Marriott Hits Targets

Marriott International (MAR Quote), the world's biggest hotel operator, posted a strong fourth quarter Tuesday, citing a rebound in business travel.

The company also rolled out 2004 guidance that was mostly in line with expectations. In early trading, Marriott shares slipped 67 cents, to $44.89.

Marriott posted fourth-quarter earnings of $169 million, or 69 cents a share. That marked a major reversal from the year-ago loss of $37 million, or 15 cents a share, which included a hefty charge for discontinued operations. ...