Will BKNG's earnings growth rate accelerate in 2025?

**Booking Holdings' (BKNG) earnings growth rate is poised to accelerate in 2025**, driven by several key factors:

1. **Positive Market Trends**: The hospitality industry is experiencing robust growth, with trends indicating an increase in leisure travel demand. This favorable trend is expected to continue, providing a solid foundation for BKNG's earnings growth.
2. **Strategic Initiatives**: BKNG has been actively expanding its global footprint and diversifying its offerings, which are crucial for sustaining and accelerating growth. The company's investment in connected trip features, merchant options, AI capabilities, and alternative accommodations is likely to contribute positively to its earnings.
3. **Financial Performance**: BKNG's historical performance shows a strong net income growth rate of 37.14% in the most recent fiscal year. Additionally, the company's gross booking value exceeded expectations, indicating a strong revenue base.

|code|Ticker|Name|Date|Net Income (FY) YoY|Net Income (FY)|market_code|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|BKNG|BKNG.O|Booking Holdings|2020|-98.78725590955807|5.9E7|185|
|BKNG|BKNG.O|Booking Holdings|2021|1874.5762711864409|1.165E9|185|
|BKNG|BKNG.O|Booking Holdings|2022|162.4892703862661|3.058E9|185|
|BKNG|BKNG.O|Booking Holdings|2023|40.25506867233486|4.289E9|185|
|BKNG|BKNG.O|Booking Holdings|2024|37.14152483096293|5.882E9|185|

4. **Analyst Optimism**: The average analyst price target for BKNG is $5558.12, with a consensus rating of "Neutral," suggesting that analysts are optimistic about the company's future performance. This sentiment is supported by increased price targets and positive future growth updates.
5. **Forecasted Growth Rates**: BKNG is forecasted to grow earnings and revenue by 12.1% and 7.5% per annum, respectively. The EPS is expected to grow by 14.6% per annum, indicating a strong earnings growth trajectory.
6. **Dividend and Shareholder Returns**: BKNG has announced an equity buyback and plans to increase its dividend, reflecting confidence in its financial stability and growth prospects.

In conclusion, BKNG's strategic positioning, strong financial performance, and positive market trends suggest that the company's earnings growth rate is likely to accelerate in 2025.