Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) Sees Significant Growth in Short Interest

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) was the target of a significant increase in short interest during the month of February. As of February 27th, there was short interest totaling 6,069,617 shares, an increase of 19.6% from the February 12th total of 5,075,097 shares. Currently, 2.7% of the company’s shares are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 1,718,023 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 3.5 days. Based on an average trading volume of 1,718,023 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 3.5 days. Currently, 2.7% of the company’s shares are sold short.

Insider Transactions at Hilton Worldwide

In related news, insider Christopher J. Nassetta sold 114,289 shares of Hilton Worldwide stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $317.47, for a total value of $36,283,328.83. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 36,445 shares in the company, valued at $11,570,194.15. This trade represents a 75.82% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 2.60% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Hilton Worldwide

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of HLT. Kemnay Advisory Services Inc. bought a new position in Hilton Worldwide in the 4th quarter valued at $26,000. Clearstead Trust LLC bought a new stake in shares of Hilton Worldwide during the 2nd quarter worth $30,000. Sagard Holdings Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Hilton Worldwide in the 2nd quarter worth about $30,000. ST Germain D J Co. Inc. bought a new position in Hilton Worldwide during the fourth quarter valued at about $33,000. Finally, Caitlin John LLC purchased a new stake in Hilton Worldwide during the third quarter worth about $32,000. 95.90% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Hilton Worldwide Trading Up 1.9%

NYSE:HLT traded up $5.74 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $301.74. 1,872,917 shares of the company’s stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,933,475. Hilton Worldwide has a fifty-two week low of $196.04 and a fifty-two week high of $333.86. The firm has a market capitalization of $69.19 billion, a P/E ratio of 49.30, a PEG ratio of 2.57 and a beta of 1.10. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $304.94 and a 200-day simple moving average of $284.15.

Hilton Worldwide (NYSE:HLT) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 11th. The company reported $2.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.02 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $1.30 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.99 billion. Hilton Worldwide had a net margin of 12.10% and a negative return on equity of 40.24%. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up 10.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.76 earnings per share. Hilton Worldwide has set its FY 2026 guidance at 8.490-8.610 EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.910-1.970 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that Hilton Worldwide will post 7.89 earnings per share for the current year.

Hilton Worldwide Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 27th will be given a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 27th. Hilton Worldwide’s dividend payout ratio is presently 9.80%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on shares of Hilton Worldwide from $338.00 to $373.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research report on Thursday, February 12th. UBS Group boosted their price target on shares of Hilton Worldwide from $312.00 to $360.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Monday, February 23rd. Sanford C. Bernstein increased their price objective on shares of Hilton Worldwide from $304.00 to $322.00 in a report on Wednesday, February 25th. TD Cowen raised their price objective on shares of Hilton Worldwide from $297.00 to $330.00 in a research note on Tuesday, February 3rd. Finally, Mizuho lifted their target price on shares of Hilton Worldwide from $266.00 to $321.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a report on Thursday, February 12th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Buy rating and nine have issued a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $326.18.

Hilton Worldwide Company Profile

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc is a global hospitality company that develops, owns, manages and franchises a broad portfolio of hotels and resorts. Its business spans full-service luxury and lifestyle properties, select- and focused-service hotels, and extended-stay accommodations. The company generates revenue through management and franchise fees, owned and leased real estate, and guest services, and supports customer retention and direct bookings through its Hilton Honors guest loyalty program.

Hilton’s brand portfolio includes internationally recognized names across the lodging spectrum, from luxury and upper-upscale brands to midscale and extended-stay offerings.