Booking stock price target raised to $6,000 by Susquehanna

Published 24/02/2025, 12:58
©  Reuters

On Monday, Susquehanna maintained a Positive rating on Booking Holdings (NASDAQ:BKNG) and raised the company’s price target from $5,500 to $6,000. This adjustment comes following a reevaluation of the company’s financial estimates. Currently trading at $4,990, the stock has shown impressive momentum with a 43.6% return over the past year. According to InvestingPro analysis, the stock appears slightly overvalued at current levels.

The firm’s analyst provided insight into the rationale behind the price target increase, stating that despite a 2% reduction in the 2025 revenue estimate for Booking Holdings, expectations for EBITDA and EPS have been adjusted upwards by 1% and 2%, respectively. This revision reflects a more efficient operational outlook for the company, supported by its impressive 85.9% gross profit margin and strong revenue growth of 11.1% over the last twelve months.

Looking ahead, Susquehanna has set forth estimates for the year 2026, predicting an 8% year-over-year revenue growth, EBITDA margins at 36%, and earnings per share (EPS) to reach $243.93. These projections are instrumental in the firm’s decision to lift the price target. InvestingPro data reveals the company maintains a GREAT financial health score, with particularly strong profitability metrics.

The methodology behind the new price target involves a blended valuation approach. Susquehanna applies a 25x multiple to the company’s projected 2026 price-to-earnings (P/E) and an 18x multiple to the 2026 enterprise value/EBITDA (EV/EBITDA). This calculation underpins the increased price target.

The raised price target to $6,000 from $5,500 is based on these updated financial metrics and valuation methods, as the firm rolls its valuation forward to the year 2026. Susquehanna’s analysis indicates a positive outlook for Booking Holdings, as reflected in the sustained Positive rating and the higher price target.

In other recent news, Booking Holdings has reported a strong fourth-quarter performance, capturing the attention of several analyst firms. Citizens JMP maintained a Market Outperform rating with a steady price target of $6,100, highlighting the company’s effective use of social marketing and cost management strategies. UBS raised its price target for Booking Holdings to $5,960, noting a 13% year-over-year growth in Room Nights booked and suggesting potential for upward revisions to conservative first-quarter forecasts. TD Cowen increased their price target to $6,500, citing significant growth in overnight bookings and a robust shareholder return program, including a $20 billion increase in buyback authorization.

RBC Capital Markets also raised its price target to $5,900, crediting Booking Holdings’ ability to consistently exceed earnings expectations and its strategic growth initiatives. Benchmark followed suit, increasing their price target to $5,900 as well, while maintaining a Buy rating, despite noting a more conservative margin expansion guidance. Analysts across the board have expressed confidence in Booking Holdings’ strategic initiatives, including the Connected Trip and Genius Loyalty programs, which are expected to drive further growth.

The company’s commitment to reinvestment in growth and transformation is seen as a key factor in its competitive positioning. Booking Holdings’ strong financial health and market position are underscored by its ability to outperform competitors and maintain a positive outlook among analysts. These developments indicate a sustained confidence in the company’s growth trajectory and market leadership.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.