(Source: Business Wire)

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today reported
third quarter 2009 financial results.
Third Quarter 2009 Highlights
Excluding special items, EPS from continuing operations was $0.14.
Including special items, EPS from continuing operations was $0.22.
Adjusted EBITDA was $179 million.
Excluding special items, income from continuing operations was $26
million. Including special items, income from continuing operations
was $41 million.
Special items totaled a benefit of $15 million ($0.08 per share) and
included impairment charges of $27 million which were more than offset
by a $44 million tax benefit primarily related to hotel sales.
Worldwide System-wide REVPAR for Same-Store Hotels decreased 20.3%
(down 17.6% in constant dollars) compared to the third quarter
of 2008. System-wide REVPAR for Same-Store Hotels in North America
decreased 19.7% (down 19.0% in constant dollars).
Management and franchise revenues decreased 15.2% compared to 2008.
Worldwide REVPAR for Starwood branded Same-Store Owned Hotels
decreased 23.7% (down 20.7% in constant dollars) compared to the third
quarter of 2008. REVPAR for Starwood branded Same-Store Owned Hotels
in North America decreased 24.0% (down 23.0% in constant dollars).
Operating income from vacation ownership and residential declined $47
million compared to 2008.
The Company signed 19 hotel management and franchise contracts in the
quarter representing approximately 4,200 rooms.
Third Quarter 2009 Earnings Summary
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. ("Starwood" or the "Company")
today reported EPS from continuing operations for the third quarter of
2009 of $0.22 per share compared to $0.62 in the third quarter of 2008.
Excluding special items, which net to a benefit of $15 million in 2009
and a charge of $16 million in 2008, EPS from continuing operations was
$0.14 for the third quarter of 2009 compared to $0.71 in the third
quarter of 2008. Excluding special items, the effective income tax rate
in the third quarter of 2009 was a benefit of 7.1% compared to a charge
of 29.7% in the same period of 2008 primarily due to a $10 million tax
benefit for the reversal of deferred taxes related to interest which is
no longer deemed necessary.
Special items in the third quarter of 2009 totaled $15 million of net
benefits ($0.08 per share) and included impairment charges of $27
million and restructuring charges of $2 million which were more than
offset by a $44 million tax benefit primarily related to hotel sales.
Income from continuing operations was $41 million in the third quarter
of 2009 compared to $113 million in 2008. Excluding special items,
income from continuing operations was $26 million in the third quarter
of 2009 compared to $129 million in 2008.
Net income was $40 million and EPS was $0.22 in the third quarter of
2009 compared to $113 million and EPS of $0.62 in the third quarter of
2008.
Frits van Paasschen, CEO said, "Over the past twelve months we have
focused on cost containment and debt reduction, which positions us well
to Own the Upswing'. Our increasingly fee-based, capital-efficient
business model will grow as REVPAR recovers and as our pipeline
translates into unit additions. Our owned hotels are skewed towards the
high end and have been particularly hard-hit over the past twelve
months, implying they are poised for a strong rebound as the world
economy recovers. And with half of our hotels outside of the United
States, we will benefit from secular growth in international markets."
"With the $6 billion Sheraton Revitalization Program nearly complete, I
can't think of a better time to aggressively re-launch the brand than
into the early stages of an upcycle."
Third Quarter 2009 Operating Results
Management and Franchise Revenues
Worldwide System-wide REVPAR for Same-Store Hotels decreased 20.3% (down
17.6% in constant dollars) compared to the third quarter of 2008.
International System-wide REVPAR for Same-Store Hotels decreased 21.0%
(down 16.0% in constant dollars). Worldwide System-wide REVPAR decreases
by region were: 17.9% in Africa and the Middle East, 18.6% in Asia
Pacific, 19.7% in North America, 22.1% in Europe and 31.3% in Latin
America. Worldwide System-wide REVPAR decreases by brand were:
Westin 17.9%, Sheraton 19.9%, Four Points by Sheraton 22.3%, Le Méridien
22.8%, W Hotels 22.9%, and St. Regis/Luxury Collection 23.2%.
Worldwide comparable company-operated gross operating profit margins
declined approximately 400 basis points in the third quarter driven by
REVPAR declines partially offset by continued cost-cutting efforts at
the property level. International gross operating profit margins for
comparable company-operated properties declined approximately 260 basis
points, and North American comparable company-operated gross operating
profit margins declined approximately 560 basis points.
Management fees, franchise fees and other income were $181 million, down
$37 million, or 17.0%, from the third quarter of 2008. Management fees
decreased 25.6% to $87 million and franchise fees decreased 15.9% to $37
million. The Company continued to work closely with its owner/partners
to aggressively reduce costs, helping to minimize impact from the weak
REVPAR environment.
During the third quarter of 2009, the Company signed 19 hotel management
and franchise contracts representing approximately 4,200 rooms of which
15 are new builds and four are conversions from other brands. At
September 30, 2009, the Company had over 350 hotels in the active
pipeline representing over 85,000 rooms.
During the third quarter of 2009, 27 new hotels and resorts
(representing approximately 5,200 rooms) entered the system, including
the W Washington D.C. (317 rooms), the Sheraton Jinan (China, 410
rooms), the St. Regis Mexico City (189 rooms), the W Santiago (Chile,
196 rooms) and seven Aloft hotels in the United States. Eleven
properties (representing approximately 3,000 rooms) were removed from
the system during the quarter.
Owned, Leased and Consolidated Joint
Venture Hotels
Worldwide REVPAR for Starwood branded Same-Store Owned Hotels decreased
23.7% (down 20.7% in constant dollars). REVPAR at Starwood branded
Same-Store Owned Hotels in North America decreased 24.0% (down 23.0% in
constant dollars). Internationally, Starwood branded Same-Store Owned
Hotel REVPAR decreased 23.3% (down 17.1% in constant dollars). The
Company's Latin America region was hard hit by H1N1 as REVPAR decreased
39.7%.
The Company's continued rigorous cost cutting programs helped mitigate
the impact of sharp revenue declines during the quarter.
Revenues at Starwood branded Same-Store Owned Hotels in North America
decreased 23.6% (down 22.6% in constant dollars) while costs and
expenses decreased 14.8% when compared to 2008.
Revenues at Starwood branded Same-Store Owned Hotels Worldwide decreased
23.4% (down 20.4% in constant dollars) while costs and expenses
decreased 17.1% when compared to 2008.
Revenues at owned, leased and consolidated joint venture hotels were
$396 million when compared to $575 million in 2008.
Vacation Ownership
Total vacation ownership reported revenues decreased 31.7% to $125
million when compared to 2008. With significant cost reductions, the
core vacation ownership operating income declined $6 million. Originated
contract sales of vacation ownership intervals decreased 35.7% primarily
due to an overall decline in demand due to the current economic climate.
The average price per vacation ownership unit sold decreased 21.9% to
approximately $15,000, driven by a higher sales mix of lower-priced
inventory, including a higher percentage of biennial inventory. The
number of contracts signed decreased 17.1% when compared to 2008.
Selling, General, Administrative and Other
Selling, general, administrative and other expenses decreased 9.7% to
$102 million compared to the third quarter of 2008. The decrease was
primarily due to the Company's focus on reducing its cost structure. A
majority of the Company's cost containment initiatives have been
completed and implemented during previous quarters, including
identifying reductions across the corporate departments and divisional
headquarters, for which the benefits are now being realized. These
actions are expected to yield an annual run rate savings of
approximately $100 million.
Asset Sales
During the third quarter of 2009, the Company sold two
wholly-owned hotels for cash proceeds of approximately $96 million.
Capital
Gross capital spending during the quarter included approximately $19
million of maintenance capital and $21 million of development capital.
Investment spending on gross vacation ownership interest ("VOI") and
residential inventory was $18 million, primarily in Bal Harbour. The run
rate of capital spending on development and investment capital has
declined throughout the year as in-flight projects have been completed.
Balance Sheet
At September 30, 2009, the Company had total debt of $3.362 billion and
cash and cash equivalents of $155 million (including $42 million of
restricted cash), or net debt of $3.207 billion, compared to net debt of
$3.626 billion and $3.517 billion as of June 30, 2009 and December 31,
2008, respectively.
At September 30, 2009, debt was approximately 70% fixed rate and 30%
floating rate and its weighted average maturity was 4.3 years with a
weighted average interest rate of 6.39%. The Company had cash (including
current restricted cash) and availability under the domestic and
international revolving credit facility of approximately $1.724 billion.
In January 2009, the Company and the IRS reached an agreement in
principle to settle the litigation pertaining to the tax treatment of
the Company's 1998 disposition of World Directories, Inc. Under the
proposed settlement, the Company expects to receive a refund of over
$200 million as a result of tax payments previously made.
Results for the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2009
EPS from continuing operations decreased to $0.98 compared to $1.60 in
2008. Excluding special items, EPS from continuing operations was $0.50
compared to $1.71 in 2008. Income from continuing operations was $179
million compared to $299 million in 2008. Excluding special items,
income from continuing operations was $92 million compared to $318
million in 2008. Net income was $180 million and EPS was $0.99 compared
to $250 million and $1.33, respectively, in 2008. Total Company Adjusted
EBITDA, which was impacted by the sale or closure of 14 hotels since the
beginning of 2008, was $546 million compared to $884 million in 2008.
Outlook
For the three months ended December 31, 2009:
Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be approximately $190 million to $200
million assuming:
-- REVPAR decline at Same-Store Company Operated Hotels Worldwide of 9% to 11% (11% to 13% in constant dollars).
-- REVPAR decline at Branded Same-Store Owned Hotels Worldwide of 12% to 14% (15% to 17% in constant dollars).
-- Management and franchise revenues will be down approximately 8% to 10%.
-- Operating income from our vacation ownership and residential businesses will be down $10 million to $15 million. If market conditions permit, the Company anticipates completing a securitization in the fourth quarter with cash proceeds of $125 million to $150 million.
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Income from continuing operations, before special items, is expected
to be approximately $32 million to $39 million, reflecting an
effective tax rate of approximately 30%.
EPS before special items is expected to be approximately $0.17 to
$0.21.
For the Full Year 2009:
Based on our third quarter results and our expectations for the fourth
quarter, full year 2009 REVPAR at Same-Store Company Operated Hotels
Worldwide declines 20% and REVPAR at Branded Same-Store Owned Hotels
Worldwide declines 25%:
Adjusted EBITDA would be approximately $735 million to $745 million.
EPS before special items would be approximately $0.67 to $0.71.
Management and franchise revenues will decline approximately 15%.
Selling, General and Administrative expenses will decline
approximately $80 million.
Operating income from our vacation ownership and residential business
will be down $70 million to $75 million.
Full year depreciation and amortization will be approximately $345
million.
Full year interest expense will be approximately $235 million and cash
taxes will be approximately $25 million.
Full year effective tax rate will be approximately 20%.
Full year capital expenditures (excluding vacation ownership and
residential inventory) would be approximately $150 million for
maintenance, renovation and technology. In addition, in-flight
investment projects, including Bal Harbour, and prior commitments for
joint ventures and other investments will total approximately $175
million. Vacation ownership and Residential, excluding the Bal Harbour
project, is expected to generate approximately $150 million in
positive cash flow, including proceeds from the Company's June
securitization.
For the Full Year 2010:
It is very difficult at this time to provide any definitive point of
view on 2010. While business conditions have clearly stabilized, it is
very hard to forecast the pace of recovery, especially rate. While group
bookings have picked up for 2011 and beyond, booking pace for 2010 has
continued to lag below 2009. And booking windows for both transient and
group business have shortened considerably. As such, late breaking
business is a larger component of what will drive our performance next
year making forward looking predictions four quarters out particularly
challenging. What we can provide are broad guidelines that we are using
for internal planning purposes:
REVPAR at Same-Store Company Operated Hotels Worldwide flat to down 5%
in local currency when compared to 2009. The REVPAR change in
developed markets (U.S. and Western Europe) is likely to be at the
lower end of the range and REVPAR change in emerging markets at the
higher end of the range. If exchange rates remain at current levels,
REVPAR as reported in dollars would be approximately 200 bps higher.
Management and franchise revenue growth should be in line with
worldwide REVPAR growth, with same store fee declines offset by fees
from new hotels.
REVPAR at Branded Same-Store Owned Hotels Worldwide also flat to down
5% in local currency when compared to 2009. Since most owned hotels
are in developed markets, the REVPAR change is likely to be at the
lower end of the range. If exchange rates remain at current levels,
REVPAR as reported in dollars would be approximately 200bps higher.
Despite the Company's focus on productivity to help mitigate the
impact from wage and general inflation, margins and EBITDA at owned
hotels will likely be down year over year given anticipated REVPAR
declines.
Flat originated sales in our vacation ownership business. Vacation
ownership EBITDA will likely be down year over year due to lost
interest income assuming we complete two securitizations in 2009. The
Company expects to adopt FAS 166 and 167 at the beginning of 2010,
which will impact the accounting for securitized timeshare loans.
Assuming the consolidation of the existing portfolio of securitized
loans, the company expects assets to increase by $225 million to $250
million and, liabilities to increase by $250 million to $275 million
when compared to 2009. As a result of the accounting change, vacation
ownership pretax earnings in 2010 are estimated to increase by $10
million to $15 million and EBITDA in 2010 is estimated to increase by
$25 million to $30 million, but no change in cash flow is anticipated.
Modest increases to sales, general and administrative expenses due to
adjustments in base and incentive compensation.
To the extent additional asset selling is completed before the end of
the year and into 2010, EBITDA would have to be adjusted accordingly.
Special Items
The Company's special items netted to a benefit of $15 million
(after-tax) in the third quarter of 2009 compared to a $16 million
(after-tax) charge in the same period of 2008.
The following represents a reconciliation of income from continuing
operations before special items to income from continuing operations
including special items (in millions, except per share data):
Exception caught in main.
The Company has included the above supplemental information concerning
special items to assist investors in analyzing Starwood's financial
position and results of operations. The Company has chosen to provide
this information to investors to enable them to perform meaningful
comparisons of past, present and future operating results and as a means
to emphasize the results of core on-going operations.
Starwood will be conducting a conference call to discuss the third
quarter financial results at 10:30 a.m. (EDT) today at (706) 312-1228.
The conference call will be available through a simultaneous web cast in
the Investor Relations/Press Releases section of the Company's website
at http://www.starwoodhotels.com.
A replay of the conference call will also be available from 1:30p.m.
(EDT) today through October 29, 2009 at 12:00 midnight (EDT) on both the
Company's website and via telephone replay at (706) 645-9291.
Definitions
All references to EPS, unless otherwise noted, reflect earnings per
diluted share from continuing operations attributable to Starwood's
common shareholders. All references to continuing operations,
discontinued operations and net income reflect amounts attributable to
Starwood's common shareholders (i.e. excluding amounts attributable to
noncontrolling interests). All references to "net capital expenditures"
mean gross capital expenditures for timeshare and fractional inventory
net of cost of sales. EBITDA represents net income before interest
expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The Company believes that
EBITDA is a useful measure of the Company's operating performance due to
the significance of the Company's long-lived assets and level of
indebtedness. EBITDA is a commonly used measure of performance in its
industry which, when considered with GAAP measures, the Company believes
gives a more complete understanding of the Company's operating
performance. It also facilitates comparisons between the Company and its
competitors. The Company's management has historically adjusted EBITDA
(i.e., "Adjusted EBITDA") when evaluating operating performance for the
total Company as well as for individual properties or groups of
properties because the Company believes that the inclusion or exclusion
of certain recurring and non-recurring items, such as revenues and costs
and expenses from hotels sold, restructuring and other special charges
and gains and losses on asset dispositions and impairments, is necessary
to provide the most accurate measure of core operating results and as a
means to evaluate comparative results. The Company's management also
uses Adjusted EBITDA as a measure in determining the value of
acquisitions and dispositions and it is used in the annual budget
process. Due to guidance from the Securities and Exchange Commission,
the Company now does not reflect such items when calculating EBITDA;
however, the Company continues to adjust for these special items and
refers to this measure as Adjusted EBITDA.