(BKNG) Booking Holdings - Ratings and Ratios

Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG) is a titan in the online travel space, boasting a market cap of ~$167 billion and a P/E ratio of 34.13, signaling its premium valuation. As the parent company of household names like Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, KAYAK, OpenTable, and Rentalcars.com, BKNG dominates the global travel and dining reservations landscape. Its diverse portfolio spans over 200 countries, offering a comprehensive suite of travel services, including accommodation, flights, car rentals, cruises, and activities, alongside restaurant reservations and management solutions.

Booking.com, its crown jewel, is the worlds largest online accommodation platform, with over 28 million listings across hotels, vacation rentals, and unique stays. Priceline, known for its Name Your Own Price feature, complements this with discounted travel options. Agoda, strong in Asia, adds depth in emerging markets. KAYAK, as a meta-search engine, aggregates travel options, enhancing price transparency for users. OpenTable, a pioneer in restaurant reservations, serves both diners and restaurants, while Rentalcars.com leads in car rental services globally.

Financially, BKNG impresses with high operating margins (~35%) and substantial free cash flow (~$4 billion in 2022), underscoring its profitability. Its forward P/E of 24.33 hints at expected growth. The companys global reach, with operations in over 40 languages, highlights its scalability and adaptability to local markets. Beyond travel, BKNG offers ancillary services like travel insurance and advertising, diversifying its revenue streams.

Founded in 1997 as The Priceline Group, BKNG rebranded in 2018 to reflect its evolution. Headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, it has become a bellwether for the online travel industry. Investors should note its robust financials and market leadership, positioning it as a key player in the travel sectors digital transformation. BKNGs strategic acquisitions and investments in AI and machine learning further cement its growth prospects in a competitive landscape.