The ratings on Priceline.com Inc. reflect the online travel agency's significant supplier concentration in airlines and hotels, low profit margins, acquisition-driven growth strategy, and participation in the highly competitive online travel market. These factors are only partially offset by the company's leading position in the consumer bid-based travel business and its good cash balances, which provide some cushion. Norwalk, Conn.-based Priceline.com is a provider of bid-based and retail travel services in the areas of airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, vacation packages, cruises, and travel insurance. Besides www.priceline.com, the company operates several travel-related Web sites, including www.lowestfare.com, www.travelweb.com, and www.rentalcars.com. Priceline.com pioneered the opaque travel business with its "Name Your Own Price" model for airline tickets, hotel rooms, and rental
