Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc. (HOT) has reported fourth quarter loss from continuing operations of $186 million or $1.03 per share. The company incurred a loss of $45 million or -25 cents per share from continuing operations a year earlier.

However, excluding special items, the company has earned $95 million or 51 cents per share in the reported quarter compared to $88 million or 49 cents in the year-ago period. Results are well ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 22 cents, primarily driven by better-than-expected revenue. Starwood’s forecast for 2010 also topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate.