Booking vs Marriott International: Which Is the Stronger Buy Today?

MAR: Marriott International logo
MAR
Marriott International

Marriott International surged 8.5% during the past Day. You may be tempted to buy more, or may want to reduce your exposure. But there is an entirely different perspective you might be missing. Is there a better alternative? Turns out, its peer Booking gives you more. Booking (BKNG) stock offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation vs Marriott International (MAR) stock, suggesting you may be better off investing in BKNG

  • BKNG’s quarterly revenue growth was 12.7%, vs. MAR’s 4.1%.
  • In addition, its Last 12 Months revenue growth came in at 13.0%, ahead of MAR’s 4.3%.
  • BKNG leads on profitability over both periods – LTM margin of 34.5% and 3-year average of 31.4%.

These differences become even clearer when you look at the financials side by side. The table highlights how MAR’s fundamentals stack up against those of BKNG on growth, margins, momentum, and valuation multiples.

Trefis

Valuation & Performance Overview

  MAR BKNG Preferred
     
Valuation      
P/EBIT Ratio 23.3 15.4 BKNG
     
Revenue Growth      
Last Quarter 4.1% 12.7% BKNG
Last 12 Months 4.3% 13.0% BKNG
Last 3 Year Average 8.1% 17.8% BKNG
     
Operating Margins      
Last 12 Months 15.8% 34.5% BKNG
Last 3 Year Average 15.9% 31.4% BKNG
     
Momentum      
Last 3 Year Return 116.1% 85.3% MAR

Note: For “Last 3 Year Return” metric, preferred stock is one with higher returns unless the returns are too high (>300%) which creates risk of sell off.
See more revenue details: MAR Revenue Comparison | BKNG Revenue Comparison
See more margin details: MAR Operating Income Comparison | BKNG Operating Income Comparison

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See detailed fundamentals on Buy or Sell BKNG Stock and Buy or Sell MAR Stock. Below we compare market return and related metrics across years.

Historical Market Performance

  2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Total [1] Avg Best
Returns
MAR Return 25% -9% 53% 25% 12% 7% 160%   <===
BKNG Return 8% -16% 76% 41% 9% -21% 93%    
S&P 500 Return 27% -19% 24% 23% 16% 2% 85%    
Monthly Win Rates [3]
MAR Win Rate 58% 50% 58% 67% 67% 100%   67%  
BKNG Win Rate 58% 50% 75% 58% 50% 0%   49%  
S&P 500 Win Rate 75% 42% 67% 75% 67% 100%   71% <===
Max Drawdowns [4]
MAR Max Drawdown -12% -19% -1% -6% -24% 0%   -10%  
BKNG Max Drawdown -15% -32% 0% -6% -16% -21%   -15%  
S&P 500 Max Drawdown -1% -25% -1% -2% -15% -1%   -7% <===

[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] 2026 data is for the year up to 2/10/2026 (YTD)
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year

No matter how good the numbers, stock investment is never a smooth ride. There is a risk you must factor in. Read BKNG Dip Buyer Analyses and MAR Dip Buyer Analyses to see how these stocks have fallen and recovered in the past.

Still not sure about MAR or BKNG? Consider portfolio approach.

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