Hilton Worldwide (HLT)
NYSEConsumer DiscretionaryTravel LodgingSnapshot 2026-09-04
$311.18-1.01%
Close 2026-09-04 · 1-day change
NYSEConsumer DiscretionaryTravel LodgingSnapshot 2026-09-04
QuarterlyIQ Insights · HLT
How strong the business is — where it ranks within its sector on capital efficiency and cash generation, and how well management has been executing.
How this business ranks within consumer discretionary on a research-validated quality screen. As of 2026-09-04.
The screen ranks HLT against its sector on four durable signals: share dilution, return on capital, free-cash-flow yield, and FCF margin. Historically the highest-quality names tended toward better typical outcomes and fewer bad years over multi-year holds (strongest at three years, modest at one), and that pattern showed up even before the price moved. It characterizes business quality, not price direction.
Each leg is a sector-relative percentile (higher is better); 3 of 4 legs were available for this name. The composite is built from these four; the raw value follows each percentile for context.
A forward quality tilt, not a price prediction, and context for your own research rather than a recommendation. Not investment advice.
How management runs the business: capital, margins, balance sheet, and how reliably they guide and deliver.
Each factor is a parallel diagnostic with a clear read of what it shows and how names like it have historically fared. Never aggregated into a single score.
Operating income rose in 2 of the last 3 quarter-over-quarter moves. Historically, Consumer Discretionary names rated strong grew net income 63% of the time over the next year (vs 50% for the rest of the cohort, n=5213).
Not investment advice. Scores describe historical and current data; they are not forecasts of future returns. Consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.
Met or beat guidance 100% of the last 8 guided quarters · 9.6% avg surprise
Priorities management has stated in recent disclosures, with status and evidence drawn from earnings calls, filings, and press releases.
Continue disciplined development strategy to achieve net unit growth between 6.0% and 7.0% in 2026 and beyond.
Stated as a priority in 6 of last 6 quarters. Hilton reported net unit growth of 6.1% as of 2026-Q2 with 21,600 net room additions that quarter. The development pipeline grew to 541,300 rooms, a 6% increase from 2025-Q2. Management consistently reaffirmed the 6.0% to 7.0% net unit growth target, and the trajectory is delivering with steady room additions and pipeline expansion.
“We remain confident in our ability to deliver net unit growth of 6.0% to 7.0% in 2026 and beyond.”
“We remain confident in our ability to deliver net unit growth of 6.0 percent to 7.0 percent in 2026 and beyond.”
“We are confident in delivering net unit growth between 6.0 percent and 7.0 percent in 2026 and beyond.”
“We have confidence in delivering net unit growth between 6.5 percent and 7.0 percent in 2025 and 6.0 percent to 7.0 percent over the next several years.”
“We remain confident in our ability to deliver net unit growth between 6.0 percent and 7.0 percent for the next several years.”
“We remain optimistic about our growth opportunities and are well positioned to continue creating value with net unit growth between 6.0 percent and 7.0 percent.”
Return approximately $3.5 billion to shareholders in 2026 through dividends and share repurchases.
Stated as a priority in 6 of last 6 quarters. Hilton projected capital return of approximately $3.5 billion for 2026, up from $3.3 billion in 2025. Through July 2026, Hilton returned $2.034 billion including dividends and share repurchases. Management has consistently reiterated this capital return target, and the actual returns year-to-date show progress delivering on this commitment.
“Full year 2026 capital return is projected to be approximately $3.5 billion.”
Expand brand portfolio and partnerships with new lifestyle and apartment brands to drive growth and market presence.
Stated as a priority in 4 of last 6 quarters. Hilton launched multiple new brands including Undergraduate by Hilton (2026-Q2), Select by Hilton (2026-Q1), Apartment Collection by Hilton (2025-Q4), and Outset Collection by Hilton (2025-Q3). These launches expand Hilton's lifestyle and apartment offerings, supporting growth and diversification. Management has consistently highlighted brand innovation as a growth driver, with tangible new brand introductions each year.
Manage contract acquisition costs and capital expenditures at approximately $300 million in 2026 to support growth while controlling spending.
Stated as a priority in 5 of last 6 quarters. Hilton has consistently projected contract acquisition costs and capital expenditures around $250 million to $300 million, with the 2026 guidance at approximately $300 million. This reflects disciplined capital spending to support growth while controlling costs. The consistency in guidance and absence of large deviations indicate management is maintaining capital discipline.
Over the trailing year it converted 1.71x of net income into operating cash flow. Historically, Consumer Discretionary names rated neutral grew net income 49% of the time over the next year (vs 49% for the rest of the cohort, n=4864).
Most sensitive to the broad stock market.
Not enough signal to read sensitivity to the US dollar, real (inflation-adjusted) rates, long-term interest rates, Fed net liquidity (low R² over the window).
15 material management or governance events in the past 24 months, led by capital-allocation actions. Historically, Consumer Discretionary names rated neutral grew net income 48% of the time over the next year (vs 53% for the rest of the cohort, n=2538).
Not investment advice. As of 2026-09-04.
“Full year 2026 capital return is projected to be approximately $3.5 billion.”
“Full year 2026 capital return is projected to be approximately $3.5 billion.”
“Full year 2025 capital return is projected to be approximately $3.3 billion.”
“Full year 2025 capital return is projected to be approximately $3.3 billion.”
“Full year 2025 capital return is projected to be approximately $3.3 billion.”
“Announced the launch of a new lifestyle brand, Undergraduate by Hilton, in June 2026.”
“Announced the launch of a new brand, Select by Hilton, with YOTEL as first brand under it.”
“Announced the launch of a new brand, Apartment Collection by Hilton, in January 2026.”
“Announced the launch of a new lifestyle brand, Outset Collection by Hilton, in October 2025.”
“Contract acquisition costs and capital expenditures projected to be approximately $300 million in 2026.”
“Contract acquisition costs and capital expenditures projected to be approximately $300 million in 2026.”
“Contract acquisition costs and capital expenditures projected to be between $250 million and $300 million in 2025.”
“Contract acquisition costs and capital expenditures projected to be between $250 million and $300 million in 2025.”
“Contract acquisition costs and capital expenditures projected to be between $250 million and $300 million in 2025.”