Selection for this week
Some Pros about the stock
Some Cons about the stock
Why the Quants like this stock
Active Positions
Quick Links
The momentum stocks in the portfolio as a group were down for the week. The Risk Off stock market environment continues to be fully in control.
Add: (VAC)-Marriott Vacations Worldwide
What does the company do?
Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: VAC) is a global vacation company specializing in vacation ownership, resort management, rentals and exchange programs. It develops, markets, finances and manages vacation ownership properties under well-known brands including Marriott Vacation Club, Sheraton, Westin, Hyatt and The Ritz-Carlton. The company also operates Interval International and Aqua-Aston, providing vacation exchange, membership and resort management services. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Marriott Vacations Worldwide operates primarily through its Vacation Ownership and Exchange & Third-Party Management segments.
Why Some Investors Are Bullish
Strong third-quarter earnings growth. Adjusted EPS increased 56% year over year to $2.64, beating analyst estimates of approximately $2.57. Adjusted EBITDA rose 27% to $216 million, while net income improved to $82 million from a $2 million loss a year earlier.
Full-year guidance raised again. Management increased its 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to $8.65–$9.15. Adjusted EBITDA guidance is now $810–$830 million, while contract sales are expected to reach $2.12–$2.14 billion. The improved outlook includes an estimated $16 million second-half impact from Hurricane Lowell.
Improving sales productivity. Contract sales increased 29% to $565 million, while volume per guest (VPG) climbed 30% to $4,822. Development profit nearly doubled to $142 million, suggesting improved sales execution and operating efficiency.
Turnaround gaining traction. The company appears to be making progress with its modernization and sales initiatives. Higher transaction values, improved marketing efficiency and stronger development margins are contributing to better financial performance.
Improving financial flexibility and shareholder returns. Net corporate leverage declined to 3.6 times from 4.2 times at the beginning of 2026. Adjusted free cash flow guidance is $410–$430 million, providing additional capacity to reduce debt, fund investments and return capital to shareholders.
What Bears Are Worried About
Cyclical consumer-discretionary business. Vacation ownership purchases are significant financial commitments that depend on consumer confidence, employment conditions and access to credit. An economic slowdown could quickly reduce vacation ownership sales and financing demand.
High debt and financial leverage. Despite recent improvement, net corporate leverage of 3.6 times remains substantial. The company is sensitive to borrowing costs, financing conditions and the ability of customers to maintain their vacation ownership payments.
Execution, hurricane and segment risks. The turnaround depends on sustaining higher sales productivity while controlling marketing and acquisition costs. Hurricane Lowell has disrupted resort operations in Hawaii, with approximately $16 million in estimated second-half lost profits.
Why the Quants like this stock
P/E Non-GAAP (FWD) B 13.54
ROE Growth (FWD) A- 14.88%
Gross Profit Margin (TTM) B+ 53.15%
3M Price Performance A+ 21.76%
FY1 Up Revisions (last 90 days) 10 Up 0 downLatest Quarter’s Earnings
Announce Date 11/4/2026
EPS GAAP Actual $2.24 (Miss by -$0.03)
EPS Normalized Actual $2.64 (Beat by $0.05)
Revenue Actual $1.37B
Revenue Surprise Miss by -$47.35M
My View
Marriott Vacations Worldwide is showing encouraging signs of a turnaround, with strong third-quarter sales growth, improving profitability and higher full-year guidance. The 30% increase in volume per guest and nearly doubled development profit are particularly encouraging. However, substantial leverage, exposure to consumer spending and hurricane-related disruptions remain important risks. VAC is worth watching as its turnaround progresses, but investors should look for continued earnings growth and debt reduction before assuming the recovery is firmly established.
Active Positions
