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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
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 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 more than a 50% 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 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, 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. 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 gasoline, 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 approxima tely $127 million, $159 million and $144 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by geography:
| Year Ended December 31,
| 2021 |  | 2020 |  | 2019
Americas | $ | 7,557 |  |  | $ | 3,965 |  |  | $ | 6,352 |
Europe, Middle East and Africa | 1,400 |  |  | 1,127 |  |  | 2,222 |
Asia and Australasia | 356 |  |  | 310 |  |  | 598 |
Total revenues | $ | 9,313 |  |  | $ | 5,402 |  |  | $ | 9,172 |
The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by brand:
| Year Ended December 31,
| 2021 |  | 2020 |  | 2019
Avis | $ | 4,894 |  |  | $ | 2,961 |  |  | $ | 5,250 |
Budget | 3,715 |  |  | 1,908 |  |  | 3,179 |
Other | 704 |  |  | 533 |  |  | 743 |
Total revenues | $ | 9,313 |  |  | $ | 5,402 |  |  | $ | 9,172 |
________ 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. 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 our customer loyalty program:
| Year Ended December 31,
| 2021 |  | 2020
Balance, January 1 | $ | 34 |  |  | $ | 59 |
Revenue deferred | 49 |  |  | 26 |
Revenue recognized | (33) |  |  | (51) |
Balance, December 31 | $ | 50 |  |  | $ | 34 |
_______ At December 31, 2021 and 2020, $33 million and $17 million was included in accounts payable and other current liabilities, respectively, and $17 million and $17 million, respectively, in other non-current liabilities. Non-current amounts are expected to be recognized as revenue within two to three years. 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,
| 2021 |  | 2020
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 534 |  |  | $ | 692 |
Program cash | 89 |  |  | 72 |
Restricted cash (a) | 3 |  |  | 1 |
Total cash and cash equivalents, program and restricted cash | $ | 626 |  |  | $ | 765 |
_________ (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 was $188 million and $265 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, 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. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets We are 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. 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 $1 million, $12 million and $15 million for 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Advertising Expenses Advertising costs are generally expensed in the period incurred and are recorded within selling, general and administrative expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. During 2021, 2020 and 2019, advertising costs were approxim ately $81 million, $54 million and $121 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 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 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, accounts receivable, program cash and accounts payable and accrued 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 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 inclu de $383 million and $396 million of liabilities associated with retained risks of liability to third parties as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, 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. These amounts are included within accounts payable and other current liabilities and other non-current liabilities. The Consolidated Balance Sheets also include liabilities of approxim ately $48 million and $53 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, 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 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 comparable expenses, 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 with controlling interest between 20% and 50% 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, 2021 and 2020, we had investments with a carrying val ue of $72 million and $63 million, respectively, recorded within other non-current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Aggregate realized gains and losses on equity investments and dividend income are recorded within operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During 2021, 2020 and 2019, the amounts realized from the sale of equity investments and dividend income was $10 million, $5 million and $10 million, respectively. 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 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 our operations and financial results, the disposal is presented as a discontinued operation. In May 2021, we completed the sale of our operation in Argentina to Urbiz S.A. for $4 million. As part of the sale, Urbiz S.A. agreed to pay the purchase price, plus interest, over two years for the right to operate the Avis and Budget brands. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recorded a loss of $14 million, net of the impact of foreign currency adjustments, within restructuring and other related charges. In addition, we paid severance to terminated employees of $2 million. In December 2021, we entered into a stock purchase agreement with Spuigroep B.V. to sell our operations in the Netherlands. Upon completion of the sale, Spuigroep B.V. will pay approximately $24 million. At December 31, 2021, we had assets held for sale of $31 million recorded within non-current assets and liabilities held for sale of $9 million recorded within non-current liabilities. The Netherlands operations are reported within our International reporting segment. 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 2020, we had investments in nonmarketable equity securities recorded within other non-current assets with a carrying value of $8 million. We 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, 2021 and 2020. As of December 31, 2021, the securities are marketable equity securities with a fair value of $7 million, which are recorded within other non-current assets. Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes On January 1, 2021, as the result of a new accounting pronouncement, we adopted Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2019-12, “Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes,” which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions and improving the application of existing guidance. The adoption of this accounting pronouncement did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Compensation—Retirement Benefits—Defined Benefit Plans On January 1, 2021, as the result of a new accounting pronouncement, we adopted ASU 2018-14, “Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans,” which adds, removes, and clarifies disclosure requirements related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. These changes are part of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) disclosure framework project, which the Board launched in 2014 to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in notes to financial statements. The adoption of this accounting pronouncement did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-08, “Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers,” which amends Topic 805 to add contract assets and contract liabilities to the list of exceptions to the recognition and measurement principles that apply to business combinations and to require an acquirer to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with Topic 606. ASU 2021-08 becomes effective for us on January 1, 2023. Early adoption is permitted on a retrospective or prospective basis. The adoption of this accounting pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Reference Rate Reform In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848),” which amends ASU 2020-04 and clarifies the scope and guidance of Topic 848 to allow derivatives impacted by the reference rate reform to qualify for certain optional expedients and exceptions for contract modifications and hedge accounting. The guidance is optional and is effective for a limited period of time through December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2021, this guidance had no impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements and we will continue to evaluate this guidance.

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