21% more press release views with Request a Demo Also from this source Brigit Zimmerman Named Chief Executive Officer of Priceline Accessibility StatementSkip Navigation NORWALK, Conn., Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG) today announced that Chief Financial Officer Ewout Steenbergen will speak at the Nasdaq 53rd Investor Conference, held in association with Morgan Stanley in London, on December 9, beginning at 4:30 am ET / 9:30 am GMT. A live audio cast of the presentation will b ...

Core Insights - Booking Holdings Inc. is recognized as one of the best long-term stocks to buy according to D. E. Shaw, following its strong third-quarter performance [1] - Bernstein maintained a Market Perform rating and a price target of $5,433 for Booking Holdings, highlighting an 8% increase in room nights, which exceeded forecasts by 2.5% and consensus projections by 2% [1][2] - The company's adjusted EPS increased by 19%, and adjusted EBITDA rose by 15%, indicating solid operational performance [2] - Booking Holdings has raised its annual run-rate savings forecasts due to the success of its Transformation Program [2] - Despite facing challenging comparisons in Europe and a tough macroeconomic environment in the U.S., the company projects a 10% revenue growth and high-teens EBITDA growth for the year [3] - Bernstein acknowledged Booking's strong performance but cautioned that quarterly results may not fully address ongoing discussions regarding AI's potential impact on the company's commission structure and business model [3] Company Overview - Booking Holdings Inc. provides online travel and related solutions, including accommodation reservations, through various brands such as Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, KAYAK, and OpenTable [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Booking Holdings reported a strong third quarter with gross bookings increasing by 14% year-over-year, reaching $50 billion, and revenue growing by 13% to $9 billion, both exceeding prior guidance [5][27][35] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was approximately $4.2 billion, reflecting a 15% year-over-year increase, and adjusted earnings per share grew 19% year-over-year to $99.50 [5][29][35] - Room nights reached 323 million, an 8% increase year-over-year, surpassing expectations [5][19][35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Connected trip transactions, which include multiple travel verticals, grew mid-20% year-over-year, now representing a low double-digit percentage of total transactions [9] - Flight ticket bookings increased by 32% year-over-year, while attractions bookings surged nearly 90% from a smaller base [25] - Alternative accommodations room night growth was about 10%, with a global mix of alternative accommodation room nights at 36%, up one percentage point from the previous year [24][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market saw high single-digit growth in room nights, driven by stronger outbound travel and B2B business momentum [5][21] - Asia remains a key growth driver, with the region expected to grow in the high single digits over the next several years [18] - Europe and the rest of the world also delivered low double-digit growth, contributing to the overall robust performance [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on advancing its connected trip vision, enhancing loyalty programs, and leveraging AI capabilities to create more value for travelers and partners [7][12][19] - Investments are being made to expand verticals such as flights and attractions, aiming to provide a seamless experience for users [8][24] - The Genius loyalty program is a core differentiator, with members accounting for over 30% of the active base and mid-50% of room nights booked [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the strength of the value proposition through the connected trip and the Genius loyalty program, despite macroeconomic uncertainties [19][31] - The company anticipates continued stable levels of global leisure travel demand and is closely monitoring the travel environment for changes [6][31] - Guidance for the fourth quarter includes expected room night growth of 4% to 6% and gross bookings growth of 11% to 13% [32][35] Other Important Information - The company is experiencing a positive impact from foreign exchange rates, which are expected to benefit growth rates by approximately 400 to 500 basis points [6][34] - The transformation program is projected to deliver significant cost savings, with estimated in-year savings for 2025 exceeding $225 million [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: U.S. acceleration and B2B initiatives - Management noted that both B2B and B2C segments are performing well, with a focus on improving product offerings and brand awareness [38][41] Question: OpenAI integration and economic impact - Management acknowledged the early stages of AI integration and emphasized the importance of providing value beyond initial discovery [46][49] Question: AI risks and mitigation strategies - Management downplayed the risk of hotels bypassing platforms, citing the value provided through the Genius program and direct customer relationships [54][56] Question: Social media marketing and Asia performance - Management confirmed ongoing investments in social media marketing while highlighting strong growth in Asia, driven by localized strategies [61][63] Question: Changes in web entry points and product innovation - Management discussed the importance of brand awareness and the positive impact of new tools on conversion rates and customer satisfaction [70][74]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Booking Holdings reported a strong third quarter with gross bookings increasing by 14% year-over-year, reaching $50 billion, and revenue growing by 13% to $9 billion, both exceeding prior guidance [4][26]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was approximately $4.2 billion, up 15% year-over-year, and adjusted earnings per share grew 19% to $99.50 [29][30]. - Room nights reached 323 million, an 8% increase year-over-year, surpassing expectations [4][18]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The connected trip transactions, which include multiple travel verticals, grew mid-20% year-over-year, now representing a low double-digit percentage of total transactions [8]. - Flight ticket bookings increased by 32% year-over-year, while attractions bookings surged nearly 90% from a smaller base [23][24]. - Alternative accommodations room night growth was about 10%, with a global mix of alternative accommodation room nights at 36%, up one percentage point from the previous year [23][16]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market saw high single-digit growth in room nights, driven by stronger outbound travel and B2B business momentum [4][19]. - Asia remains a key growth driver, with the region expected to grow in the high single digits over the next several years [17]. - Global average daily rates (ADRs) increased by about 1% year-over-year, indicating a positive trend in pricing [20]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on advancing its connected trip vision, enhancing loyalty programs, and leveraging AI capabilities to create more value for travelers and partners [5][11]. - Investments are being made to improve the customer experience across various travel verticals, including accommodations, flights, and attractions [6][10]. - The Genius loyalty program is a core differentiator, with members accounting for over 30% of the active base and mid-50% of room nights booked [9][10]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the strength of the value proposition through the connected trip and the Genius loyalty program, despite macroeconomic uncertainties [18][34]. - The company anticipates continued stable global leisure travel demand and expects fourth quarter room night growth to be between 4% and 6% [32][33]. - Full-year guidance has been increased, with expectations for gross bookings to rise by 11% to 12% and revenue by 12% [34]. Other Important Information - The company is experiencing a positive impact from foreign exchange rates, which are expected to benefit growth rates by approximately 400 to 500 basis points [5][26]. - The transformation program is projected to deliver significant cost savings, with estimated in-year savings for 2025 exceeding $225 million [30]. Q&A Session Summary Question: U.S. acceleration and B2B initiatives - Management noted that both B2B and B2C segments are performing well, with a focus on improving efficiency and product offerings [38][40]. Question: OpenAI app integration and economic impact - Management acknowledged the early stages of integration with OpenAI and emphasized the importance of providing value through execution and transaction fulfillment [44][46]. Question: Risk of hotel partners bypassing platforms - Management downplayed the risk, stating that customer trust and value provided through the platform will continue to attract users [50][52]. Question: Social media marketing effectiveness - Management confirmed ongoing investments in social media marketing while maintaining a focus on measuring ROI [56]. Question: Growth in Asia and market penetration - Management highlighted the strong performance in Asia, with localized strategies for Agoda and global optimization for Booking.com [59][60].

Core Insights - Booking Holdings will release its third quarter 2025 financial results on October 28 at approximately 4:00 p.m. ET [1] - A conference call to discuss these results is scheduled for the same day at 4:30 p.m. ET, which will be webcast and available for replay for seven days [2][3] Company Overview - Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG) is the leading provider of online travel and related services, operating in over 220 countries and territories [2] - The company operates five primary consumer-facing brands: Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, KAYAK, and OpenTable [2]

Group 1 - Booking Holdings Inc. is identified as a stock to buy by Ray Dalio's Bridgewater Associates, with Citizens reiterating a "Market Outperform" rating and maintaining a price target of $6,500 [1][2] - Analysts highlighted Booking Holdings' competitive strengths, including broad diversification, a strong global brand, and extensive product offerings across hotels, flights, rental cars, and activities [1] - The company is well positioned to capitalize on resilient global travel demand, robust profit margins, and high-value customer retention through its Genius loyalty program [1] Group 2 - Booking Holdings is recognized as the world's leading provider of online travel and related services, operating well-known brands such as Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, KAYAK, and OpenTable [3] - The company generates revenue primarily through commissions on hotel reservations, airline tickets, rental cars, and restaurant bookings made via its platforms [3] - Citizens named Booking Holdings as one of the first partners to launch travel apps within ChatGPT, enhancing interactive and personalized user experiences [2]

Group 1 - Booking Holdings plans to hold a conference call to discuss its third quarter 2025 financial results on October 28 at 4:30 p.m. ET [1] - The financial results will be posted on the company's Investor Relations website at approximately 4:00 p.m. ET on the same day [2] - Booking Holdings is a leading provider of online travel and related services, operating in over 220 countries and territories through brands like Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, KAYAK, and OpenTable [2] Group 2 - The Chief Financial Officer, Ewout Steenbergen, will participate in a fireside chat at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference [3] - Additionally, the CFO will also present at the Citi 2025 Global TMT Conference [4]

Group 1 - Booking Holdings Inc. is recognized as a promising stock for beginners, with plans to expand its market presence and enhance customer experiences through technology [1] - The company is focusing on artificial intelligence to personalize travel planning and is exploring collaborations with tech giants like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft to develop advanced AI tools [2] - Booking Holdings reported 8.4 million listings in alternative accommodations at the end of Q2, reflecting an 8% year-over-year growth, indicating a strong focus on combining traditional and alternative accommodations [3] Group 2 - Booking Holdings operates as a global online travel services provider, offering a range of services including accommodations, flights, and car rentals through brands like Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, and KAYAK [4]

Group 1 - Booking Holdings' CFO Ewout Steenbergen will participate in a fireside chat at the Citi 2025 Global TMT Conference in New York City on September 3 at 9:30am ET [1] - A live audio cast of the presentation will be available to the public, with a replay accessible approximately 24 hours later [1] Group 2 - Booking Holdings is the world's leading provider of online travel and related services, operating in over 220 countries and territories [2] - The company offers services through five primary consumer-facing brands: Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, KAYAK, and OpenTable [2] - The mission of Booking Holdings is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world [2]

Core Insights - Booking Holdings reported strong second quarter 2025 results, exceeding expectations for adjusted earnings and revenue, with adjusted EPS of $55.40 against estimates of $50.32 and GAAP revenue of $6.8 billion versus an expected $6.55 billion [1][2] - Despite robust operating growth and strong cash generation, headline net income and GAAP EPS declined due to negative impacts from foreign currency changes and higher interest expenses [1] Financial Performance - Adjusted EPS (Non-GAAP) was $55.40, up 32% year-over-year from $41.90 [2] - GAAP EPS was $27.43, down 38% from $44.38 in Q2 2024 [2] - Revenue reached $6.8 billion, a 16% increase from $5.9 billion in Q2 2024 [2] - Adjusted EBITDA was $2.4 billion, reflecting a 26% increase from $1.9 billion year-over-year [2] - Free cash flow was $3.1 billion, up 30% from $2.38 billion in the previous year [2] Business Operations - Booking Holdings operates a comprehensive online travel platform with brands like Booking.com, Priceline, and KAYAK, serving over 220 countries and territories [3] - The company is focused on expanding brand presence, advancing AI technology, deepening partner relationships, ensuring regulatory compliance, and competing against rivals [4] Growth Metrics - Room nights booked increased by 8% to 309 million, while gross bookings rose 13% to $46.7 billion [5] - Flight bookings surged by 44%, indicating growth beyond traditional hotel bookings [5] - Connected Trip transactions grew over 30% year-over-year, representing a low double-digit percentage of total transactions [6][11] Margin and Cost Management - Adjusted EBITDA margin improved to 35.6%, up from 32.4% in Q2 2024, as revenue growth outpaced operating expenses [7] - Marketing expenses as a percentage of gross bookings were 4.6%, reflecting increased direct and loyalty channel bookings [7] Challenges and External Factors - GAAP net income margin dropped to 13.2% from 26.0% year-over-year, primarily due to unfavorable foreign currency swings and higher interest costs [8] - The company faced scrutiny regarding customer data and AI usage, alongside heightened competition in alternative accommodations [13] Future Outlook - Management projects room nights to grow between 3.5% and 5.5%, with gross bookings up 8% to 10%, and revenue rising 7% to 9% [14] - For FY2025, revenue is expected to grow at a high single-digit rate, with adjusted EBITDA anticipated to grow at a mid-teens percentage [14] - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $9.60 per share and completed $1.3 billion in share repurchases [15]