Brown Advisory, an investment management company, released its “Brown Large-Cap Growth Strategy” for the first-quarter 2026 investor letter. A copy of the letter is available to download here. The Brown Advisory Large-Cap Growth Strategy experienced a decline in the first quarter of 2026, modestly trailing the Russell 1000 Growth Index. Despite negative absolute returns amidst volatility, relative performance improved significantly as the quarter progressed. Initial pressures stemmed from weaknesses in the software sector, affected by concerns over AI disrupting traditional models. Conversely, sectors like Industrials and Consumer Discretionary positively contributed to performance, while Information Technology and Health Care were the largest detractors. The strategy’s ability to outperform in a down market indicates the quality of holdings. As market leadership broadens, the firm’s focus remains on maintaining a diversified portfolio of high-quality growth companies, aiming for strong long-term results. Please review the Strategy’s top five holdings to gain insights into their key selections for 2026.
In its first-quarter 2026 investor letter, Brown Advisory Large-Cap Growth Strategy highlighted Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) as one of its leading contributors. Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) is a leading hospitality company that manages franchises and leases hotels and resorts globally. On July 2, 2026, Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) closed at $338.12 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $76.97 billion. Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) posted a one-month return of -1.45%, while its shares gained 23.66% over the past 52 weeks.
Brown Advisory Large-Cap Growth Strategy stated the following regarding Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) in its Q1 2026 investor letter:
“Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT): Operates as a holding company, which provides hospitality services. Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (HLT) traded higher during the quarter following solid earnings and an encouraging outlook for 2026. Despite a more uncertain consumer backdrop, the company continued to deliver strong profitability, supported by its asset-light, fee-based business model. Performance was further driven by robust international demand and continued net unit growth across its global portfolio.”
Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) is not on our list of 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading Into 2026. According to our database, 70 hedge fund portfolios held Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) at the end of the first quarter, up from 67 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the risk and potential of Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) and that has 10,000% upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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In another article, we covered Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) and shared the list of best long-term stocks to buy according to Bill Ackman. In addition, please check out our hedge fund investor letters Q1 2026 page for more investor letters from hedge funds and other leading investors.
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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
