Choice Hotels International Inc. / CHH

About Choice Hotels International Inc.

10750 Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, Md. 20901
www.choicehotels.com | 301-592-5000 | Founded: 1968

Industry: Hospitality And Travel | Category: Top 100 Companies

Choice's profit jumped 29 percent last year on revenue increases of about 14 percent. But analysts said the company's growth may be showing signs of slowing. They pointed to Choice's revenue-per-available-room figure, a key measure for growth in the industry. In the fourth quarter, for instance, that figure grew 3.7 percent for Choice, well below other hotel chains such as Marriott that are more easily able to raise rates because they serve customers who are less price-sensitive. Analysts had been expecting Choice's revenue-per-available-room figure to grow about 5 percent for the fourth quarter.
Choice reorganized its management to focus on brand/category management groups that will individually focus on the company's core areas: economy market, mid-market, full service, and upscale and extended stay. The change in management structure led to the departure of several high-level executives early this year, including Joseph M. Squeri, president and chief operating officer. Wayne Wielgus, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, also left, as did Michael DeSantis, senior vice president and senior strategic adviser.

Chairman: Stewart Bainum Jr.

President and future CEO: Stephen P. Joyce

2007 Financial Data

Total employees: 1,929 | Local employees: 426