Expedia Soars After Strong Q4 Results

EXPE Up 15.77%

Key Metrics Beat Expectations

* Revenue
* EPS
* EBITDA

Sales Growth Driven By:

* 13% increase in gross bookings
* "Better-than-expected travel demand"

Margin Expansion:

* Adjusted EBITDA up 21%
* Adjusted EBIT up 50%

Long-Term Confidence:

* Quarterly dividend of $0.40 reinstated

Market Reaction:

* Stock upgraded from Hold to Buy by HSBC
* Rare move of over 5%
* Market sees positive impact on business perception

Q1 Outlook:

* Gross bookings in low single digits
* Revenue growth in mid-single digits
* Pressure in air business and Vrbo brand

New CEO:

* Ariane Gorin appointed CEO, succeeding Peter Kern

Year-to-Date Performance:

* Up 7.6%
* New 52-week high of $199.33

Long-Term Investment:

* $1,000 investment 5 years ago now worth $1,811