WallStSmart

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc (HLT)vsHuazhu Group Ltd (HTHT)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Huazhu Group Ltd generates 414% more annual revenue ($26.60B vs $5.18B). HLT leads profitability with a 32.8% profit margin vs 18.9%. HTHT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.27. HTHT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).

HLT

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 8.0Value: 4.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.01

HTHT

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.5Value: 6.3Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.95

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HLT5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Profit MarginProfitability
32.8%10/10

Keeps 33 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
66.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 66.8%

Debt/EquityHealth
-2.2210/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$79.42B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

EPS GrowthGrowth
33.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 33.1% YoY

HTHT4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.2710/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Return on EquityProfitability
35.6%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 36 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
31.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 31.1%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.21B8/10

Generating 3.2B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

HLT4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.944/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

P/E RatioValuation
48.2x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.012/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

HTHT4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
33.7x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

EPS GrowthGrowth
-1.0%2/10

Earnings declined 1.0%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.952/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
2.431/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HLT

The strongest argument for HLT centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 32.8% and operating margin at 66.8%.

Bull Case : HTHT

The strongest argument for HTHT centers on PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.9% and operating margin at 31.1%. Revenue growth of 10.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HLT

The primary concerns for HLT are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 48.2x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : HTHT

The primary concerns for HTHT are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.43 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HLT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.10 — expect wider price swings.

HTHT is growing revenue faster at 10.8% — sustainability is the question.

HTHT generates stronger free cash flow (3.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor LODGING industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

HTHT scores higher overall (72/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 18.9% margins and 10.8% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · LODGING · USA

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., formerly Hilton Hotels Corporation, is an American multinational hospitality company that manages and franchises a broad portfolio of hotels and resorts.

Huazhu Group Ltd

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · LODGING · China

Huazhu Group Limited, develops leased and owned, managed and franchised hotels mainly in the People's Republic of China. The company is headquartered in Shanghai, the People's Republic of China.

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