Expedia's stock experienced a significant after-hours plunge of 6.10% following the release of its quarterly financial results.
The drop came despite the online travel platform reporting better-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings and revenue, alongside upbeat gross bookings guidance for 2026. The primary driver for the negative market reaction appears to be the company's cautious stance on its full-year adjusted core profit margin. While forecasting a strong expansion in the first quarter, Expedia expects margin growth to slow significantly for the remainder of 2026, citing ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty and uneven consumer spending.
Company executives stated they remain "appropriately cautious due to ongoing macro uncertainty" as rising prices and shifting U.S. trade policy impact consumer behavior. This muted full-year profit outlook overshadowed the positive quarterly performance and forward bookings projections, leading to the sharp decline in share price during extended trading.