Fisher Asset Management LLC Reduces Stock Holdings in Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR)

Fisher Asset Management LLC lowered its stake in shares of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR) by 1.2% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 7,048 shares of the company’s stock after selling 86 shares during the period. Fisher Asset Management LLC’s holdings in Marriott International were worth $1,590,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Tucker Asset Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Marriott International by 6.9% during the fourth quarter. Tucker Asset Management LLC now owns 3,088 shares of the company’s stock worth $696,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Northwest Bank & Trust Co bought a new position in shares of Marriott International in the fourth quarter worth $36,000. Vima LLC bought a new position in shares of Marriott International in the fourth quarter worth $62,000. American International Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Marriott International by 0.7% in the fourth quarter. American International Group Inc. now owns 86,020 shares of the company’s stock worth $19,398,000 after purchasing an additional 606 shares during the period. Finally, Syon Capital LLC increased its holdings in shares of Marriott International by 6.0% in the fourth quarter. Syon Capital LLC now owns 4,373 shares of the company’s stock worth $986,000 after purchasing an additional 247 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 70.70% of the company’s stock.

Marriott International Trading Down 0.2 %

Shares of NASDAQ:MAR opened at $243.53 on Friday. The stock’s 50-day moving average price is $237.19 and its 200-day moving average price is $237.81. The stock has a market capitalization of $69.56 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.13, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.58 and a beta of 1.60. Marriott International, Inc. has a 12-month low of $170.03 and a 12-month high of $260.57.

Marriott International (NASDAQ:MAR) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, May 1st. The company reported $2.13 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $2.17 by ($0.04). The firm had revenue of $5.98 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $5.95 billion. Marriott International had a negative return on equity of 376.88% and a net margin of 12.00%. The business’s revenue for the quarter was up 6.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $2.09 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts predict that Marriott International, Inc. will post 9.55 EPS for the current year.

Marriott International Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 28th. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 24th will be issued a dividend of $0.63 per share. This is a positive change from Marriott International’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.52. This represents a $2.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.03%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, May 23rd. Marriott International’s dividend payout ratio is currently 26.01%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on MAR shares. Susquehanna started coverage on shares of Marriott International in a report on Friday. They issued a “neutral” rating and a $255.00 price target on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on shares of Marriott International from $250.00 to $248.00 and set an “equal weight” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, May 2nd. BMO Capital Markets upped their price target on shares of Marriott International from $235.00 to $240.00 and gave the stock a “market perform” rating in a report on Thursday, May 2nd. Barclays increased their target price on Marriott International from $239.00 to $240.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a research note on Friday, April 19th. Finally, Mizuho increased their target price on Marriott International from $260.00 to $265.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research note on Thursday, May 2nd. Twelve analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $242.19.

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, and City Express by Marriott brand names, as well as operates residences, timeshares, and yachts.