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Bethesda, Maryland-based Marriott International, Inc. (MAR) is one of the world’s largest hospitality companies. With a market capitalization of around $93.9 billion, it operates primarily as an asset-light franchisor, manager, and licensor of hotels, resorts, residences, and other lodging properties rather than owning most of the real estate itself. Its portfolio spans more than 30 brands, ranging from luxury names such as The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and JW Marriott to widely recognized brands including Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, Westin, Courtyard, Residence Inn, and Fairfield.
Marriott stock has been checking in far ahead of the competition. MAR stock has returned 34.9% over the past 52 weeks, beating the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX), which has gained 20.2% over the same period. Moreover, its momentum has carried into 2026, with the stock climbing 16% versus the index’s 12.6% advance.
MAR has also left its hotel-focused benchmark in the rearview mirror, outpacing the AdvisorShares Hotel ETF (BEDZ), which is up 9.9% over the past year and 9.8% in 2026.
On Aug. 3, Marriott shares dipped 7% after the company reported its Q2 2026 results as investors looked past a solid performance and focused on a softer outlook ahead. Adjusted EPS jumped 20.4% to $3.19, beating expectations, and global RevPAR grew 3.4%, prompting the company to raise its full-year RevPAR outlook.
However, revenue of $7.07 billion fell short of forecasts, while international RevPAR slipped 0.5%, dragged down by a sharp 43% plunge in the Middle East. Investors were also rattled by Marriott’s softer-than-expected Q3 earnings outlook of $2.74 to $2.82 per share, which was below the consensus estimate.
For the fiscal year ending in December 2026, analysts expect Marriott’s adjusted EPS to grow 16.9% year over year to $11.71. The company’s earnings surprise history is mixed. It beat the consensus estimates in three of the last four quarters while missing on one other occasion.
The overall consensus rating on the stock stands at a “Moderate Buy” based on coverage from 25 analysts. That includes nine “Strong Buy” ratings, two “Moderate Buys,” 13 “Holds,” and one “Strong Sell.”
On Aug. 5, Evercore ISI analyst Duane Pfennigwerth reiterated his “Buy” rating on Marriott International and maintained a $400 price target, signaling continued confidence in the hotel giant’s growth prospects.
MAR stock’s mean price target of $385.04 represents a premium of 7% from the current market price. The Street-high price target of $425 implies an upside potential of 18.1%.
