$EXPE

Multiple companies announced layoffs in 2024, citing AI and cost-cutting measures. Atlassian (TEAM) will cut 1,600 jobs, expecting $225M-$236M in restructuring charges. Barclays (BARC) plans to cut 5,000 jobs, aiming for GBP 1B in savings by 2027. British American Tobacco (BTI) will cut 9,000 jobs. Citi (C) continues its 20,000-job reduction plan. Cloudflare (NET) will cut 20% of its workforce, affecting 1,100 employees. Coinbase (COIN) will cut 14% of staff due to AI.

Wall Street is trading the rise of AI agents by buying hotel stocks like Marriott (up 1.7% to $404) and Hilton (up 9.7% in 2 months) and selling online travel agencies like Booking (down 25.1%) and Expedia (down 12.6%). The strategy is based on AI agents potentially booking rooms directly from hotel websites, reducing the need for middlemen. Citrini Research identified this trend and recommended four hotel companies, all of which have gained at least 13% since the report.

H&R Block (HRB) is highlighted as a strong consumer stock value candidate with a 39% fair value upside, improving earnings, and a 48.27% 6-month return. Expedia (EXPE) shows growth potential with revenue increases and positive earnings beats, but faces valuation concerns. HRB trades at $47.89 with a P/E of 8.4x, while EXPE is at $289.49 with a P/E of 18.2x.

OTA share of hotel bookings remained flat at ~30% in 2025, with Booking Holdings and Expedia Group dominating. Booking.com now collects guest payments on 73% of sales, up from 25% in 2019, giving it more control over pricing. Expedia gained market share in Europe, while Booking.com remains dominant among independent hotels.

A class-action lawsuit filed against Expedia alleges the company artificially inflates hotel rates by prohibiting lower prices elsewhere, including hotels' own websites. The lawsuit claims Expedia charges 15-30% commissions and punishes hotels that offer lower prices. Expedia denies the allegations, stating it provides competitive offerings. The plaintiffs argue Expedia's monopoly power increases trip costs.

Expedia Group's 2027 trends report highlights shorter trips, hobby-based stays, and hotel aesthetics as key factors. Data shows 79% of travelers plan one-night stays, with Gen Z and Millennials leading. Castle stays demand grew 20%. Vrbo notes 68% of travelers will build trips around hobbies. Rising destinations include South Lake Tahoe, Hyogo, and Punta del Este. CEO Ariane Gorin notes travelers seek personal, purposeful experiences.

A federal lawsuit claims Expedia Group controls 80% of online hotel bookings and uses contractual and algorithmic tools to suppress price competition, driving prices 15-30% higher. Filed by three consumers, the case alleges violations of antitrust laws, stating Expedia requires hotels to maintain rate parity across channels and penalizes lower prices on competitors' platforms. The plaintiffs argue these practices inflate room rates for all consumers, even those not using Expedia.

A class action lawsuit filed against Expedia Group Inc. alleges the company's hotel pricing rules and search rankings inflate room rates nationwide. The plaintiffs claim Expedia's contracts block lower prices, causing them to pay artificially high rates. The lawsuit seeks damages and a court order to end the alleged practices. Expedia's market share and automated tools are central to the claims, with the company facing antitrust violations under the Sherman Act.

Goldman Sachs reduced its price target for Expedia Group from $370 to $310. The company's stock is currently trading at $258.86, reflecting a 0.47% decrease over the past day and an 8.63% decline over the past year. This adjustment may impact investor sentiment and trading decisions.

Wells Fargo reduced its price target for Expedia (EXPE) to $275 from $307, citing concerns over softer U.S. lodging bookings and weak app data. The stock trades at $260, with a strong financial position and attractive PEG ratio. Q3 2026 EBITDA is expected near the high end of guidance. Analysts have mixed views on Expedia's future performance.