Blackhawk Capital Partners LLC. Takes $202,000 Position in Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR)

Blackhawk Capital Partners LLC. purchased a new stake in Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR) in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor purchased 800 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $202,000.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Marriott International during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $461,525,000. Jennison Associates LLC raised its holdings in shares of Marriott International by 34.8% during the fourth quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 4,547,098 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,025,416,000 after buying an additional 1,173,028 shares during the last quarter. Capital International Investors boosted its position in shares of Marriott International by 42.2% during the fourth quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 3,147,501 shares of the company’s stock worth $709,793,000 after buying an additional 934,304 shares during the period. Global Assets Advisory LLC bought a new position in Marriott International in the 1st quarter worth approximately $153,697,000. Finally, Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado raised its stake in Marriott International by 557.2% during the 4th quarter. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado now owns 496,505 shares of the company’s stock valued at $111,967,000 after acquiring an additional 420,962 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.70% of the company’s stock.

Marriott International Price Performance

MAR traded up $0.81 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $240.98. 851,934 shares of the company’s stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,613,953. The company has a market cap of $68.83 billion, a PE ratio of 24.87, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.52 and a beta of 1.60. Marriott International, Inc. has a one year low of $178.24 and a one year high of $260.57. The stock’s fifty day simple moving average is $237.35 and its 200-day simple moving average is $239.74.

Marriott International (NASDAQ:MAR) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 1st. The company reported $2.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.17 by ($0.04). Marriott International had a negative return on equity of 376.88% and a net margin of 12.00%. The company had revenue of $5.98 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.95 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $2.09 EPS. The business’s revenue was up 6.4% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts expect 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 was paid on Friday, June 28th. Investors of record on Friday, May 24th were paid a $0.63 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, May 23rd. 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 yield of 1.05%. Marriott International’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 26.01%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

MAR has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Argus lifted their price objective on shares of Marriott International from $270.00 to $280.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Tuesday, March 19th. BMO Capital Markets increased their price objective on shares of Marriott International from $235.00 to $240.00 and gave the company a “market perform” rating in a report on Thursday, May 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their target price on Marriott International from $250.00 to $248.00 and set an “equal weight” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, May 2nd. Mizuho lifted their price target on Marriott International from $260.00 to $265.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research report on Thursday, May 2nd. Finally, Susquehanna began coverage on Marriott International in a report on Friday, June 21st. They issued a “neutral” rating and a $255.00 price objective for the company. Twelve analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $242.19.

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