10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2011

Expedia Group, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2011

Filed April 29, 2011For Securities:EXPE

Summary

Expedia Group, Inc.'s first quarter 2011 results show revenue growth of 15% year-over-year to $822.2 million, driven by a strong performance in the Leisure segment and increased advertising revenue from TripAdvisor Media Group. While operating income saw a slight decrease of 4% to $108.2 million, this was largely due to increased operating expenses outpacing revenue growth, particularly in selling and marketing. The company also reported a significant increase in net cash provided by operating activities, up 17.6% to $729.1 million, largely attributable to improved working capital benefits. A notable development during the quarter was the preliminary approval to spin off the TripAdvisor business into a separate publicly traded company, expected to be completed in the fall of 2011. This strategic move aims to unlock value for shareholders by creating two focused entities: one for travel transaction brands and another for travel media and advertising. Despite some challenges, such as a 10% decrease in air ticket volumes due to pricing and the temporary absence of American Airlines content, the company demonstrated resilience with healthy room night growth in its hotel business and a growing international presence. Expedia also continues to actively manage its capital through share repurchases and dividend payments.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$727.84M
Cost of Revenue$175.61M
Gross Profit$552.23M
Operating Income$35.16M
Interest Expense$22.52M
Net Income$52.04M
EPS (Basic)$0.38
EPS (Diluted)$0.37
Shares Outstanding (Basic)136.93M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)139.08M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenue increased 15% to $822.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared to $717.9 million in the prior year period.
  • 2Net income attributable to Expedia, Inc. was $52.0 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, a decrease from $59.4 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, in the prior year period.
  • 3The company announced a preliminary plan to spin off its TripAdvisor business into a separate publicly traded company, expected to complete in Fall 2011.
  • 4Net cash provided by operating activities increased significantly by 17.6% to $729.1 million, primarily due to enhanced working capital benefits.
  • 5Selling and marketing expenses increased by 21% to $341.2 million, driven by higher online and offline marketing expenses and increased personnel costs, particularly at TripAdvisor Media Group.
  • 6Hotel revenue grew 16% due to a 15% increase in room nights stayed, while air revenue saw a 6% increase driven by higher average ticket prices, despite a 10% decrease in ticket volumes.
  • 7Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $1.8 billion as of March 31, 2011, providing strong liquidity.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the first quarter of 2011, Expedia Group reported a 15% increase in revenue, reaching $822.2 million, up from $717.9 million in the same period of 2010. However, net income attributable to Expedia, Inc. decreased to $52.0 million ($0.19 per diluted share) from $59.4 million ($0.20 per diluted share). Operating income also saw a slight decrease of 4% to $108.2 million.

The most significant strategic development is the preliminary approval of a plan to spin off the TripAdvisor business into a separate, publicly traded company. This separation is expected to be completed in the fall of 2011, creating two distinct entities focused on travel transactions and travel media/advertising, respectively.

The Leisure segment showed robust growth with revenue up 12% year-over-year, driven by strong hotel bookings. The TripAdvisor Media Group reported a 32% increase in third-party revenue, highlighting growth in its advertising business. Egencia, the corporate travel segment, also saw significant revenue growth of 25%.

Expedia Group maintained a strong liquidity position, with cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments totaling $1.8 billion as of March 31, 2011. The company also has access to a $750 million revolving credit facility, with $723 million available. Management believes these resources are sufficient to meet foreseeable liquidity needs.