Marriott International Inc MAR stock made new all-time highs on Jan. 8 as it closed above $228, up 2.6% for the day.
The high-end of the 52-week range for the stock now stands at $228.29. The hospitality sector firm known for its hotels, resorts, and lodging facilities has been buoyed through 2023 by post-covid tailwinds.
Pent-up demand for tourism steered the stock up over 50% over the past year, surpassing its peer Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc HLT and the S&P 500.
![](https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/09050634/MAR-vs-HLT-Jan-9.jpeg)
For the past year, Marriott International’s stock has been fueled by:
- Pent-up post-covid demand helping the top line.
- Operational excellence protecting the bottom line of the business.
Marriott’s business fundamentals remain solid. The company has maintained impeccable top-line growth amid its sustained expansion. Marriott also has adequate liquidity to cover its operations and dividends while increasing its operating capacity.
Also Read: Hotel Brand Marriott Tightens Annual EPS Forecast; Records 12% Topline Growth In Q3
![](https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/09052548/MAR-vs-HLT-pe-chart-Jan-9.png)
On the valuation front, Marriott International stock currently offers better value relative to its close competitor, Hilton Worldwide Holdings. On a forward P/E basis, the difference gets marginal.
However, analyst consensus on the stock does not indicate an upside from here. Jefferies analyst David Katz, who recently rated the stock on Jan. 2 maintained a Hold rating with a price target of $227.
![](https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/09052104/MAR-vs-HLT-consensus-ratings-Jan-9.png)
Consensus Wall Street analyst ratings indicate an average price target of $213.84, 6.31% below the new all-time-high level the stock just made.
Could it be time to take profits off the table?
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