Booking Holdings

Booking Holdings presented itself as a growing marketplace rather than just a booking platform: about two thirds of accesses are direct, 70% of transactions run through its own payment processing, and the Genius program accounts for 30% of customers but nearly 60% of bookings. Management highlighted broader use of generative AI, which reduces customer service costs per booking by more than 10% and increases software productivity, as well as the fast-growing "Connected Trip" segment. Financially the company remains strong with over $9 billion in annual free cash flow and $7.3 billion in share buybacks in the first half of 2026. » More on de.investing.com

The EU court in Luxembourg upheld the 2023 prohibition by the European Commission that prevents Booking from taking over the flight portal E-Traveli. The judges argued that a merger would significantly impede competition in the European Economic Area and further cement Booking’s dominant market position, for example through stronger bargaining power against hotels and higher commissions. Booking had cited efficiency gains, which the court did not consider sufficient to offset the effects. The company is reviewing a possible appeal to the European Court of Justice and says the decision is wrong. » More on sueddeutsche.de

The EU General Court in Luxembourg confirmed the European Commission's 2023 decision that Booking's takeover of eTraveli would significantly impede competition. Regulators feared higher hotel prices and increased use of the Booking platform for bundled flight-and-hotel bookings. Booking cited efficiency gains, but the court did not consider these compensatory. An appeal to the European Court of Justice is still possible; the Booking share reacted only slightly weaker. » More on finanzen.net