STAMFORD, Conn., June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With summer travel season in full swing, KAYAK has released new insights to help travelers avoid one of the most frustrating parts of flying: delays. Drawing from summer flight data last year, KAYAK's latest analysis pinpoints the most delay-prone times during the day, worst days and busiest airports – plus expert tips on how to fly smarter right now. Key Findings: JFK (New York), CLT (Charlotte), and MIA (Miami) reported the highest percentage of delays am ...

In this podcast, Airbnb Chief Financial Officer Ellie Mertz joins Motley Fool CEO and co-founder Tom Gardner and Chief Investment Officer Andy Cross for a conversation about:Why Airbnb is focusing on experiences and services.The stock's long-term performance.How ideas develop at Airbnb.To catch full episodes of all The Motley Fool's free podcasts, check out our podcast center. When you're ready to invest, check out this top 10 list of stocks to buy.A full transcript is below. This podcast was recorded on J ...

Core Viewpoint - Stock splits generate significant attention among investors, primarily due to their perceived ability to make shares more affordable and signal management's confidence in future growth [1][2]. Group 1: Reasons for Stock Splits - Stock splits lower share prices, making them more accessible to individual investors [2]. - They serve as milestones that can reset a stock's growth trajectory [2]. - Management's decision to split shares typically indicates confidence in the stock's continued upward potential [2]. Group 2: Performance Post-Split - Research from Bank of America indicates that stocks that undergo splits tend to outperform the S&P 500 in the 12 months following the split [3]. Group 3: Potential Candidates for Stock Splits - **AutoZone**: Currently trading above $3,600, AutoZone is a strong candidate for a split, especially after its competitor O'Reilly Automotive executed a 15-for-1 split [5]. - **MercadoLibre**: With a share price around $2,500 and no splits since its IPO in 2009, a split seems likely as the company continues to grow in e-commerce and fintech [6]. - **Costco**: Trading around $1,000, Costco has not split since 2000, and a split could attract more retail investors [7]. - **ASML**: As a leading semiconductor equipment manufacturer with a share price around $800, ASML has not split since 2012, making it a candidate for a split [8]. - **Coinbase**: With a share price around $300, a split could capitalize on the current positive momentum in the crypto market [9]. - **Booking Holdings**: Despite a high share price above $5,000, Booking has resisted splits, but one could increase accessibility for investors [10]. - **Netflix**: With a share price above $1,000 and a history of splits, Netflix may consider another split given its recent growth [11]. - **ServiceNow**: Trading nearly at $1,000, ServiceNow has never split since its IPO in 2012, making it a potential candidate [12]. - **Meta Platforms**: With a share price around $700 and a nearly 2,000% increase since its IPO, a split seems plausible if the stock continues to rise [13]. - **Intuit**: Trading at around $750, Intuit has been a strong performer and last split in 2006, indicating it may be due for another [14].

Core Viewpoint - JD.com has officially announced its entry into the travel and accommodation sector, intensifying competition with Ctrip, the leading player in China's online travel agency (OTA) market [1][2]. Group 1: JD.com's Strategy - JD.com has initiated a series of measures to support its travel business, including partnerships with over 30,000 large enterprises and more than 8 million small and medium-sized enterprises, offering hotel merchants a "JD Hotel PLUS Membership Plan" with up to three years of zero commission [1]. - The company has launched a "Life Travel" section on its app, featuring categories such as flights, hotels, tickets, and vacation packages, emphasizing a "no bundling" sales approach for flight tickets [9]. Group 2: Ctrip's Market Position - Ctrip reported a revenue of 53.294 billion yuan for 2024, a year-on-year increase of 19.73%, and a net profit of 17.067 billion yuan, up 72.08%, maintaining a significant lead in both revenue scale and market share [3]. - Ctrip has a history of successfully countering competitors by addressing their weaknesses, such as locking in high-end service customers and controlling inventory, which has solidified its dominant position in the market [8][10]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The competition between JD.com and Ctrip is expected to be fierce, as JD.com lacks the deep experience in the OTA space that Ctrip has accumulated over the years, particularly in complex pricing algorithms and customer service processes [6][17]. - Ctrip's strong market position is attributed to its effective business model, technological innovations, and precise market targeting, which have allowed it to maintain profitability and expand its user base [12][13][14]. Group 4: Market Trends - The OTA market in China is currently dominated by three major players: Ctrip, Meituan, and Fliggy, each establishing a stable market position, making it challenging for new entrants like JD.com to disrupt the existing balance [17]. - Ctrip has capitalized on policy benefits, particularly in international business orders, with a significant increase in inbound bookings, reflecting a 100% year-on-year growth in the first quarter [15].

Core Viewpoint - JD.com officially announced its entry into the hotel and travel industry, aiming to provide supply chain services and optimize costs for hotel operators, while offering a three-year zero-commission plan for participating hotels [2][7]. Group 1: Business Strategy - JD.com is leveraging a combination of accommodation subsidies and food delivery vouchers to attract users, positioning itself competitively against major OTA platforms like Ctrip and Fliggy [3][5]. - The company is focusing on a "no-bundling" approach for flight bookings, avoiding hidden fees and additional services that often frustrate consumers, thus addressing a common pain point in the market [3][7]. - JD.com has emphasized that profit is not the primary focus at this stage, as indicated by its zero-commission offer for hotel partners [7]. Group 2: Recruitment and Compensation - There were exaggerated claims about JD.com offering three times the salary to recruit talent from other online travel agencies, with actual salary differences being more modest, typically 20-30% higher than competitors [8][10]. - JD.com is primarily recruiting for positions based in Beijing, with roles including business analysis, sales operations, and product management, which limits its geographical reach compared to competitors like Ctrip that have a more global presence [10]. Group 3: Market Opportunity - The domestic travel market is recovering, with a projected increase in travel volume, providing JD.com an opportunity to capture market share in the hotel and travel sector [11]. - JD.com's existing high-frequency food delivery service, which has reached a daily order volume of 25 million and a market share of 12%, is expected to drive traffic to its new travel offerings [11].

Group 1 - Trip.com Group Limited has entered into a share repurchase agreement with MakeMyTrip Limited to sell a portion of its Class B ordinary shares for cancellation, aiming to optimize its investment portfolio and enhance shareholder returns [1] - After the proposed repurchase, Trip.com Group will remain the largest minority shareholder of MakeMyTrip and continue to support its growth [1] - To fund the repurchase, MakeMyTrip has launched an offering of convertible senior notes and a concurrent underwritten public offering of ordinary shares, with Trip.com Group agreeing to a 180-day lock-up period [1] Group 2 - Trip.com Group Limited is a leading global one-stop travel platform, offering a comprehensive suite of travel products and services [2] - The company operates under various brands, including Ctrip, Qunar, Trip.com, and Skyscanner, and aims to provide travelers with informed and cost-effective travel bookings [2] - Founded in 1999, Trip.com Group was listed on Nasdaq in 2003 and on HKEX in 2021, with a mission to pursue the perfect trip for a better world [2]

Group 1 - Trip.com Group Limited has entered into a share repurchase agreement with MakeMyTrip Limited to sell a portion of its Class B ordinary shares for cancellation, aiming to optimize its investment portfolio and enhance shareholder returns [1] - After the proposed repurchase, Trip.com Group will remain the largest minority shareholder of MakeMyTrip and continue to support its growth [1] - To fund the repurchase, MakeMyTrip has launched an offering of convertible senior notes and a concurrent underwritten public offering of ordinary shares, with Trip.com Group agreeing to a 180-day lock-up period [1] Group 2 - Trip.com Group Limited is a leading global one-stop travel platform, offering a comprehensive suite of travel products and services [2] - The company operates under various brands, including Ctrip, Qunar, Trip.com, and Skyscanner, and aims to provide travelers with cost-effective booking options and support [2] - Founded in 1999, Trip.com Group was listed on Nasdaq in 2003 and on HKEX in 2021, with a mission to pursue the perfect trip for a better world [2]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the first quarter of 2025, net revenues were RMB117.5 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 9% from the corresponding period in 2024 [16] - Revenues from packaged tours increased by 19% year-over-year to RMB99 million, accounting for 84% of total net revenues [16] - Gross profit for the first quarter was RMB69.3 million, down 15% year-over-year [17] - Operating expenses rose to RMB80.1 million, up 15% year-over-year [17] - Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders was reported, with non-GAAP net income also noted [18][19] - The company expects to generate RMB131 million to RMB136.8 million in net revenues for the second quarter, representing a 12% to 17% year-over-year increase [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core business maintained steady growth, with packaged tours showing a 19% increase year-over-year [5] - Outbound tour transaction volume achieved double-digit year-over-year growth, despite challenges in some Southeast Asian destinations [6] - Transaction volume for new select products increased by over 80% compared to the previous quarter [9][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The contribution of live streaming to total transaction volume increased from 10% in the first quarter last year to over 15% this year [10] - The company opened nearly 300 offline stores, primarily in high-demand markets [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on offering differentiated and high-quality products as a competitive advantage [7] - Strategies include leveraging supply chain advantages to reduce procurement costs and enhance customer value [6][7] - The introduction of AI technologies aims to improve customer experience and operational efficiency [13][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the domestic travel market showed consistent growth momentum, particularly during the Spring Festival [5] - The company is committed to diversifying its product offerings to attract different customer segments, especially price-sensitive travelers [25] - Management aims to achieve profitability in the second quarter by controlling internal costs [27] Other Important Information - The company has embraced new AI technologies to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency [13][14] - The launch of a self-developed travel AI agent aims to provide one-stop services for customers [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about product strategy and pricing - Management emphasized that quality is a priority, and competitive pricing is essential to attract new customers and enhance repurchase rates [22][24] - The company consolidates its supply chain to lower purchasing costs and uses AI for competitive pricing [25] - Management aims to achieve profitability in the second quarter while maintaining a lower gross profit ratio compared to the previous year [26][27]

Core Viewpoint - Tuniu Corporation reported steady growth in the first quarter of 2025, with a focus on enhancing product quality and optimizing sales channels to reach more customers [2][12]. Financial Performance - Net revenues for Q1 2025 were RMB 117.5 million (US$ 16.2 million), marking an 8.9% increase year-over-year from Q1 2024 [3]. - Revenues from packaged tours were RMB 99.0 million (US$ 13.6 million), representing a year-over-year increase of 19.3% [15]. - Other revenues decreased to RMB 18.5 million (US$ 2.6 million), a decline of 25.8% year-over-year [15]. Cost and Profitability - Cost of revenues was RMB 48.2 million (US$ 6.6 million), an increase of 85.9% year-over-year, constituting 41.0% of net revenues [5]. - Gross profit decreased to RMB 69.3 million (US$ 9.6 million), a decline of 15.5% from the previous year [5]. - Operating expenses rose to RMB 80.1 million (US$ 11.0 million), reflecting a 14.9% increase year-over-year [6]. Operational Losses - Loss from operations was RMB 10.8 million (US$ 1.5 million), compared to an income from operations of RMB 12.3 million in Q1 2024 [7]. - Net loss was RMB 5.4 million (US$ 0.7 million), a significant drop from a net income of RMB 21.9 million in Q1 2024 [9]. Cash Position - As of March 31, 2025, Tuniu had cash and cash equivalents totaling RMB 1.2 billion (US$ 167.2 million) [11]. Future Outlook - For Q2 2025, Tuniu expects net revenues between RMB 131.0 million and RMB 136.8 million, indicating a year-over-year increase of 12% to 17% [12]. Share Repurchase Program - The company has repurchased approximately 9.5 million ADSs for about US$ 9.0 million under its share repurchase program authorized in March 2024 [13].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights three quality dividend stocks that present compelling investment opportunities, emphasizing their potential for long-term income generation and growth despite varying share prices. Group 1: Realty Income - Realty Income is a leading REIT with a current dividend yield of 5.75% and a monthly payout structure, making it attractive for dividend investors [4] - The company has a strong track record, having raised its dividend for over 30 consecutive years, demonstrating resilience through economic challenges [5] - Despite a 29% decline from its all-time high, Realty Income is trading at a valuation of 14 times its funds from operations, indicating it may be undervalued [6] Group 2: Hormel Foods - Hormel Foods is a Dividend King with a 3.8% dividend yield and a history of increasing payouts for 59 consecutive years [7] - The company has adapted to changing consumer preferences, aiming for net sales growth of 2% to 3% annually and operating profit growth of 5% to 7% [8] - Hormel's payout ratio is projected at 72% of 2025 earnings estimates, supported by an investment-grade balance sheet, with the stock trading at 19 times estimated 2025 earnings [9] Group 3: Booking Holdings - Booking Holdings, with a recent share price around $5,600, is a technology leader in the hospitality and travel sectors, having recently initiated dividend payments [10] - The company has a low payout ratio of 18% of 2025 earnings estimates, with expected earnings growth of 15% annually over the next three to five years, indicating strong dividend growth potential [11] - Despite trading near all-time highs, the stock is valued at 26 times its 2025 earnings estimates, suggesting it offers value with anticipated dividend increases and capital gains [12]