Core Insights - Booking Holdings reported quarterly earnings of $41.55 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $35.64 per share, and showing an increase from $32 per share a year ago, resulting in an earnings surprise of 16.58% [1] - The company achieved revenues of $5.47 billion for the quarter ended December 2024, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5.50%, and up from $4.78 billion year-over-year [2] - Booking Holdings has consistently surpassed consensus EPS and revenue estimates over the last four quarters [2] Financial Performance - The earnings surprise for the previous quarter was 7.63%, with actual earnings of $83.89 per share compared to an expected $77.94 [1] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $20.14 on revenues of $4.64 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $207.62 on revenues of $25.12 billion [7] Market Position - Booking Holdings shares have increased by approximately 2.9% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 has gained 4.5% [3] - The Zacks Industry Rank places the Internet - Commerce sector in the top 24% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable outlook compared to the bottom 50% [8] Future Outlook - The sustainability of the stock's price movement will depend on management's commentary during the earnings call and the trends in earnings estimate revisions [3][4] - The current estimate revisions trend for Booking Holdings is mixed, resulting in a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting the stock is expected to perform in line with the market in the near future [6]

Core Insights - Booking Holdings exceeded analysts' expectations in its latest earnings release, showcasing strong financial performance driven by robust travel demand and strategic investments in technology [1][2] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for Q4 2024 were $41.55, surpassing the estimate of $36.08, and reflecting a 30% increase from $32.00 in Q4 2023 [3] - Q4 revenue reached $5.47 billion, exceeding the forecast of $5.19 billion, and representing a 14.4% year-over-year growth from $4.8 billion [3] - Gross bookings increased by 17.3% to $37.2 billion compared to $31.7 billion in Q4 2023 [3] - Net income surged to $1.1 billion, a significant increase of 383% from $222 million in the same quarter last year [3] - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 26% year-over-year to $1.8 billion, aided by a 10% reduction in operating expenses [6] Business Model and Strategy - Booking Holdings operates multiple travel service platforms, with Booking.com as its primary brand, focusing on a diverse revenue mix from merchant, agency, and advertising streams [4] - The company is advancing its "Connected Trip" initiative, aiming to provide comprehensive travel itineraries to enhance customer loyalty and satisfaction [4][9] - Significant investments in artificial intelligence (AI) are being made to improve user experience and operational efficiency, including AI-driven trip planning tools [5] Key Developments - Room nights, a critical performance metric, increased by 13% to 261 million, indicating a strong rebound in customer volume [7] - Alternative accommodations saw a high-teens percentage increase in bookings, enhancing the company's competitive position against rivals like Airbnb [7] - A 10% increase in quarterly dividends to $9.60 per share and $1.1 billion in stock repurchases reflect the company's confidence in its financial outlook [8] Future Outlook - Management has outlined an optimistic outlook for 2025, driven by ongoing advancements in AI and expanded digital travel offerings, although no specific guidance was provided [10][12] - Continued investment in strategic initiatives, particularly in enhancing AI tools, is expected to drive future growth and improve customer service [12] - The company remains focused on leveraging its diverse brand portfolio to cater to varying market needs worldwide [12]

Financial Performance - For the year ended December 31, 2024, Booking Holdings reported revenues of $23.7 billion, classified into "merchant," "agency," and "advertising and other" revenues[16]. - Cash dividends of $1.2 billion were paid during the year ended December 31, 2024, with a declared cash dividend of $9.60 per share payable on March 31, 2025[184]. - The company’s financial performance is influenced by worldwide political and economic conditions, including inflation and interest rate changes[22]. - The total gross bookings generated on a merchant basis was 63% in 2024, an increase from 54% in 2023[205]. - Total marketing expenses were $7.3 billion in 2024, a 7% increase compared to 2023[206]. - The company expects the Transformation Program to deliver about $400 to $450 million in annual run rate savings over the next three years[211]. Operational Highlights - Booking.com achieved record annual room nights in 2024, with a year-over-year flight ticket growth of 38%[14][19]. - The mix of room nights booked on the mobile app increased to a low-fifties percentage in 2024, up from a high-forties percentage in 2023[204]. - The mix of total room nights booked directly by consumers was a mid-fifties percentage in 2024, showing year-over-year growth[207]. - Booking.com had approximately 4.0 million total properties on its website at December 31, 2024, up from approximately 3.4 million at December 31, 2023[207]. - The mix of room nights booked for alternative accommodation properties was approximately 35% in 2024, up from approximately 33% in 2023[208]. Strategic Initiatives - The company aims to improve and expand its flight offerings at Booking.com and Agoda, enhancing opportunities for consumers to discover and book Connected Trips[14]. - Booking Holdings is focused on increasing brand awareness in key markets, particularly the U.S., through high-profile sponsorships[14]. - The company is investing in the development of the Connected Trip, which requires increased investments and may adversely impact results until expected returns are realized[77]. - The company aims to enhance the traveler experience through its "Connected Trip" vision, focusing on personalized online travel planning and booking[203]. Technology and Innovation - Booking Holdings is integrating generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) technology into its offerings to enhance value for consumers and partners[14]. - The company continues to invest in Gen AI to improve internal productivity and enhance consumer and partner experiences[23]. - The company is seeking to incorporate Gen AI into its business, which may increase risks related to harmful content and legal liabilities[81]. Workforce and Diversity - As of December 31, 2024, the company employed approximately 24,300 employees, with about 99% being full-time employees[40]. - Approximately 46% of the company's employees were women, with 26% of technology positions and 34% of leadership roles filled by women[43]. - The company operates in over 220 countries and offers services in over 40 languages, emphasizing the importance of a diverse workforce[42]. Market and Competition - The company faces intense competition from both online and traditional travel services, including significant players like Google and Airbnb[57][59]. - The company derives a substantial portion of its gross bookings from international markets, which have historically shown significant year-over-year growth[63]. - The company faces intense competition for skilled employees, particularly in technology roles, which could adversely affect its ability to innovate and grow[84]. Risks and Compliance - Risks related to cybersecurity, data privacy, and operational infrastructure are critical for the company's business[51]. - The company has experienced cyberattacks, which have not had a material impact on the integrity of its systems or data security, but the evolving nature of these threats poses ongoing risks[95]. - The handling and storage of personally identifiable data are subject to complex regulations, with potential fines under the GDPR reaching up to €20 million or 4% of annual global revenues, whichever is greater[98]. - The company is subject to various competition and consumer protection laws globally, which may evolve and increase regulatory scrutiny as it expands its business[120]. - The company is involved in investigations regarding its contractual parity arrangements, which may be deemed anti-competitive, potentially leading to fines and restrictions on business practices[122]. Economic Factors - Economic and political uncertainties can negatively impact transaction growth rates, cancellation rates, and average daily rates (ADRs)[54]. - The company’s stock price is highly volatile, influenced by market perceptions and operational performance[158]. - The company may face additional tax liabilities due to audits and disputes, which could adversely affect its financial condition and cash flows[107]. - Changes in international tax laws and the introduction of digital services taxes could increase the complexity and costs of tax compliance, impacting the company's results of operations[110].

Financial Results - Booking Holdings Inc. reported its financial results for Q4 2024, with a consolidated statement of operations included in the press release[6] - The press release was issued on February 20, 2025, detailing the earnings for the fourth quarter and the full year ended 2024[8] Balance Sheet - The company’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024, is available in the financial and statistical supplement attached to the press release[6]

Core Viewpoint - Booking Holdings will release its fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results on February 20, 2025, at approximately 4:00 p.m. ET [1] Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The financial results will be available through a press release on the company's Investor Relations website [1] - A conference call to discuss the financial results is scheduled for February 20 at 4:30 p.m. ET, which will be webcasted [2] - Audio replays of the conference call will be accessible on the website for seven days following the event [2] Group 2: Company Overview - Booking Holdings is the leading provider of online travel and related services, operating in over 220 countries and territories [2] - The company operates five primary consumer-facing brands: Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, KAYAK, and OpenTable [2] - The mission of Booking Holdings is to facilitate global travel experiences for consumers and local partners [2]

Core Viewpoint - Booking Holdings Inc. is expected to report strong revenue and earnings growth for the fourth quarter of 2024, driven by robust leisure travel demand and a solid portfolio of initiatives [1][3][4]. Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is $5.19 billion, reflecting an 8.59% increase year-over-year [1]. - The consensus estimate for earnings is $35.75 per share, indicating an 11.72% rise from the previous year [1]. - Booking Holdings has consistently beaten earnings estimates in the past four quarters, with an average beat of 16.75% [2]. Growth Drivers - Strong leisure travel demand is anticipated to contribute significantly to top-line growth, with gross bookings expected to reach $34.33 billion, an 8.31% year-over-year increase [3]. - The company is focusing on expanding alternative accommodations through Booking.com, which is expected to benefit from increased property listings and traveler interest [5]. - Flight bookings increased by 39% and car rentals rose by 16% in the third quarter of 2024, contributing positively to overall gross bookings and revenue growth [6]. Challenges - The agency model is showing signs of weakness, with agency revenues estimated at $1.94 billion, a decline of 6.04% year-over-year [7]. - Booking Holdings faces challenges from macroeconomic uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and increasing competition in the online travel sector, which may negatively impact performance [8]. Earnings Outlook - According to the Zacks model, Booking Holdings has an Earnings ESP of -2.51% and a Zacks Rank of 3, indicating a lower likelihood of an earnings beat compared to previous quarters [9].

Core Viewpoint - Booking Holdings (BKNG) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $35.75 per share, an increase of 11.7% year-over-year, with revenues projected at $5.19 billion, reflecting an 8.6% increase compared to the previous year [1]. Earnings Estimates - Over the past 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate has been adjusted downward by 2.8%, indicating a reassessment by analysts [2]. - Changes in earnings estimates are crucial for predicting investor reactions, as empirical studies show a strong correlation between earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock performance [3]. Revenue Projections - Analysts estimate 'Revenues- Agency' at $1.94 billion, a decrease of 6% from the prior-year quarter [5]. - 'Revenues- Advertising and Other Revenues' are expected to reach $256.63 million, an increase of 3.9% year-over-year [5]. - 'Revenues- Merchant' is projected at $2.99 billion, reflecting a significant increase of 20.9% compared to the same quarter last year [5]. Gross Bookings - Total 'Gross Bookings' are projected to be $34.34 billion, up from $31.70 billion reported in the same quarter last year [6]. - 'Gross Bookings - Agency' is estimated at $12.11 billion, down from $13.30 billion in the previous year [6]. - 'Gross Bookings - Merchant' is expected to reach $22.28 billion, an increase from $18.40 billion reported last year [7]. Units Sold - 'Units Sold - Room Nights' are projected to be 249.35 million, up from 231 million in the same quarter last year [7]. - 'Units Sold - Airline Tickets' are expected to reach 12.36 million, compared to 9 million a year ago [8]. - 'Units Sold - Rental Car Days' is estimated at 17.98 million, an increase from 15 million in the previous year [8]. Stock Performance - Booking Holdings shares have increased by 3% over the past month, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has risen by 4.9% [8].

Booking Holdings (BKNG) closed the latest trading day at $4,897.32, indicating a -0.33% change from the previous session's end. The stock's change was less than the S&P 500's daily gain of 0.03%. Elsewhere, the Dow saw an upswing of 0.28%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq depreciated by 0.36%.Shares of the online booking service have appreciated by 3.14% over the course of the past month, underperforming the Retail-Wholesale sector's gain of 9.07% and the S&P 500's gain of 4.19%.The investment community will be ...

NORWALK, Conn., Feb. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Priceline is pleased to announce the appointment of Sejal Amin as Chief Technology Officer. Sejal oversees product engineering, infrastructure, data and technology operations for Priceline. She will also drive Priceline's continued adoption and integration of generative and agentive AI as part of the company's mission to be the world's best travel dealmaker. With over 25 years of experience leading global teams and driving strategic digital transformations, Seja ...

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