Hilton Worldwide Reports Strong Profits, Room Growth for 2014

Hilton Worldwide reported today full-year 2014 earnings that beat revenue projections but fell short on earnings per share.

Adjusted earnings per share increased 30 percent to $0.69 for the full year, the company said in a statement Wednesday.

Revenue per available room, which measures occupancy and rates, increased 7.1 percent for the full year.

Read Skift's interview with Hilton CEO Christopher Nassetta here. 

"2014 was a banner year for Hilton Worldwide. Our fourth quarter and full year results exceeded our expectations,” Hilton Worldwide CEO Christopher Nassetta said in a statement.

“Our distinct, world-class brands continue to deliver accelerating growth, with 40,000 new rooms opening during 2014.”

Hilton launched two new brands in 2014. Canopy by Hilton was built for a value-conscious guest that cares about design and Curio as a collection of independent properties.

Throughout the year, Hilton opened 240 hotels and net room growth exceeded 36,000, a six percent increase to the total room base.

Hilton also has an ambitious pipeline of approximately 230,000 rooms at 1,351 hotels throughout 79 countries. Just over half, or 56 percent, of the rooms are located outside of the U.S.

Looking ahead, Hilton anticipates increases in all key performance measures including RevPar, earnings, net room growth, and management and franchise frees.