HNA’s stake sale could mean for Hilton stock

China’s HNA Group appears poised to finish unloading all its shares in Hilton-related companies. Its latest disposition may be its 26.1% stake in Hilton, which stands at approximately $6.4 billion in aggregated value, according to an SEC filing dated 5 April.

According to the filing, the Chinese conglomerate is pursuing a sale through public offerings of some or all of its stake in Hilton—a move similar to what it did in March with its shares in Hilton spinoff companies Park Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Grand Vacations.

It’s a move that comes as no great surprise to analysts who cover Hilton, particularly given HNA’s move in early March to sell its stake in Hilton spinoff Park Hotels & Resorts. Amanda Sweitzer, senior research associate at Baird, said the industry has been watching to see whether HNA would make this move following its recent selloffs. She noted its 26.1% stake in Hilton is significantly more valuable than its investments in Park and HGV.

It appears pressure from the Chinese government is behind HNA’s decision to sell off stocks and assets, she said. There’s not much public insight into the inner workings of HNA and how much liquidity it needs, she said, but Hilton’s stock has performed well for the company since it acquired its stake in October 2016.