New York, February 12, 2026, 17:50 (ET) — After-hours
- HLT slipped roughly 0.9% postmarket, following a session where it bounced between $320.46 and $333.81 on Thursday.
- Hilton is projecting a 1%-2% bump in RevPAR for 2026, with demand holding steady in the budget and mid-scale segments.
- Next up: management will hit investor forums March 5-6, then again March 11-12.
Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc (HLT) lost ground after the bell Thursday. Shares of the NYSE-listed hotel chain dipped $3.03, or 0.9%, to $322.17, following a turbulent session that ranged from $320.46 to $333.81. The stock had ended at $325.21 on Wednesday.
Hilton shares jumped as much as 2.2% Wednesday after earnings, but investors are still dissecting the company’s 2026 room revenue outlook. The McLean, Virginia hotel giant guided for 1% to 2% growth in systemwide RevPAR this year—short of the 2.05% analysts were expecting, according to LSEG data. Marriott, by comparison, has cited a potential lift from the World Cup. CEO Christopher Nassetta said quarterly RevPAR got a 50 basis-point push from overseas and group bookings, yet softer U.S. government and inbound travel dragged on the numbers. Raymond James’s RJ Milligan called most of the upside “baked into the stock.” Reuters
Hilton is targeting roughly $3.5 billion in shareholder returns for 2026, telling investors it’s sticking with net unit growth between 6% and 7%. The company highlighted a record year-end development pipeline and mentioned new brands—among them, an apartment-style concept—as it looks to expand its room count while keeping balance-sheet risk low.
Hilton reported adjusted diluted EPS of $2.08 for the December quarter, according to a regulatory filing, with net income hitting $298 million. Adjusted EBITDA landed at $946 million. Looking ahead, the company sees 2026 diluted EPS between $8.49 and $8.61, and adjusted diluted EPS in the $8.65 to $8.77 range. The board cleared a $0.15 quarterly dividend, payable March 31 to shareholders on record as of Feb. 27.
Nassetta, on the earnings call, pointed to “positive trends continued into early 2026.” Group demand is out in front, leisure remains steady, and business travel has picked up. He singled out group as the standout for 2026—assuming no fresh shock to the economy. The Motley Fool
Hilton is doubling down on conversions, pulling more existing hotels onto its brands to accelerate expansion. “Conversions remain integral to [Hilton’s] growth,” Nassetta said, highlighting Apartment Collection by Hilton as a “clear white space in the market.” Hoteldive
Wall Street analysts wasted no time upping their Hilton targets. Goldman Sachs bumped its price target up to $356 from $330 and stuck with its buy rating. Argus, for its part, went even higher—raising its target to $380 from $350, MT Newswires noted.
Even so, expectations remain tough. Hilton’s 1%-2% RevPAR guidance doesn’t give much breathing room if demand for budget and mid-scale rooms slips any more, or if sluggish inbound and government travel keeps occupancy muted.
Investors are watching for updates on bookings and pricing as management heads out on a roadshow. Hilton’s set to present at the Susquehanna Travel, Consumer Tech + Entertainment Forum, March 5-6, followed by the JP Morgan gaming, lodging and leisure event on March 11-12.
