Marriott International / MAR

About Marriott International

10400 Fernwood Rd., Bethesda, Md. 20817
www.marriott.com | 301-380-3000 | Founded: 1927

Industry: Hospitality And Travel | Category: Public Companies

Marriott continued its strong performance in an industry that it has come to dominate, helped by increases in business travel and a tight supply of new rooms, factors that have combined to increase room rates. Marriott's profit drop was largely the result of its leaving the synthetic fuel business, which provided hefty tax credits. Revenue cleared $12 billion. Most important, the company ended the year with fourth-quarter revenue per available room — a key measure of operating strength — up 9.4 percent.
Marriott announced an aggressive expansion in Europe, the largest lodging market in the world but one where Marriott has just 1 percent of market share. The company is betting that it can benefit from European interest in American brands and increased worldwide travel by baby boomers. Marriott is banking heavily on its limited-service Courtyard brand for the expansion. It plans to open 50 such properties in Europe within the next few years.
The company also tackled questions about its style and appeal to younger business travelers. It introduced a Great Room concept that will turn lobbies into a constantly evolving hub of activity centered on a bar that will serve breakfast in the morning and drinks at night. The idea is to make the area a place where people can work or relax. Bill Marriott, the company's longtime chief executive who recently turned 75, even took a step into cyberspace, launching his own blog. The company also banned smoking and trans-fats at its U.S. properties.

Chairman and CEO: J.W. Marriott Jr.

2006 Financial Data

Revenues: $12,160,000,000 | Net Income: $608,000,000
Asssets: $8,588,000,000 | Earnings Per Share: $1.41
Stockholder Equity: $2,618,000,000 | Annual Dividend: $0.24
Total employees: 151,000 | Local employees: 14,556