Royal Caribbean GroupMarriott

Royal Caribbean Group vs Marriott

Royal Caribbean Group and Marriott International are compared on this page to illuminate business models, financial performance, and market context. The analysis covers strategic approaches, revenue s...

Why It's Moving

Royal Caribbean Group

Royal Caribbean Shares Surge on Robust 2026 Outlook and Cruise Demand Boom

  • Q4 adjusted EPS hit $2.80 in line with forecasts, with net yields up 3% from higher pricing and occupancy at 108%, showing ships sailing full and passengers splurging more.
  • Management raised 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to $17.70-$18.10, topping Street views, fueled by record WAVE bookings covering two-thirds of capacity amid 6.7% growth.
  • JPMorgan hiked its target post-earnings, citing ongoing booking strength and capacity ramps, as the cruise recovery draws risk-on bets in travel stocks.
Sentiment:
🐃Bullish
Marriott

MAR Stock Warning: Why Analysts See -8% Downside Risk

  • Analysts project Q4 EPS of $2.64, a 7.8% YoY rise, fueled by solid momentum in APEC and EMEA regions from improving cross-border travel and ADR growth.
  • Recent recognition as Fortune's #1 in Hotels, Casinos & Resorts underscores Marriott's brand strength, alongside 4.3% net room growth and a 610,000-room pipeline.
  • Despite consensus Moderate Buy ratings, lower price targets around $240 signal downside risk from a P/E/G ratio of 2.57, suggesting the stock may be pricey relative to growth.
Sentiment:
🐻Bearish

Investment Analysis

Royal Caribbean Group

Pros

  • Royal Caribbean has a strong competitive position as one of the leading global cruise vacation operators with multiple brands and approximately 58 ships in operation.
  • The company demonstrates high profitability metrics with a normalized return on equity of over 62% and return on assets around 11.5%.
  • Royal Caribbean shows potential undervaluation with its discounted cash flow analysis suggesting it might be undervalued by over 40%, offering a possible buying opportunity.

Considerations

  • The stock price has been volatile recently, experiencing a sharp decline of around 16.8% in the past month and about 10.9% in one week, reflecting market sensitivity to macroeconomic risks.
  • The company exhibits low liquidity ratios, with a quick ratio below 0.1 and current ratio below 0.2, indicating potential challenges in covering short-term liabilities.
  • Royal Caribbean faces exposure to rising costs, higher interest rates, and fluctuating consumer sentiment which could impact demand and profitability in the near term.
Marriott

Pros

  • Marriott International benefits from strong brand recognition and a diverse portfolio of lodging brands across global markets, supporting steady demand.
  • The company maintains solid operating performance with efficient asset utilisation and disciplined capital management, contributing to resilience in variable economic conditions.
  • Marriott’s scale and global footprint provide competitive advantages in negotiating and managing costs, aiding long-term growth prospects.

Considerations

  • Marriott's stock and valuation are exposed to macroeconomic risks including inflationary pressures and potential softness in global travel demand.
  • The lodging industry’s cyclicality subjects Marriott to fluctuations linked to economic downturns, affecting occupancy rates and average daily rates.
  • Ongoing operational execution risks related to integration of acquisitions and shifts in consumer preferences may challenge near-term profit margins.

Related Market Insights

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Author avatar

Aimee Silverwood | Financial Analyst

July 25, 2025

Read Insight

Royal Caribbean Group (RCL) Next Earnings Date

Royal Caribbean's (RCL) next earnings date is estimated for late April 2026, specifically around April 29, following the company's historical pattern after its Q4 2025 report on January 29. This release will cover the first quarter of 2026 (Q1 2026), aligning with typical quarterly reporting cycles. Guidance for full-year 2026 has already been issued, projecting Adjusted EPS of $17.70 to $18.10.

Marriott (MAR) Next Earnings Date

Marriott International will report its fourth quarter 2025 earnings on February 10, 2026, at approximately 7:00 a.m. ET. The earnings report will cover the company's final quarter of 2025, providing results for the period ending December 31, 2025. Analysts are currently forecasting earnings per share between $2.64 and $2.73 for this period. This represents the company's next scheduled earnings announcement following its most recent report in November 2025.

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

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