BTIG has reaffirmed its Buy rating on Uber Technologies Inc . (NYSE: NYSE:UBER) with a steady price target of $90.
The firm's analyst highlighted discussions with investors following rumors that Uber might have been considering an acquisition of Expedia (NASDAQ:EXPE) Group Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE).
While the idea of a bid for Expedia was seen as having a "credible logic" and the potential to be accretive, the consensus among investors is that such a move is unlikely.
The analyst pointed out several potential benefits of Uber and Expedia integration. A merger could allow for cross-promotion within Uber's extensive user base, adding a third vertical to bolster the Uber One membership program, and potentially realizing cost synergies.
In an initial analysis, assuming a 25% premium on Expedia's closing price on October 16, the analyst suggested a mid-teens accretion figure that aligns with investor expectations.
Despite the strategic sense and possible financial benefits, the likelihood of Uber pursuing Expedia is generally considered low by both investors and analysts at BTIG. However, the speculation has sparked a broader conversation about Uber's aspirations to become a Super App and the types of acquisitions that would support this vision.
In other recent news, Expedia Group has seen significant developments. The company has appointed Ramana Thumu as its new Chief Technology Officer, with the aim of leveraging recent investments in technology to drive future growth. Thumu brings over two decades of experience in leading transformative tech initiatives, a strong asset for Expedia as it continues to invest in technology.
Expedia's Vice Chairman, Peter Kern, has stepped down from his role and the Board of Directors, with no further details disclosed regarding a replacement. On the analyst front, BTIG maintained a Buy rating for Expedia, despite potential challenges from recent hurricanes, while TD Cowen downgraded the company's stock from "Buy" to "Hold" due to concerns about the underperforming business-to-consumer sector. Other firms such as Truist Securities and Cantor Fitzgerald have initiated coverage on Expedia with a "Hold" and "Neutral" rating respectively.
In terms of earnings, Expedia's business-to-business segment marked $25 billion in bookings and over $100 million in room nights in 2023. However, the company's One Key loyalty program, which aimed to tie together Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo in the US, has been paused internationally for reevaluation.
InvestingPro Insights
While the article discusses the potential acquisition of Expedia by Uber, it's worth examining Expedia's current financial position and market performance. According to InvestingPro data, Expedia's market cap stands at $20.57 billion, with a P/E ratio of 26.91. The company has shown strong performance, with a 59.75% price total return over the past year and is currently trading near its 52-week high at 97.61% of that level.
InvestingPro Tips highlight that Expedia has been aggressively buying back shares and boasts impressive gross profit margins, which stood at 88.9% for the last twelve months as of Q2 2024. These factors could make it an attractive target for acquisition, aligning with the article's discussion on potential benefits of an Uber-Expedia merger.
However, it's important to note that Expedia's stock is considered to be in overbought territory according to its RSI, and it's trading at a high P/E ratio relative to near-term earnings growth. These factors might influence any acquisition considerations and valuation discussions.
For investors interested in a deeper analysis, InvestingPro offers 14 additional tips for Expedia, providing a more comprehensive view of the company's financial health and market position.
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