Hilton Worldwide Hldgs Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Grubhub Onsite and Hilton are expanding their partnership to offer on-demand food, grocery, and convenience item delivery at over 2,600 hotels across Hampton, Tru, and Spark by Hilton brands. The expansion builds upon their successful 2023 launch at Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites, where orders have more than doubled. Guests can access Grubhub's Marketplace of 375,000+ merchants via QR code and receive one free month of Grubhub+ membership, offering benefits like $0 delivery fees and 5% credit on pickup orders.

The service allows hotel guests to order various items from local restaurants, groceries, and essential items, with Sunday being the most popular ordering day.

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has announced an expansion of its stock repurchase program, with its Board of Directors authorizing an additional $3.5 billion for common stock buybacks. This increase brings the total authorized amount for future repurchases to approximately $4.8 billion. The company maintains flexibility in executing these repurchases through various methods, including open market transactions and private negotiations. The implementation of the program will be influenced by factors such as liquidity, cash flow, and market conditions, with Hilton retaining the right to suspend or discontinue the program at any time.

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) reported strong Q3 2024 results with diluted EPS of $1.38 and adjusted EPS of $1.92. System-wide RevPAR increased 1.4% compared to Q3 2023. The company achieved record room additions with 36,600 new rooms and net unit growth of 7.8%. Net income was $344 million, while Adjusted EBITDA reached $904 million. Management and franchise fee revenues increased 8.3%. The company returned $764 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases in Q3. For full-year 2024, Hilton projects RevPAR growth of 2.0-2.5% and Adjusted EBITDA between $3,375-$3,405 million.

Hilton and Universal Pictures have partnered to create a 'Stay Like' Wicked suite at New York Hilton Midtown, inspired by the upcoming film 'Wicked'. The suite, available from Nov. 21, 2024, to Jan. 5, 2025, offers an immersive experience based on the movie's characters, Elphaba and Glinda.

The 625 sq. ft. suite features Emerald City-inspired decor, a custom entrance, and a bedroom split into Elphaba's enchanted forest side and Glinda's pink wonderland. Guests can enjoy special amenities like a hidden beverage bar, themed cocktails, and a magical breakfast delivery.

The package includes access to the hotel's Executive Lounge, Wicked-themed merchandise, and Fandango Movie Tickets to see the film. This collaboration aligns with Hilton's 2025 Trends Report, which predicts a rise in popularity for themed guest rooms and suites inspired by pop culture and nostalgia.

UNITE HERE has sent letters to over 80 Hilton franchise owners in university towns, urging them to reevaluate their partnership with Hilton (NYSE: HLT) following the company's acquisition of Graduate Hotels. The union warns that the competitive advantage of participating in the Hilton Honors program may be diminished due to new competition from nearby Graduate hotels.

The letter also highlights a recent case where Marriott was forced to buy the Sheraton Grand Chicago for $500 million, significantly above its estimated value of $270.5 million, due to a settlement related to Marriott's acquisition of Starwood. UNITE HERE encourages Hilton franchise owners to carefully consider whether Hilton provides the most value for their properties in an era of industry consolidation and tightening brand standards.

Taiba Investments and Hilton (NYSE: HLT) have partnered to introduce the first Waldorf Astoria hotel in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Set to open in 2028, the hotel will be located near the Prophet's Mosque, offering exclusive views and easy access to the holy site. The project involves renovating the existing Taiba Front Hotel, which will be rebranded as Waldorf Astoria Al Madinah.

The hotel will feature over 300 guest rooms and suites, three dining concepts including Peacock Alley café, two multi-functional halls, a boardroom, private club lounge, prayer room, and fitness center. This partnership aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and aims to elevate tourism and hospitality in the region by providing world-class accommodations that honor the Kingdom's heritage.

Hilton's 2025 Trends Report predicts the 'Year of the Travel Maximizer', revealing travelers' desire to combine relaxation with high-impact adventures. Key findings from the global research, involving 13,000 travelers across 13 countries, include:

1. Adventure-seeking 'Go Getaways' alongside restorative sleep retreats
2. 'Time Travel' (revisiting childhood destinations) and 'Slow Travel' gaining popularity
3. Balancing 'High-Tech Travel' with 'Digital Detox'
4. Rise of 'Frolleagues' (friends who are colleagues) and pet-friendly travel
5. Increasing influence of Gen Alpha on travel decisions
6. Growing trends in culinary exploration and 'Tempo Drinking' (mindful alcohol consumption)
7. Focus on 'Soft Travel' for self-discovery and mental health

Hilton is adapting to these trends by expanding its luxury portfolio and partnering with companies like Small Luxury Hotels of the World and AutoCamp.

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HLT) has announced its schedule for reporting third quarter 2024 financial results. The company will release its earnings report before the stock market opens on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, followed by a conference call at 9 a.m. EDT. Christopher J. Nassetta, president & CEO, and Kevin Jacobs, CFO & president of global development, will lead the call, discussing Hilton's performance and answering questions.

Investors and interested parties can access the live webcast through Hilton's Investor Relations website. A replay and transcript will be available within 24 hours after the event. Alternatively, participants can join the call by dialing specific numbers for U.S. and international callers. A telephone replay will be accessible for seven days following the call.

Hilton San Francisco Union Square has reopened its iconic sky bar, Cityscape, on September 15, 2024. Located on the 46th floor, it offers 360-degree views of San Francisco and features newly discovered mid-century modern artwork from the hotel's 1964 opening. The bar's redesign, led by Nick Graham-Wells and Edward Perotti, blends history with contemporary elegance, showcasing restored artwork panels believed to be from the historic Fox Theater.

The redesign introduces the 'Celestial Sisters' theme, with artwork and cocktails inspired by five goddesses of the night sky: Selena, Astraea, Eos, Aurora, and Nyx. Cityscape offers a new 'Cocktails of the Cosmos' menu, each drink crafted to reflect these celestial themes. To celebrate the reopening, Hilton is offering a Cityscape Weekend Escape package, which includes a skyline view room and a $50 credit for Cityscape.