Core Insights - Marriott International, Inc. (MAR) has reported a successful 2025, showcasing broad-based expansion across all segments and strengthening collaborations with hotel owners, reflecting disciplined execution of its growth strategy [2] Growth Metrics - In 2025, Marriott achieved a net room growth of approximately 4.3%, adding over 700 new properties and nearly 100,000 rooms, with a development pipeline of around 610,000 rooms, up 5.7% year over year [4] - The company signed 94 deals in the Caribbean and Latin America, 187 in the Asia Pacific excluding China, and a record 201 in Greater China [4] Conversion Activity - Marriott completed nearly 400 conversion deals covering over 50,800 rooms, accounting for more than 30% of organic signings, with approximately 75% of conversions opening within a year [5] Strategic Expansion - The acquisition of citizenM added more than 35 hotels and nearly 9,000 rooms, with 37 properties opened across 23 cities in the U.S. by year-end [6] - Marriott signed 13 agreements to introduce Series by Marriott to key U.S. and Canadian markets, with two hotels opening in the fourth quarter [6] Midscale and Luxury Brands - Marriott strengthened its midscale presence with three dedicated brands, including City Express by Marriott, which ended the year with 158 open hotels and 150 in the pipeline [7] - The company signed a record 114 deals in the luxury segment, closing the year with 296 hotels and resorts (~60,000 rooms) in the luxury pipeline, with EMEA leading regional luxury growth [8] Share Price Performance - Shares of MAR gained 9.7% in the past year, outperforming the Zacks Hotels and Motels industry's 3.1% decline, benefiting from strong leisure demand and solid global booking trends [9]

Core Insights - Marriott International, Inc. has officially launched its City Express by Marriott brand in the affordable midscale segment in the United States and Canada, marking its first property in this category in the U.S. [1] - The expansion into the U.S. and Canada enhances Marriott's midscale presence, aligning with its strategy to cater to a diverse range of travelers [2][3] Expansion Plans - Marriott is set to expand the City Express brand across the U.S. and Canada, with over 45 signed agreements and more than a dozen properties scheduled to open in 2025 [4] - The company is also planning to introduce City Express by Marriott in several countries in the CALA region, including Argentina, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Peru, with eight properties expected to open within three years [5] Financial Performance - Marriott's shares have decreased by 14.6% over the past three months, compared to a 9.8% decline in the Zacks Hotels and Motels industry [6] - Despite the recent underperformance, the company is expected to benefit from strong global travel demand, with global group revenues tracking 6% higher for 2025 and 10% higher for 2026 [8]