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May 3, 2024, 6:35:23 AM
Booking Holdings Reports Q1 2024 Earnings: Travel Demand Drives Record Profits and Revenue Growth
NORWALK, CT – May 2, 2024 – Booking Holdings Inc., the world leader in online travel and related services, has today unveiled its financial results for the first quarter of 2024, showcasing substantial growth across various key financial metrics.
Significant Growth in Gross Travel Bookings
Booking Holdings reported gross travel bookings of $43.5 billion, marking a 10% increase from the same quarter in the previous year. This growth signifies a robust recovery and growing consumer confidence in travel.
Room Nights and Revenue on the Rise
The number of room nights booked through the company’s platforms saw a 9% increase compared to the prior year, indicating a sustained appetite for travel among consumers. Total revenues for the quarter followed suit, reaching $4.4 billion, a 17% rise year-over-year.
Record-breaking Profitability
A standout feature of the quarter was the dramatic surge in profitability. Net income soared to $776 million, a 192% increase from the first quarter of the previous year. This was complemented by a net income per diluted common share (EPS) of $22.37, up 220% from the prior-year quarter.
Adjusted Financial Measures Show Healthy Growth
Adjusted Net Income stood at $708 million, up 61% year-over-year, while Adjusted EPS climbed to $20.39, marking a 76% increase. Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA reached $898 million, a 53% increase from the previous year, underlining the company’s operational efficiency and profitability.
CEO Comments on Positive Trends
Glenn Fogel, CEO of Booking Holdings, expressed his satisfaction with the company's performance, stating, “We are pleased to report a strong start to 2024 with first-quarter year-over-year growth in room nights of 9%, revenue of 17%, and operating income of 76%, all of which were ahead of our prior expectations.” Fogel also highlighted the success of Booking.com, noting increased direct bookings, higher booking frequency, and more travelers advancing into the upper tiers of the Genius loyalty program.
Future Outlook and Dividend Announcement
Looking forward, Booking Holdings appears to be on a positive trajectory, with continued emphasis on enhancing the planning, booking, and traveling experience for its customers. In line with its financial health, the company's Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $8.75 per share, payable on June 28, 2024, to shareholders of record as of June 7, 2024.