LifeWealth Investments LLC Makes New $1.20 Million Investment in Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR)

LifeWealth Investments LLC bought a new position in shares of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR - Free Report) during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm bought 4,314 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $1,203,000.

Several other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Straightline Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Marriott International during the 4th quarter worth approximately $495,000. NewEdge Wealth LLC boosted its position in shares of Marriott International by 34.4% during the 4th quarter. NewEdge Wealth LLC now owns 4,345 shares of the company's stock worth $1,212,000 after acquiring an additional 1,112 shares in the last quarter. Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA acquired a new stake in Marriott International in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $2,990,000. Markel Group Inc. boosted its position in Marriott International by 30.6% in the fourth quarter. Markel Group Inc. now owns 47,000 shares of the company's stock valued at $13,110,000 after buying an additional 11,000 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its position in Marriott International by 2.2% in the fourth quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,477,619 shares of the company's stock valued at $412,167,000 after buying an additional 32,288 shares in the last quarter. 70.70% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Marriott International Price Performance

Shares of NASDAQ MAR traded down $0.12 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $263.49. 1,245,300 shares of the company's stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,610,110. The stock has a market cap of $72.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.67, a PEG ratio of 3.42 and a beta of 1.39. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $243.22 and a 200 day simple moving average of $266.23. Marriott International, Inc. has a 1-year low of $204.55 and a 1-year high of $307.52.

Marriott International (NASDAQ:MAR - Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, May 6th. The company reported $2.32 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts' consensus estimates of $2.25 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $6.26 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $6.19 billion. Marriott International had a net margin of 9.46% and a negative return on equity of 116.67%. The company's quarterly revenue was up 4.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $2.13 earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that Marriott International, Inc. will post 10.1 earnings per share 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. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 23rd will be given a $0.67 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, May 23rd. This represents a $2.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.02%. This is a positive change from Marriott International's previous quarterly dividend of $0.63. Marriott International's payout ratio is 30.52%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts have weighed in on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a "neutral" rating and issued a $245.00 target price (down previously from $313.00) on shares of Marriott International in a research report on Monday, April 14th. Barclays dropped their price target on shares of Marriott International from $283.00 to $236.00 and set an "equal weight" rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, April 22nd. Melius Research raised shares of Marriott International to a "strong-buy" rating in a research note on Monday, April 21st. Robert W. Baird lifted their target price on shares of Marriott International from $250.00 to $265.00 and gave the stock a "neutral" rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 7th. Finally, UBS Group decreased their price target on shares of Marriott International from $302.00 to $299.00 and set a "neutral" rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, May 21st. Thirteen equities 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 company. According to MarketBeat.com, Marriott International currently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average price target of $275.15.

Insider Activity

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

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.