Analysts Boost Expedia Group’s Stock Ratings with New Targets

Investment analysts at BTIG Research have reaffirmed their “buy” rating for Expedia Group (NASDAQ: EXPE), setting a target price of $330.00 for the online travel company. This target suggests a potential upside of 44.5% from its previous closing price, according to a research note released on Monday.

The positive sentiment surrounding Expedia Group does not end with BTIG. On February 13, HSBC increased its price objective for the stock from $365.00 to $387.00, maintaining a “buy” rating. In the same week, Cantor Fitzgerald assigned a target price of $245.00, while Evercore reiterated an “outperform” rating. Additionally, Wall Street Zen upgraded its recommendation from “buy” to “strong-buy” just days prior on February 7. Jefferies Financial Group raised its price target from $270.00 to $285.00 on December 11, reflecting continued investor confidence.

As it stands, thirteen equities research analysts have rated Expedia Group with a “buy” recommendation, while twenty-two have opted for a “hold” rating. Data from MarketBeat.com indicates an average rating of “hold” and a consensus price target of $281.65.

Strong Quarterly Performance

Expedia Group recently reported its quarterly earnings on February 12. The company announced earnings per share (EPS) of $3.78, exceeding the consensus estimate of $3.32 by $0.46. The company’s revenue reached $3.55 billion, surpassing expectations of $3.41 billion.

The robust performance signals a positive trend, with revenue up 11.4% compared to the same quarter last year. For context, the previous year’s EPS was $2.39. Analysts predict that Expedia Group will report an EPS of 12.28 for the current fiscal year.

Insider Transactions and Institutional Investments

In related developments, insider Robert J. Dzielak sold 8,225 shares on March 4, at an average price of $220.82, totaling approximately $1.82 million. Following this transaction, Dzielak holds 102,480 shares, valued at about $22.63 million. This sale represents a 7.43% decrease in his holdings, and the transaction was disclosed in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Institutional investors have also shown significant activity regarding Expedia Group. A variety of firms have recently adjusted their stakes in the company. For instance, Motiv8 Investments LLC acquired a new stake valued at around $25,000, while Entrust Financial LLC added a position worth approximately $26,000.

Additionally, JFS Wealth Advisors LLC increased its holdings by 78.6% during the fourth quarter, now owning 100 shares worth $28,000. Other institutional players, such as Lodestone Wealth Management LLC and Grey Fox Wealth Advisors LLC, have also made new investments, indicating strong institutional confidence in the company.

Overall, institutional investors and hedge funds collectively hold 90.76% of Expedia Group’s stock, showcasing a robust backing from significant financial entities.

Expedia Group continues to navigate the dynamic landscape of online travel, connecting consumers with various travel services and products. As the company moves forward, the recent upgrades and positive earnings report may bolster investor confidence further, positioning it for continued growth in the competitive travel technology market.