While analysts fixate on room count and loyalty program growth, the real battle between hotel giants Marriott and Hilton is over the fees they charge owners and credit-card issuers.
Starwood Real Estate Income Trust has drawn nearly $1.3 billion from its $1.55 billion line of credit, its recent regulatory filing showed, as it fields withdrawal requests from investors worried about the troubles in the real estate sector. Run by Barry Sternlicht-led Starwood Capital Group, the $10 billion fund invests in real estate including multi-family and industrial properties, some of which have been battered by high interest rates and fears of loan defaults. Turmoil in the real estate industry has also hit regional banks like New York Community Bancorp, whose shares have lost nearly 65% since it reported a surprise quarterly loss due to its exposure to commercial real estate.
Recently, Zacks.com users have been paying close attention to Marriott (MAR). This makes it worthwhile to examine what the stock has in store.