The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights Home Depot, Booking Holdings, Eaton and Value Line
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 19 2025
0mins
Should l Buy BKNG?
Source: NASDAQ.COM
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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: 4159.100
Low
5407
Averages
6153
High
6850
Current: 4159.100
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.
Booking Holdings Faces AI Challenges and Investment Opportunities
- Stock Price Decline: As of February 11, Booking Holdings has seen its stock price drop by 20% since the beginning of the year and 27% from its June peak, making its valuation more attractive to investors despite the bearish market sentiment.
- AI Investment and Risks: The company's significant investment in AI technology, including the development of an in-house AI trip planner and a partnership with OpenAI, enhances service capabilities but raises concerns about the future of the travel booking industry, potentially putting Booking Holdings at risk of obsolescence.
- Revenue Growth Expectations: Analysts forecast a 17% revenue increase for Q4 2025 and a 22% increase for 2025, significantly above the company's own 12% growth forecast, although growth is expected to slow to 18% in 2026, indicating sustained business growth potential.
- Valuation Attractiveness: Booking Holdings currently has a P/E ratio of 28, below the S&P 500 average of 30 and well below last summer's 40, with analysts predicting a forward P/E of 16, suggesting significant profit growth potential, even as the stock approaches 52-week lows.
See More
Booking.com’s Connected-Trip Segment Grows Over 20%
- Strong Business Growth: Booking.com’s connected-trip segment is growing over 20%, enhancing margins and cash flow timing by integrating multiple travel components, demonstrating its competitive edge and market appeal.
- AI Partnership Potential: The new partnership with ChatGPT aims to boost booking conversion and efficiency; however, despite rising competition and macroeconomic risks, successful implementation could yield long-term benefits for the company.
- Market Competition Challenge: While the connected-trip strategy and AI partnership offer Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG) opportunities to reshape travel bookings and margins, the stock's upside potential hinges on the effectiveness of these new initiatives.
- Investor Attention: Booking Holdings was not included in the analyst-recommended best stocks list, prompting investors to carefully assess its future performance in relation to market trends.
See More
Booking Holdings Reshapes Travel Bookings with AI Strategy
- Connected Trip Strategy: Booking Holdings is implementing a connected trip strategy aimed at enhancing user experience and optimizing travel booking processes, which is expected to increase customer satisfaction and market share.
- AI Partnership: The collaboration with AI technology partners enables Booking to leverage advanced data analytics and personalized recommendations, which is anticipated to significantly enhance its profit margins and operational efficiency.
- Market Drivers: As travel demand rebounds, Booking's strategic adjustments will position it favorably in a competitive market, further driving revenue growth.
- Future Growth Potential: Through continuous innovation and technology investments, Booking Holdings is expected to achieve sustainable business growth in the coming years, solidifying its leadership position in the global travel industry.
See More
Harvard Management Co. Establishes New Position in Ethereum ETF
- New Position Established: Harvard Management Co. has established a new position in the iShares Ethereum Trust ETF by acquiring 3,870,900 shares, with an estimated transaction value of $86.82 million, indicating a sustained interest in the digital asset market.
- Asset Allocation Proportion: This investment represents 4.18% of Harvard Management's reportable U.S. equity assets as of December 31, 2025, highlighting its significance within a diversified investment portfolio.
- ETF Performance Analysis: As of February 14, 2026, the Ethereum ETF's share price stands at $15.44, reflecting a 23.90% decline over the past year, underperforming the S&P 500 by approximately 35%, which indicates market caution towards this asset.
- Long-term Investment Strategy: Harvard's investment portfolio includes 19 positions with total reportable assets of $2.08 billion, demonstrating a strategic focus on diversification and long-term growth potential.
See More
Harvard Management Acquires ETHA Shares
- Significant Investment: Harvard Management recently acquired 3.87 million shares of the iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA), with an estimated transaction value of $86.82 million, indicating its ongoing commitment to the digital asset market.
- Diversified Asset Allocation: This investment represents 4.18% of Harvard Management's 13F reportable assets, highlighting its focus on cryptocurrency, particularly the potential of Ethereum within a diversified investment portfolio.
- Market Performance Comparison: Despite ETHA's 41.32% decline since inception, while the iShares Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) has risen approximately 40% since January 2024, Harvard Management remains optimistic about the long-term outlook of the crypto market, viewing ETHA as a viable investment option.
- Portfolio Management Expertise: Harvard's investment portfolio holds only 19 assets across various sectors, including commodities, real estate, technology, and cryptocurrencies, demonstrating its professional capabilities in risk management and yield optimization.
See More
Analysis of Booking Holdings' 20% Stock Decline
- Stock Decline Trend: As of February 11, Booking Holdings' stock has fallen 20% since the beginning of the year and is down 27% from its June high, reflecting investor concerns over AI and other challenges, leading to significant sell-offs.
- Earnings Outlook: The company is set to report its fourth-quarter results for 2025 on February 18, with analysts forecasting a 17% revenue increase for the quarter and a 22% increase for 2025, exceeding the company's own 12% growth forecast, indicating ongoing business expansion.
- Valuation Appeal: Booking Holdings currently has a P/E ratio of 28, below the S&P 500 average of 30 and significantly lower than its 40 multiple from last summer, with a forward P/E of 16 suggesting substantial profit growth potential ahead.
- AI Investment and Market Reaction: Despite Booking Holdings' heavy investments in AI technology, including a partnership with OpenAI, concerns about AI potentially transforming the travel booking industry persist, contributing to the ongoing decline in stock price.
See More
Booking Holdings Faces AI Challenges and Investment Opportunities
- Stock Price Decline: As of February 11, Booking Holdings has seen its stock price drop by 20% since the beginning of the year and 27% from its June peak, making its valuation more attractive to investors despite the bearish market sentiment.
- AI Investment and Risks: The company's significant investment in AI technology, including the development of an in-house AI trip planner and a partnership with OpenAI, enhances service capabilities but raises concerns about the future of the travel booking industry, potentially putting Booking Holdings at risk of obsolescence.
- Revenue Growth Expectations: Analysts forecast a 17% revenue increase for Q4 2025 and a 22% increase for 2025, significantly above the company's own 12% growth forecast, although growth is expected to slow to 18% in 2026, indicating sustained business growth potential.
- Valuation Attractiveness: Booking Holdings currently has a P/E ratio of 28, below the S&P 500 average of 30 and well below last summer's 40, with analysts predicting a forward P/E of 16, suggesting significant profit growth potential, even as the stock approaches 52-week lows.
See More
Booking.com’s Connected-Trip Segment Grows Over 20%
- Strong Business Growth: Booking.com’s connected-trip segment is growing over 20%, enhancing margins and cash flow timing by integrating multiple travel components, demonstrating its competitive edge and market appeal.
- AI Partnership Potential: The new partnership with ChatGPT aims to boost booking conversion and efficiency; however, despite rising competition and macroeconomic risks, successful implementation could yield long-term benefits for the company.
- Market Competition Challenge: While the connected-trip strategy and AI partnership offer Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG) opportunities to reshape travel bookings and margins, the stock's upside potential hinges on the effectiveness of these new initiatives.
- Investor Attention: Booking Holdings was not included in the analyst-recommended best stocks list, prompting investors to carefully assess its future performance in relation to market trends.
See More
Booking Holdings Reshapes Travel Bookings with AI Strategy
- Connected Trip Strategy: Booking Holdings is implementing a connected trip strategy aimed at enhancing user experience and optimizing travel booking processes, which is expected to increase customer satisfaction and market share.
- AI Partnership: The collaboration with AI technology partners enables Booking to leverage advanced data analytics and personalized recommendations, which is anticipated to significantly enhance its profit margins and operational efficiency.
- Market Drivers: As travel demand rebounds, Booking's strategic adjustments will position it favorably in a competitive market, further driving revenue growth.
- Future Growth Potential: Through continuous innovation and technology investments, Booking Holdings is expected to achieve sustainable business growth in the coming years, solidifying its leadership position in the global travel industry.
See More
Harvard Management Co. Establishes New Position in Ethereum ETF
- New Position Established: Harvard Management Co. has established a new position in the iShares Ethereum Trust ETF by acquiring 3,870,900 shares, with an estimated transaction value of $86.82 million, indicating a sustained interest in the digital asset market.
- Asset Allocation Proportion: This investment represents 4.18% of Harvard Management's reportable U.S. equity assets as of December 31, 2025, highlighting its significance within a diversified investment portfolio.
- ETF Performance Analysis: As of February 14, 2026, the Ethereum ETF's share price stands at $15.44, reflecting a 23.90% decline over the past year, underperforming the S&P 500 by approximately 35%, which indicates market caution towards this asset.
- Long-term Investment Strategy: Harvard's investment portfolio includes 19 positions with total reportable assets of $2.08 billion, demonstrating a strategic focus on diversification and long-term growth potential.
See More
Harvard Management Acquires ETHA Shares
- Significant Investment: Harvard Management recently acquired 3.87 million shares of the iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA), with an estimated transaction value of $86.82 million, indicating its ongoing commitment to the digital asset market.
- Diversified Asset Allocation: This investment represents 4.18% of Harvard Management's 13F reportable assets, highlighting its focus on cryptocurrency, particularly the potential of Ethereum within a diversified investment portfolio.
- Market Performance Comparison: Despite ETHA's 41.32% decline since inception, while the iShares Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) has risen approximately 40% since January 2024, Harvard Management remains optimistic about the long-term outlook of the crypto market, viewing ETHA as a viable investment option.
- Portfolio Management Expertise: Harvard's investment portfolio holds only 19 assets across various sectors, including commodities, real estate, technology, and cryptocurrencies, demonstrating its professional capabilities in risk management and yield optimization.
See More
Analysis of Booking Holdings' 20% Stock Decline
- Stock Decline Trend: As of February 11, Booking Holdings' stock has fallen 20% since the beginning of the year and is down 27% from its June high, reflecting investor concerns over AI and other challenges, leading to significant sell-offs.
- Earnings Outlook: The company is set to report its fourth-quarter results for 2025 on February 18, with analysts forecasting a 17% revenue increase for the quarter and a 22% increase for 2025, exceeding the company's own 12% growth forecast, indicating ongoing business expansion.
- Valuation Appeal: Booking Holdings currently has a P/E ratio of 28, below the S&P 500 average of 30 and significantly lower than its 40 multiple from last summer, with a forward P/E of 16 suggesting substantial profit growth potential ahead.
- AI Investment and Market Reaction: Despite Booking Holdings' heavy investments in AI technology, including a partnership with OpenAI, concerns about AI potentially transforming the travel booking industry persist, contributing to the ongoing decline in stock price.
See More
