10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2020

Expedia Group, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2020

Filed May 21, 2020For Securities:EXPE

Summary

Expedia Group, Inc. (EXPE) reported a significant downturn in its first quarter of 2020 results, primarily driven by the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global travel industry. Revenue declined 15% year-over-year to $2.21 billion, and the company swung to a net loss of $1.30 billion, or $(9.24) per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $100 million in the prior year period. This substantial loss was exacerbated by significant non-cash charges, including $765 million for goodwill impairment and $121 million for intangible asset impairment, both directly attributed to the pandemic's severe impact on travel demand and future revenue expectations. Operationally, gross bookings plummeted by 39% to $17.89 billion, with March 2020 experiencing a net negative in bookings as cancellations outpaced new reservations. The company took proactive measures to strengthen its liquidity position, including drawing down $1.9 billion on its revolving credit facility and securing approximately $1.2 billion in gross proceeds from a private placement of preferred stock and warrants. Expedia Group also suspended share repurchases and quarterly dividends to conserve cash. Despite the severe challenges, management is implementing cost-saving initiatives and adapting cancellation policies to navigate the crisis and position for recovery.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$2.21B
Operating Income-$1.29B
Interest Expense$50.00M
Net Income-$1.30B
EPS (Basic)$-9.24
EPS (Diluted)$-9.24
Shares Outstanding (Basic)140.82M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)140.82M

Key Highlights

  • 1COVID-19 pandemic caused a severe decline in travel demand, leading to a 15% year-over-year revenue decrease to $2.21 billion for Q1 2020.
  • 2Expedia reported a substantial net loss of $1.30 billion ($9.24 per share) in Q1 2020, a significant deterioration from a $100 million net loss in Q1 2019.
  • 3Significant goodwill ($765 million) and intangible asset ($121 million) impairments were recognized in Q1 2020, directly linked to the pandemic's impact on future earnings potential.
  • 4Gross bookings fell sharply by 39% year-over-year to $17.89 billion, with March 2020 bookings turning negative due to high cancellation rates.
  • 5The company took decisive actions to bolster liquidity, including drawing $1.9 billion on its credit facility and completing a $1.2 billion private placement of preferred stock and warrants.
  • 6Share repurchases and quarterly dividends have been suspended to preserve cash during the uncertain economic environment.
  • 7Selling and marketing expenses decreased by 20% primarily due to reduced marketing spend in response to declining travel demand caused by COVID-19.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of the significant net loss was the unprecedented negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global travel industry, which led to a sharp decline in revenue and travel bookings. Additionally, substantial non-cash charges for goodwill ($765 million) and intangible asset ($121 million) impairments, directly related to the pandemic's impact on future revenue expectations, significantly contributed to the net loss.

Expedia Group has taken several proactive steps to strengthen its liquidity. This includes drawing down $1.9 billion from its revolving credit facility, completing a $1.2 billion private placement of preferred stock and warrants, suspending share repurchases, and suspending quarterly dividends. These measures are aimed at preserving financial flexibility during the uncertain operating environment.

The company anticipates that the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to have a significant negative impact on its second quarter of 2020 results. The duration and severity of the pandemic remain uncertain, making it difficult to predict the timing and nature of a recovery in travel demand. Cancellations are expected to remain elevated until travel demand begins to recover.

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted all segments. Lodging revenue decreased 10% due to a 14% decline in room nights stayed. Air revenue saw a significant 56% decrease due to a 26% decline in air tickets sold and reduced travel. Advertising and media revenue, primarily from trivago, decreased 23% as travel companies reduced marketing spend. The company's merchant revenue decreased 7% and agency revenue decreased 33%.