10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2005

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL INC /MD/ Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 9, 2005

Filed October 13, 2005For Securities:MAR

Summary

Marriott International, Inc. (MAR) reported solid financial results for the period ending September 9, 2005, demonstrating robust performance across its diversified hospitality segments. Total revenues increased by approximately 18% year-over-year for the quarter and 14% year-to-date, driven by strong demand in the lodging industry, particularly in international markets and key U.S. locations. The company saw significant growth in its Full-Service Lodging segment, which benefited from increased RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room) and strategic property acquisitions. The company's Timeshare segment also exhibited strong growth, with a 30% revenue increase in the quarter, supported by higher sales and services revenue and an expanding notes receivable portfolio. While the Synthetic Fuel segment's revenue increased due to higher prices, its operating income faced pressure from rising raw material costs. Marriott's financial position remains healthy, supported by strong operational cash flow and a significant revolving credit facility, though the company also saw a substantial increase in long-term debt, largely for strategic acquisitions and debt management.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues increased by 18% to $2.71 billion for the twelve weeks ended September 9, 2005, and by 14% to $7.91 billion for the thirty-six weeks ended September 9, 2005, driven by strong lodging demand and RevPAR growth.
  • 2Income from continuing operations increased by 12% to $148 million ($0.65 diluted EPS) for the twelve weeks ended September 9, 2005, and by 6% to $431 million ($1.83 diluted EPS) for the thirty-six weeks ended September 9, 2005.
  • 3The Full-Service Lodging segment reported a significant increase in segment results (63% for the quarter) due to higher fees, increased owned/leased revenue from acquisitions, and improved equity income.
  • 4The Timeshare segment demonstrated strong performance with a 47% increase in segment results for the quarter, driven by higher interval sales and services revenue and increased financing income.
  • 5The company completed significant acquisitions during the period, including 13 properties from CTF Holdings Ltd. for $386 million and a joint venture with Whitbread PLC to acquire 46 hotels.
  • 6Long-term debt increased significantly to $1.60 billion as of September 9, 2005, from $836 million at December 31, 2004, primarily due to new debt issuances for acquisitions and general corporate purposes.
  • 7The company repurchased approximately 20.3 million shares of its Class A Common Stock for $1.27 billion year-to-date, reflecting a commitment to returning capital to shareholders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was primarily driven by strong demand in the lodging industry, leading to higher RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room), particularly from rate increases. Increased timeshare interval sales and services revenue and higher revenues from owned, leased, and corporate housing properties, partly due to recent acquisitions, also contributed significantly.

Marriott completed several significant acquisitions, including 13 properties from CTF Holdings Ltd. and a joint venture with Whitbread. These acquisitions contributed to the increase in owned, leased, corporate housing, and other revenue, as well as bolstering the Full-Service Lodging segment's performance. However, these acquisitions also contributed to a substantial increase in long-term debt.

The Synthetic Fuel segment generated increased revenue due to higher prices, but its operating income was pressured by rising raw material costs. While the segment is currently a source of tax credits that benefit overall income, the company notes that these tax credits could be reduced or eliminated by high oil prices. The company also presents results 'Before Syn. Fuel' to highlight the performance of its core lodging operations.

Marriott's long-term debt increased significantly due to strategic acquisitions and debt issuances. The company maintains a $2 billion revolving credit facility, providing ample liquidity. It also actively engaged in share repurchases, buying back over 20 million shares year-to-date, indicating a focus on capital allocation and shareholder returns alongside strategic investments.