Benchmark lifts Booking Holdings stock price target to $6,000

On Wednesday, Benchmark analyst Daniel Kurnos increased the price target on Booking Holdings (NASDAQ:BKNG) to $6,000 from the previous $5,900, while reaffirming a Buy rating on the stock. The adjustment followed Booking Holdings’ recent earnings report, which Kurnos characterized as a "solid print across the board," with better-than-expected profitability and a stable outlook for leisure travel demand, despite widening the annual guidance range due to incremental uncertainty. The company, currently valued at $160.24 billion, maintains impressive gross profit margins of 86.63% and has demonstrated solid revenue growth of 9.47% over the last twelve months.

Booking Holdings’ shares dipped approximately 3% in after-hours trading, despite the company’s performance metrics surpassing consensus predictions. According to InvestingPro, eight analysts have recently revised their earnings upward for the upcoming period, suggesting continued optimism about the company’s prospects. The market’s reaction may have been tempered by a variety of factors, including possibly high expectations, the company’s global diversification, and anticipation of potential benefits from a weaker dollar. However, the earnings report was generally robust, with no overwhelming surprises.

The analyst noted that Booking Holdings has historically outperformed its peers during economic downturns, both operationally and in stock performance. This track record, combined with a comprehensive risk assessment in the revised guidance, positions Booking Holdings as a potentially resilient choice in the face of market volatility. InvestingPro analysis reveals the company maintains a "GREAT" financial health score, with particularly strong profitability metrics. Subscribers can access 8 additional ProTips and a comprehensive Pro Research Report for deeper insights.

The earnings season for online travel agencies (OTAs) continues with Airbnb’s (NASDAQ:ABNB) report expected this Thursday and Expedia ’s (NASDAQ:EXPE) announcement scheduled for the following Thursday. Kurnos mentioned that additional commentary on the U.S. market dynamics will be examined in light of these upcoming reports, especially given Airbnb and Expedia’s substantial domestic exposure.

In conclusion, Kurnos expressed confidence in Booking Holdings’ ability to navigate the current market environment, citing its strong margin commentary and performance relative to competitors. The raised price target reflects the analyst’s optimistic view of the company’s future prospects.

In other recent news, Booking Holdings reported strong first-quarter 2025 earnings, with an adjusted EPS of $24.81, significantly surpassing Wall Street’s forecast of $17.45. The company also achieved $4.76 billion in revenue, exceeding expectations of $4.59 billion. Following these results, several analyst firms updated their price targets for the company. JPMorgan raised their target to $5,360, maintaining an Overweight rating, while Goldman Sachs increased theirs to $4,680 with a Neutral rating. Cantor Fitzgerald adjusted their target to $4,440, also maintaining a Neutral rating, and JMP elevated their target to $5,700, keeping a Market Outperform rating.

Booking Holdings has experienced stable global leisure travel demand in 2025, with notable growth in alternative accommodations and direct bookings. The company is also strategically investing in artificial intelligence to enhance customer experience. Despite the positive financial performance, the company is broadening its full-year earnings guidance range due to potential macroeconomic uncertainties. Analysts have noted the company’s resilience and ability to navigate these uncertainties better than its peers, thanks to its geographically diversified platform.

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