Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of priceline.com (Nasdaq: PCLN) popped 10.1% in intraday trading today, after the Web-based travel company reported exciting third-quarter results.

So what: The company's quarter blew past analysts' expectations, giving investors reason to believe that it has the edge over well-known rivals like Orbitz Worldwide (NYSE: OWW) and Expedia (Nasdaq: EXPE). As my Foolish colleague Rick Munarriz pointed out in his earlier take, a 37% increase in sales makes things look pretty good for Priceline's business, thanks to strength in international bookings, hotel stays, and car rentals. The only sour note: a 5% decline in airline ticketing.

Now what: Priceline looks better than most of its rivals, and its successful quarter might stoke investors' desire to research other travel-centric companies like Marriott (NYSE: MAR), Hyatt (NYSE: H), Starwood (NYSE: HOT), and Hertz (NYSE: HTZ). Priceline's priced for continued stellar growth at 27 times forward earnings. Potential investors might want to leave this one on the runway to wait for a better price  -- or buy in now, if they believe it can continue to jet past its rivals.

Interested in more info on Priceline? Add it to your watchlist.