Priceline Recovering Faster Than Expected

Priceline.com Inc. said that it expects third-quarter revenue at the high end of its range of $280 million to $300 million, and that demand for its online travel services is recovering faster than expected in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States.

Analysts had forecast revenue of $287 million at Priceline.com, compared with $341 million a year ago.

The name-your-own price Internet company’s shares have taken a beating as travel bookings have plummeted in the wake of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Priceline shares rose 9 cents to close at $3.67 on Nasdaq, off sharply from its pre-attack close of $6.06 on Sept. 10.