Dale Q Rice Investment Management Sells Shares in Hilton Worldwide Holdings

Dale Q Rice Investment Management Ltd has reduced its stake in Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HLT) by selling 1,028 shares, representing a **47.4%** decrease in its holdings during the second quarter of 2023. According to the firm’s recent Form 13F filing with the **Securities and Exchange Commission** (SEC), the investment management company now owns **1,140 shares**, valued at approximately **$312,000** at the end of the quarter.

Several institutional investors have also adjusted their positions in Hilton Worldwide recently. **ORG Partners LLC** increased its stake by **78.7%** in the first quarter, acquiring an additional **74 shares** to reach a total of **168 shares**, valued at **$38,000**. Similarly, **LRI Investments LLC** expanded its holdings by **84.1%** in the second quarter, owning now **151 shares** worth **$40,000** after adding **69 shares**. **Valley National Advisers Inc.** raised its stake by **244.8%** during the same quarter, holding **200 shares** valued at **$45,000** after purchasing **142 shares**.

Additionally, **Wayfinding Financial LLC** initiated a new position in Hilton Worldwide valued at approximately **$54,000** in the first quarter, while **Pinnacle Bancorp Inc.** grew its stake by **35.0%** in the second quarter, owning **216 shares** valued at **$58,000** after acquiring **56 shares**.

95.90% of Hilton’s stock is currently held by institutional investors, indicating strong institutional interest in the hotel chain.

Analysts’ Insights and Company Performance

Recent analysis from research firms has suggested a positive outlook for Hilton Worldwide shares. **Evercore ISI** raised its price target from **$270.00** to **$280.00** and assigned an “in-line” rating. **Sanford C. Bernstein** increased its target from **$261.00** to **$288.00**, giving the company a “market perform” rating. Other analysts like **Macquarie** and **Truist Financial** also increased their price objectives, reflecting a general consensus of optimism regarding Hilton’s future performance.

Currently, **one analyst** rates the stock as a “Strong Buy,” **nine** as “Buy,” and **ten** as “Hold.” According to **MarketBeat.com**, Hilton Worldwide has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of **$267.69**.

In its most recent earnings report, Hilton Worldwide announced earnings per share (EPS) of **$2.20**, surpassing analysts’ expectations of **$2.04** by **$0.16**. The hotelier reported revenue of **$3.14 billion**, exceeding estimates of **$3.09 billion** and a **6.3%** increase compared to the previous year. The company also set its guidance for Q3 2025 at **$1.980 – $2.040 EPS** and for FY 2025 at **$7.830 – $8.000 EPS**.

Insider Transactions and Stock Performance

In related news, **Christopher W. Silcock**, an insider at Hilton Worldwide, sold **11,905 shares** on August 21, 2023, at an average price of **$269.40**, resulting in a transaction total of **$3,207,207.00**. Following this sale, Silcock holds **79,451 shares**, valued at around **$21,404,099.40**, marking a **13.03%** reduction in ownership. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC.

As of the latest trading session, Hilton Worldwide shares opened at **$260.29**, representing an increase of **1.1%**. The company has seen a market capitalization of **$61.22 billion**, with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of **39.98**. Its stock has fluctuated between a twelve-month low of **$196.04** and a high of **$279.80**.

On September 30, 2023, Hilton Worldwide declared a quarterly dividend of **$0.15 per share**, reflecting an annualized dividend of **$0.60** and a yield of **0.2%**. The dividend payout ratio stands at **9.22%**, indicating the company’s commitment to returning value to its shareholders.

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. is engaged in managing, franchising, owning, and leasing hotels and resorts, operating under various brands that cater to different market segments.