on 15-Jan-2026 15 January 2026 Global Hotels & Leisure The Age of Agents: Online travel and Agentic AI - how will it shake up travel distribution? Richard J. Clarke, FCA +44 20 7676 6850 richard.clarke@bernsteinsg.com Mark Shmulik +1 917 344 8508 mark.shmulik@bernsteinsg.com Nikhil Devnani, CFA +1 917 344 8425 nikhil.devnani@bernsteinsg.com Harshita Rawat, CFA +1 917 344 8485 harshita.rawat@bernsteinsg.com Zhihan Ma, CFA +1 917 344 8303 zhihan.ma@bernsteinsg.com Niall Mitchelson +44 20 7676 7144 niall.mitch ...

Core Insights - WeRide has launched its Robotaxi service Mini Program "WeRide Go" on WeChat, enhancing accessibility for users in China [1][3] - The integration with WeChat allows users to book Robotaxi rides without needing a separate app, streamlining the user experience [2][3] - WeRide aims to expand its Robotaxi fleet to tens of thousands by 2030, leveraging WeChat's extensive user base to boost ride volume and user retention [4] Company Overview - WeRide is a leader in the autonomous driving sector, operating over 1,000 Robotaxis globally, with fully driverless operations in major cities like Guangzhou and Beijing [4][5] - The company has received autonomous driving permits in eight markets, including China, the UAE, and the US, showcasing its regulatory compliance and market reach [5] - WeRide's technology platform, WeRide One, supports a range of autonomous driving products and services, addressing various transportation needs [5]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough personal research and due diligence before making investment decisions, highlighting the inherent risks involved in trading [3]. Group 1 - The analysis is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be interpreted as professional investment advice [3]. - There is a clear disclaimer regarding the lack of any stock or derivative positions in the companies mentioned, indicating a neutral stance [2]. - The article expresses the author's personal opinions and does not reflect the views of any affiliated organization [4].

Group 1: Company Overview - Booking Holdings (NASDAQ:BKNG) is a significant player in the travel industry, providing services such as hotel reservations, car rentals, and flight bookings [1] - BKNG's current stock price is $5,367.37, reflecting a 0.83% increase from previous levels, with fluctuations between $5,281.54 and $5,443.33 during the trading day [3] - The stock has experienced a high of $5,839.41 and a low of $4,096.23 over the past year, indicating resilience and growth potential [4] Group 2: Market Performance and Investor Sentiment - Bernstein has set a price target of $5,407 for BKNG, suggesting a modest 0.74% increase, which reflects cautious optimism about the stock's potential [1][6] - Today's trading volume for BKNG is 178,441 shares, indicating strong investor interest and confidence in the stock [5] - The travel industry's adaptation to a "normal" economy is expected to influence BKNG's stock performance and investor strategies [2][6] Group 3: Economic Context - The travel industry is closely monitoring the concept of a "normal" economy, which could impact stocks like BKNG and lead to sector rotations affecting performance [2] - As the economy stabilizes, shifts in investor strategies may influence stock valuations, making BKNG's price target relevant [2]

Group 1 - Deep-pocketed investors are showing a bullish approach towards Booking Holdings, indicating potential significant developments ahead [1] - Recent options activity for Booking Holdings has been unusually high, with 22 notable options trades observed, reflecting a divided sentiment among investors, with 31% bullish and 31% bearish [2] - The major market movers are focusing on a price range between $2800.0 and $6000.0 for Booking Holdings over the last three months [3] Group 2 - An analysis of volume and open interest reveals insights into the liquidity and interest for Booking Holdings' options, particularly within the strike price range of $2800.0 to $6000.0 over the past 30 days [4] - Recent options activity includes various trades, with notable puts and calls reflecting mixed sentiments among investors [7] - Professional analysts have set an average price target of $6019.0 for Booking Holdings, with some analysts adjusting their ratings and targets, indicating a range of $6250 to $6400 [10][12] Group 3 - Booking Holdings is recognized as the world's largest online travel agency by sales, providing a wide array of booking and payment services across various travel-related sectors [8] - The company generates most of its revenue and profits from transaction fees associated with online bookings [8] - The next earnings report for Booking Holdings is anticipated in 44 days, with current trading activity showing a slight decline of -0.23% at a price of $5355.0 [11]

Core Insights - The article discusses the investment positions held by analysts in companies such as EXPE and BKNG, indicating a positive outlook on these stocks [1]. Group 1 - Analysts have disclosed beneficial long positions in EXPE and BKNG, suggesting confidence in the future performance of these companies [1]. - The article emphasizes that the opinions expressed are personal and not influenced by external compensation, highlighting the independence of the analysis [1]. Group 2 - The predictions and projections mentioned are median estimates by financial analysts, which come with inherent uncertainties [2]. - The article notes that past performance does not guarantee future results, indicating a cautious approach to investment advice [3].

Group 1 - Booking Holdings (BKNG) closed at $5,355.33, reflecting a -1.32% change from the previous day, underperforming the S&P 500's loss of 0.74% [1] - Over the past month, shares of Booking Holdings have increased by 5.69%, outperforming the Retail-Wholesale sector's decline of 0.41% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.79% [1] Group 2 - The upcoming earnings report for Booking Holdings is anticipated to show an EPS of $48.6, representing a 16.97% increase from the same quarter last year, with expected quarterly revenue of $6.12 billion, up 11.95% year-over-year [2] Group 3 - For the entire year, Zacks Consensus Estimates predict earnings of $226.92 per share and revenue of $26.66 billion, indicating increases of +21.28% and +12.31% respectively compared to the previous year [3] - Recent revisions to analyst forecasts for Booking Holdings are important as they reflect current business trends, with positive revisions indicating analyst optimism [3] Group 4 - Adjustments in earnings estimates are correlated with stock price performance, leading to the development of the Zacks Rank, a quantitative model that incorporates these changes [4] Group 5 - The Zacks Rank system ranges from 1 (Strong Buy) to 5 (Strong Sell), with 1 ranked stocks historically yielding an average annual return of +25% since 1988; currently, Booking Holdings holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [5] Group 6 - Booking Holdings has a Forward P/E ratio of 23.92, which is higher than the industry average Forward P/E of 18.89; its PEG ratio stands at 1.37, compared to the industry average PEG ratio of 1.43 [6] Group 7 - The Internet - Commerce industry, which includes Booking Holdings, has a Zacks Industry Rank of 82, placing it in the top 34% of over 250 industries, indicating strong performance potential [7]

Group 1 - Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) is included in Ken Fisher's Growth Stock Portfolio, highlighting its potential as a growth investment [1] - Spotnana has announced a partnership with Booking.com, allowing access to Booking.com's global inventory for Spotnana partners and clients, which aims to simplify travel [2] - The integration will enable corporate travelers to access previously exclusive pricing on Booking.com, enhancing the overall traveler experience [3] Group 2 - Booking Holdings Inc. has provided a better-than-expected full-year reservations projection, alleviating investor concerns regarding potential travel demand reductions due to a US government shutdown and economic issues [4] - BNP Paribas Exane has initiated coverage of Booking Holdings Inc. with a price target of $6,100 and an Outperform rating, indicating positive market sentiment [4] - Booking Holdings Inc. is recognized as the world's largest online travel agency by sales, offering a wide range of booking and payment services across various travel-related sectors [5]

Core Insights - KAYAK's 2026 Travel Trends Forecast indicates a year of exploration driven by increased travel interest, lower airfares, and emerging global hotspots [1][2] Travel Interest and Airfare Trends - Travel interest has risen by 9%, while airfares have decreased by 3% domestically and 10% internationally, making travel more affordable [2] - International airfare has decreased by 12%, with Asia and Europe seeing reductions of 16% and 14% respectively [10] Trending Destinations - Eastern Europe is highlighted as a leading region for travel in 2026, with seven of the top ten trending destinations located there [3] - Notable increases in interest for specific cities include: - Prague, Czech Republic: up 180% - Sofia, Bulgaria: up 136% - Krakow, Poland: up 106% - Budapest, Hungary: up 86% - Tirana, Albania: up 66% - Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: up 62% [5] Fandom and Event-Driven Travel - Travel behavior is increasingly influenced by pop culture, sports, and global events, with cities associated with major fandoms experiencing significant interest [4] - Kansas City has seen a 14% rise in interest, driven by its football team and upcoming world soccer tournament [6] Best Deals and Affordability - KAYAK's analysis indicates that the best flight deals are returning, particularly for long-haul travel, with significant drops in airfare for various destinations: - Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: down 36% - Split, Croatia: down 33% - Naples, Italy: down 26% - Florence, Italy: down 26% - Shannon, Ireland: down 25% [6] Summer 2026 Insights - Early searches for summer 2026 show a 9% increase compared to the previous year, indicating strong international interest [7]

The last time I wrote about Booking Holdings ( BKNG ) was in June of this year. Since then, the stock has done rather worse than the market, but, in my opinion, the company's central thesis continues to play out successfully.Quality Growth Investor. I have the simplest of tastes, I only like the best. Here I will analyze the companies in my investment universe. I am looking for the best businesses in the world in order to create a long term portfolio that can outperform the market.Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we ...