Marriott International, Inc. engages in operating, franchising, and licensing hotel, residential, timeshare, and other lodging properties worldwide. It operates its properties under the JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, The Luxury Collection, W Hotels, St. Regis, EDITION, Bvlgari, Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, Westin, Autograph Collection, Renaissance Hotels, Le Méridien, Delta Hotels by Marriott, Tribute Portfolio, Gaylord Hotels, Design Hotels, Marriott Executive Apartments, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, TownePlace Suites by Marriott, Aloft Hotels, AC Hotels by Marriott, Moxy Hotels, Element Hotels, Protea Hotels by Marriott, and City Express by Marriott brand names, as well as operates residences, timeshares, and yachts. The company was founded in 1927 and is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland.

Marriott looks like a high-quality but no longer cheap business: profit and operating margins are strong, while the balance sheet remains vulnerable. P/E 35.93, P/S 3.34, and P/FCF 40.13 are noticeably above the industry median, which limits the potential for further re-rating. At the same time, EPS of 2.45, forward EPS of 2.64, ROA of 9.35, and ROI of 22.79 are at a high level and support the case for a strong operating model. Operating margin of 16.02% and net margin of 9.72% are also above industry benchmarks, indicating the company’s ability to maintain profitability even in a competitive environment. Revenue of 6.65 billion and operating profit of 1.06 billion remain large and generally stable year over year, with no signs of a sharp deterioration. However, liquidity is weak: a current ratio of 0.46 and a quick ratio of 0.00 point to limited short-term financial flexibility. Debt burden is significant, as long-term debt of 15.32 billion combined with negative shareholder equity of -2.42 billion creates elevated valuation risks. Negative equity and the extremely high net worth on an absolute scale appear to be the result of the capital structure rather than a sign of classic balance-sheet strength. The dividend yield of 0.20% is too small to be a meaningful support factor for investors. Over time, profitability and operating metrics have remained at a solid level, but the multiples already reflect that success. Therefore, it is fair to expect only a moderate downward revision to the forecast: the fundamentals are good, but the current price already incorporates a significant portion of the positive factors.

Marriott International

Сильный индекс, значительно упал. Быки в растерянности.

Strong index, significantly down. The bulls are confused.

Средний индекс, значительно упал. Рынок на стороне быков.

Medium index, significantly down. The market is on the bulls' side.

Средний индекс, значительно вырос. Увеличился приток средств в лонги.

Medium index, significantly up. The inflow of funds into longs has increased.

Marriott has strong profitability and margins, but its high valuation and weak balance sheet limit its upside; fundamentals therefore support only moderate caution.

In its upcoming report, Marriott International (MAR) is predicted by Wall Street analysts to post quarterly earnings of $3.06 per share, reflecting an increase of 15.5% compared to the same period last year. Revenues are forecasted to be $7.26 billion, representing a year-over-year increase of 7.6%.
The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.1% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This reflects how the analysts covering the stock have collectively reevaluated their initial estimates during this timeframe.
Prior to a company's earnings release, it is of utmost importance to factor in any revisions made to the earnings projections. These revisions serve as a critical gauge for predicting potential investor behaviors with respect to the stock. Empirical studies consistently reveal a strong link between trends in earnings estimate revisions and the short-term price performance of a stock.
While it's common for investors to rely on consensus earnings and revenue estimates for assessing how the business may have performed during the quarter, exploring analysts' forecasts for key metrics can yield valuable insights.
That said, let's delve into the average estimates of some Marriott metrics that Wall Street analysts commonly model and monitor.
Analysts forecast 'Revenues- Gross fee revenues' to reach $1.56 billion. The estimate indicates a change of +11.3% from the prior-year quarter.
Based on the collective assessment of analysts, 'Revenues- Net fee revenues' should arrive at $1.53 billion. The estimate points to a change of +11.7% from the year-ago quarter.
Analysts' assessment points toward 'Revenues- Owned, leased, and other revenue' reaching $442.44 million. The estimate suggests a change of +0.3% year over year.
The collective assessment of analysts points to an estimated 'Revenues- Franchise fees' of $1.01 billion. The estimate points to a change of +17.3% from the year-ago quarter.
It is projected by analysts that the 'Comparable Systemwide International Properties - Worldwide - REVPAR' will reach 139 . Compared to the current estimate, the company reported 136 in the same quarter of the previous year.
The average prediction of analysts places 'Rooms - Total' at 1,811,109 . Compared to the current estimate, the company reported 1,735,819 in the same quarter of the previous year.
According to the collective judgment of analysts, 'Rooms - Owned/Leased' should come in at 13,729 . The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of 14,206 .
Analysts predict that the 'Rooms - Franchised' will reach 1,213,083 . The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 1,138,838 .
Analysts expect 'Rooms - Owned/Leased - US & Canada' to come in at 5,539 . The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 5,539 .
The consensus among analysts is that 'Rooms - Owned/Leased - Total International' will reach 8,389 . Compared to the present estimate, the company reported 8,667 in the same quarter last year.
The consensus estimate for 'Comparable Systemwide US & Canada Properties - U.S. & Canada - REVPAR' stands at $148.17 . The estimate compares to the year-ago value of $142.78 .
The combined assessment of analysts suggests that 'Comparable Systemwide International Properties - Asia Pacific excluding China - REVPAR' will likely reach $134.76 . Compared to the present estimate, the company reported $127.23 in the same quarter last year.
View all Key Company Metrics for Marriott here>>>
Over the past month, Marriott shares have recorded returns of +3.5% versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1.9% change. Based on its Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), MAR will likely exhibit a performance that aligns with the overall market in the upcoming period. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
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Unveiling Marriott (MAR) Q2 Outlook: Wall Street Estimates for Key Metrics

Roblox Corporation RBLX is scheduled to report second-quarter 2026 results on July 30, after the closing bell.
RBLX’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with an average surprise of 20.5%.
Trend in the Estimate Revision of RBLX
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter loss is currently pegged at 33 cents per share, narrower than the loss of 41 cents reported in the prior-year quarter.
For revenues, the consensus mark is pinned at nearly $1.59 billion. The metric implies an increase of 10.6% from the year-ago quarter’s figure.
Let’s take a look at how things have shaped up in the quarter.
Factors Likely to Shape Roblox’s Q2 Results
Roblox's second-quarter 2026 top line is likely to have benefited from sustained user spending and healthy engagement across its platform. Management noted that monetization and retention remained resilient despite softer new-user additions, indicating that existing users continued to spend at solid levels.
A larger base of monthly unique payers, stronger engagement across a wider range of experiences beyond the top 10 games and improving content diversity might also have supported bookings. In addition, robust user growth in international markets, particularly Japan and India, along with steady expansion in the United States and Canada, is likely to have provided an additional boost to revenues.
Revenue growth might also have been supported by Roblox's continued investments in platform innovation and creator tools. The rollout of AI-powered development capabilities, enhancements to game discovery that prioritize long-term engagement, and new communication features such as Global Chat and integrated party chat were designed to improve the user experience. At the same time, initiatives aimed at attracting higher-spending adult users, including enhanced creator incentives for 18+ experiences and partnerships with established game studios, are expected to have contributed to stronger monetization during the quarter.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the Daily Active Users is currently pegged at approximately 128.2 million, up from 111.8 million reported in the year-ago quarter. Meanwhile, hours engaged are expected to come in at 33.2 billion, compared with 27.4 billion in the prior-year period.
Profitability is likely to have been pressured by elevated investment spending and lower operating leverage. Management indicated that slower growth in bookings would reduce fixed-cost absorption, while increased investments in proprietary AI capabilities, cloud infrastructure and higher DevEx payouts for qualifying 18+ creators are expected to have weighed on margins. Although these initiatives are intended to strengthen Roblox's long-term growth prospects, they are likely to have constrained bottom-line performance in the second quarter.
What Our Model Says About RBLX Stock
Our proven model doesn’t predict an earnings beat for Roblox this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat, which is not the case here.
Roblox’s Earnings ESP: Roblox has an Earnings ESP of +1.28%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
Roblox’s Zacks Rank: The company has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) at present.
Roblox Corporation Price and EPS Surprise
Stocks Poised to Beat on Earnings
Here are some stocks from the Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector that investors may consider, as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat.
Life Time Group Holdings, Inc. LTH has an Earnings ESP of +1.12% and a Zacks Rank of 1 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Life Time Group is expected to register a 21.6% increase in earnings for the to-be-reported quarter. LTH reported better-than-expected earnings in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 10.9%.
Marriott International, Inc. MAR currently has an Earnings ESP of +1.88% and a Zacks Rank of 3.
MAR’s earnings for the to-be-reported quarter are expected to increase 15.5%. Marriott reported better-than-expected earnings in three of the trailing four quarters and missed on one occasion, the average surprise being 1.5%.
Cinemark Holdings, Inc. CNK currently has an Earnings ESP of +6.40% and a Zacks Rank of 3.
CNK’s earnings for the to-be-reported quarter are expected to increase 57.1%. Cinemark reported lower-than-expected earnings in each of the trailing four quarters, the average miss being negative 20.4%.
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Roblox Set to Report Q2 Earnings: Key Insights for Investors

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. LYV is scheduled to report second-quarter 2026 results on July 30.
LYV’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in one of the trailing four quarters, and missed on three occasions, the average miss being 28.9%.
Trend in the Estimate Revision of LYV
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter earnings per share (EPS) is pegged at 59 cents, indicating growth of 43.9% from 41 cents reported in the year-ago quarter.
For revenues, the consensus mark is pegged at nearly $7.53 billion, suggesting an increase of 7.5% from the prior-year quarter’s figure.
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise
Let's look at how things have shaped up in the quarter.
Factors Likely to Shape Live Nation’s Quarterly Results
Live Nation’s second-quarter 2026 performance is likely to have benefited from robust global concert demand, expanding artist supply and healthy ticket sales. Strong booking activity across stadiums, arenas and amphitheaters, coupled with sustained momentum in international touring markets, is expected to have supported results in the quarter under review. Healthy concert activity across North America, Latin America, Europe and parts of Asia may also have aided sponsorship and ticketing revenues. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter Sponsorship & Advertising revenues is pegged at $385.3 million, compared with $340.6 million reported in the prior-year quarter.
The Concerts segment is likely to have benefited from a stronger U.S. amphitheater slate as the summer touring season began. As of May 2026, Live Nation reported that amphitheater show counts were pacing ahead of the prior year, while ticket sales were up by double digits. These trends are likely to have supported segment performance during the quarter. Positive early trends in on-site spending and premium sales may also have aided results, while cancellations remained within the company’s historical range and were unlikely to have had a material impact. The consensus estimate for second-quarter Concerts revenues is pegged at $6.37 billion, compared with $5.95 billion reported in the prior-year quarter.
Venue Nation’s premium-hospitality initiatives may have further supported per-fan monetization. Live Nation continued to expand premium seating, upgraded hospitality areas, enhanced parking and other higher-value experiences across its venue portfolio. Investments aimed at increasing premium capacity at select amphitheaters from low-single-digit levels to approximately 25% are likely to have aided on-site spending at upgraded venues.
Live Nation’s Ticketing segment is likely to have benefited from higher primary ticket volumes and continued additions to its global client base. Increased concert-ticket sales may have supported ticketing revenues, while product enhancements and platform expansion across Latin America, Asia and Japan may have aided international growth. The consensus estimate for second-quarter Ticketing revenues is pegged at $774.8 million, up from $742.7 million reported in the prior-year quarter.
However, the phasing of Live Nation’s concert calendar may have moderated the pace of second-quarter growth. The company indicated that the strongest increases in global stadium and U.S. amphitheater activity were weighted toward the third quarter, when a larger portion of the summer concert season occurs. Restrictions on broker inventory in Ticketmaster’s secondary marketplace may have affected Ticketing performance. Regulatory-related legal expenses are likely to have weighed on second-quarter profitability.
What Our Model Says About LYV Stock
Our proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for Live Nation this time. A stock needs to have a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) to beat earnings. However, that's not the case here.
LYV’s Earnings ESP: Live Nation has an Earnings ESP of +31.57%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
Live Nation’s Zacks Rank: The company currently has a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).
Stocks Poised to Beat on Earnings
Here are some stocks from the Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector that investors may consider, as our model shows that they have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat.
Life Time Group Holdings, Inc. LTH has an Earnings ESP of +1.12% and sports a Zacks Rank of 1 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Life Time Group is expected to register a 21.6% increase in earnings for the to-be-reported quarter. LTH reported better-than-expected earnings in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 10.9%.
Marriott International, Inc. MAR currently has an Earnings ESP of +1.88% and a Zacks Rank of 3.
Marriott’s earnings for the to-be-reported quarter are expected to increase 15.5%. MAR reported better-than-expected earnings in three of the trailing four quarters and missed on one occasion, the average surprise being 1.5%.
Cinemark Holdings, Inc. CNK currently has an Earnings ESP of +6.40% and a Zacks Rank of 3.
Cinemark’s earnings for the to-be-reported quarter are expected to increase 57.1%. CNK reported lower-than-expected earnings in each of the trailing four quarters, the average miss being negative 20.4%.
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The AI revolution has already minted millionaires. But the stocks everyone knows about aren't likely to keep delivering the biggest profits. AI’s second wave is moving from infrastructure to implementation and these companies are at the forefront of this transition, positioned to become what Amazon and Google were to the internet era.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Live Nation to Post Q2 Earnings: What's in the Cards for the Stock?

MGM Resorts International MGM is scheduled to report second-quarter 2026 results on July 29.
MGM’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in two of the trailing four quarters and missed on two occasions, the average surprise being 34.6%.
Trend in Estimate Revision of MGM
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter earnings per share (EPS) is pegged at 63 cents, indicating a deterioration of 20.3% from 79 cents reported in the year-ago quarter.
For revenues, the consensus mark is pegged at nearly $4.45 billion, suggesting growth of 0.9% from the prior-year quarter’s figure.
MGM Resorts International Price and EPS Surprise
Let's look at how things have shaped up in the quarter.
Factors Likely to Shape MGM Resorts’ Quarterly Results
MGM Resorts’ second-quarter 2026 performance is likely to have benefited from strong group and convention demand, easier comparisons in Las Vegas, solid casino activity in Macau and continued digital expansion. The return of renovated rooms at MGM Grand, healthy spending among premium customers and product enhancements at MGM Cotai are expected to have supported results in the to-be-reported quarter.
In Las Vegas, MGM’s performance is likely to have gained from a favorable convention calendar, with convention room-night mix expected to rise 2 percentage points year over year to 20% in the second quarter of 2026. Large corporate programs, including events involving Google and Cisco, coupled with the full availability of MGM Grand’s renovated room inventory, are likely to have supported room demand and ancillary spending. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter Las Vegas Strip revenues is pegged at $2.15 billion, compared with $2.11 billion reported in the prior-year quarter. Segment adjusted property EBITDA is projected at $720.9 million, up from $710.5 million reported in the year-ago quarter.
MGM China is likely to have benefited from premium-mass demand and recently completed enhancements at MGM Cotai. The addition of approximately 60 suites and 40,000 square feet of premium gaming space is expected to have strengthened the company’s product offering and supported performance in the second quarter. However, the higher branding fee is likely to have weighed on MGM China’s reported segment profitability. MGM China’s adjusted property EBITDA is projected at $276.4 million, down from $301.3 million in the prior-year quarter.
MGM Digital is expected to have supported second-quarter top-line growth, driven by continued momentum at LeoVegas across the United Kingdom, Sweden and the Netherlands, along with expansion in Brazil. The consensus estimate for digital revenues is pegged at $200.7 million, up from $163.9 million a year ago.
However, softness among value-oriented Las Vegas customers, particularly during midweek periods at Luxor and Excalibur, along with short booking windows and weaker Canadian visitation, may have constrained quarterly performance. Regional operations are also likely to have been affected by the sale of Northfield Park, which closed in April. The consensus estimate for regional revenues is pegged at $909.6 million, down from $964.6 million reported in the prior-year quarter, while adjusted property EBITDA is expected to decline to $273.9 million from $308.7 million. Continued investments in Brazil, sportsbook integration and World Cup-related opportunities may have weighed on digital margins in the second quarter.
What Our Model Says About MGM Stock
Our proven model predicts an earnings beat for MGM Resorts this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat, which is exactly the case here.
MGM’s Earnings ESP: MGM Resorts has an Earnings ESP of +18.79%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
MGM’s Zacks Rank: The company currently has a Zacks Rank #3.
Other Stocks Poised to Beat on Earnings
Here are some other stocks from the Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector that investors may consider, as our model shows that these, too, have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat.
Life Time Group Holdings, Inc. LTH has an Earnings ESP of +1.12% and sports a Zacks Rank of 1 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Life Time Group is expected to register a 21.6% increase in earnings for the to-be-reported quarter. LTH reported better-than-expected earnings in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 10.9%.
Marriott International, Inc. MAR currently has an Earnings ESP of +1.88% and a Zacks Rank of 3.
Marriott’s earnings for the to-be-reported quarter are expected to increase 15.5%. MAR reported better-than-expected earnings in three of the trailing four quarters and missed on one occasion, the average surprise being 1.5%.
Cinemark Holdings, Inc. CNK currently has an Earnings ESP of +6.40% and a Zacks Rank of 3.
Cinemark’s earnings for the to-be-reported quarter are expected to increase 57.1%. CNK reported lower-than-expected earnings in each of the trailing four quarters, the average miss being negative 20.4%.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

MGM Resorts to Post Q2 Earnings: What's in the Cards for the Stock?

Las Vegas Sands Corp. LVS is scheduled to report second-quarter 2026 results on July 22, after the closing bell.
LVS’ earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 25.3%.
Trend in the Estimate Revision of LVS
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter earnings per share (EPS) is pegged at 77 cents, indicating a decline of 2.5% from 79 cents reported in the year-ago quarter.
Las Vegas Sands Corp. Price and EPS Surprise
For revenues, the consensus mark is pegged at nearly $3.37 billion. The figure indicates an increase of 6.1% from the year-ago quarter.
Let’s take a look at how things might have shaped up in the quarter.
Factors Likely to Shape Las Vegas Sands’ Q2 Results
Las Vegas Sands' second-quarter revenues are expected to have benefited from the continued strength of Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. Management remains optimistic about the property's long-term growth prospects, supported by resilient demand from high-value tourism and sustained investments in premium hospitality, entertainment and gaming offerings. The company's continued focus on enhancing service quality, expanding premium amenities and investing in its workforce is expected to have supported operating performance during the quarter.
The Macao business is also likely to have remained a key growth driver. During the first quarter, management highlighted that Sands China gained market share across every gaming segment while improving gaming volumes and premium customer patronage. Continued optimization of customer reinvestment programs, coupled with higher service standards, is expected to have sustained healthy visitation and gaming activity in the second quarter.
Demand from premium customers is likely to have remained favorable in Macao. Management noted that the market continues to be driven primarily by premium play, making luxury accommodations and superior customer service increasingly important competitive advantages. With its extensive premium suite inventory at The Londoner Macao and the Grand Suites at Four Seasons, Las Vegas Sands appears well positioned to capitalize on this trend.
The company is also continuing to invest in its integrated resort portfolio to support long-term growth. Renovation work at The Venetian Macao is progressing as planned, with the first refurbished rooms expected to enter service in the third quarter of 2026 and the broader refresh scheduled for completion by the end of 2027. Management believes the phased renovation strategy should allow the company to upgrade its product offerings without materially disrupting ongoing operations.
Our model projects Macao revenues to increase 24.1% year over year to $2.23 billion, while revenues from Plaza Macao and Four Seasons Macao are expected to rise 17.9% to $228.8 million in the second quarter.
However, higher operating expenses are likely to have weighed on margins. Management stated that investments in hiring, employee training and service enhancements across the Macau portfolio are increasing payroll and operating costs. These initiatives are expected to pressure margins in the near term even as they support long-term revenue growth.
Additionally, ongoing investments in property upgrades, including renovations at The Venetian and broader portfolio enhancements, are likely to have increased capital spending during the quarter. While management expects minimal operational disruption, these investments could continue to weigh on near-term profitability.
Reflecting these investments, our model projects total operating expenses to increase 6.4% year over year to $2.5 billion in the second quarter.
What Our Model Says About LVS Stock
Our proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for Las Vegas Sands this time around. The company does not have the right combination of the two key ingredients, a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold), to increase the odds of an earnings beat.
LVS’ Earnings ESP: Las Vegas Sands has an Earnings ESP of +2.09%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
LVS’ Zacks Rank: The company carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) at present.
Stocks Poised to Beat on Earnings
Here are some stocks from the Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector that investors may consider, as our model shows that they have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat.
PENN Entertainment, Inc. PENN currently has an Earnings ESP of +13.79% and sports a Zacks Rank of 1. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
PENN’s earnings for the to-be-reported quarter are expected to increase 240%. PENN reported better-than-expected earnings in three of the trailing four quarters and missed once, the average surprise being 120.1%.
Norwegian Cruise Line NCLH currently has an Earnings ESP of +7.30% and a Zacks Rank of 2.
In the to-be-reported quarter, NCLH’s earnings are expected to decrease 23.5%. Norwegian Cruise Line’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters and missed once, the average surprise being 13.7%.
Marriott International, Inc. MAR currently has an Earnings ESP of +3.04% and a Zacks Rank of 3.
MAR’s earnings for the to-be-reported quarter are expected to increase 14.7%. Marriott reported better-than-expected earnings in the trailing three out of four quarters and missed once, the average surprise being 1.5%.
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Las Vegas Sands Gears Up to Report Q2 Earnings: What's Ahead?

Key Points
Artificial intelligence has been and will continue to be the biggest driving force of the current bull market.
Analysts see upside of more than 25% for each of these ETFs over the next 12 months.
These Vanguard funds have low expense ratios.
Even after an incredible bull market run for the last 45 months, analysts still expect the S&P 500 index to keep climbing through 2026 and beyond. One of the biggest drivers of the current cycle has been artificial intelligence (AI), and analysts expect AI stocks to continue delivering phenomenal results for at least the next year, if not longer. A natural fit for most AI stocks is the tech sector, but a couple of other sectors could perform even better, based on analysts' estimates.
Investors looking to outperform could buy simple, low-cost exchange-traded funds (ETFs) from Vanguard, concentrating their portfolios in sectors most likely to outperform, according to Wall Street. Here are two to buy -- and what investors need to know about each.
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1. The Vanguard Communication Services ETF
Communication and media companies are expected to produce better returns for investors over the next 12 months than any other sector. The bottom-up price target for the sector, which aggregates individual stock price targets from each component of the sector index, was 32.4% higher than its level as of the end of June, according to data from FactSet Insight. The Vanguard Communication Services ETF (NYSEMKT: VOX) provides exposure to the sector with an expense ratio of just 0.09%, making it an effective way to invest in top communications companies.
When investors think of communication and media companies, they probably think of the top telecom and broadcast networks in the U.S. Sure enough, they have significant representation in the top 10 holdings of the fund. But two companies completely dominate the ETF, and that might surprise investors: Meta Platforms and Alphabet. Here are the top 10 holdings in the Vanguard fund:
Meta Platforms
Alphabet (Class A)
Alphabet (Class C)
Verizon
Disney
AT&T
Netflix
Comcast
T-Mobile
Warner Bros. Discovery
Meta and Alphabet account for roughly 44% of the portfolio. The two companies were reclassified from technology to communications stocks in 2018 when the sector was expanded and overhauled to include media companies as well. It makes sense, too. In the age of digital communications, Meta and Alphabet play extremely important roles.
However, that means the Vanguard Communication Services ETF is still very much an AI play. Meta and Alphabet are investing tens of billions of dollars every year to build computing capacity and develop leading-edge large language models. They also use their models in their own products, improving their advertising platforms.
Both are seeing strong momentum in their core digital advertising businesses. Alphabet's cloud platform is seeing solid revenue acceleration, and Meta could start selling access to its data centers in the future, providing a significant ancillary revenue source. While there are many great stocks in the ETF, investors should understand that the concentration in two companies is driving analysts' sector expectations.
2. The Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF
The consumer discretionary sector is full of companies that benefit when people are in a spending mood: retailers, travel companies, and automakers, among others. Despite consumer sentiment currently sitting near historical lows and inflation continuously weighing on spending power, analysts still expect strong results from the sector.
Investors can buy the Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (NYSEMKT: VCR) to add the sector to their portfolio. It also charges just 0.09% of assets under management, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to add exposure to a segment poised to outperform, according to analysts.
Again, the index is concentrated in its top two holdings, but it contains several fantastic stocks to round out the top 10.
Amazon
Tesla
Home Depot
McDonald's
TJX Companies
Booking Holdings
Lowe's
Starbucks
Marriott
General Motors
Amazon and Tesla combine to account for nearly 40% of the fund -- AI is inescapable, since both companies present different ways to invest in the tech trend.
Amazon is the largest online retailer in the world, putting it firmly in the consumer discretionary sector. However, it's also the leading cloud computing company, and that's currently driving the stock price. Management is investing about $200 billion this year in building new data centers to serve its customers, and it holds a backlog of contracted revenue to support that huge construction. That should ensure it produces a strong return on its invested capital over the long run.
Tesla is investing heavily in developing AI for its robotaxi and humanoid robotics plans. An AI breakthrough in autonomous vehicles could allow it to scale up a robotaxi business extremely quickly, enabling existing Tesla vehicle owners to put their cars into the fleet. The potential for humanoid robots to replace human labor in some sectors could drive significant revenue potential. These are big bets, however, and there's significant risk in investing in the company.
If consumer sentiment improves, it could reduce the concentration of Amazon and Tesla in the ETF, but for now, the two are driving sector expectations.
Should you buy stock in Vanguard World Fund - Vanguard Communication Services ETF right now?
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Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $397,351!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,304,257!*
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Adam Levy has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, Booking Holdings, Meta Platforms, Netflix, and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon, Booking Holdings, Home Depot, Meta Platforms, Netflix, Starbucks, TJX Companies, Tesla, Walt Disney, and Warner Bros. Discovery. The Motley Fool recommends Comcast, General Motors, Lowe's Companies, Marriott International, T-Mobile US, and Verizon Communications and recommends the following options: long January 2028 $320 calls on McDonald's and short January 2028 $340 calls on McDonald's. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

2 Vanguard ETFs to Buy Now to Outperform the S&P 500, According to Wall Street Analysts

Key Points
Booking Holdings dominates the online travel agency space through a capital-light platform model and high net margins.
Marriott International leverages an massive global hospitality footprint and a loyalty program with roughly 271 million members.
Which travel leader is the better addition to your portfolio for 2026?
The global travel market remains a battleground between digital platforms and physical hospitality giants, making the choice between Booking (NASDAQ:BKNG) and Marriott International (NASDAQ:MAR) a critical decision for your portfolio.
Booking operates as a technology middleman, while Marriott manages an expansive physical empire of luxury and mid-scale hotels. Both companies capitalize on the enduring demand for exploration, yet they offer vastly different financial profiles and risk exposures. This comparison examines their growth, balance sheets, and valuations to determine which stock offers the most potential today.
The case for Booking
Booking Holdings operates as a global provider of online travel services through brands like Booking.com, Priceline, and Agoda. It maintains listings for nearly 4.4 million properties and serves customers across more than 220 countries. The business relies on a massive network of travel providers and third-party platforms, such as search engines, to drive customer traffic.
In its 2025 fiscal year (FY), revenue reached $26.9 billion, representing growth of 13.4% compared to the previous year. This growth helped the company generate net income of $5.4 billion. Among travel and tourism stocks, the company maintains a robust net margin of 20.1%.
As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the company carries a debt-to-equity ratio of -3.5x, which indicates that total liabilities exceed shareholder equity. The current ratio, which measures a firm's ability to cover short-term debts with current assets, is 1.3x. Free cash flow for the year reached $9.1 billion, representing the cash remaining after capital expenditures.
The case for Marriott International
Marriott International is a hospitality leader managing over 30 brands and nearly 9,900 properties worldwide. The company centers its growth on the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, which claimed roughly 271 million members at the end of 2025. It also maintains strategic partnerships with major financial institutions like JPMorgan Chase and American Express.
During FY 2025, the company reported revenue of $26.2 billion, which was a 4.3% increase over the prior year. Net income for the period was $2.6 billion. This resulted in a net margin of 9.9%, which is a slight improvement over the 9.5% recorded in the previous fiscal year.
According to its December 2025 balance sheet, the company carries a debt-to-equity ratio of -4.5x, indicating that total liabilities exceed shareholder equity. Its current ratio is 0.4x, suggesting a tighter liquidity position for meeting short-term debts. Free cash flow for FY 2025 was $2.6 billion, providing capital for reinvestment or shareholder returns.
Risk profile comparison
Booking faces intense competition from global technology firms and AI-native platforms that could disrupt the traditional online agency model. It is heavily dependent on search engines for customer acquisition, where any algorithm changes could lower visibility. Furthermore, the company must navigate strict European regulatory requirements as a designated gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act.
Marriott deals with escalating legal risks, including class action litigation regarding undisclosed fees and labor-related claims. The business is also operationally dependent on third-party franchisees, meaning performance disputes or bankruptcies can disrupt its revenue streams. Like its peers, it faces pressure from digital competitors like Airbnb that threaten to erode direct booking loyalty.
Valuation comparison
Booking appears significantly more attractive based on future earnings estimates, while Marriott carries a lower valuation relative to its annual sales.
Forward P/E
17.4x
33.0x
93.7x
P/S ratio
5.2x
3.8x
Sector benchmark uses the SPDR XLY sector ETF. Valuation metrics sourced from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.
Which stock would I buy in 2026?
Booking and Marriott represent two distinct segments of the travel industry. The former is a high-margin online travel agency (OTA) while the latter is a fee-driven hotel franchisor. Which to choose depends on a few considerations.
Booking offers superior sales growth and healthy margins. In the first quarter, revenue rose 16% year over year to $5.5 billion, and net income soared to $1.1 billion compared to the prior year’s $333 million. However, the company stated the U.S. conflict with Iran will hurt sales this year, and Wall Street is concerned artificial intelligence may supplant the need for OTAs.
Marriott benefits from a well-known brand, expansive vacation properties, and steadily rising revenue thanks to its fee-based income stream. Due to credit card, franchise and management fees, the company posted sales of $6.7 billion, up from the previous year’s $6.3 billion. It doesn’t deliver the explosive revenue growth of Booking, but it is a steady business that is ideal for conservative investors.
Between the two, my pick to buy would be Booking. Shares are beaten down right now, while Marriott recently hit a 52-week high of $410.98, and the stock price remains elevated. Both are solid travel stocks, but Booking’s strong sales growth suggests its shares have the potential for more upside once Middle East hostilities are over.
Should you buy stock in Booking Holdings right now?
Before you buy stock in Booking Holdings, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Booking Holdings wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
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American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Robert Izquierdo has positions in Airbnb and JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Airbnb, American Express, Booking Holdings, and JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool recommends Marriott International. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Booking vs. Marriott International: Which Travel Stock Is a Better Buy in 2026?

Vail Resorts, Inc. MTN is working through a difficult stretch shaped by weak snowfall, lower visitation and softer pass demand. The pressure is showing up in revenues, earnings and visibility into the next ski season.
The issue is not only one weak quarter. Weather, customer commitment and cost control are now closely linked to MTN’s near-term setup.
How Vail Resorts Makes Money
Vail Resorts is built around its Mountain segment, which generated 88.7% of fiscal 2025 net revenues. Lodging contributed 11.3%, while Real Estate accounted for only 0.01%.
The model depends on getting skiers and riders onto the mountain and then capturing spending across lift access, ski school, dining and retail or rental operations. The Epic Pass deepens that model by encouraging advance commitment and repeat visitation across a 42-resort network.
Vail Resorts, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise
Marriott International MAR is a useful lodging-demand benchmark. Hilton Worldwide Holdings HLT offers another hotel-focused comparison. Vail’s model is more weather-sensitive because the mountain visit drives lift revenues and ancillary spending.
MTN Faces a Weather-Driven Demand Shock
The latest season showed how quickly that model can come under pressure. Historically unfavorable winter conditions across the western United States hurt demand, especially in the Rockies and Tahoe.
In the fiscal third quarter, resort revenues declined 7% year over year, visitation fell 15% and Resort Reported EBITDA decreased 9.5%. The Rockies experienced the worst snowfall season on record, and industry visitation in the region fell approximately 24%.
Weather shocks are especially damaging when they hit peak ski-season traffic. MTN’s North American and European mountain operations typically peak from mid-December through mid-April, so weakness during that window leaves less room to recover later.
Vail Resorts Sees Pass Sales Slow
The spring selling period added another concern. Pass product units for the 2026/2027 North American ski season fell approximately 10% through May 26, 2026, while days sold declined 8% and sales dollars decreased 5%.
The softness was most visible in weather-affected markets such as Colorado, Utah and Lake Tahoe, and among destination guests who typically visit the Rockies. Advance pass sales help anchor future lift-access revenues before the season starts.
New passholder sales were weaker than renewals after reduced fiscal 2026 visitation created a smaller conversion pool. Frequency products also showed the biggest declines, suggesting lower-commitment customers may be more sensitive to weather and value perception.
MTN Still Has Operational Support Levers
MTN is not without stabilizers. Its advance-commitment model helped lift revenues decline less sharply than skier visits in the third quarter, supported by North American pass sales secured before the season began.
The company is also testing lift-ticket initiatives to broaden demand. Expanded Epic Friend Tickets at a 50% discount and super-advanced lift tickets at a 30% discount for purchases at least one month in advance target guests outside the core pass base.
Costs are another lever. Management expects $106 million of annualized efficiencies by the end of fiscal 2026, above the original two-year target, plus $30 million of savings expected in fiscal 2028.
Portfolio diversity may also soften volatility. Unlimited pass products outperformed frequency products, the new Young Adult pass product outpaced other age groups and Epic Australia Pass units rose approximately 26%.
What MTN Signals Say Now
The bottom line is that MTN still has scale, brand reach and operating levers, but the near-term investment case remains clouded by weather-sensitive demand, slower pass sales and a high fixed-cost structure. Severe conditions expose earnings risk when destination traffic weakens.
MTN currently carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate picture has also weakened, with the current fiscal year earnings estimate moving down 8.8% over the past four weeks.
The Style Scores are not supportive either. MTN has a VGM Score of F, Growth Score of F, Value Score of D and Momentum Score of D. Since A and B scores indicate more favorable style characteristics, these grades point to a less attractive profile across growth, value and momentum screens.
For now, the signal set fits a stock facing limited near-term momentum. Investors watching MTN may need clearer evidence of pass-sales recovery, better snowfall conditions and sustained cost execution before the outlook looks more balanced.
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This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Vail Resorts Stock Outlook Turns on Weather, Pass Sales and Costs

Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel, one standout is the State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (Symbol: XLY) where we have detected an approximate $166.0 million dollar outflow -- that's a 0.7% decrease week over week (from 193,806,504 to 192,406,504). Among the largest underlying components of XLY, in trading today Lowe's Companies Inc (Symbol: LOW) is up about 2%, Starbucks Corp. (Symbol: SBUX) is up about 0.1%, and Marriott International, Inc. (Symbol: MAR) is lower by about 0.8%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the XLY Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of XLY, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, XLY's low point in its 52 week range is $104.81 per share, with $125.01 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $118.72. Comparing the most recent share price to the 200 day moving average can also be a useful technical analysis technique -- learn more about the 200 day moving average ».
Exchange traded funds (ETFs) trade just like stocks, but instead of ''shares'' investors are actually buying and selling ''units''. These ''units'' can be traded back and forth just like stocks, but can also be created or destroyed to accommodate investor demand. Each week we monitor the week-over-week change in shares outstanding data, to keep a lookout for those ETFs experiencing notable inflows (many new units created) or outflows (many old units destroyed). Creation of new units will mean the underlying holdings of the ETF need to be purchased, while destruction of units involves selling underlying holdings, so large flows can also impact the individual components held within ETFs.
Further XLY Research:
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Notable ETF Outflow Detected - XLY, LOW, SBUX, MAR

Key Points
Coca-Cola's 64-year dividend growth streak continues alongside strong revenue growth.
TJX benefits from tariff-driven inventory disruptions while expanding profits and stores.
Marriott's asset-light model fuels dividend growth, buybacks, and global expansion.
There is a reflex in investing that I find hard to shake: When a stock hits a 52-week high, it feels expensive. The logic seems obvious: The price is up, so you missed it, and you wait for a pullback.
But that logic breaks down when you are looking at strong, longer-term companies with durable competitive positions and growing dividends, because a 52-week high often reflects the business getting better, not just the stock getting more crowded.
Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue »
Strong companies set new highs the same way they do most things -- by earning it. Three dividend payers are at or near 52-week highs right now. All three just declared dividends. Just because these tickers are near 52-week highs doesn't mean any of them feel done.
1. Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) hit a 52-week high of $84.04 in recent sessions and is trading near that level as of this week. Investors who looked at Coca-Cola six months ago at $65 and waited for a pullback have watched it run 28%.
The move isn't a mystery. In February 2026, Coca-Cola raised its quarterly dividend from $0.51 to $0.53 per share -- its 64th consecutive annual dividend increase. That's not a company that stumbled into a hot streak. It's a company that has compounded dividend income through recessions, inflation cycles, global pandemics, and tariff shocks.
In the first quarter 2026, net revenue grew 12% to $12.5 billion, organic revenue grew 10%, and operating income grew 19% -- with the company raising full-year guidance.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is creating a marketing tailwind in international markets where Coca-Cola holds significant pricing power.
The yield at current prices sits around 2.5%, which isn't headline-grabbing. But Coca-Cola's value has never been the yield alone -- it's the compounding certainty of a business that has never cut its dividend in more than six decades and the pricing power to protect that streak indefinitely.
2. TJX Companies
TJX Companies (NYSE: TJX) -- parent of TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods -- hit a fresh 52-week high of $166.35 in the days following its June 9 dividend declaration. The company just declared its quarterly dividend of $0.48 per share, a 13% increase versus the prior year.
Here's the angle the market is finally pricing in: tariffs are good for TJX. Full-price retailers that import merchandise at fixed costs pass those costs on to consumers or take margin hits. TJX operates differently. It buys excess inventory, canceled orders, and overproduced goods from brands and manufacturers at deep discounts -- often when supply chain disruption forces those vendors to liquidate. Tariff pressure on the broader retail sector creates the kind of inventory dislocation that TJX's buyers have spent decades exploiting.
In Q1 fiscal 2027 (the quarter ended May 2026), TJX reported comparable sales growth of 6%, net sales of $14.3 billion -- up 9% year over year -- and a pretax profit margin of 12%, up 1.7 percentage points. The company has the long-term potential to open an additional 1,800-plus stores in its current markets alone. At 52-week highs, TJX is running on fundamentals, not sentiment.
3. Marriott International
Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR) is near its 52-week high of $403.45 and has a full pipeline to justify it. In May 2026, the company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.73 per share -- 9% higher than the prior year's payment -- payable June 30, 2026.
What makes Marriott worth owning near its highs is its business model. Marriott doesn't own most of its hotels. It operates and franchises them, collecting fees based on revenue rather than carrying the real estate risk on its own balance sheet. When the travel market grows, Marriott's fee income grows without a proportional increase in capital requirements.
In 2025, Marriott added more than 700 properties and nearly 100,000 rooms, ending the year with approximately 610,000 rooms in the development pipeline -- a 5.7% year-over-year increase. In its Europe, Middle East, and Africa region, the company reported exceptional growth in early 2026, and across Latin America and the Caribbean, it signed 94 deals totaling 10,461 rooms -- a 40% increase from the prior year.
The yield on Marriott is modest at under 1%, but it is a dividend stock like TJX: You own it for compounding, buybacks, and business momentum. The 52-week high here is a signal that the travel industry's post-pandemic normalization has graduated into structural growth.
Should you buy stock in Coca-Cola right now?
Before you buy stock in Coca-Cola, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Coca-Cola wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $433,268!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,259,391!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 935% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 207% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of June 16, 2026.
Micah Zimmerman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends TJX Companies. The Motley Fool recommends Marriott International. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.