Summary of Booking Holdings FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Booking Holdings (NasdaqGS: BKNG) - **Event**: FY Conference on December 09, 2025 Key Points Industry Insights - **Travel Industry Growth**: The travel sector is expected to grow faster than GDP due to increasing discretionary income and a shift from offline to online travel [10][11] - **Network Effect**: Booking Holdings benefits from a strong network effect, leading to increased customer loyalty and frequency of bookings [5][6] Company Performance - **Growth Metrics**: The company aims for an 8% growth in gross bookings and revenues, with a target of 15% EPS growth [10] - **Market Position in Asia**: Booking Holdings is the largest technology travel platform outside Mainland China, contributing to future growth [6][7] Investment Strategy - **Investment Program**: The company is investing $170 million in growth initiatives, focusing on expanding verticals like attractions and advertising, and enhancing its presence in Asia [12][17] - **Generative AI**: Investment in Generative AI is seen as a significant opportunity for future growth [12][18] Alternative Accommodations - **Market Share**: Booking Holdings has outgrown the largest player in alternative accommodations for 17 out of the last 18 quarters, with a supply growth of 10% year-over-year [19][20] - **U.S. Market Potential**: The U.S. market presents significant growth opportunities, as Booking Holdings has a relatively modest position compared to Europe and Asia [22][23] Customer Experience and Technology - **Direct Channel Growth**: The growth of the direct channel in the U.S. is a positive indicator for future performance, reflecting long-term investments in brand awareness [24][25] - **AI Tools**: The company is testing various AI tools to enhance customer experience, leading to better conversion rates and lower cancellation rates [34][36] Marketing Efficiency - **Social Media Strategy**: Booking Holdings has successfully leveraged social media channels, particularly with Meta, to capture a younger audience and improve marketing ROI [44][49] Capital Allocation - **Share Buyback Program**: The company actively returns capital to shareholders through dividends and buybacks, with a systematic approach to managing share count [50][51] Risks and Opportunities - **Disruption from New Players**: Concerns about new agents disrupting the market are addressed by emphasizing the company's ability to enhance customer experience and maintain direct relationships [26][27][30] Conclusion - Booking Holdings is positioned for continued growth through strategic investments, a strong market presence in Asia, and innovative use of technology, particularly in AI and customer experience. The focus on alternative accommodations and effective marketing strategies further supports its growth trajectory.