Marriott Corp: The giant Washington-based hotel chain...

Marriott Corp: The giant Washington-based hotel chain said its second-quarter net income rose 5% to $67 million from a year ago. Earnings growth was restricted by higher interest expense associated with its share-repurchase program in the past 12 months, although it did not buy any of its shares during the most recent quarter, the firm said. Sales for the second quarter ended June 16 totaled $1.89 billion, an 11% gain. Operating income rose 12% in the period, reflecting growth in all three major businesses--lodging, contract services and restaurants. Sales benefited from the addition of 89 hotels totaling 15,300 rooms in the past year.

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