Marriott International Jumps Following Earnings Results (MAR)

Shares of Marriott International MAR are moving higher in the after-hours trade following to company's better than expected Q4 EPS. Shares are currently trading at $42.90, higher by 4.63%; they closed the regular session down 0.53%, at $41.00. MAR report adjusted Q4 EPS of $0.69 on revenues of $389 million; revenue per available room (REVPAR) rose 8.1% system wide, while Average daily rate rose 2.3%. In addition to reporting its Q4 and FY2010 results, MAR announced a plan to split the company's businesses into two separate, publicly traded companies. Marriott International expects to spin off its timeshare operations and development business as a new independent company through a special tax-free dividend to Marriott International shareholders in late 2011. Marriott International, Inc. is a worldwide operator and franchisor of hotels and related lodging facilities. The company's operations are grouped into the five business segments: North American Full-Service Lodging, North American Limited-Service Lodging, International Lodging, Luxury Lodging and Timeshare.