Business news briefs

staff and news services

First Published Feb 19 2013 06:19 pm • Last Updated Feb 19 2013 06:19 pm

Builder confidence

dips from high

Confidence among U.S. homebuilders slipped this month from the 6½ year high it reached in January, with many builders reporting less traffic by prospective customers before the critical spring home-buying season.

Boxing club also

a fitness center

Title Boxing Club has opened at 7817 S. Highland Drive, the first of three fitness centers planned for Salt Lake County. The club, part of a national franchise based in Kansas City, Mo., offers group training classes seven days a week by instructors with various specialties using elements of boxing and kickboxing. For more information and hours of operation, visit www.TitleBoxingUtah.com.

Novartis chairman

forgoes $78M payout

Swiss drugmaker Novartis AG has agreed with its outgoing chairman to scrap plans for a farewell non-compete deal that could have netted him up to 72 million francs ($78 million). The announcement followed criticism from some of the company’s shareholders and Swiss politicians.

Higher rates boost

Marriott’s 4Q

Marriott International Inc. turned a profit in its fourth quarter, driven by an increased number of rooms in its portfolio and higher occupancy rates. The company earned $181 million, or 56 cents per share, in the three-month period ending Dec. 28, up from $141 million, or 41 cents per share, a year earlier. Revenue rose 2 percent.

Beechcraft emerges

from bankruptcy

Kansas planemaker Beechcraft, formerly Hawker Beechcraft, emerged from bankruptcy protection free of much of its debt and its unprofitable business jet operations. The company is now focused on its turboprop and piston aircraft, and on its military work.

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