10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2010

Expedia Group, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2010

Filed July 30, 2010For Securities:EXPE

Summary

Expedia Group, Inc. reported a strong performance for the second quarter and first half of 2010, demonstrating significant year-over-year growth across key financial metrics. Revenue increased by 8% in the second quarter and 10% in the first half, driven by growth in both the Leisure and TripAdvisor Media Network segments, with substantial increases in advertising and media revenue. This revenue growth translated into a significant improvement in operating income, which rose 69% in the second quarter and 47% in the first half, benefiting from the absence of large one-time charges recorded in the prior year, such as occupancy tax assessments and restructuring costs. Financially, the company showed robust cash flow generation, with net cash provided by operating activities increasing by $88 million in the first half of 2010. While investing activities used more cash due to increased investment purchases, the company managed its financing activities, including share repurchases and dividend payments, effectively. Expedia's balance sheet remained solid, with cash and cash equivalents increasing to $795.8 million. The company also made progress in resolving legal matters, notably reducing its reserve for occupancy tax litigation and achieving settlements in principle for several cases, indicating a potential reduction in future legal costs and uncertainties.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$751.54M
Cost of Revenue$168.57M
Gross Profit$582.97M
Operating Income$126.54M
Interest Expense$20.21M
Net Income$114.26M
EPS (Basic)$0.80
EPS (Diluted)$0.79
Shares Outstanding (Basic)142.04M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)144.49M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenue increased by 8% for the three months ended June 30, 2010, and 10% for the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to the same periods in 2009.
  • 2Operating income saw substantial growth, increasing by 69% in the second quarter and 47% in the first half, largely due to the absence of significant one-time charges from the prior year.
  • 3Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $88 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010, reaching $933.3 million.
  • 4The company's cash and cash equivalents balance grew to $795.8 million as of June 30, 2010.
  • 5Legal proceedings related to hotel occupancy taxes showed progress, with several settlements in principle reached and a reduction in the reserve for potential settlements.
  • 6Expedia announced and paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.07 per share in the first and second quarters of 2010.
  • 7Share repurchases continued, with 8.4 million shares bought back for $188 million in the first half of 2010.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expedia's revenue growth was primarily driven by an increase in worldwide hotel revenue within its Leisure segment, coupled with significant growth in advertising and media revenue from its TripAdvisor Media Network. Additionally, an increase in air ticket prices contributed to revenue growth in the air segment.

The significant improvement in operating income was largely due to the absence of substantial one-time expenses recorded in the second quarter of 2009, specifically occupancy tax assessments and legal reserves ($74 million) and restructuring charges ($6 million). Revenue growth also contributed to the improved profitability.

Expedia maintains a strong financial position. Cash and cash equivalents stood at $795.8 million as of June 30, 2010. Net cash provided by operating activities increased, indicating healthy cash generation. The company also has access to a $750 million revolving credit facility, with $721 million available as of June 30, 2010, providing ample liquidity.

The most significant ongoing legal issue pertains to hotel occupancy taxes, with numerous lawsuits filed by cities and counties. While the company continues to defend these vigorously, progress has been made with settlements in principle reached for several cases. The company has established a reserve of $27 million as of June 30, 2010, for potential settlements, and management believes the ultimate resolution will not have a material adverse impact, though significant pay-to-play payments or litigation losses could impact liquidity.