Stock Analysis on Net
Stock Analysis on Net

Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG)

Economic Value Added (EVA)

Microsoft Excel

EVA is registered trademark of Stern Stewart.

Economic value added or economic profit is the difference between revenues and costs,where costs include not only expenses, but also cost of capital.


Economic Profit

Booking Holdings Inc., economic profit calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2025 Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)1 5,449 6,151 3,758 2,965 671
Cost of capital2 17.89% 18.23% 18.19% 17.86% 18.05%
Invested capital3 12,912 12,973 11,415 13,642 15,004
 
Economic profit4 3,139 3,785 1,681 528 (2,037)

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).

1 NOPAT. See details »

2 Cost of capital. See details »

3 Invested capital. See details »

4 2025 Calculation
Economic profit = NOPAT – Cost of capital × Invested capital
= 5,449 – 17.89% × 12,912 = 3,139


A significant transition in value creation is observed between 2021 and 2025, characterized by a shift from negative economic profit to substantial positive returns. This trajectory indicates that the company successfully moved from a period of value destruction to a state where operational returns consistently exceed the cost of capital.

Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
A strong upward trajectory is evident from 2021 to 2024, with NOPAT increasing from 671 million to a peak of 6,151 million. This represents a sharp acceleration in operational profitability. A moderate decline is noted in 2025, where the figure adjusted to 5,449 million, suggesting a stabilization period following the rapid growth phase.
Cost of Capital
The cost of capital remained remarkably stable throughout the analyzed period, fluctuating within a narrow range between 17.86% and 18.23%. This consistency indicates a steady risk profile and a constant hurdle rate against which operational performance was measured.
Invested Capital
A contraction in invested capital occurred between 2021 and 2023, falling from 15,004 million to 11,415 million. This suggests a period of asset optimization or capital redistribution. From 2024 onward, invested capital stabilized, remaining near 12,900 million, indicating a shift toward a sustainable capital base.
Economic Profit
Economic profit experienced a reversal from a deficit of 2,037 million in 2021 to a peak surplus of 3,785 million in 2024. The recovery was driven by the simultaneous increase in NOPAT and the reduction of invested capital. While 2025 saw a decrease to 3,139 million, the company continues to generate significant economic value above its cost of capital.

The overall financial trend demonstrates an improvement in capital efficiency. The ability to increase NOPAT while maintaining or reducing the capital base has resulted in a robust expansion of economic profit, ensuring that the business is generating returns well in excess of its weighted average cost of capital.

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Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)

Booking Holdings Inc., NOPAT calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2025 Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021
Net income 5,404 5,882 4,289 3,058 1,165
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)1 (516) 98 (478) (257) (445)
Increase (decrease) in allowance for expected credit losses2 (9) 9 20 16 (65)
Increase (decrease) in restructuring liabilities3 — — — (3) (34)
Increase (decrease) in equity equivalents4 (525) 107 (458) (244) (544)
Interest expense 1,617 1,295 897 391 334
Interest expense, operating lease liability5 26 24 30 22 10
Adjusted interest expense 1,643 1,319 927 413 344
Tax benefit of interest expense6 (345) (277) (195) (87) (72)
Adjusted interest expense, after taxes7 1,298 1,042 732 326 272
(Gain) loss on marketable securities — — — (3) (265)
Interest and dividend income (921) (1,114) (1,020) (219) (16)
Investment income, before taxes (921) (1,114) (1,020) (222) (281)
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income8 193 234 214 47 59
Investment income, after taxes9 (728) (880) (806) (175) (222)
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT) 5,449 6,151 3,758 2,965 671

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).

1 Elimination of deferred tax expense. See details »

2 Addition of increase (decrease) in allowance for expected credit losses.

3 Addition of increase (decrease) in restructuring liabilities.

4 Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net income.

5 2025 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= 672 × 3.80% = 26

6 2025 Calculation
Tax benefit of interest expense = Adjusted interest expense × Statutory income tax rate
= 1,643 × 21.00% = 345

7 Addition of after taxes interest expense to net income.

8 2025 Calculation
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income = Investment income, before tax × Statutory income tax rate
= 921 × 21.00% = 193

9 Elimination of after taxes investment income.


Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT) demonstrates a significant upward trend over the observed period, though with a recent moderation. Initial values are substantially lower than subsequent years, indicating a period of growth. While net income also increased, the growth rate of NOPAT appears more pronounced in the earlier part of the period.

Overall Trend
NOPAT experienced substantial growth from 2021 to 2024. The value increased from US$671 million in 2021 to US$6,151 million in 2024, representing a considerable expansion. However, growth slowed in 2025, with NOPAT decreasing to US$5,449 million.
Growth Rates
The period between 2021 and 2022 saw a substantial increase in NOPAT. The growth rate decelerated between 2022 and 2023, but remained positive. The most significant growth occurred between 2023 and 2024. The decline in NOPAT between 2024 and 2025 warrants further investigation.
Relationship to Net Income
Both net income and NOPAT increased over the period. However, the magnitude of the increase in NOPAT was greater than that of net income in the initial years, suggesting changes in the company’s operating efficiency or capital structure. The difference in growth rates between the two metrics narrowed in 2025, coinciding with the decrease in NOPAT.
Recent Performance
The decrease in NOPAT from 2024 to 2025 is a notable development. While net income also decreased, the relative decline in NOPAT suggests potential issues with operational profitability or increased costs not fully reflected in net income. This recent trend breaks the previously established pattern of consistent growth.

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Cash Operating Taxes

Booking Holdings Inc., cash operating taxes calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2025 Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021
Income tax expense 1,428 1,410 1,192 865 300
Less: Deferred income tax expense (benefit) (516) 98 (478) (257) (445)
Add: Tax savings from interest expense 345 277 195 87 72
Less: Tax imposed on investment income 193 234 214 47 59
Cash operating taxes 2,096 1,355 1,650 1,162 758

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).


Income tax expense and cash operating taxes both demonstrate increasing values over the observed period. However, the magnitude and pattern of change differ between the two metrics.

Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense increased from US$300 million in 2021 to US$1,428 million in 2025. The most substantial increase occurred between 2021 and 2022, rising by US$565 million. Growth moderated in subsequent years, with increases of US$327 million (2022-2023), US$218 million (2023-2024), and US$18 million (2024-2025). This suggests a decelerating rate of growth in reported income tax expense.
Cash Operating Taxes
Cash operating taxes also exhibited an upward trend, moving from US$758 million in 2021 to US$2,096 million in 2025. Similar to income tax expense, the largest increase was observed between 2021 and 2022, with a rise of US$404 million. A significant increase of US$488 million occurred between 2022 and 2023. The rate of increase slowed in 2024, with a decrease of US$105 million, before resuming growth with an increase of US$741 million in 2025. This pattern indicates potential fluctuations influenced by factors beyond simple proportional growth.
Relationship between Metrics
Cash operating taxes consistently exceeded income tax expense throughout the period. The difference between the two metrics varied annually. In 2021, cash operating taxes were approximately 2.5 times income tax expense (US$758 million vs. US$300 million). This ratio decreased over time, reaching approximately 1.47 times in 2025 (US$2,096 million vs. US$1,428 million). This narrowing gap suggests a potential shift in the timing of tax payments relative to reported income, or changes in non-cash tax items.

The observed trends suggest increasing tax obligations for the entity. The divergence in growth rates and the relationship between income tax expense and cash operating taxes warrant further investigation to understand the underlying drivers and potential implications for future financial performance.

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Invested Capital

Booking Holdings Inc., invested capital calculation (financing approach)

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2025 Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021
Current finance lease liabilities 6 26 34 21 4
Short-term debt 1,880 1,745 1,961 500 1,989
Non-current finance lease liabilities — 7 34 32 6
Long-term debt 16,856 14,853 12,223 11,985 8,937
Operating lease liability1 672 605 751 677 494
Total reported debt & leases 19,414 17,236 15,003 13,215 11,430
Stockholders’ equity (deficit) (5,578) (4,020) (2,744) 2,782 6,178
Net deferred tax (assets) liabilities2 (923) (373) (417) 72 351
Allowance for expected credit losses3 137 146 137 117 101
Restructuring liabilities4 — — — — 3
Equity equivalents5 (786) (227) (280) 189 455
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax6 290 375 323 267 144
Adjusted stockholders’ equity (deficit) (6,074) (3,872) (2,701) 3,238 6,777
Building construction-in-progress7 — — — — (328)
Marketable securities8 (428) (391) (887) (2,811) (2,875)
Invested capital 12,912 12,973 11,415 13,642 15,004

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).

1 Addition of capitalized operating leases.

2 Elimination of deferred taxes from assets and liabilities. See details »

3 Addition of allowance for doubtful accounts receivable.

4 Addition of restructuring liabilities.

5 Addition of equity equivalents to stockholders’ equity (deficit).

6 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.

7 Subtraction of building construction-in-progress.

8 Subtraction of marketable securities.


The composition of invested capital exhibits notable shifts over the five-year period. Total reported debt & leases consistently increased, while stockholders’ equity experienced a significant decline, ultimately resulting in a deficit by the end of 2023. Despite these underlying changes, invested capital itself demonstrates a more moderate fluctuation.

Debt & Leases
Total reported debt & leases increased steadily from US$11,430 million in 2021 to US$19,414 million in 2025. This represents a cumulative increase of approximately 70% over the period. The rate of increase appears relatively consistent year-over-year.
Stockholders’ Equity
Stockholders’ equity decreased substantially from US$6,178 million in 2021 to a deficit of US$5,578 million in 2025. The decline was particularly pronounced between 2022 and 2023, transitioning from a positive equity position to a negative one. This negative trend continued through 2024 and 2025, with the deficit widening each year.
Invested Capital
Invested capital decreased from US$15,004 million in 2021 to US$11,415 million in 2023, a decline of approximately 24%. It then showed a modest recovery, increasing to US$12,973 million in 2024 and remaining relatively stable at US$12,912 million in 2025. The fluctuations in invested capital appear to be influenced by the offsetting movements in debt and equity, but are less dramatic than the changes observed in either component individually.

The increasing reliance on debt financing, coupled with the erosion of stockholders’ equity, suggests a shift in the company’s capital structure. While invested capital has not mirrored the full extent of the equity decline, the trend warrants further investigation to understand the implications for financial risk and future performance.

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Cost of Capital

Booking Holdings Inc., cost of capital calculations

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 135,245 135,245 ÷ 154,823 = 0.87 0.87 × 20.05% = 17.52%
Outstanding debt and finance lease liabilities3 18,906 18,906 ÷ 154,823 = 0.12 0.12 × 3.71% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.36%
Operating lease liability4 672 672 ÷ 154,823 = 0.00 0.00 × 3.80% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.01%
Total: 154,823 1.00 17.89%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Outstanding debt and finance lease liabilities. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 164,675 164,675 ÷ 184,113 = 0.89 0.89 × 20.05% = 17.94%
Outstanding debt and finance lease liabilities3 18,833 18,833 ÷ 184,113 = 0.10 0.10 × 3.54% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.29%
Operating lease liability4 605 605 ÷ 184,113 = 0.00 0.00 × 3.90% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.01%
Total: 184,113 1.00 18.23%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Outstanding debt and finance lease liabilities. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 133,335 133,335 ÷ 149,354 = 0.89 0.89 × 20.05% = 17.90%
Outstanding debt and finance lease liabilities3 15,268 15,268 ÷ 149,354 = 0.10 0.10 × 3.43% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.28%
Operating lease liability4 751 751 ÷ 149,354 = 0.01 0.01 × 4.00% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.02%
Total: 149,354 1.00 18.19%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Outstanding debt and finance lease liabilities. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 91,354 91,354 ÷ 104,484 = 0.87 0.87 × 20.05% = 17.53%
Outstanding debt and finance lease liabilities3 12,453 12,453 ÷ 104,484 = 0.12 0.12 × 3.32% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.31%
Operating lease liability4 677 677 ÷ 104,484 = 0.01 0.01 × 3.20% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.02%
Total: 104,484 1.00 17.86%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Outstanding debt and finance lease liabilities. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 100,982 100,982 ÷ 113,586 = 0.89 0.89 × 20.05% = 17.83%
Outstanding debt and finance lease liabilities3 12,110 12,110 ÷ 113,586 = 0.11 0.11 × 2.54% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.21%
Operating lease liability4 494 494 ÷ 113,586 = 0.00 0.00 × 2.00% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.01%
Total: 113,586 1.00 18.05%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Outstanding debt and finance lease liabilities. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »


Economic Spread Ratio

Booking Holdings Inc., economic spread ratio calculation, comparison to benchmarks

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2025 Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Economic profit1 3,139 3,785 1,681 528 (2,037)
Invested capital2 12,912 12,973 11,415 13,642 15,004
Performance Ratio
Economic spread ratio3 24.31% 29.18% 14.72% 3.87% -13.58%
Benchmarks
Economic Spread Ratio, Competitors4
Airbnb Inc. 24.35% 24.17% 9.44% 11.07% -11.03%
Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. 9.13% 8.59% 7.01% 2.81% -1.68%
DoorDash, Inc. -18.69% -26.72% -39.16% -52.94% -39.45%
McDonald’s Corp. 8.91% 8.42% 8.50% 5.70% 8.13%
Starbucks Corp. -4.63% 3.52% 5.22% 2.82% 4.07%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).

1 Economic profit. See details »

2 Invested capital. See details »

3 2025 Calculation
Economic spread ratio = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Invested capital
= 100 × 3,139 ÷ 12,912 = 24.31%

4 Click competitor name to see calculations.


The analysis of economic value added reveals a substantial turnaround in financial performance from 2021 through 2025. A transition from negative economic profit to consistently positive figures indicates a shift from value destruction to significant value generation.

Economic Profit Trends
A strong recovery trajectory is observed, with economic profit rising from a deficit of US$ 2,037 million in 2021 to a peak of US$ 3,785 million in 2024. Although a moderate decline to US$ 3,139 million occurred in 2025, the figures remain substantially higher than the 2021-2022 baseline, suggesting sustained profitability above the cost of capital.
Invested Capital Dynamics
Invested capital showed a general decline from 2021 to 2023, falling from US$ 15,004 million to US$ 11,415 million. This contraction occurred simultaneously with the initial rise in economic profit, implying an increase in capital efficiency. Capital levels stabilized in the final two years, ending at US$ 12,912 million in 2025.
Economic Spread Ratio Performance
The economic spread ratio experienced rapid expansion, moving from -13.58% in 2021 to a peak of 29.18% in 2024. This indicates a widening positive gap between the return on invested capital and the company's cost of capital. A slight correction to 24.31% in 2025 is noted, yet the ratio continues to reflect a high capacity for generating economic value relative to the capital employed.

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Economic Profit Margin

Booking Holdings Inc., economic profit margin calculation, comparison to benchmarks

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2025 Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Economic profit1 3,139 3,785 1,681 528 (2,037)
Revenues 26,917 23,739 21,365 17,090 10,958
Performance Ratio
Economic profit margin2 11.66% 15.95% 7.87% 3.09% -18.59%
Benchmarks
Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3
Airbnb Inc. 11.34% 13.13% 5.49% 8.80% -9.98%
Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. 5.58% 5.17% 4.25% 1.75% -1.22%
DoorDash, Inc. -15.32% -15.60% -23.75% -42.78% -25.65%
McDonald’s Corp. 17.76% 16.14% 16.69% 11.17% 16.70%
Starbucks Corp. -3.00% 2.29% 3.23% 1.80% 3.32%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).

1 Economic profit. See details »

2 2025 Calculation
Economic profit margin = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Revenues
= 100 × 3,139 ÷ 26,917 = 11.66%

3 Click competitor name to see calculations.


A significant recovery in economic value creation is evident from 2021 through 2025. The company transitioned from a state of economic value destruction to substantial value creation, coinciding with a period of steady revenue expansion.

Revenue Expansion
A consistent upward trajectory in revenues is observed, increasing from 10,958 million US$ in 2021 to 26,917 million US$ by 2025. This steady growth indicates a robust expansion of the top-line performance over the five-year period.
Economic Profit Trajectory
Economic profit shifted from a deficit of 2,037 million US$ in 2021 to a positive 528 million US$ in 2022. This positive momentum accelerated through 2024, reaching a peak of 3,785 million US$, before experiencing a moderate decline to 3,139 million US$ in 2025.
Economic Profit Margin Performance
The economic profit margin mirrors the recovery in absolute profit, moving from -18.59% in 2021 to a peak of 15.95% in 2024. While revenues continued to rise in 2025, the margin contracted to 11.66%. This divergence suggests that the growth in the cost of capital or operating expenses began to outpace the growth in net operating profit after tax during the final period analyzed.

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