10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2006

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL INC /MD/ Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 16, 2006

Filed July 19, 2006For Securities:MAR

Summary

Marriott International, Inc. (MAR) reported strong financial performance for the second quarter and first half of 2006, driven by robust lodging demand and improved RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room). The company saw significant increases in revenue and operating income, particularly in its lodging segments, with positive RevPAR growth across North America and international markets. This growth was attributed to successful rate increases and solid occupancy levels, supported by a strong brand portfolio and the Marriott Rewards loyalty program. Despite challenges in its Synthetic Fuel segment due to high oil prices impacting tax credits and production suspensions, the core lodging business demonstrated resilience. The company also highlighted its ongoing development pipeline, strategic property acquisitions and dispositions, and a robust capital structure. The adoption of new accounting standards, particularly for share-based payments, had a notable impact on reported expenses and cash flows. Overall, Marriott presented a picture of healthy operational performance and strategic capital management.

Key Highlights

  • 1Marriott International reported a 7% increase in revenue to $2.85 billion for the second quarter of 2006, driven by strong lodging demand and RevPAR growth.
  • 2Operating income more than quintupled year-over-year to $234 million in Q2 2006, significantly benefiting from improved lodging segment performance and reduced general, administrative, and other expenses.
  • 3RevPAR for comparable company-operated North American properties increased by 10.7% for the quarter, with particular strength in major markets like New York, Boston, and Atlanta.
  • 4The company's Synthetic Fuel segment experienced significant revenue decline and operational disruptions due to high oil prices affecting tax credits and leading to production suspensions.
  • 5Marriott adopted new accounting standards for share-based payments (FAS No. 123R) and real estate time-sharing transactions (SOP 04-2), impacting reported expenses and resulting in a one-time charge for the latter.
  • 6The company's liquidity remains strong, supported by a $2.0 billion revolving credit facility and significant cash generated from operations and dispositions.
  • 7Marriott continues to expand its global presence, with over 80,000 rooms in its development pipeline, and opened 11,680 rooms in the first half of 2006.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver was the robust demand in the lodging industry, which led to strong year-over-year increases in Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) due to higher room rates and improved occupancy across both North American and international markets. This was further supported by successful property-level margin improvements and unit growth.

The Synthetic Fuel segment significantly impacted the company's results, primarily due to high oil prices leading to a phase-out of valuable tax credits and subsequent production suspensions. While this segment incurred losses, the tax credits had previously offset these losses; however, with the phase-out and production halts, its contribution to income before taxes has substantially decreased compared to the prior year.

Marriott adopted FAS No. 123R (Share-Based Payment) and SOP 04-2 (Accounting for Real Estate Time-sharing Transactions). The adoption of FAS No. 123R resulted in increased share-based compensation expense recognized in the income statement. The adoption of SOP 04-2 resulted in a one-time, non-cash after-tax charge of $105 million in the first quarter of 2006, primarily related to inventory write-downs and reserves for timeshare sales.

Marriott's liquidity is considered strong, supported by a $2.0 billion revolving credit facility, cash and equivalents totaling $364 million as of June 16, 2006, and substantial cash flow generated from operations and dispositions. The company believes these resources are sufficient to meet its short-term and long-term liquidity needs, fund growth plans, and manage debt obligations.