MAR vs MSFT: Marriott International, Inc. vs Microsoft Corporation Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

This MAR vs MSFT comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Marriott International, Inc. and Microsoft Corporation side-by-side. Using real, adjusted market data, this tool shows how identical investments in both stocks would have performed over time—highlighting differences in returns, volatility, and consistency across market cycles.

Use the interactive calculator below to adjust the investment amount and time period, visualizing how Marriott International, Inc. and Microsoft Corporation have historically performed against each other.

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Performance Summary

$10,000 invested from 1998 to 2025 (28 years)

Head-to-Head Record

14
MAR Wins
0
Ties
14
MSFT Wins

Over the 28-year comparison period, Marriott International, Inc. outperformed Microsoft Corporation in 14 years, while Microsoft Corporation outperformed Marriott International, Inc. in 14 years.

MAR - Marriott International, Inc.

Average Annual Return:+16.48%
Best Year:+66.60% (2017)
Worst Year:-40.26% (2008)
Win Rate:64.3% (18/28 years)
Total Value:$265,712.50
Total Gain:+$255,712.50 (+2557.12%)

MSFT - Microsoft Corporation

Average Annual Return:+31.68%
Best Year:+127.22% (1987)
Worst Year:-62.79% (2000)
Win Rate:77.5% (31/40 years)
Total Value:$63,781,897.96
Total Gain:+$63,771,897.96 (+637718.98%)

Overall Winner: MSFT with an average annual return of 31.68% (vs 16.48% for MAR)

Understanding MAR vs MSFT Performance

When comparing Marriott International, Inc. and Microsoft Corporation, investors should consider multiple factors beyond just total returns. Volatility, consistency of growth, dividend payments, and sector-specific risks all play crucial roles in determining which stock might be better suited for your investment strategy and risk tolerance.

Historical performance data shows how each stock responded to market downturns, economic expansions, and company-specific events. While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, understanding these patterns can help inform investment decisions and portfolio allocation strategies.

Cumulative Growth Comparison

A $10,000 investment in Marriott International, Inc. grew to $265,712, compared to $63,781,898 for Microsoft Corporation over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearMAR ReturnMAR CumulativeMSFT ReturnMSFT CumulativeDifferenceWinner
1998 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
1999-18.92%$8,107.63+111.53%$3,337,930.90-130.46% (MSFT)MSFT
2000+7.68%$8,730.67+65.60%$5,527,711.79-57.92% (MSFT)MSFT
2001+39.44%$12,174.32-62.79%$2,056,960.51+102.23% (MAR)MAR
2002-0.50%$12,113.24+52.74%$3,141,755.21-53.24% (MSFT)MSFT
2003-17.18%$10,031.91-22.88%$2,422,863.26+5.70% (MAR)MAR
2004+36.78%$13,721.71+2.80%$2,490,701.94+33.98% (MAR)MAR
2005+37.38%$18,850.54+8.81%$2,710,135.61+28.57% (MAR)MAR
2006+7.74%$20,309.01-1.01%$2,682,698.63+8.75% (MAR)MAR
2007+42.27%$28,893.83+12.86%$3,027,729.87+29.41% (MAR)MAR
2008-27.32%$21,000.16+20.84%$3,658,796.67-48.16% (MSFT)MSFT
2009-40.26%$12,544.54-43.79%$2,056,771.16+3.52% (MAR)MAR
2010+38.05%$17,318.33+53.44%$3,155,957.24-15.39% (MSFT)MSFT
2011+51.27%$26,197.06-7.94%$2,905,242.80+59.21% (MAR)MAR
2012-25.40%$19,544.10-4.75%$2,767,111.96-20.64% (MSFT)MSFT
2013+25.91%$24,607.72+2.60%$2,838,991.28+23.31% (MAR)MAR
2014+29.17%$31,784.87+39.54%$3,961,633.63-10.38% (MSFT)MSFT
2015+61.32%$51,274.75+28.42%$5,087,641.85+32.90% (MAR)MAR
2016-12.70%$44,761.56+21.88%$6,200,739.95-34.58% (MSFT)MSFT
2017+28.55%$57,542.67+16.51%$7,224,217.07+12.05% (MAR)MAR
2018+66.60%$95,865.88+39.74%$10,095,202.03+26.86% (MAR)MAR
2019-17.85%$78,754.74+20.22%$12,136,360.37-38.07% (MSFT)MSFT
2020+42.94%$112,569.58+58.26%$19,206,911.25-15.32% (MSFT)MSFT
2021-12.57%$98,420.51+39.94%$26,878,701.70-52.51% (MSFT)MSFT
2022+32.44%$130,343.91+55.79%$41,874,319.16-23.35% (MSFT)MSFT
2023-8.60%$119,128.91-27.69%$30,280,494.98+19.08% (MAR)MAR
2024+54.24%$183,742.46+58.35%$47,949,092.29-4.11% (MSFT)MSFT
2025+26.99%$233,336.95+14.50%$54,902,457.42+12.49% (MAR)MAR
2026+13.88%$265,712.50+16.17%$63,781,897.96-2.30% (MSFT)MSFT

Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means MAR outperformed MSFT that year.

Company Profiles

1

Marriott International, Inc.

MAR

Marriott International is a leading global lodging company with more than 8,000 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories.

Key Innovations

  • Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program
  • Homes & Villas by Marriott International

Business Segments

  • U.S. & Canada
    Operation and franchising of hotels in North America.
  • International
    Operation and franchising of hotels outside North America.
2

Microsoft Corporation

MSFT

Microsoft Corporation is a global technology powerhouse that develops, licenses, and supports a wide range of software products, services, and devices. As of 2026, the company has successfully transitioned into an 'AI-first' organization, leveraging its strategic partnership with OpenAI to integrate generative AI across its entire tech stack. Microsoft is the dominant provider in enterprise computing through its Windows operating system and Office productivity suite, and it is a leading player in the global cloud market with Azure. Its business model centers on digital transformation, cloud infrastructure, and the emerging economy of autonomous AI agents.

Key Innovations

  • Azure AI Services & Copilot Ecosystem
  • Windows 11 and Next-Gen 'Copilot+' AI PC architecture
  • Microsoft 365 Copilot (Generative AI for productivity)
  • HoloLens and Mixed Reality (Industrial Metaverse)
  • Custom Silicon: Azure Maia AI Accelerator and Azure Cobalt CPU
  • Topological Quantum Computing (Majorana 1 chip)
  • Agentic AI: Autonomous digital coworkers built on Copilot Studio

Business Segments

  • Intelligent Cloud
    The company's primary growth engine, consisting of public, private, and hybrid server products and cloud services. Key offerings include Azure—a comprehensive cloud platform for computing, networking, and AI—as well as SQL Server, Windows Server, GitHub, and Nuance Healthcare. In 2026, this segment is heavily focused on scaling AI 'superfactories' and providing the infrastructure for large-scale generative AI workloads.
  • Productivity and Business Processes
    Focuses on productivity, communication, and information services. It includes Microsoft 365 (formerly Office), which has evolved into a Copilot-integrated subscription service for both commercial and consumer users. This segment also encompasses LinkedIn (talent and marketing solutions), Dynamics 365 (cloud-based ERP and CRM), and the Microsoft Power Platform for low-code development and hyperautomation.
  • More Personal Computing
    Encompasses products and services geared toward end-users and developers across devices. This includes Windows OEM and commercial licensing, Surface devices, Search and news advertising (Bing and Copilot), and Gaming. Following the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the Gaming division includes Xbox hardware, content, and services like Game Pass, making Microsoft one of the largest video game publishers globally.

How This Comparison Works

Our stock comparison tool uses adjusted closing prices to calculate year-by-year returns for both stocks. This ensures an apples-to-apples comparison that accounts for:

  • Dividends: All dividend payments are reinvested
  • Stock splits: Historical prices are adjusted for all splits
  • Head-to-head record: Shows which stock outperformed each year
  • Statistical analysis: Average returns, best/worst years, and win rates

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Important Disclaimer

This comparison tool is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Historical returns include dividends and stock splits but do not account for taxes, fees, inflation, or individual circumstances. Stock market investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The data presented is based on historical market data and may contain inaccuracies or delays.