Priceline.com – Aggressive Growth – Zacks Rank Buy
Posted on January 20, 2010 at 00:00 AM EST
Priceline.com Inc. ( PCLN ) continued its impressive earnings history with another surprise. Analysts continue to raise estimates heading into the next report, which should be within the next few weeks. Company Description Crushed Estimates Priceline.com reported quarterly results on Nov 9 that showed a 33% jump in bookings. This lead to a 30% increase in revenues, to $731 million. Net income for Priceline.com was $434 million, which led to earnings per share of $3.45. Heading into PCLN's release the Zacks Consensus Estimate was $2.65, a 30% surprise. This was the fifth consecutive earnings surprise. Earnings Momentum Continues The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2009 is now $7.54, up from $6.59. Next year's estimates are averaging $9.63, up from $7.81. On a year-over-year basis, these levels represent earnings growth of 48% and 28%, respectively. Valuations Shares of PCLN are trading at roughly 20 times forward earnings. Priceline.com's investors are getting growth at a decent price, with a PEG of 1.2 times. The Chart Priceline.com has a very impressive earnings history, beating Wall Street's expectations in all but 2 quarters over the past 5 years. Bill Wilton is the Growth Stock Strategist for Zacks.com. He is also the Editor in charge of the market-beating Zacks Growth Trader service Zacks Investment Research