Azzad Asset Management Inc. ADV Acquires New Stake in Choice Hotels International, Inc. $CHH

Azzad Asset Management Inc. ADV bought a new position in shares of Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE:CHH) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor bought 4,970 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $531,000.

Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of CHH. Kilter Group LLC purchased a new stake in Choice Hotels International during the second quarter worth about $25,000. Whittier Trust Co. grew its holdings in shares of Choice Hotels International by 138.5% in the second quarter. Whittier Trust Co. now owns 291 shares of the company’s stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 169 shares in the last quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Choice Hotels International by 23.6% in the second quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 434 shares of the company’s stock valued at $55,000 after purchasing an additional 83 shares in the last quarter. Annis Gardner Whiting Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Choice Hotels International during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $100,000. Finally, Claret Asset Management Corp lifted its holdings in Choice Hotels International by 6.6% during the 2nd quarter. Claret Asset Management Corp now owns 1,817 shares of the company’s stock worth $231,000 after buying an additional 112 shares in the last quarter. 65.57% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, SVP Simone Wu sold 8,080 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Monday, February 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $101.56, for a total value of $820,604.80. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president owned 48,803 shares in the company, valued at $4,956,432.68. This represents a 14.20% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 24.02% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Choice Hotels International Trading Down 1.3%

NYSE:CHH opened at $107.83 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $4.99 billion, a PE ratio of 13.25, a P/E/G ratio of 5.58 and a beta of 0.76. Choice Hotels International, Inc. has a 52-week low of $84.04 and a 52-week high of $157.86. The stock’s 50 day moving average price is $99.22 and its 200 day moving average price is $104.93. The company has a quick ratio of 0.96, a current ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 12.81.

Choice Hotels International Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 2nd were issued a $0.2875 dividend. This represents a $1.15 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, January 2nd. Choice Hotels International’s payout ratio is presently 14.13%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

CHH has been the subject of several research reports. Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on Choice Hotels International in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. They set an “underweight” rating and a $84.00 price objective on the stock. UBS Group lowered their target price on Choice Hotels International from $120.00 to $118.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Truist Financial set a $126.00 price target on Choice Hotels International and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Susquehanna decreased their price objective on Choice Hotels International from $140.00 to $95.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. Finally, Barclays lowered their price objective on Choice Hotels International from $99.00 to $98.00 and set an “underweight” rating for the company in a research report on Friday, January 16th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and five have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Choice Hotels International presently has an average rating of “Reduce” and an average target price of $109.15.

About Choice Hotels International

Choice Hotels International, Inc is a hospitality franchisor specializing in the development and support of lodging brands across the economy, midscale and upscale segments. Through a network of franchisees, Choice Hotels supplies proprietary reservation and distribution systems, comprehensive marketing programs, and operational support services. The company’s core activities include brand management, franchise development, and technology-driven revenue optimization tools designed to enhance guest acquisition and retention for its partners.

Founded in 1939 as Quality Courts United, the company rebranded to Choice Hotels International in 1982 to reflect its expanding brand portfolio and global ambitions.