Marriott Settles with IRS
WASHINGTON, DC, June 8, 2007. Marriott International has reached a settlement of issues raised during the Internal Revenue Service's and Department of Labor's examination of the leveraged employee stock ownership plan ("ESOP") feature of Marriott's Employees' Profit Sharing, Retirement and Savings Plan and Trust. In addition, the company fully resolved all IRS issues pertaining to the audits of the company's 2000, 2001, and 2002 federal tax returns.
Arne M. Sorenson, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, said, "We are pleased to reach this compromise, bringing this dispute to a swift and final resolution using the IRS's Fast Track Settlement process." Marriott received a Notice of Proposed Adjustment from the IRS on March 1, 2007 challenging most of the ESOP related federal income tax deductions claimed by the company.
The settlement will result in an after-tax charge totaling approximately $54 million ($0.13 per diluted common share), and a reduction in shareholders' equity of approximately $114 million in Marriott's second quarter. These amounts were not included in the company's previous second quarter earnings guidance.
As a result of the settlement, the company will make cash payments to the U.S. Treasury and state tax jurisdictions of approximately $220 million. The payments reflect income taxes, excise taxes and interest charges. No penalties were assessed.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
