Choice Hotels International, which franchises a variety of mostly economy and midscale brands, said fourth-quarter net income rose 2% and earnings were up 9% for the year.
Fourth-quarter income was $24.1 million on a 10% jump in revenue, which totaled $155 million. Full-year 2010 earnings were $107.4 million on revenue that increased 6% to $506 million.
"We are extremely pleased with our fourth-quarter performance, with strong gains in domestic RevPAR and a significant year-over-year increase in new domestic hotel franchise agreements," said Stephen Joyce, president and CEO. "We fully anticipate that 2011 will be an even better year for our industry and our company."
Domestic revenue per available room (RevPAR) was up 9.7% in the fourth quarter and 2.8% for the year.
Choice Hotels brands are Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn.