Italy Investigates Booking.com for Unfair Practices
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Aug 01 2025
0mins
Should l Buy BKNG?
Source: Reuters
Booking Holdings Inc. saw a decline of 5% as it crossed below its 5-day SMA amid news of an antitrust investigation. Italy's antitrust regulator has opened an investigation into Booking.com and its subsidiaries for alleged unfair commercial practices, particularly concerning the 'Preferred Partners' program that favors hotels paying higher commissions. This scrutiny, which included on-site inspections by finance police, could significantly impact Booking.com's reputation and operations in Italy.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy BKNG?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on BKNG
Wall Street analysts forecast BKNG stock price to rise
25 Analyst Rating
18 Buy
7 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 171.280
Low
5407
Averages
6153
High
6850
Current: 171.280
Low
5407
Averages
6153
High
6850
About BKNG
Booking Holdings Inc. is a provider of travel and restaurant online reservation and related services. The Company offers its services through five primary consumer-facing brands: Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, KAYAK, and OpenTable. Through its brands, consumers can book an array of accommodations (including hotels, motels, resorts, homes, apartments, bed and breakfasts, hostels, and other alternative and traditional accommodation properties) and a flight to their destinations; make a car rental reservation or arrange for an airport taxi; make a dinner reservation; or book a vacation package, tour, activity, or cruise. Consumers can also use its meta-search services to easily compare travel reservation information, such as flight, hotel, and rental car reservations from hundreds of online travel platforms at once. Booking.com offers accommodation reservation services for approximately 4.0 million properties in over 220 countries and territories and in over 40 languages.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Expedia Shares Drop 8% Amid Middle East Conflict and Travel Advisory
- Quarterly Booking Setback: Expedia's quarterly bookings and room-night growth were impacted by approximately 200 basis points due to the ongoing Middle East conflict and a travel advisory in Mexico, leading to an 8% drop in shares before the bell on Friday, reflecting market concerns over travel safety.
- International Visitor Caution: Military strikes in the Middle East have resulted in airspace closures across several countries, and although this region accounts for less than 2% of Expedia's total bookings, elevated cancellation rates from travelers in Europe and Asia have significantly affected the company's overall performance.
- Competitor Impact: Analyst Michael Bellisario from Baird noted that despite Booking Holdings having twice the regional exposure, both companies experienced similar booking declines, indicating a broader deterioration in market conditions.
- U.S. Market Bright Spot: Despite these challenges, Expedia continues to perform well in the recovering U.S. travel market, with analysts suggesting that the company's decision to maintain its full-year guidance is reasonable, reflecting a strategic response to macroeconomic uncertainties.
See More
Expedia Beats Q1 Estimates Amid Strong Travel Demand
- Earnings Beat: Expedia reported an adjusted profit of $1.96 per share for Q1, surpassing analysts' expectations of $1.38, demonstrating strong profitability amid robust international travel demand.
- Significant Revenue Growth: Q1 revenue rose approximately 15% year-over-year to $3.43 billion, exceeding market expectations of $3.35 billion, indicating stronger performance in global markets compared to the U.S.
- Impact of Conflict on Bookings: Although the Middle East conflict negatively affected bookings, resulting in a two-point decline in gross bookings and room nights, cancellations have subsided in April, indicating potential market recovery.
- Strong Advertising Performance: The company's advertising and media segment grew by 15% in Q1, with Trivago achieving a remarkable 47% revenue growth, further enhancing the overall revenue structure of the company.
See More
Carvana's First Forward Stock Split Sparks Investor Interest
- Significant Price Surge: Carvana's stock skyrocketed from an all-time low of $3.72 in December 2022 to $379, reflecting a staggering 10,091% increase, showcasing the success of its online used-car sales model and attracting investor interest.
- First Forward Split: Announced on March 13, Carvana's 5-for-1 forward stock split aims to enhance stock accessibility for all team members while lowering the purchase threshold for retail investors, with an expected post-split price around $76.
- Remarkable Sales Growth: Carvana achieved a 49% sales growth last year, contrasting sharply with its main competitor CarMax's low single-digit growth, indicating Carvana's competitive edge and growth potential in the market.
- Shift to Profitability: With nearly $1.9 billion in net income last year, bolstered by tax benefits, Carvana's high valuation premium raises caution among investors, as companies with inflated valuations are often hit hardest during market downturns.
See More
Booking Holdings CEO to Participate in J.P. Morgan Conference
- Executive Participation: Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel will participate in the J.P. Morgan 2026 Global Technology, Media, and Communications Conference on May 20 in Boston, showcasing the company's leadership in the industry.
- Live and Replay Availability: The event will feature a live audio cast accessible to the public via the company's website, with a replay available approximately 24 hours later, enhancing engagement with investors and the public.
- Tech-Driven Business Model: Booking Holdings leverages advanced AI and machine learning technologies to simplify and personalize the travel experience, further solidifying its leadership position in the global online travel services market, covering over 220 countries and territories.
- Brand Influence Enhancement: By participating in significant industry conferences, Booking Holdings not only demonstrates its innovative capabilities but also enhances its brand influence in the global travel market, attracting more consumer and partner attention.
See More
Booking.com Launches Classic Car Road Trip Experience
- Classic Car Experience: Booking.com, as the Official Travel Partner of the Route 66 Centennial, is offering a road trip experience featuring classic cars like the 1966 Thunderbird, 1960s VW Bus, and DeLorean, appealing to nostalgic travelers.
- Market Trend: With road trips gaining popularity in the U.S., Booking.com's research indicates that the U.S. is one of the top road trip markets globally, reflecting strong consumer demand for unique travel experiences.
- Incentive Program: Participants not only get to drive classic cars but also earn $10,000 in Booking.com Wallet Credits, a strategy designed to enhance user engagement and satisfaction.
- Spring Event: This initiative will take place in spring, coinciding with peak travel season, allowing Booking.com to further solidify its leadership in the travel market while catering to consumer desires for personalized and unique travel experiences.
See More
Investment Opportunity Analysis for Booking Holdings Stock
- Market Leadership: Booking Holdings, as the largest travel company globally, boasts a market cap of approximately $138 billion, significantly surpassing second-place Marriott International at $95 billion, highlighting its dominant position in the online travel sector.
- Strong Financial Performance: In Q1 2023, Booking reported a 16% year-over-year revenue increase, with bookings rising 15% and room nights up 6%, demonstrating robust business resilience despite challenges from geopolitical conflicts.
- Attractive Valuation: Currently, Booking's stock trades at a P/E ratio of 16, near its lowest level in a decade, and its five-year PEG ratio of 0.73 indicates significant undervaluation relative to its long-term earnings potential, presenting a compelling buying opportunity.
- Analyst Optimism: With 83% of Wall Street analysts rating Booking stock as a buy and a median price target of $235, suggesting a 32% upside, there is strong market confidence in its long-term value despite short-term volatility.
See More
Expedia Shares Drop 8% Amid Middle East Conflict and Travel Advisory
- Quarterly Booking Setback: Expedia's quarterly bookings and room-night growth were impacted by approximately 200 basis points due to the ongoing Middle East conflict and a travel advisory in Mexico, leading to an 8% drop in shares before the bell on Friday, reflecting market concerns over travel safety.
- International Visitor Caution: Military strikes in the Middle East have resulted in airspace closures across several countries, and although this region accounts for less than 2% of Expedia's total bookings, elevated cancellation rates from travelers in Europe and Asia have significantly affected the company's overall performance.
- Competitor Impact: Analyst Michael Bellisario from Baird noted that despite Booking Holdings having twice the regional exposure, both companies experienced similar booking declines, indicating a broader deterioration in market conditions.
- U.S. Market Bright Spot: Despite these challenges, Expedia continues to perform well in the recovering U.S. travel market, with analysts suggesting that the company's decision to maintain its full-year guidance is reasonable, reflecting a strategic response to macroeconomic uncertainties.
See More
Expedia Beats Q1 Estimates Amid Strong Travel Demand
- Earnings Beat: Expedia reported an adjusted profit of $1.96 per share for Q1, surpassing analysts' expectations of $1.38, demonstrating strong profitability amid robust international travel demand.
- Significant Revenue Growth: Q1 revenue rose approximately 15% year-over-year to $3.43 billion, exceeding market expectations of $3.35 billion, indicating stronger performance in global markets compared to the U.S.
- Impact of Conflict on Bookings: Although the Middle East conflict negatively affected bookings, resulting in a two-point decline in gross bookings and room nights, cancellations have subsided in April, indicating potential market recovery.
- Strong Advertising Performance: The company's advertising and media segment grew by 15% in Q1, with Trivago achieving a remarkable 47% revenue growth, further enhancing the overall revenue structure of the company.
See More
Carvana's First Forward Stock Split Sparks Investor Interest
- Significant Price Surge: Carvana's stock skyrocketed from an all-time low of $3.72 in December 2022 to $379, reflecting a staggering 10,091% increase, showcasing the success of its online used-car sales model and attracting investor interest.
- First Forward Split: Announced on March 13, Carvana's 5-for-1 forward stock split aims to enhance stock accessibility for all team members while lowering the purchase threshold for retail investors, with an expected post-split price around $76.
- Remarkable Sales Growth: Carvana achieved a 49% sales growth last year, contrasting sharply with its main competitor CarMax's low single-digit growth, indicating Carvana's competitive edge and growth potential in the market.
- Shift to Profitability: With nearly $1.9 billion in net income last year, bolstered by tax benefits, Carvana's high valuation premium raises caution among investors, as companies with inflated valuations are often hit hardest during market downturns.
See More
Booking Holdings CEO to Participate in J.P. Morgan Conference
- Executive Participation: Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel will participate in the J.P. Morgan 2026 Global Technology, Media, and Communications Conference on May 20 in Boston, showcasing the company's leadership in the industry.
- Live and Replay Availability: The event will feature a live audio cast accessible to the public via the company's website, with a replay available approximately 24 hours later, enhancing engagement with investors and the public.
- Tech-Driven Business Model: Booking Holdings leverages advanced AI and machine learning technologies to simplify and personalize the travel experience, further solidifying its leadership position in the global online travel services market, covering over 220 countries and territories.
- Brand Influence Enhancement: By participating in significant industry conferences, Booking Holdings not only demonstrates its innovative capabilities but also enhances its brand influence in the global travel market, attracting more consumer and partner attention.
See More
Booking.com Launches Classic Car Road Trip Experience
- Classic Car Experience: Booking.com, as the Official Travel Partner of the Route 66 Centennial, is offering a road trip experience featuring classic cars like the 1966 Thunderbird, 1960s VW Bus, and DeLorean, appealing to nostalgic travelers.
- Market Trend: With road trips gaining popularity in the U.S., Booking.com's research indicates that the U.S. is one of the top road trip markets globally, reflecting strong consumer demand for unique travel experiences.
- Incentive Program: Participants not only get to drive classic cars but also earn $10,000 in Booking.com Wallet Credits, a strategy designed to enhance user engagement and satisfaction.
- Spring Event: This initiative will take place in spring, coinciding with peak travel season, allowing Booking.com to further solidify its leadership in the travel market while catering to consumer desires for personalized and unique travel experiences.
See More
Investment Opportunity Analysis for Booking Holdings Stock
- Market Leadership: Booking Holdings, as the largest travel company globally, boasts a market cap of approximately $138 billion, significantly surpassing second-place Marriott International at $95 billion, highlighting its dominant position in the online travel sector.
- Strong Financial Performance: In Q1 2023, Booking reported a 16% year-over-year revenue increase, with bookings rising 15% and room nights up 6%, demonstrating robust business resilience despite challenges from geopolitical conflicts.
- Attractive Valuation: Currently, Booking's stock trades at a P/E ratio of 16, near its lowest level in a decade, and its five-year PEG ratio of 0.73 indicates significant undervaluation relative to its long-term earnings potential, presenting a compelling buying opportunity.
- Analyst Optimism: With 83% of Wall Street analysts rating Booking stock as a buy and a median price target of $235, suggesting a 32% upside, there is strong market confidence in its long-term value despite short-term volatility.
See More
