We recently published 12 Stocks on Jim Cramer’s Radar.  Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer's radar. Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) is a technology company that provides travel services. Its shares are down by 18% over the past year and by 23% year-to-date. Morgan Stanley discussed the firm on February 24th. It bumped Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG)’s rating to Overweight from Equal Weight and cut the share price target to $5,500 from $6,150. The bank commented ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Travelzoo's consolidated Q4 revenue was $22.5 million, up 9% from the prior year, while in constant currencies, revenue was $22.1 million, up 7% from the prior year [3] - Operating income decreased to $0.6 million, or 3% of revenue, down from $4.9 million in the prior year, attributed to increased investments in club member growth [3][6] - Non-GAAP operating profit for Q4 2025 was $0.9 million, or 4% of revenue, compared to $5.4 million in the prior year [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Advertising and commerce revenue was $18.3 million for Q4 2025, while membership fees increased to $4.1 million, expected to account for around 25% of revenue this year [7][9] - Member acquisition costs for a full-paying club member were $34 in Q4, down from $40 in Q3, indicating a more efficient acquisition strategy [4][32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Investment in member acquisition in Europe led to a loss, while operating profit in North America and Europe segments was lower, with Jack's Flight Club segment remaining flat [7][8] - The company noted that luxury travel is booming, while lower-end travel is more challenging, reflecting broader trends in the travel industry [38][40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its global reach and trusted brand to negotiate more club offers for members, focusing on growing the number of paying members and accelerating revenue growth [10][12] - Plans to increase member acquisition spending in 2026, anticipating that recurring revenue from renewing members will improve profitability over time [22][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged softness in advertising and commerce revenue, expecting this trend to continue into Q1 2026, with no specific reasons identified for the decline [16][38] - The company is optimistic about future growth as more luxury properties open, which may improve the availability of attractive offers for members [38][40] Other Important Information - As of December 31, 2025, consolidated cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash was $10.8 million, with cash flow from operations at $1.5 million [8] - The membership fee was increased to $50 for new members starting January 1, 2026, while existing members had the opportunity to renew at the old rate of $40 [44] Q&A Session Summary Question: Revenue trends in advertising and commerce - Management acknowledged that advertising and commerce revenue was soft in Q4 and expected this to continue into Q1, attributing it to a focus on membership growth [16] Question: G&A expenses increase - A one-time expense related to a global company meeting was cited as the reason for higher G&A expenses in Q4 [18] Question: Marketing expenses and profitability - Management plans to increase member acquisition spending in 2026, which may impact EPS in the short term but is expected to improve profitability in the long run [22][24] Question: Churn rates for new members - It was noted that it is too early to assess churn rates for new members added in 2025, but new benefits are expected to help retain members [25] Question: Industry travel outlook for 2026 - Management indicated that luxury travel is booming while lower-end travel is more challenging, with trends being similar across different markets [38][40]

This live blog is refreshed periodically throughout the day with the latest updates from the market.To find the latest Stock Market Today threads, click here. Happy Wednesday. This is TheStreet’s Stock Market Today for Feb. 18, 2026. You can follow the latest updates on the market here in our daily live blog. Update: 4:00 p.m. ET Closing Bell The U.S. markets are now closed. Despite a strong start to the trading day, which came on the back of news that Meta Platforms would purchase millions of NvidiaAI ...

Core Viewpoint - Auddia Inc. is set to merge with Thramann Holdings, forming a new holding company named McCarthy Finney, with a new ticker symbol MCFN, and Auddia shareholders will own approximately 20% of the new entity at closing [1][4][6]. Company Overview - Auddia Inc. operates in the audio technology sector, focusing on reinventing consumer engagement with audio content through its proprietary AI platform [10]. - Thramann Holdings is a privately held company that controls three early-stage AI-native companies: LT350, Influence Healthcare, and Voyex, founded by Jeff Thramann, who has extensive experience in securing patents and taking companies public [2][3]. Merger Details - The merger agreement has been unanimously approved by the boards of both companies and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions [6]. - Upon completion, Auddia will be renamed McCarthy Finney, and Jeff Thramann will continue as CEO, with John Mahoney as CFO [3][4]. Financial Valuation - The base case discounted cash flow (DCF) valuation of McCarthy Finney is estimated to be $250 million, based on a forward-looking 10-year pro forma analysis [5]. - Auddia must have at least $12 million in cash on hand at closing to ensure a cash runway for future business milestones [4]. Ownership Structure - At the closing of the merger, Auddia shareholders are expected to own 20% of McCarthy Finney, while Jeff Thramann will own 80% [4].

Core Viewpoint - Hainan Province is enhancing the travel experience for tourists by providing warm services and cultural performances at airports and ports, aiming to create a smoother and more pleasant journey as the peak travel season approaches [2][3]. Group 1: Service Initiatives - Hainan's tourism and cultural department, in collaboration with the local government, has set up tourism consultation service points at New Harbor and Xuwen Port to offer one-stop services for travelers [2][3]. - The service points provide practical assistance, including information on accommodation, routes, and emergency supplies like power banks and hot water [2]. - A dedicated "Qiongzhou Strait (Xuwen Port) Tourism Service Center" has been established, staffed with four personnel providing 24-hour service from February 9 to March 13 [3]. Group 2: Cultural Engagement - Cultural performances, such as lion dances and bamboo pole dances, are being held at key ports and airports to immerse visitors in the festive atmosphere of Hainan [2]. - The performances aim to enhance the welcoming experience for tourists as they arrive on the island [2]. Group 3: Infrastructure Support - A temporary self-driving service point has been set up in the Xuwen Ecological Industrial Park to accommodate the high volume of self-driving travelers during the Spring Festival, with a capacity for 2,000 vehicles [3]. - The service point includes staff to provide guidance, distribute tourism materials, and offer warm service packages to self-driving tourists [3].

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of the Haikou-Xuwen Spring Festival Travel Consultation Service Station marks the beginning of a 33-day travel service initiative aimed at enhancing the travel experience during the peak season of the Spring Festival in 2026 [1] Group 1: Service Initiative - The service initiative will run from February 9 to March 13, covering the entire Spring Festival travel period [1] - The service station is strategically located at the Xuwen Wharf, a key area for passenger flow, to provide comprehensive and warm travel services [1] - The initiative aims to promote the cultural and tourism collaboration between Hainan and Guangdong, facilitating regional tourism development [1] Group 2: Implementation and Future Plans - The action is a concrete measure to implement the provincial government's warm service deployment for the Spring Festival holiday [1] - The Haikou Municipal Bureau of Tourism and Culture emphasizes the importance of responsibility, service optimization, and collaboration to ensure safe and convenient travel for passengers during the Spring Festival [1]

Amazon - Amazon is a dominant player in e-commerce and cloud computing, benefiting long-term shareholders through innovation and multiple revenue streams [3][8] - The company's online retail business has a competitive advantage due to its extensive infrastructure and same-day delivery capabilities, with its AI-powered shopping assistant reaching 250 million active users and projected to generate $10 billion in incremental annualized sales by 2025 [4][6] - Amazon's advertising revenue has an annual run rate of $85 billion, with a 22% year-over-year increase in the fourth quarter, positioning the company to benefit from the shift of ad spending to digital platforms [6] - Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a key growth driver, with a 24% year-over-year revenue increase in the fourth quarter, contributing to approximately half of Amazon's profits [7] - Analysts project Amazon's earnings per share to grow at an annualized rate of 17% in the coming years, indicating strong prospects for the business [8] Booking Holdings - Booking Holdings operates several well-known travel platforms, including Booking.com and Priceline, and has built a competitive advantage through loyalty rewards and its Connected Trips initiative [9] - The company reported 323 million room nights in the third quarter, an 8% year-over-year increase, leading to a 13% rise in revenue and a 19% increase in adjusted earnings per share [11] - Management targets 8% annual growth in gross bookings and revenue, aiming for a 15% rise in adjusted earnings, while investing in AI capabilities for personalized recommendations [12] - With a consistent operating history and prospects for double-digit earnings growth, Booking Holdings is positioned as a strong investment in the growing travel industry [13]

Core Insights - Airbnb, Inc. (ABNB) has a market capitalization of $79.6 billion and operates a platform for hosts to offer stays and experiences in over 190 countries [1] Performance Overview - Over the past 52 weeks, Airbnb's shares have gained marginally, while the S&P 500 Index has increased by 15.5%. Year-to-date, Airbnb's stock is down 3.3%, compared to the S&P 500's return of 1.9% [2] - Airbnb has underperformed the State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY), which rose 5.1% over the past 52 weeks and 2.1% year-to-date [3] Financial Results - In Q3, Airbnb reported a revenue increase of 9.7% year-over-year to $4.1 billion, aligning with analyst estimates. Gross Booking Value (GBV) rose 13.9% to $22.9 billion, and Nights and Seats Booked increased by 8.8% [6] - Net income per share increased by 3.8% year-over-year to $2.21, but fell short of consensus estimates [6] Earnings Expectations - For the current fiscal year ending in December, analysts project Airbnb's EPS to grow by 1% year-over-year to $4.15. The company's earnings surprise history is mixed, with two beats and two misses in the last four quarters [7] - Among 40 analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating is a "Moderate Buy," with 12 "Strong Buy," three "Moderate Buy," 22 "Hold," one "Moderate Sell," and two "Strong Sell" ratings [7] Analyst Ratings - The overall rating configuration has become more bullish, with an overall "Hold" rating, including 11 "Strong Buy" and five "Strong Sell" ratings [8] - Analyst Richard Clarke from AllianceBernstein maintained a "Buy" rating on ABNB with a price target of $162, indicating a potential upside of 23.4% from current levels [8]

Core Viewpoint - American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) has successfully refinanced and upsized its senior secured first lien term loan facility, reflecting strong company performance and investor confidence in its outlook [1][3]. Transaction Highlights - The refinancing and upsizing at par indicates robust company performance and confidence from blue chip debt investors [3]. - The company achieved a 50 basis point reduction in its borrowing rate, with the amended term loan priced at SOFR plus 2.00% [8]. - The term loan facility was upsized to $1.486 billion, with an additional $100 million raised, maturing in July 2031 [8]. - The upsized facility enhances financial flexibility, allowing for investments in organic and inorganic growth, productivity, and margin expansion, including continued investments in AI [8]. Company Overview - American Express Global Business Travel is a leading software and services company for travel, expense, and meetings & events, operating in over 140 countries [4]. - The company offers a comprehensive marketplace in travel, combining technology and human expertise to deliver valuable solutions [4].

Core Insights - The travel industry is undergoing a significant transformation by 2026, driven by personalization, technology, and cultural influences [1][8]. Group 1: Pet Travel - The proportion of global pet owners has reached 56%, with nearly half being first-time owners, leading to the emergence of the "paw print economy" [2][18]. - Innovations in pet travel include pet-friendly trains, airlines allowing medium-sized dogs in cabins, and the reintroduction of pet passports to simplify cross-border travel [2][24]. - High-end services such as private pet charters and AI-enabled health monitoring for pets are becoming more prevalent, emphasizing the dignity and comfort of pets during travel [2][26][33]. Group 2: AI and Trip Planning - The use of generative AI tools for trip planning has surged by 64% in one year, but travelers still prefer a mix of AI recommendations and human experiences [3][35]. - The trend of "travel mixology" highlights the importance of blending machine intelligence with human insights to create reliable travel plans [3][35]. Group 3: Aviation Innovations - Advances in aviation technology, particularly long-range narrow-body jets like the Airbus A321XLR, are enabling direct flights to secondary cities and previously underserved destinations [4][10]. - This shift is creating new economic opportunities for destinations and enhancing the overall travel experience with innovations like seamless biometric identification at airports [4][10]. Group 4: Cultural Influences on Travel - Popular culture is increasingly influencing travel decisions, with destinations linked to hit movies or shows seeing significant increases in bookings, such as a 19% rise in Seoul tourism due to a popular film [5][10]. - Travel agencies are capitalizing on this trend by offering themed tours and immersive experiences that connect travelers with cultural content [5][10]. Group 5: Customizable Hotel Experiences - The hotel industry is moving towards "self-selecting accommodation," allowing guests to customize their stay by choosing specific room features and amenities [6][10]. - Over 60% of travelers are willing to pay extra for specific room attributes, indicating a shift towards personalized hotel experiences [6][10]. Group 6: Future-Oriented Travel Experiences - There is a growing interest among travelers in experiencing cutting-edge technologies, such as autonomous vehicles and immersive digital art, as part of their travel plans [7][10]. - More than half of global travelers express interest in future transportation methods like supersonic flights and hyperloop systems, indicating a desire for innovative travel experiences [7][10].