After-Hours Earnings Surprises: Booking Holdings, MercadoLibre, and Celsius Shine

In the dynamic world of after-hours earnings, three companies have recently stood out: Booking Holdings, MercadoLibre, and Celsius. Each of these companies has reported impressive results, driving their stocks to new heights and solidifying their positions in their respective industries.

Booking Holdings: A Strong Finish to 2024

Booking Holdings, the world's leading provider of online travel and related services, reported strong fourth-quarter results, with revenue of $5.47 billion, beating analyst estimates of $5.18 billion. Adjusted earnings per share were $41.55, surpassing analyst estimates of $35.89. Total revenue increased 14% year-over-year, room nights grew 13%, and gross bookings climbed 17%. Glenn Fogel, CEO of Booking Holdings, stated, "We are pleased to be reporting a strong finish to 2024, with full year revenue increasing by 11% year-over-year while delivering faster profitability growth."



MercadoLibre: A Powerhouse in Latin America

MercadoLibre, the leading online marketplace in Latin America, reported diluted earnings per share of $12.61, topping the analyst estimate of $7.90 by a large margin. Revenue for the quarter reached $6.1 billion, exceeding expectations of $5.88 billion. Total payment volume increased significantly to $58.9 billion, up 32.5% year-over-year. Gross merchandise volume (GMV) rose by 8.2% year-over-year to $14.5 billion. MercadoLibre's fintech arm, Mercado Pago, witnessed a 29% year-over-year increase in monthly active users, reaching 61.2 million. The company's total credit portfolio expanded to $6.6 billion, a 74% increase year-over-year.



Celsius: Growing in the Functional Beverages Market

Celsius reported fourth-quarter revenue of $332.2 million, beating analyst estimates of $327.97 million. Earnings per share were 14 cents, surpassing analyst estimates of 11 cents. Total revenue was down 4% on a year-over-year basis, but international revenue was up 39% year-over-year. Celsius retail sales increased 2% year-over-year, and category market share came in at 10.9%. The company ended the quarter with $890.19 million in cash and cash equivalents. Celsius also announced the acquisition of Alani Nutrition for $1.8 billion, which is expected to be cash EPS accretive in the first year.



In conclusion, the after-hours earnings reports of Booking Holdings, MercadoLibre, and Celsius reflect the overall health and growth prospects of their respective industries. Each company's strategic initiatives and acquisitions have strengthened their competitive positions and set the stage for future growth. As investors, we should keep a close eye on these companies and their respective industries to capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead.