The Marcus Corporation (MCS) AI Stock Analysis
MCS AI stock analysis summary
AI ResearchThe Marcus Corporation is a lodging and entertainment company operating movie theatres, hotels, and resorts across the United States. In the quarter ended June 30, 2026, the company posted quarterly revenue growth of 12.8% and quarterly earnings growth of 119.1%. Over the last year, MCS shares gained 117.5%, while holding total debt of $320.0M against cash and short-term investments of $26.3M.
- Market cap
- $863.9M
- Revenue (TTM)
- $747.9M
- P/E
- 37.9x fwd 28.3x
- 1Y return
- 117.5% S&P 500 16.8%
- Avg. target
- $32.25 15.1% vs last close
Bull case
- MCS shares gained 117.5% over the past year, outperforming the SPY return of 16.8%.
- In the quarter ended June 30, 2026, quarterly earnings grew 119.1% year-over-year alongside 12.8% quarterly revenue growth.
- Wall Street analysts maintain an upbeat view with 4 Buy or Strong Buy ratings out of 5 total and a mean price target of $32.25.
Bear case
- Free cash flow contracted sharply to $989,000 in FY2025 from $24.7M in FY2024 and $63.9M in FY2023.
- The balance sheet carries a low current ratio of 0.44 with total debt of $320.0M against $26.3M in cash and short-term investments.
- Valuation multiples are elevated, with a trailing P/E of 37.9x exceeding the US-listed Communication Services peer median of 16.2x.
What Marcus does
Established in 1935 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, The Marcus Corporation owns and manages movie theatres, hotels, and resorts across the United States. The company operates through two primary segments: Theatres and Hotels and Resorts. Its Theatres segment runs multiscreen motion picture theatres, including over 1,000 screens across 85 movie theatre locations and the family-oriented Funset Boulevard entertainment center. Its Hotels and Resorts segment encompasses full-service hotels and resorts owned and operated directly, as well as properties managed for third parties, providing management services such as check-in, housekeeping, and maintenance.
Growth and profitability
Revenue increased from $458.2M in FY2021 to $677.4M in FY2022, $729.6M in FY2023, $735.6M in FY2024, and $758.5M in FY2025, delivering a 5-year revenue CAGR of 26.1%. Net income moved from -$43.3M in FY2021 and -$12.0M in FY2022 to $14.8M in FY2023, -$7.8M in FY2024, and $12.7M in FY2025. Operating margin was 2.9% in FY2025 with gross margin at 38.7%. Over the trailing twelve months, revenue reached $747.9M with an operating margin of 12.1% and a profit margin of 3.0%. For the latest quarter ended June 30, 2026, quarterly revenue grew 12.8% year-over-year while quarterly earnings expanded 119.1%.
Balance sheet and cash flow
As of June 30, 2026, The Marcus Corporation held $26.3M in cash and short-term investments alongside total debt of $320.0M, resulting in net debt of $293.6M. Shareholders' equity stood at $456.9M, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70 and a current ratio of 0.44. In FY2025, operating cash flow was $84.2M and free cash flow was $989,000. Capital allocation in FY2025 included $83.2M in capital expenditures, $18.5M in share buybacks, and $9.2M in dividends paid.
Valuation and performance
At a last close of $28.02, The Marcus Corporation has a market capitalization of $863.9M and an enterprise value of $1.15B. The stock trades at a trailing P/E of 37.9x and a forward P/E of 28.3x, both above the median of its US-listed Communication Services peers of 16.2x and 14.1x, respectively. Its price-to-sales ratio is 1.2x versus the peer median of 0.8x, and its EV-to-EBITDA stands at 11.0x against the peer median of 10.0x. Over the past year, MCS achieved a return of 117.5%, outperforming the SPY return of 16.8%.
MCS dividend
The company pays a quarterly dividend with an annualized forward rate of $0.36, representing a dividend yield of 1.28%. Its payout ratio is 71.7%. Marcus Corporation has paid dividends for 5 consecutive years, delivering a 5-year annualized dividend growth rate of 12.0%. The last ex-dividend date was August 25, 2026.
What analysts expect
Wall Street coverage comprises 3 Strong Buy, 1 Buy, and 1 Hold ratings. The mean price target is $32.25, which sits 15.1% above the last close of $28.02. For the current fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, consensus estimates project revenue of $822.9M and EPS of $0.99, reflecting estimated EPS growth of 142.3%. Marcus Corporation beat earnings estimates in 2 of the last 4 quarters. The next earnings date is October 29, 2026.
Key risks and what to watch
- Liquidity risk is highlighted by a current ratio of 0.44 and net debt of $293.6M.
- High capital expenditures of $83.2M in FY2025 significantly reduced free cash flow to $989,000.
- Earnings consistency remains variable, with net income shifting from -$7.8M in FY2024 to $12.7M in FY2025 and 2 earnings beats over the last 4 quarters.
AI-generated research summary. Written with AI from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 and checked so every figure matches that data. For information only, not investment advice. Disclaimer
About this MCS AI stock analysis
This page is an AI-written research summary of The Marcus Corporation (MCS). The text was generated on October 30, 2026 from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 (company profile, annual results, latest balance sheet, valuation, price performance and analyst estimates). An automatic check rejects any draft that contains a figure not found in that data. It is not investment advice; verify figures on the linked tabs before making decisions.
Related: MCS income statement, MCS balance sheet, MCS key metrics, MCS analyst forecast, MCS chart. See the MCS stock overview for the latest quote and news.
MCS AI stock analysis FAQ
Does The Marcus Corporation pay a dividend?
Yes, MCS pays a quarterly dividend with a forward annual dividend of $0.36 per share, yielding 1.28% with a payout ratio of 71.7%.
What is Marcus Corporation's debt level?
As of June 30, 2026, the company held total debt of $320.0M and cash and short-term investments of $26.3M, leaving net debt at $293.6M and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70.
What are analysts forecasting for MCS earnings in FY2026?
For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, analysts expect EPS of $0.99, an estimated growth rate of 142.3%, on revenue of $822.9M.
How has MCS stock performed relative to the market?
Over the past year, MCS returned 117.5%, compared to 16.8% for the S&P 500 (SPY), and it is up 82.9% year-to-date.