Marriott International, Inc. (MAR) Stock Report - January 2, 2026

Company Overview

Marriott International, Inc., headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, stands as a leading player in the global lodging industry. Since its founding in 1927, Marriott has specialized in the operation, franchising, and licensing of hotels and residential properties across the globe. The company boasts a diverse portfolio that features well-known brands such as JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, and Sheraton, among others. Marriott's offering extends beyond hotels to include residential properties, timeshares, and even luxury yachts, marking it as a significant entity within the consumer cyclical sector.

The lodging industry has seen robust growth recently, driven by a pronounced increase in consumer demand for travel and accommodation services. As a result, Marriott's stature as a market leader positions it favorably, with recent analyst sentiments indicating a strong buy recommendation, bolstered by positive trends within the sector. With revenues approximating $6.87 billion and a total of 268,351,795 outstanding shares, Marriott's operational strength suggests a viable opportunity for investors.

52-Week Price Performance Analysis

52-Week Price Performance Chart

The 52-week stock price chart for Marriott International (MAR) indicates a predominantly bullish trend. The stock, trading at approximately $310.24, has shown substantial recovery following significant volatility, with a notable low of $205.40 and a high of $316.69 experienced over the past year.

Technical Indicators and Key Levels

1. Support and Resistance:
2. Support Level: The $260 mark served as a pivotal support point throughout the year, especially during the consolidation phases in May, June, and September.

3. Resistance Level: The $300 threshold, previously viewed as a major resistance point, was breached in November, leading to recent highs.

4. Moving Averages: The fifty-day moving average stands at $291.53, further reinforcing the bullish narrative as the current price exceeds this benchmark. The moving average has consistently provided dynamic support, particularly from mid-year onwards.

5. Market Momentum: The stock's performance has demonstrated strong upward momentum, characterized by a sequence of higher highs and higher lows from July into December. The recent breakout above prior resistance levels in late November signifies strong buying interest and potential for continued price increases.

6. Volatility: The stock has showcased considerable volatility, yet the prevailing trend remains positive given the current price positioning near 52-week highs.

Conclusion on Price Action

The technical outlook for Marriott International suggests an optimistic trajectory, particularly if it maintains its position above the newly established support at $310. Sustaining this momentum could see it targeting the upper resistance at $345.

Financial Performance and Metrics

Marriott International's financial health exhibits considerable strength, showcased through solid metrics:

• Total Revenue: Approximately $6.87 billion, illustrating robust earnings capability.
• EBITDA: Notable at $4.6 billion, indicating strong operational efficiency.
• Shares Outstanding: 268,351,795 shares, with a low short interest of 0.0338%, indicating a stable trading environment.
• Current Share Price: $310.24, with a target high price forecasting potential upside to $345, as well as a target mean price of $294.48.

Analysts recommend purchasing the stock, given its potential for growth and strong financial metrics. The consensus of 25 analyst opinions further substantiates this bullish sentiment, with a mean recommendation rating of 2.33.

Recent News and Developments

Several key developments have recently impacted Marriott's market position:

• Q3 Earnings Report: In the third quarter of 2025, Marriott reported an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.47, outperforming analyst expectations, indicating operational success and management efficacy.
• Dividend Announcement: The company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.67 per share, payable on December 31, 2025, displaying commitment to returning value to shareholders.
• Analyst Upgrades: On December 15, 2025, Goldman Sachs upgraded Marriott's rating from Neutral to Buy, reflecting renewed confidence in the company's future performance. Bernstein also raised its price target to $327, highlighting optimism for 2026 prospects, particularly in net unit growth.

These developments contribute to a favorable outlook for Marriott, showcasing its capability to generate revenue and adapt to market dynamics effectively.

Market Sentiment and Analyst Recommendations

Overall, market sentiment for Marriott International is highly positive.

• Analyst Consensus: The consensus reflects strong buying interest, with a mean price target of $294.48.
• High Price Target: Analysts foresee significant upside potential, with projections indicating a high target price of $345 and a low of $215, providing investors with a range of potential outcomes.

Investors should consider the distinctly bullish sentiment, underpinned by strong fundamentals and strategic positioning. The combination of robust financial performance, positive analyst ratings, and record stock price levels fortifies Marriott's standing as a noteworthy investment opportunity.

Summarizing Opportunities and Risks

Opportunities: - Expected continued revenue growth. - Increased consumer demand for travel. - Recent upgrades by analysts reflecting strong market confidence.

Risks: - Potential volatility reflecting market reactions to economic conditions. - High competition in the lodging sector. - Global uncertainties impacting travel demand.

Conclusion

Marriott International represents a solid investment within the consumer cyclical sector, driven by strong financials, an optimistic market outlook, and positive analyst sentiment. As the stock hovers near its all-time high, investors may find substantial opportunities in the context of the prevailing travel demand and strategic growth initiatives. However, caution is warranted regarding potential market fluctuations and competition, highlights important for informed decision-making.

For investors looking for exposure in the lodging industry, Marriott International (MAR) currently embodies a compelling proposition, combining robust fundamentals with consistent market momentum.