Global hospitality company Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc reported a 28% increase in net income at $383 million for the first quarter of 2026 compared with the year-ago period, and raised its outlook for the full year.
The company expects system-wide Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) to grow 2%–3% in 2026, with net income projected between $1,909 million and $1,937 million and capital return of about $3.5 billion.
Quarter performance and demand trends
For the March quarter, system-wide comparable RevPAR increased 3.6%, driven by gains in both occupancy and average daily rate (ADR), while management and franchise fee revenues rose 10.4%.
“We delivered strong top and bottom-line results with RevPAR growth across all segments,” said Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc, President and Chief Executive Officer, Christopher J. Nassetta, adding that demand trends have strengthened since late 2025, supported by macroeconomic tailwinds, particularly in the U.S.
Earnings and outlook metrics
Diluted earnings per share stood at $1.66, while adjusted diluted EPS was $2.01, compared with $1.23 and $1.72, respectively, in the year-ago period.
For FY26, diluted EPS is projected between $8.28 and $8.40, while adjusted diluted EPS is expected in the range of $8.79 to $8.91. Contract acquisition costs and capital expenditure are estimated at around $300 million.
Expansion and development pipeline
During the quarter, Hilton opened 131 hotels, adding 16,300 rooms, resulting in 10,900 net room additions.
The company added 26,200 rooms to its development pipeline, which now stands at 3,768 hotels representing 527,000 rooms across 129 countries and territories, with more than half of the pipeline located outside the U.S.
Global footprint and growth plans
Notable openings included opening of hotels till date are in Brazil, Morocco, Australia and Japan.
Hilton expects net unit growth of 6%–7% in 2026 and beyond, supported by a strong development pipeline and continued global expansion.