Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) received a notable upgrade from Goldman Sachs analyst Lizzie Dove on December 15, 2025, shifting its rating from Hold to Buy. This change signals a positive recalibration of investor sentiment, positioning Marriott as an appealing option for those looking at travel and hospitality investments. The prospect of the stock reaching a price target of $345, well above its current price of $308.52, indicates significant upside potential, which could entice both short- and long-term investors.
Recent Price Action
In the last few trading sessions, Marriott’s stock exhibited mild volatility, closing at $308.52, with a recent change of $9.80—an increase of approximately 3.28%. The stock’s performance remains stable, reflecting an overall positive outlook despite its proximity to its 52-week high of $310.53. With a market capitalization of nearly $83 billion, Marriott also recorded a trading volume of approximately 1.38 million shares, slightly below its average of 1.61 million, indicating consistent investor engagement. The stock’s beta of 1.156 suggests it moves with slightly more volatility than the broader market, which could appeal to risk-tolerant investors.
[chart type=’price’ value=’MAR’]
Historical Performance
When examining Marriott’s performance, the last 30 days have been particularly strong, realizing an increase of 7.33%. Over the past 90 days, the stock climbed 15.16%, while its year-to-date performance maintained a more modest growth of 7.24%. This gradual appreciation shows resilience amid fluctuating market conditions, particularly in the wake of varying economic indicators affecting travel demand. The stocks’ weekly volatility stands at 2.27%, which alongside a monthly volatility of 2.22%, suggests a stable investment environment for Marriott. Overall, these performance metrics reflect a solid demand in the hospitality sector, further bolstered by a promising recovery trajectory post-pandemic.
[chart type=’performance’ value=’MAR’]
Earnings Analysis
Marriott’s latest earnings report presents favorable results, with actual earnings per share (EPS) of $2.47, exceeding the estimated figure of $2.38 by approximately 3.78%. This marks a continuing trend of positive earnings surprises, as the previous quarter’s EPS was reported at $2.65 against an estimate of $2.61, yielding a surprise of 1.53%. Such consistent earnings management not only strengthens investor confidence but also indicates robust operational management amidst a competitive landscape. The uptick in EPS suggests that Marriott is effectively capitalizing on increasing travel demand and optimizing its service offerings.
[chart type=’income-bar-chart’ value=’MAR’]
Analyst / Consensus View
The consensus from analysts remains cautiously optimistic, with a total of eight ratings on record. This includes three Buy ratings and five Hold ratings, but notably, there are no Sell ratings. Goldman Sachs’ recent price target of $345 aligns with the stock’s estimated high price target of the same figure, indicating strong conviction in its future performance. The average price target across all analysts is $294.88, suggesting that while there is room for appreciation from its current price, the market also recognizes inherent risks in volatility and economic factors that may affect the travel industry.
[chart type=’analyst-ratings’ value=’MAR’]
Stock Grading and Fundamental View
Marriott International holds a Stocks Telegraph Grading Score of 49, indicative of a company demonstrating steady fundamentals and operational resilience. This score reflects the firm’s strong positioning in an industry primed for recovery, and a commitment to innovation within the hospitality sector. While the score doesn’t signify extraordinary strength, it underscores Marriott’s continued relevance and adaptability in a fluctuating market.
[chart type=’st-cards’ value=’MAR’]
Conclusion
For investors considering Marriott International, the recent upgrade to Buy and compelling price target suggest the stock could be an attractive opportunity for long-term growth-focused investors. While the company has shown solid performance metrics and favorable earnings surprises, potential investors should weigh the inherent risks associated with market volatility and shifting travel trends. With its robust fundamentals and strategic positioning, Marriott stands as a viable option for those looking to benefit from the ongoing recovery in the travel and hospitality markets.