Booking Holdings reported a strong start to 2025, with first-quarter results exceeding analyst predictions. The company posted an adjusted profit of $24.81 per share, significantly above the anticipated $17.33. Quarterly revenue reached $4.76 billion, higher than the forecast of $4.59 billion. Additionally, gross bookings climbed 7% from the previous year to $46.7 billion, and room nights booked also saw a 7% increase, totaling 319 million.
The performance was buoyed by a robust demand for international travel, especially in Southeast Asia. Affluent Chinese travelers contributed to a rise in lodging and travel service prices in that region. Meanwhile, the U.S. market displayed some weakness, attributed to fears of recession sparked by President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, as highlighted by Reuters.
CEO Glenn Fogel acknowledged the broader economic challenges and geopolitical uncertainties impacting the market. Despite these concerns, he emphasized the company's commitment to maintaining its focus on long-term growth strategies, navigating through the short-term economic fluctuations.