Marriott: Evaluating The Possibility Of Default (from seekingalpha.com)
 

https://seekingalpha.com/amp/article...ity-of-default

some interesting technical analysis of Marriott's current financial situation.

intresting reading 👍

"The coronavirus or COVID-19 is has become the worst event ever to have impacted Marriott's (MAR) business"

I dunno about that. The loss of a Marriott family member at the helm and appointment of Mr. Sorenson seems to be the worst event in Marriott history I can think of.

As a side note, the article says Marriott spends $1BN on marketing a year. Where? Unless they're talking about all of the dumb things with BoNVOY written on it plastered around the hotels, I've never seen anything about Marriott or Bonfire in the wild. Surely the bloggers aren't eating up $1BN worth of referrals and free stays?

Lots of TV adverts in the UK, and I'd guess other European countries.

In the US, Marriott's Courtyard has been an NFL sponsor for several years, which I'm guessing costs a hefty fee. I've seen a number of Marriott's "Golden Rule" commercials on TV and Hulu in the US too.

Good way to raise money - spin off all legacy Starwood properties, and then it can go create a new loyalty program for its Preferred Guests :D

Sponsorship of the Mercedes F1 team as well.

That's what i want the most, long before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hey Hyatt/Pritzkers?

Called it a month ago ;)

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/32176697-post6.html

The marketing money will be ring-fenced as it is from property owners, won't it? Marriott will cut it as contributions from hotels are cut but franchise law in the US, as I understand it, doesn't allow it to just pocket the change.

You have no concept of how much Marriott spends on marketing. You would be shocked at what companies they hire and who they are in bed with for marketing purposes.

I believe Marriott has sufficient Business Interruption Insurance to prevent the covenant requirements from kicking in.

It's not like lenders won't waive or amend the covenants anyway given the circumstances. Typical type of seekingalpha fluff from a stock shorter.

They should be truly embarrassed then because Marriott's marketing is abysmal. I would argue that it's some of the worst of any hotel chain. Hilton probably does the best with its marketing, even if it not very accurate.