WallStSmart

Huazhu Group Ltd (HTHT)vsMarriott International Inc (MAR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Huazhu Group Ltd generates 260% more annual revenue ($26.60B vs $7.38B). MAR leads profitability with a 35.0% profit margin vs 18.9%. HTHT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.27. HTHT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

HTHT

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.5Value: 6.3Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.95

MAR

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.5Value: 4.3Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.18

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HTHT4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.2710/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Return on EquityProfitability
35.6%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 36 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
31.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 31.1%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.21B8/10

Generating 3.2B in free cash flow

MAR4 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Profit MarginProfitability
35.0%10/10

Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
65.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 65.3%

Debt/EquityHealth
-3.9310/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$87.28B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Areas to Watch

HTHT4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
31.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.1%4/10

0.1% earnings growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.952/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
2.431/10

Elevated debt levels

MAR3 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.654/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
34.0x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

EPS GrowthGrowth
4.3%4/10

4.3% earnings growth

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HTHT

The strongest argument for HTHT centers on PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.9% and operating margin at 31.1%. Revenue growth of 10.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : MAR

The strongest argument for MAR centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.0% and operating margin at 65.3%. Revenue growth of 11.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HTHT

The primary concerns for HTHT are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.43 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : MAR

The primary concerns for MAR are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MAR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.10 — expect wider price swings.

MAR is growing revenue faster at 11.1% — sustainability is the question.

HTHT generates stronger free cash flow (3.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor LODGING industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

HTHT scores higher overall (74/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 18.9% margins and 10.8% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Huazhu Group Ltd

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · LODGING · China

Huazhu Group Limited, develops leased and owned, managed and franchised hotels mainly in the People's Republic of China. The company is headquartered in Shanghai, the People's Republic of China.

Visit Website →

Marriott International Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · LODGING · USA

Marriott International, Inc. is an American multinational company that operates, franchises, and licenses lodging including hotel, residential, and timeshare properties. It is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?