BKNG Shares Drop to Lowest Point in Over 16 Months as Brokerages Highlight AI-Related Concerns
Stock Performance: Booking Holdings (BKNG) shares have dropped over 8%, reaching their lowest levels since September 2024, despite better-than-expected fourth-quarter results, due to concerns about potential AI disruption.
Revenue Growth: The company reported a 16% increase in fourth-quarter revenue to $6.3 billion, surpassing Street estimates, and projected low double-digit revenue growth for fiscal 2026.
Stock Split Announcement: Booking's board approved a 25-for-1 stock split, effective April 2, which will adjust trading on a split-adjusted basis starting April 6.
Analyst Ratings: Analysts have reduced price targets for Booking, with Cantor Fitzgerald lowering it to $4,495 and Barclays to $5,500, while maintaining neutral or overweight ratings, reflecting concerns about AI developments impacting stock valuation.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Analyst Views on BKNG
About BKNG
About the author

- Chiang Mai Nightlife Rise: Chiang Mai is emerging as a nightlife destination, blending traditional Thai bars with modern cocktail lounges, particularly in the bustling Nimmanhaemin area, attracting travelers seeking unique experiences and cultural immersion.
- Osaka's Bar Diversity: Known for its culinary scene, Osaka is gaining recognition for its eclectic bar offerings, from hidden speakeasies to lively izakayas, where visitors can enjoy local sake and craft cocktails amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the Dotonbori district.
- Da Nang's Nightlife Appeal: Da Nang is quickly becoming a favorite for nightlife seekers, with a mix of beachfront bars and cozy pubs featuring live music, particularly along the Han River, where vibrant night markets and riverside bars create an inviting exploration environment.
- Jeju Island's Bar Variety: Jeju Island offers a diverse nightlife experience, featuring chic lounges and quirky themed bars, with a friendly local crowd and a wide drink selection, especially in the Seogwipo area, providing a refreshing escape for travelers looking for excitement and relaxation.
- Stock Split Announcement: Booking Holdings is set to execute a 25-for-1 stock split next week, marking the company's first forward split in history, which is expected to attract more investor interest and enhance market liquidity.
- Stock Performance: Since its IPO in 1999, Booking's stock has surged 753%, and over the past 25 years, it has skyrocketed by 30,490%, demonstrating its strong recovery and sustained growth potential in the online travel market.
- Financial Results: In 2025, Booking Holdings generated $26.9 billion in revenue, a 13% year-over-year increase, with adjusted earnings per share at $228.06, up 22%, indicating significant progress in restoring and expanding its business.
- Positive Market Outlook: Wall Street analysts are optimistic about Booking Holdings' future, with 79% rating it a buy or strong buy, and an average price target of $5,802, implying a 34% upside, reflecting confidence in its long-term growth prospects.
- Historic Stock Split: Booking Holdings announced a 25-for-1 stock split, marking the first forward split in its history, reflecting a remarkable 753% stock price increase since its 1999 IPO and an astounding 30,490% rise over the past 25 years, showcasing the company's successful transformation in the internet era.
- Enhanced Shareholder Returns: Shareholders of record as of March 6 will receive an additional 24 shares for each share owned after the market closes on April 2, a move expected to bolster investor confidence and attract more attention, especially with the current stock price exceeding $4,200.
- Strong Financial Performance: In 2025, Booking Holdings generated $26.9 billion in revenue, a 13% year-over-year increase, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $228.06, up 22%, demonstrating the company's robust performance and market leadership amid the travel industry's recovery.
- Optimistic Market Outlook: Wall Street analysts are bullish on Booking Holdings' future, with 79% rating it a buy or strong buy, and an average price target of about $5,802, implying a 34% upside, reflecting confidence in the company's continued growth.
- Travel Trend Analysis: According to Agoda's 2026 Travel Outlook Report, over 76% of surveyed business travelers plan to combine business trips with personal leisure, with this trend particularly strong in markets like the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, where more than 85% of business travelers are eager to extend their stays for leisure.
- Manila, Philippines: Manila stands out as a prime destination for work-from-hotel holidays, offering a dynamic business environment alongside rich cultural experiences, where travelers can explore the historic Intramuros district, enjoy shopping, or unwind at the Manila Bay sunset, showcasing the city's diverse appeal.
- Bangkok, Thailand: Known for its bustling markets and exquisite cuisine, Bangkok serves as a hotspot for mixing business with leisure, allowing travelers to visit the Grand Palace, shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market, or enjoy a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River, highlighting the city's modern infrastructure and hospitality.
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City is favored for its blend of French colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers, where visitors can explore the War Remnants Museum, enjoy coffee at a local café, or take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, with ample opportunities for relaxation through local street food and vibrant arts scene.
- Market Environment Shift: After three years of growth, growth stocks are facing pressure in 2026 as market interest in riskier assets wanes amid increasing uncertainty regarding artificial intelligence and macroeconomic factors, creating opportunities for long-term investors.
- Airbnb's Economic Moat: Airbnb has established a robust two-sided network with over 5 million short-term rental hosts and hundreds of millions of users, providing significant protection against competition, particularly from larger online travel agencies.
- New Product Expansion: The launch of Airbnb's 'Services and Experiences' program, which offers local tours and classes, is expected to enhance user appeal and booking volumes, with management noting that half of Experience bookings are independent of stays.
- International Market Investment: Airbnb is increasing its investments in international markets to attract new users and enhance booking opportunities for existing users, with revenue expected to accelerate into low double-digit growth in the coming years despite flat profits.
- Market Opportunity: Airbnb's stock trades below $150, presenting a potential opportunity for long-term investors despite macroeconomic uncertainties and AI impacts, particularly after experiencing an 11% revenue growth slowdown in Q2 2024.
- Economic Moat: Airbnb has established a strong two-sided network with over 5 million short-term rental hosts and hundreds of millions of users, providing significant protection against competition, especially from larger online travel agencies like Booking.com and Expedia.
- Product Expansion: The launch of Airbnb's 'Services and Experiences' program, offering local tours and classes, is expected to enhance user appeal and booking volume, with management noting that half of Experience bookings are not tied to stays, indicating strong potential for new business.
- International Market Investment: The company is increasing investments in international markets, which is expected to attract new users and provide existing users with more booking opportunities; while profits will remain flat, the outlook for bottom-line growth is optimistic as new products scale over the coming years.











