses, totaled $56 million, unchanged compared to the year-ago quarter.  Improved results at owned and leased hotels and higher credit card branding fees were largely offset by lower termination and residential branding fees year-over-year.

GENERAL, ADMINISTRATIVE and OTHER expenses for the 2012 fourth quarter declined 6 percent to $206 million compared to adjusted expenses of $219 million in the 2011 fourth quarter.  Fourth quarter 2012 expenses reflected routine increases in compensation and other expenses, as well as unfavorable foreign exchange.  These were largely offset by a $6 million reversal of guarantee reserves for two hotels, as well as lower legal and bad debt expenses.  Expenses in the prior year quarter included a $6 million write-off of deferred contract acquisition costs, a $5 million guarantee reserve for one hotel and a $2 million loan reserve.

EQUITY IN EARNINGS (LOSSES) totaled a $3 million loss in the quarter compared to a $7 million loss in the year-ago quarter.  The decline in equity losses largely reflected the sale of the Courtyard joint venture, which had losses in the fourth quarter of 2011 and was sold in the third quarter of 2012.

EBITDA totaled $358 million in the 2012 fourth quarter, a 13 percent increase over 2011 fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA of $316 million.  For full year 2012, EBITDA totaled $1,146 million, a 16 percent increase over 2011 adjusted EBITDA of $992 million.  See page A-9 for the EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA calculations.

BALANCE SHEET
At year-end 2012, total debt was $2,935 million and cash balances totaled $88 million, compared to $2,171 million in debt and $102 million of cash at year-end 2011.

COMMON STOCK
Weighted average fully diluted shares outstanding used to calculate diluted EPS totaled 322.2 million in the 2012 fourth quarter, compared to 346.4 million in the year-ago quarter.

The company repurchased 6.9 million shares of common stock in the fourth quarter at a cost of $257 million.  For the full year 2012, Marriott repurchased 31.2 million shares of its stock for $1.2 billion.  On February 15, 2013, the board of directors increased the company’s authorization to repurchase shares by 25 million shares to yield a total share authorization of 34.2 million shares.

2013 OUTLOOK
The company will report its 2013 results on a calendar basis, with fiscal quarters ending on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31.  The first quarter of 2013 will include 93 days compared to 84 days in the 2012 first quarter in part due to the fact that fiscal 2012 ended on December 28, 2012.  Prior year results will not be restated or reported on a pro forma basis for the change in calendar, although REVPAR statistics will be adjusted to calendar quarters for purposes of comparability.

For the first quarter, the company expects comparable systemwide calendar REVPAR on a constant dollar basis will increase 4 to 7 percent in North America, 2 to 4 percent outside North America and 3 to 6 percent worldwide.

The company expects first quarter 2013 operating profit could total $205 million to $230 million, a $30 million to $55 million increase over the prior year quarter.  The company estimates that approximately $15 million to $20 million of the year-over-year operating profit increase in the first quarter is attributable to the change in the fiscal calendar.

The company expects full year 2013 comparable systemwide REVPAR on a constant dollar basis will increase 4 to 7 percent in North America, 3 to 5 percent outside North America and 4 to 7 percent worldwide.

The company anticipates adding approximately 30,000 to 35,000 rooms worldwide for the full year 2013.  The company also expects approximately 10,000 rooms will leave the system during the year.

The company assumes full year fee revenue could total $1,525 million to $1,575 million, growth of 7 to 11 percent over 2012 fee revenue of $1,420 million.

The company expects owned, leased, corporate housing and other revenue, net of expenses could total $135 million to $145 million in 2013, a 12 to 18 percent decline year-over-year.  2013 expected results reflect tougher year-over-year comparisons due to the London Olympics,  renovations at some international leased hotels in 2013, higher pre-opening expenses, and lower termination and residential branding fees.

For 2013, the company anticipates general, administrative and other expenses will total $665 million to $675 million, an increase of 3 to 5 percent over 2012 expenses of $645 million.

Given these assumptions, 2013 diluted EPS could total $1.90 to $2.05, a 10 to 19 percent increase year-over-year.  In 2012, the company recorded a $41 million pretax ($25 million after-tax and $0.08 per diluted share) gain on the sale of the equity interest in the Courtyard joint venture.  Excluding that gain from 2012 diluted EPS, the company estimates 2013 diluted EPS could increase 16 to 25 percent year-over-year as shown on page A-12.

 

First Quarter 2013  Full Year 2013 
 Total fee revenue         $355 million to $370 million         $1,525 million to $1,575 million
 Owned, leased, corporate housing and other revenue, net of direct expenses $25 million to $30 million $135 million to $145 million
 General, administrative and other expenses     $170 million to $175 million     $665 million to $675 million
 Operating income     $205 million to $230 million     $985 million to $1,055 million
 Gains and other income     Approx $2 million Approx $10 million
 Net interest expense1 Approx $30 million     Approx $105 million
 Equity in earnings (losses) Approx $0 million Approx $0 million
 Earnings per share     $0.37 to $0.42 $1.90 to $2.05
 Tax rate    33.0 percent

1Net of interest income

The company expects investment spending in 2013 will total approximately $600 million to $800 million, including approximately $100 million for maintenance capital spending.  Investment spending also includes other capital expenditures (including property acquisitions), new mezzanine financing and mortgage notes, contract acquisition costs, and equity and other investments.  Assuming this level of investment spending, approximately $800 million to $1 billion could be returned to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.

Based upon the assumptions above, the company expects full year 2013 EBITDA will total $1,185 million to $1,255 million, a 3 to 10 percent increase over prior year’s EBITDA.  Excluding the $41 million Courtyard joint venture gain from 2012 EBITDA, 2013 EBITDA is expected to increase 7 to 14 percent year-over-year as shown on page A-10.

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) will conduct its quarterly earnings review for the investment community and news media on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time (ET).  The conference call will be webcast simultaneously via Marriott’s investor relations website at http://www.marriott.com/investor, click the “Recent and Upcoming Events” tab and click on the quarterly conference call link.  A replay will be available at that same website until February 20, 2014.

The telephone dial-in number for the conference call is 706-679-3455 and the conference ID is 78370841.  A telephone replay of the conference call will be available from 1 p.m. ET, Wednesday, February 20, 2013 until 8 p.m. ET, Wednesday, February 27, 2013.  To access the replay, call 404-537-3406.  The conference ID for the recording is 78370841.

Note on forward-looking statements:  This press release and accompanying schedules contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws, including REVPAR, profit margin and earnings trends, estimates and assumptions; the number of lodging properties we expect to add to or remove from our system in the future; our expectations about investment spending; and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts.  We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those we identify below and other risk factors that we identify in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K or quarterly report on Form 10-Q.  Risks that could affect forward-looking statements in this press release include changes in market conditions; the continuation and pace of the economic recovery; supply and demand changes for hotel rooms; competitive conditions in the lodging industry; relationships with clients and property owners; and the availability of capital to finance hotel growth and refurbishment.  Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release.  We make these forward-looking statements as of February 19, 2013.  We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA with over 3,800 properties in 74 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012.  The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands, including Marriott Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Bulgari, EDITION, Renaissance, Gaylord Hotels, Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by Marriott, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Marriott Executive Apartments, Marriott Vacation Club, Grand Residences by Marriott, and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club.  There are approximately 325,000 employees at headquarters, managed and franchised properties.  Marriott is consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business operations, which it conducts based on five core values: put people first, pursue excellence, embrace change, act with integrity, and serve our world. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.  

Click here to Download MAR Q4 2012 Press Release Schedules - FINAL.

Connect with thomas.marder@marriott.com.

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February 15, 2013

Marriott International Declares Cash Dividend; Board Increases Stock Repurchase Authorization

MARRIOTTBethesda, Md. – February 15, 2013 – Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) today announced that its board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of thirteen cents ($0.13) per share of common stock.   The dividend is payable on March 29, 2013 to shareholders of record on March 1, 2013. 

Marriott also announced that its board has increased the authorization to repurchase the Company’s Class A common stock by an additional 25 million shares, for a total of approximately 34 million shares currently authorized for repurchase. Shares may be purchased in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The company repurchased 31.2 million shares for $1.2 billion in 2012.   

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA with nearly 3,800 properties in 74 countries and territories and reported revenues of over $12 billion in fiscal year 2011.  The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

Connect with thomas.marder@marriott.com

 

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January 23, 2013

Global Hotel Leaders Celebrate One Billion International Travelers and Call for “Smart Visas” to Facilitate Travel for Next Billion

Davos, Switzerland – Jan. 23, 2013 – Two hospitality giants – Hilton Worldwide and Marriott International – addressed global business and travel industry leaders today at the World Economic Forum in Davos to urge governments to move quickly to adopt “Smart Visa” policies which stimulate global travel, create new jobs and spur economic development. The two companies represent more than 7,000 hotels in 90 countries, which include 600,000 employees at these owned, managed and franchised properties.  They are working together with the World Economic Forum Governors for the aviation, travel and tourism industry to promote global action toward “Smart Visa” policies regionally by 2015 and globally by 2020.

Smart Visas refer to safe, secure and sustainable solutions that promote mobility, maximize the use of technology, and expand programs that facilitate travel while removing process inefficiencies caused by arduous visa requirements. As a result of Smart Visa policies, more data is collected and shared across borders, creating enhanced security, efficiencies that reduce government spending and enhanced customer experience.

“In 2012, the UN World Tourism Organization reported that more than one billion people traveled outside their borders – a tremendous catalyst for global commerce and new jobs,” said Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO, Hilton Worldwide. “We are here at the World Economic Forum to tackle complex and challenging economic, social, environmental and political issues. Enabling greater international travel is the low-hanging fruit that can create significant economic growth and employment.”

“Smart governments are thinking about international travel and tourism as trade, and they are doing everything they can to remove barriers and be more strategic in addressing visas and other access issues that discourage people from traveling and doing business,” said Arne Sorenson, president and CEO, Marriott International. “While we recognize that security remains a top concern, we call on the world leaders here at Davos to be visionary about a future world of interconnected markets where moving travelers more easily will allow more people to see the world and result in 2 billion world travelers in the next decade.”

Many countries are recognizing the economic benefits of international travel and tourism and making secure and convenient travel a policy priority, including Turkey, which has more than doubled international visitation in a decade by providing visas on arrival; China, which has implemented visa-free travel for three days to Beijing for 45 countries; Russia, which is encouraging visa-free travel to and from the European Union; and Australia and the United Arab Emirates, which have been utilizing electronic visas, where the process is on-line and takes minutes, not days or weeks. The ASEAN nations are moving to a common regional visa to promote economic development.

Last year, President Obama announced the development of a national travel and tourism policy. Since then, the United States has made significant progress, with an increase in international arrivals as the visa waiver program was expanded to Taiwan and wait times for in-person interviews, most notably in China, Brazil, and Mexico, were brought down to under one week. 

“We applaud those governments who are taking visionary approaches to facilitating travel, enhancing economies and providing employment opportunities worldwide.  We view the private sector and Forum leaders as powerful partners to ensure progress continues so that global visa and entry policies are augmenting and enhancing the free-flow of goods, services, and people,” said Nassetta and Sorenson.

Globally, at nearly $6 trillion in 2011, or 9.1% of total worldwide GDP, travel and tourism contributes more to world economies than some of the largest manufacturing sectors, including automotive and chemicals. The industry directly employs 98 million people, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.

Visit Hilton Worldwide or Marriott International for more information. For information on the World Economic Forum, visit www.weforum.org.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA with more than 3,700 properties in 74 countries and territories and reported revenues of over $12 billion in fiscal year 2011.  The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands, including Marriott Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Bulgari, EDITION, Renaissance, Gaylord Hotels, Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by Marriott, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Marriott Executive Apartments, Marriott Vacation Club, Grand Residences by Marriott, and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club.  There are approximately 300,000 employees at headquarters, managed and franchised properties.  Marriott is consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business operations, which it conducts based on five core values: put people first, pursue excellence, embrace change, act with integrity, and serve our world.  For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com

About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,900 hotels and timeshare properties, with 650,000 rooms in 90 countries and territories and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. Visit www.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide,www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.

Connect with stephanie.hampton@marriott.com

 

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January 07, 2013

Marriott International Announces Release Date for Fourth Quarter 2012 Earnings

Marriott International logo bwMarriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) will report fourth quarter and full year 2012 earnings results on Tuesday, February 19, 2013, at approximately 5:00 pm Eastern Time (ET).  The company will hold a conference call for the investment community to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2012 earnings on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at 10 a.m. ET.  News media can also access the conference call in a listen-only mode.

Marriott’s 2012 fourth quarter covers the 16-week time period from September 8 through December 28, 2012.  Mr. Arne Sorenson, Marriott International's president and chief executive officer, and Mr. Carl Berquist, Marriott International's executive vice president and chief financial officer, will discuss the company's performance.

The conference call will be webcast simultaneously via Marriott’s investor relations website.  Investors and news media wishing to access the call on the web should log on to http://www.marriott.com/investor, and click the link for the fourth quarter earnings call under “Recent and Upcoming Events”.  A replay will be available at that same website until February 20, 2014.  A transcript of the call will also be available on the company’s website.

The telephone dial-in number for the conference call is 706-679-3455.  Please use conference ID 78370841 when dialing into the call.  To help ensure you do not miss any of the conference call, please dial-in or link to the call on the web 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

A telephone replay of the conference call will be available from 1 p.m. ET, Wednesday, February 20, 2013 until 8 p.m. ET, Wednesday, February 27, 2013.  To access the replay, call 404-537-3406.  The conference ID for the recording is 78370841.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

Connect with thomas.marder@marriott.com  or betsy.dahm@marriott.com 

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