Priceline’s net income more than triples

Online travel agency Priceline.com Inc. said fourth-quarter profit rose to $13.2 million, or 33 cents a share, from $3.79 million, or 9 cents, a year earlier. Excluding certain expenses, profit was 58 cents, ahead of the 39-cent average analyst estimate.

Sales rose 28% to $260.1 million.

Bookings more than doubled in Europe. The company’s July 2005 purchase of Amsterdam-based Bookings gave it access to 18,000 locations and helped lure customers away from rivals.

Norwalk, Conn.-based Priceline boosted its 2007 profit forecast to as much as $2.90 a share from as much as $2.67.