Booking Holdings Inc.: Recent Performance, Earnings Outlook, and Institutional Activity
Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG) is a leading online travel company that enables consumers worldwide to book accommodation, rental cars, airline tickets, and vacation packages through its digital platform. With a market capitalization of approximately $162 billion and a 2026‑02‑01 closing price of $5,122.25, the company’s share price has climbed more than 100 % over the past three years, reflecting robust growth in its travel‑booking business.
Share‑Price Momentum Over the Past Three Years
On 2023‑02‑02, when Booking first opened on the Nasdaq, its closing price was $2,455.07. A hypothetical investment of $10,000 at that time would have yielded 4,073 shares. By 2026‑02‑02 the stock was valued at $5,122.25, giving those shares a market value of $20,863.97. This represents an increase of 108.64 % in investment value over three years, underscoring the company’s ability to translate growing travel demand into shareholder returns.
Earnings Forecast for the Latest Quarter
Booking announced that it would present its financial results for the quarter ended 31 December 2025 on 18 February 2026. Analysts are projecting a earnings‑per‑share (EPS) of $48.47, a substantial rise from the $31.95 EPS reported in the same quarter last year. Revenue is expected to average $6.13 billion, reflecting an 11.98 % year‑over‑year increase compared with the $5.47 billion reported in the preceding year. These figures suggest continued expansion in Booking’s core booking volume and pricing power.
Institutional and ETF Trading Activity
Several institutional investors and exchange‑traded funds have been active in Booking’s shares in recent days:
| Date | Source | Activity | Shares | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026‑02‑02 | feeds.feedburner.com | Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF sold 695 shares | 695 | ETF rebalancing or portfolio adjustment |
| 2026‑02‑02 | feeds.feedburner.com | Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta World Low Vol Plus Equity ETF bought 395 shares | 395 | Potential long‑term view on global consumer discretionary |
| 2026‑02‑01 | feeds.feedburner.com | Mayar Capital Ltd. bought 870 shares | 870 | Institutional buy reflecting confidence in Booking’s growth |
These transactions indicate that both large‑cap and low‑volatility funds are reassessing their exposure to Booking, while private investors continue to add positions.
Market Context and Sector Outlook
Booking operates within the consumer discretionary sector, specifically the internet and catalog retail industry. Its price‑earnings ratio of 34.03 is consistent with peer valuations in high‑growth online travel platforms. The company’s historical performance, coupled with the upcoming earnings release, positions it as a focal point for analysts assessing the resilience of the global travel market amid changing consumer preferences and geopolitical dynamics.
In summary, Booking Holdings Inc. has demonstrated significant share‑price appreciation and strong earnings growth expectations for the current quarter. Institutional trading activity reflects ongoing interest in the company’s trajectory, while its fundamental metrics continue to support an optimistic view of its role in the evolving travel‑booking landscape.
