Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR) is Fundsmith LLP's 9th Largest Position

Fundsmith LLP trimmed its position in Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR - Free Report) by 0.3% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 4,255,340 shares of the company's stock after selling 11,315 shares during the period. Marriott International accounts for approximately 5.1% of Fundsmith LLP's investment portfolio, making the stock its 9th biggest holding. Fundsmith LLP owned about 1.53% of Marriott International worth $1,186,985,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Hopwood Financial Services Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Marriott International in the 4th quarter valued at about $25,000. Bernard Wealth Management Corp. acquired a new stake in shares of Marriott International during the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Bell Investment Advisors Inc lifted its stake in shares of Marriott International by 112.2% in the 4th quarter. Bell Investment Advisors Inc now owns 104 shares of the company's stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 55 shares during the period. Sound Income Strategies LLC boosted its holdings in Marriott International by 494.4% during the fourth quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 107 shares of the company's stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 89 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wingate Wealth Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in Marriott International during the fourth quarter valued at $33,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.70% of the company's stock.

Marriott International Price Performance

Shares of NASDAQ:MAR traded down $1.42 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $272.72. 842,982 shares of the company's stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,604,847. The firm's 50 day simple moving average is $238.14 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $266.56. Marriott International, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $204.55 and a fifty-two week high of $307.52. The stock has a market cap of $74.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.78, a P/E/G ratio of 3.42 and a beta of 1.39.

Marriott International (NASDAQ:MAR - Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 6th. The company reported $2.32 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.25 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $6.26 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.19 billion. Marriott International had a net margin of 9.46% and a negative return on equity of 116.67%. The business'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 business posted $2.13 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Marriott International, Inc. will post 10.1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Marriott International Increases Dividend

The business 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 $0.67 dividend. This is a boost from Marriott International's previous quarterly dividend of $0.63. This represents a $2.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.98%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, May 23rd. Marriott International's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 28.70%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms have recently commented on MAR. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their target price on Marriott International from $295.00 to $240.00 and set a "hold" rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, April 16th. Evercore ISI raised shares of Marriott International from an "in-line" rating to an "outperform" rating and set a $330.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, February 4th. Robert W. Baird increased their price objective on shares of Marriott International from $250.00 to $265.00 and gave the company a "neutral" rating in a report on Wednesday, May 7th. Argus boosted their target price on shares of Marriott International from $300.00 to $330.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a research note on Thursday, January 16th. Finally, Susquehanna lifted their price objective on Marriott International from $255.00 to $285.00 and gave the stock a "neutral" rating in a report on Wednesday, February 12th. Thirteen research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Marriott International currently has a consensus rating of "Hold" and a consensus target price of $276.60.

Insider Activity at Marriott International

In other news, Director Susan C. Schwab sold 1,054 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction on Monday, February 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $277.48, for a total value of $292,463.92. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 4,551 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,262,811.48. This trade represents a 18.80% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Rena Hozore Reiss sold 3,500 shares of the business's stock in a transaction on Friday, February 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $286.65, for a total transaction of $1,003,275.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 24,733 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $7,089,714.45. The trade was a 12.40% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 31,694 shares of company stock worth $8,938,132. Company 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.