| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of the Company and all entities in which it has a direct or indirect controlling financial interest and variable interest entities for which the Company has determined it is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Use of Estimates and Assumptions The use of estimates and assumptions as determined by management is required in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP. These estimates are based on management’s evaluation of historical trends and other information available when the Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared and may affect the amounts reported and related disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Revenue Recognition The Company derives revenues primarily by providing vehicle rentals and other related products and mobility services to commercial and leisure customers, as well as through licensing of its rental brands. Other related products and mobility services include sales of collision and loss damage waivers under which a customer is relieved from financial responsibility arising from vehicle damage incurred during the rental; products and services for driving convenience such as fuel service options, chauffeur drive services, roadside safety net, electronic toll collection, tablet rentals, access to satellite radio, portable navigation units and child safety seat rentals; and rentals of other supplemental items including automobile towing equipment and other moving accessories and supplies. The Company also receives payment from customers for certain operating expenses that it incurs, including airport concession fees that are paid by the Company in exchange for the right to operate at airports and other locations, as well as vehicle licensing fees. In addition, the Company collects membership fees in connection with its car sharing business. Prior to January 1, 2018, the Company recognized revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement existed, the services had been rendered to the customer, the pricing was fixed and determinable and collection was reasonably assured. Vehicle and rental-related revenue was recognized over the period the vehicle was rented. Beginning January 1, 2018, the Company recognized revenue when obligations under the terms of a contract with the customer were satisfied; generally this occurred evenly over the contract (over time); when control of the promised products or services was transferred to the customer. Revenue was measured as the amount of consideration the Company expected to be entitled to receive in exchange for transferring products or services. Certain customers may have received cash-based rebates, which were accounted for as variable consideration. The Company estimated these rebates based on the expected amount to be provided to customers and reduced revenue recognized. Vehicle rental and rental-related revenues were recognized evenly over the period of rental. Beginning January 1, 2019, the Company combines all lease and nonlease components of its vehicle rental contracts for which the timing and pattern of transfer are the same and the lease component meets the classification of an operating lease. Vehicle rentals and other related products and mobility services are recognized evenly over the period of rental, which is on average four days. (See Note 3–Leases). Licensing revenues principally consist of royalties paid by the Company’s licensees and are recorded as the licensees’ revenues are earned (over the rental period). The Company renews license agreements in the normal course of business and occasionally terminates, purchases or sells license agreements. In connection with ongoing fees that the Company receives from its licensees pursuant to license agreements, the Company is required to provide certain services, such as training, marketing and the operation of reservation systems. The Company excludes from the measurement of its transaction price any tax assessed by a governmental authority that is both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction and collected from a customer. As a result, revenue is recorded net of such taxes collected. Revenues and expenses associated with gasoline, airport concessions and vehicle licensing are recorded on a gross basis within revenues and operating expenses. Membership fees related to the Company’s car sharing business are generally nonrefundable, are deferred and recognized ratably over the period of membership. For year ended December 31, 2018, the Company’s revenues were recognized in accordance with ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” Effective January 1, 2019, revenues are recognized under ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” with the exception of royalty fee revenue derived from the Company licensees and revenue related to the Company’s customer loyalty program, which were approximately $144 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The following table presents the Company’s revenues disaggregated by geography. Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 Americas $ 6,352 $ 6,186 Europe, Middle East and Africa 2,222 2,314 Asia and Australasia 598 624 Total revenues $ 9,172 $ 9,124 The following table presents the Company’s revenues disaggregated by brand. Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 Avis $ 5,250 $ 5,266 Budget 3,179 3,057 Other 743 801 Total revenues $ 9,172 $ 9,124 ________ Other includes Zipcar and other operating brands. Deferred Revenue The Company records deferred revenues when cash payments are received in advance of satisfying its performance obligations, including amounts that are refundable. In addition, certain customers earn loyalty points on rentals, for which the Company defers a portion of its rental revenues generally equivalent to the estimated retail value of points expected to be redeemed. The Company estimates points that will never be redeemed based upon actual redemption and expiration patterns. Currently loyalty points expire after 12 months of member inactivity. Future changes to expiration assumptions or expiration policy, or to program rules, may result in changes to deferred revenue as well as recognized revenues from the program. The following table presents changes in deferred revenue associated with the Company’s customer loyalty program. Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 Balance, January 1 $ 64 $ 69 Revenue deferred 17 14 Revenue recognized (22 ) (19 ) Balance, December 31 $ 59 $ 64 _______ At December 31, 2019 and 2018, $22 million and $18 million was included in accounts payable and other current liabilities, respectively, and $37 million and $46 million , respectively, in other non-current liabilities. Non-current amounts are expected to be recognized as revenue within two to three years. At January 1, 2018, the Company’s prepaid rentals and membership fees related to its car sharing business were $125 million . During the year ended December 31, 2018, additional revenues of $1,968 million were deferred and revenues of $1,970 million were recognized. At December 31, 2018, the ending prepaid rentals and car sharing membership fees were $123 million , of which $122 million was included in accounts payable and other current liabilities and $1 million was included in other non-current liabilities. Currency Translation Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated at the rate of exchange in effect on the balance sheet date; income and expenses are translated at the prevailing monthly average rate of exchange. The related translation adjustments are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the stockholders’ equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets and in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The accumulated currency translation adjustment as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 was a gain of $9 million and a loss of $3 million , respectively. The Company has designated its euro-denominated Notes as a hedge of its investment in euro-denominated foreign operations and, accordingly, records the effective portion of gains or losses on this net investment hedge in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as part of currency translation adjustments. Cash and Cash Equivalents, Program Cash and Restricted Cash The Company considers highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Program cash primarily represents amounts specifically designated to purchase assets under vehicle programs and/or to repay the related debt, as such the Company considers it a restricted cash equivalent. The following table provides a detail of cash and cash equivalents, program and restricted cash reported within the Consolidated Balance Sheets to the amounts shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows: As of December 31, 2019 2018 Cash and cash equivalents $ 686 $ 615 Program cash 211 115 Restricted cash (a) 3 5 Total cash and cash equivalents, program and restricted cash $ 900 $ 735 _________ (a) Included within other current assets. Property and Equipment Property and equipment (including leasehold improvements) are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation (non-vehicle related) is computed utilizing the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the term of the lease or the estimated useful lives of the improvements. Useful lives are as follows: Buildings 30 years Furniture, fixtures & equipment 3 to 10 years Capitalized software 3 to 7 years Buses and support vehicles 4 to 15 years The Company capitalizes the costs of software developed for internal use when the preliminary project stage is completed and management (i) commits to funding the project and (ii) believes it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used to perform the function intended. The software developed or obtained for internal use is amortized on a straight-line basis commencing when such software is ready for its intended use. The net carrying value of software developed or obtained for internal use was $261 million and $188 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess, if any, of the fair value of the consideration transferred by the acquirer and the fair value of any non-controlling interest remaining in the acquiree, if any, over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired. The Company does not amortize goodwill, but assesses it for impairment at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of their respective reporting units exceed their fair values. The Company performs its annual impairment assessment in the fourth quarter of each year at the reporting unit level. The Company assesses goodwill for such impairment by comparing the carrying value of each reporting unit to its fair value using the present value of expected future cash flows. When appropriate, comparative market multiples and other factors are used to corroborate the discounted cash flow results. Other intangible assets, primarily trademarks, with indefinite lives are not amortized but are evaluated annually for impairment and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of this asset may exceed its fair value. If the carrying value of an other intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Other intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are evaluated each reporting period to determine if circumstances warrant a revision to these lives. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Company is required to assess long-lived assets for impairment whenever circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. This analysis is performed by comparing the respective carrying values of the assets to the undiscounted expected future cash flows to be generated from such assets. Property and equipment is evaluated separately at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows. If such analysis indicates that the carrying value of these assets is not recoverable, the carrying value of such assets is reduced to fair value. Vehicles Vehicles are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. The initial cost of the vehicles is recorded net of incentives and allowances from manufacturers. The Company acquires a portion of its rental vehicles pursuant to repurchase and guaranteed depreciation programs established by automobile manufacturers. Under these programs, the manufacturers agree to repurchase vehicles at a specified price and date, or guarantee the depreciation rate for a specified period of time, subject to certain eligibility criteria (such as car condition and mileage requirements). The Company depreciates vehicles such that the net book value on the date of return to the manufacturers is intended to equal the contractual guaranteed residual values, thereby minimizing any gain or loss. Rental vehicles acquired outside of manufacturer repurchase and guaranteed depreciation programs are depreciated based upon their estimated residual values at their expected dates of disposition, after giving effect to anticipated conditions in the used car market. Any adjustments to depreciation are made prospectively. The estimation of residual values requires the Company to make assumptions regarding the age and mileage of the car at the time of disposal, as well as expected used vehicle auction market conditions. The Company regularly evaluates estimated residual values and adjusts depreciation rates as appropriate. Differences between actual residual values and those estimated result in a gain or loss on disposal and are recorded as part of vehicle depreciation at the time of sale. Vehicle-related interest expense amounts are net of vehicle-related interest income of $15 million , $15 million and $8 million for 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Advertising Expenses Advertising costs are generally expensed in the period incurred and are recorded within selling, general and administrative expense in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. During 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , advertising costs were approximately $121 million , $116 million and $111 million , respectively. Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. For information regarding the accounting for the effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), see Note 9-Income Taxes. As a result of the provisions of the Tax Act, the Company accounts for Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) as a component of current period income tax expense in the year incurred. The Company records net deferred tax assets to the extent it believes that it is more likely than not that these assets will be realized. In making such determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent results of operations. In the event the Company were to determine that it would be able to realize the deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, the Company would adjust the valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes. Fair Value Measurements The Company measures the fair value of assets and liabilities and discloses the source for such fair value measurements. Financial assets and liabilities are classified as follows: Level 1, which refers to assets and liabilities valued using quoted prices from active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2, which refers to assets and liabilities for which significant other observable market inputs are readily available; and Level 3, which are valued based on significant unobservable inputs. The fair value of the Company’s financial instruments is generally determined by reference to market values resulting from trading on a national securities exchange or in an over-the-counter market (Level 1 inputs). In some cases where quoted market prices are not available, prices are derived by considering the yield of the benchmark security that was issued to initially price the instruments and adjusting this rate by the credit spread that market participants would demand for the instruments as of the measurement date (Level 2 inputs). In situations where long-term borrowings are part of a conduit facility backed by short-term floating rate debt, the Company has determined that its carrying value approximates the fair value of this debt (Level 2 inputs). The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, available-for-sale securities, accounts receivable, program cash and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities. The Company’s derivative assets and liabilities consist principally of currency exchange contracts, interest rate swaps, interest rate caps and commodity contracts, and are carried at fair value based on significant observable inputs (Level 2 inputs). Derivatives entered into by the Company are typically executed over-the-counter and are valued using internal valuation techniques, as no quoted market prices exist for such instruments. The valuation technique and inputs depend on the type of derivative and the nature of the underlying exposure. The Company principally uses discounted cash flows to value these instruments. These models take into account a variety of factors including, where applicable, maturity, currency exchange rates, interest rate yield curves of the Company and counterparties, credit curves, counterparty creditworthiness and commodity prices. These factors are applied on a consistent basis and are based upon observable inputs where available. Derivative Instruments Derivative instruments are used as part of the Company’s overall strategy to manage exposure to market risks associated with fluctuations in currency exchange rates, interest rates and gasoline costs. As a matter of policy, derivatives are not used for trading or speculative purposes. All derivatives are recorded at fair value either as assets or liabilities. Changes in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are recognized currently in earnings within the same line item as the hedged item. The changes in fair value of a derivative that is designated as either a cash flow or net investment hedge is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings and is presented in the same income statement line item as the earnings effect of the hedged item. Amounts related to our derivative instruments are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows consistent with the nature of the hedged item (principally operating activities). Currency Transactions Currency gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are generally included in operating expenses within the Consolidated Statements of Operations; however, the net gain or loss of currency transactions on intercompany loans and the unrealized gain or loss on intercompany loan hedges are included within interest expense related to corporate debt, net. Self-Insurance Reserves The Consolidated Balance Sheets include $441 million and $421 million of liabilities associated with retained risks of liability to third parties as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. Such liabilities relate primarily to public liability and third-party property damage claims, as well as claims arising from the sale of ancillary insurance products including, but not limited to, supplemental liability, personal effects protection and personal accident insurance. These obligations represent an estimate for both reported claims not yet paid and claims incurred but not yet reported. The estimated reserve requirements for such claims are recorded on an undiscounted basis utilizing actuarial methodologies and various assumptions which include, but are not limited to, the Company’s historical loss experience and projected loss development factors. The required liability is also subject to adjustment in the future based upon changes in claims experience, including changes in the number of incidents for which the Company is ultimately liable and changes in the cost per incident. These amounts are included within accounts payable and other current liabilities and other non-current liabilities. The Consolidated Balance Sheets also include liabilities of approximately $56 million and $60 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively, related to workers’ compensation, health and welfare and other employee benefit programs. The liabilities represent an estimate for both reported claims not yet paid and claims incurred but not yet reported, utilizing actuarial methodologies similar to those described above. These amounts are included within accounts payable and other current liabilities and other non-current liabilities. Stock-Based Compensation Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The Company’s policy is to record compensation expense for stock options, and restricted stock units that are time- and performance-based, for the portion of the award that vests. Compensation expense related to market-based restricted stock units is recognized provided that the requisite service is rendered, regardless of when, if ever, the market condition is satisfied. We estimate the fair value of restricted stock units using the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. We estimate the fair value of stock-based and cash unit awards containing a market condition using a Monte Carlo simulation model. Key inputs and assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulation model include the stock price of the award on the grant date, the expected term, the risk-free interest rate over the expected term, the expected annual dividend yield and the expected stock price volatility. The expected volatility is based on a combination of the historical and implied volatility of the Company’s publicly traded, near-the-money stock options, and the valuation period is based on the vesting period of the awards. The risk-free interest rate is derived from the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant and, since the Company does not currently pay or plan to pay a dividend on its common stock, the expected dividend yield was zero. Business Combinations The Company uses the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations, which requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded at their respective fair values at the date of acquisition. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies are recognized if fair value can be reasonably estimated at the acquisition date. The excess, if any, of (i) the fair value of the consideration transferred by the acquirer and the fair value of any non-controlling interest remaining in the acquiree, over (ii) the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Gains and losses on the re-acquisition of license agreements are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations within transaction-related costs, net, upon completion of the respective acquisition. Costs incurred to effect a business combination are expensed as incurred, except for the cost to issue debt related to the acquisition. The Company records contingent consideration resulting from a business combination at its fair value on the acquisition date. The fair value of the contingent consideration is generally estimated by utilizing a Monte Carlo simulation technique, based on a range of possible future results (Level 3). Any changes in contingent consideration are recorded in transaction-related costs, net. Transaction-related Costs, net Transaction-related costs, net are classified separately in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. These costs are comprised of expenses related to acquisition-related activities such as due-diligence and other advisory costs, expenses related to the integration of the acquiree’s operations with those of the Company, including the implementation of best practices and process improvements, non-cash gains and losses related to re-acquired rights, expenses related to pre-acquisition contingencies and contingent consideration related to acquisitions. Investments Joint venture investments are typically accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Under this method, the Company records its proportional share of the joint venture’s net income or loss within operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company assesses equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may not be recoverable. Any difference between the carrying value of the equity method investment and its estimated fair value is recognized as an impairment charge if the loss in value is deemed other than temporary. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , the Company had investments in joint ventures with a carrying value of $56 million and $48 million , respectively, recorded within other non-current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In March 2018, the Company made an initial equity investment of €16 million ( $20 million ) in its licensee in Greece (“Greece”), for a 20% ownership stake. In June 2018, the Company purchased an additional 20% equity investment for €17 million ( $19 million ), including an acceleration premium, and as of June 30, 2018, had a 40% ownership stake in Greece. Aggregate realized gains and losses on equity investments and dividend income are recorded within operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During 2019 and 2018, the amounts realized from the sale of equity investments and dividend income was $10 million and $5 million , respectively, and during 2017, the amounts were not material. Divestitures The Company classifies long-lived assets and liabilities to be disposed of as held for sale in the period in which they are available for immediate sale in their present condition and the sale is probable and expected to be completed within one year. The Company initially measures assets and liabilities held for sale at the lower of their carrying value or fair value less costs to sell and assesses their fair value each reporting period until disposed. When the divestiture represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results, the disposal is presented as a discontinued operation. During 2018, the Company entered into a definitive stock purchase agreement to sell the Company’s 50% equity method investment in Anji Car Rental & Leasing Company Limited (“China”), located in China, to Shanghai Automotive Industry Sales Company, Ltd., a 50% owner of China. Upon receiving clearance from applicable regulatory authorities in China during 2019, the Company completed the sale for $64 million , net of cross-border withholding taxes and recorded a $44 million gain within operating expenses. China’s operations are reported within the Company’s International segment. During 2018, as a result of the sale of a non-core business, the Company recognized a gain of $4 million within operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Nonmarketable Equity Securities The Company classifies investments without readily determinable fair values that are not accounted for under the equity method as nonmarketable equity securities. The accounting guidance requires nonmarketable equity securities to be recorded at cost and adjusted to fair value at each reporting period. The Company applies the measurement alternative, which allows these investments to be recorded at cost, less impairment, if any, and subsequently adjust for observable price changes of identical or similar investments of the same issuer. Any changes in value are recorded within operating expenses. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had investments in nonmarketable equity securities recorded within other non-current assets with a carrying value of $8 million in each period. The Company realized a $12 million gain from the sale of a nonmarketable equity security during the year ended December 31, 2019. There were no material adjustments made to the carrying amounts of nonmarketable equity securities during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting On January 1, 2019, as a result of a new accounting pronouncement, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2018-07, “Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which simplifies the accounting for share-based payments granted to nonemployees for goods and services and aligns most of the guidance on such payments to nonemployees with the requirements for share-based payments granted to employees. The adoption of this accounting pronouncement did not have an impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Accounting for Hedging Activities On January 1, 2019, as the result of a new accounting pronouncement, the Company adopted ASU 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities,” which amends the existing guidance to allow companies to more accurately present the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in the financial statements. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Leases On January 1, 2019, as the result of a new accounting pronouncement, the Company adopted Topic 842 along with related updates, which require a lessee to recognize all long-term leases on its balance sheet as a liability for its lease obligation, measured at the present value of lease payments not yet paid, and a corresponding asset representing its right to use the underlying asset over the lease term and expands disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. Topic 842 does not significantly change a lessee’s recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses. Additionally, Topic 842 aligns key aspects of lessor accounting with the revenue recognition guidance in Topic 606. The Company elected available practical expedients for existing or expired contracts of lessees and lessors wherein the Company is not required to reassess whether such contracts contain leases, the lease classification or the initial direct costs. The Company is not utilizing the practical expedient which allows the use of hindsight by lessees and lessors in determining the lease term and in assessing impairment of its right-of-use (“ROU”) assets. Additionally, the Company elected as accounting policies to not recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities for short-term property leases (i.e., those with a term of 12 months or less at lease commencement) and, by class of underlying asset, to combine lease and nonlease components in the contract. The Company utilized the transition method allowing entities to only apply the new lease standard in the year of adoption. Lessor The Company has determined that revenues derived by providing vehicle re |
