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Hilton (NYSE: HLT) prices $1B 5.500% senior notes due 2031

Filing Impact
(High)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Hilton Domestic Operating Company Inc., an indirect subsidiary of Hilton Worldwide Holdings, issued and sold $1 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.500% Senior Notes due 2031. The notes were priced at par, pay interest semi-annually starting November 15, 2026, and mature on September 15, 2031.

The notes are senior unsecured obligations of the issuer and are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Hilton Worldwide Parent LLC, Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., and certain wholly owned subsidiaries that guarantee the issuer’s senior secured credit facilities. Net proceeds were used to repay $450 million under the issuer’s senior secured revolving credit facility, with the remainder for general corporate purposes.

The notes include optional redemption features with a make-whole call before May 15, 2028 and step-down call prices thereafter, plus an equity-funded redemption option for up to 40% of the issue and a 101% repurchase right for holders upon a change of control triggering event.

Positive

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Negative

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Insights

Hilton adds $1B long-term debt, refinancing revolver borrowings on unsecured, guaranteed terms.

Hilton Domestic Operating Company Inc. issued $1 billion of 5.500% Senior Notes due 2031, priced at 100% of par. These notes are senior unsecured obligations, guaranteed by key group entities, and sit alongside other senior indebtedness in the capital structure.

Net proceeds repay $450 million under the senior secured revolving credit facility, shifting a portion of borrowing from secured, floating-rate bank debt to fixed-rate bond financing, with the balance for general corporate purposes. Actual leverage impact depends on future borrowing and repayment decisions.

The notes carry step-down call premiums from 102.750% in 2028 to par in 2030, an equity-funded redemption option for up to 40% of the principal, and a 101% change-of-control put. Covenants are typical investment-grade style, mainly limiting secured debt and sale-leasebacks, with the parent entities not subject to restrictive covenants.

Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement Business
The company signed a significant contract such as a merger agreement, credit facility, or major partnership.
Item 2.03 Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement Financial
The company incurred a new significant debt or off-balance-sheet obligation.
Item 8.01 Other Events Other
Voluntary disclosure of events the company deems important to shareholders but not covered by other items.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Senior notes amount $1 billion aggregate principal amount 5.500% Senior Notes due 2031 issuance
Coupon rate 5.500% per annum Interest rate on Senior Notes due 2031
Maturity date September 15, 2031 Stated maturity of Senior Notes
Revolver repayment $450 million Borrowings repaid under senior secured revolving credit facility
Change of control put 101% of principal Repurchase price upon change of control triggering event
Equity-funded redemption Up to 40% at 105.500% Optional redemption with proceeds of certain equity offerings before May 15, 2028
Call price 2028 102.750% of principal Optional redemption price beginning May 15, 2028
Call price 2030 100.000% of principal Optional redemption price beginning May 15, 2030
Rule 144A regulatory
"to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A under the Securities Act"
Rule 144A is a regulation that makes it easier for companies to sell private bonds to large investors without going through all the usual rules that apply to public sales. It matters because it helps companies raise money more quickly and privately, often attracting big investors looking for special deals.
Regulation S regulatory
"and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act"
Regulation S is a set of rules that allows companies to sell securities (like shares or bonds) to investors outside the United States without having to follow all U.S. securities laws. It matters because it makes it easier for companies to raise money from international investors while still complying with U.S. regulations.
make-whole premium financial
"at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest ... plus the applicable “make-whole premium.”"
A make-whole premium is an extra payment a borrower must give bondholders when repaying debt early to compensate them for lost future interest; think of it as a lump-sum “catch-up” to leave lenders financially where they would have been if the loan had run its full term. It matters to investors because it affects how much they receive on early redemption and influences a company’s decision to refinance or repay debt, altering bond value and expected returns.
change of control triggering event financial
"Upon the occurrence of a change of control triggering event, the holders of the Notes will have the right to require the Issuer to make an offer to repurchase"
A change of control triggering event is a corporate transaction or shift—such as a merger, sale of a majority of shares, or a new party gaining board control—that automatically activates specific contractual rights or penalties. Investors care because these triggers can accelerate debt repayment, alter executive compensation, terminate agreements, or prompt buyouts, and those outcomes can materially affect a company’s value, cash flow and stock price like a sudden change in who runs or owns a household.
senior unsecured obligations financial
"The Notes are the Issuer’s senior unsecured obligations, ranking equally in right of payment with all of the Issuer’s existing and future senior indebtedness"
Senior unsecured obligations are loans or bonds that a company promises to pay back with its own money, but without any special guarantees or collateral. If the company runs into financial trouble, these debts are paid after other debts with priority, meaning they are less protected but still important. They matter because they show how risky it is to lend money to a company.
restrictive covenants financial
"The Indenture contains covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of the Issuer and its restricted subsidiaries to incur certain secured indebtedness, enter into sale and lease-back transactions, and merge or consolidate."
Restrictive covenants are contract terms that limit what a company, its executives, or shareholders can do—like rules that prohibit selling stock, starting a rival business, or taking on certain debts. Think of them as house rules that protect one party’s interests by keeping risky or competitive actions off the table. For investors they matter because these limits affect a company’s flexibility, governance, potential future value and the ease of exiting an investment.
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported): May 7, 2026

 

 

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-36243   27-4384691

(State or Other Jurisdiction

of Incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

7930 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 1100, McLean, Virginia 22102

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

(703) 883-1000

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Not Applicable

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading

symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share   HLT   New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

 
 


Item 1.01

Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

Indenture with respect to 5.500% Senior Notes due 2031

On May 11, 2026, Hilton Domestic Operating Company Inc. (the “Issuer”), an indirect subsidiary of Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (the “Company”), issued and sold $1 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.500% Senior Notes due 2031 (the “Notes”) under an Indenture, dated as of May 11, 2026 (the “Indenture”), by and among the Issuer, the Company, as a guarantor, the other guarantors party thereto and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (in such capacity, the “Trustee”). The Notes were sold only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act.

The Notes were issued at 100% of their par value and bear interest at a rate of 5.500% per annum. Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15, beginning on November 15, 2026. The Notes mature on September 15, 2031.

The net proceeds of the offering of the Notes were used to repay $450 million of borrowings under the Issuer’s senior secured revolving credit facility, and the remainder for general corporate purposes.

Ranking; Guarantees

The Notes are the Issuer’s senior unsecured obligations, ranking equally in right of payment with all of the Issuer’s existing and future senior indebtedness and senior in right of payment to all of the Issuer’s existing and future subordinated indebtedness.

The Notes are guaranteed, on a senior unsecured basis, by (i) Hilton Worldwide Parent LLC (“HWP”), the Issuer’s direct parent company, (ii) the Company, the immediate parent company of HWP, and (iii) each of the Issuer’s existing and future wholly owned subsidiaries to the extent such entities guarantee indebtedness under the Issuer’s senior secured credit facilities or certain other indebtedness of the Issuer or any subsidiary guarantor.

Optional Redemption

The Issuer may, at its option, redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at any time prior to May 15, 2028, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date, plus the applicable “make-whole premium.” In addition, beginning on May 15, 2028, the Issuer may redeem all or a part of the Notes at a redemption price equal to 102.750% of the principal amount redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. The redemption price decreases to 101.375% and 100.000% of the principal amount redeemed on May 15, 2029 and May 15, 2030, respectively. In addition, at any time on or prior to May 15, 2028, the Issuer may, at its option, redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes issued under the Indenture with the proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 105.500% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Repurchase at the Option of Holders

Upon the occurrence of a change of control triggering event, the holders of the Notes will have the right to require the Issuer to make an offer to repurchase each holder’s Notes at a price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Covenants; Events of Default

The Indenture contains covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of the Issuer and its restricted subsidiaries to incur certain secured indebtedness, enter into sale and lease-back transactions, and merge or consolidate. These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications. Neither HWP nor the Company is subject to the restrictive covenants of the Indenture. The Notes also contain customary events of default, the occurrence of which could result in the principal of and accrued interest on the Notes to become or be declared due and payable.

 


The foregoing description of the Indenture and the Notes does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of each of such documents, which are filed as Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 2.03

Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.

The information set forth under Item 1.01 above is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.03.

 

Item 8.01

Other Events.

On May 7, 2026, the Company issued a press release announcing the launch of the offering of the Notes and a press release announcing the pricing of the offering of the Notes, and each is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and Exhibit 99.2, respectively, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 9.01

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit
No.

  

Description

4.1    Indenture, dated as of May 11, 2026, by and among Hilton Domestic Operating Company Inc., the guarantors from time to time party thereto and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee.
4.2    Form of 5.500% Senior Note due 2031 (included in Exhibit 4.1).
99.1    Press Release announcing the launch of the offering of the Notes, dated May 7, 2026.
99.2    Press Release announcing the pricing of the offering of the Notes, dated May 7, 2026.
104    Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

 


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC.
By:  

/s/ Kevin J. Jacobs

Name:   Kevin J. Jacobs
Title:   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date: May 11, 2026

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

 

Investor Contact

Charlie Ruehr

+1 703 883 1000

 

Media Contact

Kent Landers

+1 703 883 3246

  

7930 Jones Branch Drive

McLean, VA 22102

HILTON ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF SENIOR NOTES OFFERING

McLEAN, VA (May 7, 2026) – Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HLT) (“Hilton”) announced today that its indirect subsidiary Hilton Domestic Operating Company Inc. (the “Issuer”) intends to offer $1 billion aggregate principal amount of the Issuer’s Senior Notes due 2031 (the “Notes”). The Issuer intends to use the net proceeds of the offering to repay $450 million of borrowings under the Issuer’s senior secured revolving credit facility, and the remainder for general corporate purposes.

The Notes to be offered have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or any state securities laws. The Notes may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The Notes will be offered by the initial purchasers only to persons reasonably believed to be “qualified institutional buyers” in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to certain non-U.S. persons in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act.

This press release is being issued pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 135c under the Securities Act, and it is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities and shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a sale of, the Notes or any other securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to Hilton’s expectations regarding the performance of its business, future financial results, liquidity and capital resources and other non-historical statements. In some cases, you can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “outlook,” “believes,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “seeks,” “projects,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties including, among others, risks inherent to the hospitality industry; macroeconomic factors beyond Hilton’s control, such as inflation, changes in interest rates, challenges due to labor shortages or disputes and supply chain disruptions; the loss of key senior management personnel; competition for hotel guests and management and franchise contracts; risks related to doing business with third-party hotel owners; performance of Hilton’s information technology systems; growth of reservation channels outside of Hilton’s system; risks of doing business outside of the U.S.; risks associated with geopolitical conflicts, including Iran; uncertainty resulting from U.S. and global political trends, tariffs and other policies, including potential barriers to travel, trade and immigration and other geopolitical events; and Hilton’s indebtedness. Additional factors that could cause Hilton’s results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found under the section entitled “Part I—Item 1A. Risk Factors” of Hilton’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, which is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and is accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Such factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this press release and in Hilton’s filings with the SEC. Hilton undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

Exhibit 99.2

 

LOGO

 

Investor Contact

Charlie Ruehr

+1 703 883 1000

 

Media Contact

Kent Landers

+1 703 883 3246

  

7930 Jones Branch Drive

McLean, VA 22102

HILTON ANNOUNCES PRICING OF SENIOR NOTES OFFERING

McLEAN, VA (May 7, 2026) – Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HLT) (“Hilton”) announced today that its indirect subsidiary Hilton Domestic Operating Company Inc. (the “Issuer”) successfully finalized the terms of the Issuer’s offering of $1 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.500% Senior Notes due 2031 (the “Notes”). The Issuer anticipates that consummation of the offering will occur on May 11, 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, and intends to use the net proceeds of the offering to repay $450 million of borrowings under the Issuer’s senior secured revolving credit facility, and the remainder for general corporate purposes.

The Notes offered have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or any state securities laws. The Notes may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The Notes were offered by the initial purchasers only to persons reasonably believed to be “qualified institutional buyers” in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to certain non-U.S. persons in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act.

This press release is being issued pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 135c under the Securities Act, and it is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities and shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a sale of, the Notes or any other securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to Hilton’s expectations regarding the performance of its business, future financial results, liquidity and capital resources and other non-historical statements. In some cases, you can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “outlook,” “believes,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “seeks,” “projects,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties including, among others, risks inherent to the hospitality industry; macroeconomic factors beyond Hilton’s control, such as inflation, changes in interest rates, challenges due to labor shortages or disputes and supply chain disruptions; the loss of key senior management personnel; competition for hotel guests and management and franchise contracts; risks related to doing business with third-party hotel owners; performance of Hilton’s information technology systems; growth of reservation channels outside of Hilton’s system; risks of doing business outside of the U.S.; risks associated with geopolitical conflicts, including Iran; uncertainty resulting from U.S. and global political trends, tariffs and other policies, including potential barriers to travel, trade and immigration and other geopolitical events; and Hilton’s indebtedness. Additional factors that could cause Hilton’s results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found under the section entitled “Part I—Item 1A. Risk Factors” of Hilton’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, which is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and is accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Such factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this press release and in Hilton’s filings with the SEC. Hilton undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

FAQ

What type of debt did Hilton (HLT) issue in this 8-K?

Hilton’s indirect subsidiary issued $1 billion of 5.500% Senior Notes due 2031. The notes are senior unsecured obligations, guaranteed by Hilton’s key holding companies and certain subsidiaries that guarantee the issuer’s senior secured credit facilities.

How will Hilton (HLT) use the $1 billion Senior Notes proceeds?

Hilton intends to use the net proceeds to repay $450 million of borrowings under its senior secured revolving credit facility. The remaining funds are allocated for general corporate purposes, providing flexibility for broader financing needs within the group.

What are the key terms of Hilton’s 5.500% Senior Notes due 2031?

The notes bear interest at 5.500% per annum, payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15, starting November 15, 2026. They were issued at 100% of par and mature on September 15, 2031, forming part of Hilton’s long-term funding.

What optional redemption features do Hilton’s 2031 Senior Notes include?

Before May 15, 2028, the issuer can redeem the notes at 100% plus interest and a make-whole premium. From 2028 to 2030, call prices step down from 102.750% to par, and up to 40% may be redeemed at 105.500% with certain equity proceeds.

How are Hilton’s new Senior Notes ranked and guaranteed?

The notes are senior unsecured obligations of the issuer, ranking equally with its other senior debt and ahead of subordinated debt. They are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Hilton Worldwide Parent LLC, Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., and certain wholly owned subsidiaries.

Do Hilton’s 2031 Senior Notes include change of control protection for holders?

Yes. If a change of control triggering event occurs, holders can require the issuer to repurchase their notes at 101% of principal plus accrued and unpaid interest, providing investors with downside protection in certain corporate events.

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

6 documents