The Way Forward for Expedia May Include Selling Off Businesses
Photo Credit: Attendees at the Expedia Explore '19 conference at the Venetian in Las Vegas November 13-13, 2019. They heard all about Expedia's strategy, which may change anew. Expedia Group / Adam Shane Productions
Skift Take
The strategy and vision for the next stage in Expedia Group's life should include sharp departures from the status quo, but rest assured that the company line for the time being will be stability to keep the peace.
Off with their heads isn't a long-term strategy.
Now that the bloodletting — among senior leadership, at least — at Expedia Group apparently is over, and the CEO and chief financial officer searches are under way, what is the blueprint for getting the company back on track?
Skift spoke with insiders and outsiders about a potential future strategy for Expedia Group, and present the main themes below.
Cost-Cutting Is Coming
In its third quarter earnings announcement in November, the company lowered its full-year adjusted earnings guidance to 5-8 percent (down from 12-15 percent). However, chairman Barry Diller, on the day of the resignations announcement, said he thinks the company can accelerate growth in 2020, and sees a "significant opportunity for Expedia to grow revenue and margins in what is still a very dynamic online travel industry."
Consider that in the third quarter, Expedia's EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) margin wa
