10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2014

Expedia Group, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2014

Filed May 2, 2014For Securities:EXPE

Summary

Expedia Group, Inc. reported a net loss of $14.3 million for the first quarter of 2014, a significant improvement from the $104.2 million net loss in the same period of 2013. This improvement was primarily driven by a substantial reduction in "Acquisition-related and other" and "Legal reserves, occupancy tax and other" expenses, which were significant in the prior year. Revenue for the quarter increased by 19% year-over-year to $1.2 billion, boosted by strong performance in the Leisure segment, particularly from hotel and advertising/media revenue, and continued growth in the Egencia corporate travel segment. Despite the revenue growth, the company's operating loss narrowed considerably due to the aforementioned expense reductions, though the top-line revenue growth was partially offset by a decrease in revenue margin. The company also saw a substantial increase in cash flow from operations, largely due to favorable changes in working capital, and maintained a strong liquidity position with significant cash and short-term investments. Investors should note the ongoing legal battles concerning occupancy taxes, which represent a material contingent liability and potential risk.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$1.20B
Cost of Revenue$294.62M
Gross Profit$905.75M
Operating Income-$3.00M
Interest Expense$21.80M
Net Income-$14.30M
EPS (Basic)$-0.11
EPS (Diluted)$-0.11
Shares Outstanding (Basic)130.56M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)130.56M

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue increased by 19% year-over-year to $1.2 billion, driven by growth in hotel, advertising/media, and air ticket revenue.
  • 2Net loss narrowed significantly to $14.3 million from $104.2 million in the prior year's quarter, primarily due to lower expenses, particularly acquisition-related costs and legal reserves.
  • 3Operating loss decreased substantially from $105.6 million to $3.0 million, reflecting improved expense management and the absence of large prior-year charges.
  • 4Gross bookings saw a strong 29% increase, indicating healthy underlying demand across the platform.
  • 5Cash flow from operating activities significantly increased by $90 million year-over-year to $971 million, aided by favorable working capital changes, notably deferred merchant bookings.
  • 6The company maintained a strong liquidity position with $1.48 billion in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments as of March 31, 2014.
  • 7Significant ongoing litigation related to hotel occupancy taxes remains a material risk, with a reserve of $50 million established for potential settlements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expedia reported a net loss of $14.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. This represents a significant improvement compared to the net loss of $104.2 million for the same period in 2013.

Total revenue increased by 19% year-over-year to $1.2 billion. Key drivers included growth in hotel revenue (up 12%, despite a 10% decrease in revenue per room night, due to a 24% increase in room nights stayed), a substantial increase in advertising and media revenue (up 116%, largely driven by the trivago acquisition), and a 28% increase in air revenue.

Expedia is actively defending against numerous lawsuits regarding hotel occupancy taxes. While the company believes these ordinances do not apply to its services, it has established a reserve of $50 million as of March 31, 2014, for potential settlements. The outcome of these litigations remains uncertain and poses a material contingent liability.

Expedia reported a strong liquidity position with $1.48 billion in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments as of March 31, 2014. Cash flow from operating activities increased significantly to $971 million for the quarter, primarily due to beneficial changes in working capital, such as deferred merchant bookings.