Marriott Surges 1.48% with 196th Trading Volume Rank as Earnings Outlook Turns Mixed

Marriott International (MAR) rose 1.48% on August 4, with a trading volume of $0.53 billion, ranking 196th in market activity. The stock faces mixed sentiment ahead of its upcoming earnings report, as analysts expect $2.62 per share in adjusted earnings but note downward revisions to revenue forecasts over the past month.

Recent institutional activity highlights growing confidence in the stock. Jefferies Financial Group increased its holdings by 46.8% in Q1, while Invesco and Northern Trust also boosted stakes in the fourth quarter. Institutional ownership now accounts for 70.7% of shares, signaling long-term support despite recent price declines.

The company’s Q2 results revealed a 4.8% year-on-year revenue increase to $6.26 billion, though EBITDA guidance fell short of expectations. Analysts project a slower 3.5% revenue growth for the current quarter, reflecting cautious optimism. Meanwhile, peers like Carnival and Delta outperformed, with Carnival’s shares rising 5.9% after exceeding revenue estimates.

Marriott raised its quarterly dividend to $0.67, maintaining a 1.0% yield, but insider sales by executives, including a 8.82% reduction in CEO Anthony Capuano’s holdings, have raised concerns. Analysts remain divided, with 12 issuing “hold” ratings and seven recommending “buy,” while the average price target of $281.28 suggests potential upside.

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