Airbnb vs Hilton (ABNB vs HLT)

Airbnb (ABNB) vs Hilton (HLT) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.

Airbnb (ABNB) and Hilton (HLT) compete in travel, leisure and gaming. Here are Airbnb and Hilton side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Airbnb or Hilton.

Airbnb vs Hilton: the figures

Airbnb and Hilton figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Airbnb or Hilton figure is not available, and we never estimate it.

3 key differences between Airbnb and Hilton

1. Debt: Hilton owes 4.1x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while Airbnb holds more cash than debt.
2. Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Hilton keeps 32.8 as net profit and Airbnb keeps 20.4.
3. Growth: Airbnb grew sales +16.5% year on year in its latest quarter, against +5.8% for Hilton.

Airbnb or Hilton: which fits your profile

• If you want growth: Airbnb is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
• If you want income (dividends): Hilton pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
• If you prefer caution: Airbnb has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
• If price is what matters most to you: Airbnb trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.

Neither Airbnb nor Hilton wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.

How Airbnb and Hilton make money

Airbnb (ABNB)

Airbnb earns a service fee on every booking made through its platform, which connects hosts renting out homes and rooms with travelers, and it now also offers experiences and services. Fees come from both guests and hosts, so revenue tracks nights booked. North America is its largest region, followed by Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Full Airbnb analysis.

Hilton (HLT)

Hilton Worldwide earns fees for managing and franchising hotels under brands like Hilton, Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, DoubleTree, Hampton and Embassy Suites, while property owners put up the buildings. Its core segment is Management and Franchise, alongside a smaller Ownership segment, and it licenses Hilton Honors to credit card partners. Full Hilton analysis.

Frequently asked questions: Airbnb vs Hilton

Is Airbnb or Hilton the better stock?

Choosing between Airbnb and Hilton depends on what you are looking for. Airbnb is growing faster right now, and Airbnb trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Airbnb or Hilton: it shows you the differences so you can decide.

Which pays a higher dividend, Airbnb or Hilton?

As of November 4, 2026, Hilton yields 0.16% and Airbnb pays none. Also check how much of their profit Airbnb and Hilton pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.

Which is more expensive, Airbnb or Hilton?

On P/E, Hilton (50.8x) is more expensive than Airbnb (40.2x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.

Can I own both Airbnb and Hilton?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Airbnb and Hilton, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Airbnb or Hilton.

More comparisons with Airbnb or Hilton

• Airbnb vs Marriott
• Airbnb vs Booking Holdings
• Hilton vs Marriott
• Booking Holdings vs Hilton

More companies like Airbnb and Hilton: travel, leisure and gaming stocks. Educational content about Airbnb and Hilton, not investment advice.