8 Best Cyclical Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds

4. Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG)

Number of Hedge Fund Investors: 93

Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) is a global leader in online travel and related services, operating platforms such as Booking.com, Priceline, and Agoda. The company earns revenue through commissions on bookings for hotels, flights, car rentals, and vacation packages. Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) has a presence in over 220 countries and relies on its robust technology and data analytics to optimize user experiences.

Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) is focusing on its vision of a “Connected Trip,” where travelers can plan and book multiple elements of their trip on a single platform. This helps integrate different travel components into a more seamless booking experience. Additionally, the company is expanding its Genius loyalty program at Booking.com into other travel verticals, such as flights and rental cars, to further enhance the value proposition for both travelers and partners. By making it easier to plan and book multiple travel elements, the company aims to drive higher engagement and loyalty.

Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) is also focusing on the expansion of its alternative accommodations segment, to provide a diverse range of accommodation options, from hotels to vacation rentals, to meet the varying needs and preferences of its travelers. The company has also launched several AI-driven tools, such as the AI trip planner on Booking.com. The company plans to use insights from AI trip planners to develop new applications, including a smart filter that makes over 200 potential search filters findable through a free text interface. Similar AI initiatives are underway across other brands, including Priceline’s Penny, a generative AI travel assistant, and Agoda’s implementation of over 120 use cases for GenAI across various functions.