Travel Demand Shows No Signs of Slowing. 3 Stocks on Josh Brown's List to Ride the Wave

Why It Matters

The trio underscores how travel‑related equities can outpace broader consumer‑discretionary trends, offering investors growth amid macro‑economic uncertainty. Their strong fundamentals and technical resilience make them attractive for portfolio diversification.

Key Takeaways

• Hilton posts 21% five‑year annualized returns
• Marriott’s loyalty program adds 43M members, boosting bookings
• Viking’s 2025 return 62%; 86% capacity booked
• All three stocks hold above 200‑day support lines
• Travel demand remains resilient despite broader consumer pullback

Pulse Analysis

Travel remains a bright spot in the consumer‑discretionary landscape as Americans prioritize experiences over material goods. Even as inflation pressures curb dining and apparel spending, airline bookings, hotel stays, and cruise reservations have shown little sign of waning. This behavioral shift is reinforced by rising disposable income among higher‑income households and a post‑pandemic rebound in confidence, creating a tailwind for companies that capture the "experience" budget. Investors are therefore watching travel‑related stocks for both earnings momentum and defensive qualities in a volatile market.

Within the hotel segment, Hilton and Marriott illustrate divergent yet complementary growth narratives. Hilton’s 21% five‑year total return, coupled with a projected 9% top‑line increase and 38% EBIT growth for 2025, reflects aggressive brand expansion and effective cost management. Marriott leverages its expansive loyalty program—now 271 million members—to drive premium bookings, especially through luxury extensions like Bulgari and Ritz‑Carlton. Although Marriott’s share price has slipped under the 50‑day moving average due to recent oil‑price volatility, its 200‑day support near $290 remains intact, suggesting the pullback is technical rather than fundamental.

Viking Holdings offers a distinct cruise‑focused angle, delivering a 62% return in 2025 and securing 86% of its 2026 capacity with $5.96 billion in advance bookings. Its direct‑to‑consumer model, high repeat‑guest rate, and expanding fleet of 89 river ships provide margin‑friendly growth, while the company targets 13% top‑line and 35% EBITDA expansion. With the 200‑day trend line near $65 untested, Viking’s price action around $80 signals a clean consolidation phase. For investors seeking exposure to resilient travel demand, the combination of hotel giants and a premium cruise operator offers diversified upside potential across the sector.