Marriott International (NASDAQ:MAR) Reaches New 1-Year High – Time to Buy?

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR)’s share price hit a new 52-week high during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $262.40 and last traded at $261.84, with a volume of 387383 shares. The stock had previously closed at $256.58.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on shares of Marriott International in a report on Wednesday, September 18th. They issued a “buy” rating and a $267.00 price target for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on shares of Marriott International from $235.00 to $255.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a report on Friday, July 19th. Robert W. Baird dropped their price target on Marriott International from $252.00 to $245.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, August 1st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their target price on Marriott International from $222.00 to $216.00 and set a “hold” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, August 1st. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reduced their target price on Marriott International from $248.00 to $238.00 and set an “equal weight” rating for the company in a report on Thursday, August 1st. Twelve analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Marriott International presently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $248.65.

Marriott International Stock Performance

The company’s 50 day simple moving average is $231.64 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $237.71. The stock has a market cap of $74.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.48, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.68 and a beta of 1.59.

Marriott International (NASDAQ:MAR) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $2.50 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.49 by $0.01. Marriott International had a negative return on equity of 239.60% and a net margin of 12.01%. The business had revenue of $6.44 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.47 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.26 earnings per share. Marriott International’s quarterly revenue was up 6.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts predict that Marriott International, Inc. will post 9.37 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Marriott International Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 30th. Investors of record on Friday, August 16th were given a dividend of $0.63 per share. This represents a $2.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.96%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 16th. Marriott International’s payout ratio is presently 26.01%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Marriott International

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Rockland Trust Co. increased its position in Marriott International by 2.3% during the second quarter. Rockland Trust Co. now owns 1,802 shares of the company’s stock worth $436,000 after buying an additional 41 shares during the last quarter. Moody National Bank Trust Division raised its stake in shares of Marriott International by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. Moody National Bank Trust Division now owns 3,673 shares of the company’s stock valued at $927,000 after acquiring an additional 42 shares in the last quarter. Kathmere Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in Marriott International by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. Kathmere Capital Management LLC now owns 3,599 shares of the company’s stock worth $908,000 after purchasing an additional 42 shares during the last quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC boosted its position in Marriott International by 1.4% during the second quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC now owns 3,298 shares of the company’s stock worth $797,000 after purchasing an additional 46 shares during the period. Finally, SeaCrest Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in Marriott International by 1.5% during the second quarter. SeaCrest Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,075 shares of the company’s stock valued at $743,000 after purchasing an additional 46 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.70% 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.