Cendant Corporation reported results for first quarter 2006. Revenue totaled $4.2 billion, an increase of 7 percent over first quarter 2005, reflecting growth across each of the Company´s core operating segments. Revenue increased modestly primarily due to the acquisition of Texas American Title Company and related companies in January 2006. EBITDA decreased 25 percent, which was a lower decline than expected.

Choice Hotels International, Inc., reported that diluted earnings per share (EPS) increased 44 percent compared to the first quarter 2005. Net income grew 47 percent from $12.0 million in first quarter 2005 to $17.7 million in the same period of this year. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) hiked 32 percent to $32.4 million from $24.6 million in first quarter 2005.

Hundreds of investors and businessmen from the United States and the Caribbean met for the first time in Puerto Rico at the PR Conference for Investment to discuss investment opportunities on the island and to underscore the economic advantages inherent in its geographic location. The event, which included the participation of the governor of Puerto Rico, Anibal Acevedo Vila, was organized by the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce and took place at the San Juan Hotel at Isla Verde, capturing the attention of over 500 investors and entrepreneurs who showed interest in establishing new businesses and expanding existing operations on the island.

Travelzoo reported financial outcomes for the first quarter ended March 31, 2006, with revenue of $16.9 million, an increase of 51 percent from the first three months of 2005. Net income was $4.1 million, with diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.24, up from $0.10 in the prior-year period.

The overall first-quarter performance was good. In upscale and mid-scale hotels, growth was driven by the favorable impact of the shift in the Easter vacation calendar and by business in Germany. The economy segment in Europe continued to expand. In the United States, the economy segment was lifted by a favorable market environment. The Services business posted sharp increases.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM)-US trade relations got a big boost last week as a result of a decision by the two sides to rekindle a long-dormant Trade and Investment Council (TIC). This decision was reached at a meeting last week of CARICOM Trade Ministers with United States Trade Representative Rob Portman in Washington, D.C.