Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. Reduces Holdings in Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG)

Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. has decreased its stake in Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) by 2.2% during the last quarter of the year. In its recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), it was disclosed that the institutional investor now holds 9,204 shares of the online travel services company's stock after selling 206 shares during this period. As of the end of the most recent quarter, Tocqueville Asset Management L.P.'s holdings in Booking amounted to $45,729,000.

Institutional Changes in Holdings

Several other significant investors have also adjusted their positions in Booking Holdings. Garner Asset Management Corp raised its stake by 0.8% during the third quarter and now owns 258 shares valued at $1,087,000 after acquiring 2 additional shares. Optimist Retirement Group LLC increased its holdings by 2.2% in the same period, currently owning 91 shares worth $383,000 after buying 2 more shares. Raymond James Trust N.A. boosted its stake by 0.5%, with a total of 662 shares valued at $2,788,000 following the purchase of 3 additional shares. Similarly, Nicolet Advisory Services LLC increased its position by 1.3% to hold 241 shares worth $989,000 after acquiring an extra 3 shares. Finally, Crewe Advisors LLC raised its stake by 1.9%, now owning 160 shares valued at $674,000 after purchasing 3 additional shares. Approximately 92.42% of Booking's stock is held by institutional investors.

Analysts' Outlook for Booking Holdings

Many analysts have provided insights on the stock. DA Davidson has increased its price target on Booking shares from $5,005.00 to $5,800.00, assigning a "buy" rating in a recent report. Similarly, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its price target from $5,575.00 to $5,750.00, giving the stock an "overweight" rating. Mizuho has also adjusted their target from $5,400.00 to $6,000.00 while maintaining an "outperform" rating. Additionally, Robert W. Baird initiated coverage with an "outperform" rating, setting a price target of $5,850.00. Currently, nine analysts have rated the stock as a hold, twenty-one as a buy, and two as a strong buy, leading to an average rating of "Moderate Buy" with a price target of $5,370.43 according to MarketBeat.

Current Trading Performance of Booking Stock

The stock for Booking opened at $4,465.48 recently. With a market capitalization of $146.53 billion, it currently has a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.81 and a beta of 1.40. The company has recorded a 1-year low of $3,180.00 and a high of $5,337.24. Its average price over the last 50 days is at $4,816.74, while the 200-day average stands at $4,682.53.

Recent Company Developments

Booking recently announced an increase in its quarterly dividend, which will be distributed on March 31st. Shareholders of record by March 7th will receive a dividend of $9.60, amounting to an annualized dividend of $38.40 with a yield of 0.86%. This is an increase from the previous dividend of $8.75. The payout ratio is currently 22.19%.

About Booking Holdings Inc.

Booking Holdings Inc., previously known as The Priceline Group Inc., provides various online reservation services for travel and dining. The company connects consumers seeking travel bookings with service providers worldwide. Its brands, including Booking.com, priceline.com, and agoda.com, offer a wide range of accommodation options, such as hotels, bed and breakfasts, hostels, apartments, vacation rentals, and other lodging types.

Conclusion and Further Insights

For investors, understanding Booking's current position in the market and shifts in institutional holdings could provide valuable insights. While analysts have mixed ratings, the stock remains a significant consideration for investment portfolios.

Tocqueville, Investment, Booking