Mizuho Lifts Expedia Price Target to $270, Maintains Neutral Rating After Strong Q3

Core Viewpoint - Mizuho raised its price target on Expedia Group Inc. to $270 from $240 while maintaining a Neutral rating due to better-than-expected third-quarter results and positive guidance [1][2] Group 1: Financial Performance - Expedia's gross bookings value (GBV) growth accelerated, with B2C increasing from 1% in Q2 to 6.6% in Q3, and B2B rising from 17% to 26% [1] - Management's outlook for fourth-quarter and 2025 margins has improved, projecting approximately two percentage points of EBITDA margin expansion this year and further improvement in 2026 [2] Group 2: Analyst Sentiment - Analysts acknowledged the company's strong fundamentals and progress but noted that the recent rally in shares has balanced the risk-reward profile, leading to a neutral stance despite continued growth prospects [2]