<PAGE>
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOTEL RESERVATIONS NETWORK
REPORTS RECORD RESULTS FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2000
OVER 1,700,000 HOTEL ROOMS SOLD YEAR-TO-DATE; HRN GENERATES OVER $75 MILLION
IN OPERATING CASH FLOW YEAR-TO-DATE
KEY QUARTERLY RESULTS (3RD QUARTER OF 2000 COMPARED TO 3RD QUARTER OF 1999)
- REVENUES INCREASE 99% TO $94.6 MILLION
- EBITDA INCREASES 117% TO $13.9 MILLION
- ADJUSTED EARNINGS PER SHARE (DILUTED) INCREASES 157% TO $0.18
- HOTEL ROOM NIGHTS SOLD INCREASES 92% TO 716,600
Dallas, Texas, October 24, 2000 -- Hotel Reservations Network (HRN) (NASDAQ:
ROOM), www.hoteldiscount.com, the Internet's number one provider of discount
hotel accommodations worldwide, announced today record financial results for
all key financial and operating metrics for the 3rd quarter of 2000.
HRN posted a 99% year-over-year increase in 3rd quarter revenues, driven by
continued strong demand across the company's multiple distribution channels
including HRN's websites, more than 3,400 affiliate websites, premier search
engine alliances and HRN's 24-hour call center. During the quarter, HRN
significantly expanded its business by adding over 900 new Web affiliates,
nearly 300 new hotel supplier relationships, and 23 new cities. Leveraging
its profitable business model, HRN reported 3rd quarter EBITDA of $13.9
million, a 117% year-over-year increase. In addition, the company reported
adjusted net income, which excludes the effect of certain non-cash expenses,
of $10.0 million for the 3rd quarter of 2000, an increase of 138% over
adjusted pro forma net income of $4.2 million for the 3rd quarter of 1999.
<PAGE>
The unaudited financial highlights for 2000 and pro forma financial
highlights for 1999 are set forth below (amounts are in thousands, except
adjusted earnings per share data):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30, September 30,
--------------------------- --------------------------
2000 1999 2000 1999
(Pro forma) (Pro forma)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net revenue $94,618 $47,652 $227,963 $108,371
Gross profit (1) 28,895 13,502 69,687 31,668
EBITDA (2) 13,908 6,399 35,004 15,616
Adjusted Net Income (3) 10,037 4,214 24,638 10,435
Adjusted Earnings per share, diluted (3) $0.18 $0.07 $0.47 $0.20
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted (4) 56,487 56,487 52,660 52,660
</TABLE>
(1) Reflects reclassification of performance-based affiliate fees from cost of
sales to selling, general and administrative expenses, resulting in an
increase to gross profit of $0.8 million for the 3rd quarter of 1999 and
$1.6 million for the 9 months ended September 30, 1999.
(2) EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
amortization of goodwill, and non-cash marketing expense (warrant costs
related to affiliation arrangements). For the 9 months ended September 30,
1999, it also excludes non-recurring acquisition related costs of $20,257.
(3) Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS exclude acquisition related goodwill
amortization and warrant amortization and non-recurring acquisition
related costs of $20,257 incurred in the second quarter of 1999.
(4) Weighted average shares outstanding for the calculation of earnings per
share for the 9 months ended September 30, 2000 assumed the 38,999 shares
of the Class B Common Stock were outstanding for the entire period and the
16,235 shares of Class A Common Stock and the diluted effects of options
and warrants issued at the time of the initial public offering are
weighted for the period from February 25, 2000 to September 30, 2000. 1999
shares outstanding is shown on a pro-forma basis for the same number of
shares as 2000 for comparison purposes.
Commenting on the results, Bob Diener, President of Hotel Reservations
Network, said, "HRN continued its exceptional growth on both the top and
bottom line during the 3rd quarter. Our momentum reflects our success in
capitalizing on the dramatic, yet early-stage growth of the online lodging
market. We continue to strengthen our leadership position by expanding our
affiliate base, destinations served and discounted hotel offerings, all of
which contribute to our compounding business engine. By creating consumer
demand through our broad distribution network we generate revenue for our
hotel suppliers, affiliate partners and HRN. This is one of the most effective
and efficient business models utilizing the Internet.
"Fundamentally HRN is exceptionally strong. We operate a scalable business
that is generating substantial cash via multiple growth channels. Our overall
market is expected to continue to grow dramatically well into the decade.
Also, we have a growing cash position and debt-free balance sheet. We are not
reliant on external capital or costly advertising campaigns to fuel our
growth. All of these factors, combined with continued robust organic growth,
support a very positive outlook for HRN.
"For the 4th quarter of 2000 we expect to report revenue of at least $88
million, and adjusted earnings, fully diluted, of at least $0.18 per share.
For the full year 2001 we expect to report revenue and EBITDA growth of at
least 40% over 2000. We continue to focus on the execution of our profitable
business plan and remain in a strong position to capitalize on all of our
growth drivers."
<PAGE>
3RD QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS:
- The growth of HRN's city and affiliate base coupled with strong organic
growth in online hotel bookings drove hotel room nights sold during the
quarter to 716,600, a 92% increase over the 3rd quarter of 1999.
- The company's base of web affiliates reached 3,400 during the 3rd quarter,
an increase of over 900 affiliates from the 2nd quarter and an increase of
1,800 from December 31, 1999. The affiliates consist of a diversified group
of sites covering such industries as travel, local interest, convention and
visitor bureaus, general entertainment, news and information, community and
e-commerce. In addition, on October 10, 2000 HRN announced that it now
serves over 3,500 affiliates, an increase of over 119 percent since the end
of 1999.
- During the 3rd quarter, HRN increased its cities served to 83, representing
a 118% increase over the 1999 3rd quarter and a 108% increase over the 1999
year-end total. Twenty-three new markets were added during the 3rd quarter
including Birmingham, Alabama; the Caribbean; Charleston, South Carolina;
Cincinnati, Ohio; Columbus, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; Flagstaff/Grand
Canyon, Arizona; Gatlinburg, Tennessee; the Hawaiian Islands; Hilton Head,
South Carolina; Indianapolis, Indiana; Montreal, Canada; Myrtle Beach,
South Carolina; Niagara Falls, New York; Norfolk, Virginia; Palm Springs,
California; Panama City, Florida; Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina; Savannah,
Georgia; Space Coast, Florida; St. Louis, Missouri; Tallahassee, Florida
and Yellowstone, Wyoming.
- Internet generated revenues represented 94% of total 3rd quarter revenues,
as compared to 85% in the 3rd quarter of 1999 and 81% for all of 1999.
- Affiliate generated revenues represented 53% of total 3rd quarter revenues,
as compared to 44% for the 3rd quarter of 1999 and 41% for all of 1999.
- In the 3rd quarter HRN completed the previously announced integration of
its offering of discount hotel rooms into Travelocity.com, the world's
largest online travel website. Travelocity customers now have direct access
to all of HRN's markets and hotel accommodations. Through its exclusive
agreement with Travelocity, HRN's hotel accommodations are also offered
over Travelocity's network of website affiliates including America On Line,
AOL.com, Yahoo!, Excite, Digitalcity, @Home, Netscape, and Go.com.
- The company generated $19.7 million of cash flow from operations in the 3rd
quarter, and $75.3 million of cash flow from operations year-to-date.
- At the close of the 3rd quarter, the company's cash and investment position
stood at $170.9 million, with no debt.
HRN will host a conference call to discuss its 3rd quarter earnings results
today October 24, 2000 at 9:00 am Eastern. To access the conference call dial
212-896-6003. The call will be web cast
<PAGE>
live and archived for replay at www.hoteldiscount.com under the investor
relations section of the site.
Hotel Reservations Network, Inc. (NASDAQ: ROOM) is the Internet's number one
provider of discount hotel accommodations worldwide and supplier of room
availability during sold out periods. HRN supplies travelers with an easy-to-
use, one-stop source for the guaranteed lowest hotel rates through its Websites,
http://www.hoteldiscount.com and http://www.180096hotel.com, over 3,500
affiliate Websites and HRN's 24x7 toll-free call center (1-800-96-HOTEL). HRN
provides accommodations at over 2,000 hotels in 83 major markets in North
America and Western Europe. For more information about HRN, visit the company's
websites at HTTP://www.hoteldiscount.com and http://www.180096hotel.com. Located
in Dallas, Texas, HRN is a majority-owned subsidiary of USA Networks, Inc.'s
(NASDAQ: USAI) Information and Services unit.
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of
section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The company
has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations and
projections about future events, based on the information currently available
to it. The forward-looking statements include among other things, statements
relating to the company's anticipated financial performance, business
prospects, new developments, new strategies and similar matters. These
forward-looking statements, are subject to risks, uncertainties and
assumptions that may affect the operations, performance, development and
results of the company's business and include, but are not limited to, the
risk factors described under the section "Risk Factors" in the company's
prospectus filed with the SEC on February 25, 2000 (which is available upon
request from the company or on the company's websites, www.hoteldiscount.com
and www.180096hotel.com, under the heading "Investor Relations.") and the
following: 1) material adverse changes in the economic conditions in the
company's markets; 2) future regulatory actions and conditions in the
company's operating areas; 3) competition from others; 4) product demand and
market acceptance; 5) the ability to protect proprietary information and
technology or to obtain necessary licenses on commercially reasonable terms;
and 6) the ability to obtain and retain key executives and employees. The
company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future
events or any other reason. In light of these risks, uncertainties and
assumptions, the forward-looking statements discussed in this press release
may not prove correct.
# # #
Contacts:
Investor Relations:
-------------------
Hotel Reservations Network Brainerd Communicators
Mel Robinson Michael Smargiassi
Phone: 214-361-7311 ext 1034 Phone: 212-986-6667
[email protected] [email protected]
--------------------------- -------------------
<PAGE>
HOTEL RESERVATION NETWORK, INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
2000 1999 2000 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
PRO FORMA(1) PRO FORMA(1)
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues $94,618 $47,652 $227,963 $108,371
Cost of revenues (2) 65,723 34,150 158,276 76,703
-------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------
Gross profit 28,895 13,502 69,687 31,668
Operating expenses:
Selling general & administrative(2) & (3) 15,169 7,233 35,210 16,356
Amortization of non-cash marketing and distribution
expenses 1,235 - 2,956 -
Amortization of goodwill 10,591 10,591 27,871 27,871
------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------
Total operating expenses 26,995 17,824 66,037 44,227
------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------
Income (loss) from operations 1,900 (4,321) 3,650 (12,558)
Interest & other income, net 2,594 582 5,584 1,654
------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------
Income (loss) before income tax 4,494 (3,739) 9,234 (10,904)
Provision for income tax 1,730 - 3,555 -
------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------
NET INCOME (LOSS) $2,764 ($3,739) $5,679 ($10,904)
============= ================= ================= ================
Net income (loss) per share (basic & diluted) $0.05 ($0.07) $0.11 ($0.21)
Weighted average shares outstanding (basic)(4) 55,214 55,214 51,957 51,957
Weighted average shares outstanding (diluted)(4) 56,487 55,214 52,660 51,957
EBITDA (5) $13,908 $6,399 $35,004 $15,616
ADJUSTED INCOME EXCLUDING CERTAIN NON-CASH CHARGES(6):
Income before income tax $4,494 ($3,739) $9,234 ($10,904)
Adjustment for non-cash and non-recurring expenses:
Amortization of goodwill 10,591 10,591 27,871 27,871
Amortization of non-cash marketing and distribution
expenses 1,235 - 2,956 -
------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------
Total non-cash expenses 11,826 10,591 30,827 27,871
------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------
Adjusted pre-tax income before non-cash expense 16,320 6,852 40,061 16,967
------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------
Provision for income tax 6,283 2,638 15,423 6,532
------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------
ADJUSTED NET INCOME $10,037 $4,214 $24,638 $10,435
============= ================= ================= ================
ADJUSTED EPS EXCLUDING CERTAIN NON-CASH CHANGES (BASIC)(6) $0.18 $0.08 $0.47 $0.20
============= ================= ================= ================
ADJUSTED EPS EXCLUDING CERTAIN NON-CASH CHARGES (DILUTED)(6) $0.18 $0.07 $0.47 $0.20
============= ================= ================= ================
Weighted average shares outstanding (basic)(4) 55,214 55,214 51,957 51,957
============= ================= ================= ================
Weighted average shares outstanding (diluted)(4) 56,487 56,487 52,660 52,660
============= ================= ================= ================
</TABLE>
NOTES:
(1) The pro forma operating statement for the quarter and nine months ended
September 30, 1999 gives effect to the acquisition of our predecessor
business as if it had occurred on January 1, 1999.
(2) Reflects reclassification of performance based affiliate fees from cost
of sales to selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses resulting
in a reduction of cost of sales and increase of SG&A expenses of $0.8
million for the third quarter of 1999 and $1.6 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 1999.
(3) Selling, general & administration costs for the nine month ended
September 30, 1999 exclude non-recurring acquisition related costs of
$20,257.
(4) Weighted average shares outstanding for the calculation of earnings per
share for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 assumed the 38,999
shares of the Class B Common Stock was outstanding for the entire period
and the 16,235 shares of Class A Common Stock and the dilutive effect of
options and warrants issued at the time of the initial public offering
are weighted for the period from February 25, 2000 to September 30,
2000. 1999 shares outstanding is shown for the same number of shares as
2000 for comparison purposes.
(5) EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
amortization. For the nine months ended September 30, 1999, it also
excludes non-recurring acquisition related costs of $20,257.
(6) Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS information is presented for
informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute
for the historical financial information presented in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles.
<PAGE>
HOTEL RESERVATIONS NETWORK, INC.
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA
(UNAUDITED)
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31,
2000 1999
<S> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents $115,669 $6,257
Short-term investments held for sale 55,184 4,906
Fixed assets, net 2,831 1,988
Accounts payable 29,608 16,252
Deferred Revenue 43,496 16,447
</TABLE>
