
Expedia Group Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE) shares soared 13.69% Thursday, March 5, 2026, closing at $251.54 after a volatile session that saw the stock open at $235.00 and reach an intraday high of $252.23. The rally, fueled by a 20% dividend increase and a strategic partnership for event-driven demand forecasting, pushed trading volume to more than 8 million shares — well above the average — as investors piled in ahead of the ex-dividend date.
The online travel giant announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.48 per share, up from the prior $0.40, payable March 26, 2026, to shareholders of record as of March 5. The hike reflects confidence in Expedia's cash flow generation and ongoing transformation into a more efficient, tech-driven platform. The ex-dividend date triggered a classic "buy the dividend" move, with shares climbing sharply as buyers sought to qualify for the payout.