Analysts at Sanford C. Bernstein have raised their price target for Marriott International (NASDAQ:MAR) from $329.00 to $369.00, reflecting a positive outlook for the company’s stock. This adjustment, noted in a research note released on Tuesday, indicates a potential upside of 14.49% from its current trading price. Bernstein maintains an “outperform” rating for Marriott, aligning with a broader trend of analyst optimism surrounding the hospitality giant.
Other analysts have offered varied assessments of Marriott’s stock in recent weeks. On October 21, 2023, Robert W. Baird reduced its price target from $287.00 to $285.00 and assigned a “neutral” rating. In contrast, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a “buy (b-)” rating on October 8. Barclays recently increased its price target from $274.00 to $276.00, while Truist Financial raised its target from $278.00 to $283.00, both maintaining a “hold” rating.
Significantly, the Goldman Sachs Group upgraded Marriott from “neutral” to “buy,” increasing their price target from $288.00 to $345.00. Currently, three analysts rate the stock as a Strong Buy, seven as Buy, and nine as Hold. According to MarketBeat.com, Marriott International has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” with an average price target of $301.50.
Quarterly Earnings Exceed Expectations
Marriott International’s latest quarterly earnings report, released on November 4, 2023, showcased stronger-than-expected performance. The company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $2.47, surpassing the consensus estimate of $2.38 by $0.09. The firm recorded a net revenue of $1.73 billion, although this figure fell short of the consensus estimate of $6.46 billion.
Despite facing challenges, Marriott reported a net margin of 10.07% and a negative return on equity of 89.29%. The company has set its guidance for the fourth quarter of 2025 at EPS between $2.540 and $2.620, and full-year 2025 guidance at EPS between $9.980 and $10.060. Analysts project that Marriott will achieve EPS of $10.10 for the current year.
Insider Activity and Hedge Fund Movements
Recent insider trading activity has also drawn attention. On November 11, 2023, Deborah Marriott Harrison sold 70,000 shares at an average price of $291.63, totaling approximately $20.41 million. This sale reduced her stake in the company by 28.55%, leaving her with 175,210 shares valued at around $51.10 million.
Additionally, William P. Brown sold 6,666 shares on November 6 at an average price of $280.04, amounting to nearly $1.87 million. Following this transaction, Brown’s ownership decreased by 37.73%, leaving him with 11,000 shares valued at approximately $3.08 million.
In the past ninety days, insiders have sold a total of 88,289 shares, worth around $25.67 million. Currently, insiders hold 10.68% of Marriott’s stock.
Several hedge funds have also adjusted their positions in Marriott International. Triumph Capital Management acquired a new stake valued at about $28,000 during the third quarter. AlphaQuest LLC increased its holdings by 2,750.0% during the second quarter, now owning 114 shares valued at $31,000. Other hedge funds, including Addison Advisors LLC and Darwin Wealth Management LLC, have similarly invested new capital into Marriott during this period.
Institutional investors now control 70.70% of the company’s stock, reflecting a strong interest in Marriott International’s future performance.
As a leading global lodging company, Marriott International develops, manages, and franchises a diverse portfolio of hotels. Its operations span a broad range of market segments, catering to various business and leisure travelers. The company’s extensive brand architecture allows it to serve a wide demographic, from luxury to extended-stay options.
With analysts optimistic and insider activity suggesting strategic moves, Marriott International remains a focal point for investors and market watchers alike.
