Bernstein lifts Hilton PT, citing resilient fee growth

** Bernstein raises Hilton Worldwide HLT.N PT to $288 from $261, a 6.2% premium from the stock's last close

** Maintains rating at "market perform"

** Brokerage says HLT stock has emerged as a standout among hotel peers this year, despite its heavier exposure to the U.S. market and limited focus on luxury

** Notes co's outperformance reflects steady growth in fee revenues, stronger cash returns and a business model that leans on defensive expansion through new unit additions

** Shares of the company marginally up 0.4% at $272 in early trading

** 11 of 27 brokerages rate the stock "buy" or higher, 16 "hold" ; their median PT is $274 - data compiled by LSEG

** Including session moves, shares up 10.1% YTD