Shares of Hilton Worldwide (HLT) are in focus this morning after Barron's said the hotel operator's stock could jump 25% on its planned split into three separate companies.

BARRON'S REPORT: Shares of Hilton could increase by at least 25% in the next year following its planned split into three companies, Barron's contended in an article published this weekend. Hilton, which is planning to split into three companies -- a franchiser, a timeshare firm and a REIT -- before the end of the year that should see earnings and cash flow grow. Barron's Avi Salzman said even if the hospitality industry stagnates in the United States, Hilton is opening locations in profitable overseas markets. Jeff Kolitch, manager of the Baron Real Estate fund, says Hilton offers "an attractive combination of reasonable growth, plus value, plus a clear catalyst."

HNA DEAL: Last week, China's HNA Group agreed to acquire about 25% of Hilton from Blackstone (BX) for approximately $6.5B. Under the terms of the deal, HNA will pay $26.25 per share in cash in the deal, which will reduce Blackstone's interest in Hilton to approximately 21%. Under the terms of the deal, HNA will be able to appoint two directors -- one HNA member and one independent member -- to Hilton's board. Additionally, HNA will not be allowed to sell any of its stake in Hilton for two years and also cannot increase its holding to more than 25% without Hilton's consent. Blackstone will continue to have two seats on Hilton's board. Commenting on the deal, Hilton President and CEO Christopher Nassetta told Barron's, "There's hardly a meeting I've had in the past two years where people didn't talk about the overhang of Blackstone's ownership. [The deal] does a very elegant job of dealing with the bulk of the overhang and gives us an important strategic partner."

RECENT GUIDANCE CUT: Hilton last week cut its guidance for adjusted earnings per share and system-wide RevPAR. The hotel operating now sees adjusted EPS of 87c-91 and system-wide ReVPAR up 1.5%-2% on a comparable and currency neutral basis compared to 2015. Previously, Hilton forecast adjusted EPS of 87c-91c on a 2%-4% RevPAR increase. Hilton also commented that to-date October trends in the U.S. have been "softer than expected."

OTHER SECTOR DEALS: Chinese buyers have been active in overseas deals this year, with the hotel industry a particular focus. China's Anbang Insurance previously competed with Marriott (MAR) to buy Starwood Hotels & Resorts, but Marriott ultimately completed the acquisition in September. Separately, HNA's Avolon Holdings agreed earlier this month to buy CIT Group's (CIT) CIT Commercial Air, its commercial aircraft leasing business, for $10B.

PRICE ACTION: Shares of Hilton are up about 1% in morning trading to $22.51. Shares are up over 5% year-to-date.

OTHERS TO WATCH: Peers in the space, including Marriott (MAR) and Hyatt (H), are also trading higher this morning.