WallStSmart

Booking Holdings Inc (BKNG)vsCarnival Plc ADS (CUK)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Booking Holdings Inc generates 5% more annual revenue ($28.24B vs $26.98B). BKNG leads profitability with a 25.5% profit margin vs 11.5%. BKNG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.64. BKNG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).

BKNG

Strong Buy

76

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 10.0Value: 6.7Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.05

CUK

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.0Value: 8.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.89
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

BKNGUndervalued (+10.9%)

Margin of Safety

+10.9%

Fair Value

$188.41

Current Price

$167.90

$20.51 discount

UndervaluedFair: $188.41Overvalued
CUKUndervalued (+75.5%)

Margin of Safety

+75.5%

Fair Value

$134.00

Current Price

$27.47

$106.53 discount

UndervaluedFair: $134.00Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BKNG6 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
225.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 226 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
34.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 34.4%

EPS GrowthGrowth
130.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 130.0% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
-1.9210/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.0510/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$130.68B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

CUK4 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
25.2%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 25 in profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
35.8%8/10

Earnings expanding 35.8% YoY

Areas to Watch

BKNG0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

CUK2 concerns · Avg: 1.5/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.892/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
2.281/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : BKNG

The strongest argument for BKNG centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 25.5% and operating margin at 34.4%. PEG of 0.64 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : CUK

The strongest argument for CUK centers on Return on Equity, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 1.12 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : BKNG

No major red flags identified for BKNG, but monitor valuation.

Bear Case : CUK

The primary concerns for CUK are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.28 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BKNG profiles as a mature stock while CUK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

CUK carries more volatility with a beta of 2.33 — expect wider price swings.

BKNG is growing revenue faster at 8.1% — sustainability is the question.

BKNG generates stronger free cash flow (3.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

BKNG scores higher overall (76/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 25.5% margins. CUK offers better value entry with a 75.5% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Booking Holdings Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · TRAVEL SERVICES · USA

Booking Holdings Inc. is an American travel technology company organized in Delaware and based in Norwalk, Connecticut, that owns and operates several travel fare aggregators and travel fare metasearch engines including namesake and flagship Booking.com, Priceline.com, Agoda.com, Kayak.com, Cheapflights, Rentalcars.com, Momondo, and OpenTable.

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Carnival Plc ADS

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · TRAVEL SERVICES · USA

Carnival Corporation & plc is a leisure travel company. The company is headquartered in Miami, Florida.

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