Booking Holdings Inc (BKNG)vsRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL)
BKNG
Booking Holdings Inc
$4,324.04
+0.69%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $143.19B
RCL
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd
$263.65
-3.07%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $75.79B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Booking Holdings Inc generates 50% more annual revenue ($26.92B vs $17.93B). RCL leads profitability with a 23.8% profit margin vs 20.1%. BKNG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.84. BKNG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).
BKNG
Strong Buy78
out of 100
Grade: B+
RCL
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+44.6%
Fair Value
$7754.76
Current Price
$4324.04
$3430.72 discount
Margin of Safety
+53.8%
Fair Value
$723.06
Current Price
$263.65
$459.41 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 226 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 32.5%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Every $100 of equity generates 48 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 22.0%
Earnings expanding 37.1% YoY
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : BKNG
The strongest argument for BKNG centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.1% and operating margin at 32.5%. Revenue growth of 16.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : RCL
The strongest argument for RCL centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.8% and operating margin at 22.0%. Revenue growth of 13.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : BKNG
The primary concerns for BKNG are P/E Ratio.
Bear Case : RCL
The primary concerns for RCL are Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
BKNG profiles as a growth stock while RCL is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
RCL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.93 — expect wider price swings.
BKNG is growing revenue faster at 16.0% — sustainability is the question.
BKNG generates stronger free cash flow (1.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
BKNG scores higher overall (78/100 vs 74/100), backed by strong 20.1% margins and 16.0% revenue growth. RCL offers better value entry with a 53.8% 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.
Visit Website →Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · TRAVEL SERVICES · USA
Royal Caribbean Group, formerly known as Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., is an American global cruise holding company incorporated in Liberia and based in Miami, Florida, US.
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