First Fiduciary Investment Counsel Inc. Buys 1,774 Shares of Marriott International, Inc. $MAR

First Fiduciary Investment Counsel Inc. increased its stake in shares of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR) by 3.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 55,499 shares of the company’s stock after purchasing an additional 1,774 shares during the quarter. Marriott International accounts for approximately 2.8% of First Fiduciary Investment Counsel Inc.’s holdings, making the stock its 10th biggest position. First Fiduciary Investment Counsel Inc.’s holdings in Marriott International were worth $14,454,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Marriott International in the second quarter valued at $613,000. National Pension Service lifted its holdings in Marriott International by 1.6% in the 3rd quarter. National Pension Service now owns 603,431 shares of the company’s stock valued at $157,158,000 after purchasing an additional 9,530 shares in the last quarter. AustralianSuper Pty Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Marriott International during the 3rd quarter worth about $858,000. Headwater Capital Co Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Marriott International during the second quarter worth about $21,857,000. Finally, Index Fund Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Marriott International during the second quarter valued at approximately $666,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.70% of the company’s stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms have commented on MAR. Sanford C. Bernstein lifted their target price on shares of Marriott International from $329.00 to $369.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Robert W. Baird dropped their target price on Marriott International from $287.00 to $285.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on Marriott International from $296.00 to $328.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Citigroup increased their price objective on shares of Marriott International from $285.00 to $345.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a report on Thursday, January 15th. Finally, Evercore ISI boosted their target price on shares of Marriott International from $320.00 to $350.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating and nine have issued a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $316.19.

Insider Activity

In other Marriott International news, EVP Peggy Roe sold 2,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $292.12, for a total value of $584,240.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 17,466 shares in the company, valued at $5,102,167.92. This represents a 10.27% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CAO Felitia Lee sold 1,617 shares of Marriott International stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $305.98, for a total transaction of $494,769.66. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer owned 4,893 shares in the company, valued at $1,497,160.14. This represents a 24.84% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold a total of 81,623 shares of company stock worth $23,802,678 in the last ninety days. 10.68% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Marriott International Trading Up 1.9%

NASDAQ:MAR opened at $324.56 on Thursday. Marriott International, Inc. has a twelve month low of $205.40 and a twelve month high of $331.09. The firm has a market capitalization of $87.10 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.27, a PEG ratio of 2.49 and a beta of 1.13. The firm’s fifty day simple moving average is $312.17 and its 200 day simple moving average is $284.83.

Marriott International (NASDAQ:MAR) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $2.47 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $2.38 by $0.09. Marriott International had a negative return on equity of 89.29% and a net margin of 10.07%.The company had revenue of $1.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $6.46 billion. On average, analysts predict that Marriott International, Inc. will post 10.1 earnings per share for the current year.

Key Headlines Impacting Marriott International

Here are the key news stories impacting Marriott International this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Signed a multi‑property development and management agreement in Vietnam with Masterise, accelerating Marriott’s footprint and pipeline in a fast‑growing Southeast Asian market — supports room growth and long‑term fee income. Marriott expands in Vietnam with Masterise partnership Marriott International Signs Multi-Property Agreement with Masterise Group
• Positive Sentiment: Luxury Group by Marriott highlighted several “must‑watch” 2026 openings across Asia‑Pacific, signaling continued brand expansion in higher‑margin luxury and lifestyle segments that can boost RevPAR and fee revenue. Luxury Group by Marriott International reveals 2026 must-watch openings across Asia Pacific
• Positive Sentiment: CEO Anthony Capuano discussed strategic focus areas — luxury, all‑inclusives and “outdoor hospitality” — which point to diversified growth initiatives and product innovation that could support longer‑term pricing power. Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano on luxury, all-inclusives and ‘outdoor hospitality’
• Neutral Sentiment: J.P. Morgan raised its price target to $323 but kept a “neutral” rating — a vote of confidence on valuation relative to peers, but implies limited near‑term upside according to that shop. Benzinga note on JPMorgan price target
• Neutral Sentiment: Marriott is due to report earnings next week — an event that can drive volatility as investors re‑rate growth and margin trajectories. News flow around timing and guidance will matter. Marriott International (MAR) Expected to Announce Earnings on Tuesday
• Negative Sentiment: Analysts at Zacks argue Marriott lacks the setup for an earnings beat in the upcoming release, suggesting downside risk to sentiment if results or guidance disappoint. Marriott International (MAR) Earnings Expected to Grow: What to Know Ahead of Next Week’s Release
• Neutral Sentiment: For background, the Q4 2024 earnings call transcript is available for investors who want to review recent results and management commentary ahead of the report. Marriott Q4 2024 Earnings Call Transcript

Marriott International Profile

Marriott International is a global lodging company that develops, manages and franchises a broad portfolio of hotels and related lodging facilities. Its core activities include hotel and resort management, franchise operations, property development and the provision of centralized services such as reservations, marketing and loyalty program management. The company’s brand architecture spans market segments from luxury and premium to select-service and extended-stay, enabling it to serve a wide range of business and leisure travelers as well as corporate and group customers.

The company traces its roots to the hospitality business founded by J.