Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR) Shares Acquired by Covea Finance

Covea Finance grew its position in shares of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR - Free Report) by 9.7% during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 66,440 shares of the company's stock after acquiring an additional 5,900 shares during the period. Covea Finance's holdings in Marriott International were worth $15,826,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in MAR. Hopwood Financial Services Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Marriott International in the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Bernard Wealth Management Corp. purchased a new position in Marriott International in the fourth quarter worth about $25,000. Bell Investment Advisors Inc grew its holdings in shares of Marriott International by 112.2% during the fourth quarter. Bell Investment Advisors Inc now owns 104 shares of the company's stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 55 shares during the last quarter. Kapitalo Investimentos Ltda purchased a new position in Marriott International in the 4th quarter worth approximately $34,000. Finally, Sound Income Strategies LLC lifted its position in Marriott International by 46.7% in the 1st quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 157 shares of the company's stock valued at $37,000 after acquiring an additional 50 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 70.70% of the company's stock.

Marriott International Stock Performance

Marriott International stock traded up $4.62 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $268.73. The company's stock had a trading volume of 1,505,704 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,600,374. Marriott International, Inc. has a one year low of $204.55 and a one year high of $307.52. The stock has a market cap of $73.60 billion, a PE ratio of 30.61, a P/E/G ratio of 3.21 and a beta of 1.42. The company has a 50 day moving average of $253.70 and a 200-day moving average of $263.29.

Marriott International (NASDAQ:MAR - Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, May 6th. The company reported $2.32 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts' consensus estimates of $2.25 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $6.26 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.19 billion. Marriott International had a net margin of 9.75% and a negative return on equity of 100.64%. The company's revenue for the quarter was up 4.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $2.13 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Marriott International, Inc. will post 10.1 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Marriott International Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, June 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 23rd will be paid a dividend of $0.67 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, May 23rd. This is an increase from Marriott International's previous quarterly dividend of $0.63. This represents a $2.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.00%. Marriott International's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 30.52%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, EVP Benjamin T. Breland sold 1,000 shares of the company's stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $270.21, for a total transaction of $270,210.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 20,724 shares of the company's stock, valued at $5,599,832.04. This represents a 4.60% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, CEO Anthony Capuano sold 12,000 shares of the business's stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $263.90, for a total value of $3,166,800.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 124,067 shares in the company, valued at $32,741,281.30. The trade was a 8.82% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 10.68% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

MAR has been the topic of a number of research reports. Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on Marriott International from $275.00 to $267.00 and set an "overweight" rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, April 22nd. Barclays cut their price objective on shares of Marriott International from $283.00 to $236.00 and set an "equal weight" rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, April 22nd. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a "neutral" rating and set a $245.00 target price (down from $313.00) on shares of Marriott International in a research report on Monday, April 14th. Mizuho decreased their price objective on Marriott International from $293.00 to $285.00 and set a "neutral" rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, May 7th. Finally, Melius Research raised shares of Marriott International to a "strong-buy" rating in a report on Monday, April 21st. Thirteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus price target of $275.90.

Marriott International Profile

Marriott International, Inc engages in operating, franchising, and licensing hotel, residential, timeshare, and other lodging properties worldwide. It operates its properties under the JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, The Luxury Collection, W Hotels, St. Regis, EDITION, Bvlgari, Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, Westin, Autograph Collection, Renaissance Hotels, Le Méridien, Delta Hotels by Marriott, Tribute Portfolio, Gaylord Hotels, Design Hotels, Marriott Executive Apartments, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, TownePlace Suites by Marriott, Aloft Hotels, AC Hotels by Marriott, Moxy Hotels, Element Hotels, Protea Hotels by Marriott, City Express by Marriott, and St.