Research · Sep 3, 2026
[HLT] Hilton Thesis 2026: Asset-Light Model Returns Capital While Earnings Grow
Hilton FY25 (Dec 31, 2025) at $12.04B revenue (+7.7%). OpInc $2.69B (+14%); Net income $1.46B; Diluted EPS $6.12. FCF $2.03B (+12%); Capex $101M. Buybacks $3.25B (+12% YoY); Div $143M. Total debt $15.7B (+$3.7B for buyback financing). Asset-light franchise model: ~7,800 hotels, ~1.2M rooms, 22+ brands. NUG ~7-8%. PT raises Feb-Apr 2026: Susquehanna $255→$345 (+$90 largest), JPM $288→$363, Barclays $309→$363, Wells Fargo $338→$373 (Street-high), Mizuho $266→$321.