edf40wrjww2CF_PaperMaster:Desc
Marriott International Inc. (MAR)
Executive Summary
With more than 2,700 operated or franchised properties in more than 65 countries, Marriott International Inc. is a leading worldwide hospitality company. Marriott's hotels include full-service brands such as Renaissance Hotels and Resorts, extended-stay brands, and it owns the Ritz-Carlton luxury hotel chain and several time-share properties.
The company headquarters is located in Washington D.C., with approximately 143,000 employees and growing at a 7.5% annual employee growth rate. In the fiscal year of 2005, revenues from continuing operations reached $11.55 billion. For the year 2005, Marriott's sales growth topped out at 14.4% with a net income of $669 million. Marriott International, Inc. ranks in standard industry listings such as number 203 in FORTUNE 500
The extremely competitive lodging industry impacts Marriott's ability to compete successfully with other hotel and time share properties. Marriott operates in markets that contain numerous competitors. There are approximately 675 lodging management companies in the United States, including several that operate more than 100 properties. Its major competitors include Hilton Resorts Worldwide, Inc, and the Four Seasons Hotel, Inc. Marriott's ability to remain competitive and attract and retain travelers depends on the success in distinguishing the quality, value and efficiency of lodging products and services from those offered by competitors.
Marriott is subject to the range of operating risks common to the hotel, timeshare and corporate apartment industries. The profitability of hotels, vacation timeshare resorts and c ...