What: Shares of travel commerce technologist Travelport Worldwide Limited (TVPT) popped 11% after its Q3 results and outlook impressed Wall Street.
So what: Travelport shares have slumped over the past several months on signs of sluggish growth, but today's market-topping quarter -- EPS of $0.25 versus the consensus of $0.17 on a revenue increase of 5.9% -- coupled with upbeat full-year guidance reignites optimism over its competitive position going forward. In fact, Travelport experienced double-digit top-line growth in key areas -- particularly in Europe and Asia Pacific -- all while its adjusted free cash flow jumped $93 million, easing some concern among analysts over the company's relatively high debt load, as well.
Now what: Travelport now expects full-year EPS of $0.92 to $0.95 on revenue of $2.18 billion to $2.22 billion. "We continue to truly differentiate ourselves from the competition in four key areas where we have taken industry-leading positions," said President and CEO Gordon Wilson. "In airline merchandising, we continue to see growing adoption by airlines of our Rich Content and Branding merchandising solution, alongside strong growth in away air bookings. Moreover, we've seen continued momentum in Beyond Air with hospitality and payments both making very good progress."
With the stock still off about 20% from its 52-week highs and trading at forward P/E in the low teens, there might even be plenty of upside left to buy into that bullishness.
