Globenewswire·2026-03-13 14:14Core Viewpoint - A securities class action lawsuit has been filed against Trip.com Group, China's largest online travel agency, representing investors who purchased its securities between April 30, 2024, and January 13, 2026, following a significant decline in share price due to regulatory investigations [1][2]. Group 1: Lawsuit and Market Reaction - The lawsuit was initiated after Trip.com’s American Depositary Shares experienced a 17% decline on January 14, 2026, resulting in a loss of over $8 billion in market capitalization [2][7]. - The decline was triggered by the announcement of an investigation by the State Administration for Market Regulations of China under the Anti-Monopoly Law [2][7]. Group 2: Allegations and Company Practices - The complaint alleges that Trip.com misled investors by underreporting the regulatory risks associated with its monopolistic practices, particularly regarding its AI price adjustment tool [5][6]. - Reports indicated that hotel partners were losing pricing autonomy due to Trip.com's practices, which included coercive pricing strategies that undercut competitors [6][9]. Group 3: Company Developments - Following the class period, Trip.com announced the abrupt resignation of its co-founders from the board on February 26, 2026, without providing an explanation [8]. - On March 8, 2026, it was reported that Trip.com would shut down its AI price adjustment tool to restore pricing autonomy for hotel partners, amid claims of coercive practices [9].