Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation (NYSE:VAC) Q4 2023 Earnings Call Transcript

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David Katz: Perfect. The VPG is the focus. And with respect to the IT and analytics investments, can you just color that in a bit more as to sort of what you’re getting and why now? And is that something that continues beyond 2024 as well? Or is this more of a onetime focused investment?

John Geller: Sure. Let’s take a step back just not data and analytics, but we’re going to continue to enhance our IT capabilities. So what do I mean by that? We obviously have been a company in business for 40 years and we’ve talked about how you’ve got a lot of legacy homegrown IT systems, there’s a lot better technology. And then as you go forward, we’ve done a couple of acquisitions who Vistana had their own legacy systems. And while we integrated that and drove synergies, a lot of that work going forward is how do you continue to get efficiencies and leverage our technology platforms and we’re going to continue to focus on that. And with those enhancements, whether it’s data and analytics, right, getting our IT cost down by, continuing to modernize applications that we’re using platforms things like that.

That’s where we’ll — and it’s an ongoing journey. I think it is for any company. Technology changes so fast and there’s more and more opportunities to leverage technology. And ultimately, with things like AI right and the ability I think over time to drive more efficiencies in the business and self-service of our owners, it’s a huge opportunity I think for us as we go forward. And that, with our new CIO is we’re really focused on. Now, are we going to see continued increase in investments? No, I think we’re on a pretty good clip and we’re going to continue to do things that are really going to either drive efficiencies at the bottom line or top line growth. That’s the focus going forward.

Q – David Katz: Got it. Thank you very much

John Geller: Thank you, David.

Operator: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, I’m showing no other questions at this time. Mr. Geller, I’ll turn the floor back to you for final comments.

John Geller: Thank you everyone for joining our call today. After last year’s challenges, it was great to end the year on a strong note. Contract sales grew 4% year-over-year, excluding the impact of the Maui wildfires. International contract sales grew 36%, year-over-year with strong growth seen in both Europe and Asia Pacific and resort occupancy was nearly 90%, even with the Maui impact illustrating our owners and customers’ demand to get on vacation. As we move into a new year, the transition to Abound is behind us and we look forward toward growing contract sales this year, driven by a mix of higher tours and improved VPG. We made significant changes in our Hyatt business that will enable us to more efficiently drive tours, grow contract sales and better leverage our marketing and sales spending.

Economic indicators remain positive, and our reservation on the books for the summer are up both domestically and internationally. We have realigned our organization to improve our long-term results and we are looking forward to opening our first Waikiki resort later this year. On behalf of all of our associates, owners, members and customers around the world, I want to thank you for your continued interest in the company and hope to see you on vacation soon. Thank you.

Operator: Thank you. This concludes today’s conference call. You may disconnect your lines at this time. Thank you for your participation.

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