TRIP.COM-S (09961) surged 5.55% in pre-market trading on Monday, as the finalization of a long-anticipated antitrust penalty removed a key uncertainty for the online travel giant.

The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) imposed a fine of 5.179 billion yuan on Trip.com Group for abusing its market dominance. The company accepted the decision and committed to corrective measures. Analysts from CITIC Securities noted that the regulatory pressure facing OTA giants is expected to gradually ease, and the company's long-term competitiveness remains outstanding. China Merchants Securities also expressed optimism about the company's valuation recovery and long-term performance growth certainty.

The penalty, which includes a 3.521 billion yuan fine and confiscation of 1.658 billion yuan in gains, was seen as a clearing event that paves the way for a renewed focus on fundamentals and growth opportunities in inbound tourism and travel AI.