10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2009

Expedia Group, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2009

Filed April 30, 2009For Securities:EXPE

Summary

Expedia Group, Inc. (EXPE) reported its first quarter 2009 results, facing a challenging macroeconomic environment impacting travel demand and pricing. Revenue for the quarter declined 8% year-over-year to $635.7 million, primarily driven by weaker performance in the Leisure segment due to a significant drop in hotel Average Daily Rates (ADR) and a decrease in air revenue per ticket. Despite the revenue decline, operating income saw a modest increase of 3% to $93.0 million, benefiting from reduced selling and marketing expenses and lower amortization costs. Net income attributable to Expedia, Inc. declined by 23.4% to $39.4 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, compared to $51.3 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, in the prior year quarter. The company highlighted its strategic focus on its diverse brand portfolio, technology innovation, global reach, and breadth of product offering to navigate the downturn. A significant increase in deferred merchant bookings on the balance sheet suggests a build-up of customer payments for future travel, which could represent a future cash inflow. However, the company also noted a decrease in working capital benefits to cash flows in the first quarter of 2009 compared to the prior year, partly due to growth in business models with less favorable working capital dynamics and faster supplier payments. Expedia's financial position remains solid, with $475.2 million in cash and cash equivalents and a $1 billion revolving credit facility, of which $949 million was available at the end of the quarter.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenue decreased by 8% to $635.7 million in Q1 2009 compared to Q1 2008, largely due to a decline in the Leisure segment.
  • 2Operating income increased slightly by 3% to $93.0 million, driven by cost controls, particularly in selling and marketing expenses.
  • 3Net income attributable to Expedia, Inc. decreased by 23.4% to $39.4 million ($0.14 per diluted share) from $51.3 million ($0.17 per diluted share) in the prior year.
  • 4Deferred merchant bookings on the balance sheet significantly increased, indicating a strong pipeline of future travel payments from customers.
  • 5Selling and marketing expenses were reduced by 18% due to lower advertising spend, reflecting a response to the challenging demand environment.
  • 6Amortization of intangible assets decreased by 50% due to the completion of amortization for certain assets.
  • 7The company reorganized its reporting segments into three categories: Leisure, TripAdvisor Media Network, and Egencia, starting in Q1 2009.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expedia experienced a decline in revenue by 8% year-over-year to $635.7 million in the first quarter of 2009. While operating income saw a slight increase of 3% to $93.0 million due to cost management, net income attributable to Expedia, Inc. decreased by 23.4% to $39.4 million. This performance reflects the challenging macroeconomic conditions impacting the travel industry.

The primary driver of the revenue decline was a significant drop in hotel Average Daily Rates (ADR), which fell 18% year-over-year, and a 14% decrease in revenue per air ticket. Softening consumer demand and reduced travel spending due to the global economic downturn are major contributing factors.

Expedia implemented significant cost controls, most notably reducing selling and marketing expenses by 18% due to lower advertising spend. Amortization of intangible assets also decreased by 50%, contributing to the slight increase in operating income.

Expedia maintains a solid liquidity position with $475.2 million in cash and cash equivalents and $89.9 million in short-term investments. It also has access to a $1 billion revolving credit facility, with $949 million available at the end of the quarter. Despite a working capital deficit, the company believes its resources are sufficient to meet foreseeable liquidity needs.