Global Travel Platform Triples Net Income Amid Middle East Challenges with Major Share Buyback

Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG) reported first-quarter 2026 results with room nights up 6% year-over-year to 338 million. Gross bookings increased to $53.8 billion, revenue rose to $5.5 billion, net income jumped 225% to $1.1 billion, and adjusted EBITDA grew 19% to $1.3 billion.

On April 2, the company executed a 25-for-1 common stock split and declared a $0.42 per-share cash dividend for the second quarter. During Q1, it repurchased approximately $3.6 billion of its own shares, leaving $18.2 billion available under the current buyback authorization. Despite headwinds from the Middle East conflict, Booking provided guidance for second-quarter and full-year 2026 growth in room nights, gross bookings, revenue, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS. On May 26, General Counsel and Vice President Peter J. Miyones sold 62,500 shares under a trading plan established in November 2024, generating roughly $10.3 million, and still holds about 425,000 shares.

Following the Q1 release, Booking lowered its second-quarter revenue growth target and full-year 2026 outlook, citing weakened travel demand in the Middle East, which drove the share price down about 5% and increased market volatility. In May, the company also issued $750 million of senior notes due 2036 with a 5.375% coupon to strengthen its long-term financial flexibility.

Booking Holdings is the world’s largest online travel intermediary, operating brands such as Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, KAYAK and OpenTable in over 220 countries and territories. The company offers an integrated travel platform covering accommodations, air tickets and car rentals. Although the online travel industry has enjoyed structural growth since the post-COVID-19 recovery and digital shift, it remains sensitive to geopolitical risks and economic cycles.