What explains the fluctuation in Hilton's income tax expenses throughout 2022-2024?

Hilton Worldwide Holdings' income tax expenses experienced a significant decrease of 236.29% from 2023 to 2024, dropping from $169 million to -$169 million. This fluctuation can be attributed to several factors:

1. **Income Tax Benefit in 2024**: The most significant factor contributing to the decrease in income tax expenses in 2024 is the income tax benefit that Hilton recognized during the quarter. This benefit is a result of certain provisions of the US tax law, specifically the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which allows for the deduction of certain items related to foreign earnings.
2. **Comparison with Previous Year**: In 2023, Hilton had income tax expenses of $137.2 million, which was an increase of $7.9 million from 2022. This indicates that the company's tax expense was higher in 2023 than in 2024.
3. **Strategic Tax Planning**: Companies often engage in strategic tax planning to minimize their tax liabilities. Hilton's decrease in income tax expenses could be a result of such planning, which might include utilizing tax credits, deductions, or other strategies to reduce their overall tax burden.

In conclusion, Hilton's income tax expenses decreased significantly in 2024 due to a combination of an income tax benefit under US tax law and strategic tax planning.