On Friday, RBC Capital maintained its Outperform rating on Booking Holdings (NASDAQ:BKNG), with a steady stock price target of $3,900.00. The firm acknowledged the company's substantial first-quarter earnings beat but noted a slightly cautious outlook for the second quarter, attributing this to one-time, transitory factors that were deemed explainable.
The analyst highlighted Booking Holdings' success in gaining market share in the U.S. against competitors like Expedia (NASDAQ:EXPE), emphasizing this as a key achievement.
In addition to market share gains, Booking Holdings is reportedly growing its business and lessening its dependence on Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL), which RBC Capital views as a positive move that could lead to long-term structural multiple expansion. Despite a modest reduction in estimates, the firm reiterated its confidence in Booking Holdings as a core investment and a probable long-term share gainer.
Booking Holdings' strategy is expected to drive a solid double-digit compound annual growth rate in earnings per share over the long term. The company is also anticipated to continue its mid-single-digit stock buyback program, which is seen as a durable strategy.
The analyst's reiteration of the Outperform rating reflects a continued positive outlook on Booking Holdings' performance and strategic initiatives.
InvestingPro Insights
Booking Holdings (NASDAQ:BKNG) has been demonstrating financial robustness, as evidenced by InvestingPro data. The company's aggressive share buyback strategy, as noted in an InvestingPro Tip, underscores management's confidence in the company's value, aligning with RBC Capital's positive stance on the stock.
The company's impressive gross profit margins, which stood at 84.56% over the last twelve months as of Q1 2024, further validate its operational efficiency and market position. With a P/E ratio adjusted for the last twelve months at 23.86 and a PEG ratio at 0.51, Booking Holdings is trading at a low price-to-earnings ratio relative to its near-term earnings growth, highlighting its potential as an attractive investment option.
Moreover, Booking Holdings' status as a prominent player in the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry is complemented by its moderate level of debt and a 21.79% six-month price total return, which indicates solid performance and resilience. For investors seeking further insights, there are additional InvestingPro Tips available, including analyst predictions and profitability assessments. Explore these insights and more at https://www.investing.com/pro/BKNG and use the coupon code PRONEWS24 to get an additional 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription.
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