10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2009

Expedia Group, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2009

Filed October 29, 2009For Securities:EXPE

Summary

Expedia Group, Inc. (EXPE) reported its third-quarter and nine-month results for the period ending September 30, 2009. For the third quarter, revenue increased by 2% to $852.4 million, driven by a 26% increase in transactions in the Leisure segment, primarily in hotels and car rentals. However, revenue per room night declined significantly due to lower average daily rates (ADRs) and reduced traveler fees. For the nine months, revenue saw a 3% decrease to $2.26 billion, impacted by lower air and hotel revenue, though offset by increases in car rental and advertising/media revenue. The company noted a significant increase in operating income for the quarter, largely due to expense management and revenue growth, but the nine-month operating income declined, primarily due to substantial charges related to occupancy tax assessments and a class-action lawsuit settlement. Financially, Expedia ended the period with a stronger cash position, a substantial increase in cash and cash equivalents year-over-year. The company also reported a working capital deficit, which widened due to significant repayment of its credit facility. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing economic downturn and specific industry pressures, Expedia is strategically focusing on brand portfolio, technology innovation, global reach, and product offering diversification.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$852.43M
Cost of Revenue$169.44M
Gross Profit$682.99M
Operating Income$222.97M
Interest Expense$21.18M
Net Income$117.01M
EPS (Basic)$0.82
EPS (Diluted)$0.80
Shares Outstanding (Basic)144.21M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)146.86M

Key Highlights

  • 1Third-quarter revenue increased 2% year-over-year to $852.4 million, driven by a 26% increase in Leisure segment transactions, though offset by lower pricing.
  • 2Nine-month revenue decreased 3% to $2.26 billion, impacted by lower air and hotel revenue but bolstered by car rental and advertising/media growth.
  • 3Operating income for the third quarter increased 12% to $223 million, benefiting from revenue growth and reduced operating expenses.
  • 4Nine-month operating income decreased 6% to $431 million, primarily due to significant charges for occupancy tax assessments and a class-action lawsuit settlement.
  • 5Cash and cash equivalents significantly increased to $838.6 million as of September 30, 2009, from $665.4 million at the end of 2008.
  • 6The company is actively managing its debt, with $650 million repaid under its credit facility during the first nine months of 2009, leaving no outstanding balance at quarter-end.
  • 7Expedia has recognized substantial legal reserves and accruals for occupancy tax issues and a class-action lawsuit, totaling significant amounts impacting the nine-month results.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the first nine months of 2009, Expedia Group's revenue decreased by 3% to $2.26 billion compared to the same period in 2008. This decline was primarily attributed to decreases in air and hotel revenue, though it was partially offset by increases in car rental revenue and advertising and media revenue.

Profitability for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, was significantly impacted by specific charges. The company recognized $74.2 million for occupancy tax assessments and legal reserves, along with an accrual of $19 million for a consumer class-action lawsuit settlement. Additionally, $29 million in restructuring charges were incurred due to business reorganization around global brands. These items collectively reduced operating income for the nine-month period.

Expedia's liquidity position strengthened, with cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments totaling $887 million as of September 30, 2009, up from $758 million at the end of 2008. Furthermore, the company had $958 million available under its $1 billion revolving credit facility, with no outstanding borrowings at quarter-end. The company repaid $650 million under its credit facility during the first nine months of 2009.

The hotel business experienced a 19% decline in revenue per room night for the third quarter of 2009, largely due to a 14% decrease in average daily rates (ADRs) and reduced traveler fees. Despite this, room nights stayed increased by 27% (including acquisitions and packages), indicating strong demand for rooms at lower prices. For the nine-month period, hotel revenue decreased 2% due to lower ADRs, partially offset by a 23% increase in room nights stayed.