10-Q/APeriod: Q2 FY2007

Booking Holdings Inc. Quarterly Report (Amendment) for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2007

Filed March 10, 2008For Securities:BKNG

Summary

This amended 10-Q filing for Priceline.com Inc. (now Booking Holdings Inc.) for the period ending June 30, 2007, primarily corrects a prior classification error in its cash flow statements and balance sheet presentation of minority interest. The core financial performance for the period remains largely unaffected by these adjustments, which are technical in nature. Investors should note the company's significant growth in agency revenues, largely driven by its international operations, which now constitute a substantial portion of gross bookings. While merchant revenues saw modest growth, the overall revenue and gross profit showed strong increases, particularly for the six-month period. The company's financial health appears robust with substantial cash and cash equivalents, but it also carries a significant amount of convertible debt, which has become a current liability due to exceeding conversion thresholds. The company also faces ongoing litigation risks, particularly concerning hotel occupancy taxes.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues increased by 15.7% for the three months and 19.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to the prior year, driven by strong growth in agency revenues.
  • 2Agency revenues saw a significant surge of 76.0% (three months) and 77.2% (six months), primarily due to the expansion of international operations.
  • 3Gross profit increased substantially by 48.6% (three months) and 55.5% (six months), reflecting improved margins and the positive impact of an excise tax refund.
  • 4The company reported a significant increase in online advertising expenses (42.6% for three months, 44.0% for six months), supporting the growth of its international business.
  • 5Convertible senior notes totaling $570 million have been reclassified as a current liability due to exceeding contingent conversion thresholds, indicating potential future share dilution or cash settlement.
  • 6The company is actively defending itself against numerous lawsuits related to hotel occupancy taxes across various jurisdictions.
  • 7A significant charge of $55.2 million was recorded for the settlement of a securities litigation case.

Frequently Asked Questions

This amended 10-Q was filed primarily to correct a classification error in the consolidated statements of cash flows and the consolidated balance sheet. Specifically, purchases of shares held by minority interest were reclassified from financing to investing activities, and minority interest on the balance sheet was moved from a liability to the mezzanine section. These changes had no impact on the company's operating cash flows, balance sheet, or statement of operations.

International operations were a significant growth driver, contributing substantially to revenue and gross profit. Agency revenues, largely from international operations, increased dramatically. The company expects its international business to represent a growing percentage of total bookings and operating income.

The company has $570 million in convertible senior notes outstanding. As of June 30, 2007, the conversion thresholds were exceeded, leading to the reclassification of these notes from long-term liabilities to current liabilities. This indicates a potential for conversion into equity or cash settlement in the near future.

The company is involved in numerous lawsuits, primarily related to alleged non-payment or incorrect remittance of hotel occupancy taxes in various cities and counties. It is also facing significant litigation related to securities matters, including a settlement of $55.2 million for a shareholder class action.