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 411% more annual revenue ($25.91B vs $5.07B). HLT leads profitability with a 30.4% profit margin vs 19.3%. HTHT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.27. HTHT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).

HLT

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 8.0Value: 3.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.29

HTHT

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 7.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.95

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HLT5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Profit MarginProfitability
30.4%10/10

Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
57.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 57.4%

Debt/EquityHealth
-2.2110/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$79.02B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

EPS GrowthGrowth
35.0%8/10

Earnings expanding 35.0% YoY

HTHT3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.2710/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Return on EquityProfitability
45.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 46 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
24.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.8%

Areas to Watch

HLT4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.724/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

P/E RatioValuation
52.9x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.292/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

HTHT4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Price/BookValuation
8.1x4/10

Trading at 8.1x book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
-7.1%2/10

Earnings declined 7.1%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.952/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
3.271/10

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 30.4% and operating margin at 57.4%. Revenue growth of 11.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : HTHT

The strongest argument for HTHT centers on PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.3% and operating margin at 24.8%. Revenue growth of 11.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HLT

The primary concerns for HLT are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 52.9x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : HTHT

The primary concerns for HTHT are Price/Book, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 3.27 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HLT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.05 — expect wider price swings.

HTHT is growing revenue faster at 11.1% — sustainability is the question.

HLT generates stronger free cash flow (609M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

HTHT scores higher overall (70/100 vs 62/100), backed by strong 19.3% margins and 11.1% 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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