Core Insights - The article discusses the regulatory challenges faced by Trip.com, drawing parallels to Alibaba's past experiences with Chinese regulators, particularly regarding antitrust investigations [3][4]. Company Overview - Trip.com, formerly known as Ctrip, is China's leading online travel agency, holding an estimated 60% market share and valued at around $40 billion [4]. - The company provides a range of booking services through various platforms, including Trip.com, Ctrip, Qunar, and Skyscanner [4]. Regulatory Environment - Trip.com is currently under an antitrust probe by Beijing, which has led to a 20% decline in its stock since the announcement on January 14 [3]. - This situation raises concerns about a potential prolonged regulatory scrutiny similar to what Alibaba experienced, which could impede Trip.com's growth [3]. Financial Performance - In 2025, Trip.com stock rose only 4.7%, underperforming the S&P 500 Index, although it had seen a 10% increase year-to-date before the antitrust announcement [5]. - The company's trailing price-earnings (P/E) ratio is 10.64x, significantly lower than the travel industry average of 20x to 25x, indicating potential undervaluation [6]. - The forward P/E ratio of 20x suggests growth potential if earnings meet projections, while the price-sales ratio of 5.20x is higher than historical averages but reasonable given the double-digit revenue growth [6]. Valuation Insights - Current valuation metrics suggest that Trip.com is undervalued relative to industry benchmarks and its historical performance, particularly in light of China's travel recovery [7]. - If regulatory fines remain manageable, investors may view the stock as fairly valued, but the low P/E ratio indicates discounted pricing if the investigation concludes positively [7].