Dear Fellow Shareholders:
If we learned one thing in 2008, it was to expect the unex- costs and lay the foundation for future growth. Through AVA,
pected, to prepare for the worst and to keep our nerve. we eliminated costs by streamlining activities and removing
Business trends deteriorated throughout the year and this overlaps in our organization.
negative momentum has continued into 2009. As part of our
ongoing efforts to prepare for a worsening macro environ- Let me take a step back to explain why this was needed.
ment, we began a rigorous cost-cutting program early in Remember that Starwood came together in the late 1990s as
2008, including a review of our spending with a focus on a patchwork of organizations—a small lodging REIT acquired
reducing costs, improving productivity and reinvesting against Westin, ITT/Sheraton, Vistana and, most recently, Le Meridien.
our growth priorities. I am pleased to report that we have This resulted in a large organization with multiple offices and
been successful in this task. In fact, our cost discipline helped duplicate functions. While Starwood has performed well in
us achieve strong results in each quarter of 2008 despite a spite of its complex structure, we saw the opportunity to save
rapid deterioration in lodging demand. In 2009, we will con- even more money and become more agile. Equally important,
tinue to focus on managing our costs without compromising we wanted to ensure our corporate structure was positioned
our long-term growth plans for the company. to best support our properties and owners.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Starwood’s For example, through the AVA process we eliminated almost
talented team of Associates for delivering excellent results in 100 positions in our North American Division alone. In addition
2008, despite the weakening environment and the to focusing on cost cutting, as we went through the process
Company’s focus on dramatically reducing overhead and we also looked at identifying areas that could be strength-
property-level costs. ened to better meet the needs of our owners. This resulted in
reorganizing some parts of the owner relations team to
• We grew our managed and franchised revenues by improve communication and support.
over 5% despite flat worldwide RevPAR.
We also centralized many activities such as legal functions,
• We added a record 87 hotels to Starwood’s global created a single service center for human resources, and are
platform, representing 10% gross unit additions dur- consolidating certain accounts payable and payroll functions
ing the year. in the United States. We also better aligned our development,
architecture and design, and hotel opening teams to streamline
• We increased our guest satisfaction scores across all the process from signing a contract to opening a property.
of our brands, including strong debuts for aloft and
Element. In total, the AVA process to date has generated a 30%
reduction in personnel costs across many of our corporate
• We sold six assets for cash proceeds of $320 million. and divisional functions. At Starwood’s Vacation Ownership
business, we were able to reduce G&A by 45% and eliminate
• We realigned our corporate and divisional struc- 35% of our sales force. In addition to the AVA process, our
tures, resulting in annual run-rate savings of over overhead cost reduction efforts also focused on compensa-
$100 million. tion. This included benchmarking most positions, allowing us to
re-band jobs and make sweeping changes in equity compen-
• We implemented top-down and bottom-up initiatives sation. Like many companies, we have also frozen salaries for
to significantly reduce property-level costs. 2009. As mentioned earlier, the net result will be a run-rate
savings of $100 million, and this includes only those savings
Looking ahead, the good news is that we remain strongly already implemented.
positioned for one of the most challenging demand environ-
ments the lodging industry—and the global economy—has The second area of our cost cutting focused on the property
ever experienced. In addition to working toward the Five level. We began two major initiatives in 2008—one is bottom-
Essentials that will drive our success over the long term, we up and the other is top-down. Between them, we should be
are continuing to reduce our cost base. Cost control enabled able to offset inflationary pressures, significantly helping our
us to weather the deteriorating fundamentals that accelerated results in 2009. To be clear, this is before the impact of any
throughout 2008. To put the operating environment into variable cost savings associated with lower occupancy.
perspective, worldwide owned RevPAR grew 5% in the first
quarter, but declined 16% in the fourth quarter. While the Our bottom-up approach is called ‘lean operations’ and
severity and breadth of the slowdown surprised us, we were involves using our talent to reduce work and waste. For
well ahead of the curve from a cost reduction perspective example, we refined our staffing model to better match work
which helped drive our better than expected results. demand, outsourced bakery and butcher positions, and
expanded spans of control for managers and supervisors.
Starwood’s efforts to reduce corporate overhead have created The lean operations team is working closely with our Six
immediate savings as well as lasting changes to our way of Sigma team to implement these productivity enhancements
doing business. We are using what we call Activity Value across our hotels.
Analysis, or AVA, which is a rigorous process to address our
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Our top-down approach is known as normative modeling, 5. The fifth essential, generating ‘Market-Leading Returns,’
which employs analytics to ‘normalize’ hotel cost performance- hinges on our ability to realize global growth, unlock real
based structural variables, such as room size and configura- estate value, and carefully manage costs. While we are
tion, number of service elevators, and unionization. Normalizing waiting for capital markets to recover, selective sales of
further assists us in identifying top performing hotels and per- real estate and prudent allocation of capital will advance
formance gaps. As with lean operations, best practices are our transformation to an asset-light model.
then rolled out to under-performers. Examples of this include
reducing the number of housekeepers per occupied room We have often described the branded global hotel fee business
and simplifying food and beverage concepts. At the same as one of the most attractive business models in the world—
time, we are working with our owners to share these savings and we continue to believe this is true. The contracts are
across the managed and franchised system. stable, capital-efficient and long-term. Fee growth is driven
by three factors: RevPAR growth, unit additions, and incen-
Procurement is the third area where we are reducing costs tive escalation.
across the system. This includes introducing more categories
to our buying programs, vendor consolidation, SKU rational- We have made substantial progress over the last few years in
ization and improved compliance. These efforts have resulted growing our managed and franchised business and reducing
in the ability to negotiate better contract terms for items such the size of our owned portfolio. Today, 53% of our EBITDA
as food, flat screen TVs and laptops. Given our success from contribution is from fee income, up from 18% five years ago.
recent negotiations, we anticipate additional direct savings of Our goal is to be over 80% fee-driven in the coming years. By
$35 million in 2009. itself, this focus on the fee business will result in a sustainable
growth engine that throws off significant free cash flow. At the
While the current environment has created intense pressure same time, our balance sheet holds more opportunities to
for us to manage costs, controlling our costs is just one of generate cash, in the form of real estate at our owned hotels
four financial levers we have at our disposal to create share- and inventory at the vacation ownership business.
holder value over the long-term. The other three levers are:
Reducing the size of our owned portfolio and vacation own-
• Driving RevPAR premiums ership business will take time. These initiatives—combined
with the growth in our managed and franchised business—
• Growing our pipeline will result in an increasingly capital-efficient business model.
• Unlocking real estate value To summarize, we are prepared for a variety of potential sce-
narios in 2009. We have been aggressive in our cost contain-
Our ability to pull these financial levers relies on our team’s ment efforts and dramatically scaled back our capital plans,
execution against the five essentials of “The Starwood Journey.” but are prepared to do more if needed. We have been con-
servative in our approach to managing our balance sheet and
1. ‘Starwood Class Brands’ is our first essential, and our will explore all options to maintain maximum balance sheet
brand teams are hard at work on the innovations that will flexibility and liquidity. Our efforts thus far have resulted in an
drive RevPAR outperformance and propel our pipeline. increasingly efficient cost structure that should position us to
not just survive this economic downturn but allow us to cap-
2. The brand teams are also better aligned than ever with our italize on the upswing in the future. We continue to build,
Operations team as we work towards ‘Brilliant Execution,’ open, renovate and innovate for recovery and beyond, and
our second essential. Brilliant execution means consistently remain focused on our long-term strategy to generate mar-
creating brand-relevant guest experiences while being ket-leading returns for our shareholders.
vigilant on costs.
Thank you for your continued support.
3. ‘Global Growth’ is our third essential, and we continue to
grow our footprint around the world. We have roughly
100,000 rooms in our pipeline, and our brand and operations
teams are aligned to open these hotels on-brand and ‘HOT,’
meaning on time, on budget and full.
4. ‘Great Talent’ is our fourth essential, and our Human
Resources team is driving efforts to improve our ability to
attract, retain, and develop talented people to operate our
properties around the world. This is particularly important Frits van Paasschen
as we still plan to open 425 hotels over the coming years. Chief Executive Officer
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
2009
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
AND
PROXY STATEMENT
March 26, 2009
Dear Stockholder:
You are cordially invited to attend Starwood’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which is being held on
Wednesday, May 6, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. (local time), at the St. Regis Washington, D.C., 923 16th and K Streets,
N.W., District of Columbia 20006.
At this year’s Annual Meeting, you will be asked to (i) elect eleven Directors and (ii) ratify the appointment of
Ernst & Young LLP as Starwood’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2009.
As owners of Starwood, your vote is important. Whether or not you are able to attend the Annual Meeting in
person, it is important that your shares be represented. Please vote as soon as possible. Instructions on how to vote
are contained herein.
We appreciate your continued support and interest in Starwood.
Very truly yours,
Frits van Paasschen Bruce W. Duncan
Chief Executive Officer Chairman of the Board
NOTICE OF 2009 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
OF
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
A Maryland Corporation
DATE: May 6, 2009
TIME: 10:00 a.m., local time
PLACE: St. Regis Washington, D.C.
923 16th and K Streets, N.W.
District of Columbia 20006
ITEMS OF BUSINESS: 1. To elect eleven Directors to serve until the next Annual Meeting of
Stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
2. To consider and vote upon the ratification of the appointment of
Ernst & Young LLP as Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.’s (the
“Company”) independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year
ending December 31, 2009.
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or
any postponement or adjournment therof.
RECORD DATE: Holders of record of the Company’s stock at the close of business on March 12,
2009 are entitled to vote at the meeting.
ANNUAL REPORT: The Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is not a part of the proxy
soliciting material, is enclosed. The Annual Report may also be obtained from the
Company’s web site at www.starwoodhotels.com/corporate/investor_relations.html.
Stockholders may also obtain, without charge, a copy of the Annual Report by
contacting Investor Relations at the Company’s headquarters.
PROXY VOTING: It is important that your shares be represented and voted at the meeting. You can
authorize a proxy to vote your shares by completing and returning the proxy card
sent to you. Most stockholders can authorize a proxy over the Internet or by
telephone. If Internet or telephone authorization is available to you, instructions
are printed on your proxy card. You can revoke a proxy at any time prior to its
exercise at the meeting by following the instructions in the accompanying proxy
statement. Your promptness will assist us in avoiding additional solicitation costs.
Kenneth S. Siegel
Corporate Secretary
March 26, 2009
White Plains, New York
WHO CAN HELP ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions about the Annual Meeting, you should contact:
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
1111 Westchester Avenue
White Plains, New York 10604
Attention: Investor Relations
Phone Number: 1-914-640-8100
If you would like additional copies of this Proxy Statement or the Annual Report, or if you have questions
about the Annual Meeting or need assistance in voting your shares, you should contact:
D.F. King & Co., Inc.
48 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
Phone Number: 1-800-859-8511 (toll free)
ii
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
1111 WESTCHESTER AVENUE
WHITE PLAINS, NY 10604
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD May 6, 2009
THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING — QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Why did I receive the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or this Proxy Statement?
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company” or “Starwood”), has
made these materials available to you on the Internet or, upon your request, has delivered printed versions of these
materials to you by mail, in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) for
use at the Company’s 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”), and at any postponement or
adjournment of the Annual Meeting. The Company is first making these materials available (and is mailing the
Notice of Meeting and Internet Availability of Proxy Materials) on or about March 26, 2009. This Notice contains
instructions on how to access the Company’s proxy statement and 2008 Annual Report to Shareholders and vote
online. By furnishing this Notice, the Company is lowering the costs and reducing the environmental impact of its
Annual Meeting.
The Company intends to start mailing a paper or electronic copy of its proxy statement and 2008 Annual
Report to those stockholders who have requested a paper or electronic copy on or about March 26, 2009.
When and where will the Annual Meeting be held?
The Annual Meeting will be held on May 6, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. (local time), at the St. Regis Washington, D.C.,
923 16th and K Streets, N.W., District of Columbia 20006. If you plan to attend the Annual Meeting and have a
disability or require special assistance, please contact the Company’s Investor Relations department at
(914) 640-8100.
What proposals will be voted on at the Annual Meeting?
At the Annual Meeting, the stockholders of the Company will consider and vote upon:
1. The election of eleven Directors to serve until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their
successors are duly elected and qualified.
2. The ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP (“Ernst & Young”) as the Company’s
independent registered public accounting firm for 2009.
3 Such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
The Board is not aware of any matter that will be presented at the Annual Meeting that is not described above.
If any other matter is presented at the Annual Meeting, the persons named as proxies on the enclosed proxy card
will, in the absence of stockholder instructions to the contrary, vote the shares for which such persons have voting
authority in accordance with their discretion on any such matter.
Why did I receive a one-page notice in the mail regarding the Internet availability of proxy materials
instead of a full set of proxy materials?
Pursuant to the rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, we are providing access to our
proxy materials over the Internet. Accordingly, we sent a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the
“Notice”) to our stockholders of record and beneficial owners as of the Record Date. All stockholders will have the
1
ability to access the proxy materials on the web site referred to in the Notice or request to receive a printed set of the
proxy materials. Instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the Internet or to request a printed copy may
be found on the Notice. In addition, stockholders may request to receive proxy materials in printed form by mail or
electronically by email on an ongoing basis.
How can I get electronic access to the proxy materials?
The Notice will provide you with instructions regarding how to:
• View our proxy materials for the Annual Meeting on the Internet; and
• Instruct us to send our future proxy materials to you electronically by email.
Choosing to receive your future proxy materials by email will save us the cost of printing and mailing
documents to you and will reduce the impact of our annual stockholders’ meetings on the environment. If you
choose to receive future proxy materials by email, you will receive an email next year with instructions containing a
link to those materials and a link to the proxy voting site. Your election to receive proxy materials by email will
remain in effect until you terminate it.
Who is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting?
If you were a stockholder of the Company at the close of business on March 12, 2009 (the “Record Date”), you
are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. You have one vote for each share of common stock of
the Company (“Shares”) you held at the close of business on the Record Date on each matter that is properly
submitted to a vote at the Annual Meeting, including Shares:
• Held directly in your name as the stockholder of record,
• Held for you in an account with a broker, bank or other nominee, and
• Credited to your account in the Company’s Savings and Retirement Plan (the “Savings Plan”).
On the Record Date there were 182,496,505 Shares outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting and
there were 17,058 record holders of Shares. The Shares are the only outstanding class of voting securities of the
Company.
Who may attend the Annual Meeting?
Only stockholders of record, or their duly authorized proxies, may attend the Annual Meeting. Registration
and seating will begin at 9:00 a.m. To gain admittance, you must present valid picture identification, such as a
driver’s license or passport. If you hold Shares in “street name” (through a broker or other nominee), you will also
need to bring a copy of a brokerage statement (in a name matching your photo identification) reflecting your stock
ownership as of the Record Date. If you are a representative of a corporate or institutional stockholder, you must
present valid photo identification along with proof that you are a representative of such stockholder.
Please note that cameras, recording devices and other electronic devices will not be permitted at the Annual
Meeting.
How many Shares must be present to hold the Annual Meeting?
The presence in person or by proxy of holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares entitled to vote at the
Annual Meeting constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. Your Shares are counted as present at the
meeting if you:
• are present in person at the Annual Meeting, or
• have properly executed and submitted a proxy card, or authorized a proxy over the telephone or the Internet,
prior to the Annual Meeting.
2
Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the
Annual Meeting.
If a quorum is not present when the Annual Meeting is convened, or if for any other reason the presiding officer
believes that the Annual Meeting should be adjourned, the Annual Meeting may be adjourned by the presiding
officer. If a motion is made to adjourn the Annual Meeting, the persons named as proxies on the enclosed proxy card
will have discretion to vote on such adjournment all Shares for which such persons have voting authority.
What are broker non-votes?
If you have Shares that are held by a broker, you may give the broker voting instructions and the broker must
vote as you directed. If you do not give the broker any instructions, the broker may vote at its discretion on all
routine matters (i.e., election of Directors and the ratification of an independent registered public accounting firm).
For non-routine matters, however, the broker may NOT vote using its discretion. This is referred to as a broker non-
vote.
How are abstentions, withheld votes and broker non-votes counted?
Shares not voted due to withheld votes, abstentions or broker non-votes with respect to the election of a
Director or the ratification of the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm will not have
any effect on the outcome of such matters.
How many votes are required to approve each proposal?
Directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting, either in person or represented
by properly authorized proxy. This means that the eleven nominees who receive the largest number of “FOR” votes
cast will be elected as Directors. Stockholders cannot cumulate votes in the election of Directors. See “What
happens if a Director nominee does not receive a majority of the votes cast?” below for information concerning our
director resignation policy.
Ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young as the Company’s independent registered public accounting
firm requires “FOR” votes from a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting, either in person or represented
by properly completed or authorized proxy. If a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting vote “AGAINST”
ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young, the Board and the Audit Committee will reconsider its
appointment.
What happens if a Director nominee does not receive a majority of the votes cast?
Under our Bylaws, a Director nominee, running uncontested, who receives more “Withheld” than “For” votes
is required to tender his or her resignation for consideration by the Board. The Corporate Governance and
Nominating Committee will recommend to the Board whether to accept or reject the resignation. The Board will act
on the tendered resignation and publicly disclose its decision within 90 days following certification of the election
results. The Director who tenders his or her resignation will not participate in the Board’s decision with respect to
that resignation.
How do I vote?
If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote in person at the Annual Meeting. We will give you a ballot
when you arrive. If you do not wish to vote in person or if you will not be attending the Annual Meeting, you may
vote by proxy. You can vote by proxy over the Internet by following the instructions provided in the Notice, or, if
you request printed copies of the proxy materials by mail, you can also authorize a proxy to vote by mail or by
telephone.
Each Share represented by a properly completed written proxy or properly authorized proxy by telephone or
over the Internet will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the stockholder’s instructions specified in
the proxy, unless such proxy has been revoked. If no instructions are specified, such Shares will be voted FOR the
election of each of the nominees for Director, FOR ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young as the
3
Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2009 and in the discretion of the proxy holder on any
other business that may properly come before the meeting.
If you participate in the Savings Plan and have contributions invested in Shares, the proxy card will serve as a
voting instruction for the trustee of the Savings Plan. You must return your proxy card to the transfer agent on or
prior to May 1, 2009. If your proxy card is not received by the transfer agent by that date or if you sign and return
your proxy card without instructions marked in the boxes, the trustee will vote your Shares in the same proportion as
other Shares held in the Savings Plan for which the trustee received timely instructions unless contrary to ERISA
(Employee Retirement Income Security Act).
How can I revoke a previously submitted proxy?
You may revoke your proxy and change your vote at any time before the final vote at the Annual Meeting. You
may submit a proxy again on a later date on the Internet or by telephone (only your latest Internet or telephone proxy
submitted prior to the meeting will be counted), or by signing and returning a new proxy card with a later date, or by
attending the meeting and voting in person. However, your attendance at the Annual Meeting will not automatically
revoke your proxy unless you vote at the meeting or specifically request in writing that your prior proxy be revoked.
What does it mean if I receive more than one proxy card?
If you receive more than one proxy card from the Company, it means your Shares are not all registered in the
same way (for example, some are held in your name and others are held jointly with a spouse) and are in more than
one account. Please sign and return all proxy cards you receive to ensure that all Shares held by you are voted.
How does the Board recommend that I vote?
The Board recommends that you vote FOR each of the Director nominees and FOR ratification of the
appointment of Ernst & Young as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2009.
4
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
In addition to our charter and Bylaws, we have adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines, which are posted on
our web site at www.starwoodhotels.com/corporate/investor_relations.html, to address significant corporate gov-
ernance matters. The Guidelines provide a framework for the Company’s corporate governance and cover topics
including, but not limited to, Board and committee composition, Director share ownership guidelines, and Board
evaluations. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for overseeing and reviewing the
Guidelines and reporting and recommending to the Board any changes to the Guidelines.
The charters for the Company’s Audit Committee, Capital Committee, Compensation and Option Committee
and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee are posted on its web site at
www.starwoodhotels.com/corporate/investor_relations.html.
The Company has adopted a Finance Code of Ethics applicable to its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial
Officer, Corporate Controller, Corporate Treasurer, Senior Vice President-Taxes and persons performing similar
functions. The Finance Code of Ethics is posted on the Company’s web site at
www.starwoodhotels.com/corporate/investor_relations.html. The Company intends to post amendments to, and
waivers from, the Finance Code of Ethics that require disclosure under applicable Securities and Exchange
Commission (the “SEC”) rules on its web site. In addition, the Company has a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
(the “Code of Conduct”) applicable to all employees and Directors that addresses legal and ethical issues employees
may encounter in carrying out their duties and responsibilities. Subject to applicable law, employees are required to
report any conduct they believe to be a violation of the Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct is posted on the
Company’s web site at www.starwoodhotels.com/corporate/investor_relations.html.
You may obtain a free copy of any of these posted documents by sending a letter to the Company’s Investor
Relations Department, 1111 Westchester Avenue, White Plains, New York 10604. Please note that the information
on the Company’s web site is not incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement.
The Company has a Disclosure Committee, comprised of certain senior executives, to design, establish and
maintain the Company’s internal controls and other procedures with respect to the preparation of periodic reports
filed with the SEC, earnings releases and other written information that the Company will disclose to the investment
community (the “Disclosure Documents”). The Disclosure Committee evaluates the effectiveness of the Compa-
ny’s disclosure controls and procedures on a regular basis and maintains written records of its meetings. The
Company will continue to monitor developments in the law and stock exchange regulations and will adopt new
procedures consistent with new legislation or regulations.
In accordance with New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) rules, the Board makes an annual determination as
to the independence of the Directors and nominees for election as a Director. No Director will be deemed to be
independent unless the Board affirmatively determines that the Director has no material relationship with the
Company, directly or as an officer, stockholder or partner of an organization that has a relationship with the Company.
A material relationship is one that impairs or inhibits — or has the potential to impair or inhibit — a director’s exercise
of critical and disinterested judgment on behalf of the Company and its stockholders. The Board observes all criteria
for independence established by the NYSE listing standards and other governing laws and regulations. In its annual
review of Director independence, the Board considers any commercial, banking, consulting, legal, accounting,
charitable or other business relationships each Director may have with the Company. In addition, the Board consults
with the Company’s counsel to ensure that the Board’s determinations are consistent with all relevant securities and
other laws and regulations regarding the definition of “independent director,” including but not limited to those set
forth in pertinent listing standards of the NYSE in effect from time to time. As a result of its annual review, the Board
has determined that all of the Directors, with the exception of Mr. van Paasschen, are independent directors. Mr. van
Paasschen is not independent because he is serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
In making this determination, the Board took into account that three of the non-employee Directors, Messrs.
Aron and Daley and Ms. Galbreath, have no relationship with the Company except as a Director and stockholder of
the Company and that the remaining seven non-employee Directors have relationships with the Company that are
consistent with the NYSE independence standards. With respect to Mr. Duncan, the Board considered the fact that
Mr. Duncan served as Chief Executive Officer on an interim basis from April 1, 2007 to September 24, 2007 and
5
received a salary and other benefits for his services. Prior to serving as Chief Executive Officer on an interim basis,
the Board determined that Mr. Duncan was an independent director. Yahoo! Inc., Amazon.com, Inc., Gap, Inc.,
Nike, Inc., Intel Corp. and American Express Company, where Messrs. Hippeau, Mr. Ryder, Youngblood and
Clarke and Ambassador Barshefsky are directors, respectively, are the only companies to transact business with the
Company over the past three years in which any of the Company’s independent directors served as a director,
executive officer or is a partner, principal or greater than 10% stockholder. In the case of each of Yahoo! Inc.,
Amazon.com, Inc., Gap, Inc., Nike, Inc. and Intel Corp., the combined annual payments from the Company to each
such entity and from each such entity to the Company has been less than .05% of the Company’s and/or each such
other entity’s annual consolidated revenues for each of the past three years. In the case of American Express
Company, with which the Company co-brands the American Express Starwood Preferred Guest credit card, the
combined annual payments from the Company to American Express Company and from American Express
Company to the Company has been less than 1% of American Express Company’s annual consolidated revenues for
each of the past three years and payments from American Express were less than 4% of the Company’s annual
consolidated revenues for 2008, less than 2% for 2007 and slightly more than 2% for 2006. Ambassador Barshefsky
serves solely as a director of American Express and derives no personal benefit from these payments. These
relationships are consistent with the NYSE independence standards. In addition, in the case of Mr. Quazzo, the
Board considered that in January 2008 a fund managed by Transwestern Investment Company, LLC purchased the
office building in Phoenix where the Company maintains an office. The Company’s lease for the office space was
negotiated and entered into prior to the acquisition with unaffiliated third parties at arms-length and was not
amended in connection with the acquisition of the building by the fund. Mr. Quazzo has informed the Company that
he did not derive any direct personal benefit from the office space lease, although his compensation does depend, in
part, on Transwestern Investment Company, LLC’s results of operations.
Mr. Duncan, who was an independent Director prior to his interim appointment as Chief Executive Officer, has
served as non-executive Chairman of the Board from May 2005 until March 31, 2007 when he was appointed Chief
Executive Officer on an interim basis, and from September 24, 2007 to the present. As a result, prior to March 31,
2007 and following September 24, 2007, the Board did not have a “lead” Director but Mr. Duncan, as Chairman, ran
meetings of the Board. During Mr. Duncan’s appointment as Chief Executive Officer on an interim basis, the
Chairman of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee served as the lead Director at the executive
meetings of the Board. Mr. Quazzo, an independent Director, served as the Chairman of the Corporate Governance
and Nominating Committee in 2008.
The Company has adopted a policy which requires the Audit Committee to approve the hiring of any current or
former employee (within the last 5 years) of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm into any
position (i) as a manager or higher, (ii) in its accounting or tax departments, (iii) where the hire would have direct
involvement in providing information for use in its financial reporting systems, or (iv) where the hire would be in a
policy setting position. When undertaking its review, the Audit Committee considers applicable laws, regulations
and related commentary regarding the definition of “independence” for independent registered public accounting
firms.
The Board has a policy under which Directors who are not employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries
may not stand for re-election after reaching the age of 72. In addition, under this policy, Directors who are
employees of the Company must retire from the Board upon their retirement from the Company. Pursuant to the
Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Board also has a policy that Directors who change their principal occupation
(including through retirement) should voluntarily tender their resignation to the Board.
The Company expects all Directors to attend the Annual Meeting and believes that attendance at the Annual
Meeting is as important as attendance at meetings of the Board of Directors and its committees. In fact, the
Company typically schedules Board of Directors’ and committee meetings to coincide with the dates of its Annual
Meetings. However, from time to time, other commitments prevent all Directors from attending each meeting. All
Directors who were Board members at the time attended the most recent annual meeting of stockholders, which was
held on April 30, 2008.
The Company has adopted a policy which permits stockholders and other interested parties to contact the
Board of Directors. If you are a stockholder or interested party and would like to contact the Board of Directors you
6
may send a letter to the Board of Directors, c/o the Corporate Secretary, 1111 Westchester Avenue, White Plains,
New York 10604 or online at www.hotethics.com. You should specify in the communication that you are a
stockholder or an interested party. If the correspondence contains complaints about Starwood’s accounting, internal
or auditing matters or directed to the non-management directors, the Corporate Secretary will forward that
correspondence to a member of the Audit Committee. If the correspondence concerns other matters, the Corporate
Secretary will forward the correspondence to the Director to whom it is addressed or otherwise as would be
appropriate under the circumstances, attempt to handle the inquiry directly (for example where it is a request for
information or a stock-related matter), or not forward the communication if it is primarily commercial in nature or
relates to an improper or irrelevant topic. At each regularly scheduled Board meeting, the Corporate Secretary or
his/her designee will present a summary of all such communications received since the last meeting that were not
forwarded and shall make those communications available to the Directors upon request. This policy is also posted
on the Company’s web site at www.starwoodhotels.com/corporate/investor_relations.html.
The Company indemnifies its Directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law so that they will be
free from undue concern about personal liability in connection with their service to the Company. This is required
under the Company’s charter, and the Company has also signed agreements with each of those individuals
contractually obligating it to provide this indemnification to them.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Under the Company’s charter, each of the Company’s Directors is elected to serve until the next annual
meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified. If a nominee is unavailable for
election, proxy holders and stockholders may vote for another nominee proposed by the Board or, as an alternative,
the Board may reduce the number of Directors to be elected at the meeting. Each nominee has agreed to serve on the
Board if elected. Set forth below is information as of February 28, 2009 regarding the nominees for election, which
has been confirmed by each of them for inclusion in this Proxy Statement.
Directors Nominated at the Annual Meeting will be Elected to Serve Until the 2010 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders and Until his or her Successor is Duly Elected and Qualifies
Frits van Paasschen, 48, has been Chief Executive Officer of the Company since September 2007. From
March 2005 until September 2007, he served as President and CEO of Molson Coors Brewing Company’s largest
division, Coors Brewing Company. Prior to joining Coors, from April 2004 until March 2005, Mr. van Paasschen
worked independently through FPaasschen Consulting and Mercator Investments, evaluating, proposing, and
negotiating private equity transactions. Prior thereto, Mr. van Paasschen spent seven years at Nike, Inc., most
recently as Corporate Vice President/General Manager, Europe, Middle East and Africa from 2000 to 2004. From
1995 to 1997, Mr. van Paasschen served as Vice President, Finance and Planning at Disney Consumer Products and
earlier in his career was a management consultant for eight years at McKinsey & Company and the Boston
Consulting Group. Mr. van Paasschen has been a Director of the Company since September 2007.
Bruce W. Duncan, 57, has been President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of First Industrial Realty
Trust, Inc. since January 2009, prior to which time he was a private investor since January 2006. From April to
September 2007, Mr. Duncan served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company on an interim basis. He also has
been a senior advisor to Kohlberg Kravis & Roberts & Co. from July 2008 to January 2009. From May 2005 to
December 2005, Mr. Duncan was Chief Executive Officer and Trustee of Equity Residential (“EQR”), a publicly
traded apartment company. From January 2003 to May 2005, he was President and Trustee of EQR. Mr. Duncan has
served as a Director of the Company since April 1999, and was a Trustee of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, a real estate
investment trust and former subsidiary of the Company (the “Trust”), since August 1995.
Adam M. Aron, 54, has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of World Leisure Partners, Inc., a leisure-
related consultancy, since 2006. From 1996 through 2006, Mr. Aron served as Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Vail Resorts, Inc., an owner and operator of ski resorts and hotels. Mr. Aron is a director of Norwegian
Cruise Line Limited and Prestige Cruise Holdings, Inc. Mr. Aron has been a Director of the Company since August
2006.
7
Charlene Barshefsky, 58, has been Senior International Partner at the law firm of WilmerHale, LLP,
Washington, D.C. since September 2001. From March 1997 to January 2001, Ambassador Barshefsky was the
United States Trade Representative, the chief trade negotiator and principal trade policy maker for the United States
and a member of the President’s Cabinet. Ambassador Barshefsky is a director of The Estee Lauder Companies,
Inc., American Express Company and Intel Corporation. Ambassador Barshefsky also serves on the Board of
Directors of the Council on Foreign Relations and is a Trustee of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. She has
been a Director of the Company, and was a Trustee of the Trust, since October 2001.
Thomas E. Clarke, 57, has been President of New Business Ventures of Nike, Inc., a designer, developer and
marketer of footwear, apparel and accessory products, since 2001. Dr. Clarke joined Nike, Inc. in 1980. He was
appointed Divisional Vice President in charge of marketing in 1987, Corporate Vice President in 1990, and served
as President and Chief Operating Officer from 1994 to 2000. Dr. Clarke previously held various positions with Nike,
Inc. primarily in research, design, development and marketing. Dr. Clarke is also a director of Newell Rubbermaid,
a global marketer of consumer and commercial products. Dr. Clarke has been a Director of the Company since
April, 2008.
Clayton C. Daley, Jr., 57, has spent his entire professional career with Procter & Gamble, joining the company
in 1974, and has held a number of key accounting and finance positions including Comptroller, U.S. Operations for
Procter & Gamble USA; Vice President and Comptroller of Procter & Gamble International and Vice President and
Treasurer. Mr. Daley was appointed to his current position as Chief Financial Officer, Procter & Gamble in 1998 and
was elected Vice Chair in 2007. Mr. Daley is a director of Boys Scouts of America, Dan Beard Council, and Nucor
Corporation. Mr. Daley has been a Director of the Company since November 2008.
Lizanne Galbreath, 51, has been Managing Partner of Galbreath & Company, a real estate investment firm,
since 1999. From April 1997 to 1999, Ms. Galbreath was Managing Director of LaSalle Partners/Jones Lang
LaSalle where she also served as a Director. From 1984 to 1997, Ms. Galbreath served as a Managing Director then
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Galbreath Company, the predecessor entity of Galbreath & Company.
Ms. Galbreath has been a Director of the Company, and was a Trustee of the Trust, since May 2005.
Eric Hippeau, 57, has been Managing Partner of Softbank Capital, a technology venture capital firm, since
March 2000. Mr. Hippeau served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ziff-Davis Inc., an integrated media
and marketing company, from 1993 to March 2000 and held various other positions with Ziff-Davis from 1989 to
1993. Mr. Hippeau is a director of Yahoo! Inc. Mr. Hippeau has been a Director of the Company, and was a Trustee
of the Trust since April 1999.
Stephen R. Quazzo, 49, is the Chief Executive Officer and has been the Managing Director and co-founder of
Transwestern Investment Company, L.L.C., a real estate principal investment firm, since March 1996. From April
1991 to March 1996, Mr. Quazzo was President of Equity Institutional Investors, Inc., a subsidiary of Equity Group
Investments, Inc. Mr. Quazzo has been a Director of the Company since April 1999, and was a Trustee of the Trust,
since August 1995.
Thomas O. Ryder, 64, retired as Chairman of the Board of The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc. in January
2007, a position he had held since January 1, 2006. Mr. Ryder was Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer of that company from April 1998 through December 31, 2005. Mr. Ryder was President, American Express
Travel Related Services International, a division of American Express Company, which provides travel, financial
and network services, from October 1995 to April 1998. In addition, he is a director of Amazon.com, Inc. and
Chairman of the Board of Virgin Mobile USA, Inc. Mr. Ryder has been a Director of the Company, and was a
Trustee of the Trust, since April 2001.
Kneeland C. Youngblood, 53, is a founding partner of Pharos Capital Group, L.L.C., a private equity fund
focused on technology companies, business service companies and health care companies, since January 1998.
From July 1985 to December 1997, he was in private medical practice. He is former Chairman of the Board of the
American Beacon Funds, a mutual fund company managed by AMR Investments, an investment affiliate of
American Airlines. He is also a director of Burger King Holdings, Inc., Gap, Inc., and Energy Future Holdings
(formerly TXU Corp.). Mr. Youngblood has been a Director of the Company, and was a Trustee of the Trust, since
April 2001.
8
The Board unanimously recommends a vote FOR election of these nominees.
Board Meetings and Committees
The Board of Directors held 5 meetings during 2008. In addition to meetings of the full Board, Directors
attended meetings of individual Board committees. Each Director attended at least 75% of the total number of
meetings of the full Board and committees on which he or she serves.
The Board has established Audit, Compensation and Option, Corporate Governance and Nominating, and
Capital Committees, the principal functions of which are described below.
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee, which has been established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is currently comprised of Messrs. Ryder
(chairperson), Aron, Clarke, Daley and Youngblood, all of whom are “independent” Directors, as determined by the
Board in accordance with the NYSE listing requirements and applicable federal securities laws. The Board has
determined that each of Messrs. Ryder and Daley is an “audit committee financial expert” under federal securities
laws and has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee provides oversight regarding
accounting, auditing and financial reporting practices of the Company. The Audit Committee selects and engages
the independent registered public accounting firm to serve as auditors with whom it discusses the scope and results
of their audit. The Audit Committee also discusses with the independent registered public accounting firm and with
management, financial accounting and reporting principles, policies and practices and the adequacy of the
Company’s accounting, financial, operating and disclosure controls. The Audit Committee met 10 times during
2008.
Compensation and Option Committee. Under the terms of its charter, the Compensation and Option
Committee is required to consist of three or more members of the Board of Directors who meet the independence
requirements of the NYSE, are “non-employee directors” pursuant to SEC Rule 16b-3, and are “outside directors”
for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Compensation and Option
Committee is currently comprised of Messrs. Aron (chairperson), Daley, Duncan, Youngblood and Ms. Galbreath,
all of whom are “independent” Directors, as determined by the Board in accordance with the NYSE listing
requirements. The Compensation and Option Committee makes recommendations to the Board with respect to the
salaries and other compensation to be paid to the Company’s executive officers and other members of senior
management and administers the Company’s employee benefits plans, including the Company’s Long-Term
Incentive Compensation Plans. The Compensation and Option Committee met 7 times during 2008.
Capital Committee. The Capital Committee is currently comprised of Ms. Galbreath (chairperson), and
Messrs. Clarke, Hippeau and Quazzo. The Capital Committee was established in November 2005 to exercise some
of the power of the Board relating to, among other things, capital plans and needs, mergers and acquisitions,
divestitures and other significant corporate opportunities between meetings of the Board. The Capital Committee
met 6 times during 2008.
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
is currently comprised of Messrs. Quazzo (chairperson), Duncan and Hippeau and Ambassador Barshefsky, all of
whom are “independent” Directors, as determined by the Board in accordance with the NYSE listing requirements.
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee was established in May 2004, combining the functions of
the Corporate Governance Committee and the Nominating Committee, to oversee compliance with the Company’s
corporate governance standards and to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities. The Corporate
Governance and Nominating Committee establishes, or assists in the establishment of, the Company’s governance
policies (including policies that govern potential conflicts of interest) and monitors and advises the Company as to
compliance with those policies. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee reviews, analyzes, advises
and makes recommendations to the Board with respect to situations, opportunities, relationships and transactions
that are governed by such policies, such as opportunities in which a Director or officer has a personal interest. In
addition, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for making recommendations for
candidates for the Board of Directors, taking into account nominations made by officers, Directors, employees and
stockholders, recommending Directors for service on Board committees, developing and reviewing background
information for candidates, making recommendations to the Board for changes to the Corporate Governance
9
Guidelines as they pertain to the nomination or qualifications of Directors or the size of the Board, if applicable. The
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee met 10 times during 2008.
This year, Messrs. Clarke and Daley are standing for election by the stockholders for the first time. Mr. Clarke
was elected a Director by the Board in April 2008 and Mr. Daley was elected a Director by the Board in November
2008. Mr. Clarke was recommended to the Board by the Chief Executive Officer, who believed that he would be a
valuable addition to the Board based on his brand and marketing knowledge and experience. Mr. Daley was
recommended by a search firm engaged by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee to recommend
candidates with a strong financial background and international operations experience. The Corporate Governance
and Nominating Committee conducted its own evaluation and interviewed Messrs. Clarke and Daley before making
its recommendation to nominate each of them.
There are no firm prerequisites to qualify as a candidate for the Board, although the Board seeks a diverse
group of candidates who possess the background, skills and expertise relevant to the business of the Company or
candidates that possess a particular geographical or international perspective. The Board looks for candidates with
qualities that include strength of character, an inquiring and independent mind, practical wisdom and mature
judgment. The Board seeks to insure that at least 2/3 of the Directors are independent under the Company’s
Governance Guidelines (or at least a majority are independent under the rules of the NYSE), and that members of
the Company’s Audit Committee meet the financial literacy requirements under the rules of the NYSE and at least
one of them qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” under applicable federal securities laws. Annually
the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee reviews the qualifications and backgrounds of the Directors,
the overall composition of the Board, and recommends to the full Board the slate of Directors to be recommended
for nomination for election at the annual meeting of stockholders.
The Board does not believe that its members should be prohibited from serving on boards and/or committees of
other organizations, and the Board has not adopted any guidelines limiting such activities. However, the Corporate
Governance and Nominating Committee and the full Board will take into account the nature of and time involved in
a Director’s service on other boards in evaluating the suitability of individual Directors and making its recom-
mendations to Company stockholders. Service on boards and/or committees of other organizations should be
consistent with the Company’s conflict of interest policies.
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee may from time-to-time utilize the services of a search
firm to help identify and evaluate candidates for Director who meet the qualifications outlined above.
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will consider candidates nominated by stockholders.
Under the Company’s current Bylaws, stockholder nominations must be made in writing, delivered or mailed by
first class United States mail, postage prepaid, to the Corporate Secretary, 1111 Westchester Avenue, White Plains,
New York 10604, and be received by the Corporate Secretary no later than the close of business on the 75th day nor
earlier than the close of business on the 100th day prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual
meeting. In accordance with the Company’s current Bylaws, such notice shall set forth as to each proposed nominee
(i) the name, age and business address of each nominee proposed in such notice, and a statement as to the
qualification of each nominee, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of each such nominee, (iii) the number
of Shares which are beneficially owned by each such nominee and by the nominating stockholder, and (iv) any other
information concerning the nominee that must be disclosed of nominees in proxy solicitations regulated by
Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act, including, without limitation, such person’s written consent to being named in
the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a Director if elected. Although it has no formal policy regarding
stockholder nominees, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee believes that stockholder nominees
should be reviewed in substantially the same manner as other nominees.
The Company provides a comprehensive orientation for all new Directors. It includes a corporate overview,
one-on-one meetings with senior management and an orientation meeting. In addition, all Directors are given
written materials providing information on the Company’s business.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires that the Company’s Directors and executive officers, and persons
who own more than ten percent of the outstanding Shares, file with the SEC (and provide a copy to the Company)
certain reports relating to their ownership of Shares.
10
To the Company’s knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of these reports furnished to the Company
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, and written representations that no other reports were required, all
Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its Directors, executive officers and greater than 10 percent
beneficial owners were complied with for the most recent fiscal year.
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board has appointed and is requesting ratification by stockholders of the appointment of Ernst & Young as
the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. While not required by law, the Board is asking the
stockholders to ratify the selection of Ernst & Young as a matter of good corporate practice. Representatives of
Ernst & Young are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting, will have an opportunity to make a statement, if
they desire to do so, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions. If the appointment of Ernst & Young
is not ratified, the Board and the Audit Committee will reconsider the selection of the independent registered public
accounting firm.
The Board unanimously recommends a vote FOR ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young as the
Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2009.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The following tables show the number of Shares “beneficially owned” by (i) all persons known to the
Company to be the beneficial owners of more than 5% of the outstanding Shares at December 31, 2008 and (ii) each
of the Directors, nominees for Director and executive officers whose compensation is reported in this proxy
statement (the “Named Executive Officers”), and (iii) Directors, nominees for Director, Named Executive Officers
and executive officers (who are not Named Executive Officers) as a group, at January 31, 2009. “Beneficial
ownership” includes Shares a stockholder has the power to vote or the power to transfer, and also includes stock
options and other derivative securities that were exercisable at that date, or as of that date will become exercisable
within 60 days thereafter. Percentages are based upon the number of Shares outstanding at January 31, 2009, plus,
where applicable, the number of Shares that the indicated person had a right to acquire within 60 days of such date.
The information in the tables is based upon information provided by each Director and executive officer and, in the
case of the beneficial owners of more than 5% of the outstanding Shares, the information is based upon Schedules
13G and 13D filed with the SEC.
Certain Beneficial Owners
Amount and Nature of Percent
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Beneficial Ownership of Class
Morgan Stanley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,425,488 10.10%(1)
1585 Broadway
New York, New York 10036
EGI-SSE I, L.P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,750,000 8.10%(2)
Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 600
Chicago, IL 60606
Harris Associates Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,156,030 7.73%(3)
Two North LaSalle Street, Suite 500
Chicago, IL 60602
FMR LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13,168,274 7.20%(4)
82 Devonshire St.
Boston, MA 02109
(1) Based on information contained in a Schedule 13G/A, dated February 17, 2009 (the “Morgan Stanley 13G”),
filed with respect to the Company. Morgan Stanley filed the Morgan Stanley 13G solely in its capacity as the
parent company of, and indirect beneficial owner of securities held by, certain of its operating units. Morgan
Stanley beneficially owns an aggregate amount of 18,425,488 Shares. Morgan Stanley has sole voting power
11
with respect to 11,372,688 Shares, shared voting over 909 Shares and sole dispositive power over
18,425,488 Shares.
(2) Based on information contained in a Schedule 13D/A, dated December 31, 2008 (the “SSE 13D”), filed with
respect to the Company. SSE has shared voting power and shared dispositive power over 14,750,000 Shares. On
December 29, 2008, the Company and SSE entered into a confidentiality agreement to facilitate the sharing of
information between the Company and SSE. Pursuant to the agreement, SSE agreed to restrictions on its use
and disclosure of the Company’s confidential information and limitations on its ability to effect a change in
control of the Company.
(3) Based on information contained in a Schedule 13G, dated February 13, 2009 (the “Harris 13G”), filed with
respect to the Company, Harris Associates L.P. (“Harris”) has been granted the power to vote Shares in
circumstances it determines to be appropriate in connection with assisting its advised clients to whom it renders
financial advice in the ordinary course of business, by either providing information or advice to the persons
having such power, or by exercising the power to vote. Harris has sole voting and sole dispositive power with
respect to 14,156,030 Shares.
(4) Based on information contained in a Schedule 13G/A, dated February 17, 2009 (the “FMR 13G”), filed with
respect to the Company, 12,568,601 Shares are held by Fidelity Management & Research Company
(“Fidelity”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of FMR LLC (“FMR”); 119,630 Shares are held by Pyramis Global
Advisors, LLC, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of FMR; 268,515 Shares are held by Pyramis Global
Advisors Trust Company, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of FMR; 211,270 Shares are held by Fidelity
International Limited, a foreign based entity that provides investment advisory and management services to
non-U.S. investment companies (“FIL”) and 258 Shares are held by Strategic Advisers, Inc., a registered
investment adviser and wholly owned subsidiary of FMR. According to the FMR Schedule 13G, FMR and
Edward C. Johnson 3rd, Chairman of FMR, each have sole dispositive power and sole voting power with respect
to 12,568,601. FIL has sole power to vote and direct the voting of 202,170 Shares, no power to vote or direct the
voting of 9,100 Shares and the sole dispositive power with respect to 211,270 Shares. Through ownership of
voting common stock and the execution of a certain stockholders’ voting agreement, members of the Edward C.
Johnson 3rd family may be deemed, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, to form a controlling group
with respect to FMR.
12
Directors and Executive Officers of the Company
Amount and Nature of
Name of Beneficial Owner Beneficial Ownership Percent of Class(1)
Adam M. Aron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44,225(3) (4)
Matthew Avril . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90,474(3) (4)
Charlene Barshefsky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46,649(2)(3) (4)
Thomas E. Clarke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,239(3) (4)
Clayton C. Daley, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,201(2)(3) (4)
Bruce W. Duncan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288,681(2)(3)(5) (4)
Lizanne Galbreath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23,092(2)(3) (4)
Eric Hippeau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70,247(2)(3) (4)
Philip P. McAveety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,330(3) (4)
Vasant Prabhu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 409,350(3) (4)
Stephen R. Quazzo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78,287(3)(6) (4)
Thomas O. Ryder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53,044(2)(3) (4)
Kenneth S. Siegel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231,168(3) (4)
Simon Turner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280 (4)
Frits van Paasschen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41,692(3) (4)
Kneeland C. Youngblood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46,805(3) (4)
All Directors, Nominees for Directors and executive officers as
a group (17 persons) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,441,764 (4)
(1) Based on the number of Shares outstanding on January 31, 2009 and Shares issuable upon exercise of options
exercisable within 60 days from January 31, 2009.
(2) Amount includes the following number of “phantom” stock units received as a result of the following Directors’
election to defer Directors’ Annual Fees: 17,509 for Mr. Hippeau; 12,463 for Mr. Ryder; 11,203 for Mr. Duncan;
4,507 for Ms. Galbreath; 3,822 for Ambassador Barshefsky; and 142 for Mr. Daley.
(3) Includes Shares subject to presently exercisable options and options and restricted Shares that will become
exercisable or vest within 60 days of January 31, 2009, as follows: 326,104 for Mr. Prabhu; 143,624 for
Mr. Siegel; 73,692 for Mr. Duncan; 66,512 for Mr. Avril; 6,330 for Mr. McAveety; 51,579 for Mr. Quazzo;
52,738 for Mr. Hippeau; 41,692 for Mr. van Paasschen; 40,581 for Messrs. Ryder and Youngblood; 35,082 for
Ambassador Barshefsky; 18,585 for Ms. Galbreath; 10,962 for Mr. Aron; 2,852 for Mr. Clarke; and 1,544 for
Mr. Daley.
(4) Less than 1%.
(5) Includes, 174,984 Shares held by the 2008 Locust Annuity Trust of which Mr. Duncan is a Trustee and
beneficiary, and 31,374 Shares held by The Bruce W. Duncan Revocable Trust of which Mr. Duncan is a Trustee
and beneficiary.
(6) Includes 26,311 Shares held by a trust of which Mr. Quazzo is settlor and over which he shares investment
control, and 397 Shares owned by Mr. Quazzo’s wife in a Retirement Account.
13
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2008 regarding Shares that may be issued under
equity compensation plans maintained by the Company.
Equity Compensation Plan Information-December 31, 2008
Number of Securities
Number of Securities Remaining Available for
to be Issued Upon Weighted-Average Future Issuance Under
Exercise of Exercise Price of Equity Compensation Plans
Outstanding Options, Outstanding Options, (Excluding Securities
Warrants and Rights Warrants and Rights Reflected in Column (a))
Plan Category (a) (b) (c)
Equity compensation plans approved by
security holders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,176,014 $25.05 69,726,066(1)
Equity compensation plans not approved
by security holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — —
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,176,014 $25.05 69,726,066
(1) Does not include deferred share units (that vest over three years and may be settled in Shares) that have been
issued pursuant to the Annual Incentive Plan for Certain Executives (“Executive AIP”). The Executive AIP
does not limit the number of deferred share units that may be issued. This plan has been amended to provide for
a termination date of May 26, 2009 to comply with new NYSE requirements. In addition, 10,540,472 Shares
remain available for issuance under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan, a stock purchase plan meeting the
requirements of Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code.
14
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
I. COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Introduction
The Company’s compensation programs are designed to align compensation with its business objectives and
performance, enabling the Company to attract, retain, and reward executive officers and other key employees who
contribute to the Company’s long-term success and motivate executive officers to enhance long-term stockholder
value. The Compensation Committee reviews and sets the Company’s overall compensation strategy for all
employees on an annual basis. In the course of this review, the Compensation Committee considers the Company’s
current compensation programs and whether to modify them or introduce new programs or elements of compen-
sation in order to better meet the Company’s overall compensation objectives.
During 2008, the Compensation Committee also reviewed some of the Company’s long-standing compen-
sation practices and decided to make significant changes, most of which will become effective in 2009. These
changes include, among other things, (i) redesigning the compensation structure to achieve cost savings and align
total compensation with competitive market data, (ii) eliminating tax gross ups in new change in control agreements
entered into in 2008, (iii) eliminating the payout floor under the Company’s bonus plans for the 2009 performance
year, (iv) structural changes for the 2009 performance year to align the individual performance portion of annual
bonuses to the Company’s financial performance, and (v) freezing salaries for all bonus eligible associates in
corporate and divisional offices, including the Named Executive Officers. In addition, for 2009 equity awards the
Compensation Committee lowered the exchange ratio for 2009 equity grants from 3-to-1 to 2.5-to-1 for senior
executives electing to receive a larger portion of their equity awards in options instead of restricted stock, because of
the lower stock price and leverage opportunity. These changes were designed to better align compensation with
(i) the creation and preservation of shareholder value and (ii) the Company’s financial performance.
A. Overview of Starwood’s Executive Compensation Program
1. Program Objectives and Other Considerations
Objectives. As a consumer lifestyle company with a branded hotel portfolio at its core, the Company
operates in a competitive, dynamic and challenging business environment. In step with this mission and environ-
ment, the Company’s executive compensation program for our principal executive officer, principal financial
officer and the Named Executive Officers has the following key objectives:
• Attract and Retain: We seek to attract and retain talented executives from within and outside the
hospitality industry who understand the importance of innovation, brand enhancement and consumer
experience. We are working to reinvent the hospitality industry, and one element of this endeavor is to bring
in key talent from other industries. Therefore, overall program competitiveness must take these other
markets into account.
• Motivate: We seek to motivate our executives to sustain high performance and achieve Company financial
and strategic/operational goals over the course of business cycles and various market conditions.
• Align Interests: We endeavor to align the interests of stockholders and our executives by tying executive
compensation to the Company’s business results and stock performance. Moreover, we strive to keep the
executive compensation program transparent, easily understood, in line with market practices and consistent
with high standards of good corporate governance.
What the Program Intends to Reward. Our executive compensation program is strongly weighted toward
variable compensation tied to Company results. Specifically, our compensation program for Named Executive
Officers is designed to ensure the following:
• Alignment with Stockholders: A significant portion of Named Executive Officer compensation is delivered
in the form of equity, ensuring that long term compensation is strongly tied to stockholder returns.
15
• Achievement of Company Financial Objectives: A portion of Named Executive Officer compensation is
tied directly to the Company’s financial performance.
• Achievement of Strategic/Operational Objectives. A portion of Named Executive Officer compensation is
tied to achievement of specific individual objectives that are directly aligned with execution of our business
strategy. These objectives may be related to, among others, operational excellence, brand enhancement,
innovation, growth, cost containment/efficiency, customer experience and/or teamwork.
• Overall Leadership and Stewardship of the Company: Leadership, teambuilding, and development of
future talent are key success factors for the Company and a portion of compensation for the Named
Executive Officers is dependent on satisfaction of enumerated leadership competencies.
2. Roles and Responsibilities
Our Compensation and Option Committee (“Compensation Committee”) is responsible for, among other
things, the establishment and review of compensation policies and programs for our executive officers and ensuring
that these executive officers are compensated in a manner consistent with the objectives and principles outlined
above. It also monitors the Company’s executive succession plan, and reviews and monitors the Company’s
performance as it affects the Company’s employees and the overall compensation policies for the Company’s
employees.
The Compensation Committee makes all compensation decisions for our Named Executive Officers. Our
Chief Executive Officer, together with the Chief Human Resources Officer, reviews the performance of each other
Named Executive Officer and presents to the Compensation Committee his conclusions and recommendations,
including salary adjustments and annual incentive compensation amounts (as described in more detail in subsection
B under the heading Incentive Compensation below). The Compensation Committee may exercise its discretion in
modifying any recommended salary adjustments or awards to these executives.
The role of the Company’s management is to provide reviews and recommendations for the Compensation
Committee’s consideration, and to manage operational aspects of the Company’s compensation programs, policies
and governance. Direct responsibilities include, but are not limited to, (i) providing an ongoing review of the
effectiveness of the compensation programs, including competitiveness, and alignment with the Company’s
objectives, (ii) recommending changes, if necessary, to ensure achievement of all program objectives and
(iii) recommending pay levels, payout and/or awards for executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer.
Management also prepares tally sheets which describe and quantify all components of total compensation for our
Named Executive Officers, including salary, annual incentive compensation, long-term incentive compensation,
deferred compensation, outstanding equity awards, benefits, perquisites and potential severance and change-in-con-
trol payments. The Compensation Committee reviews and considers these tally sheets in making compensation
decisions for our Named Executive Officers.
Management of the Company retained Towers Perrin in 2008 to perform a comprehensive review of the
compensation paid to all associates other than executive officers. Towers Perrin provided advice concerning the
total compensation, including base salary, bonus opportunity and equity awards at these levels. As a result of this
review, management fundamentally redesigned the compensation structure for such associates starting in 2009
leading to significant cost savings and reduced overhead. Towers Perrin worked directly with management on this
project and it was implemented by management with the approval of the Compensation Committee.
The Compensation Committee retained Pearl Meyer & Partners to assist in the review and determination of
compensation awards to the Named Executive Officers (including the CEO) for the 2008 performance period. Pearl
Meyer & Partners worked with management and the Compensation Committee in reviewing the compensation
structure of the Company and of the companies in the peer group. Pearl Meyer & Partners does not provide any other
services to the Company. The Compensation Committee approved Pearl Meyer & Partners’ equity program
recommendations and compensation awards for the 2008 performance period.
16
B. Elements of Compensation
1. Primary Elements
The primary elements of the Company’s compensation program for our Named Executive Officers are:
• Base Salary
• Incentive Compensation
O Annual Incentive Compensation
O Long-Term Incentive Compensation
• Benefits and Perquisites
Mr. van Paasschen’s compensation structure was established in 2007 pursuant to his employment agreement.
Mr. van Paasschen and the Company agreed to a compensation structure which was heavily geared towards
performance and long term incentives, including equity awards in the form of restricted stock and stock options and
restrictions on selling equity awards for two years (other than to satisfy tax withholding obligations). As a result, in
the event of strong financial and individual performance, Mr. van Paasschen would benefit greatly in the form of
long term incentive compensation (stock options and restricted stock), but his compensation would be significantly
lower if the Company did not perform well or if his employment with the Company was terminated after a short
period of time (due to the vesting requirements of the equity awards and generally no acceleration of equity awards
for a termination with or without cause). For the other Named Executive Officers, pay is also structured to award
performance but to a lesser degree in order to provide the Named Executive Officers with a minimum amount of
compensation when the Company is unable to achieve its financial and strategic goals.
We describe each of the compensation elements below and explain why we pay each element and how we
determine the amount of each element.
Base Salary. The Company believes it is essential to provide our Named Executive Officers with com-
petitive base salaries that will enable the Company to continue to attract and retain critical senior executives from
within and outside the hospitality industry. In the case of Named Executive Officers other than the Chief Executive
Officer, base salary typically accounts for approximately 20% of total compensation at target, i.e., total compen-
sation excluding benefits and perquisites, and is generally targeted at the median of the Company’s peer group. In
the case of Mr. van Paasschen, base salary for 2008 was limited to $1 million in order to keep this element of his
compensation below the levels established by Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the “Code”), which limits the deductibility of non-performance-based compensation above that amount. As a
result, base salary accounted for approximately 12.5% of total compensation at target for Mr. van Paasschen. Base
salary serves as a minimum level of compensation to Named Executive Officers in circumstances when achieving
Company financial and strategic/operational objectives becomes challenging and the level of incentive compen-
sation is impacted. Salaries for Named Executive Officers are generally based on the responsibilities of each
position and are reviewed annually against similar positions among a group of peer companies developed by the
Company and its advisors consisting of similarly-sized hotel and hospitality companies as well as other companies
representative of markets in which the Company competes for key executive talent. See the Background
Information on the Executive Compensation Program — Use of Peer Data section beginning on page 25 below
for a list of the peer companies used in this analysis. The Company generally seeks to position base salaries of our
Named Executive Officers at or near the market median for similar positions.
Incentive Compensation. Incentive compensation includes annual incentive awards under the Company’s
Annual Incentive Plan for Certain Executives (the “Executive Plan”) as well as long-term incentive compensation in
the form of equity awards under the Company’s 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”). Incentive compensation
typically accounts for approximately 80% of total compensation at target (87.5% for Mr. van Paasschen), with
annual incentive compensation and long-term incentive compensation accounting for 20% and 60%, respectively
(25% and 62.5% for Mr. van Paasschen, respectively). The Company’s emphasis on incentive compensation results
in total compensation at target that is set at approximately the 65th percentile level relative to the Company’s peer
group, but that is highly dependent on performance. The Company believes that this structure allows it to provide
17
each Named Executive Officer with substantial incentive compensation opportunities if performance objectives are
met. The Company believes that the allocation between base and incentive compensation is appropriate and
beneficial because:
• it promotes the Company’s competitive position by allowing it to provide Named Executive Officers with
competitive compensation if targets are met;
• it targets and attracts highly motivated and talented executives within and outside the hospitality industry;
• it aligns senior management’s interests with those of stockholders;
• it promotes achievement of business and individual performance objectives; and
• it provides long-term incentives for Named Executive Officers to remain in the Company’s employ.
Annual Incentive Compensation. Annual incentives are a key part of the Company’s executive
compensation program. The incentives directly link the achievement of Company financial and strategic/
operational performance objectives to executive pay. Annual incentives also provide a complementary balance
to equity incentives (discussed below). Each Named Executive Officer has an annual opportunity to receive an
award under the stockholder-approved Executive Plan. If and when earned, awards are typically paid to Named
Executive Officers partly in cash and, unless the Compensation Committee otherwise elects, partly as deferred
equity awards in the form of deferred stock units (under the Executive Plan). The deferred stock units vest over
a three-year period. See additional detail regarding these deferred equity awards in the Long-Term Incentive
Compensation section below.
Minimum Thresholds.
For the Named Executive Officers, the annual incentive award for 2008 was paid under the Executive
Plan. Each year, the Compensation Committee establishes in advance a threshold level of earnings before
interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) that the Company must achieve in order for any
bonus to be paid under the Executive Plan for that year (the “EP Threshold”). The Executive Plan also specifies
a maximum bonus amount, in dollars, that may be paid to any executive for any 12-month performance period.
When the threshold is established at the beginning of a year, the achievement of the threshold is considered
substantially uncertain for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code, which is one of the requirements for
compensation paid under the Executive Plan to be deductible as performance-based compensation under
Section 162(m). For 2008, the EP Threshold was $637,500,000.
Generally, a Named Executive Officer will receive payment of an award under the Executive Plan only if
he remains employed by the Company on the award payment date. However, pro rata awards may be paid at the
discretion of the Compensation Committee in the event of death, disability, retirement or other termination of
employment. To determine the actual bonus to be paid for a year, if the threshold is met and subject to the
maximum described above, the Compensation Committee also establishes specific annual Company financial
and strategic/operational performance targets and a related target bonus amount for each executive. These
financial and strategic/operational targets are described below.
Additional Criteria.
If the EP Threshold under the Executive Plan is met for a year, the Company financial and strategic/
operational goals referenced above are then used to determine a Named Executive Officer’s actual bonus, as
follows:
Financial Goals.
The Company financial goals for Named Executive Officers under the Executive Plan consist of operating
income and earnings per share targets, with each criteria accounting for half of the financial goal portion of the
annual bonus. As the Company generally sets target incentive award opportunities above market median, the
Company financial and strategic/operational goals to achieve such award levels are considered stretch but
achievable, representing above-market performance. Consistent with maintaining these high standards and
18
subject to achieving the EP Threshold, the Compensation Committee retains the ability to consider whether an
adjustment of the financial goals for any year is necessitated by exceptional circumstances, e.g., an unan-
ticipated and material downturn in the business cycle that triggers, in response, an increased focus by the
Compensation Committee on the Company’s performance relative to the industry. This ability is intended to be
narrowly and infrequently used and would, if applicable, be detailed in the proxy.
Performance against the financial targets determined 60% of Mr. van Paasschen’s total target opportunity
and 50% of the total target opportunities for the other Named Executive Officers. Subject to achieving the EP
Threshold, actual incentives paid to Named Executive Officers for financial performance may range from 0%
to 200% of the pre-determined target bonus for this category of performance. For Named Executive Officers,
the Company performance portion is based 50% on earnings per share and 50% on operating income of the
Company, provided that Mr. Avril’s Company financial portion was pro-rated based on his services for SVO,
the Company’s vacation ownership subsidiary, prior to his promotion in September 2008. From January
through September, the Company financial performance portion is based on 50% on earnings per share and
50% on the net income for SVO.
Once the EP Threshold is achieved, a minimum amount is generally paid on a component of the
“Financial Goals” portion of the annual bonus subject to the Compensation Committee applying its discretion
to reduce awards. Further, once a certain level of performance is achieved, the bonus payout for the applicable
metric is limited to 200% (i.e., the “performance maximum”). The table below sets forth for each metric the
performance levels for 2008 which would have resulted in 100% payout (i.e. “target”), the performance
minimum level that would have resulted in a 50% payout and the performance maximum level that would have
resulted in a 200% payout. In addition, the table sets forth the mid-points of performance and payout between
the performance minimum to target and from target to performance maximum:
Minimum Mid-point Target Mid-point Maximum
(50%) (75%) (100%) (150%) (200%)
Earnings per Share . . . . . . $ 1.98 $ 2.23 $ 2.48 $ 2.79 $ 3.10
Company Operating
Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . $720,200,000 $810,300,000 $900,300,000 $1,012,800,000 $1,125,400,000
SVO Net Income . . . . . . . $ 92,000,000 $103,500,000 $115,000,000 $ 138,000,000 $ 161,000,000
For the 2008 performance period, EBITDA (which exceeded the EP Threshold) for purposes of
determining bonuses was $1,157,000,000. Actual results for earnings per share, Company operating income
and SVO net income were $2.36, $819,300,000 and $85,000,000, respectively. Using the metrics described
above resulted in a payout at 82% of target for the Company performance portion of bonuses for the 2008
performance period for the Named Executive Officers other than Mr. Avril. For Mr. Avril, the financial
performance component was paid at 68% of target (61% attributable to SVO for eight months and 82%
attributable to corporate for four months).
Strategic/Operational Goals.
The strategic/operational performance goals for Named Executive Officers under the Executive Plan
consists of “Big 5” and leadership competency objectives that link individual contributions to execution of our
business strategy and major financial and operating goals. “Big 5” refers to each executive’s specific
deliverables within the Company’s critical performance categories — operational excellence, brand enhance-
ment, innovation, growth, and customer experience. As part of a structured process that cascades down
throughout the Company, these objectives are developed at the beginning of the year, and they integrate and
align an executive with the Company’s strategic and operational plan. Achievement of “Big 5” objectives
typically accounts for 80% of the strategic/operational performance evaluation, and achievement of leadership
competency objectives typically accounts for 20% of such evaluation. The portion of annual incentive awards
attributable to strategic/operational/talent management performance represents 40% of Mr. van Paasschen’s
total target opportunity and 50% of the total target opportunities for the other Named Executive Officers.
Actual incentives paid to Named Executive Officers for strategic/operational performance may range from 0%
to 175% of the pre-determined target amount for this category of performance. The evaluation process for Mr.
19
van Paasschen and the other Named Executive Officers with respect to each executive’s strategic/operational
goals is described below.
Mr. van Paasschen’s accomplishments for the 2008 performance year included the following:
• Successfully continued the Company’s focus on building world class brands by launching the Aloft and
Element brands with 19 Aloft and Element hotel openings in 2008, sustaining the Sheraton revitalization
plan and increasing guest satisfaction scores across all brands
• Achieved strong financial results despite the economic environment and re-evaluated and redeveloped the
strategy for the Company’s vacation ownership business
• Led the streamlining of the Company’s operations, including a major reorganization to eliminate dual roles
and overlaps within the organization resulting in significant and ongoing cost savings and sponsored a sea
change strategy for U.S. benefits programs leading to cost savings
• Continued the strong growth in the Company’s hotel portfolio by opening 87 hotels and signing agreements
for an additional 147 hotels
• Developed strong relationships at key levels throughout the Company resulting in increased employee
satisfaction scores and positive changes to the Company’s culture despite the volatile economic climate
In light of Mr. van Paasschen’s accomplishments and impact on the Company, the Compensation
Committee awarded him a bonus of $1,820,000 for 2008, representing 91% of target.
Mr. Prabhu’s accomplishments for the 2008 performance year included the following:
• Managed through a difficult and fast changing environment, delivering strong financial results
• Successfully delivered a company income tax rate and property tax rate on the Company’s owned hotels
below budget and the target set
• Successfully negotiated a settlement with the IRS leading to an expected refund of over $220 million
• Ensured adequate liquidity to fund operations at optimal cost by issuing public debt and amending credit
facilities prior to the global credit crisis and devised strategies to repatriate offshore cash
• Completed major IT initiatives, including the migration to a new reservation system
In light of Mr. Prabhu’s accomplishments, he received a “meets expectations” performance rating and
was awarded 100% of his individual bonus target. Combined with the 82% financial performance component,
Mr. Prabhu’s 2008 bonus was 91% of target.
Mr. Siegel’s individual accomplishments for the 2008 performance year included the following:
• Led a restructuring of the worldwide legal organization resulting in a consolidation of functions within the
United States and an overall 28% reduction in costs
• Designed a comprehensive environmental sustainability program utilizing cost effective initiatives and
designed the framework for a comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility program to be implemented
by 2010
• Reduced outside legal fees 25% on a global basis and implemented new guidelines for the retention of
outside legal counsel, resulting in significant fee discounts
• Played a significant role in on-boarding new members of senior management team and facilitated a seamless
transition of the Human Resources function
• Successfully managed the legal department in handling development transactions and internal restructurings
with minimum use of outside counsel
20
In light of Mr. Siegel’s accomplishments, he received a “meets expectations” performance rating and was
awarded 100% of his individual bonus target. Combined with the 82% financial performance component,
Mr. Siegel’s 2008 bonus was 91% of target.
Mr. Avril’s accomplishments for the 2008 performance year included the following:
• Led a major restructuring and cost containment effort at the Company’s vacation ownership subsidiary,
resulting in significant cash savings and a reduction in the scope of business
• Assumed responsibility for the global hotel group and enhanced relationships with key owners
• Assumed overall responsibility for the vacation ownership business following the departure of the former
CEO of SVO and continued best practices and positive culture despite the difficult economic environment
• Played a key role in various initiatives on revenue management, reducing overlap across functions and
reducing costs in the operations area
• Effectively developed succession planning and enhanced the group dynamic with direct reports
In light of Mr. Avril’s accomplishments in 2008, he received a “meets expectations” performance rating
and was awarded 80% of his individual bonus target. Combined with the 68% financial performance
component (pro-rated for service as President of SVO from January through September), Mr. Avril’s 2008
bonus was 74% of target.
Mr. McAveety’s accomplishments for the 2008 performance year included the following:
• Completed a review of the brand management function and led a major restructuring of the group and
integrated various functions to drive effectiveness and efficiency
• Created a brand design and a brand business service function and aligned the international divisions on
structure and approach to create a sense of a single brand team
• Focused the brand leadership teams on best practices and prioritized strategic initiatives and approaches
• Delivered efficiencies in brand management resulting in significant cost savings
In light of Mr. McAveety’s accomplishments in 2008, he received a “meets expectations” performance
rating and was awarded 100% of his individual bonus target. Combined with the 82% financial performance
component, Mr. McAveety’s 2008 bonus was 91% of target (pro-rated for his March 2008 start date).
Mr. Turner joined the Company in May 2008. Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Turner was
entitled to at least a pro-rated target bonus for 2008. The Compensation Committee awarded Mr. Turner the
minimum amount permitted under his employment agreement and did not exercise its discretion to award
amounts in excess of the minimum.
Overall, the Compensation Committee paid the majority of the Named Executive Officers individual
bonuses that were at target for their individual performance, resulting in overall bonuses that were below target
when combined with the Company financial performance portion. These decisions were made in consideration
of the strong individual performance of each of the Named Executive Officers despite the difficult economic
climate and multiple changes at the senior executive level resulting in changing roles and responsibilities.
Conclusion.
Viewed on a combined basis once minimum performance is attained, the annual incentive payments
attributable to both Company financial and strategic/operational performance range from 0% — 187.5% of
target for the Named Executive Officers, other than the Chief Executive Officer.
Equity awards are generally granted in February of each year following the announcement of the
Company’s earnings for the previous year. Performance reviews and bonus awards for the prior operating year
are made at that time. In determining the equity awards granted in 2008, the Compensation Committee
considered and took into account the Company’s performance and the individual performance of each Named
21
Executive Officer in 2007 as well as the expected performance of the Company for 2008 at the time of grant. In
addition, the Compensation Committee considers structural changes to the equity program and the fact that the
Compensation Committee targets the median of the peer group for base salary but targets total compensation at
the 65% percentile resulting in larger long-term incentive awards. Messrs. McAveety and Turner received sign
on grants in 2008 following the commencement of their employment. In addition, in connection with his
promotion to President, Hotel Group, Mr. Avril received an additional promotion grant in 2008 reflecting his
increased role and responsibilities. Based on the factors set forth above, including the Company’s performance
and individual performance of each Named Executive Officer in 2007, the Compensation Committee believes
that equity award grants in 2008 were appropriate.
Total compensation for this group is evaluated against the peer group identified in this proxy statement.
Evaluated on this basis, the Compensation Committee believes the actual cash and equity compensation
delivered for the 2008 performance year was appropriate in light of the Company’s overall performance and
individual executive performance.
In its review of the overall compensation strategy and program in 2008, the Compensation Committee
made several key changes, most of which will be effective for the 2009 performance year. The Compensation
Committee changed its philosophy on tax gross ups in change in control agreements and eliminated gross ups
for arrangements put in place in 2008 with senior executives. For the 2009 performance year, the Compen-
sation Committee also eliminated the minimum payout on the Company financial performance portion by
establishing minimum performance measures that must be achieved for any bonus to be paid, made structural
changes to align the individual performance portion of annual bonuses to the Company’s financial perfor-
mance and lowered the ratio for determining the number of options to be granted from 3-to-1 to 2.5-to-1. In
addition, the Company froze salaries for all bonus eligible associates in corporate and divisional offices,
including the Named Executive Officers. These changes were designed to better align compensation with
(i) the creation and preservation of shareholder value and (ii) the Company’s financial performance.
Evaluation Process for Strategic/Operational and Other Goals.
Other Named Executive Officers. With oversight and input from the Compensation Committee, the
Chief Executive Officer, together with the Chief Human Resources Officer, conducts a formal performance
review process each year during which he evaluates how each other Named Executive Officer performed
against the officer’s strategic/operational performance goals for the prior year. The Chief Executive Officer
conducts this evaluation through the Performance Management Process (“PMP”), which results in a PMP
rating for each executive. This PMP rating corresponds to a payout range under the Executive Plan determined
annually by the Compensation Committee for that rating. As noted, for 2008 the portion of the Executive Plan
payouts based on PMP ratings could range from 0% to 175% of target. Where necessary to preserve the
competitive position of the Company’s compensation scale, the Chief Executive Officer may recommend a
market adjustment to the base amount that is subjected to this percentage. At the conclusion of his review, the
Chief Executive Officer submits his recommendations to the Compensation Committee for final review and
approval. In determining the actual award payable to a Named Executive Officer under the Executive Plan, the
Compensation Committee reviews the Chief Executive Officer’s evaluation and makes a final determination as
to how the executive performed against his strategic/operational goals for the year. The Compensation
Committee also determines, based on management’s report, the extent to which the Company’s financial
performance goals were achieved and whether the Company achieved the applicable minimum threshold(s)
required to pay awards. The Chief Executive Officer also meets in executive session with the Board of
Directors to inform the Board of his performance assessments regarding the Named Executive Officers and the
basis for the compensation recommendations he presented to the Compensation Committee.
Annual Incentive awards made to our Named Executive Officers under the Executive Plan with respect to
2008 performance are reflected in the Summary Compensation Table on page 29 and described in the
accompanying narrative.
Long-Term Incentive Compensation. Like the annual incentives described above, long-term incentives
are a key part of the Company’s executive compensation program. Long-term incentives are strongly tied to
22
returns achieved by stockholders, providing a direct link between the interests of stockholders and the Named
Executive Officers. Long-term incentive compensation for our Named Executive Officers consists primarily of
equity compensation awards granted annually under the Company’s LTIP and secondarily of the portion of the
Executive Plan and Executive AIP awards that are deferred in the form of deferred stock units and shares of
restricted stock, respectively. Taken together, approximately 60-65% of total compensation at target is equity-
based long term incentive compensation.
The Compensation Committee generally grants awards under the LTIP annually to all other Named Executive
Officers that are a combination of stock options and restricted stock awards. In 2008 we used a grant approach in
which the award is articulated as a dollar value. Under this approach, an overall award value, in dollars, was
determined for each executive based upon our compensation strategy and competitive market positioning. We
generally targeted the value of these awards so that total compensation at target is set at the 65th percentile of our
peer group, though individual awards may have been higher or lower based on individual performance (determined
as described in the Executive AIP assessment above). The number of restricted stock shares is calculated by
dividing 75% of the award value by the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the grant date. The number of
stock options has generally been determined by dividing the remaining 25% of the award value by the fair market
value of the Company’s stock on the grant date and multiplying the result by three. In light of the stock price and
leverage opportunity, the Compensation Committee reduced this ratio to 2.5 for equity awards made in 2009. The
Named Executive Officers are able to elect a greater portion of options (up to 100% options).
The exercise price for each stock option is equal to fair market value of the Company’s common stock on
the option grant date. See the section entitled Equity Grant Practices on page 27 below for a description of
the manner in which we determine fair market value for this purpose. Currently, most stock options vest in 25%
increments annually starting with the first anniversary from the date of grant. For stock options granted in
2008, awards granted to associates who are retirement eligible, as defined in the LTIP, vest in 16 equal
quarterly periods. Unexercised, stock options expire 8 years from the date of grant, or earlier in the event of
termination of employment. Stock options provide compensation only when vested and only if the Company’s
stock price appreciates and exceeds the exercise price of the option. Therefore, during business downturns,
option awards may not represent any economic value to an executive.
Restricted stock units and restricted stock provide some measure of mitigation of business cyclicality
while maintaining a direct tie to share price. The Company seeks to enhance the link to stockholder
performance by building a strong retention incentive into the equity program. Consequently, for 2008 grants,
75% of restricted stock units and awards vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant and the remaining
25% vests on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant. For restricted stock granted in 2008, awards granted to
associates who are retirement eligible, as defined in the LTIP, vest in sixteen equal quarterly periods. This
delayed vesting places an executive’s long-term compensation at risk to share price performance for a
significant portion of the business cycle, while encouraging long-term retention of executives.
As mentioned above, Named Executive Officers have a mandatory deferral of 25% of their awards under
the Executive Plan in the form of deferred stock units, unless reduced in the discretion of the Compensation
Committee. As such, the awards combine performance-based compensation with a further link to stockholder
interests. First, amounts must be earned based on annual Company financial and strategic/operational
performance under the Executive Plan. Second, these already earned amounts are put at risk through a
vesting schedule. Vesting occurs in installments for employment over a three-year period. Third, these earned
amounts become subject to share price performance. Primarily in consideration of this vesting risk being
applied to already earned compensation (but also taking into account the enhanced stockholder alignment that
results from being subject to share performance), the deferred amount is increased by 33% of value. The
Compensation Committee has the discretion to accelerate vesting or pay out deferred amounts in cash (without
interest and without the percentage increase in value) in a limited number of termination circumstances (e.g.,
involuntary terminations or retirements).
Mr. van Paasschen agreed not to sell any Company stock awards or shares received on exercise of options
(except as may be withheld for taxes) for the first two years of his employment and thereafter only in
consultation with the Board of Directors.
23
Benefits and Perquisites. Base salary and incentive compensation are supplemented by benefits and
perquisites.
Current Benefits. The Company provides employee benefits that are consistent with local practices and
competitive markets, including group health benefits, life and disability insurance, medical and dependent care
flexible spending accounts and a pre-tax premium payment arrangement. Each of these benefits is provided to
a broad group of employees within the Company and our Named Executive Officers participate in the
arrangements on the same basis as other employees.
Perquisites. As reflected in the Summary Compensation Table below, the Company provides certain
limited perquisites to select Named Executive Officers when necessary to provide an appropriate compen-
sation package to those Named Executive Officers, particularly in connection with enabling the executives and
their families to smoothly transition from previous positions which may require relocation.
For example, Mr. van Paasschen’s employment agreement provides that the Company will provide Mr.
van Paasschen with up to a $500,000 credit (based on the Standard Industry Fare Level formula) for personal
use of the Company’s aircraft during the first 12 months of his employment with the Company, $495,086 of
which was used. Mr. van Paasschen and his immediate family had access to a Company owned or leased
airplane on an “as available” basis for personal travel, i.e., assuming such plane was not needed for business
purposes, with an obligation to reimburse for personal use based upon the Company’s operating cost, subject to
the credit described above.
The Company also reimburses Named Executive Officers generally for travel expenses and other out-of-
pocket costs incurred with respect to attendance by their spouses at one meeting of the Board each year.
Retirement Benefits. The Company maintains a tax-qualified retirement savings plan pursuant to Code
section 401(k) for a broadly-defined group of eligible employees that includes the Company’s Named
Executive Officers. Eligible employees may contribute a portion of their eligible compensation to the plan on a
before-tax basis, subject to certain limitations prescribed by the Code. Prior to 2008, the Company matched
100% of the first 2% of eligible compensation and 50% of the next 2% of eligible compensation that an eligible
employee contributes. Beginning in 2008, the Company matched 100% of the first 1% of eligible compen-
sation and 50% of the next 6% of eligible compensation that an eligible employee contributes. These matching
contributions, as adjusted for related investment returns, become fully vested upon the eligible employee’s
completion of three years of service with the Company. Our Named Executive Officers, in addition to certain
other eligible employees, were permitted to make additional deferrals of base pay and regular annual incentive
awards under our nonqualified deferred compensation plan. This plan is discussed in further detail under the
heading Nonqualified Deferred Compensation on page 35.
2. Change of Control Arrangements
Following the consummation of the sale of 33 hotels to Host Hotels & Resorts and the related return of capital
to stockholders, the Board reviewed the change of control arrangements then in place with the Named Executive
Officers and decided to enter into new change of control agreements with the Named Executive Officers at that time,
which included Messrs. Prabhu and Siegel. On March 25, 2005, the Company adopted a policy proscribing certain
terms of severance agreements triggered upon a change in control of the Company. Pursuant to the policy, the
Company is required to seek stockholder approval of severance agreements with executive officers that provide
Benefits (as defined in the policy) in excess of 2.99 times base salary plus such officer’s most recent bonus.
In connection with the hiring of Messrs. McAveety and Turner and the promotion of Mr. Avril, the Company
entered into change of control arrangements with them that were similar to the arrangements in place for the other
Named Executive Officers (other than the CEO). The arrangements with Messrs. McAveety, Turner and Avril,
however, do not provide for a tax gross up if the benefits payable thereunder are subject to the 280G excise tax.
Instead, the benefits provided are reduced until the point that the executive would be better off paying the excise tax
rather than reducing benefits.
The Company also included change of control arrangements in Mr. van Paasschen’s employment agreement.
These change of control arrangements are described in more detail beginning on page 36 under the heading entitled
24
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control. The Change of Control Severance Agreements are
intended to promote stability and continuity of senior management. The Company believes that the provision of
severance pay to these Named Executive Officers upon a change of control aligns their interests with those of
stockholders. In addition, for executive officers hired in 2008, the Company changed its policy on providing tax
gross-ups in change in control agreements. As a result, the change in control arrangements with Messrs. Avril,
McAveety and Turner provide that the benefits are to be reduced until the executive is better off paying the excise
tax rather than reducing benefits. By making severance pay available, the Company is able to mitigate executive
concern over employment termination in the event of a change of control that benefits stockholders. In addition, the
acceleration of equity compensation vesting in connection with a change of control provides these Named
Executive Officers with protection against equity forfeiture due to termination and ample incentive to achieve
Company goals, including facilitating a sale of the Company at the highest possible price per share, which would
benefit both stockholders and executives. In addition, the Company acknowledges that seeking a new senior
position is a long and time consuming process. Lastly, each severance agreement permits the executive to maintain
certain benefits for a period of two years following termination and to receive outplacement services. The aggregate
effect of our change of control provisions is intended to focus executives on maximizing value to stockholders. In
addition, should a change of control occur, benefits will be paid after a “double trigger” event as described in
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control. Benefit levels have been set to be competitive with
peer group practices.
In connection with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Section 409A), the
Company amended the employment arrangements with each of the Named Executive Officers (including the CEO).
These amendments made several technical changes designed to make the employment arrangements with such
officers comply with Section 409A and the final regulations issued thereunder, and generally affect the timing, but
not the amount of compensation of such officers under specified circumstances.
3. Additional Severance Arrangements
On August 14, 2007, the Company entered into a letter agreement with Mr. Siegel. The letter agreement
provided for the acceleration of 50% of Mr. Siegel’s then unvested restricted stock and options in the event his
employment was terminated without cause or by the executive for good reason within two years of the hiring of a
new Chief Executive Officer. The purpose of the letter agreement was to support retention, stability and continuity
and succession planning and to provide assurance to a key executive in a time of uncertainty regarding the
Company’s chief executive officer position. The special severance will expire on August 14, 2009.
In addition, the Company entered into a letter agreement with Mr. Prabhu clarifying that his severance
included the acceleration of 50% of unvested restricted stock and options in the event that his employment was
terminated without cause or by him for good reason. The clarification formally documented Mr. Prabhu’s existing
severance arrangements as part of his employment by the Company.
C. Background Information on the Executive Compensation Program
1. Use of Peer Data
In determining competitive compensation levels, the Compensation Committee reviews data from several
major compensation consulting firms that reflects compensation practices for executives in comparable positions in
a peer group consisting of companies in the hotel and hospitality industries and companies with similar revenues in
other industries relevant to key talent recruitment needs. The executive team and Compensation Committee review
the peer group bi-annually to ensure it represents a relevant market perspective. The Compensation Committee
utilizes the peer group for a broad set of comparative purposes, including levels of total compensation, pay mix,
incentive plan and equity usage and other terms of employment. The Compensation Committee also reviews
Company performance against the performance of companies in this peer group. The Company believes that by
conducting the competitive analysis using a broad peer group, which includes companies outside the hospitality
industry, it is able to attract and retain talented executives from outside the hospitality industry. The Company’s
experience has proven that key executives with diversified experience prove to be major contributors to its
continued growth and success.
25
Accordingly, the Company was able to attract and retain:
• Frits van Paasschen, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, who has over 20 years of experience with
consumer-focused, global lifestyle brands, most recently serving with Coors Brewing Company, as Pres-
ident and Chief Executive Officer, and prior to that, Nike, Inc.
• Vasant M. Prabhu, the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, who prior to joining
the Company served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Safeway Inc., a food and
drug retailer; President of Information and Media Group for The McGraw Hill Companies, and Senior Vice
President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer for Pepsi Cola International.
• Kenneth S. Siegel, the Company’s Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and Secretary, who prior
to joining the Company served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Gartner, Inc., a provider of
research and analysis on information technology industries and was a partner in the law firms of Baker &
Botts LLP and O’Sullivan Graev & Karabell LLP.
• Philip P. McAveety, the Company’s Chief Brand Officer, who prior to joining the Company served as Global
Brand Director of Camper, a fashion company and Vice President, Brand Marketing, Europe, Middle East
and Africa at Nike, Inc.
• Simon Turner, the Company’s President, Global Development Group, who prior to joining the Company
spent over ten years as a principal of Hotel Capital Advisers, Inc., a hotel investment advisory firm and
served on the Board of Directors of Four Season Hotels, Inc.
The peer group approved by the Compensation Committee for 2008 is set out below. We expect that it will be
necessary to update the list periodically.
Avon Products MGM Mirage
Carnival Corp. Nike Inc.
Colgate Palmolive Corporation Simon Property Group Inc.
Estee Lauder Cos. Inc. Staples Inc.
Federal Express Corp. Starbucks Corp.
Host Hotels & Resorts Williams Sonoma Inc.
Kellogg Corporation Walt Disney Co.
Limited Brands Inc. Wyndham Worldwide Corporation
Marriott International, Inc. Yum Brands Inc.
McDonald’s Corp.
In performing its competitive analysis, the Compensation Committee typically reviews:
• base pay;
• target and actual total cash compensation, consisting of salary and target and actual bonus awards in prior
years; and
• direct total compensation consisting of salary, target and actual bonus awards, and the value of option and
restricted stock/restricted stock unit awards.
During 2008, compensation paid to the Company’s Named Executive Officers was compared to peer group
data reported in 2008 proxy statements, as provided by compensation consulting firms and reflecting 2007
compensation. The Company’s Named Executive Officer compensation data taken into account for this comparison
included 2008 salary, Executive AIP bonuses paid in 2009 for 2008 performance and equity grants awarded in 2008.
The competitive position of the Company’s compensation based on total cash (salary and bonus) ranged from
the median to the lower quartile while the competitive position of its compensation based on total compensation at
target, which includes the equity grants, ranged from the median to the upper quartile.
26
2. Tax and Accounting Considerations
Tax. Section 162(m) of the Code generally disallows a federal income tax deduction to public companies for
compensation in excess of $1,000,000 paid to the chief executive officer and the four other most highly
compensated executive officers. Qualified performance-based compensation is not subject to the deduction limit
if certain requirements are met. The Company believes that compensation paid under the Executive Plan meets
these requirements and is generally fully deductible for federal income tax purposes. In designing the Company’s
compensation programs, the Compensation Committee carefully considers the effect of this provision together with
other factors relevant to its business needs. Therefore, in certain circumstances the Company may approve
compensation that does not meet these requirements in order to advance the long-term interests of its stockholders.
At the same time, the Company has historically taken, and intends to continue taking, reasonably practicable steps
to minimize the impact of Section 162(m). Accordingly, the Compensation Committee has determined that each of
the Named Executive Officers will participate under the Executive Plan for 2008.
On October 22, 2004, the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 was signed into law, adding Section 409A to the
Code and thereby changing the tax rules applicable to nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements effective
January 1, 2005. While final Section 409A regulations were not effective until January 1, 2009, the Company
believes it was operating in good faith compliance with Section 409A and the interpretive guidance thereunder. The
company entered into amendments to the employments arrangements with its senior officers, including the CEO
and Named Executive Officers, and amended its bonus and compensation plans in December 2008 to meet the
requirements of these regulations. A more detailed discussion of the Company’s nonqualified deferred compen-
sation plan is provided on page 35 under the heading Nonqualified Deferred Compensation.
Accounting. Beginning on January 1, 2006, the Company began accounting for awards under its LTIP in
accordance with the requirements of FASB Statement 123(R) (“SFAS 123(R)”).
3. Share Ownership Guidelines
In 2007, the Company adopted share ownership guidelines for our executive officers, including the Named
Executive Officers. Pursuant to the guidelines, the Named Executive Officers, including the Chief Executive
Officer, are required to hold that number of Shares having a market value equal to or greater than a multiple of each
executive’s base salary. For the Chief Executive Officer, the multiple is five (5) times base salary and for the other
Named Executive Officers, the multiple is four (4) times base salary. A retention requirement of 35% is applied to
restricted Shares upon vesting (net shares after tax withholding) and Shares obtained from option exercises until the
executive meets the target, or if an executive falls out of compliance. Shares owned, stock equivalents (vested/
unvested units), and unvested restricted stock (pre-tax) count towards meeting ownership targets. However, stock
options do not count towards meeting the target. Officers have five years from the date of hire or the date they first
become subject to the policy to meet the ownership requirements.
4. Equity Grant Practices
Determination of Option Exercise Prices. The Compensation Committee grants stock options with an
exercise price equal to the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the grant date. Under the LTIP, the
fair market value of our common stock on a particular date is determined as the average of the high and low trading
prices of a share of the stock on the New York Stock Exchange on that date.
Timing of Equity Grants. The Compensation Committee generally makes annual equity compensation
grants to Named Executive Officers at its first regularly scheduled meeting that occurs after the release of the
Company’s earnings for the prior year (typically in February). The timing of this meeting is determined based on
factors unrelated to the pricing of equity grants.
The Compensation Committee approves equity compensation awards to a newly hired Executive Officer at the
time that the Board meets to approve the executive’s employment package. Generally, the date on which the Board
approves the employment package becomes the grant date of the newly-hired Executive Officer’s equity com-
pensation awards. However, if the Company and the new Executive Officer will enter into an employment
agreement regarding the employment relationship, the Company requires the Executive Officer to sign his
27
employment agreement shortly following the date of Board approval of the employment package; the later of the
date on which the Executive Officer signs his employment agreement or the date that the Executive Officer begins
employment becomes the grant date of these equity compensation awards.
The Company’s policy is that the grant date of equity compensation awards is always on or shortly after the
date the Compensation Committee approves the grants.
Although, as discussed above, annual grants are generally made in February, under unusual circumstances
grants may be made at other times during the year. For example, the economic downturn at the beginning of the
current decade as well as the September 11 terrorist attacks and aftermath had a significant negative impact on the
Company (and the hospitality industry generally) and its stock price. This severely weakened the retention aspect of
the Company’s equity awards outstanding at the time, particularly in the case of outstanding option awards,
virtually all of which had exercise prices above the then-current trading price of the Company’s common stock. To
respond to this concern, the Company made the 2003 option grants in December 2002 with the intention of keeping
executives focused on business results (including the Company’s stock price), restoring financial motivation to
succeed and retaining the Company’s top performers.
II. COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation and Option Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Starwood Hotels &
Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (the “Company”) has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis
required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management and, based on such review and discussions,
recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the Company’s Proxy
Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
COMPENSATION AND OPTION COMMITTEE
Adam M. Aron, Chairman
Clayton C. Daley, Jr.
Bruce W. Duncan
Lizanne Galbreath
Kneeland C. Youngblood
28
III. SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Non-equity
Stock Option incentive plan All other
Salary Bonus awards awards compensation compensation Total
Name and principal Position Year ($) ($) ($)(1) ($)(2) ($)(3) ($)(4) ($)
Frits van Paasschen, . . . . . . . ... 2008 1,000,000 — 2,135,643 699,695 1,365,000 522,538 5,722,876
Chief Executive Officer 2007 270,833 1,500,000 568,350 89,315 403,800 347,402 3,179,700
since September 24, 2007
Vasant Prabhu, . . . . . . . . . . ... 2008 638,054 — 1,435,616 887,864 437,249 93,380 3,492,163
Executive Vice 2007 617,927 — 1,497,164 890,260 550,809 85,896 3,642,056
President and Chief 2006 578,667 — 1,216,698 1,136,806 567,840 29,674 3,529,685
Financial Officer
Kenneth S. Siegel,. . . . . . . . . ... 2008 612,539 — 1,590,852 763,025 419,764 102,515 3,488,695
Chief Administrative 2007 583,232 — 1,618,424 829,762 585,037 51,908 3,668,363
Officer, General Counsel and 2006 496,000 — 1,117,399 992,287 505,440 23,586 3,134,712
Secretary
Matthew Avril . . . . . . . . . . . ... 2008 601,896 — 1,394,115 480,665 402,375 188,103 3,067,154
President, Hotel Group
since September 2008
Philip McAveety . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2008 376,894 494,000 337,810 91,427 255,937 134,530 1,690,598
Chief Brand Officer since
March 2008
Simon Turner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2008 407,197 500,000 — 406,913 312,500 30,013 1,656,623
President, Global
Development Group since
May 2008
(1) Represents the expense recognized for financial statement reporting purposes with respect to 2008 for the fair
value of restricted stock and restricted stock units granted in 2008 as well as in prior years, in accordance with
SFAS 123(R). Pursuant to SEC rules, the amounts shown exclude the impact of estimated forfeitures related to
service-based vesting conditions. For additional information, refer to Note 21 of the Company’s financial
statements filed with the SEC as part of the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. These amounts
reflect the Company’s accounting expense for these awards and do not correspond to the actual value that will
be recognized by the Named Executive Officers. See the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table on page 31 for
information on awards granted in 2008.
(2) Represents the expense recognized for financial statement reporting purposes with respect to 2008 for the fair
value of stock options granted in 2008 as well as in prior years, in accordance with SFAS 123(R). Pursuant to
SEC rules, the amounts shown exclude the impact of estimated forfeitures related to service-based vesting
conditions. For additional information, refer to Note 21 of the Company’s financial statements filed with the
SEC as part of the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. These amounts reflect the Company’s
accounting expense for these awards and do not correspond to the actual value that will be recognized by the
Named Executive Officers. See the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table on page 31 for information on awards
granted in 2008.
(3) Represents cash awards paid in March 2009, 2008 and 2007 with respect to 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively,
performance under the Executive Plan (for each of the Named Executive Officers for 2008 and 2007
performance) and the Annual Incentive Plan (for Messrs. Prabhu and Siegel for 2006 performance), as
discussed under the Annual Incentive Compensation section beginning on page 18. Cash incentive awards
exclude the following amounts that were deferred into deferred stock units (Executive Plan) or shares of
restricted stock (Executive AIP) and increased by 33% in accordance with the Executive Plan and Executive
AIP:
29
Name 2008 Amount Deferred 2007 Amount Deferred 2006 Amount Deferred
van Paasschen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455,000 134,600 —
Prabhu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145,750 183,603 189,280
Siegel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139,922 195,013 168,480
Avril . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134,125 — —
McAveety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85,313 — —
Turner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104,167 — —
(4) Pursuant to SEC rules, perquisites and personal benefits are not reported for any Named Executive Officer for
whom such amounts were less than $10,000 in the aggregate for 2008, 2007 and 2006 but must be identified by
type for each Named Executive Officer for whom such amounts were equal to or greater than $10,000 in the
aggregate. In that regard, the All Other Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table includes
perquisites and other personal benefits consisting of the following: annual physical examinations, COBRA
premiums paid by the Company, Company contributions to the Company’s tax-qualified 401(k) plan, dividends
on restricted stock, life insurance premiums, legal fees paid by the Company, spousal accompaniment while on
business travel, and tax and financial planning services. SEC rules require specification of the cost of any
perquisite or personal benefit when this cost exceeds $25,000. This applies to Mr. van Paasschen’s personal
travel (discussed below). These amounts are included in the All Other Compensation column.
The net aggregate incremental cost to the Company of Mr. van Paasschen’s personal use of the Company-
owned plane and chartered aircraft was $329,480 in 2008 and $165,606 in 2007, which amounts were covered
by his credit. For 2007, also includes relocation benefits which had an aggregate cost of $132,275 and the
reimbursement of $44,556 for legal fees incurred in connection with the negotiation of his employment
agreement. These amounts are included in the All Other Compensation column.
The cost of the Company-owned plane includes the cost of fuel, ground services and landing fees, navigation
and telecommunications, catering and aircraft supplies, crew expenses, aircraft cleaning and an allocable share
of maintenance. Pursuant to SEC rules, the following table specifies the value for each element of All Other
Compensation not specified above other than perquisites and personal benefits that is valued in excess of
$10,000.
Dividend Dividend
Equivalents on Equivalents on
Restricted Stock Relocation Restricted Stock
Name ($) (2008) ($) (2008) ($) (2007)
van Paasschen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — 165,328 —
Prabhu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69,917 — 63,530
Siegel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76,538 — 24,199
Avril . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150,728 — —
McAveety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — 111,861 —
(5) Mr. Avril became an executive officer in September 2008 upon his promotion to President, Hotel Group.
30
IV. GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS
All Other All Other
Grant Stock Option
Date (or Awards: Awards: Exercise Grant Date
year with Compensation Number of Number of or Base Fair Value
respect to Committee Estimated Future Payouts Under Shares of Securities Price of of Stock
non-equity Approval Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards(1) Stock or Underlying Option and Option
Name incentive plan date Threshold Target Maximum Units Options Awards Awards
(a) award) (b) (c) ($) (d) ($) (e) ($) (f) (#) (g) (#) (2) (h) ($/Sh) (i) ($) (3) (j)
van Paasschen . . 2/28/2008 2/14/2008 102,870 48.61 1,742,402
3/03/2008 (4) 3,778(4) 179,021
2008 0 2,000,000 9,000,000(8)
Prabhu . . . . . . 2/28/2008 2/14/2008 78,696 48.61 1,332,945
2/28/2008 2/14/2008 26,232(6) 1,275,006
3/03/2008 (4) 5,153(4) 244,175
2008 160,165 640,658 1,201,234
Siegel. . . . . . . . 2/28/2008 2/14/2008 30,861 48.61 522,721
2/28/2008 2/14/2008 30,861(6) 1,499,999
3/03/2008 (4) 5,474(4) 259,385
2008 153,757 615,029 1,153,198
Avril . . . . . . . . 2/28/2008 2/14/2008 22,220 48.61 376,360
2/28/2008 2/14/2008 22,220(6) 1,080,003
3/03/2008 (5) 3,551(5) 168,264
9/02/2008 8/27/2008 40,344(6) 1,499,990
2008 181,250 725,000 1,359,375
McAveety . . . . . 4/01/2008 2/01/2008 25,319 53.32 487,501
4/01/2008 2/01/2008 25,319(7) 1,350,009
2008 93,750 375,000 703,125
Turner . . . . . . . 5/07/2008 4/29/2008 135,224(7) 53.25 2,497,898
2008 104,167 416,667 781,251(9)
(1) Represents the potential values of the awards granted to the Named Executive Officers under the Executive Plan
if the threshold, target and maximum goals are satisfied for all applicable performance measures. See detailed
discussion of these awards in section V. below.
(2) The options generally vest in equal installments on the first, second, third and fourth anniversary of their grant.
(3) Represents the fair value of the awards disclosed in columns (g) and (h) on their respective grant dates. For
restricted stock and restricted stock units, fair value is calculated in accordance with SFAS 123(R) using the
average of the high and low price of the Company’s stock on the grant date. For stock options, fair value is
calculated in accordance with SFAS 123(R) using a lattice valuation model. For additional information, refer to
Note 21 of the Company’s financial statements filed with the SEC as part of the Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2008. There can be no assurance that these amounts will correspond to the actual value that will
be recognized by the Named Executive Officers.
(4) On March 3, 2008, in accordance with the Executive Plan, 25% of Messrs. van Paasschen, Siegel, and Prabhu’s
annual bonus with respect to 2007 performance was credited to a deferred stock unit account on the Company’s
balance sheet, which number of shares was increased by 33%. These deferred stock units vest in equal
installments on the first, second and third fiscal year-ends following the date of grant, and vested units are
distributed on the earlier of (i) the third fiscal year-end or (ii) a termination of employment. Dividends are paid
to the Named Executive Officers in amounts equal to those paid to holders of shares of Company stock. No
separate Compensation Committee approval was required for these shares, which are provided by plan terms.
(5) On March 3, 2008, in accordance with the Annual Incentive Plan, 25% of Mr. Avril’s annual bonus with respect
to 2007 performance was deferred into restricted stock, which number of shares was increased by 33%. These
restricted shares vest in equal installments on the first and second anniversary of the date of grant. Dividends are
paid to the Named Executive Officers in amounts equal to those paid to holders of shares of Company stock. No
separate Compensation Committee approval was required for these shares, which are provided by plan terms.
(6) These awards generally vest 75% on the third anniversary and 25% on the fourth anniversary of their grant date.
Mr. Avril’s September 2, 2008 award vests 100% on the third anniversary of the grant date.
31
(7) Upon the commencement of Messrs. McAveety and Turner’s employment with the Company, each one
received equity awards in accordance with his employment agreement. The options vest in equal installments
on the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of their grant. The restricted stock granted to Mr. McAveety
generally vests on the third anniversary of the grant date.
(8) Represents the maximum amount payable to any participant under the terms of the Executive Plan.
(9) Mr. Turner’s bonus opportunity is pro-rated based on his May 2008 start date.
V. NARRATIVE DISCLOSURE TO SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE AND GRANTS OF PLAN-
BASED AWARDS SECTION
We describe below the Executive Plan awards granted to our Named Executive Officers for 2008. These
awards are reflected in both the Summary Compensation Table on page 29 and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards
section on page 31.
Mr. Turner received an incentive award in March 2009 relating to his 2008 performance. Under the terms of his
employment agreement, Mr. Turner was entitled to receive at least a pro-rata target bonus. The Committee awarded
the minimum amount pursuant to the employment agreement and did not exercise any discretion with respect
thereto.
Each of the other Named Executive Officers received an award in March 2009 relating to his 2008
performance. The table below presents for each such Named Executive Officer his salary, target as both a
percentage of salary and a dollar amount, actual award, the portion of the award that is deferred into restricted stock
units and the 33% increase in his restricted stock units.
Increased
Award
Award Award Deferred Deferred into
Target into Restricted Restricted
Relative Award Actual Stock/Restricted Stock/Restricted
Salary to Salary Target Award Stock Units Stock Units
Name ($) (%) ($) ($) ($) ($)
van Paasschen . . . . . . . . 1,000,000 200% 2,000,000 1,820,000 455,000 605,150
Prabhu . . . . . . . . . . . . . 640,658 100% 640,658 582,999 145,750 193,848
Siegel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 615,039 100% 615,039 559,686 139,922 186,096
Avril . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 725,000 100% 725,000 536,500 134,125 178,386
McAveety . . . . . . . . . . . . 500,000 75% 281,250 341,250 85,313 113,466
Turner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 625,000 100% 416,667(1) 416,667 104,167 138,542
(1) Amount reflected has been adjusted to reflect pro-rata portion of bonus given Mr. Turner’s start date with the
Company.
The following factors contributed to the Compensation Committee’s determination of the 2008 Executive AIP
awards for these Named Executive Officers:
• the Company’s 2008 financial performance as measured by operating income and earnings per share;
• the 2008 PMP ratings assigned to such executives; and
• the bonuses paid to executive officers performing comparable functions in peer companies.
VI. OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR -END
The following table provides information on the current holdings of stock options and stock awards by the
Named Executive Officers. This table includes unexercised and unvested stock options, unvested restricted stock
and unvested restricted stock units. Each equity grant is shown separately for each Named Executive Officer. The
32
market value of the stock awards is based on the closing price of Company stock on December 31, 2008, which was
$17.90.
Option awards Stock awards
Number of Number of Market value
Securities Securities Number of of shares
Underlying Underlying Shares or or Units of
Unexercised Unexercised Option Units of Stock Stock That
Options- Options Exercise Option That Have Have Not
Grant Exercisable Unexercisable Price Expiration Not Vested (#) Vested
Name Date (#)(1)(2) (#)(1)(2) ($)(1) Date (1) ($)
van Paasschen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9/24/2007 15,974 47,921 58.69 9/24/2015
2/28/2008 0 102,870 48.61 2/28/2016
9/24/2007 63,895(3) 1,143,721
3/03/2008 2,518(4) 45,072
Prabhu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2/02/2004 122,300 0 29.02 2/02/2012
2/18/2004 24,440 0 31.71 2/18/2012
2/10/2005 61,864 20,621 48.39 2/10/2013
2/07/2006 39,957 39,956 48.80 2/07/2014
2/28/2007 8,635 25,903 65.15 2/28/2015
2/28/2008 0 78,696 48.61 2/28/2016
2/07/2006 30,736(3) 550,174
2/28/2007 34,538(3) 618,230
3/01/2007 1,945(5) 34,816
2/28/2008 26,232(3) 469,553
3/03/2008 3,435(4) 61,487
Siegel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2/18/2004 30,550 0 31.71 2/18/2012
2/10/2005 22,912 22,912 48.39 2/10/2013
2/07/2006 21,132 42,264 48.80 2/07/2014
2/28/2007 8,635 25,903 65.15 2/28/2015
2/28/2008 0 30,861 48.61 2/28/2016
2/07/2006 32,274(3) 577,705
2/28/2007 34,538(3) 618,230
3/01/2007 1,731(5) 30,985
2/28/2008 30,861(3) 552,412
3/03/2008 3,649(4) 65,317
Avril . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2/10/2005 9,929 9,928 48.39 2/10/2013
2/07/2006 15,369 30,738 48.80 2/07/2014
2/28/2007 5,181 15,542 65.15 2/28/2015
2/28/2008 0 22,220 48.61 2/28/2016
2/07/2006 20,491(3) 366,789
2/28/2007 20,723(3) 370,942
3/01/2007 1,695(5) 30,341
2/28/2008 22,220(3) 397,738
3/03/2008 3,551(5) 63,563
9/02/2008 40,344(3) 722,158
McAveety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4/01/2008 0 25,319 53.32 4/01/2016
4/01/2008 25,319(3) 453,210
Turner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5/07/2008 0 135,224 53.25 5/07/2016
(1) In connection with the Host Transaction, Starwood’s stockholders received 0.6122 Host shares and $0.503 in
cash for each of their Class B Shares. Holders of Starwood employee stock options and restricted stock did not
receive this consideration while the market price of the Company’s publicly traded shares was reduced to reflect
33
the payment of this consideration directly to the holders of the Class B Shares. In order to preserve the value of
the Company’s restricted stock and options immediately before and after the Host Transaction, the Company
increased the number of shares of restricted stock and adjusted its stock options to reduce the strike price and
increase the number of stock options using the intrinsic value method based on the Company’s stock price
immediately before and after the transaction. The stock and option information above reflects the number of
shares and options granted and the option exercise prices after these adjustments were made.
(2) These options generally vest in equal installments on the first, second, third and fourth anniversary of their
grant.
(3) These shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units granted prior to 2007 generally vest upon the third
anniversary of their grant date. For awards granted in 2007, the restricted stock or restricted stock units
generally vest 50% on each of the third and fourth anniversaries of their grant date. For awards granted in 2008,
the restricted stock or restricted stock units generally vest 75% on the third anniversary and 25% on the fourth
anniversary of the date of grant, provided that Mr. Avril’s September 2, 2008 award and Mr. McAveety’s
April 1, 2008 award will vest on the third anniversary of the grant date.
(4) These deferred restricted stock units vest in equal installments on the first, second and third fiscal year-ends
following the date of grant, subject to acceleration in the event certain performance criteria are met.
(5) These shares of restricted stock generally vest in equal installments on the first and second anniversary of their
grant.
VII. OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED
The following table discloses, for each Named Executive Officer, (i) shares of Company stock acquired
pursuant to exercise of stock options during 2008, (ii) shares of restricted Company stock that vested in 2008, and
(iii) shares of Company stock acquired in 2008 on account of vesting of restricted stock units. The table also
discloses the value realized by the Named Executive Officer for each such event, calculated prior to the deduction of
any applicable withholding taxes and brokerage commissions.
Option Awards
Number of Stock Awards
Shares Number of Shares
Acquired Upon Value Realized Acquired Upon Value Realized
Exercise on Exercise Vesting on Vesting
Name (#) ($) (#) ($)
van Paasschen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — —
Prabhu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — 31,409 1,436,540
Siegel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — 34,055 1,555,801
Avril . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13,686 254,356 65,626 3,291,009
McAveety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — —
Turner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — —
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VIII. NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION
The Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) permits eligible executives, including our Named
Executive Officers, to defer up to 100% of their Executive Plan or Executive AIP bonus, as applicable, and up to
75% of their base salary for a calendar year. The Company does not contribute to the Plan. Mr. van Paasschen made
deferrals under the Plan in 2008 but no other Named Executive Officer did.
Executive Registrant Aggregate Aggregate Aggregate
Contributions in Contributions Earnings Withdrawals/ Balance at
Last FY in Last FY in Last FY Distributions Last FYE
Name ($) ($) ($) ($) ($)
van Paasschen . . . . . . . . . . 500,000 — (128,686) — 371,314
Prabhu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — —
Siegel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — —
Avril . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — —
McAveety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — —
Turner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — —
Deferral elections are made in December for base salary paid in pay periods beginning in the following
calendar year. Deferral elections are made in June for annual incentive awards that are earned for performance in
that calendar year but paid in March of the following year. Deferral elections are irrevocable.
Elections as to the time and form of payment are made at the same time as the corresponding deferral election.
A participant may elect to receive payment on February 1 of a calendar year while still employed or either 6 or
12 months following employment termination. Payment will be made immediately in the event a participant
terminates employment on account of death, disability or on account of certain changes in control. A participant
may elect to receive payment of his account balance in either a lump sum or in annual installments, so long as the
account balance exceeds $50,000; otherwise payment will be made in a lump sum.
If a participant elects an in-service distribution, the participant may change the scheduled distribution date or
form of payment so long as the change is made at least 12 months in advance of the scheduled distribution date. Any
such change must provide that distribution will commence at least five years later than the scheduled distribution
date. If a participant elects to receive distribution upon employment termination, that election and the corre-
sponding form of payment election are irrevocable. Withdrawals for hardship that results from an unforeseeable
emergency are available, but no other unscheduled withdrawals are permitted.
35
The Plan uses the investment funds listed below as potential indices for calculating investment returns on a
participant’s Plan account balance. The deferrals the participant directs for investment into these funds are adjusted
based on a deemed investment in the applicable funds. The participant does not actually own the investments that he
selects. The Company may, but is not required to, make identical investments pursuant to a variable universal life
insurance product. When it does, participants have no direct interest in this life insurance.
1-Year Annualized
Rate of Return
Name of Investment Fund (as of 2/28/09)
Nationwide NVIT Money Market — Class V. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.19%
PIMCO VIT Total Return — Admin Shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.94%
Fidelity VIP High Income — Service Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19.01%
Nationwide NVIT Inv Dest Moderate — Class 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28.74%
T. Rowe Price Equity Income — Class II. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46.97%
Dreyfus Stock Index — Initial Shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43.63%
Dreyfus VIF Appreciation — Initial Shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36.42%
Fidelity VIP II Contrafund — Service Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46.44%
Fidelity VIP Growth — Service Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48.97%
Nationwide NVIT Mid Cap Index — Class I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42.48%
Oppenheimer Mid Cap VA — Non-Service Shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49.50%
Dreyfus IP Small Cap Stock Index — Service Shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42.57%
Fidelity VIP Overseas — Service Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50.85%
AIM V.I. International Growth — Series I Shares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42.54%
IX. POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL
The Company provides certain benefits to our Named Executive Officers in the event of employment
termination, both in connection with a change in control and otherwise. These benefits are in addition to benefits
available generally to salaried employees, such as distributions under the Company’s tax-qualified retirement
savings plan, disability insurance benefits and life insurance benefits. These benefits are described below.
A. Termination Before Change in Control: Involuntary Other than for Cause, Voluntary for Good
Reason, Death or Disability
Pursuant to Mr. van Paaschen’s employment agreement, if Mr. van Paasschen’s employment is terminated by
the Company other than for cause or by Mr. van Paasschen for good reason, the Company will pay Mr. van
Paasschen as a severance benefit (i) two times the sum of his base salary and target annual bonus, (ii) a pro rated
target bonus for the year of termination and (iii) Mr. van Paasschen’s sign on restricted stock unit award
(25,558 units) would be payable. None of the other equity awards granted to Mr. van Paasschen would be
accelerated. If Mr. van Paasschen’s employment were terminated because of his death or permanent disability,
Mr. van Paasschen (or his estate) would be entitled to receive a pro rated target bonus for the year of termination and
all of his equity awards would accelerate and vest.
Pursuant to Mr. Avril’s employment agreement, if Mr. Avril’s employment is terminated by the Company
without cause, he will receive severance benefits of twelve months of base salary and the Company will continue to
provide medical benefits coverage for up to twelve months after the date of termination. In addition, Mr. Avril will
also be entitled to acceleration of all of his restricted stock and options that were granted prior to August 19, 2008,
but no acceleration for equity awards granted on or after August 19, 2008.
Pursuant to his employment agreement, if Mr. Prabhu’s employment is terminated by the Company without
cause or by Mr. Prabhu voluntarily with good reason, he will receive severance benefits equal to one year’s base
salary and he will be reimbursed for COBRA expenses minus his last level of contribution for up to twelve months
following termination. In addition, the Company will accelerate the vesting of 50% of Mr. Prabhu’s unvested
36
restricted stock and options. The Company entered into a letter agreement on August 14, 2007 confirming the terms
of the agreement as it relates to the acceleration of 50% of Mr. Prabhu’s unvested restricted stock and options.
Pursuant to Mr. Siegel’s employment agreement, in the event Mr. Siegel’s employment is terminated by the
Company without cause, Mr. Siegel will receive severance benefits of twelve months of base salary plus 100% of his
target annual incentive and the Company will continue to provide medical benefits coverage for up to twelve months
after the date of termination. Pursuant to a letter agreement entered into on August 14, 2007, Mr. Siegel will also be
entitled to acceleration of 50% of his then unvested restricted stock and options if he is terminated without cause
prior to September 24, 2009.
Pursuant to Mr. McAveety’s employment agreement, if Mr. McAveety’s employment is terminated by the
Company other than for cause, he will receive severance benefits of twelve months base salary and the Company
will continue to provide medical benefits coverage for up to twelve months after the date of termination. In addition,
the Company will pay the reasonable costs of relocation costs should Mr. McAveety relocate to Europe within one
year of the termination of his employment
Pursuant to Mr. Turner’s employment agreement, if Mr. Turner’s employment is terminated by the Company
other than for cause or by Mr. Turner for good reason, he will receive severance benefits of twelve months base
salary and the Company will continue to provide medical benefits coverage for up to twelve months after the date of
termination.
B. Termination in the Event of Change in Control
On August 2, 2006, the Company and each of Messrs. Prabhu and Siegel entered into severance agreements.
Each severance agreement provides for a term of three years, with an automatic one-year extension until either the
executive or the Company notifies the other that such party does not wish to extend the agreement. If a Change in
Control (as described below) occurs, the agreement will continue for at least 24 months following the date of such
Change in Control.
Each agreement provides that if, following a Change in Control, the executive’s employment is terminated
without Cause (as defined in the agreement) or with Good Reason (as defined in the agreement), the executive
would receive the following in addition to the items described in A. above:
• two times the sum of his base salary plus the average of the annual bonuses earned by the executive in the
three fiscal years ending immediately prior to the fiscal year in which the termination occurs;
• continued medical benefits for two years, reduced to the extent benefits of the same type are received by or
made available to the executive from another employer;
• a lump sum amount, in cash, equal to the sum of (A) any unpaid incentive compensation which had been
allocated or awarded to the executive for any measuring period preceding termination under any annual or
long-term incentive plan and which, as of the date of termination, is contingent only upon the continued
employment of the executive until a subsequent date, and (B) the aggregate value of all contingent incentive
compensation awards allocated or awarded to the executive for all then uncompleted periods under any
such plan that the executive would have earned on the last day of the performance award period, assuming
the achievement, at the target level, of the individual and corporate performance goals established with
respect to such award;
• immediate vesting of stock options and restricted stock held by the executive under any stock option or
incentive plan maintained by the Company;
• outplacement services suitable to the executive’s position for a period of two years or, if earlier, until the
first acceptance by the executive of an offer of employment, the cost of which will not exceed 20% of the
executive’s base salary;
• a lump sum payment of the executive’s deferred compensation paid in accordance with Section 409A
distribution rules; and
37
• immediate vesting of all unvested 401(k) contributions in the executive’s 401(k) account or payment by the
Company of an amount equal to any such unvested amounts that are forfeited by reason of the executive’s
termination of employment.
In addition, to the extent that any executive becomes subject to the “golden parachute” excise tax imposed
under Section 4999 of the Code, the executive would receive a gross-up payment in an amount sufficient to offset
the effects of such excise tax.
Under the severance agreements, a “Change in Control” is deemed to occur upon any of the following events:
• any person becomes the beneficial owner of securities of the Company (not including in the securities
beneficially owned by such person any securities acquired directly from the Company or its affiliates)
representing 25% or more of the combined voting power of the Company;
• a majority of the Directors cease to serve on the Company’s Board in connection with a successful hostile
proxy contest;
• a merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company with any
other corporation, other than:
O a merger or consolidation in which securities of the Company would represent at least 70% of the voting
power of the surviving entity; or
O a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company in which no person
becomes the beneficial owner of 25% or more of the voting power of the Company; or
• approval of a plan of liquidation or dissolution by the stockholders or the consummation of a sale of all or
substantially all of the Company’s assets, other than a sale to an entity in which the Company’s stockholders
would hold at least 70% of the voting power in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the
Company immediately prior to such sale. However, a “Change in Control” does not include a transaction in
which Company stockholders continue to hold substantially the same proportionate ownership in the entity
which would own all or substantially all of the Company’s assets following such transaction.
Each of Messrs. Avril, McAveety and Turner entered into similar change in control agreements in connection
with their employment with the Company, provided that no tax gross-up is provided if such payments become
subject to the excise tax. If such payments are subject to the excise tax, the benefits under the agreement will be
reduced until the point where the executive is better off paying the excise tax rather than reducing the benefits.
Mr. van Paasschen’s employment agreement provides that he would be entitled to the following benefits if his
employment were terminated without cause or he resigned with good reason following a Change in Control:
• two times the sum of his base salary plus the average of the annual bonuses earned in the three fiscal years
ending immediately prior to the fiscal year in which the termination occurs;
• a lump sum amount, in cash, equal to the sum of (A) any unpaid incentive compensation which had been
allocated or awarded for any measuring period preceding termination under any annual or long-term
incentive plan and which, as of the date of termination, is contingent only upon his continued employment
until a subsequent date, and (B) the aggregate value of all contingent incentive compensation awards
allocated or awarded to him for all then uncompleted periods under any such plan that he would have
earned on the last day of the performance award period, assuming the achievement, at the target level, of the
individual and corporate performance goals established with respect to such award;
• immediate vesting of stock options and restricted stock held under any stock option or incentive plan
maintained by the Company;
• a lump sum payment of his deferred compensation paid in accordance with Section 409A distribution
rules; and
38
• immediate vesting of all unvested 401(k) contributions in his 401(k) account or payment by the Company
of an amount equal to any such unvested amounts that are forfeited by reason of his termination of
employment.
In addition, to the extent that Mr. van Paasschen becomes subject to the “golden parachute” excise tax imposed
under Section 4999 of the Code, he would receive a gross-up payment in an amount sufficient to offset the effects of
such excise tax.
In December 2008, the Company amended the employment arrangements and change in control agreements
with each of the Named Executive Officers. The amendments were technical in nature and were designed to meet
the guidelines of 409A of the Code. The amendments did not change any of the amounts payable to the Named
Executive Officers.
C. Estimated Payments Upon Termination
The tables below reflect the estimated amounts payable to the Named Executive Officers in the event their
employment with the Company had terminated on December 31, 2008 under various circumstances, and includes
amounts earned through that date. The actual amounts that would become payable in the event of an actual
employment termination can only be determined at the time of such termination.
1. Involuntary Termination without Cause or Voluntary Termination for Good Reason
The following table discloses the amounts that would have become payable on account of an involuntary
termination without cause or a voluntary termination for good reason outside of the change in control context.
Severance Medical Vesting of Vesting of
Pay Benefits Restricted Stock Stock Options Total
Name ($) ($) ($) ($) ($)
van Paasschen . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,000,000 0 457,4880 0 8,457,488
Prabhu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 640,658 23,952 867,130 0 1,531,740
Siegel(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,230,078 19,699 922,324 0 2,172,101
Avril(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 725,000 18,288 1,229,372 0 1,972,660
McAveety(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500,000 18,912 0 0 518,912(2)
Turner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 625,000 24,888 0 0 649,888
(1) Messrs. Siegel, Avril and McAveety’s employment agreements provide for payments in the event of involuntary
termination other than for cause but do not provide for payments in the event of voluntary termination for good
reason.
(2) In addition, the Company would pay the reasonable costs of relocating Mr. McAveety to Europe if he decides to
return to Europe within one year of his termination of employment.
2. Termination on Account of Death or Disability
The following table discloses the amounts that would have become payable on account of a termination of
employment by death or disability.
Severance Medical Vesting of Vesting of
Pay Benefits Restricted Stock Stock Options Total
Name ($) ($) ($) ($) ($)
van Paasschen . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,000,000 0 1,668,835 0 3,668,835
Prabhu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 640,658 23,952 1,734,259 0 2,398,869
Siegel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,230,078 19,699 1,844,649 0 3,094,426
Avril . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 725,000 18,288 1,951,530 0 2,694,818
McAveety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500,000 18,912 453,210 0 972,122
Turner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 625,000 24,888 0 0 649,888
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3. Change in Control
The following table discloses the amounts that would have become payable on account of an involuntary
termination without cause following a change in control or a voluntary termination with good reason following a
change in control.
Vesting of
Severance Medical Vesting of Stock Outplace- 401(k) Tax
Pay Benefits Restricted Stock Options ment Payment Gross Up Total
Name ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($)
van Paasschen(1) . . . . . . . . . 8,000,000 0 1,668,835 0 0 0 3,724,544 13,393,379
Prabhu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,390,798 47,904 1,734,259 0 128,132 0 0 5,301,093
Siegel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,405,217 39,398 1,844,649 0 123,006 0 0 5,412,270
Avril . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,332,730 36,576 1,951,530 0 145,000 0 n/a 5,465,836
McAveety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,250,000 37,824 453,210 0 100,000 0 n/a 2,741,034
Turner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,125,000 49,776 0 0 125,000 0 n/a 3,299,776
(1) If the amount of severance pay and other benefits payable on change in control is greater than three times certain
base period taxable compensation for Mr. van Paasschen, a 20% excise tax is imposed on the excess amount of
such severance pay and other benefits. Because of Mr. van Paasschen’s recent hire, his base period taxable
compensation does not reflect the total compensation paid to him, artificially increasing the excise tax that
would apply on a change in control and, correspondingly, the tax gross-up payment due under the estimate.
X. DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The Company uses a combination of cash and stock-based awards to attract and retain qualified candidates to
serve on the Board. In setting Director compensation, the Company considers the significant amount of time that
members of the Board spend in fulfilling their duties to the Company as well as the skill level required by the
Company or its Directors. The current compensation structure is described below.
Under the Company’s Director share ownership guidelines, each Director is required to acquire Shares (or
deferred compensation stock equivalents) that have a market price equal to two times the annual Director’s fees paid
to such Director. New Directors are given a period of three years to satisfy this requirement.
Company employees who serve as members of the Board receive no fees for their services in this capacity.
Non-employee members of the Board (“Non-Employee Directors”) receive compensation for their services as
described below.
A. Annual Fees
Each Non-Employee Director receives an annual fee in the amount of $80,000, payable in four equal
installments of Shares issued under our LTIP. The number of Shares to be issued is based on the fair market value of
a Share on the previous December 31.
A Non-Employee Director may elect to receive up to one-half of the annual fee in cash and to defer (at an
annual interest rate of LIBOR plus 11⁄2% for deferred cash amounts) any or all of the annual fee payable in cash.
Deferred cash amounts are payable in accordance with the Director’s advance election. A Non-Employee Director
is also permitted to elect to defer to a deferred unit account any or all of the annual fee payable in shares of Company
stock. Deferred stock amounts are payable in accordance with the Non-Employee Director’s advance election.
Non-Employee Directors serving as members of the Audit Committee received an additional annual fee in
cash of $10,000 ($25,000 for the chairman of the Audit Committee). The chairperson of each other committee of the
Board received an additional annual fee in cash of $10,000. For 2008, the Chairman of the Board received an
additional retainer of $150,000, payable quarterly in Shares.
In addition, the Board established the following special committees in 2007-2008: (1) Search Committee,
(2) Special Committee, and (3) Transition Committee. In 2008, each member of the Search Committee and Special
Committee received an additional fee of $20,000 ($25,000 for each Chairperson), and each member of the
40
Transition Committee received an additional fee of $10,000. The members of these special committees were able to
elect to receive such fees in cash or stock. For Directors electing stock, the number of shares awarded was
determined by dividing the amount by the Fair Market Value (as defined in the LTIP) on the date of grant. These
special committee shares generally vest upon the earlier of (i) the third anniversary of the grant date and (ii) the date
such person ceases to be a Director of the Company.
B. Attendance Fees
Non-Employee Directors do not receive fees for attendance at meetings. However, the Company reimburses
Non-Employee Directors for expenses they incurred related to 2008 meeting attendance, including attendance by
spouses at one meeting each year.
C. Equity grant
In 2008, each Non-Employee Director received an annual equity grant (made at the same time as the annual
grant is made to other employees) under our LTIP with a value of $100,000. The equity grant was delivered 50% in
stock units and 50% in stock options. The number of stock units is determined by dividing the value ($50,000) by the
average of the high and low price on the date of grant. The number of options is determined by dividing the value
($50,000) by the average of the high and low price on the date of grant (also the exercise price) and multiplying by
three. For the 2009 grant, the ratio was lowered to 2.5-to-1. The options are fully vested and exercisable upon grant
and are scheduled to expire eight years after the grant date. The restricted stock awarded pursuant to the annual grant
generally vests upon the earlier of (i) the third anniversary of the grant date and (ii) the date such person ceases to be
a Director of the Company.
D. Starwood Preferred Guest Program Points and Rooms
In 2008, each Non-Employee Director other than Mr. Daley received an annual grant of 750,000 Starwood
Preferred Guest (“SPG”) Points to encourage them to visit and personally evaluate our properties. Mr. Daley
received a grant of 375,000 SPG Points in light of his November 2008 election to the Board.
E. Other Compensation
In 2008, the Company made available to the Chairman of the Board administrative assistant services and health
insurance coverage on terms comparable to those available to Starwood executives until the Chairman turns
70 years old and thereafter on terms available to Company retirees (including required contributions). The
Company also reimburses Non-Employee Directors for travel expenses, other out-of-pocket costs they incur when
attending meetings and, for one meeting per year, expenses related to attendance by spouses.
We have summarized the compensation paid by the Company to our Non-Employee Directors in 2008 in the
table below.
Fees earned Stock Option All Other
or Paid in Cash Awards (2)(3) Awards (4) compensation (5) Total
Name of Director ($) (1) ($) ($) ($) ($)
Adam M. Aron . . . . . . . . . ... 20,000 94,077 48,939 11,250 174,266
Charlene Barshefsky . . . . . ... 20,000 94,077 48,939 15,431 178,447
Jean-Marc Chapus . . . . . . ... 25,000 40,713 48,939 11,250 125,902
Thomas E. Clarke . . . . . . . ... 37,500 41,218 48,753 11,250 138,721
Clayton C. Daley, Jr. . . . . . ... 6,196 6,762 14,756 N/A 27,714
Bruce W. Duncan . . . . . . . ... 35,000 222,499 48,939 102,246 408,684
Lizanne Galbreath . . . . . . . ... 15,000 94,077 48,939 15,595 173,611
Eric Hippeau . . . . . . . . . . . ... 40,000 94,077 48,939 30,986 214,002
Stephen R. Quazzo . . . . . . ... 55,000 94,077 48,939 11,250 209,266
Thomas O. Ryder . . . . . . . ... 55,000 94,077 48,939 24,699 222,715
Kneeland C. Youngblood . . ... 50,000 54,043 48,939 18,750 171,732
41
(1) The following Directors elected to receive stock awards in lieu of cash fees for service on special committees of
the Board: Ms. Barshefsky and Mr. Chapus, $20,000; Mr. Duncan, $35,000; Mr. Hippeau, $40,000; Mr.
Quazzo, $45,000; and Mr. Ryder, $30,000. The grant date fair value of these stock awards is set forth below:
Number of Shares of
Director Grant Date Stock/Units Grant Date Fair Value ($)
Ms. Barshefsky and Mr. Chapus ....... 2/28/2008 411 19,977
Mr. Duncan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 2/28/2008 720 34,996
Mr. Hippeau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 2/28/2008 822 39,953
Mr. Quazzo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 2/28/2008 925 44,960
Mr. Ryder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 2/28/2008 617 29,989
(2) As of December 31, 2008, each Director has the following aggregate number of Shares (deferred or otherwise)
outstanding: Mr. Aron, 34,292; Ambassador Barshefsky, 13,007; Mr. Chapus, 0; Mr. Clarke, 2,338; Mr. Daley,
5,657; Mr. Duncan, 238,838; Ms. Galbreath, 5,536; Mr. Hippeau, 19,360; Mr. Quazzo, 28,265; Mr. Ryder, 14,109;
Mr. Youngblood, 7,253.
(3) Represents the expense recognized for financial statement reporting purposes with respect to 2008 for the fair
value of restricted stock and restricted stock units granted in 2008, in accordance with SFAS 123(R). Pursuant to
SEC rules, the amounts shown exclude the impact of estimated forfeitures related to service-based vesting
conditions. For additional information, refer to Note 21 of the Company’s financial statements filed with the
SEC as part of the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. These amounts reflect the Company’s
accounting expense for these awards and do not correspond to the actual value that will be recognized by the
Directors. The grant date fair value of each stock award is set forth below:
Number of Shares of
Director Grant Date Stock/Units Grant Date Fair Value ($)
Adam M. Aron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2/28/2008 1,029 50,015
3/31/2008 458 20,017
6/30/2008 458 20,017
9/30/2008 458 20,017
12/31/2008 458 20,017
Charlene Barshefsky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2/28/2008 1,029 50,015
3/31/2008 458 20,017
6/30/2008 458 20,017
9/30/2008 458 20,017
12/31/2008 458 20,017
Jean-Marc Chapus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2/28/2008 1,029 50,015
3/31/2008 458 20,017
6/30/2008 153 6,687
Thomas E. Clarke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4/30/2008 951 50,023
6/30/2008 229 10,008
9/30/2008 229 10,008
12/31/2008 229 10,008
Clayton C. Daley, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11/5/2008 515 10,872
12/31/2008 142 6,206
42
Number of Shares of
Director Grant Date Stock/Units Grant Date Fair Value ($)
Bruce W. Duncan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2/28/2008 1,029 50,015
3/31/2008 458 20,017
3/31/2008 858 37,499
6/30/2008 458 20,017
6/30/2008 858 37,499
9/30/2008 458 20,017
9/30/2008 858 37,499
12/31/2008 458 20,017
12/31/2008 858 37,499
Lizanne Galbreath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2/28/2008 1,029 50,015
3/31/2008 458 20,017
6/30/2008 458 20,017
9/30/2008 458 20,017
12/31/2008 458 20,017
Eric Hippeau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2/28/2008 1,029 50,015
3/31/2008 458 20,017
6/30/2008 458 20,017
9/30/2008 458 20,017
12/31/2008 458 20,017
Stephen R. Quazzo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2/28/2008 1,029 50,015
3/31/2008 458 20,017
6/30/2008 458 20,017
9/30/2008 458 20,017
12/31/2008 458 20,017
Thomas O. Ryder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2/28/2008 1,029 50,015
3/31/2008 458 20,017
6/30/2008 458 20,017
9/30/2008 458 20,017
12/31/2008 458 20,017
Kneeland C. Youngblood . . . . . . . . . . . . 2/28/2008 1,029 50,015
3/31/2008 229 10,008
6/30/2008 229 10,008
9/30/2008 229 10,008
12/31/2008 229 10,008
(4) Represents the expense recognized for financial statement reporting purposes with respect to 2008 for the fair
value of stock options granted in 2008, in accordance with SFAS 123(R). Pursuant to SEC rules, the amounts
shown exclude the impact of estimated forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions. For additional
information, refer to Note 21 of the Company’s financial statements filed with the SEC as part of the Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2008. These amounts reflect the Company’s accounting expense for these
awards and do not correspond to the actual value that will be recognized by the Directors. As of December 31,
2008, each Director has the following aggregate number of stock options outstanding: Mr. Aron, 10,962;
Ambassador Barshefsky, 35,082; Mr. Chapus, 35,082; Mr. Clarke, 2,852; Mr. Daley, 1,544; Mr. Duncan,
95,804; Ms. Galbreath, 18,585; Mr. Hippeau, 52,738; Mr. Quazzo, 51,579; Mr. Ryder, 40,581; Mr. Youngblood,
40,581. All Directors other than Messrs. Clarke and Daley (who were not Directors at the time) received a grant
of 3,087 options on February 28, 2008 with a grant date fair value of $48,939. Mr. Clarke received a grant of
2,852 options on April 30, 2008 with a grant date fair value of $48,753 and Mr. Daley received a grant of 1,544
options on November 5, 2008 with a grant date fair value of $14,756.
43
(5) We reimburse Non-Employee Directors for travel expenses, other out-of-pocket costs they incur when
attending meetings and, for one meeting per year, attendance by spouses. In addition, in 2008 Non-Employee
Directors received 750,000 SPG Points valued at $11,250 (Mr. Youngblood’s account was credited with a larger
amount to correct a mistake with the number of points granted in 2007 and Mr. Daley’s account was credited
with 375,000 SPG Points in light of his November 2008 election to the Board) and the cost of an administrative
assistant for the Chairman of the Board. Non-Employee Directors also receive interest on deferred dividends.
Pursuant to SEC rules, perquisites and personal benefits are not reported for any Director for whom such
amounts were less than $10,000 in the aggregate for 2008 but must be identified by type for each Named
Executive Officer for whom such amounts were equal to or greater than $10,000 in the aggregate. SEC rules do
not require specification of the value of any type of perquisite or personal benefit provided to the Non-
Employee Directors because no such value exceeded $25,000.
Pursuant to SEC rules, the following table specifies the value for each other element of All Other Compen-
sation that is valued in excess of $10,000 and not disclosed above.
Deferred Dividends on Administrative
Restricted Stock Units Assistant
Name ($) 2008 ($) 2008
Duncan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,620 67,689
Hippeau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15,758 —
Ryder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11,217 —
44
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The information contained in this Audit Committee Report shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or
“filed” or “incorporated by reference” in future filings with the SEC, or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the
Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference into a document filed
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act.
The Audit Committee (the “Audit Committee”) of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Starwood Hotels &
Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (the “Company”), which is comprised entirely of “independent” Directors, as determined
by the Board in accordance with the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) listing requirements and applicable
federal securities laws, serves as an independent and objective party to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight
responsibilities including, but not limited to, (i) monitoring the quality and integrity of the Company’s financial
statements, (ii) monitoring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (iii) assessing the qualifications and
independence of the independent registered public accounting firm and (iv) establishing and monitoring the
Company’s systems of internal controls regarding finance, accounting and legal compliance. The Audit Committee
operates under a written charter which meets the requirements of applicable federal securities laws and the NYSE
requirements.
In the first quarter of 2009, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements for
the year ended December 31, 2008 with management, the Company’s internal auditors and the independent
registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP. The Audit Committee also discussed with the independent
registered public accounting firm matters relating to its independence, including a review of audit and non-audit
fees and the written disclosures and letter from Ernst & Young LLP to the Audit Committee pursuant to the
Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 Communications with Audit Committees, as amended, as adopted by the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T regarding the independent accountants’ communi-
cations with the Audit Committee concerning independence.
Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of
Directors that the financial statements referred to above be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
Thomas O. Ryder (chairman)
Adam M. Aron
Thomas E. Clarke
Clayton C. Daley, Jr.
Kneeland C. Youngblood
Audit Fees
The aggregate amounts paid by the Company for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 to the
Company’s principal accounting firm, Ernst & Young, are as follows (in millions):
2008 2007
Audit Fees(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4.9 $5.0
Audit-Related Fees(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.9 $0.9
Tax Fees(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.4 $0.3
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6.2 $6.2
(1) Audit fees include the fees paid for the annual audit, the review of quarterly financial statements and assistance
with regulatory and statutory filings, the audit of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting with
the objective of obtaining reasonable assurance about whether effective internal controls over financial
reporting were maintained in all material respects and for the attestation of management’s report on the
effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting.
45
(2) Audit-related fees include fees for audits of employee benefit plans, statutory audits required by local laws,
audit and accounting consultation and other attest services.
(3) Tax fees include fees for the preparation and review of certain foreign tax returns.
Pre-Approval of Services
The Audit Committee pre-approves all services, including both audit and non-audit services, provided by the
Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. For audit services (including statutory audit engage-
ments as required under local country laws), the independent registered public accounting firm provides the Audit
Committee with an engagement letter outlining the scope of the audit services proposed to be performed during the
year. The engagement letter must be formally accepted by the Audit Committee before any audit commences. The
independent registered public accounting firm also submits an audit services fee proposal, which also must be
approved by the Audit Committee before the audit commences. The Audit Committee may delegate authority to
one of its members to pre-approve all audit/non-audit services by the independent registered public accounting firm,
as long as these approvals are presented to the full Audit Committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting.
Management submits to the Audit Committee all non-audit services that it recommends the independent
registered public accounting firm be engaged to provide and an estimate of the fees to be paid for each. Management
and the independent registered public accounting firm must each confirm to the Audit Committee that the
performance of the non-audit services on the list would not compromise the independence of the registered public
accounting firm and would be permissible under all applicable legal requirements. The Audit Committee must
approve both the list of non-audit services and the budget for each such service before commencement of the work.
Management and the independent registered public accounting firm report to the Audit Committee at each of its
regular meetings as to the non-audit services actually provided by the independent registered public accounting firm
and the approximate fees incurred by the Company for those services.
All audit and permissible non-audit services provided by Ernst & Young to the Company for the fiscal years
ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee or the Board of Directors.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
All members of the Compensation Committee during fiscal year 2008 were independent Directors, and no
member was an employee or former employee. No Compensation Committee member had any relationship
requiring disclosure under “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,” below. During fiscal year 2008, none
of our executive officers served on the compensation committee (or its equivalent) or board of Directors of another
entity whose executive officer served on our Compensation Committee.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Policies of the Board of Directors of the Company
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee (the “Committee”) is charged with establishing and
reviewing (on a periodic basis) the Company’s Corporate Opportunity Policy pursuant to which each Director and
executive officer is required to submit to the Committee any opportunity that such person reasonably believes (1) is
within the Company’s existing line of business or (2) is one in which the Company either has an existing interest or a
reasonable expectancy of an interest, and (3) the Company is reasonably capable of pursuing. The Corporate
Opportunity Policy is a written policy that provides that the Committee should consider all relevant facts and
circumstances to determine whether it should (i) reject the proposed transaction on behalf of Company; (ii) conclude
that the proposed transaction is appropriate and suggest that the Company pursue it on the terms presented or on
different terms, and in the case of a Corporate Opportunity suggest that the Company pursue the Corporate
Opportunity on its own, with the party who brought the proposed transaction to the Company’s attention or with
another third party; or (iii) ask the full Board to consider the proposed transaction so the Board may then take either
of the actions described in (i) or (ii) above, and, at the Committee’s option, in connection with (iii), make
recommendations to the Board. Any person bringing a proposed transaction to the Committee is obligated to
46
provide any and all information available to the Committee and to recuse himself from any vote or other
deliberation.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board is not aware of any matters not referred to in this proxy statement that will be presented for action at
the Annual Meeting. If any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons
named in the enclosed proxy to vote the Shares represented thereby in accordance with their discretion.
SOLICITATION COSTS
The Company will pay the cost of soliciting proxies for the Annual Meeting, including the cost of mailing. The
solicitation is being made by mail and may also be made by telephone or in person using the services of a number of
regular employees of the Company at nominal cost. The Company will reimburse banks, brokerage firms and other
custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for expenses incurred in sending proxy materials to beneficial owners of
Shares. The Company has engaged D.F. King & Co., Inc. to solicit proxies and to assist with the distribution of
proxy materials for a fee of $17,000 plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.
HOUSEHOLDING
The SEC allows us to deliver a single proxy statement and annual report to an address shared by two or more of
our stockholders. This delivery method, referred to as “householding,” can result in significant cost savings for us.
In order to take advantage of this opportunity, the Company and banks and brokerage firms that hold your shares
have delivered only one proxy statement and annual report to multiple stockholders who share an address unless one
or more of the stockholders has provided contrary instructions. The Company will deliver promptly, upon written or
oral request, a separate copy of the proxy statement and annual report to a stockholder at a shared address to which a
single copy of the documents was delivered. A stockholder who wishes to receive a separate copy of the proxy
statement and annual report, now or in the future, may obtain one, without charge, by addressing a request to
Investor Relations, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., 1111 Westchester Avenue, White Plains, NY
10604 or by calling (914) 640-8100. You may also obtain a copy of the proxy statement and annual report from the
investor relations page on the Company’s web site (www.starwoodhotels.com/corporate/investor — rela-
tions.html). Stockholders of record sharing an address who are receiving multiple copies of proxy materials
and annual reports and wish to receive a single copy of such materials in the future should submit their request by
contacting us in the same manner. If you are the beneficial owner, but not the record holder, of the Company’s shares
and wish to receive only one copy of the proxy statement and annual report in the future, you will need to contact
your broker, bank or other nominee to request that only a single copy of each document be mailed to all stockholders
at the shared address in the future.
47
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR NEXT ANNUAL MEETING
If you want to make a proposal for consideration at next year’s Annual Meeting and have it included in the
Company’s proxy materials, the Company must receive your proposal by November 26, 2009, and the proposal
must comply with the rules of the SEC.
If you want to make a proposal or nominate a Director for consideration at next year’s Annual Meeting without
having the proposal included in the Company’s proxy materials, you must comply with the current advance notice
provisions and other requirements set forth in the Company’s Bylaws, including that the Company must receive
your proposal on or after January 26, 2010 and on or prior to February 20, 2010, with certain exceptions if the date of
the Annual Meeting is advanced by more than 30 days or delayed by more than 60 days from the anniversary date of
the 2009 Annual Meeting.
If the Company does not receive your proposal or nomination by the appropriate deadline, then it may not be
brought before the 2010 Annual Meeting.
The fact that the Company may not insist upon compliance with these requirements should not be construed as
a waiver by the Company of its right to do so at any time in the future.
You should address your proposals or nominations to the Corporate Secretary, Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Worldwide, Inc., 1111 Westchester Avenue, White Plains, New York 10604.
By Order of the Board of Directors
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS
WORLDWIDE, INC.
Kenneth S. Siegel
Corporate Secretary
March 26, 2009
48
General Directions To
The St. Regis Washington, D.C.
From 95 South (Richmond)
• Follow I 395 N, cross bridge into District of Columbia and stay in left lane.
• Follow route US-1 N toward downtown.
• Stay straight to go onto 14th Street.
• Turn left on I Street.
• Turn right on 16th Street — the hotel is located on the right.
From Dulles International Airport (IAD)
• Take Dulles Access Road to Route 66 East (14 miles).
• Take the Roosevelt Bridge and stay in right lane which will become Constitution Avenue.
• Turn left on 17th Street.
• Turn right on H Street.
• Turn left on 16th Street — the hotel is located on the right.
From Union Station
• Take Mass Avenue NW to 16th Street.
• Go around circle to take 16th Street.
• Stay on 16th Street for two blocks — the hotel is located on the left.
From National Reagan Airport (DCA)
• Take George Washington Parkway North to 395 N.
• Cross bridge and stay in left lane which will become 14th Street.
• Continue to I Street NW and turn left.
• Follow to 16th Street.
• Turn right on 16th Street — the hotel is located on the right.
From 95 North (Baltimore-New York)
• Take route 50 West (New York Avenue) to 9th Street NW and turn left.
• Go down two blocks and turn right on New York Avenue again.
• Go two blocks (past 10th Street), stay in right lane, which will become I Street.
• Follow to 16th Street and turn right — the hotel is located on the right.
49
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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
¥ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2008
OR
n TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period from to
Commission File Number: 1-7959
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Maryland
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
52-1193298
(I.R.S. employer identification no.)
1111 Westchester Avenue
White Plains, NY 10604
(Address of principal executive
offices, including zip code)
(914) 640-8100
(Registrant’s telephone number,
including area code)
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share New York Stock Exchange
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities
Act. Yes ¥ No n
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
Act. Yes n No ¥
Note: Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange
Act from their obligations under those Sections.
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and
(2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ¥ No n
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be
contained, to the best of the Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this
Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¥
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller
reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2
of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ¥ Accelerated filer n Non-accelerated filer n Smaller reporting company n
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes n No ¥
As of June 30, 2008, the aggregate market value of the Registrant’s voting and non-voting common equity (for purposes of this Annual
Report only, includes all Shares other than those held by the Registrant’s Directors and executive officers) was $7,447,019,328.
As of February 20, 2009, the Corporation had outstanding 182,443,016 shares of common stock.
For information concerning ownership of Shares, see the Proxy Statement for the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders that is
currently scheduled for May 6, 2009 (the “Proxy Statement”), which is incorporated by reference under various Items of this Annual Report.
Document Incorporated by Reference:
Document Where Incorporated
Proxy Statement Part III (Items 11, 12, 13 and 14)
This Annual Report is filed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the
“Corporation”). Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to the Corporation include those entities
owned or controlled by the Corporation, including SLC Operating Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited
partnership (the “Operating Partnership”), which prior to April 10, 2006 included Starwood Hotels & Resorts, a
Maryland real estate investment trust (the “Trust”), which was sold in the Host Transaction (defined below); all
references to the Trust include the Trust and those entities owned or controlled by the Trust, including SLT Realty
Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Realty Partnership”); and all references to “we”, “us”,
“our”, “Starwood”, or the “Company” refer to the Corporation, the Trust and its respective subsidiaries, collectively
through April 7, 2006. Until April 7, 2006, the shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the
Corporation (“Corporation Shares”) and the Class B shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share, of the
Trust (“Class B Shares”) were attached and traded together and were held or transferred only in units consisting of
one Corporation Share and one Class B Share (a “Share”). On April 7, 2006, in connection with a transaction (the
“Host Transaction”) with Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc., its subsidiary Host Marriot L.P. and certain other subsidiaries
of Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (collectively, “Host”), the Shares were depaired and the Corporation Shares became
transferable separately from the Class B Shares. As a result of the depairing, the Corporation Shares trade alone
under the symbol “HOT” on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). As of April 10, 2006, neither Shares nor
Class B Shares are listed or traded on the NYSE.
PART I
Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements appear in several places in this Annual Report,
including, without limitation, the section of Item 1. Business, captioned “Business Strategy” and Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Such forward-looking
statements may include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Starwood, its Directors or
its officers with respect to the matters discussed in this Annual Report. All forward-looking statements involve risks
and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking
statements including, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties set forth below. Starwood undertakes no
obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect current or future events or
circumstances.
Item 1. Business.
General
We are one of the world’s largest hotel and leisure companies. We conduct our hotel and leisure business both
directly and through our subsidiaries. Our brand names include the following:
St. Regis» (luxury full-service hotels, resorts and residences) are for connoisseurs who desire the finest
expressions of luxury. They provide flawless and bespoke service to high-end leisure and business travelers.
St. Regis hotels are located in the ultimate locations within the world’s most desired destinations, important
emerging markets and yet to be discovered paradises, and they typically have individual design characteristics to
capture the distinctive personality of each location.
The Luxury Collection» (luxury full-service hotels and resorts) is a group of unique hotels and resorts
offering exceptional service to an elite clientele. From legendary palaces and remote retreats to timeless modern
classics, these remarkable hotels and resorts enable the most discerning traveler to collect a world of unique,
authentic and enriching experiences indigenous to each destination that capture the sense of both luxury and place.
They are distinguished by magnificent decor, spectacular settings and impeccable service.
W» (luxury and upscale full service hotels, retreats and residences) feature world class design, world class
restaurants and “on trend” bars and lounges and its signature Whatever\\Whenever» service standard. It’s a sensory
multiplex that not only indulges the senses, it delivers an emotional experience. Whether it’s “behind the scenes”
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access at Whappenings, or our cutting edge music, lighting and scent programs, W hotels delivers an experience
unmatched in the hotel segment.
Westin» (luxury and upscale full-service hotels, resorts and residences) is a lifestyle brand competing in the
upper upscale sector in nearly 30 countries around the globe. Each hotel offers renewing experiences that inspire
guests to be at their best. First impressions at any Westin hotel are fueled by signature sensory experiences of light,
music, white tea scent and botanicals. Westin revolutionized the industry with its famous Heavenly Bed» and
Heavenly Bath» and launched a multi-million dollar retail program featuring these products. Westin is the first
global brand to offer in-room spa treatments at every hotel and the first to go smoke-free in North America. The new
Westin Superfoods» menu is the latest way we bring renewal to guests, with foods considered best for providing
disease-fighting and health-enhancing benefits due to their high nutrient and antioxidant content.
Le Méridien» (luxury and upscale full-service hotels, resorts and residences) is a European-inspired brand
with a French accent. Each of its hotels, whether city, airport or resort has a distinctive character driven by its
individuality and the Le Méridien brand values. With its underlying passion for food, art and style and its classic yet
stylish design, Le Méridien offers a unique experience at some of the world’s top travel destinations.
Sheraton» (luxury and upscale full-service hotels, resorts and residences) is our largest brand serving the
needs of luxury and upscale business and leisure travelers worldwide. We offer the entire spectrum of comfort. From
full-service hotels in major cities to luxurious resorts by the water, Sheraton can be found in the most sought-after
cities and resort destinations around the world. Every guest at Sheraton hotels and resorts feels a warm and
welcoming connection, the feeling you have when you walk into a place and your favorite song is playing — a sense
of comfort and belonging. Our most recent innovation, the Link@SheratonSM with Microsoft, encourages hotel
guests to come out of their rooms to enjoy the energy and social opportunities of traveling. At Sheraton, we help our
guests connect to what matters most to them, the office, home and the best spots in town.
Four Points» (select-service hotels) delights the self-sufficient traveler with a new kind of comfort,
approachable style and spirited, can-do service — all at the honest value our guests deserve. Our guests start
their day feeling energized and finish up relaxed and free to enjoy little indulgences that make their time away from
home special.
Aloft(SM) (select-service hotels), a brand introduced in 2005 with the first hotel opened in 2008, provides new
heights, an oasis where you least expect it, a spirited neighborhood outpost, a haven at the side of the road. Bringing
a cozy harmony of modern elements to the classic American on-the-road tradition, Aloft offers a sassy, refreshing,
ultra effortless alternative for both the business and leisure traveler. Fresh, fun, and fulfilling, Aloft is an experience
to be discovered and rediscovered, destination after destination, as you ease on down the road.
Element(SM) (extended stay hotels), a brand introduced in 2006 with the first hotel opened in 2008, provides
a modern, upscale and intuitively designed hotel experience that allows guests to live well and feel in control.
Inspired by Westin, Element hotels promote balance through a thoughtful, upscale environment. Decidedly modern
with an emphasis on nature, Element is intuitively constructed with an efficient use of space that encourages guests
to stay connected, feel alive, and thrive while they are away. Primarily all Element hotels are LEED certified,
depicting the importance of the environment in today’s world.
Through our brands, we are well represented in most major markets around the world. Our operations are
reported in two business segments, hotels and vacation ownership and residential operations.
Our revenue and earnings are derived primarily from hotel operations, which include management and other
fees earned from hotels we manage pursuant to management contracts, the receipt of franchise and other fees and
the operation of our owned hotels.
Our hotel business emphasizes the global operation of hotels and resorts primarily in the luxury and upscale
segment of the lodging industry. We seek to acquire interests in, or management or franchise rights with respect to
properties in this segment. At December 31, 2008, our hotel portfolio included owned, leased, managed and
franchised hotels totaling 942 hotels with approximately 285,000 rooms in approximately 100 countries, and is
comprised of 69 hotels that we own or lease or in which we have a majority equity interest, 436 hotels managed by
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us on behalf of third-party owners (including entities in which we have a minority equity interest) and 437 hotels for
which we receive franchise fees.
Our revenues and earnings are also derived from the development, ownership and operation of vacation
ownership resorts, marketing and selling vacation ownership interests (“VOIs”) in the resorts and providing
financing to customers who purchase such interests. Generally these resorts are marketed under the brand names
described above. Additionally, our revenues and earnings are derived from the development, marketing and selling
of residential units at mixed use hotel projects owned by us as well as fees earned from the marketing and selling of
residential units at mixed use hotel projects developed by third-party owners of hotels operated under our brands. At
December 31, 2008, we had 26 owned vacation ownership resorts and residential properties, including sites held for
development, in the United States, Mexico, and the Bahamas.
Due to the global economic crisis and its impact on the long-term growth outlook for the timeshare industry,
during the fourth quarter of 2008 we evaluated all of our existing vacation ownership projects, as well as land held
for future vacation ownership projects. We have thereby decided not to pursue or continue development of several
projects, the most significant of which are two projects in Mexico and the Caribbean.
The Corporation was incorporated in 1980 under the laws of Maryland. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts and Westin
Hotels & Resorts, Starwood’s largest brands, have been serving guests for more than 60 years. Starwood Vacation
Ownership (and its predecessor, Vistana, Inc.) has been selling VOIs for more than 20 years.
Our principal executive offices are located at 1111 Westchester Avenue, White Plains, New York 10604, and
our telephone number is (914) 640-8100.
For a discussion of our revenues, profits, assets and geographical segments, see the notes to financial
statements of this Annual Report. For additional information concerning our business, see Item 2 Properties, of this
Annual Report.
Competitive Strengths
Management believes that the following factors contribute to our position as a leader in the lodging and
vacation ownership industry and provide a foundation for our business strategy:
Brand Strength. We have assumed a leadership position in markets worldwide based on our superior global
distribution, coupled with strong brands and brand recognition. Our upscale and luxury brands continue to capture
market share from our competitors by aggressively cultivating new customers while maintaining loyalty among the
world’s most active travelers. The strength of our brands is evidenced, in part, by the superior ratings received from
our hotel guests and from industry publications.
Frequent Guest Program. Our loyalty program, Starwood Preferred Guest» (“SPG”), made headlines when
it launched in 1999 with a breakthrough policy of no blackout dates and no capacity controls, allowing members to
redeem free nights anytime, anywhere. Since then, the program has grown to include more than 47 million members
and continues to be cited for its hassle-free award redemption, outstanding customer service, dedicated member
website and innovative promotions and benefits for elite members. The program yields repeat guest business by
uniting a world of distinctive hotels and rewarding customers with the rewards and recognition they want — from
points that can be used for free hotel stays, indulgent experiences and airline miles with 33 participating airlines.
Significant Presence in Top Markets. Our luxury and upscale hotel and resort assets are well positioned
throughout the world. These assets are primarily located in major cities and resort areas that management believes
have historically demonstrated a strong breadth, depth and growing demand for luxury and upscale hotels and
resorts, in which the supply of sites suitable for hotel development has been limited and in which development of
such sites is relatively expensive.
Premier and Distinctive Properties. We operate a distinguished and diversified group of hotel properties
throughout the world, including the St. Regis in New York, New York; The Phoenician in Scottsdale, Arizona; the
Hotel Gritti Palace in Venice, Italy; and the St. Regis in Beijing, China. These are among the leading hotels in the
industry and are at the forefront of providing the highest quality and service. Our properties are consistently
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recognized as the best of the best by readers of Condé Nast Traveler, who are among the world’s most sophisticated
and discerning group of travelers.
Scale. As one of the largest hotel and leisure companies focusing on the luxury and upscale full-service
lodging market, we have the scale to support our core marketing and reservation functions. We also believe that our
scale will contribute to lower our cost of operations through purchasing economies in areas such as insurance,
energy, telecommunications, technology, employee benefits, food and beverage, furniture, fixtures and equipment
and operating supplies. We feel we are well-positioned for further significant growth based on the number of hotels
and rooms in our system. We currently have approximately half of the base of rooms compared to our major
competitors, and as a result, as we increase our room count, our economies of scale should provide a favorable
impact to our operations given our existing cost structure.
Diversification of Cash Flow and Assets. Management believes that the diversity of our brands, market
segments served, revenue sources and geographic locations provide a broad base from which to enhance revenue
and profits and to strengthen our global brands. This diversity limits our exposure to any particular lodging or
vacation ownership asset, brand or geographic region.
While we focus on the luxury and upscale portion of the full-service lodging, vacation ownership and
residential markets, our brands cater to a diverse group of sub-markets within this market. For example, the St.
Regis hotels cater to high-end hotel and resort clientele while Four Points by Sheraton hotels deliver extensive
amenities and services at more affordable rates. The Aloft brand will provide a youthful alternative to the
“commodity lodging” of currently existing brands in the select-service market segment, and the Element brand will
provide modern, upscale hotels for extended stay travel.
We derive our cash flow from multiple sources within our hotel and vacation ownership and residential
segments, including owned hotels’ operations, management and franchise fees and the sale of VOIs, residential
units and residential branding fees. These operations are in geographically diverse locations around the world. The
following tables reflect our hotel and vacation ownership and residential properties by type of revenue source and
geographical presence by major geographic area as of December 31, 2008:
Number of
Properties Rooms
Managed and unconsolidated joint venture hotels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 436 149,900
Franchised hotels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 437 111,300
Owned hotels(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 23,600
Vacation ownership resorts and residential properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 7,200
Total properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 968 292,000
(a) Includes wholly owned, majority owned and leased hotels.
Number of
Properties Rooms
North America (and Caribbean) . . . . . . . . . . . . ....................... 512 169,600
Europe, Africa and the Middle East . . . . . . . . . ....................... 254 62,000
Asia Pacific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....................... 143 47,700
Latin America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....................... 59 12,700
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 968 292,000
Business Segment and Geographical Information
Incorporated by reference in Note 24. Business Segment and Geographical Information, in the consolidated
financial statements set forth in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
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Business Strategy
We have implemented a strategy of reducing our investment in owned real estate and increasing our focus on
the management and franchise business. In furtherance of this strategy, since 2006, we have sold 56 hotels for
approximately $5 billion, including 33 properties to Host in 2006, for approximately $4.1 billion in stock, cash and
debt assumption. As a result, our primary business objective is to maximize earnings and cash flow by increasing the
number of our hotel management contracts and franchise agreements; developing vacation ownership resorts and
selling VOIs; and investing in real estate assets where there is a strategic rationale for doing so, which may include
selectively acquiring interests in additional assets and disposing of non-core hotels (including hotels where the
return on invested capital is not adequate) and “trophy” assets that may be sold at significant premiums. We plan to
meet these objectives by leveraging our global assets, broad customer base and other resources and by taking
advantage of our scale to reduce costs. The implementation of our strategy and financial planning are impacted by
the uncertainty relating to geopolitical and economic environments around the world and their consequent impact
on travel in their respective regions and the rest of the world.
Growth Opportunities. Management has identified several growth opportunities with a goal of enhancing
our operating performance and profitability, including:
• Continuing to build our brands to appeal to upscale business travelers and other customers seeking full-
service hotels in major markets by establishing emotional connections to our brands by offering signature
experiences at our properties. We plan to accomplish this in the following ways: (i) by continuing our
tradition of innovation started with the Heavenly Bed» and Heavenly Bath», the Westin Heavenly Spa, the
Superfoods» menu, the Sheraton Sweet SleeperSM Bed, the Sheraton Service Promise SM and the Four Points
by Sheraton Four Comfort Bed (SM), (ii) with such ideas as Westin being the first major brand to go “smoke-
free” in North America, Aloft’s “see green” program created to introduce and promote ecologically friendly
programs and services; our newest innovation, the Link@Sheraton(SM); and (iii) by placing Bliss» Spas,
RemèdeSM Spas and their branded amenities, including the Sheraton Shine» by Bliss bath product line, and
upscale restaurants in certain of our branded hotels;
• Expanding our branded hotels to further our strategy of strengthening brand identity;
• Continuing to expand our role as a third-party manager of hotels and resorts. This allows us to expand the
presence of our lodging brands and gain additional cash flow generally with modest capital commitment;
• Franchising certain of our brands to third-party operators, including the roll out of our new brands, Aloft and
Element, and licensing certain of our brands to third parties in connection with luxury residential condo-
miniums, thereby expanding our market presence, enhancing the exposure of our hotel brands and providing
additional income through franchise and license fees;
• Expanding our internet presence and sales capabilities to increase revenue and improve customer service;
• Continuing to grow our frequent guest program, thereby increasing occupancy rates while providing our
customers with benefits based upon loyalty to our hotels, vacation ownership resorts and branded residential
projects;
• Enhancing our marketing efforts by integrating our proprietary customer databases, so as to sell additional
products and services to existing customers, improve occupancy rates and create additional marketing
opportunities;
• Increasing operating efficiencies through increased use of technology;
• Optimizing use of our real estate assets to improve ancillary revenue, such as restaurant, beverage and
parking revenue from our hotels and resorts;
• Establishing relationships with third parties to enable us to provide attractive restaurants, programs and other
amenities at our branded properties such as our partnering with Jean Georges Vongerichten and his world-
class restaurant concepts, the opening of Adour with Alaine Ducasse at the St. Regis New York and
establishing the LM 100, a group of cultural innovators and artists who will offer their creativity and develop
original and interactive programs for Le Méridien hotels; and
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• Leveraging the Bliss and Remède product lines and distribution channels, most recently unveiling our
Sheraton Shine» by Bliss bath product line.
We intend to explore opportunities to expand and diversify our hotel portfolio through internal development,
minority investments and selective acquisitions of properties domestically and internationally that meet some or all
of the following criteria:
• Luxury and upscale hotels and resorts in major metropolitan areas and business centers;
• Hotels or brands which would enable us to provide a wider range of amenities and services to customers or
provide attractive geographic distribution;
• Major tourist hotels, destination resorts or conference centers that have favorable demographic trends and
are located in markets with significant barriers to entry or with major room demand generators such as office
or retail complexes, airports, tourist attractions or universities;
• Undervalued hotels whose performance can be increased by re-branding to one of our hotel brands, the
introduction of better and more efficient management techniques and practices and/or the injection of capital
for renovating, expanding or repositioning the property; and
• Portfolios of hotels or hotel companies that exhibit some or all of the criteria listed above, where the
purchase of several hotels in one transaction enables us to obtain favorable pricing or obtain attractive assets
that would otherwise not be available or realize cost reductions on operating the hotels by incorporating
them into the Starwood system.
We may also selectively choose to develop and construct desirable hotels and resorts to help us meet our
strategic goals, such as the construction of a dual hotel campus in Lexington, Massachusetts featuring both an Aloft
hotel and an Element hotel.
Competition
The hotel industry is highly competitive. Competition is generally based on quality and consistency of room,
restaurant and meeting facilities and services, attractiveness of locations, availability of a global distribution
system, price, the ability to earn and redeem loyalty program points and other factors. Management believes that we
compete favorably in these areas. Our properties compete with other hotels and resorts in their geographic markets,
including facilities owned by local interests and facilities owned by national and international chains. Our principal
competitors include other hotel operating companies, national and international hotel brands, and ownership
companies (including hotel REITs).
We encounter strong competition as a hotel, residential, resort and vacation ownership operator and developer.
While some of our competitors are private management firms, several are large national and international chains
that own and operate their own hotels, as well as manage hotels for third-party owners and develop and sell VOIs,
under a variety of brands that compete directly with our brands. Our vacation ownership and residential business
depends on our ability to obtain land for development of our vacation ownership and residential products and to
utilize land already owned by us but used in hotel operations. Changes in the general availability of suitable land or
the cost of acquiring or developing such land could adversely impact the profitability of our vacation ownership and
residential business.
Environmental Matters
We are subject to certain requirements and potential liabilities under various federal, state and local
environmental laws, ordinances and regulations (“Environmental Laws”). For example, a current or previous
owner or operator of real property may become liable for the costs of removal or remediation of hazardous or toxic
substances on, under or in such property. Such laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or
operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. The presence of
hazardous or toxic substances may adversely affect the owner’s ability to sell or rent such real property or to borrow
using such real property as collateral. Persons who arrange for the disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic wastes
may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of such wastes at the treatment, storage or disposal facility,
6
regardless of whether such facility is owned or operated by such person. We use certain substances and generate
certain wastes that may be deemed hazardous or toxic under applicable Environmental Laws, and we from time to
time have incurred, and in the future may incur, costs related to cleaning up contamination resulting from historic
uses of certain of our current or former properties or our treatment, storage or disposal of wastes at facilities owned
by others. Other Environmental Laws require abatement or removal of certain asbestos-containing materials
(“ACMs”) (limited quantities of which are present in various building materials such as spray-on insulation, floor
coverings, ceiling coverings, tiles, decorative treatments and piping located at certain of our hotels) in the event of
damage or demolition, or certain renovations or remodeling. These laws also govern emissions of and exposure to
asbestos fibers in the air. Environmental Laws also regulate polychlorinated biphenyls (“PCBs”), which may be
present in electrical equipment. A number of our hotels have underground storage tanks (“USTs”) and equipment
containing chlorofluorocarbons (“CFCs”); the operation and subsequent removal or upgrading of certain USTs and
the use of equipment containing CFCs also are regulated by Environmental Laws. In connection with our
ownership, operation and management of our properties, we could be held liable for costs of remedial or other
action with respect to PCBs, USTs or CFCs.
Environmental Laws are not the only source of environmental liability. Under the common law, owners and
operators of real property may face liability for personal injury or property damage because of various environ-
mental conditions such as alleged exposure to hazardous or toxic substances (including, but not limited to, ACMs,
PCBs and CFCs), poor indoor air quality, radon or poor drinking water quality.
Although we have incurred and expect to incur remediation and various environmental-related costs during the
ordinary course of operations, management anticipates that such costs will not have a material adverse effect on our
operations or financial condition.
Seasonality and Diversification
The hotel industry is seasonal in nature; however, the periods during which our properties experience higher
revenue activities vary from property to property and depend principally upon location. Generally, our revenues and
operating income have been lower in the first quarter than in the second, third or fourth quarters.
Comparability of Owned Hotel Results
We continually update and renovate our owned, leased and consolidated joint venture hotels. While under-
going renovation, these hotels are generally not operating at full capacity and, as such, these renovations can
negatively impact our owned hotel revenues and operating income. Other events, such as the occurrence of natural
disasters may cause a full or partial closure or sale of a hotel, and such events can negatively impact our revenues
and operating income. Finally as we pursue our strategy of reducing our investment in owned real estate assets, the
sale of such assets can significantly reduce our revenues and operating income.
Regulation and Licensing of Gaming Facilities
We have a minority interest in the gaming operations of the Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino, a Sheraton
Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada and we and certain of our affiliates and officers have obtained from the Nevada
Gaming Authorities (herein defined) the various registrations, approvals, permits and licenses required to engage in
these gaming activities in Nevada. The casino gaming licenses are not transferable and must be renewed
periodically by the payment of various gaming license fees and taxes. The gaming authorities may deny an
application for licensing for any cause which they deem reasonable and may find an officer or key employee
unsuitable for licensing or unsuitable to continue having a relationship with us in which case all relationships with
such person would be required to be severed. In addition, the gaming authorities may require us to terminate the
employment of any person who refuses to file the appropriate applications or disclosures.
The ownership and/or operation of casino gaming facilities in the United States where permitted are subject to
federal, state and local regulations which under federal law, govern, among other things, the ownership, possession,
manufacture, distribution and transportation in interstate commerce of gaming devices, and the recording and
reporting of currency transactions, respectively. Our Nevada casino gaming operations are subject to the Nevada
Gaming Control Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Nevada Act”), and the licensing and
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regulatory control of the Nevada Gaming Commission (the “Nevada Commission”) and the Nevada State Gaming
Control Board (the “Nevada Board”), as well as certain county government agencies (collectively referred to as the
“Nevada Gaming Authorities”).
If it were determined that applicable laws or regulations were violated, the gaming licenses, registrations and
approvals held by us and our affiliates and officers could be limited, conditioned, suspended or revoked and we and
the persons involved could be subject to substantial fines for each separate violation. Furthermore, a supervisor
could be appointed by the Nevada Commission to operate the gaming property and, under certain circumstances,
earnings generated during the supervisor’s appointment (except for reasonable rental value of the affected gaming
property) could be forfeited to the State of Nevada. Any suspension or revocation of the licenses, registrations or
approvals, or the appointment of a supervisor, would not have a material adverse effect on us given the limited
nature and extent of the investment by us in casino gaming.
We are also required to submit certain financial and operating reports to the Nevada Commission. Further,
certain loans, leases, sales of securities and similar financing transactions by us must be reported to or approved by
the Nevada Commission. We have a Nevada “shelf” approval for certain public offerings that expires in November
2010.
The Nevada Gaming Authorities may investigate and require a finding of suitability of any holder of any class
of our voting securities at any time. Nevada law requires any person who acquires more than 5 percent of any class
of our voting securities to report the acquisition to the Nevada Commission and we also must report the acquisition
within ten days of becoming aware of this fact. Any person who becomes a beneficial owner of more than 10 percent
of any class of our voting securities must apply for finding of suitability by the Nevada Commission within 30 days
after the Nevada Board Chairman mails a written notice requiring such filing. The applicant must pay the costs and
fees incurred by the Nevada Board in connection with the investigation.
Under certain circumstances, an “institutional investor,” as defined by the Nevada Act, that acquires more than
10 percent but no more than 19 percent of our voting securities may apply to the Nevada Commission for a waiver of
such finding of shareholder suitability requirements if such institutional investor holds the voting securities for
investment purposes only. An institutional investor will not be deemed to hold voting securities for investment
purposes unless the voting securities were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business as an institutional
investor and not for the purpose of causing, directly or indirectly, the election of a majority of the members of either
our Board of Directors, any change in our corporate charter, bylaws, management, policies or operations or any of
our casino gaming operations, or any other action which the Nevada Commission finds to be inconsistent with
holding our voting securities for investment purposes only. The Nevada Commission also may in its discretion
require the holder of any debt security of a registered company to file an application, be investigated and be found
suitable to own such debt security.
Any beneficial owner of our voting securities who fails or refuses to apply for a finding of suitability or a
license within 30 days after being ordered to do so by the Nevada Commission or by the Chairman of the Nevada
Board may be found unsuitable. Any person found unsuitable who holds, directly or indirectly, any beneficial
ownership of our debt or equity voting securities beyond such periods or periods of time as may be prescribed by the
Nevada Commission may be guilty of a gross misdemeanor. We could be subject to disciplinary action if, without
prior approval of the Nevada Commission, and after receipt of notice that a person is unsuitable to be an equity or
debt security holder or to have any other relationship with us, we either (i) pay to the unsuitable person any dividend,
interest or any distribution whatsoever; (ii) recognize any voting right by such unsuitable person in connection with
such securities; (iii) pay the unsuitable person remuneration in any form; (iv) make any payment to the unsuitable
person by way of principal, redemption, conversion, exchange, liquidation or similar transaction; or, (v) fail to
pursue all lawful efforts to require such unsuitable person to relinquish his securities including, if necessary, the
immediate purchase of such securities for cash at fair market value.
Regulations of the Nevada Commission provide that control of a registered publicly traded corporation cannot
be changed through merger, consolidation, acquisition or assets, management or consulting agreements, or any
form of takeover without the prior approval of the Nevada Commission. Persons seeking approval to control a
registered publicly traded corporation must satisfy the Nevada Commission as to a variety of stringent standards
prior to assuming control of such corporation. The failure of a person to obtain such approval prior to assuming
8
control over the registered publicly traded corporation may constitute grounds for finding such person unsuitable.
Such regulations may impact the timing of consummating any such transaction.
Regulations of the Nevada Commission also prohibit certain repurchases of securities by registered publicly
traded corporations without the prior approval of the Nevada Commission. Transactions covered by these
regulations are generally aimed at discouraging repurchases of securities at a premium over market price from
certain holders of more than 3 percent of the outstanding securities of the registered publicly traded corporation.
The regulations of the Nevada Commission also require approval for a “plan of recapitalization.” Generally a plan of
recapitalization is a plan proposed by the management of a registered publicly traded corporation that contains
recommended action in response to a proposed corporate acquisition opposed by management of the corporation if
such acquisition would require the prior approval of the Nevada Commission.
Any person who is licensed, required to be licensed, registered, required to be registered, or is under common
control with such persons (collectively “Licensees”), and who proposes to become involved in a gaming operation
outside the State of Nevada is required to deposit with the Nevada Board, and thereafter maintain, a revolving fund
in the amount of $10,000 to pay the expenses of investigation by the Nevada Board of the Licensees’ participation in
such foreign gaming. The revolving fund is subject to an increase or decrease in the discretion of the Nevada
Commission. Once such revolving fund is established, the Licensees may engage in gaming activities outside the
State of Nevada without seeking the approval of the Nevada Commission provided (i) such activities are lawful in
the jurisdiction where they are to be conducted; and (ii) the Licensees comply with certain reporting requirements
imposed by the Nevada Act. Licensees are subject to disciplinary action by the Nevada Commission if they
(i) knowingly violate any laws of the foreign jurisdiction pertaining to the foreign gaming operation; (ii) fail to
conduct the foreign gaming operation in accordance with the standards of honesty and integrity required of Nevada
gaming operations; (iii) engage in activities that are harmful to the State of Nevada or its ability to collect gaming
taxes and fees; or, (iv) employ a person in the foreign operation who has been denied a license or finding of
suitability in Nevada on the ground of personal unsuitability. We also manage gaming operations at the Sheraton
Cairo Hotel, Towers & Casino in Gaza, Egypt.
Employees
At December 31, 2008, approximately 145,000 people were employed at our corporate offices, owned and
managed hotels and vacation ownership resorts, of whom approximately 36% were employed in the United States.
At December 31, 2008, approximately 37% of the U.S.-based employees were covered by various collective
bargaining agreements providing, generally, for basic pay rates, working hours, other conditions of employment
and orderly settlement of labor disputes. Generally, labor relations have been maintained in a normal and
satisfactory manner, and management believes that our employee relations are satisfactory.
Where You Can Find More Information
We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities &
Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s web site
at http://www.sec.gov. Our SEC filings are also available on our website at http://www.starwoodhotels.com/
corporate/investor relations.html as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed with or furnished to the SEC.
You may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at its public reference rooms in Washington, D.C.
Please call the SEC at (800) SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. Our filings with the
SEC are also available at the New York Stock Exchange. For more information on obtaining copies of our public
filings at the New York Stock Exchange, you should call (212) 656-5060. You may also obtain a copy of our filings
free of charge by calling Investor Relations at (914) 640-8165.
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Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Risks Relating to Hotel, Resort, Vacation Ownership and Residential Operations
We Are Subject to All the Operating Risks Common to the Hotel and Vacation Ownership and Residential
Industries. Operating risks common to the hotel and vacation ownership and residential industries include:
• changes in general economic conditions, including the severity and duration of the current downturn in the
US and global economies;
• impact of war and terrorist activity (including threatened terrorist activity) and heightened travel security
measures instituted in response thereto;
• domestic and international political and geopolitical conditions;
• travelers’ fears of exposures to contagious diseases;
• decreases in the demand for transient rooms and related lodging services, including a reduction in business
travel as a result of general economic conditions;
• decreases in demand or increases in supply for vacation ownership interests;
• the impact of internet intermediaries on pricing and our increasing reliance on technology;
• cyclical over-building in the hotel and vacation ownership industries;
• restrictive changes in zoning and similar land use laws and regulations or in health, safety and environmental
laws, rules and regulations and other governmental and regulatory action;
• changes in travel patterns;
• changes in operating costs including, but not limited to, energy, labor costs (including the impact of
unionization), food costs, workers’ compensation and health-care related costs, insurance and unanticipated
costs such as acts of nature and their consequences;
• the costs and administrative burdens associated with compliance with applicable laws and regulations,
including, among others, franchising, timeshare, privacy, licensing labor and employment, and regulations
under the Office of Foreign Control and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
• disputes with owners of properties, including condominium hotels, franchisees and homeowner associations
which may result in litigation;
• the availability and cost of capital to allow us and potential hotel owners and franchisees to fund
construction, renovations and investments;
• foreign exchange fluctuations;
• the financial condition of third-party property owners, project developers and franchisees, which may impact
our ability to recover indemnity payments that may be owed to us and their ability to fund amounts required
under development, management and franchise agreements and in most cases our recourse is limited to the
equity value said party has in the property; and
• the financial condition of the airline industry and the impact on air travel.
We are also impacted by our relationships with owners and franchisees. Our hotel management contracts are
typically long-term arrangements, but most allow the hotel owner to replace us in certain circumstances, such as the
bankruptcy of the hotel owner or franchisee, the failure to meet certain financial or performance criteria and in
certain cases, upon a sale of the property. Our ability to meet these financial and performance criteria is subject to,
among other things, the risks described in this section. Additionally, our operating results would be adversely
affected if we could not maintain existing management, franchise or representation agreements or obtain new
agreements on as favorable terms as the existing agreements.
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We utilize our brands in connection with the residential portions of certain properties that we develop and
license our brands to third parties to use in a similar manner for a fee. Residential properties using our brands could
become less attractive due to changes in mortgage rates and the availability of mortgage financing generally, market
absorption or oversupply in a particular market. As a result, we and our third party licensees may not be able to sell
these residences for a profit or at the prices that we or they have anticipated.
The Current Slowdown in the Lodging Industry and the Global Economy Generally Will Continue to Impact
Our Financial Results and Growth. The present economic slowdown and the uncertainty over its breadth, depth
and duration has had a negative impact on the hotel and vacation ownership and residential industries. Many
economists have reported that the U.S. and many European countries are in a recession. Substantial increases in air
and ground travel costs and decreases in airline capacity have reduced demand for our hotel rooms and interval and
fractional timeshare products. Accordingly, our financial results have been impacted by the economic slowdown
and both our future financial results and growth could be further harmed if the economic slowdown continues for a
significant period or becomes worse. In addition, as a result of the impact on the lodging industry, we may be
required to pay out on certain performance and other guarantees that are contained in our third party contracts.
Moreover, businesses participating in the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) face restrictions on the
ability to travel and hold conferences or events at resorts and luxury hotels. The negative publicity associated with
such companies holding large events has also resulted in cancelations and reduced bookings. New or revised
regulations on businesses participating in the TARP and the negative publicity associated with conferences and
events could continue to impact our financial results.
We Must Compete for Customers. The hotel, vacation ownership and residential industries are highly
competitive. Our properties compete for customers with other hotel and resort properties, and, with respect to our
vacation ownership resorts and residential projects, with owners reselling their VOIs, including fractional own-
ership, or apartments. Some of our competitors may have substantially greater marketing and financial resources
than we do, and they may improve their facilities, reduce their prices or expand or improve their marketing
programs in ways that adversely affect our operating results.
We Must Compete for Management and Franchise Agreements. Our present growth strategy for devel-
opment of additional lodging facilities entails entering into and maintaining various arrangements with property
owners. We compete with other hotel companies for management and franchise agreements. The terms of our
management agreements, franchise agreements, and leases for each of our lodging facilities are influenced by
contract terms offered by our competitors, among other things. We cannot assure you that any of our current
arrangements will continue or that we will be able to enter into future collaborations, renew agreements, or enter
into new agreements in the future on terms that are as favorable to us as those that exist today. In connection with
entering into management or franchise agreements, we may be required to make investments in or guarantee the
obligations of third parties or guarantee minimum income to third parties.
Any Failure to Protect Our Trademarks Could Have a Negative Impact on the Value of Our Brand Names
and Adversely Affect Our Business. We believe our trademarks are an important component of our business. We
rely on trademark laws to protect our proprietary rights. The success of our business depends in part upon our
continued ability to use our trademarks to increase brand awareness and further develop our brand in both domestic
and international markets. Monitoring the unauthorized use of our intellectual property is difficult. Litigation has
been and may continue to be necessary to enforce our intellectual property rights or to determine the validity and
scope of the proprietary rights of others. Litigation of this type could result in substantial costs and diversion of
resources, may result in counterclaims or other claims against us and could significantly harm our results of
operations. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as
do the laws of the United States. From time to time, we apply to have certain trademarks registered. There is no
guarantee that such trademark registrations will be granted. We cannot assure you that all of the steps we have taken
to protect our trademarks in the United States and foreign countries will be adequate to prevent imitation of our
trademarks by others. The unauthorized reproduction of our trademarks could diminish the value of our brand and
its market acceptance, competitive advantages or goodwill, which could adversely affect our business.
Significant Owners of Our Properties May Concentrate Risks. Generally there has not been a concentration
of ownership of hotels operated under our brands by any single owner. Following the acquisition of the Le Méridien
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brand business and the Host Transaction, single ownership groups own significant numbers of hotels operated by us.
While the risks associated with such ownership are no different than exist generally (i.e., the financial position of the
owner, the overall state of the relationship with the owner and their participation in optional programs and the
impact on cost efficiencies if they choose not to participate), they are more concentrated.
The Hotel Industry Is Seasonal in Nature. The hotel industry is seasonal in nature; however, the periods
during which we experience higher revenue vary from property to property and depend principally upon location.
Our revenue historically has been lower in the first quarter than in the second, third or fourth quarters.
Third Party Internet Reservation Channels May Negatively Impact Our Bookings. Some of our hotel
rooms are booked through third party internet travel intermediaries such as Travelocity.com», Expedia.com» and
Priceline.com». As the percentage of internet bookings increases, these intermediaries may be able to obtain higher
commissions, reduced room rates or other significant contract concessions from us. Moreover, some of these
internet travel intermediaries are attempting to commoditize hotel rooms by increasing the importance of price and
general indicators of quality (such as “three-star downtown hotel”) at the expense of brand identification. These
agencies hope that consumers will eventually develop brand loyalties to their reservations system rather than to our
lodging brands. Although we expect to derive most of our business from traditional channels and our websites, if the
amount of sales made through internet intermediaries increases significantly, our business and profitability may be
significantly harmed.
We Place Significant Reliance on Technology. The hospitality industry continues to demand the use of
sophisticated technology and systems including technology utilized for property management, brand assurance and
compliance, procurement, reservation systems, operation of our customer loyalty program, distribution and guest
amenities. These technologies can be expected to require refinements, including to comply with legal requirements
such as privacy regulations and requirements established by third parties such as the payment card industry, and
there is the risk that advanced new technologies will be introduced. Further, the development and maintenance of
these technologies may require significant capital. There can be no assurance that as various systems and
technologies become outdated or new technology is required we will be able to replace or introduce them as
quickly as our competition or within budgeted costs and timeframes for such technology. Further, there can be no
assurance that we will achieve the benefits that may have been anticipated from any new technology or system.
Our Businesses Are Capital Intensive. For our owned, managed and franchised properties to remain
attractive and competitive, the property owners and we have to spend money periodically to keep the properties well
maintained, modernized and refurbished. This creates an ongoing need for cash and, to the extent the property
owners and we cannot fund expenditures from cash generated by operations, funds must be borrowed or otherwise
obtained. In addition, to maintain our vacation ownership business and residential projects, we need to spend money
to develop new units. Events over the past few months, including the failures and near failures of financial services
companies and the decrease in liquidity and available capital have negatively impacted the capital markets for hotel
and real estate investments. Accordingly, our financial results have been impacted by the cost and availability of
funds and the carrying cost of VOI and residential inventory.
Real Estate Investments Are Subject to Numerous Risks. We are subject to the risks that generally relate to
investments in real property because we own and lease hotels and resorts. The investment returns available from
equity investments in real estate depend in large part on the amount of income earned and capital appreciation
generated by the related properties, and the expenses incurred. In addition, a variety of other factors affect income
from properties and real estate values, including governmental regulations, insurance, zoning, tax and eminent
domain laws, interest rate levels and the availability of financing. For example, new or existing real estate zoning or
tax laws can make it more expensive and/or time-consuming to develop real property or expand, modify or renovate
hotels. When interest rates increase, the cost of acquiring, developing, expanding or renovating real property
increases and real property values may decrease as the number of potential buyers decreases. Similarly, as financing
becomes less available, it becomes more difficult both to acquire and to sell real property. Finally, under eminent
domain laws, governments can take real property. Sometimes this taking is for less compensation than the owner
believes the property is worth. Any of these factors could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations
or financial condition. In addition, equity real estate investments are difficult to sell quickly and we may not be able
to adjust our portfolio of owned properties quickly in response to economic or other conditions. If our properties do
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not generate revenue sufficient to meet operating expenses, including debt service and capital expenditures, our
income will be adversely affected.
Hotel and Resort Development Is Subject to Timing, Budgeting and Other Risks. We intend to develop
hotel and resort properties, including VOIs and residential components of hotel properties, as suitable opportunities
arise, taking into consideration the general economic climate. In addition, the owners and developers of new-build
properties that we have entered into management or franchise agreements with are subject to these same risks which
may impact the amount and timing of fees we had expected to collect from those properties. New project
development has a number of risks, including risks associated with:
• construction delays or cost overruns that may increase project costs;
• receipt of zoning, occupancy and other required governmental permits and authorizations;
• development costs incurred for projects that are not pursued to completion;
• so-called acts of God such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods or fires that could adversely impact a project;
• defects in design or construction that may result in additional costs to remedy or require all or a portion of a
property to be closed during the period required to rectify the situation;
• ability to raise capital; and
• governmental restrictions on the nature or size of a project or timing of completion.
We cannot assure you that any development project, including sites held for development of vacation
ownership resorts, will in fact be developed, and if developed, the time period or the budget of such development
may be greater than initially contemplated and the actual number of units or rooms constructed may be less than
initially contemplated.
Environmental Regulations. Environmental laws, ordinances and regulations of various federal, state, local
and foreign governments regulate our properties and could make us liable for the costs of removing or cleaning up
hazardous or toxic substances on, under, or in property we currently own or operate or that we previously owned or
operated. These laws could impose liability without regard to whether we knew of, or were responsible for, the
presence of hazardous or toxic substances. The presence of hazardous or toxic substances, or the failure to properly
clean up such substances when present, could jeopardize our ability to develop, use, sell or rent the real property or
to borrow using the real property as collateral. If we arrange for the disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic
wastes, we could be liable for the costs of removing or cleaning up wastes at the disposal or treatment facility, even
if we never owned or operated that facility. Other laws, ordinances and regulations could require us to manage, abate
or remove lead or asbestos containing materials. Similarly, the operation and closure of storage tanks are often
regulated by federal, state, local and foreign laws. Certain laws, ordinances and regulations, particularly those
governing the management or preservation of wetlands, coastal zones and threatened or endangered species, could
limit our ability to develop, use, sell or rent our real property.
In addition, existing environmental laws and regulations may be revised or new laws and regulations related to
global climate change, air quality, or other environmental and health concerns may be adopted or become applicable
to the Company. For example, legislative proposals that would impose mandatory requirements on greenhouse gas
emissions continue to be considered in Congress. Some states are also considering or have undertaken actions to
regulate and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. New or revised laws and regulations or new interpretations of
existing laws and regulations, such as those related to climate change, could affect the operation of our hotels and/or
result in significant additional expense and operating restrictions on us. The cost impact of such legislation,
regulation, or new interpretations would depend upon the specific requirements enacted and cannot be determined
at this time.
International Operations Are Subject to Special Political and Monetary Risks. We have significant
international operations which as of December 31, 2008 included 254 owned, managed or franchised properties
in Europe, Africa and the Middle East (including 17 properties with majority ownership); 59 owned, managed or
franchised properties in Latin America (including 10 properties with majority ownership); and 143 owned,
managed or franchised properties in the Asia Pacific region (including 4 properties with majority ownership).
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International operations generally are subject to various political, geopolitical, and other risks that are not present in
U.S. operations. These risks include the risk of war, terrorism, civil unrest, expropriation and nationalization as well
as the impact in cases in which there are inconsistencies between U.S. law and the laws of an international
jurisdiction. In addition, some international jurisdictions restrict the repatriation of non-U.S. earnings. Various other
international jurisdictions have laws limiting the ability of non-U.S. entities to pay dividends and remit earnings to
affiliated companies unless specified conditions have been met. In addition, sales in international jurisdictions
typically are made in local currencies, which subject us to risks associated with currency fluctuations. Currency
devaluations and unfavorable changes in international monetary and tax policies could have a material adverse
effect on our profitability and financing plans, as could other changes in the international regulatory climate and
international economic conditions. Other than Italy, where our risks are heightened due to the 6 properties we
owned as of December 31, 2008, our international properties are geographically diversified and are not concentrated
in any particular region.
Risks Relating to Operations in Syria
During fiscal 2008, Starwood subsidiaries generated approximately $4 million of revenue from management
and other fees from hotels located in Syria, a country that the United States has identified as a state sponsor of
terrorism. This amount constitutes significantly less than 1% of our worldwide annual revenues. The United States
does not prohibit U.S. investments in, or the exportation of services to, Syria, and our activities in that country are in
full compliance with U.S. and local law. However, the United States has imposed limited sanctions as a result of
Syria’s support for terrorist groups and its interference with Lebanon’s sovereignty, including a prohibition on the
exportation of U.S.-origin goods to Syria and the operation of government-owned Syrian air carriers in the United
States except in limited circumstances. The United States may impose further sanctions against Syria at any time for
foreign policy reasons. If so, our activities in Syria may be adversely affected, depending on the nature of any
further sanctions that might be imposed. In addition, our activities in Syria may reduce demand for our stock among
certain investors.
Debt Financing
As a result of our debt obligations, we are subject to: (i) the risk that cash flow from operations will be
insufficient to meet required payments of principal and interest, (ii) restrictive covenants, including covenants
relating to certain financial ratios and (iii) interest rate risk. Although we anticipate that we will be able to repay or
refinance our existing indebtedness and any other indebtedness when it matures, there can be no assurance that we
will be able to do so or that the terms of such refinancings will be favorable. Our leverage may have important
consequences including the following: (i) our ability to obtain additional financing for acquisitions, working
capital, capital expenditures or other purposes, if necessary, may be impaired or such financing may not be available
on terms favorable to us and (ii) a substantial decrease in operating cash flow, EBITDA (as defined in our credit
agreements) or a substantial increase in our expenses could make it difficult for us to meet our debt service
requirements and restrictive covenants and force us to sell assets and/or modify our operations.
In order to fund new hotel investments, as well as refurbish and improve existing hotels, both we and current
and potential hotel owners must have access to capital. The availability of funds for new investments and
maintenance of existing hotels depends in large measure on capital markets and liquidity factors over which
we have little control. Recent events have made the capital markets increasingly volatile. As a result, many current
and prospective hotel owners are finding hotel financing to be increasingly expensive and difficult to obtain. Delays,
increased costs and other impediments to restructuring such projects may affect our ability to realize fees, recover
loans and guarantee advances, or realize equity investments from such projects. Our ability to recover loans and
guarantee advances from hotel operations or from owners through the proceeds of hotel sales, refinancing of debt or
otherwise may also affect our ability to raise new capital. In addition, downgrades of our public debt ratings by
rating agencies could increase our cost of capital. A breach of a covenant could result in an event of default, that, if
not cured or waived, could result in an acceleration of all or a substantial portion of our debt. For a more detailed
description of the covenants imposed by our credit agreements, see Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Cash Used for Financing
Activities in this Annual Report.
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Volatility in the Credit Markets Will Continue to Adversely Impact Our Ability to Sell the Loans That Our
Vacation Ownership Business Generates. Our vacation ownership business provides financing to purchasers of
our vacation ownership and fractional units, and we attempt to sell interests in those loans in the securities markets.
Increased volatility in the credit markets will likely continue to impact the timing and volume of the timeshare loans
that we are able to sell. Market conditions over the past year and further volatility and deterioration during the last
few months may delay or even prevent 2009 sales until the markets stabilize, or prevent us from selling our vacation
ownership notes entirely. Although we expect to realize the economic value of our vacation ownership note
portfolio even if future note sales are temporarily or indefinitely delayed, such delays could reduce or postpone
future gains and could result in either increased borrowings to provide capital to replace anticipated proceeds from
such sales or reduced spending in order to maintain our leverage and return targets.
Risks Relating to So-Called Acts of God, Terrorist Activity and War
Our financial and operating performance may be adversely affected by so-called acts of God, such as natural
disasters, in locations where we own and/or operate significant properties and areas of the world from which we
draw a large number of customers. Similarly, wars (including the potential for war), terrorist activity (including
threats of terrorist activity), political unrest and other forms of civil strife and geopolitical uncertainty have caused
in the past, and may cause in the future, our results to differ materially from anticipated results.
Some Potential Losses are Not Covered by Insurance
We carry insurance coverage for general liability, property, business interruption and other risks with respect to
our owned and leased properties and we make available insurance programs for owners of properties we manage.
These policies offer coverage terms and conditions that we believe are usual and customary for our industry.
Generally, our “all-risk” property policies provide that coverage is available on a per occurrence basis and that, for
each occurrence, there is a limit as well as various sub-limits on the amount of insurance proceeds we will receive in
excess of applicable deductibles. In addition, there may be overall limits under the policies. Sub-limits exist for
certain types of claims such as service interruption, debris removal, expediting costs or landscaping replacement,
and the dollar amounts of these sub-limits are significantly lower than the dollar amounts of the overall coverage
limit. Our property policies also provide that for the coverage of critical earthquake (California and Mexico),
hurricane and flood, all of the claims from each of our properties resulting from a particular insurable event must be
combined together for purposes of evaluating whether the annual aggregate limits and sub-limits contained in our
policies have been exceeded and any such claims will also be combined with the claims of owners of managed
hotels that participate in our insurance program for the same purpose. Therefore, if insurable events occur that affect
more than one of our owned hotels and/or managed hotels owned by third parties that participate in our insurance
program, the claims from each affected hotel will be added together to determine whether the per occurrence limit,
annual aggregate limit or sub-limits, depending on the type of claim, have been reached and if the limits or
sub-limits are exceeded each affected hotel will only receive a proportional share of the amount of insurance
proceeds provided for under the policy. In addition, under those circumstances, claims by third party owners will
reduce the coverage available for our owned and leased properties.
In addition, there are also other risks including but not limited to war, certain forms of terrorism such as
nuclear, biological or chemical terrorism, political risks, some environmental hazards and/or acts of God that may
be deemed to fall completely outside the general coverage limits of our policies or may be uninsurable or may be too
expensive to justify insuring against.
We may also encounter challenges with an insurance provider regarding whether it will pay a particular claim
that we believe to be covered under our policy. Should an uninsured loss or a loss in excess of insured limits occur,
we could lose all or a portion of the capital we have invested in a hotel or resort, as well as the anticipated future
revenue from the hotel or resort. In that event, we might nevertheless remain obligated for any mortgage debt or
other financial obligations related to the property.
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Acquisitions/Dispositions and New Brands
We will consider corporate as well as property acquisitions and investments that complement our business. In
many cases, we will be competing for these opportunities with third parties who may have substantially greater
financial resources or different or lower acceptable financial metrics than we do. There can be no assurance that we
will be able to identify acquisition or investment candidates or complete transactions on commercially reasonable
terms or at all. If transactions are consummated, there can be no assurance that any anticipated benefits will actually
be realized. Similarly, there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain additional financing for acquisitions
or investments, or that the ability to obtain such financing will not be restricted by the terms of our debt agreements.
We periodically review our business to identify properties or other assets that we believe either are non-core,
no longer complement our business, are in markets which may not benefit us as much as other markets during an
economic recovery or could be sold at significant premiums. We are focused on restructuring and enhancing real
estate returns and monetizing investments and from time to time, may attempt to sell these identified properties and
assets. There can be no assurance, however, that we will be able to complete dispositions on commercially
reasonable terms or at all or that any anticipated benefits will actually be received.
We have developed and launched two new hotel brands, Aloft and Element, and may develop and launch
additional brands in the future. There can be no assurance regarding the level of acceptance of these brands in the
development and consumer marketplaces, that the cost incurred in developing the brands will be recovered or that
the anticipated benefits from these new brands will be realized.
Investing Through Partnerships or Joint Ventures Decreases Our Ability to Manage Risk
In addition to acquiring or developing hotels and resorts or acquiring companies that complement our business
directly, we have from time to time invested, and expect to continue to invest, as a co-venturer. Joint venturers often
have shared control over the operation of the joint venture assets. Therefore, joint venture investments may involve
risks such as the possibility that the co-venturer in an investment might become bankrupt or not have the financial
resources to meet its obligations, or have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with our
business interests or goals, or be in a position to take action contrary to our instructions or requests or contrary to our
policies or objectives. Consequently, actions by a co-venturer might subject hotels and resorts owned by the joint
venture to additional risk. Further, we may be unable to take action without the approval of our joint venture
partners. Alternatively, our joint venture partners could take actions binding on the joint venture without our
consent. Additionally, should a joint venture partner become bankrupt, we could become liable for our partner’s
share of joint venture liabilities.
Our Vacation Ownership Business is Subject to Extensive Regulation and Risk of Default
We market and sell VOIs, which typically entitle the buyer to ownership of a fully-furnished resort unit for a
one-week period (or in the case of fractional ownership interests, generally for three or more weeks) on either an
annual or an alternate-year basis. We also acquire, develop and operate vacation ownership resorts, and provide
financing to purchasers of VOIs. These activities are all subject to extensive regulation by the federal government
and the states in which vacation ownership resorts are located and in which VOIs are marketed and sold including
regulation of our telemarketing activities under state and federal “Do Not Call” laws. In addition, the laws of most
states in which we sell VOIs grant the purchaser the right to rescind the purchase contract at any time within a
statutory rescission period. Although we believe that we are in material compliance with all applicable federal,
state, local and foreign laws and regulations to which vacation ownership marketing, sales and operations are
currently subject, changes in these requirements or a determination by a regulatory authority that we were not in
compliance, could adversely affect us. In particular, increased regulations of telemarketing activities could
adversely impact the marketing of our VOIs.
We bear the risk of defaults under purchaser mortgages on VOIs. If a VOI purchaser defaults on the mortgage
during the early part of the loan amortization period, we will not have recovered the marketing, selling (other than
commissions in certain events), and general and administrative costs associated with such VOI, and such costs will
be incurred again in connection with the resale of the repossessed VOI. Accordingly, there is no assurance that the
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sales price will be fully or partially recovered from a defaulting purchaser or, in the event of such defaults, that our
allowance for losses will be adequate.
Privacy Initiatives
We collect information relating to our guests for various business purposes, including marketing and
promotional purposes. The collection and use of personal data are governed by privacy laws and regulations
enacted in the United States and other jurisdictions around the world. Privacy regulations continue to evolve and on
occasion may be inconsistent from one jurisdiction to another. Compliance with applicable privacy regulations may
increase our operating costs and/or adversely impact our ability to market our products, properties and services to
our guests. In addition, non-compliance with applicable privacy regulations by us (or in some circumstances non-
compliance by third parties engaged by us) or a breach of security on systems storing our data may result in fines,
payment of damages or restrictions on our use or transfer of data.
Ability to Manage Growth
Our future success and our ability to manage future growth depend in large part upon the efforts of our senior
management and our ability to attract and retain key officers and other highly qualified personnel. Competition for
such personnel is intense. Since January 2004, we have experienced significant changes in our senior management,
including executive officers (See Item 10. “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance” of this
Annual Report). There can be no assurance that we will continue to be successful in attracting and retaining
qualified personnel. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that our senior management will be able to successfully
execute and implement our growth and operating strategies.
Over the last few years we have been pursuing a strategy of reducing our investment in owned real estate and
increasing our focus on the management and franchise business. As a result, we are planning on substantially
increasing the number of hotels we open every year and increasing the overall number of hotels in our system. This
increase will require us to recruit and train a substantial number of new associates to work at these hotels as well as
increasing our capabilities to enable hotels to open on time and successfully. There can be no assurance that our
strategy will be successful.
Tax Risks
Failure of the Trust to Qualify as a REIT Would Increase Our Tax Liability. Qualifying as a real estate
investment trust (a “REIT”) requires compliance with highly technical and complex tax provisions that courts and
administrative agencies have interpreted only to a limited degree. Due to the complexities of our ownership,
structure and operations, the Trust is more likely than are other REITs to face interpretative issues for which there
are no clear answers. We believe that for the taxable years ended December 31, 1995 through April 10, 2006, the
date which Host acquired the Trust, the Trust qualified as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended. If the Trust failed to qualify as a REIT for any prior tax year, we would be liable to pay a significant
amount of taxes for those years. Subsequent to the Host Transaction, the Trust is no longer owned by us and we are
not subject to this risk for actions following the transaction.
Evolving Government Regulation Could Impose Taxes or Other Burdens on Our Business. We rely upon
generally available interpretations of tax laws and other types of laws and regulations in the countries and locales in
which we operate. We cannot be sure that these interpretations are accurate or that the responsible taxing or other
governmental authority is in agreement with our views. The imposition of additional taxes or causing us to change
the way we conduct our business could cause us to have to pay taxes that we currently do not collect or pay or
increase the costs of our services or increase our costs of operations.
Our current business practice with our internet reservation channels is that the intermediary collects hotel
occupancy tax from its customer based on the price that the intermediary paid us for the hotel room. We then remit
these taxes to the various tax authorities. Several jurisdictions have stated that they may take the position that the tax
is also applicable to the intermediaries’ gross profit on these hotel transactions. If jurisdictions take this position,
they should seek the additional tax payments from the intermediary; however, it is possible that they may seek to
collect the additional tax payment from us and we would not be able to collect these taxes from the customers. To the
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extent that any tax authority succeeds in asserting that the hotel occupancy tax applies to the gross profit on these
transactions, we believe that any additional tax would be the responsibility of the intermediary. However, it is
possible that we might have additional tax exposure. In such event, such actions could have a material adverse effect
on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Risks Relating to Ownership of Our Shares
Our Board of Directors May Issue Preferred Stock and Establish the Preferences and Rights of Such
Preferred Stock. Our charter provides that the total number of shares of stock of all classes which the Corporation
has authority to issue is 1,200,000,000, consisting of one billion shares of common stock and 200 million shares of
preferred stock. Our Board of Directors has the authority, without a vote of shareholders, to establish the preferences
and rights of any preferred or other class or series of shares to be issued and to issue such shares. The issuance of
preferred shares or other shares having special preferences or rights could delay or prevent a change in control even
if a change in control would be in the interests of our shareholders. Since our Board of Directors has the power to
establish the preferences and rights of additional classes or series of shares without a shareholder vote, our Board of
Directors may give the holders of any class or series preferences, powers and rights, including voting rights, senior
to the rights of holders of our shares.
Our Board of Directors May Implement Anti-Takeover Devices and our Charter and Bylaws Contain
Provisions which May Prevent Takeovers. Certain provisions of Maryland law permit our Board of Directors,
without stockholder approval, to implement possible takeover defenses that are not currently in place, such as a
classified board. In addition, our charter contains provisions relating to restrictions on transferability of the
Corporation Shares, which provisions may be amended only by the affirmative vote of our shareholders holding
two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. As permitted under the Maryland General Corporation Law,
our Bylaws provide that directors have the exclusive right to amend our Bylaws.
Our Shareholder Rights Plan Would Cause Substantial Dilution to Any Shareholder That Attempts to
Acquire Us on Terms Not Approved by Our Board of Directors. We adopted a shareholder rights plan which
provides, among other things, that when specified events occur, our shareholders will be entitled to purchase from
us a newly created series of junior preferred stock. The preferred stock purchase rights are triggered by the earlier to
occur of (i) ten days after the date of a public announcement that a person or group acting in concert has acquired, or
obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of 15% or more of our outstanding Corporation Shares or (ii) ten
business days after the commencement of or announcement of an intention to make a tender offer or exchange offer,
the consummation of which would result in the acquiring person becoming the beneficial owner of 15% or more of
our outstanding Corporation Shares. The preferred stock purchase rights would cause substantial dilution to a
person or group that attempts to acquire us on terms not approved by our Board of Directors.
Item 2. Properties.
We are one of the largest hotel and leisure companies in the world, with operations in approximately 100
countries. We consider our hotels and resorts, including vacation ownership resorts (together “Resorts”), generally
to be premier establishments with respect to desirability of location, size, facilities, physical condition, quality and
variety of services offered in the markets in which they are located. Although obsolescence arising from age,
condition of facilities, and style can adversely affect our Resorts, Starwood and third-party owners of managed and
franchised Resorts expend substantial funds to renovate and maintain their facilities in order to remain competitive.
For further information see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources in this Annual Report.
Our hotel business included 942 owned, managed or franchised hotels with approximately 285,000 rooms and
our owned vacation ownership and residential business included 26 vacation ownership resorts and residential
properties at December 31, 2008, predominantly under seven brands. All brands (other than the Four Points by
Sheraton and the Aloft and Element brands) represent full-service properties that range in amenities from luxury
hotels and resorts to more moderately priced hotels. We also lease three stand-alone Bliss Spas, two in New York,
New York and one in London, England and have leased Bliss Spas in nine of the W Hotels. In addition, we own,
lease or manage Remède Spas in four of the St. Regis hotels.
18
The following table reflects our hotel and vacation ownership properties, by brand as of December 31, 2008:
VOI and
Hotels Residential(a)
Properties Rooms Properties Rooms
St. Regis and Luxury Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 13,200 4 100
W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 7,800 — —
Westin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162 64,400 10 2,300
Le Méridien . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 27,700 — —
Sheraton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 409 143,300 8 4,500
Four Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 23,500 — —
Aloft. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 2,500 — —
Independent / Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 2,400 4 300
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 942 284,800 26 7,200
(a) Includes sites held for development.
Hotel Business
Managed and Franchised Hotels. Hotel and resort properties in the United States are often owned by
entities that do not manage hotels or own a brand name. Hotel owners typically enter into management contracts
with hotel management companies to operate their hotels. When a management company does not offer a brand
affiliation, the hotel owner often chooses to pay separate franchise fees to secure the benefits of brand marketing,
centralized reservations and other centralized administrative functions, particularly in the sales and marketing area.
Management believes that companies, such as Starwood, that offer both hotel management services and well-
established worldwide brand names appeal to hotel owners by providing the full range of management, marketing
and reservation services. In 2008, we opened 84 managed and franchised hotels with approximately 20,000 rooms
and 36 managed and franchised hotels with approximately 11,000 rooms left the system.
Managed Hotels. We manage hotels worldwide, usually under a long-term agreement with the hotel owner
(including entities in which we have a minority equity interest). Our responsibilities under hotel management
contracts typically include hiring, training and supervising the managers and employees that operate these facilities.
For additional fees, we provide centralized reservation services and coordinate national advertising and certain
marketing and promotional services. We prepare and implement annual budgets for the hotels we manage and are
responsible for allocating property-owner funds for periodic maintenance and repair of buildings and furnishings. In
addition to our owned and leased hotels, at December 31, 2008, we managed 436 hotels with approximately 150,000
rooms worldwide. During the year ended December 31, 2008, we generated management fees by geographic area as
follows:
United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36.1%
Asia Pacific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19.9%
Middle East and Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19.2%
Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17.5%
Americas (Latin America, Caribbean & Canada). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.3%
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0%
Management contracts typically provide for base fees tied to gross revenue and incentive fees tied to profits as
well as fees for other services, including centralized reservations, sales and marketing, public relations and national
and international media advertising. In our experience, owners seek hotel managers that can provide attractively
priced base, incentive and marketing fees combined with demonstrated sales and marketing expertise and
operations-focused management designed to enhance profitability. Some of our management contracts permit
the hotel owner to terminate the agreement when the hotel is sold or otherwise transferred to a third party, as well as
19
if we fail to meet established performance criteria. In addition, many hotel owners seek equity, debt or other
investments from us to help finance hotel renovations or conversions to a Starwood brand so as to align the interests
of the owner and Starwood. Our ability or willingness to make such investments may determine, in part, whether we
will be offered, will accept, or will retain a particular management contract. During the year ended December 31,
2008, we opened 33 managed hotels with approximately 11,000 rooms, and 10 managed hotels with approximately
3,000 rooms left our system. In addition, during 2008, we signed management agreements for 71 hotels with
approximately 23,000 rooms, a small portion of which opened in 2008 and the majority of which will open in the
future.
Brand Franchising and Licensing. We franchise our Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, Luxury
Collection, Le Méridien, Aloft and Element brand names and generally derive licensing and other fees from
franchisees based on a fixed percentage of the franchised hotel’s room revenue, as well as fees for other services,
including centralized reservations, sales and marketing, public relations and national and international media
advertising. In addition, a franchisee may also purchase hotel supplies, including brand-specific products, from
certain Starwood-approved vendors. We approve certain plans for, and the location of, franchised hotels and review
their design. At December 31, 2008, there were 437 franchised properties with approximately 111,000 rooms
operating under the Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft, Element, Luxury Collection and Le Méridien
brands. During the year ended December 31, 2008, we generated franchise fees by geographic area as follows:
United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60.8%
Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15.1%
Americas (Latin America, Caribbean & Canada). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.7%
Asia Pacific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.6%
Middle East and Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.8%
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0%
In addition to the franchise contracts we retained in connection with the sale of hotels discussed earlier, during
the year ended December 31, 2008, we opened 51 franchised hotels with approximately 9,000 rooms, and 26
franchised hotels with approximately 8,000 rooms left our system. In addition, during 2008, we signed franchise
agreements for 76 hotels with approximately 13,000 rooms, a portion of which opened in 2008 and a portion of
which will open in the future.
Owned, Leased and Consolidated Joint Venture Hotels. Historically, we have derived the majority of our
revenues and operating income from our owned, leased and consolidated joint venture hotels and a significant portion
of these results are driven by these hotels in North America. However, beginning in 2006, we embarked upon a
strategy of selling a significant number of hotels. Since the beginning of 2006, we have sold 56 wholly owned hotels
which has substantially reduced our revenues and operating income from owned, leased and consolidated joint venture
hotels. The majority of these hotels were sold subject to long-term management or franchise contracts. Total revenues
generated from our owned, leased and consolidated joint venture hotels worldwide for the years ending December 31,
2008, 2007 and 2006 were $2.259 billion, $2.429 billion and $2.692 billion, respectively (total revenues from our
owned, leased and consolidated joint venture hotels in North America were $1.427 billion, $1.587 billion and
$1.881 billion for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively). The following represents our top five markets in the United
States by metropolitan area as a percentage of our total owned, leased and consolidated joint venture revenues for the
year ended December 31, 2008 (with comparable data for 2007):
Top Five Domestic Markets in the United States as a % of Total Owned
Revenues for the Year Ended December 31, 2008 with Comparable Data for 2007(1)
2008 2007
Metropolitan Area Revenues Revenues
New York, NY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. 13.5% 13.1%
Hawaii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. 6.1% 6.3%
San Francisco, CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. 5.7% 5.2%
Phoenix, AZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. 5.6% 5.6%
Chicago, IL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. 3.9% 3.8%
20
The following represents our top five international markets by country as a percentage of our total owned,
leased and consolidated joint venture revenues for the year ended December 31, 2008 (with comparable data for
2007):
Top Five International Markets as a % of Total Owned Revenues
for the Year Ended December 31, 2008 with Comparable Data for 2007(1)
2008 2007
Country Revenues Revenues
Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. 9.0% 8.0%
Italy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. 8.5% 8.6%
Mexico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. 5.4% 5.1%
Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. 4.8% 4.3%
United Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. 3.2% 3.3%
(1) Includes the revenues of hotels sold for the period prior to their sale.
Following the sale of a significant number of our hotels in the past three years, we currently own or lease 69
hotels as follows:
Hotel Location Rooms
U.S. Hotels:
The St. Regis Hotel, New York New York, NY 229
St. Regis Resort, Aspen Aspen, CO 179
St. Regis Hotel, San Francisco San Francisco, CA 260
The Phoenician Scottsdale, AZ 647
W New York — Times Square New York, NY 507
W Chicago Lakeshore Chicago, IL 520
W San Francisco San Francisco, CA 410
W Los Angeles Westwood Los Angeles, CA 258
W Chicago City Center Chicago, IL 369
W New York — The Court and Tuscany New York, NY 318
W New Orleans New Orleans, LA 423
W New Orleans, French Quarter New Orleans, LA 98
W Atlanta Atlanta, GA 275
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa Maui, HI 759
The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta Atlanta, GA 1068
The Westin Horton Plaza San Diego San Diego, CA 450
The Westin San Francisco Airport San Francisco, CA 397
The Westin St. John Resort & Villas St. John, Virgin Islands 175
Sheraton Manhattan Hotel New York, NY 665
Sheraton Kauai Resort Kauai, HI 394
Sheraton Steamboat Springs Resort Steamboat Springs, CO 312
Sheraton Newton Hotel Boston, MA 270
Sheraton Suites Philadelphia Airport Philadelphia, PA 251
Aloft Lexington Lexington, MA 136
Aloft Philadelphia Airport Philadelphia, PA 136
Element Lexington Lexington, MA 123
Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia Airport Philadelphia, PA 177
21
Hotel Location Rooms
Four Points by Sheraton Tucson University Plaza Tucson, AZ 150
Four Points by Sheraton Minneapolis Gateway Hotel Minneapolis, MN 252
The Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers Boston, MA 941
Tremont Hotel Chicago, IL 135
Clarion Hotel San Francisco, CA 251
Cove Haven Resort Scranton, PA 276
Pocono Palace Resort Scranton, PA 189
Paradise Stream Resort Scranton, PA 143
Park Ridge Hotel & Conference Center King of Prussia, PA 265
International Hotels:
St. Regis Grand Hotel, Rome Rome, Italy 161
Grand Hotel Florence, Italy 107
Hotel Gritti Palace Venice, Italy 91
Park Tower Buenos Aires, Argentina 181
Hotel Alfonso XIII Seville, Spain 147
Hotel Imperial Vienna, Austria 138
Hotel Bristol, Vienna Vienna, Austria 140
Hotel Goldener Hirsch Salzburg, Austria 69
Hotel Maria Cristina San Sebastian, Spain 136
The Westin Excelsior, Rome Rome, Italy 319
The Westin Resort & Spa, Los Cabos Los Cabos, Mexico 243
The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 279
The Westin Excelsior, Florence Florence, Italy 171
The Westin Resort & Spa Cancun Cancun, Mexico 379
The Westin Denarau Island Resort Nadi, Fiji 273
The Westin Dublin Hotel Dublin, Ireland 163
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel Toronto, Canada 1377
Sheraton On The Park Sydney, Australia 557
Sheraton Rio Hotel & Resort Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 559
Sheraton Diana Majestic Hotel Milan, Italy 107
Sheraton Ambassador Hotel Monterrey, Mexico 229
Sheraton Lima Hotel & Convention Center Lima, Peru 431
Sheraton Santa Maria de El Paular Rascafria, Spain 44
Sheraton Mencey Hotel Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Spain 286
Sheraton Fiji Resort Nadi, Fiji 264
Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel & Convention Center Buenos Aires, Argentina 739
Sheraton Maria Isabel Hotel & Towers Mexico City, Mexico 755
Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport Toronto, Canada 474
Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel Montreal, Canada 825
Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel & Conference Centre Paris, France 252
Sheraton Brussels Hotel and Towers Brussels, Belgium 511
Four Points by Sheraton Sydney Sydney, Australia 630
The Park Lane Hotel, London London, England 302
22
An indicator of the performance of our owned, leased and consolidated joint venture hotels is revenue per
available room (“REVPAR”)(1), as it measures the period-over-period growth in rooms revenue for comparable
properties. This is particularly the case in the United States where there is no impact on this measure from foreign
exchange rates.
The following table summarizes REVPAR, average daily rates (“ADR”) and average occupancy rates on a
year-to-year basis for our 59 owned, leased and consolidated joint venture hotels (excluding 19 hotels sold or closed
and 10 hotels undergoing significant repositionings or without comparable results in 2008 and 2007) (“Same-Store
Owned Hotels”) for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007:
Year Ended
December 31,
2008 2007 Variance
Worldwide (59 hotels with approximately 21,000 rooms)
REVPAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $168.93 $171.01 1.2%
ADR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $237.45 $235.18 1.0%
Occupancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... 71.1% 72.7% 1.6
North America (31 hotels with approximately 13,000 rooms)
REVPAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $178.14 $181.68 1.9%
ADR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $241.26 $242.07 0.3%
Occupancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... 73.8% 75.1% 1.3
International (28 hotels with approximately 8,000 rooms)
REVPAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $154.62 $154.40 0.1%
ADR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $230.91 $223.54 3.3%
Occupancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... 67.0% 69.1% 2.1
(1) REVPAR is calculated by dividing room revenue, which is derived from rooms and suites rented or leased, by
total room nights available for a given period. REVPAR may not be comparable to similarly titled measures
such as revenues.
During the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, we invested approximately $282 million and
$211 million, respectively, for capital improvements at owned hotels. These capital expenditures include con-
struction costs at the Sheraton Suites in Philadelphia, PA, Sheraton Steamboat Resort in Colorado, Sheraton in Fiji,
The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ, W Times Square in New York, NY, Aloft Philadelphia, in Philadelphia, PA, and
the Aloft and Element hotels in Lexington, MA.
Vacation Ownership and Residential Business
We develop, own and operate vacation ownership resorts, market and sell the VOIs in the resorts and, in many
cases, provide financing to customers who purchase such ownership interests. Owners of VOIs can trade their
interval for intervals at other Starwood vacation ownership resorts, for intervals at certain vacation ownership
resorts not otherwise sponsored by Starwood through an exchange company, or for hotel stays at Starwood
properties. From time to time, we securitize or sell the receivables generated from our sale of VOIs.
We have also entered into arrangements with several owners for mixed use hotel projects that will include a
residential component. We have entered into licensing agreements for the use of certain of our brands to allow the
owners to offer branded condominiums to prospective purchasers. In consideration, we typically receive a licensing
fee equal to a percentage of the gross sales revenue of the units sold. The licensing arrangement generally terminates
upon the earlier of sell-out of the units or a specified length of time.
At December 31, 2008, we had 26 residential and vacation ownership resorts and sites in our portfolio with 21
actively selling VOIs and residences, 3 sites being held for possible future development and 2 that have sold all
existing inventory. During 2008 and 2007, we invested approximately $363 million and $448 million, respectively,
for vacation ownership capital expenditures, including VOI construction at the Sheraton Vistana Villages in
Orlando, FL, the Westin St. John Resort and Villas in the Virgin Islands, the Westin Riverfront Resort in Avon, CO,
23
the Westin Nanea Ocean Resort Villas in Maui, HI, the Westin Desert Willow Villas in Palm Desert, CA, and the
Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort in Cancun, as well as construction costs at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort in
Miami Beach, FL.
As a result of the current economic crisis and its impact on the timeshare industry, we evaluated all of our
existing vacation ownership projects as well as our plans for projects not yet under development. As a result of that
comprehensive review, we decided to abandon several projects where we had not yet begun full scale development.
We recorded an impairment charge of $72 million in 2008, primarily related to the impairment of two vacation
ownership projects, one in Mexico and the other in the Caribbean.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
Incorporated by reference to the description of legal proceedings in Note 23. Commitments and Contingencies,
in the consolidated financial statements set forth in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
Not applicable.
Executive Officers of the Registrants
See Part III, Item 10. of this Annual Report for information regarding the executive officers of the Registrants,
which information is incorporated herein by reference.
24
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrants’ Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of
Equity Securities.
Market Information
The Corporation Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “HOT.”
The following table sets forth, for the fiscal periods indicated, the high and low sale prices per Corporation
Share on the NYSE Composite Tape.
High Low
2008
Fourth quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... $28.55 $10.97
Third quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... $43.29 $25.95
Second quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... $55.06 $38.89
First quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... $56.00 $37.07
2007
Fourth quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... $62.83 $42.78
Third quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... $75.45 $52.63
Second quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... $74.35 $65.35
First quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... $69.65 $59.63
Holders
As of February 20, 2009, there were approximately 17,000 holders of record of Corporation Shares.
Dividends Made/Declared
The following table sets forth the frequency and amount of dividends made by the Corporation to holders of
Corporation Shares for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007:
Dividends
Declared
2008
Annual dividend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.90(a)
2007
Annual dividend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.90(b)
(a) The Corporation declared a dividend in the fourth quarter of 2008 to shareholders of record on December 31,
2008, which was paid in January 2009.
(b) The Corporation declared a dividend in the fourth quarter of 2007 to shareholders of record on December 31,
2007, which was paid in January 2008.
Conversion of Securities; Sale of Unregistered Securities
In 2006, we completed the redemption of the remaining 25,000 outstanding shares of Class B Exchangeable
Preferred Shares of the Trust (“Class B EPS”) for approximately $1 million in cash. Also in 2006, in connection
with the Host Transaction, we redeemed all of the Class A Exchangeable Preferred Shares of the Trust (“Class A
EPS”) (approximately 562,000 shares) and Realty Partnership units (approximately 40,000 units) for approximately
$34 million in cash. SLC Operating Limited Partnership units are convertible into Corporation Shares at the unit
holder’s option, provided that we have the option to settle conversion requests in cash or Corporation Shares. In
2006, we redeemed approximately 926,000 SLC Operating Limited Partnership units for approximately $56 million
25
in cash, and there were approximately 178,000 and 179,000 of these units outstanding at December 31, 2008 and
2007, respectively.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program, Starwood repurchased 13.6 million Corporation Shares in the open
market for an aggregate cost of $593 million during 2008. We did not repurchase any Corporation Shares during the
three months ended December 31, 2008.
As of December 31, 2008, no repurchase capacity remained available under our Share Repurchase
Authorization.
Information relating to securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans is provided under
Item 12 of this Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference.
26
STOCKHOLDER RETURN PERFORMANCE
Set forth below is a line graph comparing the cumulative total stockholder return on the Corporation Shares
(and Shares until April 7, 2006) against the cumulative total return on the S&P 500 and the S&P 500 Hotel Index
(the “S&P 500 Hotel”) for the five fiscal years beginning December 31, 2003 and ending December 31, 2008. The
graph assumes that the value of the investments was 100 on December 31, 2003 and that all dividends and other
distributions were reinvested. In addition, the Share prices for the periods prior to the Host Transaction on April 10,
2006 have been adjusted based on the value shareholders received for their Class B shares. The comparisons are
provided in response to SEC disclosure requirements and are not intended to forecast or be indicative of future
performance.
300
Starwood
250 S&P 500
S&P 500 Hotel
DOLLARS
200
150
100
50
0
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Starwood 100.00 164.69 182.46 223.92 160.97 68.73
S&P 500 100.00 110.87 116.31 134.66 142.05 89.51
S&P 500 Hotel 100.00 145.60 147.82 169.41 148.33 76.70
27
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
The following financial and operating data should be read in conjunction with the information set forth under
“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated
financial statements and related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report and incorporated herein by
reference.
Year Ended December 31,
2008 2007 2006 2005 2004
(In millions, except per Share data)
Income Statement Data
Revenues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,907 $6,153 $ 5,979 $5,977 $5,368
Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 619 $ 858 $ 839 $ 822 $ 653
Income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 254 $ 543 $ 1,115 $ 423 $ 369
Diluted earnings per Share from continuing
operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1.37 $ 2.57 $ 5.01 $ 1.88 $ 1.72
Operating Data
Cash from operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 646 $ 884 $ 500 $ 764 $ 578
Cash from (used for) investing activities . . . . . . . . . $ (172) $ (215) $ 1,402 $ 85 $ (415)
Cash used for financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (243) $ (712) $(2,635) $ (253) $ (273)
Aggregate cash distributions paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 172 $ 90 $ 276 $ 176 $ 172
Cash distributions and dividends declared per
Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 0.90 $ 0.90 $ 0.84(a) $ 0.84 $ 0.84
(a) In connection with the Host Transaction, in February and March 2006, the Trust declared distributions totaling
$0.42 per Share. In December 2006, the Corporation declared a dividend of $0.42 per Corporation Share.
At December 31,
2008 2007 2006 2005 2004
(In millions)
Balance Sheet Data
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,703 $9,622 $9,280 $12,494 $12,298
Long-term debt, net of current maturities and
including exchangeable units and Class B
preferred shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,502 $3,590 $1,827 $ 2,926 $ 3,823
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”)
discusses our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities,
the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported
amounts of revenues and costs and expenses during the reporting periods. On an ongoing basis, management
evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those relating to revenue recognition, bad debts, inventories,
investments, plant, property and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets, income taxes, financing operations,
frequent guest program liability, self-insurance claims payable, restructuring costs, retirement benefits and
contingencies and litigation.
Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are
believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about
the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. Actual results may differ
from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.
28
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
We believe the following to be our critical accounting policies:
Revenue Recognition. Our revenues are primarily derived from the following sources: (1) hotel and resort
revenues at our owned, leased and consolidated joint venture properties; (2) vacation ownership and residential
revenues; (3) management and franchise revenues; (4) revenues from managed and franchised properties; and
(5) other revenues which are ancillary to our operations. Generally, revenues are recognized when the services have
been rendered. The following is a description of the composition of our revenues:
• Owned, Leased and Consolidated Joint Ventures — Represents revenue primarily derived from hotel
operations, including the rental of rooms and food and beverage sales from owned, leased or consolidated
joint venture hotels and resorts. Revenue is recognized when rooms are occupied and services have been
rendered. These revenues are impacted by global economic conditions affecting the travel and hospitality
industry as well as relative market share of the local competitive set of hotels. REVPAR is a leading indicator
of revenue trends at owned, leased and consolidated joint venture hotels as it measures the period-over-
period growth in rooms revenue for comparable properties.
• Vacation Ownership and Residential — We recognize revenue from VOI sales and financings and the sales
of residential units which are typically a component of mixed use projects that include a hotel. Such revenues
are impacted by the state of the global economies and, in particular, the U.S. economy, as well as interest rate
and other economic conditions affecting the lending market. Revenue is generally recognized upon the buyer
demonstrating a sufficient level of initial and continuing investment, the period of cancellation with refund
has expired and receivables are deemed collectible. We determine the portion of revenues to recognize for
sales accounted for under the percentage of completion method based on judgments and estimates including
total project costs to complete. Additionally, we record reserves against these revenues based on expected
default levels. Changes in costs could lead to adjustments to the percentage of completion status of a project,
which may result in differences in the timing and amount of revenues recognized from the projects. We have
also entered into licensing agreements with third-party developers to offer consumers branded condomin-
iums or residences. Our fees from these agreements are generally based on the gross sales revenue of units
sold. Residential fee revenue is recorded in the period that a purchase and sales agreement exists, delivery of
services and obligations has occurred, the fee to the owner is deemed fixed and determinable and
collectibility of the fees is reasonably assured.
• Management and Franchise Revenues — Represents fees earned on hotels managed worldwide, usually
under long-term contracts, franchise fees received in connection with the franchise of our Sheraton, Westin,
Four Points by Sheraton, Le Méridien and Luxury Collection brand names, termination fees and the
amortization of deferred gains related to sold properties for which we have significant continuing
involvement, offset by payments by us under performance and other guarantees. Management fees are
comprised of a base fee, which is generally based on a percentage of gross revenues, and an incentive fee,
which is generally based on the property’s profitability. For any time during the year, when the provisions of
our management contracts allow receipt of incentive fees upon termination, incentive fees are recognized for
the fees due and earned as if the contract was terminated at that date, exclusive of any termination fees due or
payable. Therefore, during periods prior to year-end, the incentive fees recorded may not be indicative of the
eventual incentive fees that will be recognized at year-end as conditions and incentive hurdle calculations
may not be final. Franchise fees are generally based on a percentage of hotel room revenues. As with hotel
revenues discussed above, these revenue sources are affected by conditions impacting the travel and
hospitality industry as well as competition from other hotel management and franchise companies.
• Revenues from Managed and Franchised Properties — These revenues represent reimbursements of costs
incurred on behalf of managed hotel properties and franchisees. These costs relate primarily to payroll costs
at managed properties where we are the employer. Since the reimbursements are made based upon the costs
incurred with no added margin, these revenues and corresponding expenses have no effect on our operating
income and our net income.
29
Frequent Guest Program. SPG is our frequent guest incentive marketing program. SPG members earn
points based on spending at our properties, as incentives to first time buyers of VOIs and residences and through
participation in affiliated programs. Points can be redeemed at substantially all of our owned, leased, managed
and franchised properties as well as through other redemption opportunities with third parties, such as conversion
to airline miles. Properties are charged based on hotel guests’ qualifying expenditures. Revenue is recognized by
participating hotels and resorts when points are redeemed for hotel stays.
We, through the services of third-party actuarial analysts, determine the fair value of the future redemption
obligation based on statistical formulas which project the timing of future point redemption based on historical
experience, including an estimate of the “breakage” for points that will never be redeemed, and an estimate of the
points that will eventually be redeemed as well as the cost of reimbursing hotels and other third parties in respect of
other redemption opportunities for point redemptions. Actual expenditures for SPG may differ from the actuarially
determined liability. The total actuarially determined liability as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 is $662 million
and $536 million, respectively. A 10% reduction in the “breakage” of points would result in an estimated increase of
$85 million to the liability at December 31, 2008.
Long-Lived Assets. We evaluate the carrying value of our long-lived assets for impairment by comparing the
expected undiscounted future cash flows of the assets to the net book value of the assets if certain trigger events
occur. If the expected undiscounted future cash flows are less than the net book value of the assets, the excess of the
net book value over the estimated fair value is charged to current earnings. Fair value is based upon discounted cash
flows of the assets at a rate deemed reasonable for the type of asset and prevailing market conditions, appraisals and,
if appropriate, current estimated net sales proceeds from pending offers. We evaluate the carrying value of our long-
lived assets based on our plans, at the time, for such assets and such qualitative factors as future development in the
surrounding area, status of expected local competition and projected incremental income from renovations.
Changes to our plans, including a decision to dispose of or change the intended use of an asset, can have a
material impact on the carrying value of the asset.
Loan Loss Reserves. For the vacation ownership and residential segment, we record an estimate of expected
uncollectibility on our VOI notes receivable as a reduction of revenue at the time we recognize profit on a sale of a
vacation ownership interest. We hold large amounts of homogeneous VOI notes receivable and therefore assess
uncollectibility based on pools of receivables. In estimating our loss reserves, we use a technique referred to as static
pool analysis, which tracks uncollectible notes for each year’s sales over the life of the respective notes and projects
an estimated default rate that is used in the determination of our loan loss reserve requirements. As of December 31,
2008, the average estimated default rate for our pools of receivables was 7.9%. Given the significance of our
respective pools of VOI notes receivable, a change in the projected default rate can have a significant impact to our
loan loss reserve requirements, with a 0.1% change estimated to have an impact of approximately $3 million.
For the hotel segment, we measure the impairment of a loan based on the present value of expected future cash
flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate or the estimated fair value of the collateral. For
impaired loans, we establish a specific impairment reserve for the difference between the recorded investment in the
loan and the present value of the expected future cash flows or the estimated fair value of the collateral. We apply the
loan impairment policy individually to all loans in the portfolio and do not aggregate loans for the purpose of
applying such policy. For loans that we have determined to be impaired, we recognize interest income on a cash
basis.
Assets Held for Sale. We consider properties to be assets held for sale when management approves and
commits to a formal plan to actively market a property or group of properties for sale and a signed sales contract and
significant non-refundable deposit or contract break-up fee exist. Upon designation as an asset held for sale, we
record the carrying value of each property or group of properties at the lower of its carrying value which includes
allocable segment goodwill or its estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, and we stop recording
depreciation expense. Any gain realized in connection with the sale of a property for which we have significant
continuing involvement (such as through a long-term management agreement) is deferred and recognized over the
initial term of the related agreement. The operations of the properties held for sale prior to the sale date are recorded
in discontinued operations unless we will have continuing involvement (such as through a management or franchise
agreement) after the sale.
30
Legal Contingencies. We are subject to various legal proceedings and claims, the outcomes of which are
subject to significant uncertainty. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 5, “Accounting for
Contingencies,” requires that an estimated loss from a loss contingency should be accrued by a charge to income if it
is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be
reasonably estimated. We evaluate, among other factors, the degree of probability of an unfavorable outcome and
the ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of loss. Changes in these factors could materially impact our
financial position or our results of operations.
Income Taxes. We provide for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income
Taxes,” and Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in
Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). The objectives of accounting for income taxes are to recognize the amount of taxes
payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of
events that have been recognized in an entity’s financial statements or tax returns. Judgment is required in assessing
the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns.
31
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion presents an analysis of results of our operations for the years ended December 31,
2008, 2007 and 2006.
Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2007
Continuing Operations
Increase/ Percentage
Year Ended Year Ended (Decrease) Change
December 31, December 31, from Prior from Prior
2008 2007 Year Year
Owned, Leased and Consolidated Joint Venture
Hotels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,259 $2,429 $(170) (7.0)%
Management Fees, Franchise Fees and Other
Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 857 834 23 2.8%
Vacation Ownership and Residential . . . . . . . . . . . 749 1,025 (276) (26.9)%
Other Revenues from Managed and Franchise
Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,042 1,865 177 9.5%
Total Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,907 $6,153 $(246) (4.0)%
The decrease in revenues from owned, leased and consolidated joint venture hotels was partially due to lost
revenues from 19 wholly owned hotels sold or closed in 2008 and 2007. These sold or closed hotels had revenues of
$77 million in the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to $121 million in the corresponding period of 2007.
Revenues at our Same-Store Owned Hotels (59 hotels for the year ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, excluding
the 19 hotels sold or closed and 10 additional hotels undergoing significant repositionings or without comparable
results in 2008 and 2007) decreased 1.5%, or $31 million, to $2.015 billion for the year ended December 31, 2008
when compared to $2.046 billion in the same period of 2007 due primarily to a decrease in REVPAR.
REVPAR at our Same-Store Owned Hotels decreased 1.2% to $168.93 for the year ended December 31, 2008
when compared to the corresponding 2007 period. The decrease in REVPAR at these Same-Store Owned Hotels
resulted from a 1.0% increase in ADR to $237.45 for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to $235.18 for
the corresponding 2007 period and a decrease in occupancy rates to 71.1% in the year ended December 31, 2008
when compared to 72.7% in the same period in 2007. REVPAR at Same-Store Owned Hotels in North America
decreased 1.9% for the year ended December 31, 2008 when compared to the same period of 2007. REVPAR
declined in most of our major domestic markets, including Atlanta, Georgia, Kauai, Hawaii and New York,
New York, due to the severe economic crisis in the United States, and globally. REVPAR at our international Same-
Store Owned Hotels increased by 0.1% for the year ended December 31, 2008 when compared to the same period of
2007. Once again, due to the global economic crisis, REVPAR declined in most of our major international markets,
including the United Kingdom and Italy. REVPAR for Same-Store Owned Hotels internationally increased 0.6%
excluding the unfavorable effects of foreign currency translation.
The increase in management fees, franchise fees and other income was primarily a result of a $35 million
increase in management and franchise revenue to $717 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The increase
was due to the net addition of 48 managed and franchised hotels to our system. Other income decreased $13 million
primarily due to $18 million of income recognized in 2007 from the sale of a managed hotel that resulted in a
payment of an $18 million fee to us.
The decrease in vacation ownership and residential sales and services was primarily due to an overall decline in
demand as a result of the economic climate, and the timing of revenue recognition from ongoing projects under
construction which are being accounted for under percentage of completion accounting. Originated contract sales of
VOI inventory, which represents vacation ownership revenues before adjustments for percentage of completion
accounting and rescission, decreased 26% in the year ended December 31, 2008 when compared to the same period
in 2007. Additionally, sales in Hawaii were negatively impacted by the sell out of our largest project on Maui in
early 2008. The decline in the vacation ownership business was partially offset by strong results in the residential
32
branding business. The increase in residential fees for the year ended December 31, 2008 to $49 million when
compared to $18 million in 2007 was primarily related to fees earned from the St. Regis Singapore Residences,
which opened during the year and a nonrefundable license fee received in connection with another residential
project.
Other revenues and expenses from managed and franchised properties increased primarily due to an increase in
the number of our managed and franchised hotels. These revenues represent reimbursements of costs incurred on
behalf of managed hotel and vacation ownership properties and franchisees and relate primarily to payroll costs at
managed properties where we are the employer. Since the reimbursements are made based upon the costs incurred
with no added margin, these revenues and corresponding expenses have no effect on our operating income and our
net income.
Increase/ Percentage
Year Ended Year Ended (Decrease) Change
December 31, December 31, from Prior from Prior
2008 2007 Year Year
Selling, General, Administrative and Other . . $477 $508 $(31) (6.1)%
The decrease in selling, general, administrative and other expenses was primarily a result of our focus on
reducing our cost structure in light of the declining business conditions in this current economic climate. Beginning
in the middle of 2008, we began an activity value analysis project to review our cost structure across a majority of
our corporate departments and divisional headquarters. We have completed the first two phases of that program
which has resulted in the majority of these cost savings and additional phases are expected to be completed in early
2009.
Increase/ Percentage
Year Ended Year Ended (Decrease) Change
December 31, December 31, from Prior from Prior
2008 2007 Year Year
Restructuring and Other Special Charges, Net . . $141 $53 $88 n/a
During the year ended December 31, 2008, we recorded restructuring and other special charges of $141 mil-
lion, including $62 million of severance and related charges associated with our ongoing initiative of rationalizing
our cost structure in light of the current economic climate. We also recorded impairment charges of approximately
$79 million primarily related to the decision not to develop two vacation ownership projects as a result of the current
economic climate and its impact on business conditions in the timeshare industry (see Note 13 of the consolidated
financial statements).
During the year ended December 31, 2007, we recorded $53 million in net restructuring and other special
charges primarily related to accelerated depreciation of property, plant and equipment at the Sheraton Bal Harbour
in Florida (“Bal Harbour”) and demolition costs associated with our redevelopment of that hotel. Bal Harbour was
closed for business on July 1, 2007, and the majority of its employees were terminated. The hotel was demolished
and we are in the process of building a St. Regis hotel along with branded residences and fractional units.
Increase/ Percentage
Year Ended Year Ended (Decrease) Change
December 31, December 31, from Prior from Prior
2008 2007 Year Year
Depreciation and Amortization . . . . . . . . . . . $323 $306 $17 5.6%
The increase in depreciation expense was due to an increase in capital spending on our owned hotels partially
offset by the impact of hotels sold or held for sale. The increase in amortization expense was primarily due to the
write-off, through amortization expense, of an investment in a management contract during 2008.
Increase/ Percentage
Year Ended Year Ended (Decrease) Change
December 31, December 31, from Prior from Prior
2008 2007 Year Year
Operating Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $619 $858 $(239) (27.9)%
The decrease in operating income was primarily due to the decrease in vacation ownership sales and services as
well as the decrease in revenues from owned, leased and consolidated joint venture hotels discussed above.
33
Increase/ Percentage
Year Ended Year Ended (Decrease) Change
December 31, December 31, from Prior from Prior
2008 2007 Year Year
Equity Earnings and Gains and Losses from
Unconsolidated Ventures, Net . . . . . . . . . . $16 $66 $(50) (75.8)%
The decrease in equity earnings and gains and losses from unconsolidated joint ventures was primarily due to
our share of non-recurring gains, in 2007, on the sale of several hotels in an unconsolidated joint venture as well as
decreased operating results, in 2008, at several properties owned by joint ventures in which we hold minority
interests.
Increase/ Percentage
Year Ended Year Ended (Decrease) Change
December 31, December 31, from Prior from Prior
2008 2007 Year Year
Net Interest Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $207 $147 $60 40.8%
The increase in net interest expense was primarily due to increased borrowings to fund our share repurchase
program. Our weighted average interest rate was 5.24% at December 31, 2008 versus 6.52% at December 31, 2007.
The average debt balance during 2008 and 2007 was $3.802 billion and $3.114 billion respectively.
Increase/ Percentage
Year Ended Year Ended (Decrease) Change
December 31, December 31, from Prior from Prior
2008 2007 Year Year
Loss on Asset Dispositions and Impairments, Net . . $(98) $(44) $(54) n/a
During 2008, we recorded a net loss of $98 million primarily related to $64 million of impairment charges on
five hotels, a $22 million impairment of our investment in vacation ownership notes receivable that we have
previously securitized, and an $11 million write-off of our investment in a joint venture in which we hold minority
interest (see Note 5 of the consolidated financial statements).
During 2007, we recorded a net loss of $44 million primarily related to a net loss of $58 million on the sale of
eight wholly-owned hotels and a loss of approximately $7 million primarily related to charges at three other
properties. These losses were offset in part by $20 million of net gains primarily on the sale of assets in which we
held a minority interest and a gain of $6 million as a result of insurance proceeds received for property damage
caused by storms at two owned hotels in prior years.
Increase/ Percentage
Year Ended Year Ended (Decrease) Change
December 31, December 31, from Prior from Prior
2008 2007 Year Year
Income Tax Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $76 $189 $(113) (59.8)%
The decrease in income tax expense is primarily related to a decrease in pretax income and certain other one
time tax benefits. The effective tax rate decreased to 23.0% in the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared to
25.8% in 2007. The 2008 tax rate was favorably impacted by a $31 million benefit related to the reversal of capital
and net operating loss valuation allowances, a $20 million benefit related to lower foreign taxes, and a $14 million
benefit associated with tax on the repatriation of foreign earnings. These benefits were partially offset by a
$16 million charge for the basis difference on certain asset sales and a $7 million charge related to amortization of
prepaid taxes in connection with certain related party transactions during 2008. The 2007 expense was favorably
impacted by a $158 million benefit related to the reversal of capital and net operating loss valuation allowances and
a $28 million benefit associated with our election to claim foreign tax credits generated in 1999 and 2000. Offsetting
these benefits in 2007 were a $97 million charge associated with adjustments to the tax benefit from the Host
Transaction and a $13 million charge associated with changes in uncertain tax positions.
Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
For the year ended December 31, 2008, the gain on dispositions includes a $124 million gain ($129 million pre
tax) on the sale of three properties which were sold unencumbered by management or franchise
34
contracts. Discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2008 also includes a $49 million tax charge as a
result of a 2008 administrative tax ruling for an unrelated taxpayer, that impacts the tax liability associated with the
disposition of one of our businesses several years ago.
For the year ended December 31, 2007, the loss on disposition represented a $1 million tax assessment
associated with the disposition of our gaming business in 1999.
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change, Net of Tax
On January 1, 2007, we adopted FIN 48 and recorded a benefit of $35 million to the beginning balance of
retained earnings.
Year Ended December 31, 2007 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2006
Continuing Operations
Revenues. Total revenues, including other revenues from managed and franchised properties, were
$6.153 billion, an increase of $174 million when compared to 2006 levels. Revenues reflected a 9.8% decrease
in revenues from our owned, leased and consolidated joint venture hotels to $2.429 billion for the year ended
December 31, 2007 when compared to $2.692 billion in the corresponding period of 2006, a 20.4% increase in
management fees, franchise fees and other income to $834 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 when
compared to $693 million in the corresponding period of 2006, a 2.0% increase in vacation ownership and
residential revenues to $1.025 billion for the year ended December 31, 2007 when compared to $1.005 billion in the
corresponding period of 2006, and an increase of $276 million in other revenues from managed and franchised
properties to $1.865 billion for the year ended December 31, 2007 when compared to $1.589 billion in the
corresponding period of 2006.
The $263 million decrease in revenues from owned, leased and consolidated joint venture hotels was primarily
due to lost revenues from 56 wholly owned hotels sold or closed in 2007 and 2006. These sold or closed hotels had
revenues of $121 million in the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to $570 million in the corresponding
period of 2006. The decrease in revenues from sold or closed hotels was partially offset by improved results at our
remaining owned, leased and consolidated joint venture hotels. Revenues at our Same-Store Owned Hotels (66
hotels for the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, excluding 56 hotels sold or closed and 8 hotels undergoing
significant repositionings or without comparable results in 2007 and 2006) increased 9.1%, or $173 million, to
$2.068 billion for the year ended December 31, 2007 when compared to $1.895 billion in the same period of 2006
due primarily to an increase in REVPAR. REVPAR at our Same-Store Owned Hotels increased 10.2% to $160.38
for the year ended December 31, 2007 when compared to the corresponding 2006 period. The increase in REVPAR
at these Same-Store Owned Hotels was attributed to a 9.2% increase in ADR to $222.03 for the year ended
December 31, 2007 compared to $203.31 for the corresponding 2006 period and due to a slight increase in
occupancy rates to 72.2% in the year ended December 31, 2007 when compared to 71.6% in the same period in
2006. REVPAR at Same-Store Owned Hotels in North America increased 7.3% for the year ended December 31,
2007 when compared to the same period of 2006. REVPAR growth was particularly strong at our owned hotels in
Kauai, Hawaii, New York, New York, San Francisco, California and New Orleans, Louisiana. REVPAR at our
international Same-Store Owned Hotels increased by 15.6% for the year ended December 31, 2007 when compared
to the same period of 2006. REVPAR growth was particularly strong at our owned hotels in Australia, Austria and
Italy. REVPAR for Same-Store Owned Hotels internationally increased 7.8% excluding the favorable effects of
foreign currency translation.
The increase in management fees, franchise fees and other income of $141 million was primarily a result of a
$123 million increase in management and franchise revenue to $687 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.
The increase was due to the strong growth in REVPAR at existing hotels under management and the net addition of
34 managed and franchised hotels to our system. The increase in management and franchise fees also resulted from
the full year impact of revenues from the 33 hotels sold to Host in the second quarter of 2006. Management fees
from these hotels in the year ended December 31, 2007 totaled $63 million, as compared to $44 million in the same
period of 2006. Revenues from the amortization of the deferred gain associated with the Host Transaction were
$49 million in the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to $34 million in the corresponding period of 2006.
35
Other income increased $19 million and includes $18 million of income earned in the first quarter of 2007 from our
carried interest in a managed hotel that was sold in January 2007. These increases were partially offset by lost fees
from contracts that were terminated in the last 12 months.
The increase in vacation ownership and residential sales and services of $20 million was primarily due to the
revenue recognition from ongoing projects under construction in Hawaii which were accounted for under
percentage of completion accounting. This net increase was offset, in part, by a decrease in residential sales as
the year ended December 31, 2007 included $3 million of revenues from the sale of residential units at the St. Regis
in New York compared to 2006 which included $94 million in revenues from the sale of residential units at the St.
Regis Museum Tower in San Francisco, which sold out in 2006, and at the St. Regis in New York, where only a few
residential units remained available for sale in 2007. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2006, we
recorded a gain of $17 million on the sale of $133 million of vacation ownership receivables. We did not sell any
such receivables in 2007 and therefore no gain was recognized.
Originated contract sales of VOI inventory, which represents vacation ownership revenues before adjustments
for percentage of completion accounting and rescission, decreased 3.8% in the year ended December 31, 2007 when
compared to the same period in 2006 as the mix of products sold during 2007 differed from that sold in 2006.
Additionally, sales and profits in Hawaii were negatively impacted by a decline in closing rates (the percentage of
tours that were converted to actual sales of vacation ownership intervals) in the second half of 2007 due to the
impending sell out of our project on Maui, partially offset by higher sales and profits at other timeshare projects.
Other revenues and expenses from managed and franchised properties increased to $1.865 billion from
$1.589 billion for the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, primarily due to an increase in the
number of our managed and franchised hotels. These revenues represent reimbursements of costs incurred on behalf
of managed hotel and vacation ownership properties and franchisees and relate primarily to payroll costs at
managed properties where we are the employer. Since the reimbursements are made based upon the costs incurred
with no added margin, these revenues and corresponding expenses have no effect on our operating income and our
net income.
Selling, General, Administrative and Other. Selling, general, administrative and other expenses, which
includes costs and expenses from our Bliss spas and from the sale of Bliss products, was $508 million in the year
ended December 31, 2007 when compared to $466 million in the same period in 2006. The increase was primarily
due to investments in our global development capability and costs associated with the launch of our new brands,
Aloft and Element, and other brand initiatives.
Restructuring and Other Special Charges, Net. During the year ended December 31, 2007, we recorded
$53 million in net restructuring and other special charges primarily related to accelerated depreciation of property,
plant and equipment at the Sheraton Bal Harbour in Florida (“Bal Harbour”) and demolition costs associated with
our redevelopment of that hotel. Bal Harbour was closed for business on July 1, 2007, and the majority of its
employees were terminated. The hotel was demolished and we are in the process of building a St. Regis hotel along
with branded residences and fractional units.
During the year ended December 31, 2006, we recorded $20 million in net restructuring and other special
charges primarily related to transition costs associated with the acquisition of the Le Méridien brand and
management and franchise business (“the Le Méridien Acquisition”) in November 2005 and severance costs
primarily related to certain executives in connection with the continued corporate restructuring that began at the end
of 2005. These charges were offset, in part, by the reversal of accruals for a lease we assumed as part of the merger
with Sheraton Holding Corporation (“Sheraton Holding”) and its subsidiaries (formerly ITT Corporation) in 1998
as the lease matured at the end of 2006 and the accruals exceeded our maximum remaining obligation under the
lease.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation expense was $280 million during the year ended Decem-
ber 31, 2007, consistent with the corresponding period of 2006. We sold or closed 45 wholly owned hotels during
2006. However, the majority of these hotels were classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2005 and
consequently, no depreciation was recognized for either the year ended December 31, 2007 or 2006 for those hotels.
36
Amortization expense was $26 million in the year ended December 31, 2007, consistent with the corre-
sponding period of 2006.
Operating Income. Operating income increased 2.3% or $19 million to $858 million for the year ended
December 31, 2007 when compared to $839 million in the same period in 2006, primarily due to the increase in
management fees, franchise fees and other income, partially offset by the restructuring and other special charges
and the decline in revenues from owned, leased and consolidated joint venture hotels discussed above.
Equity Earnings and Gains and Losses from Unconsolidated Ventures, Net. Equity earnings and gains and
losses from unconsolidated joint ventures increased to $66 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from
$61 million in the same period of 2006 partially due to our share of gains on the sale of several hotels in an
unconsolidated joint venture during 2007.
Net Interest Expense. Net interest expense decreased to $147 million for the year ended December 31, 2007
as compared to $215 million in the same period of 2006, primarily due to $37 million of expenses recorded in the
first quarter of 2006 related to the early extinguishment of debt in connection with two transactions whereby we
defeased and were released from certain debt obligations that allowed us to sell certain hotels that previously served
as collateral for such debt. The decrease was also due to an increase in capitalized interest related to vacation
ownership projects under construction and a decrease in our overall interest rate. Our weighted average interest rate
was 6.52% at December 31, 2007 versus 6.97% at December 31, 2006.
Loss on Asset Dispositions and Impairments, Net. During 2007, we recorded a net loss of $44 million,
primarily related to a net loss of $58 million on the sale of eight wholly owned hotels and a loss of approximately
$7 million primarily related to charges at three other properties. These losses were offset in part by $20 million of
net gains primarily on the sale of assets in which we held a minority interest and a gain of $6 million as a result of
insurance proceeds received for property damage caused by storms at two owned hotels in prior years.
During 2006, we recorded a net loss of $3 million primarily related to several offsetting gains and losses,
including the sale of ten wholly-owned hotels, which were sold unencumbered by management agreements,
impairment charges related to various properties, including the Sheraton Cancun which was damaged by Hurricane
Wilma in 2005, and an adjustment to reduce the previously recorded gain on the sale of a hotel consummated in
2004 as certain contingencies associated with the sale became probable in 2006. These losses were primarily offset
by a gain of $29 million on the sale of our interests in two joint ventures and a $13 million gain as a result of
insurance proceeds received as reimbursement for property damage caused by Hurricane Wilma.
Income Tax Expense. We recorded income tax expense from continuing operations of $189 million for the
year ended December 31, 2007 compared to a benefit of $434 million in the corresponding period of 2006. The 2007
expense was favorably impacted by a $114 million benefit related to the reversal of capital loss valuation allowance,
a $28 million benefit associated with our election to claim foreign tax credits generated in 1999 and 2000 and a
$35 million benefit associated with the utilization of capital losses. Offsetting these benefits were a $97 million
charge associated with the Host Transaction and a $13 million charge associated with interest accrued for uncertain
tax positions. The 2006 tax benefit includes a one-time benefit of approximately $524 million realized in
connection with the Host Transaction, a $59 million benefit due primarily to the completion of various state
and federal income tax audits of prior years, a $34 million benefit associated with our election to claim foreign tax
credits in 2006 and 2005 and a $32 million benefit associated with the Trust prior to its acquisition by Host.
Discontinued Operations
For the year ended December 31, 2007, the loss on disposition represented a $1 million tax assessment
associated with the disposition of our gaming business in 1999. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the loss on
disposition represented a $2 million tax assessment associated with the disposition of our gaming business in 1999.
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change, Net of Tax
On January 1, 2007, we adopted FIN 48 and recorded a benefit of $35 million to the beginning balance of
retained earnings.
37
On January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 152 and recorded a charge of $70 million, net of a $46 million tax
benefit, in cumulative effect of accounting change.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash From Operating Activities
Cash flow from operating activities is generated primarily from management and franchise revenues,
operating income from our owned hotels and sales of VOIs and residential units. Other sources of cash are
distributions from joint-ventures, servicing financial assets and interest income. These are the principal sources of
cash used to fund our operating expenses, interest payments on debt, capital expenditures, dividend payments,
property and income taxes and share repurchases. We believe that our existing borrowing availability together with
capacity for additional borrowings and cash from operations will be adequate to meet all funding requirements for
our operating expenses, principal and interest payments on debt, capital expenditures, dividend payments and share
repurchases in the foreseeable future.
The majority of our cash flow is derived from corporate and leisure travelers and is dependent on the supply
and demand in the lodging industry. In a recessionary economy, we experience significant declines in business and
leisure travel. The impact of declining demand in the industry and higher hotel supply in key markets could have a
material impact on our sources of cash.
Our day-to-day operations are financed through a net working capital deficit, a practice that is common in our
industry. The ratio of our current assets to current liabilities was 0.81 and 0.87 as of December 31, 2008 and 2007,
respectively. Consistent with industry practice, we sweep the majority of the cash at our owned hotels on a daily
basis and fund payables as needed by drawing down on our existing revolving credit facility.
State and local regulations governing sales of VOIs and residential properties allow the purchaser of such a
VOI or property to rescind the sale subsequent to its completion for a pre-specified number of days. In addition, cash
payments received from buyers of units under construction are held in escrow during the period prior to obtaining a
certificate of occupancy. These payments and the deposits collected from sales during the rescission period are the
primary components of our restricted cash balances in our consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2008 and
2007, we had short-term restricted cash balances of $96 million and $196 million, respectively.
Cash From Investing Activities
Gross capital spending during the full year ended December 31, 2008 was as follows (in millions):
Capital Expenditures:
Owned, Leased and Consolidated Joint Venture Hotels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $279
Corporate and information technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Subtotal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Vacation Ownership and Residential Capital Expenditures:
Capital expenditures (includes land acquisitions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Net capital expenditures for inventory (excluding St. Regis Bal Harbour)(1) . . . . . . . . . . 131
Capital expenditures for inventory — St. Regis Bal Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Subtotal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Development Capital(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Total Capital Expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $817
(1) Represents gross inventory capital expenditures of $254 less cost of sales of $123.
(2) Includes $3 million of expenditures that are classified as Plant, property and equipment, net on the consolidated
balance sheet.
38
Gross capital spending during the year ended December 31, 2008 included approximately $282 million in
renovations of our wholly owned assets including construction costs at the Sheraton Suites in Philadelphia, PA,
Sheraton Steamboat Resort in Colorado, Sheraton in Fiji, The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ, W Times Square in
New York, NY, Aloft Philadelphia, in Philadelphia, PA, and the Aloft and Element hotels in Lexington, MA.
Investment spending on gross VOI inventory was $402 million, which was offset by cost of sales of $123 million
associated with VOI sales. The inventory spend included VOI construction at the Sheraton Vistana Villages in
Orlando, FL, the Westin St. John Resort and Villas in the Virgin Islands, the Westin Riverfront Resort in Avon, CO,
the Westin Nanea Ocean Resort Villas in Maui, HI, the Westin Desert Willow Villas in Palm Desert, CA, and the
Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort in Cancun, as well as construction costs at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort in
Miami Beach, FL.
As a result of the global economic climate, we have scaled back our plans for capital expenditures in 2009. Our
capital expenditure program includes both offensive and defensive capital. Defensive spend is related to repairs,
maintenance, and renovations that we believe is necessary to stay competitive in the markets we are in. Other than
capital to address fire, life and safety issues, we consider defensive capital to be discretionary and reductions to this
capital program could result in decreases to our cash flow from operations, as hotels in certain markets could
become less desirable. The offensive capital expenditures, which are primarily related to new projects that we
expect will generate a return, are also considered discretionary. We currently anticipate that our defensive capital
expenditures for 2009 (excluding vacation ownership and residential inventory) will be approximately $150 million
for maintenance, renovations, and technology capital. The majority of this capital would be discretionary and would
be unrelated to fire, life and safety issues. In addition, we currently expect to spend approximately $175 million for
investment projects, including construction of the St. Regis Bal Harbour and various joint ventures and other
investments.
In order to secure management or franchise agreements, we have made loans to third-party owners, made
minority investments in joint ventures and provided certain guarantees and indemnifications. See Note 23 of the
consolidated financial statements for discussion regarding the amount of loans we have outstanding with owners,
unfunded loan commitments, equity and other potential contributions, surety bonds outstanding, performance
guarantees and indemnifications we are obligated under, and investments in hotels and joint ventures.
We intend to finance the acquisition of additional hotel properties (including equity investments), construction
of the St. Regis Bal Harbour, hotel renovations, VOI and residential construction, capital improvements, technology
spend and other core and ancillary business acquisitions and investments and provide for general corporate purposes
(including dividend payments and share repurchases) through our credit facilities described below, through the net
proceeds from dispositions, through the assumption of debt, and from cash generated from operations.
We periodically review our business to identify properties or other assets that we believe either are non-core
(including hotels where the return on invested capital is not adequate), no longer complement our business, are in
markets which may not benefit us as much as other markets during an economic recovery or could be sold at
significant premiums. We are focused on enhancing real estate returns and monetizing investments.
Since 2006, we have sold 56 hotels realizing proceeds of approximately $5 billion in numerous transactions
(see Note 5 of the consolidated financial statements). There can be no assurance, however, that we will be able to
complete future dispositions on commercially reasonable terms or at all.
39
Cash Used for Financing Activities
The following is a summary of our debt portfolio (including capital leases) as of December 31, 2008:
Amount
Outstanding at Interest Rate at
December 31, December 31, Average
2008(a) 2008 Maturity
(Dollars in millions) (In years)
Floating Rate Debt
Senior Credit Facilities:
Revolving Credit Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 213 2.32% 2.1
Term Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,375 2.35% 1.3
Mortgages and Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 5.80% 4.0
Total/Average . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,631 2.43% 1.5
Fixed Rate Debt
Senior Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,249 7.14% 5.3
Mortgages and Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 7.48% 9.2
Total/Average . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,377 7.16% 5.5
Total Debt
Total Debt and Average Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,008 5.24% 3.9
(a) Excludes approximately $642 million of our share of unconsolidated joint venture debt, all of which is non-
recourse.
Due to the current credit liquidity crisis, we evaluated the commitments of each of the lenders in our Revolving
Credit Facilities (the “Facilities”). In addition, we have reviewed our debt covenants and restrictions and do not
anticipate any issues regarding the availability of funds under the Facilities.
See Note 15 of the consolidated financial statements for specifics related to our financing transactions,
issuances, and terms entered into for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.
Our Facilities are used to fund general corporate cash needs. As of December 31, 2008, we have availability of
over $1.5 billion under the Facilities. The term loan maturity of $500 million on June 29, 2009 is expected to be
repaid using cash balances generated from operations and proceeds from our Facilities. We have reviewed the
financial covenants associated with our Facilities, the most restrictive being the leverage ratio. As of December 31,
2008, we were in compliance with this covenant and expect to remain in compliance through the end of 2009. We
have the ability to manage the business in order to reduce our leverage ratio by reducing operating costs, selling,
general and administrative costs and postponing discretionary capital expenditures. However, there can be no
assurance that we will stay below the required leverage ratio if the current economic climate continues to worsen.
Our current credit ratings and outlook are as follows: S&P BB+ (negative outlook); Moody’s Baa3 (under
review for possible downgrade); and; Fitch BB+ (negative outlook). Our debt was downgraded by S&P in the fourth
quarter of 2008 and by Fitch in 2009, primarily due to the trends in the lodging industry and the impact of the current
market conditions on our ability to meet our future debt covenants. The impact of the ratings could impact our
current and future borrowing costs, which cannot be currently estimated.
We have historically securitized our VOI notes receivable as a financing mechanism. However, due to the
liquidity crisis and unfavorable markets we have not securitized any notes receivable since 2006. Although
conditions remain uncertain in the asset backed securities market, we are exploring a variety of avenues to sell
vacation ownership receivables. However, given unpredictable market conditions, we do not currently expect to
receive proceeds from securitizations in 2009.
40
Based upon the current level of operations, management believes that our cash flow from operations and asset
sales, together with our significant cash balances (approximately $491 million at December 31, 2008, including
$102 million of short-term and long-term restricted cash), available borrowings under the Facilities and other bank
credit facilities (approximately $1.585 billion at December 31, 2008 which includes $35 million from international
revolving lines of credit), our expected income tax refund of over $200 million in 2009 (see Note 14 of the
consolidated financial statements), and capacity for additional borrowings will be adequate to meet anticipated
requirements for scheduled maturities, dividends, working capital, capital expenditures, marketing and advertising
program expenditures, other discretionary investments, interest and scheduled principal payments and share
repurchases for the foreseeable future. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to refinance our
indebtedness as it becomes due and, if refinanced, on favorable terms. In addition, there can be no assurance that in
our continuing business we will generate cash flow at or above historical levels, that currently anticipated results
will be achieved or that we will be able to complete dispositions on commercially reasonable terms or at all.
If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow from operations in the future to service our debt, we may be
required to sell additional assets at lower than preferred amounts, reduce capital expenditures, refinance all or a
portion of our existing debt or obtain additional financing at unfavorable rates. Our ability to make scheduled
principal payments, to pay interest on or to refinance our indebtedness depends on our future performance and
financial results, which, to a certain extent, are subject to general conditions in or affecting the hotel and vacation
ownership industries and to general economic, political, financial, competitive, legislative and regulatory factors
beyond our control.
We had the following contractual obligations(1) outstanding as of December 31, 2008 (in millions):
Due in Less Due in Due in Due After
Total Than 1 Year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years 5 Years
Debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,006 $506 $1,101 $1,500 $ 899
Capital lease obligations(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 — — — 2
Operating lease obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,158 90 200 170 698
Unconditional purchase obligations(3) . . . . 98 35 59 2 2
Other long-term obligations . . . . . . . . . . . 4 — 3 1 —
Total contractual obligations . . . . . . . . . . . $5,268 $631 $1,363 $1,673 $1,601
(1) The table below excludes unrecognized tax benefits that would require cash outlays for $503 million, the timing
of which is uncertain. Refer to Note 14 of the consolidated financial statements for additional discussion on this
matter. In addition, the table excludes amounts related to the construction of our St. Regis Bal Harbour project
that has a total project cost of $780 million, of which $226 million has been paid through December 31, 2008.
(2) Excludes sublease income of $2 million.
(3) Included in these balances are commitments that may be reimbursed or satisfied by our managed and franchised
properties.
We had the following commercial commitments outstanding as of December 31, 2008 (in millions):
Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period
Less Than After
Total 1 Year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years 5 Years
Standby letters of credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $115 $115 $— $— $—
A dividend of $0.90 per share was paid in January 2009 to shareholders of record as of December 31, 2008.
A dividend of $0.90 per share was paid in January 2008 to shareholders of record as of December 31, 2007.
Stock Sales and Repurchases
Share Repurchases. In April of 2007, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $1 billion in Share
repurchases under our existing Corporate Share Repurchase Authorization (the “Share Repurchase Authoriza-
tion”). In November 2007, the Board of Directors of Starwood further authorized the repurchase of up to an
41
additional $1 billion of Corporation Shares under the Share Repurchase Authorization. During the year ended
December 31, 2008, we repurchased approximately 13.6 million shares at a total cost of approximately $593 mil-
lion. As of December 31, 2008, there was no availability remaining under the Share Repurchase Authorization.
At December 31, 2008, we had outstanding approximately 183 million Corporation Shares and 178,000 SLC
Operating Limited Partnership units.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Our off-balance sheet arrangements include retained interests in securitizations of $19 million, letters of credit
of $115 million, unconditional purchase obligations of $98 million and surety bonds of $91 million. These items are
more fully discussed earlier in this section and in the Notes to Financial Statements and Item 8 of Part II of this
report.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
In limited instances, we seek to reduce earnings and cash flow volatility associated with changes in interest
rates and foreign currency exchange rates by entering into financial arrangements intended to provide a hedge
against a portion of the risks associated with such volatility. We continue to have exposure to such risks to the extent
they are not hedged.
We enter into a derivative financial arrangement to the extent it meets the objectives described above, and we
do not engage in such transactions for trading or speculative purposes.
At year-end 2008, we were party to the following derivative instruments:
• Forward contracts to hedge forecasted transactions for management and franchise fee revenues earned in
foreign currencies. The aggregate dollar equivalent of the notional amounts was approximately $55 million,
and they expire in 2009.
• Forward foreign exchange contracts to manage the foreign currency exposure related to certain intercom-
pany loans not deemed to be permanently invested. The aggregate dollar equivalent of the notional amounts
of the forward contracts was approximately $376 million and they expire in 2009.
42
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The financial statements and supplementary data required by this Item are included in Item 15 of this Annual
Report and are incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9. Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
Not applicable.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company’s management conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the
Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of
the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2008. Based on this evaluation, the Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are
effective in alerting them in a timely manner to material information required to be included in the Company’s SEC
reports.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and its subsidiaries is responsible for establishing
and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act
Rule 13a-15(f) or 15(d)-15(f). Those rules define internal control over financial reporting as a process designed to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial
statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and
includes those policies and procedures that:
• Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions
and dispositions of the assets of the Company;
• Provide reasonable assurance that the transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of
financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and the receipts and expenditures of the Company are being
made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and
• Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or
disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect
misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls
may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies or
procedures may deteriorate.
The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2008. In making this assessment, the Company’s management used the criteria
established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on our assessment and those criteria, management believes that, as of
December 31, 2008, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective.
Management has engaged Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited
the financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, to attest to the Company’s internal control
over financial reporting. Its report is included herein.
44
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
We have audited Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.’s (the “Company”) internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). The
Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion
on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit
included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material
weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the
assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe
that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting
includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail,
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable
assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made
only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s
assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect
misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that
controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the
policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the related
consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 2008 of the Company and our report dated February 26, 2009, expressed an unqualified
opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
New York, New York
February 26, 2009
45
Changes in Internal Controls
There has not been any change in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the
evaluation that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably
likely to materially affect, those controls.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
The Board of Directors of the Company is currently comprised of 10 members, each of whom is elected for a
one-year term. The following table sets forth, for each of the members of the Board of Directors as of the date of this
Annual Report, certain information regarding such Director.
Name (Age) Principal Occupation and Business Experience Service Period
Frits van Paasschen (47) Chief Executive Officer of the Company since CEO and Director since
September 2007. Prior to joining Starwood, Mr. van September 2007
Paasschen served as President and CEO of Coors
Brewing Company. From April 2004 to March
2005, Mr. van Paasschen worked independently
through FPaasschen Consulting and Mercator
Investments. From 1997 to 2004, Mr. van Paasschen
held various positions at Nike, Inc., most recently
as Corporate Vice President/General Manager,
Europe, Middle East and Africa. From 1995 to
1997, Mr. van Paasschen served as Vice President,
Finance and Planning at Disney Consumer Products
and earlier in his career was a management
consultant for eight years at McKinsey & Company
and the Boston Consulting Group.
Adam M. Aron (54) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of World Director since August
Leisure Partners, Inc., a leisure-related consultancy, 2006
since 2006. From 1996 through 2006, Mr. Aron
served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Vail Resorts, Inc., an owner and operator of ski
resorts and hotels. Mr. Aron is a director of
Norwegian Cruise Line Limited and Prestige Cruise
Holdings, Inc.
Charlene Barshefsky (58) Senior International Partner at the law firm of Director and Trustee(1)
WilmerHale, LLP, Washington, D.C. since since October 2001
September 2001. From March 1997 to January
2001, Ambassador Barshefsky was the United
States Trade Representative, the chief trade
negotiator and principal trade policy maker for the
United States and a member of the President’s
Cabinet. Ambassador Barshefsky is a director of
The Estee Lauder Companies, Inc., American
Express Company and Intel Corporation.
Ambassador Barshefsky also serves on the Board of
Directors of the Council on Foreign Relations and is
a Trustee of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
She has been a Director of the Company, and was a
Trustee of the Trust, since October 2001.
46
Name (Age) Principal Occupation and Business Experience Service Period
Thomas E. Clarke (57) President of New Business Ventures of Nike, Inc., a Director since April 2008
designer, developer and marketer of footwear,
apparel and accessory products, since 2001.
Dr. Clarke joined Nike, Inc. in 1980. He was
appointed Divisional Vice President in charge of
marketing in 1987, Corporate Vice President in
1990, and served as President and Chief Operating
Officer from 1994 to 2000. Dr. Clarke previously
held various positions with Nike, Inc. primarily in
research, design, development and marketing.
Dr. Clarke is also a director of Newell Rubbermaid,
a global marketer of consumer and commercial
products.
Clayton C. Daley, Jr. (57) Spent his entire professional career with Procter & Director since November
Gamble, joining the company in 1974, and has held 2008
a number of key accounting and finance positions
including Comptroller, U.S. Operations for
Procter & Gamble USA; Vice President and
Comptroller of Procter & Gamble International and
Vice President and Treasurer. Mr. Daley was
appointed to his current position as Chief Financial
Officer, Procter & Gamble in 1998 and was elected
Vice Chair in 2007. Mr. Daley is a director of Boys
Scouts of America, Dan Beard Council, Cancer
Family Care and Nucor Corporation.
Bruce W. Duncan (57) President, CEO and Director of First Industrial Chairman of the Boards
Realty Trust, Inc. since January 2009 prior to which since May 2005;
time he was a private investor since January 2006. Director since April 1999;
From April to September 2007, Mr. Duncan served Trustee(1) since August
as Chief Executive Officer of the Company on an 1995
interim basis. He also has been a senior advisor to
Kohlberg Kravis & Roberts & Co. from July 2008
to January 2009. From May 2005 to December
2005, Mr. Duncan was Chief Executive Officer and
Trustee of Equity Residential (“EQR”), a publicly
traded apartment company. From January 2003 to
May 2005, he was President and Trustee of EQR.
Lizanne Galbreath (51) Managing Partner of Galbreath & Company, a real Director and Trustee(1)
estate investment firm, since 1999. From April 1997 since May 2005
to 1999, Ms. Galbreath was Managing Director of
LaSalle Partners/Jones Lang LaSalle where she also
served as a Director. From 1984 to 1997,
Ms. Galbreath served as a Managing Director then
Chairman and CEO of The Galbreath Company, the
predecessor entity of Galbreath & Company.
Eric Hippeau (57) Managing Partner of Softbank Capital Partners, a Director and Trustee(1)
technology venture capital firm, since March 2000. since April 1999
Mr. Hippeau served as Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Ziff-Davis Inc., an integrated
media and marketing company, from 1993 to March
2000 and held various other positions with Ziff-
Davis from 1989 to 1993. Mr. Hippeau is a
director of Yahoo! Inc.
47
Name (Age) Principal Occupation and Business Experience Service Period
Stephen R. Quazzo (49) Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer and co- Director since April 1999;
founder of Transwestern Investment Company, Trustee(1) since August
L.L.C., a real estate principal investment firm, since 1995
March 1996. From April 1991 to March 1996, Mr.
Quazzo was President of Equity Institutional
Investors, Inc., a subsidiary of Equity Group
Investments, Inc.
Thomas O. Ryder (64) Retired as Chairman of the Board of The Reader’s Director and Trustee(1)
Digest Association, Inc. on January 1, 2007. Prior since April 2001
to his retirement, Mr. Ryder was Chairman of the
Board of Reader’s Digest Association, Inc. since
January 1, 2006 and Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer from April 1998 through
December 31, 2005. Mr. Ryder was President,
American Express Travel Related Services
International, a division of American Express
Company, which provides travel, financial and
network services, from October 1995 to April 1998.
He is a director of Amazon.com, Inc. and Chairman
of the Board of Virgin Mobile USA, Inc.
Kneeland C. A founding partner of Pharos Capital Group, Director and Trustee(1)
Youngblood (53) L.L.C., a private equity fund focused on technology since April 2001
companies, business service companies and health
care companies, since January 1998. From July
1985 to December 1997, he was in private medical
practice. He is former Chairman of the Board of the
American Beacon Funds, a mutual fund company
managed by AMR Investments, an investment
affiliate of American Airlines. He is also a director
of Burger King Holdings, Inc., Gap, Inc., and
Energy Future Holdings (formerly TXU Corp.).
(1) Prior to the Host Transaction, the Trust was a subsidiary of the Corporation and directors may have also served
as Trustees of the Trust. On April 10, 2006, in connection with the Host Transaction, the Trustees resigned.
Executive Officers of the Registrants
The following table includes certain information with respect to each of the Company’s executive officers.
Name Age Position
Frits van Paasschen . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Chief Executive Officer and a Director
Matthew E. Avril . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 President, Hotel Group
Vasant M. Prabhu . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Kenneth S. Siegel . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and Secretary
Simon M. Turner . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 President, Global Development
Philip P. McAveety . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer
Jeffrey M. Cava . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
Frits van Paasschen. See Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance above.
Matthew E. Avril. Mr. Avril has been President, Hotel Group, since September 2008. From January 1, 2004
until September 2008, he was President & Managing Director of Operations for Starwood Vacation Ownership.
Philip P. McAveety. Mr. McAveety has been Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer since April
2008. Prior to joining the company, Mr. McAveety was Global Brand Director of Camper, a fashion footwear
48
company, from January 2007 until March 2008. From July 1997 until December 2006, he served as Vice President,
Brand Marketing, Europe, Middle East and Africa at Nike, Inc.
Vasant M. Prabhu. Mr. Prabhu has been the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since
January 2004. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Prabhu served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer for Safeway Inc., from September 2000 through December 2003. Mr. Prabhu was previously the President
of the Information and Media Group at the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., from June 1998 to August 2000, and held
several senior positions at divisions of PepsiCo, Inc. from June 1992 to May 1998. From August 1983 to May 1992
he was a partner at Booz Allen Hamilton, an international management consulting firm. Mr. Prabhu is a director of
Mattel, Inc.
Kenneth S. Siegel. Mr. Siegel has been Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel since May 2006.
From November 2000 to May 2006, Mr. Siegel held the position of Executive Vice President and General Counsel.
In February 2001, he was also appointed as the Secretary of the Company. Mr. Siegel was formerly the Senior Vice
President and General Counsel of Gartner, Inc., a provider of research and analysis on information technology
industries, from January 2000 to November 2000. Prior to that time, he served as Senior Vice President, General
Counsel and Corporate Secretary of IMS Health Incorporated, an information services company, and its prede-
cessors from February 1997 to December 1999. Prior to that time, Mr. Siegel was a Partner in the law firm of
Baker & Botts, LLP. Mr. Siegel is also a Trustee and Chairman of Cancer Hope Network, a non-profit entity, a
Trustee of Minority Corporate Counsel Association, and a Trustee of the American Hotel & Lodging Educational
Foundation.
Simon M. Turner. Mr. Turner has been President, Global Development since May 2008. From June 1996 to
April 2008, he was a principal of Hotel Capital Advisers, Inc., a hotel investment advisory firm. During this period,
Mr. Turner served on the board of directors of Four Season Hotels, Inc., serving as a member of the Human
Resources Committee and the Audit Committee. He was also a member of the board of Fairmont Raffles Hotels
International and was chairman of the Audit Committee. From July 1987 to May 1996, Mr. Turner was a member of
the Investment Banking Department of Salomon Brothers, based in both New York and London.
Jeffrey M. Cava. Mr. Cava has been Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, since
May 2008. Mr. Cava served as Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Wendy’s
International, Inc. from June 2003 to May 2008. Prior to joining Wendy’s, Mr. Cava was Vice President & Chief
Human Resources Officer for Nike Inc.; Vice President Human Resources for The Walt Disney Company,
Consumer Products Group; and Vice President of Global Staffing, Training and Development for ITT Sheraton
Corporation.
Corporate Governance
We have submitted the CEO certification to the NYSE pursuant to NYSE Rule 303A.12(a) following the 2008
Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
The remaining information called for by Item 10 is incorporated by reference to the information under the
following captions in the Proxy Statement: “Corporate Governance”; “Election of Directors”; “Board Meetings and
Committees”; and; “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.”
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
The information called for by Item 11 is incorporated by reference to the information under the following
captions in the Proxy Statement: “Executive Compensation,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Com-
pensation Committee Report,” “Summary Compensation Table,” “Grants of Plan-Based Awards,” “Narrative
Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards,” “Outstanding Equity Awards at
Fiscal Year-End,” “Option Exercises and Stock Vested,” “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation,” “Potential
Payments upon Termination or Change-in-Control,” and “Director Compensation.”
49
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
Matters.
The information called for by Item 12 is incorporated by reference to the information under the caption
“Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Equity Compensation Plan Informa-
tion-December 31, 2008” in the Proxy Statement.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence.
The information called for by Item 13 is incorporated by reference to the information under the captions
“Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Corporate Governance” in the Proxy Statement.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
The information called for by Item 14 is incorporated by reference to the information under the captions,
“Audit Fees” and “Pre-Approval of Services in the Proxy Statement.”
50
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-3
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 . . . . . . . . . F-4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and
2006. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-5
Consolidated Statements of Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 . . . . . . . . . . F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 . . . . . . F-7
Notes to Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-8
Schedule:
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S-1
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide,
Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income,
comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008.
Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial
statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the
consolidated financial position of the Company at December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the consolidated results
of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity
with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule,
when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects
the information set forth therein.
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted Financial Accounting
Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes an Interpretation of FASB
Statement No. 109, on January 1, 2007, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 152,
Accounting for Real Estate Time-Sharing Transactions, and SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment,
on January 1, 2006 and SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postre-
tirement Plans, on December 31, 2006.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria
established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission and our report dated February 26, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
New York, New York
February 26, 2009
F-2
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1. Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements represent the consolidated financial position and
consolidated results of operations of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the
“Corporation”). Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to the Corporation include those entities
owned or controlled by the Corporation, which prior to April 10, 2006 included Starwood Hotels & Resorts (the
“Trust”). All references to “Starwood” or the “Company” refer to the Corporation, the Trust and its respective
subsidiaries, collectively through April 7, 2006. As a result of the Host Transaction (as defined below) in April
2006, the financial statements for the Trust are no longer required to be consolidated or presented separately, nor is
the Company required to include a guarantor footnote containing certain financial information for Sheraton Holding
Corporation (“Sheraton Holding”), a former subsidiary of the Corporation.
Starwood is one of the world’s largest hotel and leisure companies. The Company’s principal business is hotels
and leisure, which is comprised of a worldwide hospitality network of almost 970 full-service hotels, vacation
ownership resorts and residential developments primarily serving two markets: luxury and upscale. The principal
operations of Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc. (“SVO”) include the acquisition, development and operation of
vacation ownership resorts; marketing and selling vacation ownership interests (“VOIs”) in the resorts; and
providing financing to customers who purchase such interests.
The Trust was formed in 1969 and elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust under the Internal
Revenue Code. In 1980, the Trust formed the Corporation and made a distribution to the Trust’s shareholders of one
share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Corporation (a “Corporation Share”) for each common
share of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share, of the Trust (a “Trust Share”).
Pursuant to a reorganization in 1999, the Trust became a subsidiary of the Corporation, which indirectly held
all outstanding shares of the new Class A shares of beneficial interest of the Trust (“Class A Shares”). In the 1999
reorganization, each Trust Share was converted into one share of the new non-voting Class B Shares of beneficial
interest in the Trust (a “Class B Share”). Prior to the Host Transaction discussed below and in detail in Note 5, the
Corporation Shares and the Class B Shares traded together on a one-for-one basis, consisting of one Corporation
Share and one Class B Share (the “Shares”).
On April 7, 2006, in connection with the transaction (the “Host Transaction”) with Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.,
its subsidiary Host Marriot, L.P. and certain other subsidiaries of Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (collectively, “Host”)
described below, the Shares were depaired and the Corporation Shares became transferable separately from the
Class B Shares. As a result of the depairing, the Corporation Shares trade alone under the symbol “HOT” on the
New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). As of April 10, 2006, neither Shares nor Class B Shares are listed or traded
on the NYSE.
On April 10, 2006, in connection with the Host Transaction, certain subsidiaries of Host acquired the Trust and
Sheraton Holding from the Corporation. As part of the Host Transaction, among other things, (i) a subsidiary of
Host was merged with and into the Trust, with the Trust surviving as a subsidiary of Host, (ii) all the capital stock of
Sheraton Holding was sold to Host and (iii) a subsidiary of Host was merged with and into SLT Realty Limited
Partnership (the “Realty Partnership”) with the Realty Partnership surviving as a subsidiary of Host.
Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company and its
subsidiaries include the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of majority-owned subsidiaries over which the
Company exercises control. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an
original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
F-8
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Restricted Cash. Restricted cash primarily consists of deposits received on sales of VOIs and residential
properties that are held in escrow until a certificate of occupancy is obtained, the legal rescission period has expired
and the deed of trust has been recorded in governmental property ownership records. At December 31, 2008 and
2007, the Company had short-term restricted cash balances of $96 million and $196 million, respectively.
Inventories. Inventories are comprised principally of VOIs of $729 million and $620 million as of
December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, residential inventory of $203 million and $33 million at December 31,
2008 and 2007, respectively, hotel inventory and Bliss inventory. VOI and residential inventory is carried at the
lower of cost or net realizable value and includes $25 million, $37 million and $22 million of capitalized interest
incurred in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Hotel inventory includes operating supplies and food and beverage
inventory items which are generally valued at the lower of FIFO cost (first-in, first-out) or market. Hotel inventory
also includes linens, china, glass, silver, uniforms, utensils and guest room items. Significant purchases of these
items with a useful life of greater than one year are recorded at purchased cost and amortized over their useful life.
Normal replacement purchases are expensed as incurred. Bliss inventory is valued at lower of cost or market.
Loan Loss Reserves. For the vacation ownership and residential segment, the Company records an estimate
of expected uncollectibility on its VOI notes receivable as a reduction of revenue at the time it recognizes profit on a
timeshare sale. The Company holds large amounts of homogeneous VOI notes receivable and therefore assesses
uncollectibility based on pools of receivables. In estimating loss reserves, the Company uses a technique referred to
as static pool analysis, which tracks uncollectible notes for each year’s sales over the life of the respective notes and
projects an estimated default rate that is used in the determination of its loan loss reserve requirements. As of
December 31, 2008, the average estimated default rate for the Company’s pools of receivables was 7.9%. Given the
significance of the Company’s respective pools of VOI notes receivable, a change in the projected default rate can
have a significant impact to its loan loss reserve requirements, with a 0.1% change estimated to have an impact of
approximately $3 million.
For the hotel segment, the Company measures loan impairment based on the present value of expected future
cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate or the estimated fair value of the collateral. For
impaired loans, the Company establishes a specific impairment reserve for the difference between the recorded
investment in the loan and the present value of the expected future cash flows or the estimated fair value of the
collateral. The Company applies the loan impairment policy individually to all loans in the portfolio and does not
aggregate loans for the purpose of applying such policy. For loans that the Company has determined to be impaired,
the Company recognizes interest income on a cash basis.
Assets Held for Sale. The Company considers properties to be assets held for sale when management
approves and commits to a formal plan to actively market a property or group of properties for sale and a signed
sales contract and significant non-refundable deposit or contract break-up fee exist. Upon designation as an asset
held for sale, the Company records the carrying value of each property or group of properties at the lower of its
carrying value which includes allocable segment goodwill or its estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, and
the Company stops recording depreciation expense. Any gain realized in connection with the sale of a property for
which the Company has significant continuing involvement (such as through a long-term management agreement)
is deferred and recognized over the initial term of the related agreement (See Note 12). The operations of the
properties held for sale prior to the sale date, if material, are recorded in discontinued operations unless the
Company will have continuing involvement (such as through a management or franchise agreement) after the sale.
Investments. Investments in joint ventures are accounted for using the guidance of the revised Financial
Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,
an Interpretation of ARB No. 51,” for all ventures deemed to be variable interest entities (“VIEs”). See additional
information regarding the Company’s VIEs in Note 23. All other joint venture investments are accounted for under
the equity method of accounting when the Company has a 20% to 50% ownership interest or exercises significant
influence over the venture. If the Company’s interest exceeds 50% or in certain cases, if the Company exercises
F-9
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
control over the venture, the results of the joint venture are consolidated herein. All other investments are generally
accounted for under the cost method.
The fair market value of investments is based on the market prices for the last day of the period if the
investment trades on quoted exchanges. For non-traded investments, fair value is estimated based on the underlying
value of the investment, which is dependent on the performance of the investment as well as the volatility inherent in
external markets for these types of investments. In assessing potential impairment for these investments, the
Company will consider these factors as well as forecasted financial performance of its investment. If these forecasts
are not met, the Company may have to record impairment charges.
Plant, Property and Equipment. Plant, property and equipment, including capitalized interest of $10 mil-
lion, $10 million and $5 million incurred in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, applicable to major project
expenditures are recorded at cost. The cost of improvements that extend the life of plant, property and equipment are
capitalized. These capitalized costs may include structural improvements, equipment and fixtures. Costs for normal
repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over the
estimated useful economic lives of 15 to 40 years for buildings and improvements; 3 to 10 years for furniture,
fixtures and equipment; 3 to 7 years for information technology software and equipment and the lesser of the lease
term or the economic useful life for leasehold improvements. Gains or losses on the sale or retirement of assets are
included in income when the assets are sold provided there is reasonable assurance of the collectibility of the sales
price and any future activities to be performed by the Company relating to the assets sold are insignificant.
The Company evaluates the carrying value of its assets for impairment. For assets in use when the trigger
events specified in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impair-
ment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” occur, the expected undiscounted future cash flows of the assets are
compared to the net book value of the assets. If the expected undiscounted future cash flows are less than the net
book value of the assets, the excess of the net book value over the estimated fair value is charged to current earnings.
Fair value is based upon discounted cash flows of the assets at rates deemed reasonable for the type of asset and
prevailing market conditions, appraisals and, if appropriate, current estimated net sales proceeds from pending
offers.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets. Goodwill and intangible assets arise in connection with acquisitions,
including the acquisition of management contracts. In accordance with the guidance in SFAS No. 141, “Business
Combinations,” and SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” the Company does not amortize
goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized on a straight-
line basis over their respective useful lives. The Company reviews all goodwill and intangible assets for impairment
by comparisons of fair value to book value annually, or upon the occurrence of a trigger event. Impairment charges,
if any, are recognized in operating results.
Frequent Guest Program. Starwood Preferred Guest» (“SPG”) is the Company’s frequent guest incentive
marketing program. SPG members earn points based on spending at the Company’s properties, as incentives to first-
time buyers of VOIs and residences, and through participation in affiliated partners’ programs such as co-branded
credit cards. Points can be redeemed at substantially all of the Company’s owned, leased, managed and franchised
properties as well as through other redemption opportunities with third parties, such as conversion to airline miles.
Properties are charged based on hotel guests’ expenditures. Revenue is recognized by participating hotels and
resorts when points are redeemed for hotel stays.
The Company, through the services of third-party actuarial analysts, determines the fair value of the future
redemption obligation based on statistical formulas which project the timing of future point redemption based on
historical experience, including an estimate of the “breakage” for points that will never be redeemed, and an
estimate of the points that will eventually be redeemed as well as the cost of reimbursing hotels and other third
parties in respect of other redemption opportunities for point redemptions. The Company’s management and
franchise agreements require that the Company be reimbursed currently for the costs of operating the program,
F-10
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
including marketing, promotion, communications with, and performing member services for the SPG members.
Actual expenditures for SPG may differ from the actuarially determined liability.
The liability for the SPG program is included in other long-term liabilities and accrued expenses in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The total actuarially determined liability as of December 31, 2008 and
2007 is $662 million and $536 million, respectively, of which $232 million and $182 million, respectively, is
included in accrued expenses.
Legal Contingencies. The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims, the outcomes of
which are subject to significant uncertainty. SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies,” requires that an estimated
loss from a loss contingency be accrued with a corresponding charge to income if it is probable that an asset has been
impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Disclosure of a
contingency is required if there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss has been incurred. The Company
evaluates, among other factors, the degree of probability of an unfavorable outcome and the ability to make a
reasonable estimate of the amount of loss. Changes in these factors could materially impact the Company’s
financial position or its results of operations.
Derivative Financial Instruments. The Company periodically enters into interest rate swap agreements,
based on market conditions, to manage interest rate exposure. The net settlements paid or received under these
agreements are accrued consistent with the terms of the agreements and are recognized in interest expense over the
term of the related debt.
The Company enters into foreign currency hedging contracts to manage exposure to foreign currency
fluctuations. All foreign currency hedging instruments have an inverse correlation to the hedged assets or liabilities.
Changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments are classified in the same manner as the classification of the
changes in the underlying assets or liabilities due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. These forward
contracts do not qualify as hedges under the provisions of SFAS No. 133.
The Company periodically enters into forward contracts to manage foreign exchange risk based on market
conditions. Beginning in January 2008, the Company entered into forward contracts to hedge fluctuations in
forecasted transactions based on foreign currencies that are billed in United States dollars. These forward contracts
have been designated as cash flow hedges under the provisions of SFAS No. 133, and their change in fair value is
recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. As a forecasted transaction occurs, the gain or loss is
reclassified from other comprehensive income to management fees, franchise fees and other income.
The Company does not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes and
monitors the financial stability and credit standing of its counterparties.
Foreign Currency Translation. Balance sheet accounts are translated at the exchange rates in effect at each
period end and income and expense accounts are translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the
year. The national currencies of foreign operations are generally the functional currencies. Gains and losses from
foreign exchange and the effect of exchange rate changes on intercompany transactions of a long-term investment
nature are generally included in other comprehensive income. Gains and losses from foreign exchange rate changes
related to intercompany receivables and payables that are not of a long-term investment nature are reported
currently in costs and expenses and amounted to a net gain of $5 million in 2008, net loss of $11 million in 2007 and
a net gain of $8 million in 2006.
Income Taxes. The Company provides for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for
Income Taxes.” The objectives of accounting for income taxes are to recognize the amount of taxes payable or
refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that
have been recognized in an entity’s financial statements or tax returns.
F-11
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those
temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a
change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period when the new rate is enacted.
Stock-Based Compensation.
On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-
Based Payment, a revision of the FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”
(“SFAS 123(R)”). SFAS 123(R) requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all
share-based awards to be based on estimated fair values of the share award on the date of grant. Under the modified
prospective method of adoption selected by the Company, compensation cost recognized is the same that would
have been recognized had the recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123(R) been applied from its original effective
date.
SFAS No. 123(R) requires the Company to calculate the fair value of share-based awards on the date of grant.
The Company has determined that a lattice valuation model would provide a better estimate of the fair value of
options granted under its long-term incentive plans than a Black-Scholes model and therefore, for all options
granted subsequent to January 1, 2005 the lattice valuation model was utilized. The lattice valuation option pricing
model requires the Company to estimate key assumptions such as expected life, volatility, risk-free interest rates and
dividend yield to determine the fair value of share-based awards, based on both historical information and
management judgment regarding market factors and trends. The Company amortizes the share-based compensation
expense over the period that the awards are expected to vest, net of estimated forfeitures. If the actual forfeitures
differ from management estimates, additional adjustments to compensation expense are recorded. Please refer to
Note 21, Stock-Based Compensation. The Company’s policy is to issue new shares upon exercise.
Revenue Recognition. The Company’s revenues are primarily derived from the following sources: (1) hotel
and resort revenues at the Company’s owned, leased and consolidated joint venture properties; (2) vacation
ownership and residential revenues; (3) management and franchise revenues; (4) revenues from managed and
franchised properties; and (5) other revenues which are ancillary to the Company’s operations. Generally, revenues
are recognized when the services have been rendered. Taxes collected from customers and submitted to taxing
authorities are not recorded in revenue. The following is a description of the composition of revenues for the
Company:
• Owned, Leased and Consolidated Joint Ventures — Represents revenue primarily derived from hotel
operations, including the rental of rooms and food and beverage sales, from owned, leased or consolidated
joint venture hotels and resorts. Revenue is recognized when rooms are occupied and services have been
rendered.
• Vacation Ownership and Residential — The Company recognizes revenue from VOI and residential sales in
accordance with SFAS No. 152, “Accounting for Real Estate Time Sharing Transactions,” and SFAS No. 66,
“Accounting for Sales of Real Estate,” as amended. The Company recognizes sales when the buyer has
demonstrated a sufficient level of initial and continuing investment, the period of cancellation with refund
has expired and receivables are deemed collectible. For sales that do not qualify for full revenue recognition
as the project has progressed beyond the preliminary stages but has not yet reached completion, all revenue
and profit are initially deferred and recognized in earnings through the percentage-of-completion method.
Interest income associated with timeshare notes receivable is also included in vacation ownership and
residential sales and services revenue and totaled $57 million, $40 million and $30 million in 2008, 2007 and
2006, respectively. The Company has also entered into licensing agreements with third-party developers to
offer consumers branded condominiums or residences. The fees from these arrangements are generally
based on the gross sales revenue of the units sold. Residential fee revenue is recorded in the period that a
purchase and sales agreement exists, delivery of services and obligations has occurred, the fee to the owner is
deemed fixed and determinable and collectibility of the fees is reasonably assured.
F-12
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
• Management and Franchise Revenues — Represents fees earned on hotels managed worldwide, usually
under long-term contracts, franchise fees received in connection with the franchise of the Company’s
Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, Le Méridien, St. Regis, W, Luxury Collection, Aloft and Element
brand names, termination fees and the amortization of deferred gains related to sold properties for which the
Company has significant continuing involvement, offset by payments by the Company under performance
and other guarantees. Management fees are comprised of a base fee, which is generally based on a
percentage of gross revenues, and an incentive fee, which is generally based on the property’s profitability.
Base fee revenues are recognized when earned in accordance with the terms of the contract. For any time
during the year, when the provisions of the management contracts allow receipt of incentive fees upon
termination, incentive fees are recognized for the fees due and earned as if the contract was terminated at that
date, exclusive of any termination fees due or payable. Franchise fees are generally based on a percentage of
hotel room revenues and are recognized in accordance with SFAS No. 45, “Accounting for Franchise Fee
Revenue,” as the fees are earned and become due from the franchisee.
• Revenues from Managed and Franchised Properties — These revenues represent reimbursements of costs
incurred on behalf of managed hotel properties and franchisees. These costs relate primarily to payroll costs
at managed properties where the Company is the employer. Since the reimbursements are made based upon
the costs incurred with no added margin, these revenues and corresponding expenses have no effect on the
Company’s operating income or net income.
Insurance Retention. Through its captive insurance company, the Company provides insurance coverage for
workers’ compensation, property and general liability claims arising at hotel properties owned or managed by the
Company through policies written directly and through reinsurance arrangements. Estimated insurance claims
payable represent expected settlement of outstanding claims and a provision for claims that have been incurred but
not reported. These estimates are based on the Company’s assessment of potential liability using an analysis of
available information including pending claims, historical experience and current cost trends. The amount of the
ultimate liability may vary from these estimates. Estimated costs of these self-insurance programs are accrued,
based on the analysis of third-party actuaries.
Costs Incurred to Sell VOIs. The Company capitalizes direct costs attributable to the sale of VOIs until the
sales are recognized. Selling and marketing costs capitalized under this methodology were approximately $7 million
and $6 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and all such capitalized costs are included in
prepaid expenses and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Costs eligible for capitalization
follow the guidelines of SFAS No. 152. If a contract is cancelled, the Company charges the unrecoverable direct
selling and marketing costs to expense and records forfeited deposits as income.
VOI and Residential Inventory Costs. Real estate and development costs are valued at the lower of cost or
net realizable value. Development costs include both hard and soft construction costs and together with real estate
costs are allocated to VOIs and residential units on the relative sales value method. Interest, property taxes and
certain other carrying costs incurred during the construction process are capitalized as incurred. Such costs
associated with completed VOI and residential units are expensed as incurred.
Advertising Costs. The Company enters into multi-media ad campaigns, including television, radio, internet
and print advertisements. Costs associated with these campaigns, including communication and production costs,
are aggregated and expensed the first time that the advertising takes place in accordance with the American Institute
of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) Statement of Position (“SOP”) No. 93-7, “Reporting on Advertising
Costs.” If it becomes apparent that the media campaign will not take place, all costs are expensed at that time.
During the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company incurred approximately $146 million,
$116 million and $135 million of advertising expense, respectively, a significant portion of which was reimbursed
by managed and franchised hotels.
F-13
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Retained Interests. The Company periodically sells notes receivable originated by its vacation ownership
business in connection with the sale of VOIs. The Company retains interests in the assets transferred to qualified and
non-qualified special purpose entities which are accounted for as over-collateralizations and interest only strips.
These retained interests are treated as “available-for-sale” transactions under the provisions of SFAS No. 115,
“Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.” The Company reports changes in the fair
values of these Retained Interests considered temporary through the accompanying consolidated statement of
comprehensive income. A change in fair value determined to be other-than-temporary is recorded as a loss in the
Company’s consolidated statement of income. The Company had Retained Interests of $19 million and $40 million
at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles gen-
erally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results
could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ financial statements to
conform to the current year presentation.
Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards.
Adopted Accounting Standards
In January 2009, the FASB issued Financial Statement of Position (“FSP”) Issue No. EITF 99-20-1,
“Amendments to the Impairment Guidance of EITF Issue No. 99-20” (“FSP EITF No. 99-20-1”). FSP EITF
No. 99-20-1 amends the impairment guidance in EITF Issue No. 99-20, “Recognition of Interest Income and
Impairment on Purchased Beneficial Interests and Beneficial Interests that Continue to be Held by a Transferor in
Securitized Financial Assets” to achieve more consistent determination of whether an other-than-temporary
impairment has occurred. The Company adopted FSP EITF No. 99-20-1 in December 2008 and it did not have
a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In December 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. 140-4 and FIN No. 46(R)-8, “Disclosures by Public Entities
(Enterprises) about Transfers of Financial Assets and Interests in Variable Interest Entities” (“FSP No. 140-4”)
which amends FASB No. 140 “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of
Liabilities, a replacement of SFAS No. 125” and FIN No. 46 (R) “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” to
require public enterprises, including sponsors that have a variable interest in a variable interest entity, to provide
additional disclosures about their involvement with variable interest entities. This FSP No. 140-4 is effective in
reporting periods ending after December 15, 2008. The Company adopted FSP No. 140-4 in December 2008 and it
did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”
(“SFAS 162”). SFAS No. 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the
principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in
conformity with GAAP. Effective November 15, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 162, which did not have
any impact on the Company’s financial statements.
Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”)
No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”). In February 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards
Board (“FASB”) issued FSP No. SFAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157,” which provides a one
year deferral of the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those
that are recognized or disclosed in the financial statements at fair value at least annually. Therefore, the Company
has adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157 with respect to its financial assets and liabilities only. SFAS No. 157
defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under generally accepted accounting principles
F-14
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
and enhances disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is defined under SFAS No. 157 as the exchange
price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most
advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the
measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value under SFAS No. 157 must maximize the use of
observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The standard describes a fair value hierarchy based
on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be
used to measure fair value as follows:
• Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
• Level 2 — Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices
for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable
or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
• Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to
the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial
statements. See Note 11 for additional information.
In December 2007, the Emerging Issues Task Force of the FASB (“EITF”) reached a consensus on EITF issue
No. 07-6 “Accounting for the Sale of Real Estate Subject to the Requirements of FASB Statement No. 66 When the
Agreement Includes a Buy-Sell Clause” (“EITF 07-6”). EITF 07-6 establishes that a buy-sell clause, in and of itself
does not constitute a prohibited form of continuing involvement that would preclude partial sales treatment under
FASB Statement No. 66. EITF 07-6 will be effective for new arrangements entered into in fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted EITF 07-6 on
January 1, 2008 and it did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In June 2007, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the EITF on Issue No. 06-11 “Accounting for Income
Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards” (“EITF 06-11”). Under this consensus, a realized
income tax benefit from dividends or dividend equivalents that are charged to retained earnings and are paid to
employees under certain equity-based benefit plans should be recognized as an increase in additional paid-in
capital. The consensus is effective in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007 and should be applied
prospectively for income tax benefits derived from dividends declared after adoption. The Company adopted
EITF 06-11 on January 1, 2008 and it did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial
Liabilities Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“SFAS No. 159”) This standard permits entities
to choose to measure financial instruments and certain other items at fair value and is effective for the first fiscal
year beginning after November 15, 2007. SFAS No. 159 must be applied prospectively, and the effect of the first re-
measurement to fair value, if any, should be reported as a cumulative — effect adjustment to the opening balance of
retained earnings. The adoption of SFAS No. 159 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s
consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted SFAS No. 159 on January 1, 2008, and did not elect the
fair value option for any of its assets or liabilities.
In November 2006, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the EITF on Issue No. 06-8, “Applicability of
the Assessment of a Buyer’s Continuing Investment under FASB Statement No. 66, Accounting for Sales of Real
Estate, for Sales of Condominiums” (“EITF 06-8”). EITF 06-8 will require condominium sales to meet the
continuing involvement criterion of SFAS No. 66 in order for profit to be recognized under the percentage of
completion method. EITF 06-8 will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after March 15, 2007. The
cumulative effect of applying EITF 06-8, if any, is to be reported as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained
earnings in the year of adoption. The adoption of EITF 06-8 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s
financial statements or require a cumulative effect adjustment.
F-15
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”
(“FIN 48”). This interpretation, among other things, creates a two step approach for evaluating uncertain tax
positions. Recognition (step one) occurs when an enterprise concludes that a tax position, based solely on its
technical merits, is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination. Measurement (step two) determines the
amount of benefit that more-likely-than-not will be realized upon settlement. Derecognition of a tax position that
was previously recognized would occur when a company subsequently determines that a tax position no longer
meets the more-likely-than-not threshold of being sustained. FIN 48 specifically prohibits the use of a valuation
allowance as a substitute for derecognition of tax positions, and it has expanded disclosure requirements. The
Company adopted FIN 48 on January 1, 2007, and recorded an increase of approximately $35 million as a
cumulative-effect adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings. See Note 14 for additional information.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 152, which amends SFAS No. 66, and SFAS No. 67,
“Accounting for Costs and Initial Rental Operations of Real Estate Projects,” in association with the issuance of
AICPA SOP 04-2, “Accounting for Real Estate Time-Sharing Transactions.” These statements were issued to
address the diversity in practice caused by a lack of guidance specific to real estate time-sharing transactions.
Among other things, the standard addresses the treatment of sales incentives provided by a seller to a buyer to
consummate a transaction, the calculation of accounting for uncollectible notes receivable, the recognition of
changes in inventory cost estimates, recovery or repossession of VOIs, selling and marketing costs, associations and
upgrade and reload transactions. The standard also requires a change in the classification of the provision for loan
losses for VOI notes receivable from an expense to a reduction in revenue.
In accordance with SFAS No. 66, as amended by SFAS No. 152, the Company recognizes sales when the
period of cancellation with refund has expired, receivables are deemed collectible and the buyer has demonstrated a
sufficient level of initial and continuing involvement. For sales that do not qualify for full revenue recognition as the
project has progressed beyond the preliminary stages but has not yet reached completion, all revenue and associated
direct expenses are initially deferred and recognized in earnings through the percentage-of-completion method.
The Company adopted SFAS No. 152 on January 1, 2006 and recorded a charge of $70 million, net of a
$46 million tax benefit, as a cumulative effect of accounting change in its 2006 consolidated statement of income.
Future Adoption of Accounting Standards
In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets (“FSP
No. 142-3”). FSP No. 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension
assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and
Other Intangible Assets.” FSP No. 142-3 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact
that FSP No. 142-3 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities-an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS No. 161”). SFAS No. 161 requires enhanced
disclosure related to derivatives and hedging activities. Under SFAS No. 161, entities are required to provide
enhanced disclosures relating to: (i) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments; (ii) how derivative
instruments and related hedge items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments
and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS No. 133”); and; (iii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an
entity’s financial statements. SFAS No. 161 must be applied prospectively to all derivative instruments and non-
derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments and related hedged items accounted
for under SFAS No. 133 for all financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after
November 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that SFAS No. 161 will have on its
consolidated financial statements.
F-16
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007) (SFAS 141(R)), “Business Combinations,”
which is a revision of SFAS 141, “Business Combinations.” The primary requirements of SFAS 141(R) are as
follows: (i.) Upon initially obtaining control, the acquiring entity in a business combination must recognize 100% of
the fair values of the acquired assets, including goodwill, and assumed liabilities, with only limited exceptions even
if the acquirer has not acquired 100% of its target. As a consequence, the current step acquisition model will be
eliminated. (ii.) Contingent consideration arrangements will be fair valued at the acquisition date and included on
that basis in the purchase price consideration. The concept of recognizing contingent consideration at a later date
when the amount of that consideration is determinable beyond a reasonable doubt, will no longer be applicable. (iii.)
All transaction costs will be expensed as incurred. SFAS 141 (R) is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first
fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2008. Adoption is prospective and early adoption is not permitted.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial
Statements — An Amendment of ARB No. 51, or SFAS No. 160.” SFAS No. 160 establishes new accounting and
reporting standards for the non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary.
SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company does not believe
that SFAS 160 will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
Note 3. Earnings per Share
The following is a reconciliation of basic earnings per Share to diluted earnings per Share for income from
continuing operations (in millions, except per Share data):
Year Ended December 31,
2008 2007 2006
Per Per Per
Earnings Shares Share Earnings Shares Share Earnings Shares Share
Basic earnings from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . $254 181 $1.40 $543 203 $2.67 $1,115 213 $5.25
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee options and restricted stock awards . . . . . . — 4 — 8 — 9
Convertible debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — — 1
Diluted earnings from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . $254 185 $1.37 $543 211 $2.57 $1,115 223 $5.01
Approximately 7 million Shares, 1 million Shares and 2 million Shares were excluded from the computation of
diluted Shares in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, as their impact would have been anti-dilutive.
On March 15, 2006, the Company completed the redemption of the remaining 25,000 shares of Class B
Exchangeable Preferred Shares of the Trust (“Class B EPS”) for approximately $1 million. In April 2006, the
Company completed the redemption of the remaining 562,000 shares of Class A Exchangeable Preferred Shares of
the Trust (“Class A EPS”) for approximately $33 million. For the period prior to the redemption dates,
157,000 shares of Class A and Class B EPS are included in the computation of basic Shares for the year ended
December 31, 2006.
Prior to June 5, 2006, the Company had contingently convertible debt, the terms of which allowed for the
Company to redeem such instruments in cash or Shares. The Company, in accordance with SFAS No. 128,
“Earnings per Share,” utilized the if-converted method to calculate dilution once certain trigger events were met.
One of the trigger events for the Company’s contingently convertible debt was met during the first quarter of 2006
when the closing sale price per Share was $60 or more for a specified length of time. On May 5, 2006, the Company
gave notice of its intention to redeem the convertible debt on June 5, 2006. Under the terms of the convertible
indenture, prior to this redemption date, the note holders had the right to convert their notes into Shares at the stated
conversion rate. Under the terms of the indenture, the Company settled conversions by paying the principal portion
of the notes in cash and the excess amount of the conversion spread in Corporation Shares. For the period prior to the
F-17
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
conversion dates, approximately 1 million Shares were included in the computation of diluted Shares for the year
ended December 31, 2006.
In connection with the Host Transaction, Starwood’s shareholders received 0.6122 Host shares and $0.503 in
cash for each of their Class B Shares. Holders of Starwood employee stock options did not receive this consideration
while the market price of the Company’s publicly traded shares was reduced to reflect the payment of this
consideration directly to the holders of the Class B Shares. In order to preserve the value of the Company’s options
immediately before and after the Host Transaction, in accordance with the stock option agreements, the Company
adjusted its stock options to reduce the strike price and increase the number of stock options using the intrinsic value
method based on the Company’s stock price immediately before and after the transaction. As a result of this
adjustment, the diluted stock options increased by approximately 1 million Corporation Shares effective as of the
closing of the Host Transaction. In accordance with SFAS No. 123(R), this adjustment did not result in any
incremental fair value, and as such, no additional compensation cost was recognized. Furthermore, in order to
preserve the value of the contingently convertible debt discussed above, the Company modified the conversion rate
of the contingently convertible debt in accordance with the indenture.
Note 4. Significant Acquisitions
Acquisition of the Sheraton Full Moon Maldives Resort and Spa
During the fourth quarter of 2008, the company entered into a joint venture that acquired the Sheraton Full
Moon Maldives Resort and Spa. The company invested approximately $28 million in this venture in exchange for a
45% ownership interest.
Acquisition of the Sheraton Steamboat Resort and Conference Center
During the second quarter of 2007, the Company purchased the Sheraton Steamboat Resort & Conference
Center for approximately $58 million in cash from a joint venture in which the Company held a 10% interest. The
sale resulted in the recognition of a gain by the joint venture, and the Company’s portion of the gain was
approximately $7 million, which was recorded as a reduction in the basis of the assets purchased by the Company.
Acquisition of an interest in a Joint Venture that Purchased the Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel
During the first quarter of 2007, the Company entered into a joint venture that acquired the Sheraton Grande
Tokyo Bay Hotel. This hotel has been managed by the Company since its opening and will continue to be operated
by the Company under a long-term management agreement with the joint venture. The Company invested
approximately $19 million in this venture in exchange for a 25.1% ownership interest.
Acquisition of Certain Assets from Club Regina Resorts
In December 2006, the Company completed a transaction to, among other things, purchase certain assets from
Club Regina Resorts (“CRR”) in Mexico. These assets included land and fixed assets adjacent to The Westin
Resort & Spa in Los Cabos, Mexico, and terminated CRR’s rights to solicit guests at three Westin properties in
Mexico. In addition to the purchase of these assets, the transaction included the settlement of all pending and
threatened legal claims between the parties and the exchange of a new issue of CRR notes with a lower principal
amount for notes the Company previously held from an affiliate of CRR. Total consideration of approximately
$41 million was paid by Starwood for these items. The portion related to the legal settlement was expensed.
Development of Restaurant Concepts with Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten
In May 2006, the Company partnered with Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and a private equity firm to create
a joint venture that will develop, own, operate, manage and license world-class restaurant concepts created by Jean-
Georges Vongerichten, including operating the existing Spice Market restaurant located in New York City. The
F-18
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
concepts owned by the venture will be available for Starwood’s upper-upscale and luxury hotel brands including W,
Westin, Le Meridien and St. Regis. Additionally, the venture may own and operate freestanding restaurants outside
of Starwood’s hotels. Starwood invested approximately $22 million in this venture for a 32.7% equity interest.
Note 5. Asset Dispositions and Impairments
During 2008, as a result of the current economic climate, the Company reviewed the recoverability of its
carrying values of its owned hotels and concluded that five hotels were impaired. These hotels are non-Starwood
branded hotels, in which the Company has no intention to invest significant capital and operating income has
deteriorated significantly. The fair values of the hotels were estimated by using comparative sales for similar assets
and recent letters of intent to sell certain assets. An impairment charge of $64 million was recorded in the year ended
December 31, 2008 associated with these hotels. These assets are reported in the Hotels operating segment. It is
reasonably possible that there will be additional impairments on owned hotels in 2009 if economic conditions
worsen.
During 2008, as a result of current market conditions and its impact on the timeshare industry, the Company
reviewed the fair value of its economic interests in securitized VOI notes receivable and concluded these interests
were impaired. The fair value of the Company’s investment in these retained interests was determined by estimating
the net present value of the expected future cash flows, based on expected default and prepayment rates (See
Note 10.) The Company recorded an impairment charge of $22 million in the year ended December 31, 2008 related
to these retained interests. These assets are reported in the Vacation Ownership and Residential operating segment.
During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company sold The Westin Turnberry for net cash proceeds of
$99 million. This sale was subject to a long term management contract and the Company recorded a deferred gain of
$27 million in connection with the sale.
During the third quarter of 2008, the Company recorded a loss of $11 million primarily related to an investment
in which the Company holds a minority interest. This investment was fully written off as the joint venture’s lenders
began foreclosure proceedings on the underlying assets of the venture.
During 2007, the Company recorded a net loss of $44 million, primarily related to a net loss of $58 million on
the sale of eight wholly owned hotels and a loss of approximately $7 million primarily related to charges at three
other properties. These losses were offset in part by $20 million of net gains primarily on the sale of assets in which
the Company held a minority interest and a gain of $6 million as a result of insurance proceeds received for property
damage caused by storms at two owned hotels in prior years.
During the second quarter of 2006, the Company consummated the Host Transaction whereby subsidiaries of
Host acquired 33 properties and the stock of certain controlled subsidiaries, including Sheraton Holding and the
Trust. The stock and cash transaction was valued at approximately $4.1 billion, including debt assumption (based on
Host’s closing stock price on April 7, 2006 of $20.53). In the first phase of the transaction, 28 hotels and the stock of
certain controlled subsidiaries, including Sheraton Holding and the Trust, were acquired by Host for consideration
valued at $3.54 billion. On May 3, 2006, four additional hotels located in Europe were sold to Host for net proceeds
of approximately $481 million in cash. On June 13, 2006, the final hotel in Venice, Italy was sold to Host for net
proceeds of approximately $74 million in cash. In connection with the first phase of the transaction, Starwood
shareholders received approximately $2.8 billion in the form of Host common stock valued at $2.68 billion and
$119 million in cash for their Class B shares. Based on Host’s closing price on April 7, 2006, this consideration had
a per — Class B share value of $13.07. Starwood directly received approximately $738 million of consideration in
the first phase, including $600 million in cash, $77 million in debt assumption and $61 million in Host common
stock. In addition, the Corporation assumed from its subsidiary, Sheraton Holding, debentures with a principal
balance of $600 million. As the sale of the Class B shares involved a transaction with Starwood’s shareholders, the
book value of the Trust associated with this sale was treated as a non-reciprocal transaction with owners and was
removed through retained earnings up to the amount of retained earnings that existed at the sale date with the
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STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
remaining balance reducing additional paid in capital. This portion of the transaction was treated as a non-cash
exchange by Starwood and, consequently, was excluded from the consolidated statement of cash flows. The portion
of the transaction between the Company and Host was recorded as a disposition under the provisions of
SFAS No. 144. As Starwood sold these hotels subject to long-term management contracts, the calculated gain
on the sale of approximately $962 million has been deferred and is being amortized over the initial management
contract term of 20 years. This transaction also generated a capital loss, net of carry back and 2006 utilization, of
$2.4 billion for federal tax purposes. The entire tax benefit of the loss was offset by a valuation allowance due to the
uncertainty of realizing the tax benefit of this capital loss carryforward before its expiration in 2011. See Note 14.
The Company sold all of the Host common stock in the second quarter of 2006 and recorded a net gain of
approximately $1 million.
During 2006, the Company sold ten additional hotels in multiple transactions for approximately $437 million
in cash. The Company recorded a net loss of approximately $7 million associated with these sales. In addition, the
Company recorded a $5 million adjustment to reduce the gain on the sale of a hotel consummated in 2004 as certain
contingencies associated with that sale became probable in 2006.
Also in 2006, the Company recorded a loss of approximately $23 million primarily in connection with the
impairment of two properties, one of which has been demolished and is being rebuilt under the Aloft and Element
brands and another which represents land that was sold to a developer who is building two Starwood branded hotels
on the site. This loss was offset by a gain of approximately $29 million on the sale of the Company’s interests in two
joint ventures.
Also during 2006, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $11 million related to the Sheraton Cancun
in Cancun, Mexico that was damaged by Hurricane Wilma in 2005 and was completely demolished in order to build
additional vacation ownership units. This impairment charge was offset by a $13 million gain as a result of
insurance proceeds received primarily for the Sheraton Cancun and the Company’s other owned hotel in Cancun,
the Westin Cancun, as reimbursement for property damage caused by the same storm.
In September 2006, a joint venture, in which the Company has a minority interest, completed the sale of the
Westin Kierland hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona and the Company realized net proceeds of approximately $45 million.
The Company continues to manage the hotel subject to a newly amended, long-term management contract.
Accordingly, the Company’s share of the gain on the sale of approximately $46 million was deferred and is being
recognized in earnings over the remaining 21 years of the management contract.
Note 6. Assets Held for Sale
During the first quarter of 2008, the Company entered into a purchase and sale agreement for the sale of a hotel
for total consideration of $10 million. The Company received a non-refundable deposit from the prospective buyer
during the first quarter of 2008. The Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $1 million in the
first quarter of 2008 related to this hotel. The sale of this hotel is expected to be completed in 2009.
F-20
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Note 7. Plant, Property and Equipment
Plant, property and equipment, excluding assets held for sale, consisted of the following (in millions):
December 31,
2008 2007
Land and improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 635 $ 714
Buildings and improvements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 3,444 3,589
Furniture, fixtures and equipment . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 1,792 1,690
Construction work in process . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 199 221
6,070 6,214
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2,471) (2,364)
$ 3,599 $ 3,850
Unamortized capitalized computer software costs were $129 million and $104 million at December 31, 2008
and 2007 respectively. Amortization of capitalized computer software costs was $24 million, $23 million and
$22 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 respectively
Note 8. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2008 are as follows
(in millions):
Vacation
Hotel Ownership
Segment Segment Total
Balance at January 1, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. $1,465 $241 $1,706
Cumulative translation adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. (18) — (18)
Asset dispositions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. (51) — (51)
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. 2 — 2
Balance at December 31, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,398 $241 $1,639
Intangible assets consisted of the following (in millions):
December 31,
2008 2007
Trademarks and trade names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 315 $ 320
Management and franchise agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354 310
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 90
759 720
Accumulated amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (163) (124)
$ 596 $ 596
The intangible assets related to management and franchise agreements have finite lives, and accordingly, the
Company recorded amortization expense of $32 million, $26 million and $25 million, respectively, during the years
ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006. The other intangible assets noted above have indefinite lives.
F-21
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Amortization expense relating to intangible assets with finite lives for each of the years ended December 31 is
expected to be as follows (in millions):
2009 . .................................................. ................ $28
2010 . .................................................. ................ $28
2011 . .................................................. ................ $27
2012 . .................................................. ................ $27
2013 . .................................................. ................ $27
In accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, the Company performed its annual
impairment test of goodwill for both of its reporting segments and concluded that the goodwill was not impaired.
However, based on the economic climate and the deterioration of results in the hotel and timeshare industry, it is
reasonably possible that the fair value of goodwill related to the hotel and vacation ownership segment could
continue to decline in the near term.
Note 9. Other Assets
Other assets include the following (in millions):
December 31,
2008 2007
VOI notes receivable, net . . . . . . . . . . ................................... $444 $373
Other notes receivable, net . . . . . . . . . ................................... 32 41
Prepaid taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................... 130 —
Deposits and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................... 76 80
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $682 $494
Included in these balances at December 31, 2008 and 2007 are the following fixed rate notes receivable related
to the financing of VOIs (in millions):
December 31,
2008 2007
Gross VOI notes receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $581 $484
Allowance for uncollectible VOI notes receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (91) (68)
Net VOI notes receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 490 416
Less current maturities of gross VOI notes receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (54) (50)
Current portion of the allowance for uncollectible VOI notes receivable. . . . . . . . . . . 8 7
Long-term portion of net VOI notes receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $444 $373
The current maturities of net VOI notes receivable are included in accounts receivable in the Company’s
balance sheets.
As discussed in Note 2, as the Company holds large amounts of similar VOI notes receivable, the Company
assesses its loan loss reserves based on pools of receivables. As of December 31, 2008, the average estimated default
rate for the Company’s pool of receivables was 7.9%. Given the significance of the Company’s respective pools of
VOI notes receivable, a change in the projected default rate can have a significant impact to its loan loss reserve
requirements, with a 0.1% change estimated to have an impact of approximately $3 million. It is reasonably
F-22
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
possible that the carrying value of the VOI notes receivable could materially change in 2009 if the economy
continues to worsen.
The interest rates of the owned VOI notes receivable are as follows:
December 31,
2008 2007
Range of stated interest rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0% - 18% 0% - 18%
Weighted average interest rate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.9% 11.8%
The maturities of the gross VOI notes receivable are as follows (in millions):
December 31,
2008 2007
Due in 1 year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................... $ 54 $ 50
Due in 2 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................... 47 35
Due in 3 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................... 52 38
Due in 4 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................... 64 50
Due in 5 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................... 66 56
Due beyond 5 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................... 298 255
Total gross VOI notes receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $581 $484
The activity in the allowance for VOI loan losses was as follows (in millions):
Balance at January 1, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 68
Provision for loan losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Write-offs of uncollectible receivables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (50)
Balance at December 31, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 91
Note 10. Notes Receivable Securitizations
From time to time, the Company securitizes, without recourse, its fixed rate VOI notes receivable. To
accomplish these securitizations, the Company transfers a pool of VOI notes receivable to special purpose entities
(together with the special purpose entities in the next sentence, the “SPEs”) and the SPEs transfer the VOI notes
receivable to qualifying special purpose entities (“QSPEs”), as defined in SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers
and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities — a Replacement of FASB Statement
No. 125” (“SFAS No. 140”). To accomplish these securitizations, the Company transfers a pool of VOI notes
receivable to SPEs and the SPEs transfer the VOI notes receivable to a third party purchaser. The Company
continues to service the securitized VOI notes receivable pursuant to servicing agreements negotiated at arms-
length based on market conditions; accordingly, the Company has not recognized any servicing assets or liabilities.
All of the Company’s VOI notes receivable securitizations to date have qualified to be, and have been, accounted for
as sales in accordance with SFAS No. 140.
With respect to those transactions still outstanding at December 31, 2008, the Company retains economic
interests (the “Retained Interests”) in securitized VOI notes receivables through SPE ownership of QSPE beneficial
interests. The Retained Interests, which are comprised of subordinated interests and interest only strips in the related
VOI notes receivable, provides credit enhancement to the third-party purchasers of the related QSPE beneficial
interests. Retained Interests cash flows are limited to the cash available from the related VOI notes receivable, after
servicing and other related fees, absorbing 100% of any credit losses on the related VOI notes receivable and QSPE
fixed rate interest expense. With respect to those transactions still outstanding at December 31, 2008, the Retained
F-23
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Interests are classified and accounted for as “available-for-sale” securities in accordance with SFAS No. 115,
“Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” and SFAS No. 140.
The Company’s securitization agreements provide the Company with the option, subject to certain limitations,
to repurchase or replace defaulted VOI notes receivable at their outstanding principal amounts. Such activity totaled
$23 million, $21 million and $15 million during 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The Company has been able to
resell the VOIs underlying the VOI notes repurchased or replaced under these provisions without incurring
significant losses. The Company’s replacement of the defaulted VOI notes receivable under the securitization
agreements with new VOI notes receivable resulted in net gains of approximately $4 million, $2 million and
$1 million during 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, which are included in vacation ownership and residential sales
and services in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
In September 2006, the Company repurchased all of the VOI notes receivables still outstanding ($20 million)
that had been securitized in 2001 for $18 million. In addition, in November 2006 the Company securitized
approximately $133 million of VOI notes receivable (the “2006 Securitization”) resulting in net cash proceeds of
approximately $116 million. In accordance with SFAS No. 152, the related gain of $17 million is included in
vacation ownership and residential sales and services in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
Key assumptions used in measuring the fair value of the Retained Interests at the time of the 2006
Securitization and at December 31, 2006, relating to the 2006 Securitization, were as follows: discount rate of
10%; annual prepayments, which yields an average expected life of the prepayable VOI notes receivable of
94 months; and expected gross VOI notes receivable balance defaulting as a percentage of the total initial pool of
14.2%. These key assumptions are based on the Company’s prior experience.
At December 31, 2008, the aggregate outstanding principal balance of VOI notes receivable that have been
securitized was $228 million. The principal amounts of those VOI notes receivables that were more than 90 days
delinquent at December 31, 2008 was approximately $5 million.
Gross credit losses for all VOI notes receivable that have been securitized totaled $31 million, $23 million and
$17 million during 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
The Company received aggregate cash proceeds of $26 million, $33 million and $36 million from the Retained
Interests during 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The Company received aggregate servicing fees of $3 million,
$4 million and $4 million related to these VOI notes receivable during 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
At the time of each VOI notes receivable securitization and at the end of each financial reporting period, the
Company estimates the fair value of its Retained Interests using a discounted cash flow model. All assumptions used
in the models are reviewed and updated, if necessary, based on current trends and historical experience. As of
December 31, 2008, the aggregate net present value and carrying value of Retained Interests for the Company’s
three outstanding note securitizations was approximately $19 million, with the following key assumptions used in
measuring the fair value: an average discount rate of 17.8%, an average expected annual prepayment rate including
defaults of 20.4%, and an expected weighted average remaining life of prepayable notes receivable of 73 months.
The change in the fair value of the Retained Interests was determined to be other than temporary and an impairment
charge of $22 million was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008 (see Note 5).
F-24
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The Company completed a sensitivity analysis on the net present value of the Retained Interests to measure the
change in value associated with independent changes in individual key variables. The methodology applied
unfavorable changes for the key variables of expected prepayment rates, discount rates and expected gross credit
losses as of December 31, 2008. The decreases in value of the Retained Interests that would result from various
independent changes in key variables are shown in the chart that follows (in millions). The factors may not move
independently of each other.
Annual prepayment rate:
100 basis points-dollars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 0.4
100 basis points-percentage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.4%
200 basis points-dollars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 0.8
200 basis points-percentage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.6%
Discount rate:
100 basis points-dollars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 0.3
100 basis points-percentage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.9%
200 basis points-dollars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 0.7
200 basis points-percentage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7%
Gross annual rate of credit losses:
100 basis points-dollars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4.9
100 basis points-percentage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27.4%
200 basis points-dollars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 8.8
200 basis points-percentage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49.0%
Note 11. Fair Value
In accordance with SFAS No. 157, the following table presents the Company’s fair value hierarchy for its
financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2008 (in millions):
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Assets:
Forward contracts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $— $ 6 $— $ 6
Retained Interests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — 19 19
$— $ 6 $19 $25
Liabilities:
Forward contracts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $— $ 3 $— $ 3
The forward contracts are over the counter contracts that do not trade on a public exchange. The fair values of
the contracts are based on inputs such as foreign currency spot rates and forward points that are readily available on
public markets, and as such, are classified as Level 2. The Company considered both its credit risk, as well as its
counterparties’ credit risk in determining fair value and no adjustment was made as it was deemed insignificant
based on the short duration of the contracts and the Company’s rate of short-term debt.
F-25
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The Company estimates the fair value of its Retained Interests using a discounted cash flow model with
unobservable inputs, which is considered Level 3. The following key assumptions are used in measuring the fair
value: an average discount rate of 17.8%, an average expected annual prepayment rate, including defaults, of
20.4%, and an expected weighted-average remaining life of prepayable notes receivable of 73 months. See Note 10
for the impact on the fair value based on changes to the assumptions.
The following table presents a reconciliation of the Company’s Retained Interests measured at fair value on a
recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the year ended December 31, 2008 (in millions):
Balance at January 1, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......................... $ 40
Total losses (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......................... (17)
Included in other comprehensive income. . . . . . . . . . . .......................... (4)
Purchases, issuances, and settlements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......................... —
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......................... —
Balance at December 31, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 19
Note 12. Deferred Gains
The Company defers gains realized in connection with the sale of a property for which the Company continues
to manage the property through a long-term management agreement and recognizes the gains over the initial term of
the related agreement. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company had total deferred gains of $1.151 billion
and $1.216 billion, respectively, included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the Company’s consolidated
balance sheets. Amortization of deferred gains is included in management fees, franchise fees and other income in
the Company’s consolidated statements of income and totaled approximately $83 million, $81 million and
$62 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The increase in deferred gain amortization in 2008 and
2007 is primarily due to the Host Transaction discussed in Note 5.
Note 13. Restructuring and Other Special Charges, Net
During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company recorded a $60 million restructuring charge in
connection with its ongoing initiative of rationalizing its cost structure in light of the decline in growth in its
business units. The charge primarily related to costs associated with the closure of three vacation ownership call
centers and nine sales centers as well as severance costs associated with the reduction in force at the Company’s
corporate offices. In addition, the Company recorded a $2 million restructuring charge related to further demolition
costs at the Sheraton Bal Harbour Beach Resort (“Bal Harbour”), which is being redeveloped as a St. Regis hotel
along with branded residences and fractional units.
In 2008, due to the global economic climate and its impact on the timeshare industry, the Company evaluated
all of its existing vacation ownership projects to determine if such projects were still economically viable, and if so,
whether their fair values exceeded their carrying values. As a result of this analysis, the Company decided not to
pursue or continue development at primarily two main projects, resulting in an impairment charge of approximately
$72 million. This charge relates to the impairment of land, fixed assets, and non recoverable intangible assets. The
fair value was determined using a discounted cash flow method based on the alternative and best use for the
respective project sites.
Also in 2008, as a result of the global economic climate, the Company deemed that its minority investments in
two joint venture hotel projects were other-than-temporarily impaired and recorded an impairment charge of
$7 million. For each hotel, the construction of the property has not been completed and the lenders have begun the
foreclosure process. The controlling partners will not make additional capital contributions or pay the debt service.
F-26
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company recorded net restructuring and other special charges
of approximately $53 million primarily related to the Company’s redevelopment of the Sheraton Bal Harbour Beach
Resort. The Company demolished the hotel in late 2007 and plans to rebuild a St. Regis hotel along with branded
residences and fractional units. Bal Harbour was closed for business on July 1, 2007, and the majority of employees
were terminated. The charge primarily related to accelerated depreciation, demolition, and severance costs. This
charge was partially offset by a $2 million refund related to a terminated life insurance policy.
During the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company incurred and paid approximately $21 million of
transition costs associated with the Le Méridien Acquisition. Also during 2006, the Company recorded a charge of
approximately $7 million related to severance costs primarily related to certain executives in connection with the
continued corporate restructuring that began at the end of 2005, of which approximately $4 million related to
compensation expense due to the accelerated vesting of previously granted stock-based awards. These charges were
offset by the reversal of $8 million of accruals for a lease the Company assumed as part of the merger with Sheraton
Holding in 1998 as the reserve exceeded the Company’s maximum obligation.
Restructuring and Other Special Charges by operating segment are as follows:
Year Ended
December 31,
2008 2007 2006
Segment
Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 41 $53 $20
Vacation Ownership & Residential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 — —
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $141 $53 $20
The Company had remaining accruals of $41 million as of December 31, 2008, which are primarily recorded in
accrued expenses and other liabilities. The following table summarizes activity in the restructuring and other special
charges related accounts during the year ended December 31, 2008 (in millions):
December 31, Non-Cash Reversal of December 31,
2007 Expenses Payments Other Accruals 2008
Retained reserves established by
Sheraton Holding prior to its
merger with the Company in
1998 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 8 — — — — $ 8
Bal Harbour demolition costs . . . 1 $ 2 $ (3) — — —
Consulting fees associated with
cost reduction initiatives . . . . . — 5 (2) — — 3
Severance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — 39 (20) $ 4 23
Closure of vacation ownership
facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — 16 (1) (8) — 7
Impairments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — 79 — (79) — —
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 9 $141 $(26) $(83) — $41
F-27
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Company expects to realize future tax benefits from substantially all its federal and state net operating losses tax,
which expire by 2027. The Company has established a valuation allowance against substantially all of the tax
benefit for the remaining federal and state carryforwards as it is unlikely that the benefit will be realized prior to
their expiration. The Company is currently considering certain tax-planning strategies that may allow it to utilize
these tax attributes within the statutory carryforward period.
The Company generated a federal capital loss in connection with the Host Transaction which was originally
estimated at approximately $2.6 billion at December 31, 2006. During 2007, the Company completed its 2006 tax
return which included the Host Transaction and adopted FIN 48. As a result, the Company reduced its original
estimate of this capital loss and corresponding valuation allowance by approximately $1.2 billion, resulting in a
revised amount of $1.4 billion at December 31, 2006. Through December 31, 2008, approximately $558 million of
this loss has been utilized to offset 2008 and prior years’ capital gains. The remaining $818 million of capital loss is
available to offset federal capital gains through 2011. The Company also had state capital losses related to the Host
Transaction of approximately $981 million, substantially all of which expire in 2011. Due to the uncertainty of
realizing the tax benefit of the federal and state capital loss carryforwards, the entire tax benefit of the losses has
been offset by a valuation allowance.
In February 1998, the Company disposed of ITT World Directories. The Company recorded $551 million of
income taxes relating to this transaction. While the Company strongly believes this transaction was completed on a
tax-deferred basis, in 2002 the IRS proposed an adjustment to fully tax the gain in 1998, which would increase
Starwood’s taxable income by approximately $1.4 billion in that year. During 2004, the Company filed a petition in
United States Tax Court to contest the IRS’s proposed adjustment. As a result of an August 2005 United States Tax
Court decision against another taxpayer, the Company decided to treat this transaction as if it were taxable in 1998
for accounting purposes. As such, the Company applied substantially all of its federal net operating loss
carryforwards against the gain and accrued interest, resulting in a $360 million net current liability. The Company
paid the entire current liability to the IRS in October 2005 in order to eliminate any future interest accruals
associated with the pending dispute. In January 2009, the Company and the IRS reached an agreement in principle
to settle the litigation pertaining to the tax treatment of this transaction. The Company expects to finalize the details
of the agreement and obtain the refund during 2009.
A reconciliation of the tax provision of the Company at the U.S. statutory rate to the provision for income tax as
reported is as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
2008 2007 2006
Tax provision at U.S. statutory rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $115 $ 257 $ 239
U.S. state and local income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 13 (10)
Exempt Trust income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — (32)
Tax on repatriation of foreign earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (14) (29) (16)
Foreign tax rate differential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (20) 12 (15)
Change in uncertain tax positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — 13 —
Tax settlements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — 2 (59)
Tax benefit on the deferred gain from asset sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (10) (3) (356)
Tax benefits recognized on Host Transaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — 97 (1,017)
Basis difference on asset sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 (2) (41)
Change in of valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (31) (158) 884
Tax expense amortization from intercompany transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 — —
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 (13) (11)
Provision for income tax (benefit). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 76 $ 189 $ (434)
F-29
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
During 2007, the Company completed an evaluation of its ability to claim U.S. foreign tax credits generated in
prior years on its federal tax return. As a result of this analysis, the Company determined that it can realize the
credits for the 1999 and 2000 tax years. The Company had not previously accrued this benefit since the realization
of the benefit was determined to be unlikely. Therefore, during 2007, a $28 million tax benefit, net of incremental
taxes and interest, was recorded for these foreign tax credits. In addition, during 2006, the Company determined that
it could claim the credits for the 2005 and 2006 tax years. The Company had not previously accrued this benefit
since the realization of the benefit was determined to be unlikely. Therefore, during 2006, a $15 million and
$19 million tax benefit was recorded for 2006 and 2005, respectively for these foreign tax credits.
Pursuant to FIN 48, the Company is required to accrue tax and associated interest and penalty on uncertain tax
positions. During 2007, the Company recorded a $13 million charge, primarily associated with interest due on
existing uncertain tax positions.
During 2006, the IRS completed its audits of the Company’s 2001, 2002 and 2003 tax returns and issued its
final audit adjustments to the Company. In addition, state income tax audits for various jurisdictions and tax years
were completed during 2006. As a result of the completion of these audits, the Company recorded a $50 million tax
benefit. The Company also recognized a $9 million tax benefit during 2006 related to the reversal of previously
accrued income taxes after an evaluation of the applicable exposures and the expiration of the related statutes of
limitations.
As discussed in Note 5, the Company completed the Host Transaction during the second quarter of 2006 which
included the sale of 33 hotel properties. As the Company sold these hotels subject to long-term management
contracts, the gain of approximately $962 million has been deferred and is being recognized over the life of those
contracts. Accordingly, the Company has established a deferred tax asset and recognized the related tax benefit of
approximately $359 million for the book-tax difference on the deferred gain. Additional tax benefits of $1.017 bil-
lion resulted from the Host Transaction, consisting primarily of the tax benefit of $832 million on the $2.4 billion
federal capital loss, net of carrybacks and 2006 utilization. The remaining benefit consisted of an adjustment to
deferred income taxes for the increased tax basis of certain retained assets, partially offset by current tax liabilities
generated as a result of the transaction. During 2007, the Company completed its 2006 tax return which included the
Host Transaction. As a result, the Company recognized a net $97 million tax charge during 2007 as an adjustment to
the original tax benefit accrued in 2006. The net charge was comprised of a $114 million charge related to a
reduction to the amount of capital loss generated in the transaction offset by a $17 million tax benefit related to other
aspects of the transaction. As a valuation allowance fully offsets the capital loss carryforward, the Company also
recorded a $114 million tax benefit for the reversal of the capital loss valuation allowance.
During 2008, the Company sold the Westin Turnberry subject to a long-term management contract. As a result,
the pretax gain has been deferred and is being recognized over the life of the contract. Accordingly, the Company
has established a deferred tax asset and recognized the related tax benefit of approximately $10 million for the
book-tax difference on the deferred gain.
During 2008 and 2007, the Company completed certain transactions that generated capital gains for U.S. tax
purposes. These gains were completely offset by the capital loss generated in the Host Transaction. As discussed
above, the Company had not previously accrued a benefit for the capital loss since the realization was determined to
be unlikely. Therefore, during 2008 and 2007, the Company recorded tax benefits of $31 million and $35 million,
respectively, to reverse the capital loss valuation allowance.
As a result of the implementation of FIN 48 in 2007, the Company recognized a $35 million cumulative effect
adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings in the period. As of December 31, 2008, the Company had
approximately $1.0 billion of total unrecognized tax benefits, of which $150 million would affect its effective tax
rate if recognized. As discussed above, the Company expects to resolve the tax litigation related to the ITT World
Directories transaction during 2009 and expects to reduce that amount of unrecognized tax benefits by approx-
imately $499 million. The Company does not expect other significant increases or decreases to the amount of
F-30
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
unrecognized tax benefits within 12 months of December 31, 2008. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending
balance of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in millions):
Balance at January 1, 2007. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 964
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Additions for tax positions of prior years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Settlements with tax authorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2)
Reductions for tax positions of prior years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —
Reductions due to the lapse of applicable statutes of limitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)
Balance at December 31, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 968
Balance at January 1, 2008. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 968
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Additions for tax positions of prior years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Settlements with tax authorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (3)
Reductions for tax positions of prior years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (4)
Reductions due to the lapse of applicable statutes of limitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)
Balance at December 31, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,003
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits through income tax
expense. The Company had $76 million and $29 million accrued for the payment of interest and no accrued
penalties as of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.
The Company is subject to taxation in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, as well as various state and foreign
jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2008, the Company is no longer subject to examination by U.S. federal taxing
authorities for years prior to 2004 and to examination by any U.S. state taxing authority prior to 1998. All
subsequent periods remain eligible for examination. In the significant foreign jurisdictions in which the Company
operates, the Company is no longer subject to examination by the relevant taxing authorities for any years prior to
2001.
F-31
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Note 15. Debt
Long-term debt and short-term borrowings consisted of the following (in millions):
December 31,
2008 2007
Senior Credit Facilities:
Revolving Credit Facilities, interest rates of 2.32% at December 31, 2008,
maturing 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 213 $ 787
Term loan, interest rates ranging from 1.88% to 2.69% at December 31,2008, maturing
2009 and 2010 (2.35% at December 31, 2008) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,375 1,000
Senior Notes, interest at 7.875%, maturing 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 799 792
Senior Notes (former Sheraton Holding notes), interest at 7.375%, maturing 2015. . . . . . . . 449 449
Senior Notes, interest at 6.25%, maturing 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 601 400
Senior Notes, interest at 6.75%, maturing 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400 —
Mortgages and other, interest rates ranging from 5.80% to 8.56%, various maturities. . . . . . 171 167
4,008 3,595
Less current maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (506) (5)
Long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,502 $3,590
Aggregate debt maturities for each of the years ended December 31 are as follows (in millions):
2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... $ 506
2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... 505
2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... 596
2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... 847
2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... 653
Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... 901
$4,008
Due to the current credit liquidity crisis, the Company evaluated the commitments of each of the lenders in its
revolving credit facilities. Based on this review, the Company does not anticipate any issues regarding the
availability of funds under the revolving credit facilities.
The Company maintains lines of credit under which bank loans and other short-term debt are drawn. In
addition, smaller credit lines are maintained by the Company’s foreign subsidiaries. The Company had approx-
imately $1.585 billion of available borrowing capacity under its domestic and foreign lines of credit as of
December 31, 2008. The short-term borrowings at December 31, 2008 and 2007 were insignificant.
The Company is subject to certain restrictive debt covenants under its short-term borrowing and long-term debt
obligations including defined financial covenants, limitations on incurring additional debt, escrow account funding
requirements for debt service, capital expenditures, tax payments and insurance premiums, among other restric-
tions. The Company was in compliance with all of the short-term and long-term debt covenants at December 31,
2008.
For adjustable rate debt, fair value approximates carrying value due to the variable nature of the interest rates.
For non-public fixed rate debt, fair value is determined based upon discounted cash flows for the debt at rates
deemed reasonable for the type of debt and prevailing market conditions and the length to maturity for the debt. The
estimated fair value of debt at December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $3.2 billion and $3.7 billion, respectively, and was
determined based on quoted market prices and/or discounted cash flows.
F-32
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
On May 23, 2008, the Company completed a public offering of $600 million of senior notes, consisting of
$200 million aggregate principal amount 6.25% Senior Notes (“6.25% Notes”) due February 15, 2013 and
$400 million aggregate principal amount 6.75% Senior Notes (“6.75% Notes”) due May 15, 2018 (collectively, the
“Notes”). The Company received net proceeds of approximately $596 million, which were used to reduce the
outstanding borrowings under its Revolving Credit Facilities. Interest on the 6.25% Notes is payable semi-annually
on February 15 and August 15 and interest on the 6.75% Notes is payable semi-annually on May 15 and
November 15. The Company may redeem all or a portion of the Notes at any time at the Company’s option at a price
equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the aggregate principal plus accrued and unpaid interest and (2) the sum of the
present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest discounted at the redemption rate on a
semi-annual basis at the Treasury rate plus 35 basis points for the 6.25% Notes and 45 basis points for the
6.75% Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Notes rank parri passu with all other unsecured and
unsubordinated obligations. Upon a change in control of the Company, the holders of the Notes will have the
right to require repurchase of the respective Notes at 101% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.
Certain covenants on the Notes include restrictions on liens, sale and leaseback transactions, mergers, consoli-
dations and sale of assets.
On April 11, 2008, the Company’s $375 million Revolving Credit Facility that matured on April 27, 2008 was
converted to a term loan (“Term Loan”). The proceeds of the Term Loan were used to repay outstanding revolving
loans. The Term Loan expires on April 11, 2010, however, it can be extended until February 10, 2011 as long as
certain extension requirements are satisfied and subject to an extension fee. The term loans may be prepaid at any
time at the Company’s option without premium or penalty.
In the second quarter of 2008, the Company borrowed approximately $66 million under an international
revolving credit facility, which was repaid during the fourth quarter of 2008 in conjunction with the sale of three
properties by the Company (see Note 17).
On September 13, 2007, the Company completed a public offering of $400 million 6.25% Senior Notes
(“6.25% Notes”) due February 13, 2013. The Company received net proceeds of approximately $396 million, which
were used to reduce the outstanding borrowings under its Revolving Credit Facility. Interest on the 6.25% Notes is
payable semi-annually on February 15 and August 15. At any time, the Company may redeem all or a portion of the
6.25% Notes at the Company’s option at a price equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the aggregate principal plus
accrued and unpaid interest and (2) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal
and interest discounted at the redemption rate on a semi-annual basis at the Treasury rate plus 35 basis points, plus
accrued and unpaid interest. The 6.25% Notes rank parri passu with all other unsecured and unsubordinated
obligations. Upon a change in control of the Company, the holders of the 6.25% Notes will have the right to require
repurchase of the respective Notes at 101% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. Certain
covenants in the 6.25% Notes include restrictions on liens, sale and leaseback transactions, mergers, consolidations
and sale of assets.
On June 29, 2007, the Company entered into a credit agreement that provides for two term loans of
$500 million each. One term loan matures on June 29, 2009, and the other matures on June 29, 2010. Proceeds
from these loans were used to repay balances under the existing Revolving Credit Facility (established under the
2006 Facility referenced below), which remains in effect. The Company may prepay the outstanding aggregate
principal amount, in whole or in part, at any time. The covenants in this credit agreement are the same as those in the
Company’s existing Revolving Credit Facility.
On April 27, 2007 the Company amended its Revolving Credit Facility to the interest rate (from the original
rate of LIBOR + 0.475% to LIBOR + 0.400%) and increase commitments by $450 million, to a total of
$2.250 billion. Of this amount, $375 million expired on April 27, 2008, and the remaining $1.875 billion will
expire in February 2011.
F-33
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Note 16. Other Liabilities
Other liabilities consisted of the following (in millions):
December 31,
2008 2007
Deferred gains on asset sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,069 $1,133
SPG point liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... 430 354
Deferred income including VOI and residential sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... 55 34
Benefit plan liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... 106 62
Insurance reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... 50 68
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... 133 150
$1,843 $1,801
Note 17. Discontinued Operations
Summary financial information for discontinued operations is as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
2008 2007 2006
Income Statement Data
Gain (loss) on disposition, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $75 $(1) $(2)
For the year ended December 31, 2008, the gain on dispositions includes a $124 million gain ($129 million pre
tax) on sale of three hotels which were sold unencumbered by management or franchise contracts. Discontinued
operations for the year ended December 31, 2008 also includes a $49 million tax charge as a result of a 2008
administrative tax ruling for an unrelated taxpayer that impacts the tax liability associated with the disposition of
one of the Company’s businesses several years ago.
For the year ended December 31, 2007, the loss on disposition represents a $1 million tax assessment
associated with the disposition of the Company’s former gaming business in 1999.
For the year ended December 31, 2006, the loss on disposition represents a $2 million tax assessment
associated with the disposition of the Company’s former gaming business in 1999.
Note 18. Employee Benefit Plans
On December 31, 2006, the Company adopted the recognition and disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 158.
SFAS No. 158 required the Company to recognize the funded status (i.e., the difference between the fair value of
plan assets and the projected benefit obligations) of its pension plans in the December 31, 2006 consolidated
balance sheet, with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax. The
incremental effects of adopting the provisions of SFAS No. 158 on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at
December 31, 2006 increased net liabilities by $6 million, with a corresponding decrease to accumulated other
comprehensive income. The adoption of SFAS No. 158 had no effect on the Company’s consolidated statement of
income for the year ended December 31, 2006, or for any prior period presented, and it will not effect the
Company’s operating results in future periods.
The net actuarial loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income for the year ended December 31,
2008 was $60 million (net of tax). The amortization of actuarial gain/loss, a component of accumulated other
comprehensive income, for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $2 million.
Included in accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31, 2008 are unrecognized net actuarial
losses of $98 million ($93 million, net of tax) and net prior service credit of $2 million ($2 million, net of tax) that
F-34
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
have not yet been recognized in net periodic pension cost. The actuarial loss included in accumulated other
comprehensive income and expected to be recognized in net periodic pension cost during the year ended
December 31, 2009 is $6 million ($6 million, net of tax).
Defined Benefit and Postretirement Benefit Plans. The Company and its subsidiaries sponsor or previously
sponsored numerous funded and unfunded domestic and international pension plans. All defined benefit plans
covering U.S. employees are frozen. Certain plans covering non-U.S. employees remain active.
As a result of annuity purchases and lump sum distributions from the Company’s domestic pension plans, the
Company recorded a net settlement gain of approximately $0.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2007
and a net settlement loss of approximately $0.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2006. There were no
settlement gains or losses recorded during the year ended December 31, 2008.
The Company also sponsors the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Retiree Welfare Program. This
plan provides health care and life insurance benefits for certain eligible retired employees. The Company has
prefunded a portion of the health care and life insurance obligations through trust funds where such prefunding can
be accomplished on a tax effective basis. The Company also funds this program on a pay-as-you-go basis.
F-35
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following table sets forth the projected benefit obligation, fair value of plan assets, the funded status and
the accumulated benefit obligation of the Company’s defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans at
December 31, 2008 and 2007 (in millions):
Postretirement
Pension Benefits Foreign Pension Benefits Benefits
2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year . . . . . . $ 17 $ 17 $206 $196 $ 20 $ 19
Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — 4 5 — —
Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1 11 12 1 1
Actuarial loss (gain) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — 20 (4) — 2
Settlements and curtailments . . . . . . . . . . . . — — (7) — — —
Effect of foreign exchange rates . . . . . . . . . — — (27) 5 — —
Benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) (1) (6) (8) (3) (2)
Plan amendments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — (2) — — —
Benefit obligation at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . $ 17 $ 17 $199 $206 $ 18 $ 20
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of
year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $— $— $185 $161 $ 5 $ 7
Actual return on plan assets, net of
expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — (35) 12 — —
Employer contribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1 20 16 3 2
Effect of foreign exchange rates . . . . . . . . . — — (26) 4 — —
Settlements and curtailments . . . . . . . . . . . . — — (6) — — —
Asset transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — (3) (2)
Benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) (1) (6) (8) (3) (2)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year . . . . . . $— $— $132 $185 $ 2 $ 5
Funded status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(17) $(17) $ (67) $ (21) $(16) $(15)
Accumulated benefit obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 17 $ 17 $174 $186 n/a n/a
Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations
in Excess of Plan Assets
Projected benefit obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 17 $ 17 $132 $ 47 $ 18 $ 20
Accumulated benefit obligation . . . . . . . . . . $ 17 $ 17 $108 $ 46 n/a n/a
Fair value of plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $— $— $ 57 $ 41 $ 2 $ 5
The net underfunded status of the plans at December 31, 2008 was $100 million, which $99 million is in other
liabilities and $1 million is in accrued expenses in the accompanying balance sheet. The majority of participants in
the Foreign Pension Plans are employees of managed hotels, for which we are reimbursed for costs related to their
benefits. The impact of these reimbursements is not reflected above.
All domestic pension plans are frozen plans, where employees do not accrue additional benefits. Therefore, at
December 31, 2008 and 2007, the projected benefit obligation is equal to the accumulated benefit obligation. In
March 2006, the Company elected to freeze its pension plans in the United Kingdom. Its other foreign pension plans
are not frozen, and accordingly, at December 31, 2008 and 2007, the accumulated benefit obligation for the foreign
pension plans was $174 million and $186 million, respectively.
F-36
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following table presents the components of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31,
2008, 2007 and 2006 (in millions):
Pension Benefits Foreign Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits
2008 2007 2006 2008 2007 2006 2008 2007 2006
Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $— $— $— $ 4 $ 5 $ 4 $— $— $—
Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1 1 11 12 10 1 1 1
Expected return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . — — — (10) (11) (9) — (1) (1)
Amortization of actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . — — — 2 2 3 — — —
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — 1 — — — — —
SFAS No. 87 cost/SFAS No. 106 cost . . . . . 1 1 1 8 8 8 1 — —
SFAS No. 88 settlement and curtailment
gain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — 1 — (3) — — —
Net periodic benefit cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1 $ 1 $ 1 $ 9 $ 8 $ 5 $ 1 $— $—
For measurement purposes, an 8% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits
was assumed for 2009, gradually decreasing to 5% in 2013. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care
cost trend rates would have approximately a $0.5 million effect on the postretirement obligation and a nominal
impact on the total of service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost.
The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31 were as follows:
Foreign Pension Postretirement
Pension Benefits Benefits Benefits
2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007
Discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.99% 5.75% 6.19% 5.88% 6.00% 5.74%
Rate of compensation increase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . n/a n/a 3.93% 3.90% n/a n/a
The weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31
were as follows:
Pension Benefits Foreign Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits
2008 2007 2006 2008 2007 2006 2008 2007 2006
Discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.75% 5.75% 5.50% 5.88% 5.46% 5.09% 5.74% 5.74% 5.49%
Rate of compensation increase . . . . . . . . n/a n/a n/a 3.89% 3.90% 3.60% n/a n/a n/a
Expected return on plan assets . . . . . . . . n/a n/a n/a 6.38% 6.40% 6.91% 7.50% 7.50% 7.50%
A number of factors were considered in the determination of the expected return on plan assets. These factors
included current and expected allocation of plan assets, the investment strategy, historical rates of return and
Company and investment expert expectations for investment performance over approximately a ten year period.
F-37
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The weighted average asset allocations at December 31, 2008 and 2007 for the Company’s defined benefit
pension and postretirement benefit plans and the Company’s current target asset allocation ranges are as follows:
Pension Benefits Foreign Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits
Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of
Target Plan Assets Target Plan Assets Target Plan Assets
Allocation 2008 2007 Allocation 2008 2007 Allocation 2008 2007
Equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . n/a n/a n/a 34% 32% 45% 79% 42% 63%
Debt securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . n/a n/a n/a 66% 65% 48% — 37% 35%
Cash and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . n/a n/a n/a — 3% 7% 21% 21% 2%
100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
The investment objective of the foreign pension plans and postretirement benefit plan is to seek long-term
capital appreciation and current income by investing in a diversified portfolio of equity and fixed income securities
with a moderate level of risk. At December 31, 2008, all remaining domestic pension plans are unfunded plans.
The Company expects to contribute approximately $1 million to its domestic pension plans, approximately
$18 million to its foreign pension plans, and approximately $2 million to the postretirement benefit plan in 2009.
The following table represents the Company’s expected pension and postretirement benefit plan payments for the
next five years and the five years thereafter (in millions):
Pension Foreign Pension Postretirement
Benefits Benefits Benefits
2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1 $ 7 $2
2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1 $ 7 $2
2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1 $ 8 $2
2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1 $ 8 $2
2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1 $ 9 $2
2014 — 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7 $57 $8
Defined Contribution Plans. The Company and its subsidiaries sponsor various defined contribution plans,
including the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Savings and Retirement Plan, which is a voluntary
defined contribution plan allowing participation by employees on U.S. payroll who meet certain age and service
requirements. Each participant may contribute on a pretax basis between 1% and 50% of his or her compensation to
the plan subject to certain maximum limits. The plan also contains provisions for matching contributions to be made
by the Company, which are based on a portion of a participant’s eligible compensation. The amount of expense for
matching contributions totaled $32 million in 2008, $28 million in 2007 and $25 million in 2006. Included as an
investment choice is the Company’s publicly traded common stock, which had a balance of $30 million and
$62 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Multi-Employer Pension Plans. Certain employees are covered by union sponsored multi-employer pen-
sion plans. Pursuant to agreements between the Company and various unions, contributions of $9 million in 2008,
$9 million in 2007 and $8 million in 2006 were made by the Company and charged to expense.
F-38
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Note 19. Leases and Rentals
The Company leases certain equipment for the hotels’ operations under various lease agreements. The leases
extend for varying periods through 2014 and generally are for a fixed amount each month. In addition, several of the
Company’s hotels are subject to leases of land or building facilities from third parties, which extend for varying
periods through 2089 and generally contain fixed and variable components, including a 25-year building lease of
the Westin Dublin hotel in Dublin, Ireland (18 years remaining under the lease) with fixed annual payments of
$3 million and a building lease of the W Times Square hotel in New York City which has a term of 25 years (18 years
remaining under the lease) with fixed annual lease payments of $16 million. The variable components of leases of
land or building facilities are based on the operating profit or revenues of the related hotels.
In June 2004, the Company entered into an agreement to lease the W Barcelona hotel in Spain, which is in the
process of being constructed with an anticipated opening date of December 2009. The term of this lease is 15 years
with annual fixed rent payments which range from approximately 7 million Euros to 9 million Euros. In conjunction
with entering into this lease, the Company made a 9 million Euro guarantee to the lessor that it will not terminate the
lease prior to the lease commencement date. At the lease commencement date, the Company must provide a letter of
credit to the lessor for 9 million Euros as security for the first three years of rent. This letter of credit would
supersede the Company’s guarantee once the hotel opens.
In June 2008, the Company entered into an agreement to lease the W London Leicester Square Hotel for
40 years, commencing once the hotel reopens following a major renovation. The commencement of the lease term is
contingent upon the completion of the renovation which is under way and is expected to be completed in January
2011. The minimum future rent payments due upon completion of the hotel is £3.5 million in year one, £4.5 million
in year two, and £5.5 million in year three. After the third year the rent changes based on the United Kingdom RRI
Index. Due to the uncertain opening date, the payments are not included in the table below.
The Company’s minimum future rents at December 31, 2008 payable under non-cancelable operating leases
with third parties are as follows (in millions):
2009 . . . . . . . . . . .................................................. ...... $ 90
2010 . . . . . . . . . . .................................................. ...... $100
2011 . . . . . . . . . . .................................................. ...... $100
2012 . . . . . . . . . . .................................................. ...... $ 85
2013 . . . . . . . . . . .................................................. ...... $ 85
Thereafter. . . . . . . .................................................. ...... $698
Rent expense under non-cancelable operating leases consisted of the following (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
2008 2007 2006
Minimum rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $93 $86 $76
Contingent rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 10 11
Sublease rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (6) (6) (4)
$97 $90 $83
Note 20. Stockholders’ Equity
Share Repurchases. In April 2007, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $1 billion in Share
repurchases under the Company’s existing Corporation Share repurchase authorization (the “Share Repurchase
Authorization”). In November 2007, the Board of Directors of the Company further authorized the repurchase of up
to an additional $1 billion of Corporation Shares under the Share Repurchase Authorization. During the year ended
F-39
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
December 31, 2008, the Company repurchased 13.6 million Shares and Corporation Shares at a total cost of
$593 million. As of December 31, 2008, no repurchase capacity remained under the Share Repurchase
Authorization.
Exchangeable Preferred Shares. During 1998, 6.3 million shares of Class A EPS, 5.5 million shares of
Class B EPS and approximately 800,000 limited partnership units of the SLT Realty Limited Partnership (the
“Realty Partnership”) and SLC Operating Limited Partnership (the “Operating Partnership”) were issued by the
Trust and Corporation in connection with the acquisition of Westin Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and certain of
its affiliates.
On March 15, 2006, the Company completed the redemption of the remaining 25,000 outstanding shares of
Class B EPS for approximately $1 million in cash. On April 10, 2006, when the Company consummated the first
phase of the Host Transaction, holders of Class A EPS received from Host $0.503 in cash and 0.6122 shares of Host
common stock. Also in connection with the Host Transaction, the Company redeemed all of the Class A EPS
(approximately 562,000 shares) and Realty Partnership units (approximately 40,000 units) for approximately
$34 million in cash. The Operating Partnership units are convertible into Corporation Shares at the unit holder’s
option, provided that the Company has the option to settle conversion requests in cash or Shares. For the year ended
December 31, 2006, the Company redeemed approximately 926,000 Operating Partnership units for approximately
$56 million in cash. There were approximately 178,000 and 179,000 of these units outstanding at December 31,
2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.
Note 21. Stock-Based Compensation
In 2004, the Company adopted the 2004 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (“2004 LTIP”), which
superseded the 2002 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan (“2002 LTIP”) and provides for the purchase of
Shares by directors, officers, employees, consultants and advisors, pursuant to equity award grants. Although no
additional awards will be granted under the 2002 LTIP, the Company’s 1999 Long Term Incentive Compensation
Plan or the Company’s 1995 Share Option Plan, the provisions under each of the previous plans will continue to
govern awards that have been granted and remain outstanding under those plans. The aggregate award pool for non-
qualified or incentive stock options, performance shares, restricted stock or any combination of the foregoing which
are available to be granted under the 2004 LTIP at December 31, 2008 was approximately 70 million (with options
counted as one share and restricted stock and performance units counted as 2.8 shares).
Compensation expense, net of reimbursements during 2008, 2007 and 2006 was approximately $68 million,
$99 million and $103 million, respectively, resulting in tax benefits of $26 million, $33 million and $36 million,
respectively.
F-40
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
As previously discussed, the Company utilizes the Lattice model to calculate the fair value of option grants.
Weighted average assumptions used to determine the fair value of option grants were as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2008 2007 2006
Dividend yield . . . . . . . . . .............................. 1.50% 1.40% 1.41%
Volatility:
Near term . . . . . . . . . . .............................. 38% 25% 26%
Long term . . . . . . . . . . .............................. 36% 37% 40%
Expected life . . . . . . . . . . .............................. 6yrs 6yrs 6yrs
Yield curve:
6 month . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. 1.90% 5.12% 4.68%
1 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. 1.91% 4.96% 4.66%
3 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. 2.17% 4.55% 4.58%
5 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. 2.79% 4.52% 4.53%
10 year . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. 3.73% 4.56% 4.58%
The dividend yield is estimated based on the current annualized dividend payment and the average price of the
Shares or Corporation Shares, as the case may be, during the prior year.
The estimated volatility is based on a combination of historical share price volatility as well as implied
volatility based on market analysis. The historical share price volatility was measured over an 8-year period, which
is equal to the contractual term of the options. The weighted average volatility for 2008 grants was 37%.
The expected life represents the period that the Company’s stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding.
It was determined based on an actuarial calculation which was based on historical experience, giving consideration
to the contractual terms of the stock-based awards and vesting schedules.
The yield curve (risk-free interest rate) is based on the implied zero-coupon yield from the U.S. Treasury yield
curve over the expected term of the option.
The following table summarizes stock option activity for the Company:
Weighted Average
Options Exercise
(In millions) Price Per Share
Outstanding at December 31, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 12.8 $36.60
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 0.7 49.52
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... (4.1) 28.55
Forfeited, Canceled or Expired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... (0.7) 47.90
Outstanding at December 31, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.7 $40.66
Exercisable at December 31, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.5 $37.31
The weighted-average fair value per option for options granted during 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $17.24,
$20.54 and $16.12, respectively, and the service period is typically four years. The total intrinsic value of options
exercised during 2008, 2007 and 2006 was approximately $89 million, $187 million and $370 million, respectively,
resulting in tax benefits of approximately $35 million, $56 million and $128 million, respectively. As of
December 31, 2008, there was approximately $17 million of unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated
forfeitures, related to nonvested options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of
1.58 years on a straight-line basis for 2007 and future grants and using an accelerated recognition method for grants
prior to January 1, 2006.
F-41
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
In April 2006, as part of the Host Transaction, the Company depaired its Corporation Shares and Class B
Shares. As a result, the number of the Company’s options and their strike prices have been adjusted as discussed in
Note 3.
The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding options as of December 31, 2008 was $0 million. The aggregate
intrinsic value of exercisable options as of December 31, 2008 was $0 million. The weighted-average contractual
life was 4.07 years for outstanding options and 3.58 years for exercisable option as of December 31, 2008.
The Company recognizes compensation expense equal to the fair market value of the stock on the date of
issuance for restricted stock and restricted stock unit grants over the service period. The service period is typically
four years except in the case of restricted shares or units issued in lieu of a portion of an annual cash bonus where the
vesting period is typically in equal installments over a two year period.
At December 31, 2008, there was approximately $139 million (net of estimated forfeitures) in unamortized
compensation cost related to restricted stock and restricted stock units. The weighted average remaining term was
1.88 years for restricted stock grants outstanding at December 31, 2008. The fair value of restricted stock distributed
during 2008 was $85 million.
The following table summarizes the Company’s restricted stock and units activity during 2008:
Number of Weighted Average
Restricted Grant Date Value
Stock and Units Per Share
(In millions)
Outstanding at December 31, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5.7 $53.95
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2.7 $46.49
Distributed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. (2.0) $49.34
Forfeited or Canceled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. (1.0) $53.24
Outstanding at December 31, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.4 $52.05
2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
In April 2002, the Board of Directors adopted (and in May 2002 the shareholders approved) the Company’s
2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”) to provide employees of the Company with an opportunity to
purchase common stock through payroll deductions and reserved 10,000,000 Shares for issuance under the ESPP.
The ESPP commenced in October 2002.
All full-time regular employees who have completed 30 days of continuous service and who are employed by
the Company on U.S. payrolls are eligible to participate in the ESPP. Eligible employees may contribute up to 20%
of their total cash compensation to the ESPP. Amounts withheld are applied at the end of every three month
accumulation period to purchase Shares. The value of the Shares (determined as of the beginning of the offering
period) that may be purchased by any participant in a calendar year is limited to $25,000. The purchase price to
employees is equal to 95% of the fair market value of Shares on the date of purchase. Participants may withdraw
their contributions at any time before Shares are purchased.
Approximately 200,000 Shares were issued under the ESPP during the year ended December 31, 2008 at
purchase prices ranging from $16.02 to $45.98. Approximately 119,000 Shares were issued under the ESPP during
the year ended December 31, 2007 at purchase prices ranging from $51.00 to $68.47.
Note 22. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company, based on market conditions, enters into forward contracts to manage foreign exchange risk.
Beginning in January 2008, the Company entered into forward contracts to hedge forecasted transactions based in
F-42
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
foreign currencies. These forward contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges under the provisions of
SFAS No. 133, and their change in fair value is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. The fair
value of these contracts has been recorded as an asset of $6 million at December 31, 2008. The notional dollar
amount of the outstanding Euro and Canadian forward contracts at December 31, 2008 is $51 million and
$4 million, respectively, with average exchange rates of 1.5 and 1.0, respectively, with terms of less than one year.
Each of these hedges was highly effective in offsetting fluctuations in foreign currencies. An immaterial amount of
loss due to ineffectiveness was recorded in the consolidated statement of income. Additionally, during the year
ended December 31, 2008, 22 forward contracts were settled. In connection with these settlements and the
forecasted transactions occurring, the Company reclassified a loss of $0.8 million from accumulated other
comprehensive income to the management fees, franchise fees and other income line item in the consolidated
statement of income.
The Company also enters into forward contracts to manage foreign exchange risk on intercompany loans that
are not deemed permanently invested. These forward contracts do not qualify as hedges under the provisions of
SFAS No. 133, and their change in fair value is recorded in the Company’s consolidated statement of income. The
fair value of these contracts has been recorded as a liability of $3 million and an asset of $1 million at December 31,
2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. The Company recorded gains of $14.4 million and $4.2 million on the
forward contracts for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 respectively. These gains were offset by losses
in the revaluation of cross-currency intercompany loans.
From time to time, the Company enters into interest rate swap agreements to manage interest expense. The
Company’s objective is to manage the impact of interest rates on the results of operations, cash flows and the market
value of the Company’s debt. As of December 31, 2007, the fair value of the Company’s outstanding interest rate
swaps was a liability of approximately $6 million and was included in other liabilities in the Company’s
consolidated balance sheet. During the first quarter of 2008, the Company terminated its outstanding interest
rate swap agreements, resulting in a gain of $0.4 million.
Note 23. Commitments and Contingencies
The Company had the following contractual obligations outstanding as of December 31, 2008 (in millions):
Due in Less Due in Due in Due After
Total than 1 Year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years 5 Years
Unconditional purchase obligations(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 98 $35 $59 $2 $ 2
Other long-term obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 — 3 1 —
Total contractual obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $102 $35 $62 $3 $ 2
(a) Included in these balances are commitments that may be reimbursed or satisfied by the Company’s managed
and franchised properties.
The Company had the following commercial commitments outstanding as of December 31, 2008 (in millions):
Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period
Less Than After
Total 1 Year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years 5 Years
Standby letters of credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $115 $115 $— $— $—
Variable Interest Entities. Of the over 800 hotels that the Company manages or franchises for third party
owners, the Company has evaluated approximately 21 hotels that it has a variable interest in, generally in the form of
investments, loans, guarantees, or equity. The Company determines if it is the primary beneficiary of the hotel by
considering qualitative and quantitative factors. Qualitative factors include evaluating distribution terms, propor-
tional voting rights, decision making ability, and the capital structure. Quantitatively, the Company evaluates
financial forecasts to determine which would absorb over 50% of the expected losses of the hotel. The Company has
F-43
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
determined it is not the primary beneficiary of any of the variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and they should not be
consolidated in the Company’s financial statements.
In all cases, the VIEs associated with the Company’s variable interests are hotels for which the Company has
entered into management or franchise agreements with the hotel owners. The Company is paid a fee primarily based
on financial metrics of the hotel. The hotels are financed by the owners, generally in the form of working capital,
equity, and debt.
At December 31, 2008, the Company has approximately $66 million of investments associated with 19 VIEs,
equity investments of $10 million associated with one VIE, and a loan balance of $5 million associated with one
VIE. As the Company is not obligated to fund future cash contributions under these agreements, the maximum loss
equals the carrying value. In addition, the Company has not contributed amounts to the VIEs in excess of their
contractual obligations.
At December 31, 2007, the Company had approximately $52 million of investments associated with 20 VIEs,
equity investments of $11 million associated with two VIEs and loan balances of $7 million associated with two
VIEs.
Guaranteed Loans and Commitments. In limited cases, the Company has made loans to owners of or
partners in hotel or resort ventures for which the Company has a management or franchise agreement. Loans
outstanding under this program totaled $28 million at December 31, 2008. The Company evaluates these loans for
impairment, and at December 31, 2008, believes these loans are collectible. Unfunded loan commitments
aggregating $64 million were outstanding at December 31, 2008, none of which are expected to be funded in
2009 and $46 million are expected to be funded in total. These loans typically are secured by pledges of project
ownership interests and/or mortgages on the projects. The Company also has $110 million of equity and other
potential contributions associated with managed or joint venture properties, $52 million of which is expected to be
funded in 2009.
During 2004, the Company entered into a long-term management contract to manage the Westin Boston,
Seaport Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts, which opened in June 2006. In connection with this project, the Company
agreed to provide up to $28 million in mezzanine loans and other investments (all of which has been funded) as well
as various guarantees, including a principal repayment guarantee for the term of the senior debt which was capped at
$40 million, a debt service guarantee during the term of the senior debt, which was limited to the interest expense on
the amounts drawn under such debt and principal amortization and a completion guarantee for this project. In
January 2007 this hotel was sold and the senior debt was repaid in full. In addition, the $28 million in mezzanine
loans and other investments, together with accrued interest, was repaid in full. In accordance with the management
agreement, the sale of the hotel also resulted in the payment of a fee to the Company of approximately $18 million,
which is included in management fees, franchise fees and other income in the consolidated statement of income for
the year ended December 31, 2007. The Company continues to manage this hotel subject to the pre-existing
management agreement.
Surety bonds issued on behalf of the Company at December 31, 2008 totaled $91 million, the majority of
which were required by state or local governments relating to the Company’s vacation ownership operations and by
its insurers to secure large deductible insurance programs.
To secure management contracts, the Company may provide performance guarantees to third-party owners.
Most of these performance guarantees allow the Company to terminate the contract rather than fund shortfalls if
certain performance levels are not met. In limited cases, the Company is obliged to fund shortfalls in performance
levels through the issuance of loans. At December 31, 2008, excluding the Le Méridien management agreement
mentioned below, the Company had five management contracts with performance guarantees with possible cash
outlays of up to $74 million, $53 million of which, if required, would be funded over several years and would be
largely offset by management fees received under these contracts. Many of the performance tests are multi-year
tests, are tied to the results of a competitive set of hotels, and have exclusions for force majeure and acts of war and
F-44
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
terrorism. The Company does not anticipate any significant funding under these performance guarantees in 2009. In
connection with the acquisition of the Le Méridien brand in November 2005, the Company assumed the obligation
to guarantee certain performance levels at one Le Méridien managed hotel for the periods 2007 through 2013. This
guarantee is uncapped. However, the Company has estimated its exposure under this guarantee and does not
anticipate that payments made under the guarantee will be significant in any single year. The estimated fair present
value of this guarantee of $7 million is reflected in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet
at December 31, 2008 and 2007. The Company does not anticipate losing a significant number of management or
franchise contracts in 2009.
In connection with the purchase of the Le Méridien brand in November 2005, the Company was indemnified
for certain of Le Méridien’s historical liabilities by the entity that bought Le Méridien’s owned and leased hotel
portfolio. The indemnity is limited to the financial resources of that entity. However, at this time, the Company
believes that it is unlikely that it will have to fund any of these liabilities.
In connection with the sale of 33 hotels to Host in 2006, the Company agreed to indemnify Host for certain
liabilities, including operations and tax liabilities. At this time, the Company believes that it will not have to make
any material payments under such indemnities.
Litigation. The Company is involved in various legal matters that have arisen in the normal course of
business, some of which include claims for substantial sums. Accruals have been recorded when the outcome is
probable and can be reasonably estimated. While the ultimate results of claims and litigation cannot be determined,
the Company does not expect that the resolution of all legal matters will have a material adverse effect on its
consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flow. However, depending on the amount and the
timing, an unfavorable resolution of some or all of these matters could materially affect the Company’s future
results of operations or cash flows in a particular period.
Collective Bargaining Agreements. At December 31, 2008, approximately 37% of the Company’s
U.S.-based employees were covered by various collective bargaining agreements providing, generally, for basic
pay rates, working hours, other conditions of employment and orderly settlement of labor disputes. Generally, labor
relations have been maintained in a normal and satisfactory manner, and management believes that the Company’s
employee relations are satisfactory.
Environmental Matters. The Company is subject to certain requirements and potential liabilities under
various federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and regulations. Such laws often impose liability
without regard to whether the current or previous owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of
such hazardous or toxic substances. Although the Company has incurred and expects to incur remediation and other
environmental costs during the ordinary course of operations, management anticipates that such costs will not have
a material adverse effect on the operations or financial condition of the Company.
Captive Insurance Company. Estimated insurance claims payable at December 31, 2008 and 2007 were
$83 million and $88 million, respectively. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, standby letters of credit amounting to
$115 million and $101 million, respectively, had been issued to provide collateral for the estimated claims. The
letters of credit are guaranteed by the Company.
ITT Industries. In 1995, the former ITT Corporation, renamed ITT Industries, Inc. (“ITT Industries”),
distributed to its stockholders all of the outstanding shares of common stock of ITT Corporation, then a wholly
owned subsidiary of ITT Industries (the “Distribution”). In connection with this Distribution, ITT Corporation,
which was then named ITT Destinations, Inc., changed its name to ITT Corporation. Subsequent to the acquisition
of ITT Corporation in 1998, the Company changed the name of ITT Corporation to Sheraton Holding Corporation.
For purposes of governing certain of the ongoing relationships between the Company and ITT Industries after
the Distribution and spin-off of ITT Corporation and to provide for an orderly transition, the Company and ITT
Industries have entered into various agreements including a spin-off agreement, Employee Benefits Services and
F-45
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Liability Agreement, Tax Allocation Agreement and Intellectual Property Transfer and License Agreements. The
Company may be liable to or due reimbursement from ITT Industries relating to the resolution of certain pre-spin-
off matters under these agreements. As discussed in Note 1, as part of the Host Transaction, the Company sold the
shares of Sheraton Holding to Host. In connection with this transaction, the Company entered into an indemni-
fication agreement with Host for certain obligations including those associated with the Distribution. Based on
available information, management does not believe that these matters would have a material impact on the
Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
Note 24. Business Segment and Geographical Information
The Company has two operating segments: hotels and vacation ownership and residential. The hotel segment
generally represents a worldwide network of owned, leased and consolidated joint venture hotels and resorts
operated primarily under the Company’s proprietary brand names including St. Regis», The Luxury Collection»,
Sheraton», Westin», W», Le Méridien», Four Points» by Sheraton, Aloft» and Element» as well as hotels and
resorts which are managed or franchised under these brand names in exchange for fees. The vacation ownership and
residential segment includes the development, ownership and operation of vacation ownership resorts, marketing
and selling VOIs, providing financing to customers who purchase such interests, licensing fees from branded
condominiums and residences and the sale of residential units.
The performance of the hotels and vacation ownership and residential segments is evaluated primarily on
operating profit before corporate selling, general and administrative expense, interest expense, net of interest
income, losses on asset dispositions and impairments, restructuring and other special charges and income tax
benefit (expense). The Company does not allocate these items to its segments.
F-46
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this Annual Report:
1-2. The financial statements and financial statement schedule listed in the Index to Financial Statements
and Schedule following the signature pages hereof.
3. Exhibits:
Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibit
2.1 Formation Agreement, dated as of November 11, 1994, among the Company, Starwood Capital and the
Starwood Partners (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K
dated November 16, 1994). (The SEC file number of all filings made by the Company pursuant to the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and referenced herein is 1-7959).
2.2 Form of Amendment No. 1 to Formation Agreement, dated as of July 1995, among the Company and the
Starwood Partners (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s Registration Statement
on Form S-2 filed with the SEC on June 29, 1995 (Registration Nos. 33-59155 and 33-59155-01)).
2.3 Master Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 14, 2005, among Host Marriott
Corporation, Host Marriott, L.P., Horizon Supernova Merger Sub, L.L.C., Horizon SLT Merger Sub,
L.P., Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Sheraton Holding
Corporation and SLT Realty Limited Partnership (the “Merger Agreement”) (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on From 8-K filed with the SEC on
November 14, 2005).
2.4 Amendment Agreement, dated as of March 24, 2006, to the Merger Agreement (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 2.1 of the Joint Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 29, 2006).
3.1 Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Company, as of May 30, 2007 (incorporated by reference
to Appendix A to the Company’s 2007 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement).
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, as amended and restated through April 10, 2006
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the
SEC on April 13, 2006 (the “April 13 Form 8-K”).
3.3 Amendment to Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, dated as of March 13, 2008 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-k filed with the SEC on March 18,
2008).
4.1 Termination Agreement dated as of April 7, 2006 between the Company and the Trust (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the April 13 Form 8-K).
4.2 Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated as of April 7, 2006, between the Company and American
Stock Transfer and Trust Company, as Rights Agent (which includes the form of Amended and Restated
Articles Supplementary of the Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock as Exhibit A, the form of
Rights Certificate as Exhibit B and the Summary of Rights to Purchase Preferred Stock as Exhibit C)
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the April 13 Form 8-K).
4.3 Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of November 15, 1995, as Amended and Restated as of
December 15, 1995 between ITT Corporation (formerly known as ITT Destinations, Inc.) and the First
National Bank of Chicago, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.A.IV to the First Amendment
to ITT Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed November 13, 1996).
4.4 First Indenture Supplement, dated as of December 31, 1998, among ITT Corporation, the Company and
The Bank of New York (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 8, 1999).
4.5 Second Indenture Supplement, dated as of April 9, 2006, among the Company, Sheraton Holding
Corporation and Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.3 to the April 13 Form 8-K).
51
Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibit
4.6 Indenture, dated as of April 19, 2002, among the Company, the guarantor parties named therein and U.S.
Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s and
Sheraton Holding Corporation’s Joint Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC on
November 19, 2002 (the “2002 Forms S-4”)).
4.7 Indenture, dated as of September 13, 2007, between the Company and the U.S. Bank National
Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 17, 2007 (the “September 17 Form 8-K”)).
4.8 Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 13, 2007, between the Company and the U.S. Bank
National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the September 17
Form 8-K”).
4.9 Supplemental Indenture No. 2, dated as of May 23, 2008, between the Company and U.S. Bank National
Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-k filed with the SEC on May 28, 2008).
The Registrants hereby agree to file with the Commission a copy of any instrument, including indentures,
defining the rights of long-term debt holders of the Registrants and their consolidated subsidiaries upon
the request of the Commission.
10.1 Third Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement for Operating Partnership, dated January 6,
1999, among the Company and the limited partners of Operating Partnership (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to the 1998 Form 10-K).
10.2 Form of Trademark License Agreement, dated as of December 10, 1997, between Starwood Capital and
the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 (the “1997 Form 10-K”)).
10.3 Credit Agreement, dated as of February 10, 2006, among the Company, certain additional Dollar
Revolving Loan Borrowers, certain additional Alternate Currency Revolving Loan Borrowers, various
Lenders, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
and Societe Generale, as Syndication Agents, Bank of America, N.A. and Calyon New York Branch, as
Co-Documentation Agents, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Banc of
America Securities LLC, as Lead Arrangers and Book Running Managers, The Bank of Nova Scotia,
Citicorp North America, Inc., and the Royal Bank of Scotland PLC, as Senior Managing Agents and
Nizvho Corporate Bank, Ltd. as Managing Agent (the “Credit Agreement”) (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 15, 2006).
10.4 First Amendment, dated as of March 31, 2006, to the Credit Agreement (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 4, 2006).
10.5 Second Amendment, dated as of June 29, 2006, to the Credit Agreement (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 6, 2006).
10.6 Third Amendment dated as of April 27, 2007, to the Credit Agreement (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 30, 2007).
10.7 Fourth Amendment, dated as of December 20, 2007, to the Credit Agreement (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2007).
10.8 Fifth Amendment, dated as of April 11, 2008, to the Credit Agreement, dated as of February 10, 2006,
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the
SEC on April 15, 2008).
10.9 Credit Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2007, among the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as
administrative agent and various lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01 to
the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on July 5, 2007).
10.10 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. 1995 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Company’s 1995
LTIP”) (Amended and Restated as of December 3, 1998) (incorporated by reference to Annex E to the
1998 Proxy Statement).(1)
10.11 Second Amendment to the Company’s 1995 LTIP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the 2003
10-Q1).(1)
52
Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibit
10.12 Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement pursuant to the Company’s 1995 LTIP (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the 2004 Form 10-K).(1)
10.13 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (the “1999
LTIP”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the quarterly period ended June 30, 1999 (the “1999 Form 10-Q2”)).(1)
10.14 First Amendment to the 1999 LTIP, dated as of August 1, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1
to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2001).(1)
10.15 Second Amendment to the 1999 LTIP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the 2003 10-Q1).(1)
10.16 Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement pursuant to the 1999 LTIP (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.30 to the 2004 Form 10-K).(1)
10.17 Form of Restricted Stock Agreement pursuant to the 1999 LTIP (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.31 to the 2004 Form 10-K).(1)
10.18 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. 2002 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2002
LTIP”) (incorporated by reference to Annex B of the Company’s 2002 Proxy Statement).(1)
10.19 First Amendment to the 2002 LTIP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the 2003 10-Q1).(1)
10.20 Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement pursuant to the 2002 LTIP (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.49 to the 2002 Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2003 (the “2002 10-K”)).(1)
10.21 Form of Restricted Stock Agreement pursuant to the 2002 LTIP (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.35 to the 2004 Form 10-K).(1)
10.22 2004 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan, amended and restated as of December 31, 2008 (“2004
LTIP”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed
with the SEC on January 6, 2009 (the “January 2009 8-K”)).(1)
10.23 Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement pursuant to the 2004 LTIP (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.4 to the 2004 Form 10-Q2).(1)
10.24 Form of Restricted Stock Agreement pursuant to the 2004 LTIP (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.38 to the 2004 Form 10-K).(1)
10.25 Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement pursuant to the 2004 LTIP (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 13, 2006 (the February 2006
Form 8-K”)).(1)
10.26 Form of Restricted Stock Agreement pursuant to the 2004 LTIP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1
to the February 2006 Form 8-K).(1)
10.27 Form of Amended and Restated Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement pursuant to the 2004 LTIP
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
period ended June 30, 2006 (the 2006 Form 10-Q2”)).(1)
10.28 Form of Amended and Restated Restricted Stock Agreement pursuant to the 2004 LTIP (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the 2006 Form 10-Q2).(1)
10.29 Annual Incentive Plan for Certain Executives, amended and restated as of December 2008 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the January 2009 8-K).(1)
10.30 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan,
effective as of January 22, 2008 (incorporate by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to the Company’s Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007).(1)
10.31 Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and each of its Directors/Trustees and
executive officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the 2003 Form 10-K).(1)
10.32 Employment Agreement, dated as of November 13, 2003, between the Company and Vasant Prabhu
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.68 to the 2003 10-K).(1)
10.33 Letter Agreement, dated August 14, 2007, between the Company and Vasant Prabhu (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 17, 2007 (the
“August 17 Form 8-K”)).(1)
53
Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibit
10.34 Amendment, dated as of December 30, 2008, to employment agreement between the Company and
Vasant Prabhu.(1)(2)
10.35 Employment Agreement, dated as of September 20, 2004, between the Company and Steven J. Heyer
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the
SEC on September 24, 2004).(1)
10.36 Amendment, dated as of May 4, 2005, to Employment Agreement between the Company and Steve J.
Heyer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended March 31, 2005).(1)
10.37 Separation Agreement and Mutual General Release of Claims between the Company and Steven J. Heyer
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the
SEC on April 2, 2007).(1)
10.38 Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement between the Company and Steven J. Heyer pursuant to
the 2004 LTIP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.70 to the 2004 Form 10-K).(1)
10.39 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement between the Company and Steven J. Heyer pursuant to the 2004
LTIP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.71 to the 2004 Form 10-K).(1)
10.40 Employment Agreement, dated as of November 13, 2003, between the Company and Kenneth Siegel
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.57 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2000 (the “2000 Form 10-K”)).(1)
10.41 Letter Agreement, dated July 22, 2004 between the Company and Kenneth Siegel (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.73 to the 2004 Form 10-K).(1)
10.42 Letter Agreement, dated August 14, 2007, between the Company and Kenneth S. Siegel (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 17, 2007 (the
“August 17 Form 8-K”)).(1)
10.43 Amendment, dated as of December 30, 2008, to employment agreement between the Company and
Kenneth S. Siegel.(1)(2)
10.44 Employment Agreement, dated July 18, 1999, between Starwood Vacation Ownership and Raymond
Gellein, Jr. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.45 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the period ended December 31, 2006 (the “2006 Form 10-K”)).(1)
10.45 Form of cash bonus award between the Company and Raymond L. Gellein, Jr. (incorporated by reference
to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007 (the
2007 10-Q3).(1)
10.46 Amendment agreement, dated December 6, 2007, among Starwood Vacation Ownership, the Company
and Raymond Gellein, Jr. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.49 to the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007)
10.47 Employment Agreement, dated as of September 21, 2006, between the Company and Matthew A. Ouimet
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the
SEC on September 27, 2006).(1)
10.48 Letter Agreement, dated August 14, 2007, between the Company and Matthew A. Ouimet (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the August 17 Form 8-K).(1)
10.49 Separation Agreement and Mutual General Release of Claims, effective as of August 31, 2008, between
the Company and Matthew Ouimet (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s quarterly
report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008).(1)
10.50 Employment Agreement, dated as of August 2, 2007, between the Company and Bruce W. Duncan
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended June 30, 2007).(1)
10.51 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement between the Company and Bruce W. Duncan pursuant to the
2004 LTIP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the 2007 Form 10-Q1).(1)
10.52 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of December 30, 2008, between the Company
and Frits van Paasschen.(1)(2)
54
Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibit
10.53 Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement between the Company and Frits van Paasschen pursuant
to the 2004 LTIP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the 2007 Form 10-Q3).(1)
10.54 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement between the Company and Frits van Paasschen pursuant to the
2004 LTIP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the 2007 Form 10-Q3).(1)
10.55 Form of Restricted Stock Grant between the Company and Frits van Paasschen pursuant to the 2004 LTIP
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the 2007 Form 10-Q3).(1)
10.56 Form of Severance Agreement between the Company and each of Messrs. Ouimet, Gellein (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the 2006 Form 10-Q2).(1)
10.57 Form of Severance Agreement between the Company and each of Messrs. Siegel and Prabhu.(1)(2)
12.1 Calculation of Ratio of Earnings to Total Fixed Charges.(2)
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrants.(2)
23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.(2)
31.1 Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 — Chief Executive
Officer.(2)
31.2 Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 — Chief Financial
Officer.(2)
32.1 Certification Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code — Chief
Executive Officer.(2)
32.2 Certification Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code — Chief
Financial Officer.(2)
(1) Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit pursuant to
Item 14(a)(iii) of Form 10-K.
(2) Filed herewith.
55
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has
duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLD-
WIDE, INC.
By: /s/ FRITS VAN PAASSCHEN
Frits van Paasschen
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Date: February 27, 2009
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the
following persons on behalf of the Registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
/s/ FRITS VAN PAASSCHEN Chief Executive Officer and Director February 27, 2009
Frits van Paasschen
/s/ BRUCE W. DUNCAN Chairman and Director February 27, 2009
Bruce W. Duncan
/s/ VASANT M. PRABHU Executive Vice President and Chief February 27, 2009
Vasant M. Prabhu Financial Officer (Principal Financial
Officer)
/s/ ALAN M. SCHNAID Senior Vice President, Corporate February 27, 2009
Alan M. Schnaid Controller and Principal Accounting
Officer
/s/ ADAM M. ARON Director February 27, 2009
Adam M. Aron
/s/ CHARLENE BARSHEFSKY Director February 27, 2009
Charlene Barshefsky
/s/ THOMAS E. CLARKE Director February 27, 2009
Thomas E. Clarke
/s/ CLAYTON C. DALEY, JR. Director February 27, 2009
Clayton C. Daley, Jr.
/s/ LIZANNE GALBREATH Director February 27, 2009
Lizanne Galbreath
/s/ ERIC HIPPEAU Director February 27, 2009
Eric Hippeau
56
Signature Title Date
/s/ STEPHEN R. QUAZZO Director February 27, 2009
Stephen R. Quazzo
/s/ THOMAS O. RYDER Director February 27, 2009
Thomas O. Ryder
/s/ KNEELAND C. YOUNGBLOOD Director February 27, 2009
Kneeland C. Youngblood
57
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New in 2008
The St. Regis Bali Resort The Westin Huntsville Sheraton Mendoza Four Points by Sheraton Beijing,
St. Regis Punta Mita The Westin Imagine Orlando Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel Haidian
The Westin Mount Laurel Sheraton San Pablo Four Points by Sheraton Changshu
The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa, The Westin National Harbor Sheraton Sopot Hotel Four Points by Sheraton Colon
Manchester Village The Westin Reston Heights Sheraton St. Paul Woodbury Four Points by Sheraton Hangzhou,
The Grand Mauritian Resort & Spa The Westin Richmond Sheraton Stonebriar Hotel Binjiang
Hotel Ivy The Westin Riverfront Resort Four Points by Sheraton Houston
The Joule, a Luxury Collection Hotel and Spa, Avon aloft Beijing Hotel Memorial City
The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel The Westin Verasa Napa aloft Charleston Airport & Four Points by Sheraton Jacksonville
Convention Center Baymeadows
W Atlanta Buckhead Sheraton Athlone Hotel aloft Chesapeake Four Points by Sheraton Levis
W Hong Kong Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa aloft Chicago O’Hare Convention Centre
W Istanbul Sheraton Chicago Northbrook Hotel aloft Denver International Airport Four Points by Sheraton Manhattan
W Minneapolis—The Foshay Sheraton Columbia Downtown Hotel aloft Dulles North SoHo—Village
W Scottsdale Sheraton Dallas Hotel aloft Frisco Four Points by Sheraton Perinorte
Sheraton Dallas North Hotel aloft Las Colinas Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia
Le Meridien Bangkok Sheraton Denver Hotel aloft Lexington City Center
Le Meridien Chiang Mai Sheraton Dreamland Hotel aloft Minneapolis Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia
Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel aloft Montreal Airport Northeast
Le Meridien Shimei Bay Beach Sheraton Ft. Worth Hotel and Spa aloft Nashville—Cool Springs Four Points by Sheraton
Resort & Spa Sheraton Garden Grove—Anaheim aloft Ontario—Rancho Cucamonga Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Le Meridien Towers Makkah South Hotel aloft Philadelphia Airport Four Points by Sheraton
Sheraton Houston West Hotel aloft Plano Tallahassee North
The Westin Beijing Chaoyang Sheraton Huizhou Beach Resort aloft Portland Airport at Cascade Four Points by Sheraton Tempe
Westin Book Cadillac Sheraton Jacksonville Hotel Station Four Points by Sheraton
The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Sheraton JFK Airport Hotel aloft Rogers—Bentonville Victoria Gateway
Beach Resort & Marina Sheraton Louisville Riverside Hotel
The Westin Edina Galleria Sheraton Maldives Fullmoon Four Points by Sheraton Asheville element Las Vegas Summerlin
Resort & Spa Downtown element Lexington
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
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