After one unusually strong Septembertraders are keen to protect their profits, or perhaps even extend them into the new month. With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of the 25 best stocks to own in October Marriott International Inc (NASDAQ:MAR) belongs to them.
According to Schaeffer’s Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White, MAR ended October higher eight times in the past decade, with an average gain of 4%. The Equity is also the best of two travel and leisure names on this list and surpasses The Las Vegas Sand (LVS).
Marriot International shares was last down 1.4% and trading at $50.41. While familiar pressure at the $255 level is coming into play, the security is not far off the April 11 all-time high of $260.57 and has a 26.4% year-over-year lead. Furthermore, the 20-day moving average appears poised to contain any further declines.
Options traders are bearish, and the disappearance of this pessimism could provide a tailwind. On the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX), MAR’s 50-day put/call volume ratio of 1.49 is in the elevated 82nd percentile of its annual range, what a heavy hunger for wells lately.
The stock could also benefit from a shift in analyst sentiment, as 17 of the 23 analysts in question still maintain a tepid hold. Additionally, options are currently affordably priced, according to the stock’s 20% Schaeffer’s Volatility Index (SVI), which is in the low 8th annual percentile.
