Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. is one of the world's largest hotel companies, operating an asset-light franchise and management model across more than 9,000 properties.
Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.: Key Facts
- Founded: 1919 by Conrad Hilton in Cisco, Texas.
- Headquarters: McLean, Virginia, United States.
- Leadership: Christopher J. Nassetta is President and Chief Executive Officer.
- Revenue: Hilton reported $12.039B in 2025 revenue.
- Employees: Hilton employed or managed about 182,000 people at leased and managed hotels and corporate offices at December 31, 2025, with another 328,000 at franchised properties owned by third parties.
How Hilton Makes Money
Hilton earns high-margin fees from hotel owners who use its brands and systems, plus management fees where Hilton operates properties for owners. Reported revenue includes large cost reimbursement flows that are mostly offset by reimbursed expenses, so profit quality is driven by fee growth, net unit growth, RevPAR, and loyalty scale.
Financial Position
Hilton reported $12.039B in 2025 revenue and $1.457B in net income. The company ended 2025 with 9,158 properties, 1,351,351 rooms, and 243 million Hilton Honors members.
Competitive Advantage
Hilton's moat is its brand portfolio, Hilton Honors membership base, global reservation engine, owner relationships, and ability to grow rooms with limited balance-sheet capital.
Biggest Risk
The biggest risk is a travel downturn or hotel-development slowdown that weakens RevPAR, owner economics, and net unit growth at the same time.
