Jefferies Financial Group Inc. Sells 27,764 Shares of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR)

Jefferies Financial Group Inc. reduced its position in Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR - Free Report) by 80.9% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 6,548 shares of the company's stock after selling 27,764 shares during the period. Jefferies Financial Group Inc.'s holdings in Marriott International were worth $1,826,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Hopwood Financial Services Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Marriott International during the 4th quarter worth about $25,000. Bernard Wealth Management Corp. bought a new stake in shares of Marriott International during the 4th quarter worth about $25,000. Bell Investment Advisors Inc lifted its position in shares of Marriott International by 112.2% during the 4th quarter. Bell Investment Advisors Inc now owns 104 shares of the company's stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 55 shares during the last quarter. Wingate Wealth Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Marriott International during the 4th quarter worth about $33,000. Finally, Kapitalo Investimentos Ltda acquired a new position in shares of Marriott International during the 4th quarter worth about $34,000. Institutional investors own 70.70% of the company's stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

MAR has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Melius Research raised Marriott International to a "strong-buy" rating in a research report on Monday, April 21st. Dbs Bank raised Marriott International from a "hold" rating to a "strong-buy" rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 14th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on Marriott International from $285.00 to $277.00 and set an "equal weight" rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, February 18th. Stifel Nicolaus cut their price objective on Marriott International from $295.00 to $240.00 and set a "hold" rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, April 16th. Finally, Truist Financial cut their price target on Marriott International from $300.00 to $273.00 and set a "hold" rating for the company in a report on Friday. Thirteen research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus target price of $275.15.

Marriott International Price Performance

Shares of MAR traded down $0.12 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $263.49. The company had a trading volume of 1,245,300 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,607,420. Marriott International, Inc. has a twelve month low of $204.55 and a twelve month high of $307.52. The company's 50-day moving average is $242.88 and its 200-day moving average is $266.39. The company has a market capitalization of $72.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.67, a P/E/G ratio of 3.42 and a beta of 1.39.

Marriott International (NASDAQ:MAR - Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, May 6th. The company reported $2.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts' consensus estimates of $2.25 by $0.07. Marriott International had a negative return on equity of 116.67% and a net margin of 9.46%. The business had revenue of $6.26 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $6.19 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $2.13 EPS. Marriott International's quarterly revenue was up 4.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts expect that Marriott International, Inc. will post 10.1 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Marriott International Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, June 30th. Investors of record on Friday, May 23rd will be issued a dividend of $0.67 per share. This represents a $2.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.02%. This is a boost from Marriott International's previous quarterly dividend of $0.63. The ex-dividend date is Friday, May 23rd. Marriott International's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 30.52%.

Insider Activity at Marriott International

In other Marriott International news, EVP Benjamin T. Breland sold 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, May 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $270.21, for a total value of $270,210.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 20,724 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,599,832.04. This trade represents a 4.60% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Insiders own 10.68% of the company's stock.

Marriott International Company 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.