| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 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 our Company and all entities in which we have a direct or indirect controlling financial interest and variable interest entities for which we have determined we are the primary beneficiary. We consolidate joint venture activities when we have a controlling interest and record non-controlling interests within stockholders’ equity and the statement of comprehensive income equal to the percentage of ownership interest retained in such entities by the respective non-controlling party. 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 We derive revenues primarily by providing vehicle rentals and other related products and mobility services to commercial and leisure customers, as well as through licensing of our rental brands. Other related products and mobility services include sales of collision and loss damage waivers, under which we agree to relieve a customer from financial responsibility arising from vehicle damage incurred during the rental; additional/supplemental liability insurance or personal accident/effects insurance products which provide customers with additional protections for personal or third-party losses incurred; products for driving convenience such as fuel service options, roadside assistance services, electronic toll collection services, access to satellite radio, mobile WiFi devices, GPS navigation and child safety seat rentals; and rentals of other supplemental items including automobile towing equipment and other moving accessories and supplies. We also receive payment from customers for certain operating expenses that we incur, including airport concession fees that are paid by us in exchange for the right to operate at airports and other locations, as well as vehicle licensing fees. In addition, we collect membership fees in connection with our car sharing business. We combine all lease and non-lease components of our 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 approximately five days (See Note 3 – Leases). Licensing revenues principally consist of royalties paid by our licensees and are recorded as the licensees’ revenues are earned (over the rental period). We renew license agreements in the normal course of business and occasionally terminate, purchase or sell license agreements. In connection with ongoing fees that we receive from our licensees pursuant to license agreements, we are required to provide certain services, such as training, marketing and the operation of reservation systems. We exclude from the measurement of our 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 fuel, airport concessions and vehicle licensing are recorded on a gross basis within revenues and operating expenses. Membership fees related to our car sharing business are generally nonrefundable, are deferred and recognized ratably over the period of membership. Revenues are recognized under Leases (Topic 842) with the exception of royalty fee revenue derived from our licensees and revenue related to our customer loyalty program, which were $246 million, $187 million, and $165 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by geography: Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Americas $ 9,111 $ 9,347 $ 9,474 Europe, Middle East and Africa 2,045 2,014 1,927 Asia and Australasia 633 647 593 Total revenues $ 11,789 $ 12,008 $ 11,994 The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by brand: Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Avis $ 6,775 $ 6,779 $ 6,519 Budget 4,271 4,478 4,701 Other (a) 743 751 774 Total revenues $ 11,789 $ 12,008 $ 11,994 ________ (a) Other includes Zipcar and other operating brands. Deferred Revenue We record deferred revenues when cash payments are received in advance of satisfying our performance obligations, including amounts that are refundable. In addition, certain customers earn loyalty points on rentals, for which we defer a portion of our rental revenues generally equivalent to the estimated retail value of points expected to be redeemed. We estimate points that will never be redeemed based upon actual redemption and expiration patterns. Loyalty points generally expire five years from when they were earned or 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 our customer loyalty program: Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 Balance, January 1 $ 67 $ 61 Revenue deferred 61 58 Revenue recognized (78) (52) Balance, December 31 (a) $ 50 $ 67 _______ (a) At December 31, 2024 and 2023, $27 million and $20 million was included in accounts payable and other current liabilities, respectively, and $23 million and $47 million in other non-current liabilities, respectively. Non-current amounts are expected to be recognized as revenue within two 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 (See Note 16 – Stockholders' Equity). We have designated our euro-denominated Notes as a hedge of our investment in euro-denominated foreign operations and, accordingly, record 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 We consider 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 we consider 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, 2024 2023 Cash and cash equivalents $ 534 $ 555 Program cash 60 85 Restricted cash (a) 3 4 Total cash and cash equivalents, program and restricted cash $ 597 $ 644 _________ (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 We capitalize 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 w as $126 million and $143 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, 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. We do not amortize goodwill, but assess 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. We perform our annual impairment assessment in the fourth quarter of each year at the reporting unit level. We assess 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. During our annual impairment assessment performed as of October 1, 2024, we determined that the carrying value of our Zipcar trademark, which is an unamortized intangible asset included within our Americas reportable segment, exceeded its fair value. We determined the fair value of the Zipcar trademark using the relief-from-royalty method (Level 3), which is a form of the income approach. This method applies a royalty rate to projected income to quantify the benefit of owning the intangible asset rather than paying a royalty for use of the asset. The significant assumptions used in the assessment of the fair value of the trademark included future revenues, a discount rate and a royalty rate. As a result, we recognized an impairment of $28 million within long-lived asset impairment and other related charges Impairment of Long-Lived Assets We review long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of these assets may exceed their current fair values. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. Assets are grouped at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the assets. During the fourth quarter of 2024, we changed our fleet strategy, specific to United States and Canadian rental car vehicles, to accelerate certain fleet rotations in order to decrease the age of our fleet for competitive reasons, and accordingly, we shortened the useful life associated with such vehicles. We considered this change in strategy to be a triggering event that indicated the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable. As a result, we performed a recoverability test by comparing the sum of undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the impacted vehicles to their carrying value and concluded, that for certain vehicles, the carrying value exceeded the sum of undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of those vehicles. For purposes of the recoverability test, the vehicles were aggregated into asset groups based on make, model and year of the vehicles. The test was performed as of November 30, 2024, and we used a market approach to determine the value of the impacted vehicles, utilizing prices for similar assets in active markets (Level 2). During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded a $2.3 billion non-cash impairment within long-lived asset impairment and other related charges in the Consolidated Statement of Operations within our Americas reportable segment. There were no impairments to long-lived assets during the years ended December 31, 2023 or 2022. In the future, if events or market conditions affect the estimated fair value to the extent that a long-lived asset is impaired, we will adjust the carrying value of these long-lived assets in the period in which the impairment occurs. 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. We acquire a portion of our 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). We depreciate 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 us 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. We regularly evaluate estimated residual values and adjust 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 $12 million, $34 million, and $1 million for 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We classify vehicles as held for sale in the period in which they are available for immediate sale in their present condition and the sale is probable. Vehicles held for sale are separately presented at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and are no longer depreciated. We reassess their fair value each reporting period until disposed. As of December 31, 2024, in connection with the change to our fleet strategy described above, we wrote down the carrying value of certain vehicles held for sale within our Americas reportable segment to fair value (Level 2). For the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded a charge of $180 million, which is included within long-lived asset impairment and other related charges channels during the first quarter of 2025. There were no similar charges during the years ended December 31, 2023 or 2022. To the extent there are further changes in market conditions or the performance of our long-lived assets, there is a possibility that we could incur additional related costs in the future. Advertising Expenses Advertising and digital marketing costs are generally expensed in the period incurred and are recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. During 2024, 2023 and 2022, advertising costs were $77 million, $86 million, and $64 million, respectively. In addition, during 2024, 2023 and 2022, digital marketing costs were $90 million, $86 million, and $71 million, respectively. Taxes We account 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. As a result of the provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we account for Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) as a component of current period income tax expense in the year incurred. We record net deferred tax assets to the extent we believe that it is more likely than not that these assets will be realized. In making such determination, we consider 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 we were to determine that we would be able to realize the deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would adjust the valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes. Fair Value Measurements We measure the fair value of assets and liabilities and disclose 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 our 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, we have 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, receivables, program cash, and accounts payable and other current liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities. Our 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 us 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. We principally use discounted cash flows to value these instruments. These models take into account a variety of factors including, where applicable, maturity, currency exchange rates, our interest rate yield curves 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 our overall strategy to manage exposure to market risks associated with fluctuations in currency exchange rates, interest rates and fuel 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 $451 million and $397 million of liabilities associated with retained risks of liability to third parties as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, 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, our 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 we are ultimately liable and changes in the cost per incident. For the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded an unprecedented adjustment to our self-insurance reserves for allocated loss adjustment expense. These amounts are included within accounts payable and other current liabilities and other non-current liabilities. The Consolidated Balance Sheets also include liabilities of $50 million and $49 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, 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. Our 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 our 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 our 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 we do not currently pay or plan to pay a recurring dividend on our common stock, the expected dividend yield was zero. Business Combinations We use 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. We record 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 primarily related to acquisition-related activities such as due-diligence and other advisory costs, expenses related to the integration of the acquiree’s operations with our own operations, 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 We account for investments for which we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but do not have a controlling interest, using the equity method of accounting and record our proportional share of net income or loss within operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We assess 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, 2024 and 2023, we had investments with a carrying value of $100 million and $93 million, respectively, recorded within other non-current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Aggregate realized gains and losses on equity method investments and dividend income are recorded within operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During 2024, 2023 and 2022, we recorded net gains from our equity method investments, including dividend income of $23 million, $12 million, and $12 million, respectively. See Note 17 – Related Party Transactions for our equity method investment in our former subsidiary. Divestitures We classify 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. We initially measure assets and liabilities held for sale at the lower of their carrying value or fair value less costs to sell, and we reassess their fair value each reporting period until disposed. When the divestiture represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on our operations and financial results, the disposal is presented as a discontinued operation. In February 2022, we completed the sale of our operations in the United States Virgin Islands for $13 million, for the right to operate the Avis brand. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded a gain of $2 million within restructuring and other related charges. The United States Virgin Islands operations were reported within our Americas reportable segment. In March 2022, we completed the sale of our operations in the Netherlands for $15 million, for the right to operate the Avis and Budget brands. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded a loss of $7 million, net of impact of foreign currency adjustments, within restructuring and other related charges. The Netherlands operations were reported within our International reportable segment. Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) We review our investments to determine if they are VIEs. A VIE is an entity in which either (i) the equity investors as a group lack the power through voting or similar rights to direct the activities of such entity that most significantly impact such entity’s economic performance or (ii) the equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance that entity’s activities without additional subordinated financial support. Entities that are determined to be VIEs are consolidated if we are the primary beneficiary of the entity. The primary beneficiary possesses the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that are significant to it. We will reconsider our original assessment of a VIE upon the occurrence of certain events such as contributions and redemptions, either by us, or third parties, or amendments to an entity’s governing documents. On an ongoing basis, we reconsider whether we are deemed to be a VIE’s primary beneficiary. See Note 17 – Related Party Transactions for our VIE investment in our former subsidiary. Nonmarketable Equity Securities We classify 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. We apply 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, 2024 and 2023, our nonmarketable equity securities within non-current assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets were not material and no material adjustments were made to the carrying values of these securities during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 or 2022. Reclassification We reclassified certain items within operating activities on the Consolidated Statements o |
