Published since 1965, Laser Focus World provides comprehensive global coverage of optics, photonics, and optoelectronic technologies, applications, and markets. With 80,000+ qualified print subscribers and over a half-million annual visitors to our online content, we are the go-to source to access decision makers and stay in-the-know.

In addition to providing in-depth articles written by Laser Focus World editors, Laser Focus World accepts articles, news stories, and new product information for publication from qualified outside contributors. 

Laser Focus World is part of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

Subscribe

A Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals. Subscribe here.

Get Published!

Laser Focus World welcomes original, bylined contributed articles for publishing, provided the material is non-commercial and runs first on our site. For consideration, contact Sally Cole Johnson ([email protected]). For more information, see our Editorial Guidelines

Photonics Hot List

Laser Focus World produces a video newscast that gives a peek into what’s happening in the world of photonics. Watch here.

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast dives deep into the fascinating world of photonics. Our weekly episodes feature interviews and discussions with industry and research experts, providing valuable perspectives on the issues, technologies, and trends shaping the photonics community. Listen here.

Contact Us

Newsletter Archive

Magazine Archive

Meet the Laser Focus World Team

Editorial

Contact Sales

Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology

3 Reasons to Sell HGV and 1 Stock to Buy Instead

HGV Cover Image

Over the past six months, Hilton Grand Vacations has been a great trade, beating the S&P 500 by 14.3%. Its stock price has climbed to $48.75, representing a healthy 17.5% increase. This run-up might have investors contemplating their next move.

Is there a buying opportunity in Hilton Grand Vacations, or does it present a risk to your portfolio? Check out our in-depth research report to see what our analysts have to say, it’s free.

Why Is Hilton Grand Vacations Not Exciting?

We’re happy investors have made money, but we're sitting this one out for now. Here are three reasons why there are better opportunities than HGV and a stock we'd rather own.

1. Lackluster Revenue Growth

We at StockStory place the most emphasis on long-term growth, but within consumer discretionary, a stretched historical view may miss a company riding a successful new property or trend. Hilton Grand Vacations’s recent performance shows its demand has slowed significantly as its annualized revenue growth of 11.6% over the last two years was well below its five-year trend. Hilton Grand Vacations Year-On-Year Revenue Growth

2. EPS Trending Down

Analyzing the long-term change in earnings per share (EPS) shows whether a company's incremental sales were profitable – for example, revenue could be inflated through excessive spending on advertising and promotions.

Sadly for Hilton Grand Vacations, its EPS declined by 5.3% annually over the last five years while its revenue grew by 22.1%. This tells us the company became less profitable on a per-share basis as it expanded.

Hilton Grand Vacations Trailing 12-Month EPS (Non-GAAP)

3. High Debt Levels Increase Risk

Debt is a tool that can boost company returns but presents risks if used irresponsibly. As long-term investors, we aim to avoid companies taking excessive advantage of this instrument because it could lead to insolvency.

Hilton Grand Vacations’s $11.42 billion of debt exceeds the $259 million of cash on its balance sheet. Furthermore, its 11× net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio (based on its EBITDA of $985 million over the last 12 months) shows the company is overleveraged.

Hilton Grand Vacations Net Debt Position

At this level of debt, incremental borrowing becomes increasingly expensive and credit agencies could downgrade the company’s rating if profitability falls. Hilton Grand Vacations could also be backed into a corner if the market turns unexpectedly – a situation we seek to avoid as investors in high-quality companies.

We hope Hilton Grand Vacations can improve its balance sheet and remain cautious until it increases its profitability or pays down its debt.

Final Judgment

Hilton Grand Vacations isn’t a terrible business, but it isn’t one of our picks. With its shares beating the market recently, the stock trades at 13.1× forward P/E (or $48.75 per share). This valuation multiple is fair, but we don’t have much faith in the company. We're fairly confident there are better stocks to buy right now. We’d suggest looking at a fast-growing restaurant franchise with an A+ ranch dressing sauce.

Stocks We Like More Than Hilton Grand Vacations

Trump’s April 2024 tariff bombshell triggered a massive market selloff, but stocks have since staged an impressive recovery, leaving those who panic sold on the sidelines.

Take advantage of the rebound by checking out our Top 5 Growth Stocks for this month. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025).

Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.

StockStory is growing and hiring equity analyst and marketing roles. Are you a 0 to 1 builder passionate about the markets and AI? See the open roles here.

Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.