| Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2014 |
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
| Basis of Presentation | Basis of Presentation |
| The accompanying consolidated financial statements include TripAdvisor, our wholly-owned subsidiaries, and entities we control, or in which we have a variable interest and are the primary beneficiary of expected cash profits or losses. We record noncontrolling interest in our consolidated financial statements to recognize the minority ownership interest in our consolidated subsidiaries. Noncontrolling interest in the earnings and losses of consolidated subsidiaries represent the share of net income or loss allocated to members or partners in our consolidated entities. We have eliminated significant intercompany transactions and accounts. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). |
| Certain of our subsidiaries that operate in China, have variable interests in affiliated entities in China in order to comply with Chinese laws and regulations, which restrict foreign investment in Internet content provision businesses. Although we do not own the capital stock of some of our Chinese affiliates, we consolidate their results as we are the primary beneficiary of the cash losses or profits of these variable interest affiliates and have the power to direct the activities of these affiliates. Our variable interest entities are not material for all periods presented. |
| Accounting Estimates | Accounting Estimates |
| We use estimates and assumptions in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Our estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of our consolidated financial statements. These estimates and assumptions also affect the reported amount of net income or loss during any period. Our actual financial results could differ significantly from these estimates. The significant estimates underlying our consolidated financial statements include; (i) recoverability of intangible assets and goodwill; (ii) recoverability and useful life of long-lived assets; (iii) accounting for income taxes; (iv) purchase accounting for business combinations and (v) stock-based compensation. |
| Reclassifications | Reclassifications |
| As previously disclosed, we no longer consider Expedia a related party. Certain reclassifications have been made to conform the prior period to the current presentation relating to Expedia transactions, which includes the reclassification of revenue from Expedia on our statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 of $217 million and $204 million, respectively, to revenue, the reclassification of receivables at December 31, 2013 of $16 million, from Expedia, net on our consolidated balance sheets to accounts receivable, as well as operating cash flow reclassifications related to Expedia for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 of cash provided of $8 million and cash used of $17 million, respectively, to operating cash flows for accounts receivable on our consolidated statements of cash flows those years. These reclassifications had no net effect on our consolidated financial statements. |
| In addition, as discussed above, we revised our reportable segment structure during the fourth quarter of 2014. Consequently all prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current reporting structure, which is reflected in all required segment disclosures made in this Form 10-K. These reclassifications had no effect on our consolidated financial statements. |
| All other reclassifications, made to conform the prior period to the current presentation, were not material and had no net effect on our consolidated financial statements. |
| Revenue Recognition | Revenue Recognition |
| We recognize revenue from our services rendered when the following four revenue recognition criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Deferred revenue, which primarily relates to our subscription-based and commission based arrangements, is recorded when payments are received in advance of our performance as required by the underlying agreements. |
| Click-based Advertising. Revenue is derived primarily from click-through fees charged to our travel partners for traveler leads sent to the travel partners’ website. We record revenue from click-through fees after the traveler makes the click-through to the travel partners’ websites. |
| Instant booking commission revenue is recorded at the time a traveler books a hotel transaction on our site where we do not assume cancellation risk. In transactions in which we assume cancellation risk, we record revenue when we receive cash from our travel partners, given the current uncertainty of the traveler’s stay. We have no post-booking service obligations for Instant Booking transactions. |
| Display-based Advertising. We recognize display advertising revenue ratably over the advertising period or upon delivery of advertising impressions, depending on the terms of the advertising contract. Subscription-based revenue is recognized ratably over the related contractual period over which service is delivered. |
| Attractions. We receive cash from the consumer at the time of booking of the destination activity and record these amounts, net of commissions, as deferred merchant payables on our consolidated balance sheet. Commission revenue is recorded as deferred revenue at the time of booking and later recognized when the consumer has completed the destination activity or as the consumer’s refund privileges lapse. We pay the destination activity operators after the travelers’ use. |
| Restaurants. We recognize reservation revenues (or per seated diner fees) on a transaction-by-transaction basis as diners are seated by our restaurant customers. Subscription-based revenue is recognized ratably over the related contractual period over which the service is delivered. |
| Vacation Rentals. We generate revenue from customers for online advertising listing services related to the listing of their properties for rent on a subscription basis, over a fixed-term, or on a free-to-list option. Payments for term-based paid subscriptions received in advance of services being rendered are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized ratably on a straight-line basis over the listing period. We generate commission revenue from our free-to-list bookings option. We receive cash from travelers at the time of booking, net of commissions, and record as deferred merchant payables on our consolidated balance sheet. Commission revenue is recorded as deferred revenue at the time of booking and later recognized when the traveler has completed the stay or as the travelers’ refund privileges lapse. We pay the customer or property owner after the travelers’ stay. |
|
| Cost of Revenue | Cost of Revenue |
| Cost of revenue consists of expenses that are directly related or closely correlated to revenue generation, including direct costs, such as ad serving fees, flight search fees, transaction fees and data center costs. In addition, cost of revenue includes personnel and overhead expenses, including salaries, benefits, stock-based compensation and bonuses for certain customer support personnel who are directly involved in revenue generation. |
| Selling and Marketing | Selling and Marketing |
| Sales and marketing expenses primarily consist of direct costs, including SEM and other online traffic acquisition costs, syndication costs and affiliate program commissions, brand advertising, television and other offline advertising, and public relations. In addition, our indirect sales and marketing expense consists of personnel and overhead expenses, including salaries, commissions, benefits, stock-based compensation expense and bonuses for sales, sales support, customer support and marketing employees. |
| Technology and Content | Technology and Content |
| Technology and content expenses consist of personnel and overhead expenses, including salaries and benefits, stock-based compensation expense and bonuses for salaried employees and contractors engaged in the design, development, testing, content support, and maintenance of our websites and mobile apps. Other costs include licensing, maintenance expense, computer supplies, and technology hardware. |
| General and Administrative | General and Administrative |
| General and administrative expense consists primarily of personnel and related overhead costs, including executive leadership, finance, legal and human resource functions and stock-based compensation as well as professional service fees and other fees including audit, legal, tax and accounting, and other costs including bad debt expense and our charitable foundation costs. |
| Interest Income and Other, net | Interest Income and Other, net |
| Interest income and other, net primarily consists of interest earned and amortization of discounts and premiums on our marketable securities, and net foreign exchange gains and losses. |
| Interest Expense | Interest Expense |
| Interest expense primarily consists of interest incurred, commitment fees and debt issuance cost amortization related to our Credit Agreement and Chinese Credit Facilities. |
| Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities | Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities |
| Our cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with maturities of 90 days or less at the date of purchase. Our marketable debt and equity securities have been classified and accounted for as available-for-sale. We determine the appropriate classification of our investments at the time of purchase and reevaluate the designations at each balance sheet date. We invest in highly-rated securities, and our investment policy limits the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer, industry group and currency. The policy requires investments to be investment grade, with the primary objective of minimizing the potential risk of principal loss and providing liquidity of investments sufficient to meet our operating and capital spending requirements and debt repayments. |
| We classify our marketable debt securities as either short-term or long-term based on each instrument’s underlying contractual maturity date and as to whether and when we intend to sell a particular security prior to its maturity date. Marketable debt securities with maturities greater than 90 days at the date of purchase and 12 months or less remaining at the balance sheet date will be classified as short-term and marketable debt securities with maturities greater than 12 months from the balance sheet date will generally be classified as long-term. We classify our marketable equity securities, limited to money market funds and mutual funds, as either short-term or long-term based on the nature of each security and its availability for use in current operations. Our marketable debt and equity securities are carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a component of stockholders’ equity. Fair values are determined for each individual security in the investment portfolio. |
| Realized gains and losses on the sale of securities are determined by specific identification of each security’s cost basis. We may sell certain of our marketable securities prior to their stated maturities for strategic reasons including, but not limited to, anticipation of credit deterioration and liquidity and duration management. The weighted average maturity of our total invested cash shall not exceed 18 months, and no security shall have a final maturity date greater than three years. |
| We continually review our available for sale securities to determine whether a decline in fair value below the carrying value is other than temporary. When evaluating an investment for other-than-temporary impairment, we review factors such as the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below its cost basis, the financial condition of the issuer and any changes thereto, and our intent to sell, or whether it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the investment before recovery of the investment’s cost basis. Once a decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary, an impairment charge is recorded and a new cost basis in the investment is established. If we do not intend to sell the debt security, but it is probable that we will not collect all amounts due, then only the impairment due to the credit risk would be recognized in earnings and the remaining amount of the impairment would be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss within stockholders’ equity. |
| Cash consists of cash deposits held in global financial institutions. |
| Fair Value Measurements | Fair Value Measurements |
| We apply fair value accounting for all financial assets and liabilities and non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. We measure assets and liabilities at fair value based on the expected exit price, which is the amount that would be received on the sale of an asset or amount paid to transfer a liability, as the case may be, in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal or most advantageous market in which we would transact. As such, fair value may be based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability at the measurement date. The authoritative guidance on fair value measurements establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis whereby inputs, used in valuation techniques, are assigned a hierarchical level. The following are the hierarchical levels of inputs to measure fair value: |
| Level 1—Valuations are based on quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets. |
| Level 2—Valuations are based on observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. |
| Level 3—Valuations are based on unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions, consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other market participants. These valuations require significant judgment. |
| Derivative Financial Instruments | Derivative Financial Instruments |
| Our goal in managing our foreign exchange risk is to reduce, to the extent practicable, our potential exposure to the changes that exchange rates might have on our earnings, cash flows and financial position. We do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. We account for our derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities and carry them at fair value. |
| For derivative instruments that hedge the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that are designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity and reclassified into income in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument, if any, is recognized in current income. To receive hedge accounting treatment, cash flow hedges must be highly effective in offsetting changes to expected future cash flows on hedged transactions. For options designated as cash flow hedges, changes in the time value are excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and are recognized in income. For derivative instruments that hedge the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset or a liability and that are designated as fair value hedges, both the net gain or loss on the derivative instrument as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings in the current period. The net gain or loss on the effective portion of a derivative instrument that is designated as an economic hedge of the foreign currency translation exposure of the net investment in a foreign operation is reported in the same manner as a foreign currency translation adjustment. For forward exchange contracts designated as net investment hedges, we exclude changes in fair value relating to changes in the forward carrying component from its definition of effectiveness. Accordingly, any gains or losses related to this component are recognized in current income. We have not entered into any cash flow, fair value or net investment hedges to date as of December 31, 2014. |
| Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting must be adjusted to fair value through current income. In certain circumstances, we enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts (“forward contracts”) to reduce the effects of fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates on our cash flows denominated in foreign currencies. Our derivative instruments or forward contracts entered into are not designated as hedges as of December 31, 2014 are disclosed below in “Note 5— Financial Instruments” in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of a given subsidiary are remeasured at spot rates in effect on the balance sheet date with the effects of changes in spot rates reported in other, net on our consolidated statements of operations. Accordingly, fair value changes in the forward contracts help mitigate the changes in the value of the remeasured assets and liabilities attributable to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, except to the extent of the spot-forward differences. These differences are not expected to be significant due to the short-term nature of the contracts, which to date, have generally had maturities at inception of 90 days or less. The net cash received or paid related to our derivative instruments are classified as an operating activity in our consolidated statements of cash flow, which is based on the objective of the derivative instruments. These net cash flows have not been material in any reporting period to date. |
| Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts | Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts |
| Accounts receivable are generally due within 30 days and are recorded net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. We record accounts receivable at the invoiced amount. Collateral is not required for accounts receivable. We consider accounts outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms as past due. We determine our allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, previous loss history, a specific customer’s ability to pay its obligations to us, and the condition of the general economy and industry as a whole. |
| The following table presents the changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the periods presented: |
|
| | December 31, | |
| | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
| | (in millions) | |
| Allowance for doubtful accounts: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Balance, beginning of period | | $ | 3 | | | $ | 3 | | | $ | 5 | |
| Charges (recoveries) to earnings | | | 3 | | | | 1 | | | | (1 | ) |
| Write-offs, net of recoveries and other adjustments | | | 1 | | | | (1 | ) | | | (1 | ) |
| Balance, end of period | | $ | 7 | | | $ | 3 | | | $ | 3 | |
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| Property and Equipment, Including Website and Software Development Costs | Property and Equipment, Including Website and Software Development Costs |
| We record property and equipment at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. We capitalize certain costs incurred during the application development stage related to the development of websites and internal use software when it is probable the project will be completed and the software will be used as intended. Capitalized costs include internal and external costs, if direct and incremental, and deemed by management to be significant. We expense costs related to the planning and post-implementation phases of software and website development as these costs are incurred. Maintenance and enhancement costs (including those costs in the post-implementation stages) are typically expensed as incurred, unless such costs relate to substantial upgrades and enhancements to the website or software resulting in added functionality, in which case the costs are capitalized. |
| We compute depreciation using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which is three to five years for computer equipment, capitalized software and website development, office furniture and other equipment. We depreciate leasehold improvements using the straight-line method, over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the improvement or the remaining term of the lease. |
| Leases | Leases |
| We lease office space in several countries around the world under non-cancelable lease agreements. We generally lease our office facilities under operating lease agreements. Office facilities subject to an operating lease and the related lease payments are not recorded on our balance sheet. The terms of certain lease agreements provide for rental payments on a graduated basis, however, we recognize rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease period in accordance with GAAP. Any lease incentives are recognized as reductions of rental expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The lease term begins on the date we become legally obligated for the rent payments or when we take possession of the office space, whichever is earlier. |
| We establish assets and liabilities for the estimated construction costs incurred under lease arrangements where we are considered the owner for accounting purposes only, or build-to-suit leases, to the extent we are involved in the construction of structural improvements or take construction risk prior to commencement of a lease. Upon occupancy of facilities under build-to-suit leases, we assess whether these arrangements qualify for sales recognition under the sale-leaseback accounting guidance under GAAP. If we continue to be the deemed owner, for accounting purposes, the facilities are accounted for as financing obligations. |
| We establish assets and liabilities for the present value of estimated future costs to return certain of our leased facilities to their original condition for asset retirement obligations. Such assets are depreciated over the lease period into operating expense, and the recorded liabilities are accreted to the future value of the estimated restoration costs. |
| Business Combination Valuations and Recoverability of Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets | Business Combination Valuations and Recoverability of Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets |
| Goodwill |
| We account for acquired businesses using the purchase method of accounting which requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded at the date of acquisition at their respective fair values. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. We assess goodwill, which is not amortized, for impairment annually as of October 1, or more frequently, if events and circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level (operating segment or one level below an operating segment). Goodwill is allocated to our reporting units at the date the goodwill is initially recorded. Once goodwill has been allocated to the reporting units, it no longer retains its identification with a particular acquisition and becomes identified with the reporting unit in its entirety. Accordingly, the fair value of the reporting unit as a whole is available to support the recoverability of its goodwill. |
| In the evaluation of goodwill for impairment, we generally first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than 50%) that the implied fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount. If we determine that it is not more likely than not that the implied fair value of the goodwill is less than its carrying amount, no further testing is necessary. If, however, we determine that it is more likely than not that the implied fair value of the goodwill is less than its carrying amount, we then perform a quantitative assessment and compare the implied fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying value. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its implied fair value, the goodwill of that reporting unit is potentially impaired and we proceed to step two of the impairment analysis. In step two of the analysis, we will record an impairment loss equal to the excess of the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill over its implied fair value should such a circumstance arise. |
| In determining the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations and for determining implied fair values of reporting units in a quantitative goodwill impairment test, we use one of the following recognized valuation methods: the income approach (including discounted cash flows), the market approach or the cost approach. Our significant estimates in those fair value measurements include identifying business factors such as size, growth, profitability, risk and return on investment and assessing comparable revenue and operating income multiples. Further, when measuring fair value based on discounted cash flows, we make assumptions about risk-adjusted discount rates, future price levels, rates of increase in revenue, cost of revenue, and operating expenses, weighted average cost of capital, rates of long-term growth, and income tax rates. Valuations are performed by management or third party valuation specialists under management's supervision, where appropriate. We believe that the fair values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations and impairment tests are based on reasonable assumptions that marketplace participants would use. However, such assumptions are inherently uncertain and actual results could differ from those estimates. |
| As part of our qualitative assessment for our 2014 goodwill impairment analysis on October 1, the factors that we considered included, but were not limited to: (a) changes in macroeconomic conditions in the overall economy and the specific markets in which we operate, (b) our ability to access capital, (c) changes in the online travel industry, (d) changes in the level of competition, (e) comparison of our current financial performance to historical and budgeted results, and (f) changes in excess market capitalization over book value based on our current common stock price and latest unaudited consolidated balance sheet. After considering these factors and the impact that changes in such factors would have on the inputs used in our previous quantitative assessment, we determined that it was more likely than not that goodwill was not impaired. |
| Subsequent to the annual impairment test on October 1, 2014, as discussed in “Note 16—Segment and Geographic Information," the composition of our operating segments and our reporting units, has been revised. As a result of this revision, we performed an updated goodwill impairment analysis as of December 31, 2014, for each of our four reporting units which we have identified: Hotels, Vacation Rentals, Restaurants and Attractions. As part of our qualitative assessment for our Hotel reporting unit, we considered the same factors used above in our October 1 qualitative assessment. As part of our process for our Vacation Rentals, Restaurants and Attractions reporting units, we began our qualitative analysis leveraging quantitative valuations for recent acquisitions in these reporting units, prepared by third party appraisers or management, which were used by management for initial purchase accounting required under GAAP. We then considered many of the same qualitative factors used in our October 1, 2014 qualitative assessment and the impact that changes in such factors would have on the inputs previously used in those recent quantitative valuations. After considering this information, we determined that, regarding all reporting units, it was more likely than not that these assets were not impaired at December 31, 2014. |
| Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets |
| Intangible assets that have indefinite lives are not amortized and are tested for impairment annually on October 1, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Similar to the qualitative assessment for goodwill, we may assess qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that the implied fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If we determine that it is not more likely than not that the implied fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, no further testing is necessary. If, however, we determine that it is more likely than not that the implied fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, we compare the implied fair value of the indefinite-lived asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying value of an individual indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its implied fair value, the individual asset is written down by an amount equal to such excess. The assessment of qualitative factors is optional and at our discretion. We may bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. |
| As part of our qualitative assessment for our 2014 impairment analysis on October 1, the factors that we considered for our indefinite-lived intangible assets included, but were not limited to: (a) changes in macroeconomic conditions in the overall economy and the specific markets in which we operate, (b) our ability to access capital, (c) changes in the online travel industry, (d) changes in the level of competition, (e) comparison of our current financial performance to historical and budgeted results, (f) changes in excess market capitalization over book value based on our current common stock price and latest unaudited consolidated balance sheet, and (g) comparison of the excess of the fair value of our trade names and trademarks to the carrying value of those same assets, using the results of our most recent quantitative assessment. After considering these factors and the impact that changes in such factors would have on the inputs used in our previous quantitative assessment, we determined that it was more likely than not that these assets were not impaired. |
| Since the annual impairment test on October 1, 2014, there have been no events or changes in circumstances to indicate any potential impairment to our indefinite lived intangible assets. In the event that future circumstances indicate that our indefinite-lived intangibles are impaired, an impairment charge would be recorded. |
| There were no impairment charges recognized to our consolidated statement of operations during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 related to our goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets. |
| Recoverability of Intangible Assets with Definite Lives and Other Long-Lived Assets | Recoverability of Intangible Assets with Definite Lives and Other Long-Lived Assets |
| Intangible assets with definite lives and other long-lived assets are carried at cost and are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of two to twelve years. The straight-line method of amortization is currently used for our definite-lived intangible assets as it approximates, or is our best estimate, of the distribution of the economic use of our identifiable intangible assets. We review the carrying value of long-lived assets or asset groups, including property and equipment, to be used in operations whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets might not be recoverable. |
| Factors that would necessitate an impairment assessment include a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used, a significant adverse change in legal factors or the business climate that could affect the value of the asset, or a significant decline in the observable market value of an asset, among others. If such facts indicate a potential impairment, we assess the recoverability of the asset by determining if the carrying value of the asset exceeds the sum of the projected undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset over the remaining economic life of the asset. If the recoverability test indicates that the carrying value of the asset is not recoverable, we will estimate the fair value of the asset using appropriate valuation methodologies which would typically include an estimate of discounted cash flows. Any impairment would be measured by the amount that the carrying value of such assets exceeds their fair value and would be included in operating income on the consolidated statement of operations. We have not identified any circumstances that would warrant an impairment assessment of any recorded assets in our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2014. |
| Income Taxes | Income Taxes |
| We record income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect our estimation of the future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for book and tax purposes. We determine deferred income taxes based on the differences in accounting methods and timing between financial statement and income tax reporting. Accordingly, we determine the deferred tax asset or liability for each temporary difference based on the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when we realize the underlying items of income and expense. We consider all relevant factors when assessing the likelihood of future realization of our deferred tax assets, including our recent earnings experience by jurisdiction, expectations of future taxable income, and the carryforward periods available to us for tax reporting purposes, as well as assessing available tax planning strategies. We may establish a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount we believe is more likely than not to be realized. Due to inherent complexities arising from the nature of our businesses, future changes in income tax law, tax sharing agreements or variances between our actual and anticipated operating results, we make certain judgments and estimates. Therefore, actual income taxes could materially vary from these estimates. |
| We recognize in our consolidated financial statements the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not to be sustained upon an examination, based on the technical merits of the position. |
| Foreign Currency Translation and Transaction Gains and Losses | Foreign Currency Translation and Transaction Gains and Losses |
| Our consolidated financial statements are reported in U.S. dollars. Certain of our subsidiaries outside of the United States use the related local currency as their functional currency and not the U.S. dollar. Therefore assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries are translated at the spot rate in effect at the applicable reporting date, and the consolidated statements of operations are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during the applicable period. The resulting unrealized cumulative translation adjustment is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income(loss) in stockholders’ equity on our consolidated balance sheet. |
| We also have subsidiaries that have transactions in foreign currencies other than their functional currency. Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are recorded based on exchange rates at the time such transactions arise. Subsequent changes in exchange rates result in transaction gains and losses which are reflected in our consolidated statements of operations as unrealized (based on the applicable period-end exchange rate) or realized upon settlement of the transactions, in other, net. |
| Accordingly, we have recorded foreign exchange losses of $10 million, $0 million and $3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, in other, net on our consolidated statement of operations. These amounts include gains and losses, realized and unrealized, on foreign currency forward contracts. |
| Advertising Expense | Advertising Expense |
| We incur advertising expense, which includes traffic generation costs from search engines and Internet portals, other online and offline (including television) advertising expense, promotions and public relations to promote our brands. We expense the costs associated with communicating the advertisements in the period in which the advertisement takes place. We initially capitalize and then expense the production costs associated with advertisements in the period in which the advertisement first takes place. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, our advertising expense was $341 million, $237 million, and $175 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had $5 million and $1 million of prepaid marketing expenses included in prepaid expenses and other current assets. We expect to fully expense our prepaid marketing asset of $5 million as of December 31, 2014 to the consolidated statement of operations during 2015. |
| Stock-Based Compensation | Stock-Based Compensation |
| Stock Options. The exercise price for all stock options granted by us to date has been equal to the market price of the underlying shares of common stock at the date of grant. In this regard, when making stock option awards, our practice is to determine the applicable grant date and to specify that the exercise price shall be the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. |
| The estimated grant-date fair value of stock options is calculated using a Black-Scholes Merton option-pricing model (“Black-Scholes model”). The Black-Scholes model incorporates assumptions to value stock-based awards, which includes the risk-free rate of return, expected volatility, expected term and expected dividend yield. |
| Our risk-free interest rate is based on the rates currently available on zero-coupon U.S. Treasury issues, in effect at the time of the grant, whose remaining maturity period most closely approximates the stock option’s expected term assumption. We have estimated, to date, the volatility of our common stock by using an average of our historical stock price volatility and of publicly traded companies that we consider peers based on daily price observations. We have estimated our expected term, to date, using the simplified method, as we have not had sufficient historical exercise data on our common stock to date. Our expected dividend yield is zero, as we have not paid any dividends on our common stock to date and do not expect to pay any cash dividends for the foreseeable future. |
| Our stock options generally have a term of ten years from the date of grant and generally vest equitably over a four-year requisite service period. We amortize the grant-date fair value of our stock option grants, net of estimated forfeitures, as stock-based compensation expense over the vesting term on a straight-line basis, with the amount of compensation expense recognized at any date at least equaling the portion of the grant-date fair value of the award that is vested at that date. |
| As the Company now has three years of post-Spin-Off equity award activity, beginning in February 2015, we will change our method of estimating our expected term from the simplified method and use historical exercise behavior and expected post-vest termination data. Simultaneously, we will also begin estimating our expected volatility by equally weighting the historical volatility and implied volatility on our own stock. Historical volatility will be determined using actual daily price observations of our stock price over a period equivalent to or approximate to the expected term of our stock option grants to date. Implied volatility represents the volatility of our actively traded options on our stock, with remaining maturities in excess of twelve months and market prices approximate to the exercise prices of the stock option grant. These changes are not expected to materially affect our future consolidated financial statements. |
| Restricted Stock Units. RSUs are stock awards that are granted to employees entitling the holder to shares of our common stock as the award vests. RSUs are measured at fair value based on the number of shares granted and the quoted price of our common stock at the date of grant. We amortize the fair value of RSUs, net of estimated forfeitures, as stock-based compensation expense over the vesting term of generally four years on a straight-line basis, with the amount of compensation expense recognized at any date at least equaling the portion of the grant-date fair value of the award that is vested at that date. |
| Performance-based stock options and RSUs vest upon achievement of certain company-based performance conditions and a requisite service period. On the date of grant, the fair value of performance-based award is determined based on the fair value, which is calculated using the same method as our service based stock options and RSUs described above. We then assess whether it is probable that the individual performance targets would be achieved. If assessed as probable, compensation expense will be recorded for these awards over the estimated performance period. At each reporting period, we will reassess the probability of achieving the performance targets and the performance period required to meet those targets. The estimation of whether the performance targets will be achieved and of the performance period required to achieve the targets requires judgment, and to the extent actual results or updated estimates differ from our current estimates, the cumulative effect on current and prior periods of those changes will be recorded in the period estimates are revised, or the change in estimate will be applied prospectively depending on whether the change affects the estimate of total compensation cost to be recognized or merely affects the period over which compensation cost is to be recognized. The ultimate number of shares issued and the related compensation expense recognized will be based on a comparison of the final performance metrics to the specified targets. |
| Estimates of fair value are not intended to predict actual future events or the value ultimately realized by employees who receive these awards, and subsequent events are not indicative of the reasonableness of our original estimates of fair value. We use historical data to estimate pre-vesting stock option and RSU forfeitures and record share-based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest. Changes in estimated forfeitures are recognized through a cumulative catch-up adjustment in the period of change which also impacts the amount of stock compensation expense to be recognized in future periods. |
| Deferred Merchant Payables | Deferred Merchant Payables |
| We receive cash from travelers at the time of booking related to our vacation rental, attractions and transaction-based businesses and we record these amounts, net of commissions, on our consolidated balance sheets as deferred merchant payables. We pay the hotel, destination activity operators or vacation rental owners after the travelers’ use and subsequent billing from the hotel, attraction provider or vacation rental owners. Therefore, we receive cash from the traveler prior to paying the hotel, destination activity operator or vacation rental owners, and this operating cycle represents a working capital source or use of cash to us. As long as these businesses grow, we expect that changes in working capital related to these transactions, depending on timing of payments and seasonality, will continue to impact operating cash flows. Our deferred merchant payables balance was $93 million and $30 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. A payable balance of $76 million was acquired during the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily related to our Viator acquisition (see “Note 3— Acquisitions”) and therefore is included within investing activities in our consolidated statement of cash flows. |
| Credit Risk and Concentrations | Credit Risk and Concentrations |
| Financial instruments, which potentially subject us to concentration of credit risk, consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, corporate debt securities, foreign exchange contracts, accounts receivable and customer concentrations. We maintain some cash and cash equivalents balances with financial institutions that are in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits. Our cash and cash equivalents are primarily composed of prime institutional money market funds as well as bank account balances primarily denominated in U.S. dollars, Euros, British pound sterling, Chinese renminbi, Australian dollars and Singapore dollars. We invest in highly-rated corporate debt securities, and our investment policy limits the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer, industry group and currency. Our credit risk related to corporate debt securities is also mitigated by the relatively short maturity period required by our investment policy. Foreign exchange contracts are transacted with various international financial institutions with high credit standing. |
| Our business is also subject to certain risks due to concentrations related to dependence on our relationships with our customers. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 our two most significant advertising partners, Expedia and Priceline, each accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenue and combined accounted for 46%, 47% and 48% of our consolidated revenue, respectively. This concentration of revenue is recorded in our Hotel segment for these reporting periods. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, Expedia accounted for 15% and 14%, respectively, of our total accounts receivable. Our overall credit risk related to accounts receivable is also mitigated by the relatively short collection period. |
| Contingent Liabilities | Contingent Liabilities |
| Periodically, we review the status of all significant outstanding matters to assess any potential financial exposure. When (i) it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and (ii) the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we record the estimated loss in our consolidated statements of operations. We provide disclosure in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for loss contingencies that do not meet both these conditions if there is a reasonable possibility that a loss may have been incurred that would be material to the financial statements. Significant judgment is required to determine the probability that a liability has been incurred and whether such liability is reasonably estimable. We base accruals made on the best information available at the time which can be highly subjective. The final outcome of these matters could vary significantly from the amounts included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. |
| Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
| Comprehensive income (loss) currently consists of net income, cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of tax. |
| Basic Earnings Per Share | Basic Earnings Per Share |
| We compute basic earnings per share (“Basic EPS”) by dividing net income attributable to TripAdvisor by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. We compute the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period using the total of common stock and Class B common stock outstanding as of the last day of the previous year end reporting period plus the weighted average of any additional shares issued and outstanding less the weighted average of any treasury shares repurchased during the reporting period. |
| Diluted Earnings Per Share |
| We compute diluted earnings per share (“Diluted EPS”) by dividing net income attributable to TripAdvisor by the sum of the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. We computed the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period using the sum of (i) the number of shares of common stock and Class B common stock used in the basic earnings per share calculation as indicated above, and (ii) if dilutive, the incremental weighted average common stock that we would issue upon the assumed exercise of outstanding common equivalent shares related to stock options and the vesting of restricted stock units using the treasury stock method, and (iii) if dilutive, performance based awards based on the number of shares that would be issuable as of the end of the reporting period assuming the end of the reporting period was also the end of the contingency period. |
| Under the treasury stock method, the assumed proceeds calculation includes the actual proceeds to be received from the employee upon exercise, the average unrecognized compensation cost during the period and any tax benefits credited upon exercise to additional paid-in-capital. The treasury stock method assumes that a company uses the proceeds from the exercise of an award to repurchase common stock at the average market price for the period. Windfall tax benefits created upon the exercise of an award would be added to assumed proceeds, while shortfalls charged to additional paid-in-capital would be deducted from assumed proceeds. Any shortfalls not covered by the windfall tax pool would be charged to the income statement and would be excluded from the calculation of assumed proceeds, if any. |
| Below is a reconciliation of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding in calculating Diluted EPS (shares in thousands and dollars in millions, except per share amounts) for the periods presented: |
|
| | Year ended December 31, | |
| | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
| Numerator: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net income | | $ | 226 | | | $ | 205 | | | $ | 194 | |
| Denominator: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Weighted average shares used to compute | | | 142,721 | | | | 142,854 | | | | 139,462 | |
| Basic EPS |
| Weighted average effect of dilutive | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| securities: |
| Stock options | | | 2,734 | | | | 2,131 | | | | 1,207 | |
| RSUs | | | 345 | | | | 278 | | | | 161 | |
| Stock warrants | | | - | | | | - | | | | 511 | |
| Weighted average shares used to compute | | | 145,800 | | | | 145,263 | | | | 141,341 | |
| Diluted EPS |
| Basic EPS | | $ | 1.58 | | | $ | 1.44 | | | $ | 1.39 | |
| Diluted EPS | | $ | 1.55 | | | $ | 1.41 | | | $ | 1.37 | |
| The following potential common shares related to stock options and RSUs were excluded from the calculation of Diluted EPS because their effect would have been anti-dilutive for the periods presented: |
|
| | Year ended December 31, | |
| | 2014(1) | | | 2013(2) | | | 2012(3) | |
| Stock options | | | 1,450 | | | | 2,244 | | | | 3,944 | |
| RSUs | | | 191 | | | | 27 | | | | 21 | |
| Total | | | 1,641 | | | | 2,271 | | | | 3,965 | |
|
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| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| -1 | These totals do not include 66,666 performance based options and 44,000 performance based RSUs representing the right to acquire 110,666 shares of common stock for which all targets required to trigger vesting had not been achieved; therefore, such awards were excluded from the calculation of weighted average shares used to compute Diluted EPS for those reporting periods. | | | | | | | | | | | |
| -2 | These totals do not include 155,000 performance based options and 44,000 performance based RSUs representing the right to acquire 199,000 shares of common stock for which all targets required to trigger vesting had not been achieved; therefore, such awards were excluded from the calculation of weighted average shares used to compute Diluted EPS for those reporting periods. | | | | | | | | | | | |
| -3 | These totals do not include 110,000 performance based options and 200,000 performance based RSUs representing the right to acquire 310,000 shares of common stock, respectively, for which all targets required to trigger vesting had not been achieved; therefore, such awards were excluded from the calculation of weighted average shares used to compute Diluted EPS for those reporting periods. | | | | | | | | | | | |
| The earnings per share amounts are the same for common stock and Class B common stock because the holders of each class are legally entitled to equal per share distributions whether through dividends or in liquidation. |
| New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted | New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted |
| Revenue From Contracts With Customers |
| In May 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on revenue from contracts with customers. The new guidance requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The updated guidance will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective and permits the use of either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. We have not yet selected a transition method and we are currently evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. |
| Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements | Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements |
| Pushdown Accounting |
| In November 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that provides companies with the option to apply pushdown accounting in its separate financial statements upon occurrence of an event in which an acquirer obtains control of the acquired entity. The acquired entity may elect the option to apply pushdown accounting in the reporting period in which the change-in-control event occurs. If pushdown accounting is not applied in the reporting period in which the change-in-control event occurs, an acquired entity will have the option to elect to apply pushdown accounting in a subsequent reporting period as a change in accounting principle under GAAP. If pushdown accounting is applied to an individual change-in-control event, that election is irrevocable. This guidance also requires an acquired entity that elects the option to apply pushdown accounting in its separate financial statements to disclose information in the current reporting period that enables users of financial statements to evaluate the effect of pushdown accounting. We have adopted this guidance effective November 18, 2014, as the amendments are effective upon issuance. The adoption of this new guidance did not have any impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. |
| Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists |
| In July 2013, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits. The new guidance requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except as follows: to the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use the deferred tax asset for such purpose, then the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. This guidance was effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. Accordingly, we adopted these presentation requirements during the first quarter of 2014. The adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. |
