Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG-Q)

They just reported, but shares fell. Gross bookings, revenue and adjusted EPS all beat. Some of these were record numbers, and they bear their peer, Expedia in some categories. But the market punished them for their dour guidance, particular the impact of the Israel-Hamas was. Booking's business is international, with only 13% of sales from the U.S. Trades at a high 17x 2024 PE.

Not just online travel bookings, but they also car rentals, Open Table for restaurant bookings, and Kayak, so they cross-sell. Highly profitable. They earn $140/share in 2023 and projects $160 in 2024. Not expensive.

Total obligations have gone from $13.1B at year end 2022 to $14.5B at June 30 2023. While $1.4B is a 'lot' we also note that cash grew $500M in the same period, and total cash is $15.7B, more than total debt. Thus, we would not consider debt high at all here in the big picture. Also, the balance sheet movements largely reflect a massive amount ($9B) of share buybacks in the past year. With near $7B in free cash flow annually, we would consider the balance sheet exceptionally strong. 
Unlock Premium - Try 5i Free

The former Priceline (and currently owns several online travel companies) is noted for its share buybacks (buying 8% of shares this year). Shares are up 52% this year.

Shares are popping 9% on earnings. He wonders about future bookings into the fall, which could be the canary in the coalmine; people can book trips ahead, but cancel later. Capacities have been tight in planes and lodging. What will cancellations be like? Also, he's not sure business travel will return this fall, given the work from home trend.

Shares are popping 9% on earnings. They have a lot more international exposure than Expedia. Also good was that their US business was up nearly 10%. Also, there's no sign of slowing in travel. She's sticking with her position and make take profits later.

Fabulous company that was thrown in the trash. Controls lots of franchises within the ecosystem of the travel industry, and doing a great job. Growth rates are probably around 20% per year.

She trimmed her holding recently. It's outperformed the market the past year and has had a good run. It's a discretionary and tech and about travel which is doing well, though possibly could slow. But still likes it and remains a large holding.

Not the value it was, but still good value. Growing rapidly. Asset light model was beneficial during pandemic. Estimated to earn $125 EPS in 2023. Notes that revenge travel won't go on forever. Well managed.