Mizuho Securities USA LLC Reduces Stock Position in Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR)

Mizuho Securities USA LLC lessened its holdings in Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR - Free Report) by 18.1% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 15,152 shares of the company's stock after selling 3,344 shares during the quarter. Mizuho Securities USA LLC's holdings in Marriott International were worth $3,767,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. BDF Gestion acquired a new position in Marriott International during the second quarter worth about $3,013,000. Jensen Investment Management Inc. purchased a new position in Marriott International in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $793,000. CWM LLC raised its holdings in Marriott International by 518.7% during the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 47,519 shares of the company's stock worth $11,489,000 after purchasing an additional 39,839 shares during the last quarter. BayBridge Capital Group LLC purchased a new stake in Marriott International during the third quarter worth $1,254,000. Finally, Kinsale Capital Group Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Marriott International in the third quarter valued at $3,769,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.70% of the company's stock.

Marriott International Stock Up 0.3 %

Shares of NASDAQ MAR traded up $0.85 during trading on Friday, hitting $284.29. 990,342 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,466,192. The firm has a market capitalization of $79.00 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.74, a P/E/G ratio of 5.49 and a beta of 1.58. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $261.88 and a 200-day moving average price of $243.34. Marriott International, Inc. has a 1 year low of $200.94 and a 1 year high of $289.04.

Marriott International (NASDAQ:MAR - Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 4th. The company reported $2.26 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.31 by ($0.05). Marriott International had a negative return on equity of 177.91% and a net margin of 11.18%. The firm had revenue of $6.26 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.27 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $2.11 earnings per share. The business's revenue was up 5.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that Marriott International, Inc. will post 9.26 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Marriott International Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 21st will be given a $0.63 dividend. This represents a $2.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.89%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 21st. Marriott International's payout ratio is currently 26.36%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

MAR has been the topic of a number of research reports. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of Marriott International from $240.00 to $249.00 and gave the company an "equal weight" rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 5th. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on shares of Marriott International in a research report on Wednesday, September 18th. They issued a "buy" rating and a $267.00 price target on the stock. Bank of America lifted their price objective on Marriott International from $275.00 to $300.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a research report on Monday, October 21st. Sanford C. Bernstein raised their price target on Marriott International from $262.00 to $290.00 and gave the stock an "outperform" rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 5th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on Marriott International from $238.00 to $261.00 and gave the company an "equal weight" rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 22nd. Thirteen research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of "Hold" and an average target price of $259.00.

Insider Activity at Marriott International

In other news, EVP Benjamin T. Breland sold 500 shares of Marriott International stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $274.49, for a total transaction of $137,245.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 12,286 shares in the company, valued at $3,372,384.14. This trade represents a 3.91 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CFO Kathleen K. Oberg sold 2,360 shares of the company's stock in a transaction on Monday, November 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $285.41, for a total transaction of $673,567.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 39,726 shares of the company's stock, valued at $11,338,197.66. This trade represents a 5.61 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 12,108 shares of company stock worth $3,434,439. 12.32% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

About Marriott International

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.