- "We are expecting a deceleration in revenue growth in 2015 on headwinds from Travelocity implementation, further impact from the reduction of our hotel margins, the negative impact of foreign currency and the continued success of our loyalty programs," stated Expedia (NASDAQ:EXPE) CFO Mark Okerstrom on the Q4 CC (transcript). The revenue boost from the Wotif acquisition will partly offset.
- Okerstrom added Expedia isn't "expecting any meaningful adjusted EBITDA growth in the first quarter and expect the bulk of our adjusted EBITDA dollar growth to come in the back half of the year." Excluding the 65%-owned Chinese eLong (LONG -4.8%) unit, which is expected to see losses grow amid tough competition from Ctrip/Qunar, adjusted EBITDA growth is expected to be in the 10%-15% range, with forex having a 5% impact.
- Expedia's Q4 gross bookings rose 24% Y/Y to $11.3B, but revenue rose a more modest 19% and adjusted EBITDA (exc. eLong) 13%. A 10% Y/Y drop in revenue/hotel room night and 6% drop in revenue/air ticket (both hurt by forex) pressured the top line, and a 29% increase in sales/marketing spend (thanks to Google and TV ad spend) pressured the bottom line.
- Some positives: Hotel room night still rose 28%, and air tickets sold 30%. U.S. bookings grew 29%, and international 18% (forex again).
- Priceline (PCLN), which has heavier international exposure than Expedia, is also lower. Its Q4 report arrives on Feb. 19.
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Expedia's Q4 results, PR (.pdf)