marriott stock (MAR) guide

Marriott stock (MAR)

Marriott stock (MAR) refers to shares of Marriott International, Inc., traded on the Nasdaq in U.S. dollars. This article offers a comprehensive primer on the company's business, listing details, historical performance, financial and valuation metrics, dividends, ownership, analyst coverage, catalysts that move the share price, and practical guidance on how to buy and trade the stock. Readers will gain a clear, neutral picture of what drives marriott stock and where to find authoritative filings and investor resources.

Company background

Marriott International is a global lodging operator and franchisor with a broad portfolio spanning luxury, premium, mid-scale, and value hotel brands. The company operates through an asset-light model in which a majority of revenue is generated from franchise and management fees rather than direct hotel ownership. This structure tends to produce higher margin profiles relative to asset-heavy peers and makes the company's earnings more tied to fee flows, occupancy, and room rates than to property-level capital returns.

Key brand families in Marriott’s portfolio include luxury and premium names as well as broad-market offerings. Examples include The Ritz‑Carlton, JW Marriott, and Bulgari Hotels & Resorts at the higher end, alongside Courtyard by Marriott and Fairfield Inn & Suites at more value-oriented tiers. Marriott also participates in timeshare, residential, and extended-stay segments, broadening its exposure to diverse traveler needs.

The company’s global footprint is large and diversified. As of January 22, 2026, Marriott operated and franchised over 9,400 properties across 144 countries and territories, giving it one of the most extensive global networks in hospitality. This scale supports marketing reach and loyalty-program benefits while exposing the company to geographic variation in travel demand.

Ticker and listing information

• Ticker symbol: MAR
• Exchange: Nasdaq
• Trading currency: USD
• Share class: Common stock (single publicly traded class)

Marriott’s shares trade under the ticker MAR on the Nasdaq during regular U.S. market hours (typically 09:30–16:00 Eastern Time). Extended-hours trading (pre-market and after-market) may be available through retail brokerages, though quotes in extended sessions can be thinner and more volatile. Real-time and historical price information is published by financial data providers and the company’s official investor relations channels.

For the most authoritative listing history, exact IPO or listing dates, and current share counts, investors should consult the company’s investor relations materials and SEC filings.

Historical price performance

Marriott stock has shown multi-year variation in price driven by changing travel demand, macroeconomic cycles, and company-specific events. Travel rebounds, a tilt toward premium and luxury offerings, and consistent fee-based revenue have supported outperformance during recent recovery periods.

As of January 22, 2026, according to Barchart, marriott stock had risen 18.1% over the past 52 weeks, outpacing the S&P 500 Index’s 16.9% gain in the same period and significantly outperforming sector ETFs that lagged. The stock hit an all-time high near $331.09 in January 2026 during a period of robust travel demand and upside earnings surprises.

When assessing historical returns, investors should consider total return (price appreciation plus dividends and buybacks). Marriott has returned capital through both dividends and share repurchases, which can materially increase investor returns over time compared with price change alone.

Note: For visual charts and up-to-date price series, consult market data providers and the company’s investor relations page. Historical patterns often reflect a combination of cyclical travel trends, currency effects on international revenue, and company-specific announcements such as acquisitions or cost programs.

Key financial and valuation metrics

Investors commonly monitor a set of financial metrics to assess marriott stock. Below are core metrics and what they indicate:

• Market capitalization: A snapshot of the company’s equity value. As of January 22, 2026, Marriott’s market capitalization was about $87.5 billion (source: Barchart). Market cap contextualizes the company size versus peers.

• Revenue: Total top-line sales from franchise fees, management fees, owned properties, timeshare, and other services. Revenue trends show demand for rooms and contracted fees from franchisees.

• Net income / EPS (earnings per share): Profitability after expenses. Analysts also look at adjusted EPS measures that exclude one-time items.

• P/E ratio (price-to-earnings): Market price divided by earnings per share. P/E communicates how the market prices current and expected earnings relative to peers.

• EBITDA and margins: Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, and margin percentages indicate operating efficiency. For asset-light companies, margins on fee revenue are often higher.

• Free cash flow: Cash generation available for dividends, buybacks, debt paydown, or reinvestment. Strong free cash flow supports capital return programs.

Recent analyst expectations (reported as of January 22, 2026 by Barchart) point to continued earnings growth: Wall Street anticipated Q4 2025 EPS of $2.61 per share, up from $2.45 in Q4 2024, and full-year fiscal 2025 EPS near $10.05. Fiscal 2026 EPS estimates in that report were around $11.49, implying further growth. Investors should confirm current estimates with their preferred data provider as numbers update frequently.

How to interpret these metrics together:

• A rising market cap with expanding margins and growing EPS suggests improving fundamentals.
• A higher P/E relative to peers could indicate stronger expected growth or premium valuation due to brand strength.
• Free cash flow growth supports dividends and buybacks, which impact per-share metrics.

Always compare Marriott metrics to peer lodging companies and hotel industry averages when making relative valuation judgments.

Dividends and shareholder returns

Marriott has a history of returning capital to shareholders via dividends and share repurchases. Dividend policy details such as the recent cash dividend per share, yield, and ex-dividend dates are announced by the company on a quarterly basis and published in earnings releases and dividend notices.

Investors should track:

• Trailing dividend yield: Annualized dividend divided by current share price.
• Dividend payment history: Consistency and growth trends indicate management’s view of sustainable cash flow.
• Ex-dividend and record dates: These determine eligibility for dividend receipt.

In addition to dividends, Marriott has historically authorized and executed share repurchase programs that reduce outstanding shares and can boost EPS and return on equity. Details on active buyback authorizations and repurchase cadence appear in quarterly reports and Form 10-Q/10-K filings.

Corporate actions and capital structure

Corporate actions that can affect marriott stock include stock repurchases, stock splits (if any), acquisitions or divestitures, spin-offs, large debt financings, and governance changes. These actions change the per-share economics and may affect investor perception of value.

Key items to monitor in filings and press releases:

• Outstanding shares and float: The number of shares outstanding and shares available for trading affect liquidity and per-share metrics.
• Buyback authorizations: Timing and magnitude of repurchases shape future EPS trends and capital allocation.
• M&A activity: Acquisitions or dispositions can materially change revenue mix and risk profile.

Investors should review the company’s annual 10-K and quarterly 10-Q filings for explicit figures on share counts, long-term debt, and capital commitments.

Ownership and institutional investors

Institutional investors typically hold a significant portion of the outstanding shares of large-cap companies like Marriott. Institutional ownership data and insider holdings are reported in SEC filings and summarized by financial data providers.

As of the latest institutional summaries available on major market-data platforms, marriott stock shows a high level of institutional ownership, which generally provides liquidity and coverage from equity research teams. Insider ownership and reported insider trades can provide signals about management’s alignment with shareholders, but they should be interpreted conservatively and in context.

Typical investor composition for large hospitality names includes mutual funds, pension funds, ETF allocations (including sector or travel-themed ETFs), and retail investors. High institutional ownership can reduce share price volatility but does not eliminate market sensitivity to macro shocks.

Analysts, ratings and price targets

Analyst coverage can influence market sentiment and is often summarized as a consensus rating and a range of price targets. As of January 22, 2026 (Barchart), marriott stock had coverage from roughly 26 analysts with a mixed consensus: about 10 strong buy, 2 moderate buy, 13 hold, and 1 strong sell. The average analyst price target reported was about $309.68, while the Street-high target was near $370 — implying upside from reported trading levels at the date of publication.

Important caveats:

• Analysts update estimates frequently; ratings and price targets will change with new earnings, guidance, and macro developments.
• Consensus figures aggregate differing methodologies. Always review individual analyst notes for assumptions on revenue, occupancy, and margins.

Recent news and catalysts

Types of news that commonly move marriott stock include:

• Quarterly earnings and guidance updates: These provide immediate signals on room demand, fee growth, and management outlook.
• Travel demand trends: Macro indicators such as consumer spending, airline bookings, and corporate travel budgets affect lodging demand.
• Brand and loyalty program initiatives: Changes to the Marriott Bonvoy program or new partnerships can influence consumer behavior and revenue per available room (RevPAR).
• M&A and strategic transactions: Acquisitions, disposals, or partnerships that alter scale or margins.
• Regulatory or legal developments: Litigation outcomes or regulatory rulings that affect costs or operations.

Example context (as of January 22, 2026): According to Barchart, market optimism around marriott stock reflected consistent earnings beats over the prior four quarters, strong Q3 results posted in November prior to the Q4 report period, and robust luxury hotel performance overseas. These dynamics contributed to share-price strength and an all-time high in January 2026.

Financial filings and investor relations resources

Primary documents for authoritative information on marriott stock include:

• SEC filings: Form 10-K (annual report), Form 10-Q (quarterly report), Form 8-K (current events), and proxy statements.
• Earnings releases and investor presentations: These provide management commentary, guidance, and segment detail.
• Webcasts and transcripts: Earnings call webcasts and transcripts give insight into management’s explanations for trends and outlook.

Investors should use these primary sources to verify revenue composition, segment performance, risk factors, and management discussion and analysis. Company investor relations materials and SEC filings are the most reliable starting points for due diligence.

How to buy and trade MAR stock

If you decide to purchase marriott stock, here are practical considerations and steps common to U.S. equity trading:

• Brokerage account: Open an account with a regulated brokerage that supports U.S.-listed equities. Retail platforms often offer commission-free trading and educational research tools.
• Order types: Market orders (execute at the current best price), limit orders (specify a price), stop orders, and extended-hours orders. Choose order types based on cost tolerance and liquidity concerns.
• Fractional shares: Some platforms allow fractional-share purchases to invest fixed-dollar amounts rather than whole shares.
• Taxes: Holders should be aware of capital gains tax rules in their jurisdiction and dividend taxation. Keep proper records for cost basis and holding period.
• Dividend reinvestment: Many brokerages offer dividend reinvestment plans (DRIPs) that automatically reinvest cash dividends into additional shares.

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Note: The mention of trading platforms is informational and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of specific trades.

Risks and considerations for investors

Investing in marriott stock carries company-specific, sector, and macroeconomic risks. Key considerations include:

• Sensitivity to travel cycles: Demand for hotel rooms moves with consumer and corporate travel; recessions or business-travel pullbacks can reduce revenue.
• Exposure to economic downturns: Discretionary travel budgets decline during weaker economic periods.
• Geographic concentration: Regional slowdowns, currency volatility, or travel restrictions can disproportionately affect certain markets.
• Labor and operating costs: Increases in wages, benefits, or supply costs can compress margins.
• Competition and substitution: Competition from other major hotel chains and alternative lodging options affects pricing power.
• Interest rates and financing costs: Higher rates can raise financing costs for franchisees/owners and affect consumer spending patterns.

Investors should balance these risks with company strengths like brand scale, diversified portfolio, and franchise-based revenue that can offer resiliency relative to pure asset owners.

Comparative peers and industry context

Marriott is typically benchmarked against other global lodging companies and hospitality peers. When comparing marriott stock, consider differences in business models:

• Asset-light franchisor/manager vs. asset-heavy owner: Asset-light models derive more of their profits from fees and have lower capital intensity, while asset-heavy firms rely more on property-level returns.
• Brand mix: A tilt toward luxury and premium brands can boost RevPAR resilience in downturns, while broad-market exposure can provide volume stability.

Relevant peer groups for comparison include major publicly traded hotel operators, managers, and lodging REITs. Common benchmarking approaches include comparing P/E, EV/EBITDA, RevPAR growth, and occupancy trends.

See also

• Marriott International (company overview and history)
• Hospitality industry overview
• Hotel REITs and lodging sector ETFs
• Major competitors and peer companies in hospitality
• Investor relations and SEC filing basics

References and further reading

Sources used in compiling this guide include: Marriott Investor Relations (official filings and stock information), Barchart market coverage (reporting as of January 22, 2026), and major financial data providers and news outlets summarizing market quotes and analyst coverage (e.g., Yahoo Finance, CNBC, MarketWatch, Motley Fool, Robinhood, Stash, CNN Markets). For the latest, consult Marriott’s SEC filings and the company’s investor relations materials.

As of January 22, 2026, according to Barchart, Marriott International had a market capitalization near $87.5 billion and operated more than 9,400 properties across 144 countries and territories. Analysts’ consensus estimates and the 52-week performance figures referenced above are based on market reporting on that date.

External links and investor resources

• Marriott Investor Relations (official site — check the company IR portal for filings and stock information)
• SEC EDGAR filings for Marriott International (search for Form 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K)
• Major market data providers for live quotes and analyst summaries (search names such as Yahoo Finance, MarketWatch, CNBC, and Barchart)

Optional: Quarterly earnings and guidance (H3)

Quarterly earnings releases provide the most frequent discrete updates on marriott stock fundamentals. Investors watch metrics such as revenue, adjusted EPS, RevPAR, management-fee growth, and franchise openings. In the most recent reporting cycle prior to January 22, 2026, Marriott consistently beat earnings expectations across several quarters, which contributed to positive momentum in the share price.

Expectations for the Q4 2025 earnings release (scheduled by the company to occur before the market opens on February 10, 2026) were positive, with analysts projecting EPS of $2.61 for the quarter and full-year fiscal 2025 EPS near $10.05. These projections as reported by Barchart indicated continued growth versus prior-year results.

Optional: Dividend history table (H3)

Below is a compact snapshot template for dividend history. For precise historical dividend per-share amounts, ex-dividend dates, and yields, consult the company’s dividend notices and annual reports.

(Replace the placeholders above with verified figures from the company’s dividend notices or Form 10-Q / 10-K.)

Optional: ESG and sustainability metrics (H3)

Environmental, social, and governance reporting can affect investor perception and long-term brand strength. Marriott publishes sustainability and corporate responsibility reports that cover emissions, energy use, community engagement, and governance practices. Investors interested in ESG factors should consult the company’s dedicated sustainability disclosures and third-party ESG ratings for comparative context.

Final notes and how to continue researching marriott stock

If you want to follow marriott stock more closely:

• Check the company investor relations portal and SEC filings for authoritative data on revenue composition, debt, share counts, and corporate actions.
• Monitor quarterly earnings, management guidance, and booking/travel trend data presented on earnings calls.
• Review analyst reports for consensus estimates and to understand scenarios priced into the market.
• Use reputable market-data providers for up‑to‑date prices, total-return charts, and dividend histories.

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Further exploration: explore Marriott’s investor relations materials, SEC filings, and reputable market data platforms to verify up-to-date metrics and to examine the primary sources behind any market commentary.

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(Reporting date and primary market context: As of January 22, 2026, according to Barchart.)