Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. (HOT) has reported third-quarter 2011 adjusted earnings from continuing operations of 42 cents, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 39 cents and topped the company’s guidance range of 36 cents to 40 cents. Adjusted earnings exclude the benefit of approximately 18 cents from the favorable settlement of an IRS audit.
On a reported basis, earnings from continuing operations were 60 cents compared to 25 cents in the third quarter of 2010.
The quarter’s better-than-expected earnings were aided by an increase in demand. Revenues jumped 9.3% year over year to $1,372 million in the quarter, with revenue per available room witnessing a considerable growth. The revenue also outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,351 million.
Inside the Headline Numbers
The company continued to experience occupancy gains on the back of economic recovery and a surge in demand for leisure as well as business travel. Management fees, franchise fees and other income increased 16.8% year over year to $202 million.
System-wide RevPAR for same-store hotels increased 11.6% (7.4% in constant dollars) year over year all over the world. International system-wide REVPAR for same-store hotels increased 15.2% (6.8% in constant dollars).
Worldwide RevPAR for Starwood branded same-store owned hotels increased 16.2% (9.2% in constant dollars) from the prior-year period. RevPAR for Starwood branded same-store owned hotels in North America grew 8.1%. Internationally, Starwood branded same-store owned hotel RevPAR increased 25.4% (13.3% in constant dollars).
Total vacation ownership revenues were up 7.0% year over year at $138.0 million. Originated contract sales of vacation ownership intervals increased 3.8% primarily on increased tour flow from new buyers and improved sales performance by existing owner channels.
The increase in RevPAR along with cost control resulted in improved margins. Worldwide same-store company-operated gross operating profit margin was up about 140 basis points (bps). International gross operating profit margins for same-store company-operated properties increased 60 bps, hurt by political unrest in the Middle East and North Africa.
Update on Hotel Rooms
During the quarter, Starwood signed 24 hotel management and franchise contracts for approximately 6,300 rooms. The company’s pipeline includes 350 hotels representing almost 90,000 rooms.
Financials
At quarter end, Starwood had cash and cash equivalents of $987.0 million (excluding $150 million of restricted cash) while its long-term debt was $2,187.0 million.
Outlook
For full-year 2011, the company increased the earnings guidance to the range of $1.75–$1.79 (previously $1.67–$1.77) per share RevPAR expected between 8% and 10% in constant dollars for same-store company operated hotels.
Our Take
We believe Starwood Hotels is benefiting from a recovery in leisure as well as business travel. Pricing power is also returning to the hotel owners. Moreover, the company is experiencing a solid booking momentum. Starwood is aggressively expanding its footprint in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in China and India. It is also spreading in Latin America, where demand is high and the pace of economic recovery is fast.
The strong business trend is evident from its consecutive guidance increase for fiscal 2011. Before this, Starwood had raised its fiscal year guidance twice. For 2012, Starwood expects the earnings to be in the range of $1.96–$2.25 per share.
One of Starwood Hotels’ primary competitors, Marriott International Inc. (MAR) reported third quarter 2011 earnings of 29 cents per share, up 32% year over year. Starwood currently retains a Zacks #2 Rank, which translates into a short-term Buy rating.
STARWOOD HOTELS (HOT): Free Stock Analysis Report
MARRIOTT INTL-A (MAR): Free Stock Analysis Report
Get all Zacks Research Reports and be alerted to fast-breaking buy and sell opportunities every trading day.
Be the first to comment