Street View: AI joins the itinerary as analysts back Booking's long-haul growth story
BKNG•Booking beats profit estimates but trims outlook
** Booking Holdings BKNG.O topped second-quarter profit estimates on strong U.S. travel demand, but cut its annual gross bookings outlook amid disruptions from the Middle East conflict
** Shares were up 7.47% at $208.80 in premarket trading
Analysts see long-term growth supported by AI and travel demand
** Wedbush ("outperform," PT: $247) says co's resilient travel demand, operational execution and growing use of AI position the company for sustained growth despite ongoing geopolitical headwinds
** Piper Sandler ("neutral," PT: $215) says BKNG should continue to benefit from strength in U.S. and Asia travel demand, although Middle East-related disruptions could weigh on bookings growth in the near term
** B. Riley ("buy," PT: $274) says Booking Holdings' healthy demand trends across key markets, coupled with progress in AI, loyalty, U.S. and Asia expansion, should support sustained long-term growth and profitability despite lingering Middle East-related travel disruption
** Jefferies ("hold," PT: $200) says Booking Holdings' U.S. demand and strong earnings model should support growth, but uncertainty around international travel trends and search-related traffic pressures warrants caution
