Core Insights - Expedia Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) reported strong fourth-quarter results with double-digit year-over-year growth in gross bookings and revenue, alongside a 32% increase in adjusted EBITDA [3][4] - Baird raised its price target on Expedia to $282 from $280, maintaining an Outperform rating due to improved operating trends and profitability metrics [1][3] - The company ended 2025 with $5.7 billion in unrestricted cash and repurchased approximately 9 million shares for $1.7 billion, while increasing its quarterly dividend by 20% to $0.48 per share [4] Financial Performance - Expedia experienced a 9% growth in room nights and a 24% increase in B2B bookings, indicating resilient demand in both international and U.S. markets [3] - Despite a 31% decline in GAAP net income for the quarter, the overall financial health is supported by accelerating EBITDA growth and disciplined capital allocation [4] Company Overview - Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Expedia is a leading travel technology platform with a diverse portfolio of brands including Expedia, Hotels.com, Vrbo, and others [5]

Core Viewpoint - Three stocks, Dollar General, Expedia Group, and EPAM Systems, have shown strong upward momentum and are considered promising investments heading into 2026 [1][2]. Group 1: Dollar General - Dollar General's share price increased over 32% in the past month, driven by strong fiscal third-quarter results [5][8]. - The company reported a 4.6% year-over-year sales increase to $10.6 billion and a 43.8% rise in earnings per share to $1.28, surpassing Wall Street's estimate of $0.93 [5][8]. - Gross profit margin improved by 107 basis points to 29.9%, indicating enhanced profitability [5]. - The company opened 196 new stores and remodeled 1,175 locations during the quarter [6]. - Management raised earnings per share guidance for 2025 to a range of $6.30 to $6.50, up from $5.80 to $6.30 [8]. Group 2: Expedia Group - Expedia Group's stock rose nearly 23% in the past month, fueled by robust third-quarter results and an increased full-year revenue forecast [10][11]. - Revenue for the quarter increased by 9% to $4.4 billion, while gross bookings surged by 12% to almost $31 billion [10]. - Management raised full-year revenue growth guidance to 6%-7%, up from 3%-5%, and gross bookings growth is now projected at 7% [10][11]. - The positive results are attributed to rising travel demand, the use of artificial intelligence, and improved cost control [11]. Group 3: EPAM Systems - EPAM Systems' stock has rebounded over 26% in the past month, following a strong third-quarter earnings report [12][13]. - Adjusted earnings per share increased by 14.3% year-over-year, and revenue grew by 1.7%, both exceeding Wall Street expectations [13]. - Management raised full-year revenue guidance to a range of $4.69 billion to $4.7 billion, up from $4.59 billion to $4.63 billion, and adjusted profit outlook to between $10.73 and $10.81, up from $10.20 to $10.40 [14].