Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) today reported diluted earnings per share of $0.39 for the third quarter ended September 7, 2001, down nine percent from the 2000 third quarter. Net income decreased eight percent to $101 million from a year ago. Sales were $2.3 billion for the third quarter, up two percent from the prior year.

J.W. Marriott, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Marriott International, said “Our third quarter results reflected the continued U.S. economic slowdown, with our combined revenue per available room (REVPAR) for company-managed U.S. properties down 10 percent from last year. We did a tremendous job of holding onto our house profit margins at the hotels during the quarter, with only a one-percentage-point reduction overall. Our new room additions remained strong, as well. We estimate opening over 49,000 new rooms for the full year 2001, including 11,000 rooms converted to Ramada International hotels.

“The terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania have been tragic events for our country and for the world. First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families and loved ones affected by this horrific event. Two of our hotels in downtown New York City were directly impacted and we mourn the loss of two dedicated associates still counted among the missing. I was very proud of the heroic job our teams at the hotels did in evacuating guests. We are doing everything possible to support our affected associates and guests during this difficult time.
“Since the attacks occurred, in the first week of our fourth quarter, lodging demand declined to unprecedented levels across the U.S. For the two weeks ending September 28, 2001, company-operated hotels in the U.S., all brands combined, reported a 49 percent decline in REVPAR.”

Mr. Marriott also said, “Clearly, the business impact of the terrorist attacks has been far reaching. It is too early to predict when travel will return to normal levels, although business has improved since the first week following the tragedy. Our group business is strengthening and new room reservations are rising. In the meantime, we have prepared and implemented comprehensive contingency plans to lower the breakeven profitability levels of our hotels, while also maintaining the standards of quality and service our guests expect and deserve.”

Mr. Marriott noted that the company is in excellent financial condition, with current long-term, committed credit capacity and excess cash balances totaling $1.7 billion. The company is also reevaluating its new unit development plans. The pipeline of properties approved for development or under construction at the end of the third quarter was approximately 60,000 rooms.
——-