Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2015

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission File Number: 001-37429

 

 

EXPEDIA, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   20-2705720

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

333 108th Avenue NE

Bellevue, WA 98004

(Address of principal executive office) (Zip Code)

(425) 679-7200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer   x    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

The number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock as of July 17, 2015 was:

 

Common stock, $0.0001 par value per share      116,333,773 shares   
Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value per share      12,799,999 shares   

 

 

 


Table of Contents

Expedia, Inc.

Form 10-Q

For the Quarter Ended June 30, 2015

Contents

 

Part I   Financial Information   
Item 1   Consolidated Financial Statements   
 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 (unaudited)

     2   
 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 (unaudited)

     3   
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2015 (unaudited), and December 31, 2014

     4   
 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 (unaudited)

     5   
 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

     6   
Item 2   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      28   
Item 3   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk      44   
Item 4   Controls and Procedures      45   
Part II   Other Information   
Item 1   Legal Proceedings      46   
Item 1A   Risk Factors      49   
Item 6   Exhibits      50   
Signature      51   


Table of Contents

Part I. Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements

EXPEDIA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except for per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three months ended
June 30,
    Six months ended
June 30,
 
     2015     2014     2015     2014  

Revenue

   $ 1,662,600      $ 1,494,632      $ 3,035,997      $ 2,695,003   

Costs and expenses:

        

Cost of revenue (1)

     321,082        300,501        643,000        595,120   

Selling and marketing (1)

     885,480        743,616        1,648,861        1,368,315   

Technology and content (1)

     186,516        169,075        376,971        332,050   

General and administrative (1)

     141,394        102,540        257,791        201,585   

Amortization of intangible assets

     26,880        18,264        51,922        36,756   

Legal reserves, occupancy tax and other

     5,510        31,416        8,039        34,955   

Restructuring and related reorganization charges

     5,646        —          10,322        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     90,092        129,220        39,091        126,222   

Other income (expense):

        

Interest income

     4,693        6,883        10,238        12,681   

Interest expense

     (28,515     (22,321     (56,509     (44,125

Gain on sale of business

     508,810        —          508,810        —     

Other, net

     (17,023     (7,177     88,078        (7,658
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income (expense), net

     467,965        (22,615     550,617        (39,102
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     558,057        106,605        589,708        87,120   

Provision for income taxes

     (131,221     (20,751     (130,311     (21,070
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     426,836        85,854        459,397        66,050   

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

     22,808        3,519        34,390        9,019   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Expedia, Inc.

   $ 449,644      $ 89,373      $ 493,787      $ 75,069   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per share attributable to Expedia, Inc. available to common stockholders:

        

Basic

   $ 3.49      $ 0.69      $ 3.85      $ 0.58   

Diluted

     3.38        0.67        3.74        0.56   

Shares used in computing earnings per share:

        

Basic

     128,887        129,538        128,229        130,046   

Diluted

     132,960        133,668        132,184        134,399   

Dividends declared per common share

   $ 0.18      $ 0.15      $ 0.36      $ 0.30   

 

        
(1) Includes stock-based compensation as follows:         

Cost of revenue

   $ 1,316      $ 943      $ 2,474      $ 2,145   

Selling and marketing

     6,860        4,820        13,332        10,155   

Technology and content

     5,559        4,960        12,343        10,518   

General and administrative

     27,759        10,291        42,231        23,017   

See accompanying notes.

 

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Table of Contents

EXPEDIA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three months ended     Six months ended  
     June 30,     June 30,  
     2015     2014     2015     2014  

Net income

   $ 426,836      $ 85,854      $ 459,397      $ 66,050   

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

        

Currency translation adjustments, net of tax (1)

     (52,562     (5,076     (186,413     20,137   

Net reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustments into total other income (expenses), net

     43,183        —          43,183        —     

Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities, net of taxes (2)

     (275     144        200        312   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

     (9,654     (4,932     (143,030     20,449   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

     417,182        80,922        316,367        86,499   

Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (15,250     (5,964     (59,502     3,822   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Expedia, Inc.

   $ 432,432      $ 86,886      $ 375,869      $ 82,677   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Net of tax of $7 million for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 associated with debt translation losses related to a net investment hedge.
(2) Net gains (losses) recognized and reclassified during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were immaterial.

See accompanying notes.

 

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Table of Contents

EXPEDIA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

     June 30,     December 31,  
     2015     2014  
     (Unaudited)        
ASSETS     

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 3,187,129      $ 1,402,700   

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

     27,261        34,888   

Short-term investments

     195,984        355,780   

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $17,253 and $13,760

     1,123,555        778,334   

Deferred income taxes

     169,449        169,269   

Income taxes receivable

     73,807        17,161   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     213,207        166,357   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     4,990,392        2,924,489   

Property and equipment, net

     867,137        553,126   

Long-term investments and other assets

     516,883        286,882   

Deferred income taxes

     4,858        10,053   

Intangible assets, net

     1,476,039        1,290,087   

Goodwill

     3,976,617        3,955,901   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 11,831,926      $ 9,020,538   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable, merchant

   $ 1,346,242      $ 1,188,483   

Accounts payable, other

     519,834        361,382   

Deferred merchant bookings

     3,214,868        1,761,258   

Deferred revenue

     57,142        62,206   

Income taxes payable

     89,492        59,661   

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     740,650        753,625   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     5,968,228        4,186,615   

Long-term debt

     2,472,536        1,746,787   

Deferred income taxes

     437,959        452,958   

Other long-term liabilities

     220,545        180,376   

Commitments and contingencies

    

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

     557,749        560,073   

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Common stock $.0001 par value

     20        20   

Authorized shares: 1,600,000

    

Shares issued: 199,116 and 196,802

    

Shares outstanding: 116,318 and 114,267

    

Class B common stock $.0001 par value

     1        1   

Authorized shares: 400,000

    

Shares issued and outstanding: 12,800 and 12,800

    

Additional paid-in capital

     5,989,725        5,921,140   

Treasury stock - Common stock, at cost

     (4,039,376     (3,998,120

Shares: 82,798 and 82,535

    

Retained earnings

     417,428        —     

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (256,692     (138,774
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Expedia, Inc. stockholders’ equity

     2,111,106        1,784,267   

Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests

     63,803        109,462   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     2,174,909        1,893,729   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 11,831,926      $ 9,020,538   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

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Table of Contents

EXPEDIA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Six months ended
June 30,
 
     2015     2014  

Operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 459,397      $ 66,050   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation of property and equipment, including internal-use software and website development

     153,722        127,692   

Amortization of stock-based compensation

     70,380        45,835   

Amortization of intangible assets

     51,922        36,756   

Deferred income taxes

     2,021        (809

Foreign exchange (gain) loss on cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, net

     37,012        (15,746

Realized (gain) loss on foreign currency forwards

     (29,460     3,590   

Gain on sale of business

     (508,810     —     

Noncontrolling investment basis adjustment

     (77,400     —     

Other

     8,415        (5,107

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and disposals:

    

Accounts receivable

     (412,670     (307,000

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (5,162     (44,926

Accounts payable, merchant

     245,843        168,202   

Accounts payable, other, accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     198,606        236,810   

Taxes payable/receivable, net

     (20,867     (42,764

Deferred merchant bookings

     1,479,263        1,175,122   

Deferred revenue

     9,819        21,237   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     1,662,031        1,464,942   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing activities:

    

Capital expenditures, including internal-use software and website development

     (468,727     (157,213

Purchases of investments

     (506,109     (1,026,054

Sales and maturities of investments

     226,325        419,478   

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (327,362     —     

Proceeds from sale of business, net of cash divested and disposal costs

     527,212        —     

Net settlement of foreign currency forwards

     29,460        (3,590

Other, net

     10,435        2,386   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (508,766     (764,993
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing activities:

    

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of issuance costs

     702,348        —     

Purchases of treasury stock

     (44,925     (339,020

Proceeds from issuance of treasury stock

     22,487        —     

Payment of dividends to stockholders

     (45,991     (38,833

Proceeds from exercise of equity awards and employee stock purchase plan

     59,083        53,156   

Excess tax benefit on equity awards

     69,085        27,394   

Withholding taxes for stock option exercises

     (85,033     —     

Other, net

     8,986        1,693   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     686,040        (295,610

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (54,876     8,448   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     1,784,429        412,787   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     1,402,700        1,021,033   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 3,187,129      $ 1,433,820   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental cash flow information

    

Cash paid for interest

   $ 53,885      $ 43,066   

Income tax payments, net

     79,672        36,630   

See accompanying notes.

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

June 30, 2015

(Unaudited)

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation

Description of Business

Expedia, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide travel products and services to leisure and corporate travelers in the United States and abroad as well as various media and advertising offerings to travel and non-travel advertisers. These travel products and services are offered through a diversified portfolio of brands including: Expedia.com®, Hotels.com®, Hotwire.com™, Travelocity®, Expedia® Affiliate Network, Classic Vacations®, Expedia Local Expert®, Egencia®, Expedia® CruiseShipCenters®, Venere Net SpA (“Venere”), trivago GmbH (“trivago”), CarRentals.com™, Wotif.com Holdings Limited (“Wotif Group”) and eLong ™, Inc. (“eLong”) through its sale on May 22, 2015. In addition, many of these brands have related international points of sale, including those as part of AirAsia-Expedia upon acquisition of controlling interest in March 2015. We refer to Expedia, Inc. and its subsidiaries collectively as “Expedia,” the “Company,” “us,” “we” and “our” in these consolidated financial statements.

Basis of Presentation

These accompanying financial statements present our results of operations, financial position and cash flows on a consolidated basis. The unaudited consolidated financial statements include Expedia, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiaries, and entities we control, or in which we have a variable interest and are the primary beneficiary of expected cash profits or losses. We have eliminated significant intercompany transactions and accounts.

We have prepared the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial reporting. We have included all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the interim period. These adjustments consist of normal recurring items. Our interim unaudited consolidated financial statements are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the full year. These interim unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Accounting Estimates

We use estimates and assumptions in the preparation of our interim unaudited consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Our estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of our interim unaudited consolidated financial statements. These estimates and assumptions also affect the reported amount of net income or loss during any period. Our actual financial results could differ significantly from these estimates. The significant estimates underlying our interim unaudited consolidated financial statements include revenue recognition; recoverability of current and long-lived assets, intangible assets and goodwill; income and transactional taxes, such as potential settlements related to occupancy and excise taxes; loss contingencies; loyalty program liabilities; redeemable noncontrolling interests; stock-based compensation and accounting for derivative instruments.

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

Reclassifications

We have reclassified certain amounts related to our prior period results to conform to our current period presentation. We also included a reclassification on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 to correct the immaterial presentation of cash dividends paid as a reduction to retained earnings to the extent the Company maintained retained earnings instead of additional paid-in capital.

Seasonality

We generally experience seasonal fluctuations in the demand for our travel products and services. For example, traditional leisure travel bookings are generally the highest in the first three quarters as travelers plan and book their spring, summer and holiday travel. The number of bookings typically decreases in the fourth quarter. Because revenue for most of our travel products, including merchant and agency hotel, is recognized when the travel takes place rather than when it is booked, revenue typically lags bookings by several weeks or longer. The seasonal revenue impact is exacerbated with respect to income by the nature of our variable cost of revenue and direct sales and marketing costs, which we typically realize in closer alignment to booking volumes, and the more stable nature of our fixed costs. Furthermore, operating profits for our primary advertising business, trivago, are experienced in the second half of the year as selling and marketing costs offset revenue in the first half of the year as we aggressively market during the busy booking period for summer travel. As a result, revenue and income are typically the lowest in the first quarter and highest in the third quarter.

Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Recently Adopted Accounting Policies

As of January 1, 2015, we adopted the Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) amending the requirements for reporting discontinued operations, which may include a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity. The amendment limits discontinued operations reporting to disposals of components of an entity that represent strategic shifts that have, or will have, a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results and it also requires expanded disclosures surrounding discontinued operations. Upon adoption, the standard impacted how we assess and report discontinued operations, including our divestiture of eLong during the second quarter of 2015 as disclosed below in Note 4 – Disposition of Business.

Recent Accounting Policies Not Yet Adopted

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an ASU amending revenue recognition guidance and requiring more detailed disclosures to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption prohibited before December 15, 2016. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of this new guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued an ASU that requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, but early adoption is permitted. We anticipate adopting this new guidance on January 1, 2016 with no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Note 3 – Acquisitions and Other Investments

Business Acquisitions. On January 23, 2015, we acquired the Travelocity brand and other associated assets from Sabre for $280 million in cash consideration. As a result of the asset acquisition, the strategic marketing and other related agreements were terminated. In conjunction with the acquisition, we did not acquire any cash or working capital assets or assume any liabilities.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

On March 10, 2015, we completed the acquisition of an additional 25% equity interest of AAE Travel Pte. Ltd., the joint venture formed between Expedia and AirAsia Berhad in 2011, for cash consideration of approximately $94 million. This investment increased our total ownership in the venture from 50% to 75% and resulted in the consolidation of the entity. In conjunction with the acquisition of the additional interest, we remeasured our previously held equity interest to fair value, excluding any acquisition premium, and recognized a gain of $77 million in other, net during the period. The fair value of the 25% noncontrolling interest, including an acquisition premium, was estimated to be $64 million at the time of the acquisition. Both fair values were determined based on various valuation techniques, including market comparables and discounted cash flow projections (Level 3 inputs).

The following summarizes the allocation of the purchase price for the above acquisitions, in thousands:

 

Goodwill

$  190,190   

Intangible assets with indefinite lives

  163,400   

Intangible assets with definite lives (1)

  140,285   

Net assets and non-controlling interests acquired (2)

  (20,619

Deferred tax liabilities

  (7,910
  

 

 

 

Total (3)

$ 465,346   
  

 

 

 

 

(1) Acquired definite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of customer relationship, reacquired right and supplier relationship assets and have estimated useful lives of between 4 and 10 years with a weighted average life of 5.7 years.
(2) Includes cash acquired of $41 million.
(3) The total purchase price includes noncash consideration of $99 million related to an equity method investment, which is currently consolidated upon our acquisition of a controlling interest, as discussed above, with the remainder paid in cash during the period.

The goodwill of $190 million is primarily attributable to operating synergies and $82 million is expected to be deductible for tax purposes with the remainder not expected to be deductible.

Business combination accounting is preliminary and subject to revision while we accumulate all relevant information regarding the fair values of the net assets acquired, and any change to the fair value of net assets acquired would be expected to lead to a corresponding change to the amount of goodwill recorded on a retroactive basis. The results of operations of the acquired companies have been included in our consolidated results from the transaction closing dates forward. Pro forma results of operations have not been presented as such pro forma financial information would not be materially different from historical results.

In addition to the above acquisitions, on February 12, 2015, we announced we entered into a definitive agreement (the “Merger Agreement”) to acquire Orbitz Worldwide, Inc. (“Orbitz”), including all of Orbitz’s brands, for $12.00 per share in cash, representing an enterprise value of approximately $1.6 billion.

The Boards of Directors of both companies and the shareholders of Orbitz have approved the transaction, which remains subject to other customary closing conditions, including applicable regulatory approvals. In March 2015, each company received a request for additional information and documentary material from the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) in connection with its review of our pending acquisition of Orbitz and we are working to assist the DOJ to complete its review before the end of the year. In May 2015, the shareholders of a majority of Orbitz’s common stock approved the transaction.

The Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights, including the right of Orbitz to terminate the Merger Agreement to accept a superior proposal (subject to compliance with certain notice and other requirements). The Merger Agreement provides that, in connection with termination of the Merger Agreement by Orbitz or Expedia upon specified conditions, Orbitz will be required to pay to us a termination fee of $57.5 million. If the Merger Agreement is terminated as a result of the failure to obtain competition law approvals or a legal prohibition related to competition law matters, a termination fee of $115 million will be payable by us to Orbitz, subject to certain limitations. In addition, subject to certain exceptions and

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

limitations, Expedia or Orbitz may terminate the Merger Agreement if the acquisition is not consummated by August 12, 2015 (the “Outside Date”). If all closing conditions except those related to competition laws or legal restraints have been satisfied or waived, either Expedia or Orbitz may extend the Outside Date to November 12, 2015 and subsequently to a date not later than February 12, 2016. If all closing conditions except those related to certain competition laws or legal restraints have been satisfied or waived and there is a claim asserted in court challenging an order to prohibit or prevent the closing of the acquisition, Orbitz may further extend the Outside Date to May 12, 2016.

Acquisition-related costs related to the above activities were expensed as incurred within general and administrative expenses and were approximately $8 million and $16 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015.

Other Investments. On March 10, 2015, we announced that Expedia and Decolar.com, Inc. (“Decolar”), the Latin American online travel company that operates the Decolar.com and Despegar.com branded websites, have expanded our partnership to include deeper cooperation on hotel supply and we have made a $270 million cost method investment in Decolar, which is included within long-term investments and other assets on our consolidated balance sheet.

Note 4 – Disposition of Business

On May 22, 2015, we completed the sale of our 62.4% ownership stake in eLong, Inc., which was previously a separate reportable segment, for approximately $671 million (or $666 million net of costs to sell and other transaction expenses) to several purchasers, including Ctrip.com International, Ltd. Of the total sales price, approximately $67 million was remitted directly to escrow for estimated tax obligations, and is recorded in prepaid and other current assets on our consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2015 and represents a noncash item in our consolidated statement of cash flows. As a result of the sale, we recognized a pre-tax gain of $509 million ($395 million after tax) during the second quarter of 2015 included in gain on sale of business in our consolidated statement of operations.

The following table presents the carrying amounts of our eLong business immediately preceding the disposition on May 22, 2015, in thousands:

 

Total current assets (1)

$  350,196   

Total long-term assets

  137,709   
  

 

 

 

Total assets divested

$ 487,905   
  

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

$ 187,296   

Total long-term liabilities

  5,782   
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities divested

$ 193,078   
  

 

 

 

Components of accumulated other comprehensive income divested

  45,259   

Non-redeemable noncontrolling interest divested

  92,550   
  

 

 

 

Net carrying value divested

$ 157,018   
  

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes cash and cash equivalents of approximately $74 million.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

We evaluated the disposition of eLong and determined it did not meet the “major effect” criteria for classification as a discontinued operation largely due to how recently it began having material impacts to our quarterly consolidated operating and net income. However, we determined that the disposition does represent an individually significant component of our business. The following table presents certain amounts related to eLong in our consolidated results of operations through its disposal on May 22, 2015:

 

     Three months ended
June 30,
     Six months ended
June 30,
 
     2015      2014      2015      2014  
     (In thousands)  

Operating income (loss) (1)

   $ (45,454    $ 329       $ (85,536    $ (7,566

Income (loss) before taxes (2)

     464,817         4,373         438,843         (388

Income (loss) before taxes attributable to Expedia, Inc. (2)

     448,694         2,348         412,285         (197

Net income (loss) attributable to Expedia, Inc. (3)

     367,427         3,704         349,183         (373

 

(1) Includes stock-based compensation and amortization of intangible assets of approximately $15 million and $6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 and $20 million and $11 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, which are included within Corporate & Eliminations in Note 15 – Segment Information.
(2) The three and six months ended June 30, 2015 includes the pre-tax gain of $509 million related to the gain on sale.
(3) The three and six months ended June 30, 2015 includes the after-tax gain of $395 million related to the gain on sale.

Note 5 – Fair Value Measurements

Financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2015 are classified using the fair value hierarchy in the table below:

 

     Total      Level 1      Level 2  
     (In thousands)  

Assets

        

Cash equivalents:

        

Money market funds

   $ 169,156       $  169,156       $ —     

Time deposits

     822,947         —           822,947   

Derivatives:

        

Foreign currency forward contracts

     1,371         —           1,371   

Investments:

        

Time deposits

     160,000         —           160,000   

Corporate debt securities

     117,761         —           117,761   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,271,235       $ 169,156       $ 1,102,079   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

Financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 are classified using the fair value hierarchy in the table below:

 

     Total      Level 1      Level 2  
     (In thousands)  

Assets

        

Cash equivalents:

        

Money market funds

   $ 161,059       $  161,059       $ —     

Time deposits

     298,968         —           298,968   

Restricted cash:

        

Time deposits

     19,980         —           19,980   

Derivatives:

        

Foreign currency forward contracts

     9,176         —           9,176   

Investments:

        

Time deposits

     312,762         —           312,762   

Corporate debt securities

     142,575         —           142,575   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 944,520       $ 161,059       $ 783,461   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

We classify our cash equivalents and investments within Level 1 and Level 2 as we value our cash equivalents and investments using quoted market prices or alternative pricing sources and models utilizing market observable inputs. Valuation of the foreign currency forward contracts is based on foreign currency exchange rates in active markets, a Level 2 input.

As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, our cash and cash equivalents consisted primarily of prime institutional money market funds with maturities of three months or less, time deposits as well as bank account balances.

We invest in investment grade corporate debt securities, all of which are classified as available for sale. As of June 30, 2015, we had $36 million of short-term and $82 million of long-term available for sale investments and the amortized cost basis of the investments approximated their fair value with gross unrealized gains and gross unrealized losses both of less than $1 million. As of December 31, 2014, we had $43 million of short-term and $100 million of long-term available for sale investments and the amortized cost basis of the investments approximated their fair value with both gross unrealized gains and gross unrealized losses of less than $1 million.

We also hold time deposit investments with financial institutions. Time deposits with original maturities of less than three months are classified as cash equivalents and those with remaining maturities of less than one year are classified within short-term investments. Of the total time deposits, $261 million as of December 31, 2014 related to balances held by our majority-owned subsidiaries.

Derivative instruments are carried at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets. We use foreign currency forward contracts to economically hedge certain merchant revenue exposures and in lieu of holding certain foreign currency cash for the purpose of economically hedging our foreign currency-denominated operating liabilities. Our goal in managing our foreign exchange risk is to reduce, to the extent practicable, our potential exposure to the changes that exchange rates might have on our earnings, cash flows and financial position. Our foreign currency forward contracts are typically short-term and, as they do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, we classify the changes in their fair value in other, net. As of June 30, 2015, we were party to outstanding forward contracts hedging our liability and revenue exposures with a total net notional value of $1.4 billion. We had a net forward asset of $1 million and $9 million as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets. We recorded $4 million and $8 million in net losses from foreign currency forward contracts during the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, and $15 million in net gains and $16 million in net losses during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.

Note 6 – Property and Equipment, Net

On April 30, 2015, we acquired our future corporate headquarters for $229 million, consisting of multiple office and lab buildings located in Seattle, Washington (the “Property”) from Immunex Corporation (“Immunex”), a wholly owned

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

subsidiary of Amgen, Inc., pursuant to a purchase and sale agreement with Immunex. The acquired building assets are included in construction in process and will begin depreciating when they and costs incurred related to the build out of the headquarters are complete and ready for their intended use.

Note 7 – Debt

The following table sets forth our outstanding debt:

 

     June 30,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 
     (In thousands)  

7.456% senior notes due 2018

   $ 500,000       $ 500,000   

5.95% senior notes due 2020, net of discount

     749,522         749,485   

4.5% senior notes due 2024, net of discount

     497,417         497,302   

2.5% (€650 million) senior notes due 2022, net of discount

     725,597         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-term debt

$ 2,472,536    $ 1,746,787   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-term Debt

Our $500 million in registered senior unsecured notes outstanding at June 30, 2015 are due in August 2018 and bear interest at 7.456% (the “7.456% Notes”). Interest is payable semi-annually in February and August of each year. At any time Expedia may redeem the 7.456% Notes at a redemption price of 100% of the principal plus accrued interest, plus a “make-whole” premium, in whole or in part.

Our $750 million in registered senior unsecured notes outstanding at June 30, 2015 are due in August 2020 and bear interest at 5.95% (the “5.95% Notes”). The 5.95% Notes were issued at 99.893% of par resulting in a discount, which is being amortized over their life. Interest is payable semi-annually in February and August of each year. We may redeem the 5.95% Notes at a redemption price of 100% of the principal plus accrued interest, plus a “make-whole” premium, in whole or in part.

Our $500 million in registered senior unsecured notes outstanding at June 30, 2015 are due in August 2024 and bear interest at 4.5% (the “4.5% Notes”). The 4.5% Notes were issued at 99.444% of par resulting in a discount, which is being amortized over their life. Interest is payable semi-annually in February and August of each year, beginning February 15, 2015. We may redeem the 4.5% Notes at our option at any time in whole or from time to time in part. If we elect to redeem the 4.5% Notes prior to May 15, 2024, we may redeem them at a redemption price of 100% of the principal plus accrued interest, plus a “make-whole” premium. If we elect to redeem the 4.5% Notes on or after May 15, 2024, we may redeem them at a redemption price of 100% of the principal plus accrued interest.

In June 2015, we issued Euro 650 million of registered senior unsecured notes that are due in June 2022 and bear interest at 2.5% (the “2.5% Notes”). The 2.5% Notes were issued at 99.525% of par resulting in a discount, which is being amortized over their life. Interest is payable annually in arrears in June of each year, beginning June 3, 2016. We may redeem the 2.5% Notes at our option, at whole or in part, at any time or from time to time. If we elect to redeem the 2.5% Notes prior to March 3, 2022, we may redeem them at a specified “make-whole” premium. If we elect to redeem the 2.5% Notes on or after March 3, 2022, we may redeem them at a redemption price of 100% of the principal plus accrued and unpaid interest. Subject to certain limited exceptions, all payments of interest and principal for the 2.5% Notes will be made in Euros.

The aggregate principal value of the 2.5% Notes is designated as a hedge of our net investment in certain Euro functional currency subsidiaries. The notes are measured at Euro to U.S. Dollar exchange rates at each balance sheet date and transaction gains or losses due to changes in rates are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The Euro-denominated net assets of these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. Dollars at each balance sheet date, with effects of foreign currency changes also reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Since the notional amount of the recorded Euro-denominated debt is less than the notional amount of our net investment, we do not expect to incur any ineffectiveness on this hedge.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

The 7.456%, 5.95%, 4.5% and 2.5% Notes (collectively the “Notes”) are senior unsecured obligations issued by Expedia and guaranteed by certain domestic Expedia subsidiaries. The Notes rank equally in right of payment with all of our existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of Expedia and the guarantor subsidiaries. For further information, see Note 16 — Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Supplemental Financial Information. In addition, the Notes include covenants that limit our ability to (i) create certain liens, (ii) enter into sale/leaseback transactions and (iii) merge or consolidate with or into another entity or transfer substantially all of our assets. Accrued interest related to the Notes was $40 million and $39 million as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The 5.95%, 4.5% and 2.5% Notes are redeemable in whole or in part, at the option of the holders thereof, upon the occurrence of certain change of control triggering events at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal plus accrued and unpaid interest.

The approximate fair value of 7.456% Notes was $574 million and $581 million as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The approximate fair value of 5.95% Notes was $837 million and $840 million as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The approximate fair value of 4.5% Notes was $511 million and $504 million as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The approximate fair value of 2.5% Notes was Euro 643 million ($722 million) as of June 30, 2015. These fair values were based on quoted market prices in less active markets (Level 2 inputs).

Credit Facility

Expedia, Inc. maintains a $1 billion unsecured revolving credit facility with a group of lenders, which is unconditionally guaranteed by certain domestic Expedia subsidiaries that are the same as under the Notes, that expires in September 2019. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had no revolving credit facility borrowings outstanding. The facility bears interest based on the Company’s credit ratings, with drawn amounts bearing interest at LIBOR plus 150 basis points and the commitment fee on undrawn amounts at 20 basis points as of June 30, 2015. The facility contains covenants including maximum leverage and minimum interest coverage ratios.

The amount of stand-by letters of credit (“LOC”) issued under the facility reduces the credit amount available. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there was $14 million and $15 million of outstanding stand-by LOCs issued under the facility.

In addition, one of our international subsidiaries maintains a Euro 50 million uncommitted credit facility, which is guaranteed by Expedia, Inc., that may be terminated at any time by the lender. As of June 30, 2015, we had Euro 10 million in borrowings outstanding included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2014, we had no borrowings outstanding.

Note 8 – Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

We have noncontrolling interests in a majority owned entity, which is carried at fair market value as the noncontrolling interests contain certain rights, whereby we may acquire and the minority shareholders may sell to us up to 50% and 100% of the minority shares of the company at fair value during the first quarter of 2016 and 2018, respectively. As the noncontrolling interest is redeemable at the option of the minority holders, we classified the balance as redeemable noncontrolling interest with future changes in the fair value above the initial basis recorded as charges or credits to retained earnings (or additional paid-in capital in absence of retained earnings). The put/call arrangement includes certain rollover provisions that, if triggered, would cause the minority shares to be treated as though they become mandatorily redeemable, and to be reclassified as a liability at the time such trigger becomes certain to occur.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

A reconciliation of redeemable noncontrolling interest is as follows:

 

     Six months ended
June 30,
 
     2015  

Balance, beginning of the period

   $ 560,073   

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (6,649

Fair value adjustments

     70,926   

Currency translation adjustments and other

     (66,601
  

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

   $ 557,749   
  

 

 

 

The fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest was determined based on a blended analysis of the present value of future discounted cash flows and market value approach (“Level 3” on the fair value hierarchy). Our significant estimates in the discounted cash flow model include our weighted average cost of capital as well as long-term growth and profitability of the business. Our significant estimates in the market value approach include identifying similar companies with comparable business factors and assessing comparable revenue and operating multiples in estimating the fair value of the business.

Note 9 – Stockholders’ Equity

Dividends on our Common Stock

The Executive Committee, acting on behalf of the Board of Directors, declared the following dividends during the periods presented:

 

Declaration Date

   Dividend
Per Share
     Record Date      Total Amount
(in thousands)
     Payment Date  

Six months ended June 30, 2015:

  

        

February 4, 2015

   $ 0.18         March 10, 2015       $ 22,895         March 26, 2015   

April 29, 2015

     0.18         May 28, 2015         23,096         June 18, 2015   

Six months ended June 30, 2014:

  

February 5, 2014

   $ 0.15         March 10, 2014       $ 19,602         March 27, 2014   

April 30, 2014

     0.15         May 30, 2014         19,231         June 19, 2014   

In addition, on July 29, 2015, the Executive Committee, acting on behalf of the Board of Directors, declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.24 per share of outstanding common stock payable on September 17, 2015 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 27, 2015. Future declarations of dividends are subject to final determination by our Board of Directors.

Share Repurchases

In April 2012, the Executive Committee, acting on behalf of the Board of Directors, authorized a repurchase of up to 20 million outstanding shares of our common stock. In February 2015, the Executive Committee, acting on behalf of the Board of Directors, authorized an additional repurchase of up to 10 million shares of our common stock. There is no fixed termination date for the repurchases. During the first half of 2015, we repurchased, through open market transactions, 0.5 million shares under this authorization for a total cost of $45 million, excluding transaction costs, representing an average repurchase price of $85.27 per share. As of June 30, 2015, 11.2 million shares remain authorized for repurchase under the 2012 and 2015 authorizations.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

Other Share Activity

During the three months ended June 30, 2015, we issued 264,841 shares of common stock from treasury stock to Liberty Interactive Corporation (“Liberty”) at a price per share of $85.24 and an aggregate value of approximately $23 million pursuant to and in accordance with the preemptive rights as detailed by the Amended and Restated Governance Agreement with Liberty dated as of December 20, 2011.

During the three months ended June 30, 2015, our Chairman and Senior Executive exercised options to purchase 1.9 million shares. 0.5 million shares were withheld and concurrently cancelled by the Company to cover the weighted average exercise price of $30.38 per share and 0.8 million shares were withheld and concurrently cancelled to cover tax obligations, with a net delivery of 0.6 million shares.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The balance for each class of accumulated other comprehensive loss as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows:

 

     June 30,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 
     (In thousands)  

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax (1)

   $ (256,832    $ (138,715

Net unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities, net of tax

     140         (59
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   $ (256,692    $ (138,774
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax, includes foreign currency transaction losses at June 30, 2015 of $13 million ($20 million before tax) associated with our 2.5% Notes. The 2.5% Notes are Euro-denominated debt designated as hedges of certain of our Euro-denominated net assets. See Note 7 – Debt for more information. The remaining balance in currency translation adjustments excludes income taxes as a result of our current intention to indefinitely reinvest the earnings of our international subsidiaries outside of the United States.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

Note 10 – Earnings Per Share

The following table presents our basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

     Three months ended
June 30,
     Six months ended
June 30,
 
     2015      2014      2015      2014  
     (In thousands, except per share data)  

Income attributable to Expedia, Inc.

   $ 449,644       $ 89,373       $ 493,787       $ 75,069   

Earnings per share attributable to Expedia, Inc. available to common stockholders:

           

Basic

   $ 3.49       $ 0.69       $ 3.85       $ 0.58   

Diluted

     3.38         0.67         3.74         0.56   

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:

           

Basic

     128,887         129,538         128,229         130,046   

Dilutive effect of:

           

Options to purchase common stock

     3,954         4,030         3,840         4,235   

Other dilutive securities

     119         100         115         118   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted

     132,960         133,668         132,184         134,399   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share is calculated using our weighted-average outstanding common shares. The earnings per share amounts are the same for common stock and Class B common stock because the holders of each class are legally entitled to equal per share distributions whether through dividends or in liquidation.

Diluted earnings per share is calculated using our weighted-average outstanding common shares including the dilutive effect of stock awards as determined under the treasury stock method. In periods when we recognize a net loss, we exclude the impact of outstanding stock awards from the diluted loss per share calculation as their inclusion would have an antidilutive effect. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, approximately 7 million of outstanding stock awards for all periods have been excluded from the calculations of diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders because their effect would have been antidilutive.

Note 11 – Restructuring and Related Reorganization Charges

In conjunction with the migration of technology platforms and centralization of technology, supply and other operations, primarily related to acquisition integrations including the Wotif Group, we recognized $10 million in restructuring and related reorganization charges during the first half of 2015 as well as $26 million during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2014. We expect up to $5 million of restructuring charges for the remainder of 2015 related to these integrations already underway, but not including any possible future acquisition integrations.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

The following table summarizes the restructuring and related reorganization activity for the six months ended June 30, 2015:

 

     Employee
Severance and
Benefits
     Other      Total  
     (In thousands)  

Accrued liability as of January 1, 2015

   $ 10,117       $ 13,658       $ 23,775   

Charges

     8,771         1,551         10,322   

Payments

     (6,537      (14,779      (21,316

Non-cash items

     (1,063      5         (1,058
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accrued liability as of June 30, 2015

   $ 11,288       $ 435       $ 11,723   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The majority of the other activity in the above table relates to Australian stamp duty tax that was paid to certain Australian jurisdictions related to business restructuring events.

Note 12 – Other, net

The following table presents the components of other, net:

 

     For the Three Months Ended
June 30,
     For the Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2015      2014      2015      2014  
     (In thousands)  

Foreign exchange rate losses, net

   $ (15,084    $ (11,612    $ (929    $ (17,748

Noncontrolling investment basis adjustment

     (2,076      —           77,400         —     

Other

     137         4,435         11,607         10,090   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ (17,023    $ (7,177    $ 88,078       $ (7,658
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note 13 – Income Taxes

We determine our provision for income taxes for interim periods using an estimate of our annual effective tax rate. We record any changes affecting the estimated annual tax rate in the interim period in which the change occurs, including discrete tax items. Our effective tax rate was 23.5% and 19.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, and 22.1% and 24.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014. The change in the effective rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014 was due to an increase in taxable income in the United States primarily related to the gain on the sale of eLong, a portion of which was taxable in the United States and resulted in estimated tax expense of $113 million.

Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of business, we are a party to various lawsuits. Management does not expect these lawsuits to have a material impact on the liquidity, results of operations, or financial condition of Expedia. We also evaluate other potential contingent matters, including value-added tax, excise tax, transient occupancy or accommodation tax and similar matters. We do not believe that the aggregate amount of liability that could be reasonably possible with respect to these matters would have a material adverse effect on our financial results; however, litigation is inherently uncertain and the actual losses incurred in the event that our legal proceedings were to result in unfavorable outcomes could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial performance.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

Litigation Relating to Hotel Occupancy Taxes. Eighty-eight lawsuits have been filed by cities, counties and states involving hotel occupancy and other taxes. Twenty-nine lawsuits are currently active. These lawsuits are in various stages and we continue to defend against the claims made in them vigorously. With respect to the principal claims in these matters, we believe that the statutes or ordinances at issue do not apply to the services we provide, namely the facilitation of hotel reservations, and, therefore, that we do not owe the taxes that are claimed to be owed. We believe that the statutes or ordinances at issue generally impose occupancy and other taxes on entities that own, operate or control hotels (or similar businesses) or furnish or provide hotel rooms or similar accommodations. To date, thirty-eight of these lawsuits have been dismissed. Some of these dismissals have been without prejudice and, generally, allow the governmental entity or entities to seek administrative remedies prior to pursuing further litigation. Twenty-four dismissals were based on a finding that we and the other defendants were not subject to the local hotel occupancy tax ordinance or that the local government lacked standing to pursue their claims. As a result of this litigation and other attempts by certain jurisdictions to levy such taxes, we have established a reserve for the potential settlement of issues related to hotel occupancy taxes, consistent with applicable accounting principles and in light of all current facts and circumstances, in the amount of $94 million as of June 30, 2015 and $62 million as of December 31, 2014. The reserve balance increased as of June 30, 2015 primarily due to an additional $33 million of expense related to probable interest payments in connection with a July 23, 2015 order from the D.C. Court of Appeals affirming a judgment holding us liable for tax on services. Our settlement reserve is based on our best estimate of probable losses and the ultimate resolution of these contingencies may be greater or less than the liabilities recorded. An estimate for a reasonably possible loss or range of loss in excess of the amount reserved cannot be made. Changes to the settlement reserve are included within legal reserves, occupancy tax and other in the consolidated statements of operations.

Pay-to-Play. Certain jurisdictions may assert that we are required to pay any assessed taxes prior to being allowed to contest or litigate the applicability of the ordinances. This prepayment of contested taxes is referred to as “pay-to-play.” Payment of these amounts is not an admission that we believe we are subject to such taxes and, even when such payments are made, we continue to defend our position vigorously. If we prevail in the litigation, for which a pay-to-play payment was made, the jurisdiction collecting the payment will be required to repay such amounts and also may be required to pay interest.

Hawaii (General Excise Tax). On January 31, 2011, the online travel companies received final notices of assessment from the Hawaii Department of Taxation for general excise taxes for the tax years 2000 to 2011 on their services relating to non-commissioned hotel room reservations. The online travel companies appealed these assessments to the Hawaii tax court. On January 11, 2013, the Hawaii tax court ruled that the online travel companies are obligated to remit past Hawaii general excise taxes with interest both on the amount paid to the online travel companies for their services and the amount paid to the hotel for the room; thus subjecting the hotel’s charge for the room to double taxation because tax amounts on the hotel room had already been paid for all of the years at issue. On March 15, 2013, the Hawaii tax court issued penalties against the online travel companies for their failure to file returns and pay general excise taxes and, on August 12, 2013, the court further held that interest is due on such penalties. On December 24, 2013, the Hawaii Supreme Court agreed to accept transfer and review of the case and, on March 17, 2015, the Court affirmed in part and reversed in part the Hawaii tax court’s decision. The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that while the online travel companies are obligated to remit past Hawaii general excise taxes with interest on the amount paid to them for their services, along with penalties, the online travel companies are not liable for general excise taxes, interest or penalties on the amount paid to the hotel.

In addition to the above assessment, the Department of Taxation issued final assessments for general excise taxes against the Expedia companies for (i) non-commissioned hotel reservations totaling $20.5 million for the tax year 2012, (ii) non-commissioned travel agency services relating to rental cars totaling $29.2 million for the tax years 2000 through 2012, which include a duplicative assessment for Expedia and Hotels.com totaling $9.3 million and thus are overstated, and (iii) for non-commissioned travel agency services relating to hotel reservations and car rental totaling $28.5 million for the tax year 2013. In each case, the tax court held proceedings in abeyance pending review and decision by the Hawaii Supreme Court on the prior assessments and further proceedings will now take place as a result of the Hawaii Supreme Court decision.

As a pre-condition to appealing the tax court rulings in the Hawaii excise tax proceedings, the Expedia companies were required pay an amount equal to taxes, penalties and interest. During 2012, we expensed $110 million, and during 2013, we expensed an additional $64 million for amounts required or expected to be paid prior to appealing the tax court’s ruling.

 

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The total amount that the Expedia companies paid in 2013 was $171 million, which is comprised of $78 million in taxes, $41 million in penalties and $52 million in interest. At a July 20, 2015 hearing to determine the amount of refund of prepaid pay-to-play amounts due to the online travel companies, the Hawaii tax court held that the State of Hawaii is required to refund the Expedia companies approximately $131 million and that the refund of an additional approximately $4.0 million will be subject to a further hearing. The refund amount may differ from the amount we ultimately record in our operating results.

San Francisco. During 2009, we paid $48 million in advance of litigation relating to occupancy tax proceedings with the city of San Francisco. The city of San Francisco subsequently issued additional assessments of tax, penalties and interest for the time period from the fourth quarter of 2007 through the fourth quarter of 2011 against the online travel companies, including against Expedia, Hotels.com and Hotwire. The additional assessments, including the prepayment of such assessments, were contested by the Expedia companies on the basis that the court has already ruled that taxes are not due from the online travel companies and that binding precedent by the California Court of Appeals precludes the city’s claim for taxes. Although the city initially agreed, subject to documentation, that the additional assessments need not be paid and could be placed under a bond, it subsequently sought to collect the additional assessment against the Expedia companies. On May 14, 2014, the court heard oral argument on the Expedia companies’ contest of the prepayment requirement for the additional assessments and held that the Expedia companies were required to prepay in order to litigate the legality of the assessments. On May 26, 2014, the Expedia companies paid $25.5 million under protest in order to contest the additional assessments. The additional assessments were expensed during the second quarter of 2014. On August 6, 2014, the California Court of Appeals stayed this case pending review and decision by the California Supreme Court of the City of San Diego, California Litigation.

Other Jurisdictions. In December 2014, the City of Portland and Multnomah County, Oregon assessed certain online travel companies, including Expedia, Hotels.com and Hotwire, for hotel occupancy taxes for the period October 7, 2013 to December 31, 2014 based on recent amendments to state legislation. On January 9, 2015, as a pre-condition to challenging the assessments, the Expedia companies paid $2.3 million under protest in alleged taxes, penalties and interest. We are also in various stages of inquiry or audit with domestic and foreign tax authorities, some of which, including in the United Kingdom regarding the application of value added tax (“VAT”) to our European Union related transactions as discussed below, impose a pay-to-play requirement to challenge an adverse inquiry or audit result in court.

The ultimate resolution of these contingencies may be greater or less than the pay-to-play payments made and our estimates of additional assessments mentioned above.

During the three months ended June 30, 2015, we recorded a $25 million benefit in legal reserves, occupancy tax and other for the recovery of costs related to occupancy tax litigation matters.

Matters Relating to International VAT. We are in various stages of inquiry or audit in multiple European Union jurisdictions, including in the United Kingdom, regarding the application of VAT to our European Union related transactions. While we believe we comply with applicable VAT laws, rules and regulations in the relevant jurisdictions, the tax authorities may determine that we owe additional taxes. In certain jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, we may be required to pay any VAT assessment prior to contesting its validity. This requirement is commonly referred to as “pay-to-play.” Payment of any such amounts is not an admission by the taxpayer that it believes it is subject to such taxes. While we believe that we will be successful based on the merits of our positions with regard to the U.K. and other VAT audits in pay-to-play jurisdictions, it is nevertheless reasonably possible that we could be required to pay any assessed amounts in order to contest or litigate the applicability of any assessments and an estimate for a reasonably possible amount of any such payments cannot be made.

Matters Relating to Hotel Booking Practices. On July 31, 2012, the United Kingdom Office of Fair Trading (“OFT”) issued a Statement of Objections alleging that Expedia, Booking.com B.V. and InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (“IHG”) have infringed European Union and United Kingdom competition law in relation to the online supply of hotel room accommodations. The Statement of Objections alleges that Expedia and Booking.com entered into separate agreements with IHG that restricted each online travel company’s ability to discount the price of IHG hotel rooms. The OFT limited its investigation to a small number of companies, but stated that the investigation was likely to have wider implications for the industry within the United Kingdom. The parties proposed to address the OFT’s concerns by offering commitments, and on

 

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January 31, 2014, the OFT announced that it had formally accepted the commitments offered by the parties, with no finding of fault or liability. The commitments provide online travel companies with the right to provide non-public discounts on the rate offered for room only hotel accommodation bookings at hotels located in the United Kingdom to eligible European Economic Area resident members of the online travel companies’ closed groups. The commitments also clarify the hotels’ rights to offer discounts under the same conditions to members of their closed groups. In addition, the commitments require online travel agencies to modify their price parity clauses, as relevant, so as not to apply to any discounting activities covered by the commitments. The commitments are binding on the parties through January 31, 2016. On April 2, 2014, Skyscanner Limited filed an appeal challenging the OFT’s January 31, 2014 decision to accept the parties’ commitments. On September 26, 2014, the United Kingdom’s Competition Appeal Tribunal (“CAT”) granted Skyscanner Limited’s appeal. This judgment requires the Competition & Markets Authority (“CMA”), the United Kingdom’s competition authority, to review the decision of its predecessor body, the OFT. The CMA did not appeal the CAT’s decision and subsequently announced that it is considering next steps in the investigation in light of the CAT judgment and market developments, including developments relating to the investigations of other European competition authorities described below. It is not certain what impact the CMA’s review of the OFT decision will have on online travel companies, including Expedia.

In addition, the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Repression of Fraud, a directorate of the French Ministry of Economy and Finance with authority over unfair trading practices, has brought a lawsuit in France against Expedia entities objecting to certain parity clauses in contracts between Expedia entities and French hotels. In May 2015, the French court ruled that certain of the parity provisions in certain contracts that were the subject of the lawsuit were not in compliance with French commercial law, but imposed no fine and no injunction. A number of competition authorities, such as those in Austria, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Sweden and Switzerland, have also inquired or initiated investigations into the travel industry and, in particular, in relation to parity provisions in contracts between hotels and online travel companies, including Expedia. In April 2015, the Swiss competition authority issued a draft decision challenging certain parity provisions in agreements between Swiss hotels and each of Expedia, Booking.com and Hotel Reservation Service (“HRS”). The draft decision is not a final determination by the Swiss Competition authority that Expedia has violated any competition laws and did not provide for fines. Expedia subsequently objected to the preliminary findings of the draft decision in writing and the final decision of the Swiss Competition authority is still outstanding.

While the ultimate outcomes of these lawsuits, inquiries or investigations are uncertain and our circumstances are distinguishable from those of other online travel agencies subject to similar lawsuits, inquiries or investigations, we note in this context that on April 21, 2015 the competition authorities in France, Italy and Sweden announced a proposed set of commitments offered by Booking.com to resolve the parity clause cases brought by these authorities against Booking.com. The German Federal Cartel Office (“FCO”) also has required another online travel company, Hotel Reservation Service (“HRS”), to remove certain clauses from its contracts with hotels. HRS appealed this decision, which the Higher Regional Court Düsseldorf rejected on January 9, 2015. In addition, on July 1, 2015, Expedia announced that, effective August 1, 2015, it intends to waive certain rate, conditions and availability parity clauses in its agreements with its European hotel partners for a period of five years. While Expedia maintains that its current parity clauses are lawful and in compliance with competition law, Expedia considers that its announcement is a positive step towards facilitating the closure of the open investigations into such clauses on a harmonized pan-European basis. It is not certain what the outcome will be of the competition authorities’ assessment of Expedia’s announcement.

On July 9, 2015, the French National Assembly adopted a law that would seek to define the nature of the relationship between online travel company sites and French hotels. The law will become effective following a review of certain of its provisions by the French Constitutional Council and Expedia is considering the potential impact, if any, it may have on Expedia’s agreements and relationships with French hotels going forward.

Note 15 – Segment Information

Beginning in the first quarter of 2015, we had four reportable segments: Core Online Travel Agencies (“Core OTA”), trivago, Egencia and eLong through its disposal on May 22, 2015. The change from two reportable segments, Leisure and

 

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Egencia, resulted in our previously disclosed Leisure reportable segment being disaggregated into three segments as a result of the Company’s focus on providing additional information to reflect the unique market opportunities and competitive dynamics inherent in our eLong and trivago businesses. Our Core OTA segment, which consists of the aggregation of operating segments, provides a full range of travel and advertising services to our worldwide customers through a variety of brands including: Expedia.com and Hotels.com in the United States and localized Expedia and Hotels.com websites throughout the world, Expedia Affiliate Network, Hotwire.com, Travelocity, Venere, Wotif Group, CarRentals.com, and Classic Vacations. Our trivago segment generates advertising revenue primarily from sending referrals to online travel companies and travel service providers from its hotel metasearch websites. Our Egencia segment provides managed travel services to corporate customers worldwide. Our eLong segment specialized in mobile and online travel services in China.

We determined our operating segments based on how our chief operating decision makers manage our business, make operating decisions and evaluate operating performance. Our primary operating metric is adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA for our Core OTA and Egencia segments includes allocations of certain expenses, primarily cost of revenue and facilities, and our Core OTA segment includes the total costs of our global supply organizations as well as the realized foreign currency gains or losses related to the forward contracts hedging a component of our net merchant hotel revenue. We base the allocations primarily on transaction volumes and other usage metrics. We do not allocate certain shared expenses such as accounting, human resources, information technology and legal to our reportable segments. We include these expenses in Corporate and Eliminations. Our allocation methodology is periodically evaluated and may change.

Our segment disclosure includes intersegment revenues, which primarily consist of advertising and media services provided by our trivago segment to our Core OTA segment. These intersegment transactions are recorded by each segment at amounts that approximate fair value as if the transactions were between third parties, and therefore, impact segment performance. However, the revenue and corresponding expense are eliminated in consolidation. The elimination of such intersegment transactions is included within Corporate and Eliminations in the table below.

Corporate and Eliminations also includes unallocated corporate functions and expenses. In addition, we record amortization of intangible assets and any related impairment, as well as stock-based compensation expense, restructuring and related reorganization charges, legal reserves, occupancy tax and other, and other items excluded from segment operating performance in Corporate and Eliminations. Such amounts are detailed in our segment reconciliation below. Included with eLong’s standalone financial statements for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $15 million and $6 million of stock-based compensation and intangible amortization as well as $20 million and $11 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.

The following tables present our segment information for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014. As a significant portion of our property and equipment is not allocated to our operating segments and depreciation is not included in our segment measure, we do not report the assets by segment as it would not be meaningful. We do not regularly provide such information to our chief operating decision makers.

 

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     Three months ended June 30, 2015  
     Core OTA     trivago     Egencia     eLong(1)     Corporate &
Eliminations
    Total  
     (In thousands)  

Third-party revenue

   $  1,462,926      $ 90,075      $  101,423      $ 8,176      $ —        $  1,662,600   

Intersegment revenue

     —          52,470        —          —          (52,470     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenue

   $ 1,462,926      $  142,545      $ 101,423      $ 8,176      $ (52,470   $ 1,662,600   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 384,497      $ (8,971)      $ 23,701      $  (28,915)      $ (117,963   $ 252,349   

Depreciation

     (45,647     (485     (6,146     (1,208     (25,791     (79,277

Amortization of intangible assets

     —          —          —          —          (26,880     (26,880

Stock-based compensation

     —          —          —          —          (41,494     (41,494

Legal reserves, occupancy tax and other

     —          —          —          —          (5,510     (5,510

Restructuring and related reorganization charges

     —          —          —          —          (5,646     (5,646

Realized (gain) loss on revenue hedges

     (3,450     —          —          —          —          (3,450
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   $ 335,400      $ (9,456)      $ 17,555      $ (30,123)      $ (223,284     90,092   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Other income, net

               467,965   
            

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

               558,057   

Provision for income taxes

               (131,221
            

 

 

 

Net income

               426,836   

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

               22,808   
            

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Expedia, Inc.

             $ 449,644   
            

 

 

 
     Three months ended June 30, 2014  
     Core OTA     trivago     Egencia     eLong     Corporate &
Eliminations
    Total  
     (In thousands)  

Third-party revenue

   $  1,268,102      $ 71,939      $  103,114      $  51,477      $ —        $  1,494,632   

Intersegment revenue

     —          32,435        —          —          (32,435     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenue

   $ 1,268,102      $  104,374      $ 103,114      $ 51,477      $ (32,435   $ 1,494,632   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 344,529      $ (9,770)      $ 17,611      $ 7,597      $ (100,711   $ 259,256   

Depreciation

     (33,757     (334     (4,771     (1,616     (25,080     (65,558

Amortization of intangible assets

     —          —          —          —          (18,264     (18,264

Stock-based compensation

     —          —          —          —          (21,014     (21,014

Legal reserves, occupancy tax and other

     —          —          —          —          (31,416     (31,416

Realized (gain) loss on revenue hedges

     6,216        —          —          —          —          6,216   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   $ 316,988      $  (10,104)      $ 12,840      $ 5,981      $ (196,485     129,220   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Other expense, net

               (22,615
            

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

               106,605   

Provision for income taxes

               (20,751
            

 

 

 

Net income

               85,854   

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

               3,519   
            

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Expedia, Inc.

             $ 89,373   
            

 

 

 

 

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     Six months ended June 30, 2015  
     Core OTA     trivago     Egencia     eLong(1)     Corporate &
Eliminations
    Total  
     (In thousands)  

Third-party revenue

   $  2,632,861      $  162,125      $  199,268      $  41,743      $ —        $  3,035,997   

Intersegment revenue

     —          99,545        —          —          (99,545     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenue

   $ 2,632,861      $ 261,670      $ 199,268      $ 41,743      $ (99,545   $ 3,035,997   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 603,795      $ (3,925)      $ 43,497      $  (62,167)      $ (227,088   $ 354,112   

Depreciation

     (86,258     (887     (11,788     (3,263     (51,526     (153,722

Amortization of intangible assets

     —          —          —          —          (51,922     (51,922

Stock-based compensation

     —          —          —          —          (70,380     (70,380

Legal reserves, occupancy tax and other

     —          —          —          —          (8,039     (8,039

Restructuring and related reorganization charges

     —          —          —          —          (10,322     (10,322

Realized (gain) loss on revenue hedges

     (20,636     —          —          —          —          (20,636
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   $ 496,901      $ (4,812)      $ 31,709      $ (65,430)      $ (419,277     39,091   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Other income, net

               550,617   
            

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

               589,708   

Provision for income taxes

               (130,311
            

 

 

 

Net income

               459,397   

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

               34,390   
            

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Expedia, Inc.

             $ 493,787   
            

 

 

 
     Six months ended June 30, 2014  
     Core OTA     trivago     Egencia     eLong     Corporate &
Eliminations
    Total  
     (In thousands)  

Third-party revenue

   $  2,268,949      $  131,014      $  203,352      $  91,688      $ —        $  2,695,003   

Intersegment revenue

     —          56,767        —          —          (56,767     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenue

   $ 2,268,949      $ 187,781      $ 203,352      $ 91,688      $ (56,767   $ 2,695,003   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 527,880      $ (10,460)      $ 34,199      $ 6,259      $ (191,851   $ 366,027   

Depreciation

     (65,210     (570     (9,693     (3,111     (49,108     (127,692

Amortization of intangible assets

     —          —          —          —          (36,756     (36,756

Stock-based compensation

     —          —          —          —          (45,835     (45,835

Legal reserves, occupancy tax and other

     —          —          —          —          (34,955     (34,955

Realized (gain) loss on revenue hedges

     5,433        —          —          —          —          5,433   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   $ 468,103      $  (11,030)      $ 24,506      $ 3,148      $ (358,505     126,222   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Other expense, net

               (39,102
            

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

               87,120   

Provision for income taxes

               (21,070
            

 

 

 

Net income

               66,050   

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

               9,019   
            

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Expedia, Inc.

             $ 75,069   
            

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes results through our disposal of eLong on May 22, 2015.

Note 16 – Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Supplemental Financial Information

Condensed consolidating financial information of Expedia, Inc. (the “Parent”), our subsidiaries that are guarantors of our debt facility and instruments (the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”), and our subsidiaries that are not guarantors of our debt facility and instruments (the “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”) is shown below. The debt facility and instruments are guaranteed by certain of our wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries and rank equally in right of payment with all of our existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated obligations. The guarantees are full, unconditional, and joint and several with the exception of certain customary automatic subsidiary release provisions. In this financial information, the Parent and Guarantor Subsidiaries account for investments in their wholly-owned subsidiaries using the equity method.

 

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATION

Three months ended June 30, 2015

 

     Parent     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries(1)
    Eliminations     Consolidated  
     (In thousands)  

Revenue

   $ —        $ 1,281,820      $ 431,840      $ (51,060   $ 1,662,600   

Costs and expenses:

          

Cost of revenue

     —          242,750        80,851        (2,519     321,082   

Selling and marketing

     —          602,621        331,600        (48,741     885,480   

Technology and content

     —          128,593        57,891        32        186,516   

General and administrative

     —          81,674        59,552        168        141,394   

Amortization of intangible assets

     —          2,795        24,085        —          26,880   

Legal reserves, occupancy tax and other

     —          5,510        —          —          5,510   

Restructuring and related reorganization charges

     —          (773     6,419        —          5,646   

Intercompany (income) expense, net

     —          196,828        (196,828     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

  —        21,822      68,270      —        90,092   

Other income (expense):

Equity in pre-tax earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

  466,986      529,635      —        (996,621   —     

Other, net

  (27,506   (24,758   520,229      —        467,965   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income (expense), net

  439,480      504,877      520,229      (996,621   467,965   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

  439,480      526,699      588,499      (996,621   558,057   

Provision for income taxes

  10,164      (57,230   (84,155   —        (131,221
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

  449,644      469,469      504,344      (996,621   426,836   

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

  —        —        22,808      —        22,808   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Expedia, Inc.

$  449,644    $ 469,469    $ 527,152    $ (996,621 $ 449,644   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Expedia, Inc.

$ 436,924    $ 445,247    $ 546,882    $ (996,621 $ 432,432   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes results through our disposal of eLong on May 22, 2015.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATION

Three months ended June 30, 2014

 

     Parent     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  
     (In thousands)  

Revenue

   $ —        $ 1,166,139      $ 358,318      $ (29,825   $ 1,494,632   

Costs and expenses:

          

Cost of revenue

     —          235,625        63,612        1,264        300,501   

Selling and marketing

     —          502,818        271,831        (31,033     743,616   

Technology and content

     —          118,478        50,819        (222     169,075   

General and administrative

     —          61,219        41,155        166        102,540   

Amortization of intangible assets

     —          455        17,809        —          18,264   

Legal reserves, occupancy tax and other

     —          31,416        —          —          31,416   

Intercompany (income) expense, net

     —          194,766        (194,766     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

  —        21,362      107,858      —        129,220   

Other income (expense):

Equity in pre-tax earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

  102,419      92,650      —        (195,069   —     

Other, net

  (20,692   11,380      (13,303   —        (22,615
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income (expense), net

  81,727      104,030      (13,303   (195,069   (22,615
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

  81,727      125,392      94,555      (195,069   106,605   

Provision for income taxes

  7,646      (20,625   (7,772   —        (20,751
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

  89,373      104,767      86,783      (195,069   85,854   

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

  —        —        3,519      —        3,519   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Expedia, Inc.

$ 89,373    $ 104,767    $ 90,302    $ (195,069 $ 89,373   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Expedia, Inc.

$ 89,373    $ 104,834    $ 87,748    $ (195,069 $ 86,886   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

24


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATION

Six months ended June 30, 2015

 

     Parent     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries(1)
    Eliminations     Consolidated  
     (In thousands)  

Revenue

   $ —        $ 2,350,160      $ 781,063      $ (95,226   $ 3,035,997   

Costs and expenses:

          

Cost of revenue

     —          482,938        163,551        (3,489     643,000   

Selling and marketing

     —          1,123,380        617,580        (92,099     1,648,861   

Technology and content

     —          258,516        118,406        49        376,971   

General and administrative

     —          151,870        105,608        313        257,791   

Amortization of intangible assets

     —          4,476        47,446        —          51,922   

Legal reserves, occupancy tax and other

     —          8,039        —          —          8,039   

Restructuring and related reorganization charges

     —          131        10,191        —          10,322   

Intercompany (income) expense, net

     —          359,846        (359,846     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

     —          (39,036     78,127        —          39,091   

Other income (expense):

          

Equity in pre-tax earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

     528,063        596,815        —          (1,124,878     —     

Other, net

     (54,365     27,539        577,443        —          550,617   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income (expense), net

     473,698        624,354        577,443        (1,124,878     550,617   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     473,698        585,318        655,570        (1,124,878     589,708   

Provision for income taxes

     20,089        (52,471     (97,929     —          (130,311
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     493,787        532,847        557,641        (1,124,878     459,397   

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

     —          —          34,390        —          34,390   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Expedia, Inc.

   $  493,787      $ 532,847      $ 592,031      $ (1,124,878   $ 493,787   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Expedia, Inc.

   $ 481,067      $ 508,802      $ 510,878      $ (1,124,878   $ 375,869   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes results through our disposal of eLong on May 22, 2015.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATION

Six months ended June 30, 2014

 

     Parent     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  
     (In thousands)  

Revenue

   $ —        $ 2,115,823      $ 634,795      $ (55,615   $ 2,695,003   

Costs and expenses:

          

Cost of revenue

     —          467,606        124,926        2,588        595,120   

Selling and marketing

     —          926,953        499,603        (58,241     1,368,315   

Technology and content

     —          233,403        98,640        7        332,050   

General and administrative

     —          118,141        83,413        31        201,585   

Amortization of intangible assets

     —          937        35,819        —          36,756   

Legal reserves, occupancy tax and other

     —          34,955        —          —          34,955   

Intercompany (income) expense, net

     —          359,544        (359,544     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

     —          (25,716     151,938        —          126,222   

Other income (expense):

          

Equity in pre-tax earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

     101,153        132,436        —          (233,589     —     

Other, net

     (41,371     (24,879     27,148        —          (39,102
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income (expense), net

     59,782        107,557        27,148        (233,589     (39,102
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     59,782        81,841        179,086        (233,589     87,120   

Provision for income taxes

     15,287        24,102        (60,459     —          (21,070
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     75,069        105,943        118,627        (233,589     66,050   

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

     —          —          9,019        —          9,019   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Expedia, Inc.

   $ 75,069      $ 105,943      $ 127,646      $ (233,589   $ 75,069   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Expedia, Inc.

   $ 75,069      $ 106,250      $ 134,947      $ (233,589   $ 82,677   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

25


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

June 30, 2015

 

     Parent      Guarantor
Subsidiaries
     Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
     Eliminations     Consolidated  
     (In thousands)  
ASSETS              

Total current assets

   $ 209,292       $ 4,610,195       $ 1,283,188       $ (1,112,283   $ 4,990,392   

Investment in subsidiaries

     5,050,356         1,712,333         —           (6,762,689     —     

Intangible assets, net

     —           963,006         513,033         —          1,476,039   

Goodwill

     —           2,703,929         1,272,688         —          3,976,617   

Other assets, net

     10,682         1,167,875         265,337         (55,016     1,388,878   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 5,270,330       $ 11,157,338       $ 3,334,246       $ (7,929,988   $ 11,831,926   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY              

Total current liabilities

   $ 622,885       $ 5,531,713       $ 925,913       $ (1,112,283   $ 5,968,228   

Long-term debt

     2,472,536         —           —           —          2,472,536   

Other liabilities

     —           548,600         164,920         (55,016     658,504   

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

     —           —           557,749         —          557,749   

Stockholders’ equity

     2,174,909         5,077,025         1,685,664         (6,762,689     2,174,909   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 5,270,330       $ 11,157,338       $ 3,334,246       $ (7,929,988   $ 11,831,926   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

December 31, 2014

 

     Parent      Guarantor
Subsidiaries
     Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
     Eliminations     Consolidated  
     (In thousands)  
ASSETS              

Total current assets

   $ 189,203       $ 3,938,831       $ 1,064,981       $  (2,268,526)      $ 2,924,489   

Investment in subsidiaries

     4,689,302         1,338,089         —           (6,027,391     —     

Intangible assets, net

     —           637,986         652,101         —          1,290,087   

Goodwill

     —           2,436,533         1,519,368         —          3,955,901   

Other assets, net

     7,082         583,782         259,197         —          850,061   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 4,885,587       $ 8,935,221       $ 3,495,647       $ (8,295,917)      $ 9,020,538   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY              

Total current liabilities

   $ 1,245,071       $ 3,707,638       $ 1,502,432       $ (2,268,526)      $ 4,186,615   

Long-term debt

     1,746,787         —           —           —          1,746,787   

Other liabilities

     —           516,365         116,969         —          633,334   

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

     —           —           560,073         —          560,073   

Stockholders’ equity

     1,893,729         4,711,218         1,316,173         (6,027,391     1,893,729   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 4,885,587       $ 8,935,221       $ 3,495,647       $  (8,295,917)     $ 9,020,538   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

26


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Six months ended June 30, 2015

 

     Parent     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Consolidated  
     (In thousands)  

Operating activities:

        

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ —        $ 1,248,954      $ 413,077      $ 1,662,031   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing activities:

        

Capital expenditures, including internal-use software and website development

     —          (438,301     (30,426     (468,727

Purchases of investments

     —          (458,318     (47,791     (506,109

Sales and maturities of investments

     —          142,593        83,732        226,325   

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     —          (273,000     (54,362     (327,362

Proceeds from sale of business, net of cash divested and disposal costs

     —          —          527,212        527,212   

Other, net

     —          29,460        10,435        39,895   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     —          (997,566     488,800        (508,766
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing activities:

        

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs

     702,348        —          —          702,348   

Purchases of treasury stock

     (44,925     —          —          (44,925

Issuance of treasury stock

     22,487        —          —          22,487   

Withholding taxes for stock option exercises

     (85,033     —          —          (85,033

Transfers (to) from related parties

     (675,864     1,179,655        (503,791     —     

Other, net

     80,987        (1,290     11,466        91,163   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     —          1,178,365        (492,325     686,040   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     —          (33,037     (21,839     (54,876
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     —          1,396,716        387,713        1,784,429   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     —          943,976        458,724        1,402,700   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ —        $ 2,340,692      $ 846,437      $ 3,187,129   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Six months ended June 30, 2014

 

     Parent     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Consolidated  
     (In thousands)  

Operating activities:

        

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ —        $ 1,355,396      $ 109,546      $ 1,464,942   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing activities:

        

Capital expenditures, including internal-use software and website development

     —          (129,160     (28,053     (157,213

Purchases of investments

     —          (803,933     (222,121     (1,026,054

Sales and maturities of investments

     —          208,017        211,461        419,478   

Other, net

     —          (915     (289     (1,204
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     —          (725,991     (39,002     (764,993
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing activities:

        

Purchases of treasury stock

     (339,020     —          —          (339,020

Transfers (to) from related parties

     297,963        (217,796     (80,167     —     

Other, net

     41,057        2,422        (69     43,410   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     —          (215,374     (80,236     (295,610
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     —          7,628        820        8,448   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     —          421,659        (8,872     412,787   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     —          606,683        414,350        1,021,033   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ —        $ 1,028,342      $ 405,478      $ 1,433,820   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

27


Table of Contents

Part I. Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect the views of our management regarding current expectations and projections about future events and are based on currently available information. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in these forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to, those discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” as well as those discussed elsewhere in this report. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The use of words such as “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans” and “believes,” among others, generally identify forward-looking statements; however, these words are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are inherently subject to uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. We are not under any obligation to, and do not intend to, publicly update or review any of these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, even if experience or future events make it clear that any expected results expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements will not be realized. Please carefully review and consider the various disclosures made in this report and in our other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business, prospects and results of operations.

The information included in this management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes included in this Quarterly Report, and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Overview

Expedia, Inc. is an online travel company, empowering business and leisure travelers with the tools and information they need to efficiently research, plan, book and experience travel. We have created a global travel marketplace used by a broad range of leisure and corporate travelers, offline retail travel agents and travel service providers. We make available, on a stand-alone and package basis, travel products and services provided by numerous airlines, lodging properties, car rental companies, destination service providers, cruise lines and other travel product and service companies. We also offer travel and non-travel advertisers access to a potential source of incremental traffic and transactions through our various media and advertising offerings.

Our portfolio of brands includes Expedia.com®, Hotels.com®, Hotwire.comtm, Travelocity®, Expedia® Affiliate Network (“EAN”), Classic Vacations®, Expedia Local Experttm, Expedia® CruiseShipCenters®, Egencia ®, Venere Net SpA (“Venere”), trivago GmbH (“trivago”), CarRentals.comtm , Wotif.com Holdings Limited (“Wotif Group”) and eLong ™, Inc. (“eLong”) through its sale on May 22, 2015. In addition, many of these brands have related international points of sale, including those as part of AirAsia-Expedia upon acquisition of controlling interest in March 2015. For additional information about our portfolio of brands, see “Portfolio of Brands” in Part I, Item 1, “Business,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

All percentages within this section are calculated on actual, unrounded numbers.

Trends

The travel industry, including offline agencies, online agencies and other suppliers of travel products and services, has historically been characterized by intense competition, as well as rapid and significant change. Generally, 2013 and 2014 represented years of continuing improvement for the travel industry. However, geopolitical conflicts, significant fluctuations in currency values, sovereign debt issues and macroeconomic concerns are examples of events that contribute to a somewhat uncertain environment, which could have a negative impact on the travel industry in the future.

 

28


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Online Travel

Increased usage and familiarity with the internet have driven rapid growth in online penetration of travel expenditures. According to PhoCusWright, an independent travel, tourism and hospitality research firm, in 2014, over 50% of U.S. and European leisure, unmanaged and corporate travel expenditures occur online. Online penetration rates in the emerging markets, such as Asia Pacific and Latin American regions are lagging behind that of the United States and Europe, and are estimated to be in the range of 20% to 30%. These penetration rates have increased over the past few years, and are expected to continue growing, which has attracted many competitors to online travel. This competition intensified in recent years, and the industry is expected to remain highly competitive for the foreseeable future. In addition to the growth of online travel agencies, airlines and lodging companies have aggressively pursued direct online distribution of their products and services. Competitive entrants such as “metasearch” companies, including Kayak.com (which The Priceline Group acquired in May 2013), trivago (in which Expedia acquired a majority ownership interest in March 2013) as well as TripAdvisor (which completed its conversion to a metasearch site in June 2013), introduced differentiated features, pricing and content compared with the legacy online travel agency companies. In addition, certain metasearch companies adopted or intend to adopt various forms of direct or assisted-booking tools, the impact of which is currently uncertain. Furthermore, we have seen increased interest in the online travel industry from search engine companies as evidenced by recent innovations, licensing deals and proposed and actual acquisitions by companies such as Google. Finally, traditional consumer eCommerce and group buying websites, such as Amazon and Groupon, have been expanding their local offerings into the travel market by adding hotel offers to their sites.

The online travel industry has also seen the development of alternative business models and variations in the timing of payment by travelers and to suppliers, which in some cases place pressure on historical business models. In particular, the agency hotel model saw rapid adoption in Europe. Expedia has both merchant (Expedia Collect) and agency (Hotel Collect) hotel offerings for our hotel supply partners and we expect our use of these models to continue to evolve. Beginning in 2012, Expedia rolled out the Expedia Traveler Preference (“ETP”) program to hotel suppliers globally. ETP offers travelers the choice of whether to pay Expedia at the time of booking or pay the hotel at the time of stay.

Intense competition also historically led to aggressive marketing efforts by the travel suppliers and intermediaries, and a meaningful unfavorable impact on our overall marketing efficiencies and operating margins. We manage our selling and marketing spending on a brand basis at the local or regional level, making decisions in each market that we think are appropriate based on the relative growth opportunity, the expected returns and the competitive environment. In certain cases, particularly in emerging markets, we are pursuing and expect to continue to pursue long-term growth opportunities for which our marketing efficiency is less favorable than that for our consolidated business, but for which we still believe the opportunity to be attractive. The crowded online travel environment is now driving certain secondary and tertiary online travel companies to establish marketing agreements with global players in order to leverage distribution and technology capabilities while focusing resources on capturing consumer mind share.

In May 2015, Expedia sold its 62.4% equity stake in eLong for approximately $671 million to several purchasers including Ctrip.com International, Ltd (“Ctrip”). Expedia and Ctrip also reached agreement on cooperation for certain travel products in specified geographic markets. The transaction closed on May 22, 2015. Unless otherwise noted, all discussion in the “Trends” and “Growth Strategy” sections refers to results for Expedia, Inc. excluding eLong.

Hotel

We generate the majority of our revenue through the marketing and distribution of hotel rooms (stand-alone and package bookings). Although our relationships with our hotel supply partners have remained broadly stable in the past few years, as part of the global rollout of ETP, we reduced negotiated economics in certain instances to compensate for hotel supply partners absorbing expenses such as credit card fees and customer service costs, which has negatively impacted the margin of revenue we earn per booking. In addition, as we continue to expand the breadth and depth of our global hotel offering, in some cases we have reduced and expect to continue to reduce our economics in various geographies based on local market conditions. These impacts are due to specific initiatives intended to drive greater global size and scale through faster overall room night growth. Lastly, currency exchange rate fluctuations have had a negative effect on unit economics due to unfavorable book-to-stay as well as translation impacts. Based on these dynamics, our average revenue per room night declined in each quarter of 2013, 2014 and for the first two quarters of 2015 and we expect it to remain under pressure in the future.

 

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Since our hotel supplier agreements are generally negotiated on a percentage basis, any increase or decrease in average daily rates (“ADRs”) has an impact on the revenue we earn per room night. Over the course of the last several years, occupancies and ADRs in the lodging industry have generally increased on a currency-neutral basis in a gradually improving overall travel environment. However, U.S. dollar-denominated ADRs declined in the first two quarters of 2015 due to the currency translation impact. ADRs are expected to be negative year-over-year in 2015 primarily due to foreign exchange. Current occupancy rates are at record highs and there is very little new, net hotel supply being added in the U.S. lodging market with large chains focusing their development opportunities in international markets. This may help U.S. hoteliers with their objective of continuing to grow ADRs and tends to lead to pressure in our negotiations and terms with hoteliers. In international markets, hotel supply is being added at a much faster rate as hotel owners and operators try to take advantage of opportunities in faster growing regions such as China and India, among others. We have had success adding supply to our marketplace with approximately 257,000 properties on our global websites as of June 30, 2015. In addition, our room night growth has been healthy, with room nights excluding eLong growing 16% in 2013, 24% in 2014, and 34% in the first half of 2015. ADRs for rooms booked on Expedia sites excluding eLong increased 4% in 2013, 3% in 2014, and declined 4% in the first half of 2015.

Air

The airline sector in particular has historically experienced significant turmoil, including significant air carrier consolidation in the United States, which has generally resulted in lower overall capacity and higher fares. As the demand for travel continued to increase in 2014, air carriers kept capacity growth relatively low. The significant decline in fuel prices in the second half of 2014 did not translate into reduced air fares, resulting in record levels of profitability for the U.S. air carriers, further strengthening their position. Ticket prices on Expedia sites excluding eLong increased 2% in 2013, declined 1% in 2014 and declined 9% in the first half of 2015. We continue to encounter pressure on air remuneration as air carriers combine and as certain supply agreements renew.

Air ticket volumes excluding eLong increased 21% in the first half of 2015 primarily due to strong growth on Brand Expedia sites. Air volumes improved 30% in 2014 primarily due to volume driven by Brand Expedia’s marketing agreement with Travelocity along with ongoing improvements for the Brand Expedia sites themselves. Air volumes improved 7% in 2013 largely due to strong growth in corporate ticket volumes at Egencia.

From a product perspective in the first half of 2015, 68% of our revenue came from the booking of hotel reservations, with 9% of our revenue derived from the sale of airline tickets. We believe that the hotel product is the most profitable of the travel products we distribute and represents our best overall growth opportunity.

Advertising & Media

Our advertising and media business is principally driven by revenue generated by trivago, a leading hotel metasearch site, in addition to Expedia Media Solutions, which is responsible for generating advertising revenue on our global online travel brands. In the first half of 2015, we generated a total of $264 million of advertising and media revenue excluding eLong representing 9% of total revenue for the quarter, up from $217 million in the first half of 2014.

Growth Strategy

Product Innovation. Each of our leading brands was a pioneer in online travel and has been responsible for driving key innovations in the space over the past two decades. They each operate a dedicated technology team, which drives innovations that make researching and shopping for travel increasingly easier and help customers find and book the best possible travel options. In the past several years, we made key investments in technology, including significant development of our technical platforms that makes it possible for us to deliver innovations at a faster pace. For example, we launched new global platforms for Hotels.com and Brand Expedia, enabling us to significantly increase the innovation cycle, thereby improving conversion and driving faster growth rates for those brands. In 2013, Expedia signed an agreement to power the technology, supply and customer service platforms for Travelocity-branded sites in the United States and Canada, enabling Expedia to leverage its investments in each of these key areas. The shift of Travelocity-branded sites to the Expedia technology platform was successfully completed over the course of 2014. In November 2014, Expedia completed the acquisition of Wotif Group and

 

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subsequently converted the Wotif.com site to the Expedia platform. In January 2015, we acquired the Travelocity brand and other associated assets from Sabre. The strategic marketing and other related agreements previously entered into were terminated. In February 2015, Expedia announced it has entered into a definitive agreement under which it plans to acquire Orbitz Worldwide, Inc. (“Orbitz”), including all of its brands. The proposed acquisition of Orbitz is consistent with our strategy to own and power the best travel brands in the world. We intend to continue leveraging these investments when launching additional points of sale in new countries, introducing new website features, adding supplier products and services including new business model offerings, as well as proprietary and user-generated content for travelers.

Global Expansion. Our Expedia, Hotels.com, Egencia, EAN, and Hotwire brands operate both domestically and through international points of sale, including in Europe, Asia Pacific, Canada and Latin America. We own Venere, a European brand, which focuses on marketing hotel rooms in Southern Europe. Egencia, our corporate travel business, operates in more than 60 countries around the world and continues to expand, including its 2012 acquisition of VIA Travel. We own a majority share of trivago, a leading hotel metasearch company. Officially launched in 2005, trivago is one of the best known travel brands in Europe. trivago continues to operate independently, and plans to rapidly grow revenue through global expansion, including aggressive expansion in the United States and Canada, among other countries. In addition, we have commercial agreements in place with Ctrip and eLong in China, as well as Decolar.com, Inc. in Latin America. In the first half of 2015, approximately 38% of our worldwide gross bookings excluding eLong and 44% of worldwide revenue were through international points of sale compared to just 21% for both worldwide gross bookings and revenue in 2005. We have a goal of generating at least 65% of our revenue through businesses and points of sale outside of the United States.

During July 2014, we completed the acquisition of Auto Escape Group, one of Europe’s leading online car rental reservation companies. Auto Escape Group has joined with the CarRentals.com brand, allowing it to expand internationally to provide our customers more choices across the globe and help our supply partners expand their marketing reach.

During November 2014, we completed the acquisition of Wotif Group, an Australian online travel company. Wotif Group adds to our collection of travel’s most trusted brands and enhances our supply in the Asia-Pacific region, while allowing Expedia to expose the Wotif Group to our world-class technology and its customers to our extensive global supply.

During January 2015, we acquired the Travelocity brand and other associated assets from Sabre. As a result of the acquisition, the strategic marketing agreement previously entered into during 2013, which joined Travelocity’s strong brand with our best-in-class booking platform, supply base and customer service, was terminated. Evolving this relationship strengthens Expedia, Inc.’s ability to continue to innovate and deliver the best travel experiences to the widest set of travelers, all over the world.

In March 2015, we completed the acquisition of an additional 25% equity interest of AAE Travel Pte, Ltd., the joint venture formed between Expedia and AirAsia Berhad in 2011. This investment increases our total ownership in the venture to 75% and we consider this business to be a key part of our Asia Pacific strategy. Following the close of the transaction in March 2015, the financial results of the AirAsia-Expedia venture are included in Expedia’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2015, Expedia and Decolar.com, Inc., the Latin American online travel company that operates the Decolar.com and Despegar.com branded websites, announced that the two companies have expanded their partnership to include deeper cooperation on hotel supply and a minority equity investment by Expedia. Building on the commercial relationship the two companies have had since 2002, the expanded agreement broadens Expedia’s powering of Decolar’s hotel supply and introduces the opportunity for Decolar to provide Expedia access to its hotel supply in Latin America. The customers of both companies will benefit from the broad, shared selection of hotels, and hotel partners will gain increased access to travelers in Latin America and around the world.

In expanding our global reach, we leverage significant investments in technology, operations, brand building, supplier relationships and other initiatives that we have made since the launch of Expedia.com in 1996. Our scale of operations enhances the value of technology innovations we introduce on behalf of our travelers and suppliers. We believe that our size and scale afford the company the ability to negotiate competitive rates with our supply partners, provide breadth of choice and travel deals to our traveling customers through an expanding supply portfolio and create opportunities for new value added offers for our customers such as our loyalty programs. The size of Expedia’s worldwide traveler base makes our sites an

 

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increasingly appealing channel for travel suppliers to reach customers. In addition, the sheer size of our user base and search query volume allows us to test new technologies very quickly in order to determine which innovations are most likely to improve the travel research and booking process, and then roll those features out to our worldwide audience in order to drive improvements in conversion.

New Channel Penetration. Today, the majority of online travel bookings are generated through typical desktop and laptop computers. However, technological innovations and developments are creating new opportunities including travel bookings made through mobile devices. In the past few years, each of our brands made significant progress creating new mobile websites and mobile/tablet applications that are receiving strong reviews and solid download trends. We believe mobile bookings via smartphones present an opportunity for incremental growth as they are often completed within one or two days of the travel or stay, which is a much shorter booking window than we have historically experienced via more traditional online booking methods. During the last few years, customers’ behaviors and preferences on tablet devices began to show differences from trends seen on smartphones. For example, the booking window on a smartphone typically is much shorter than the emerging trend on the tablet device and historical average on a desktop or laptop. In addition, we are seeing increasing cross-device usage among our customers, who connect to our websites and apps across multiple devices and platforms throughout their travel planning process. We also believe in the future mobile is likely to represent an efficient marketing channel given the opportunity for direct traffic acquisition, increase in share of wallet and in repeat customers, particularly through mobile applications. During the first half of 2015, more than one in five Expedia, Inc. transactions was booked globally on a mobile device.

Seasonality

We generally experience seasonal fluctuations in the demand for our travel products and services. For example, traditional leisure travel bookings are generally the highest in the first three quarters as travelers plan and book their spring, summer and holiday travel. The number of bookings typically decreases in the fourth quarter. Because revenue for most of our travel products, including merchant and agency hotel, is recognized when the travel takes place rather than when it is booked, revenue typically lags bookings by several weeks or longer. The seasonal revenue impact is exacerbated with respect to income by the nature of our variable cost of revenue and direct sales and marketing costs, which we typically realize in closer alignment to booking volumes, and the more stable nature of our fixed costs. Furthermore, operating profits for our primary advertising business, trivago, are experienced in the second half of the year as selling and marketing costs offset revenue in the first half of the year as we aggressively market during the busy booking period for summer travel. As a result, revenue and income are typically the lowest in the first quarter and highest in the third quarter. The continued growth of our international operations or a change in our product mix may influence the typical trend of the seasonality in the future.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Critical accounting policies and estimates are those that we believe are important in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements because they require that we use judgment and estimates in applying those policies. We prepare our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). Preparation of the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes requires that we make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements as well as revenue and expenses during the periods reported. We base our estimates on historical experience, where applicable, and on other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from our estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

There are certain critical estimates that we believe require significant judgment in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. We consider an accounting estimate to be critical if:

 

    It requires us to make an assumption because information was not available at the time or it included matters that were highly uncertain at the time we were making the estimate; and

 

    Changes in the estimate or different estimates that we could have selected may have had a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

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For additional information about our critical accounting policies and estimates, see the disclosure included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Occupancy and Other Taxes

We are currently involved in twenty-nine lawsuits brought by or against states, cities and counties over issues involving the payment of hotel occupancy and other taxes. We continue to defend these lawsuits vigorously. With respect to the principal claims in these matters, we believe that the statutes and ordinances at issue do not apply to the services we provide, namely the facilitation of hotel reservations, and, therefore, that we do not owe the taxes that are claimed to be owed. We believe that the statutes and ordinances at issue generally impose occupancy and other taxes on entities that own, operate or control hotels (or similar businesses) or furnish or provide hotel rooms or similar accommodations.

Recent developments include:

 

    District of Columbia Litigation. On July 23, 2015, the D.C. Court of Appeals issued an order affirming the trial court’s judgment holding the online travel companies liable for taxes on their services.

 

    City of Atlanta, Georgia Litigation. On July 9, 2015, the Georgia Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court’s decision granting summary judgment in favor of the online travel companies on the city’s remaining common law claims for recovery of taxes.

 

    Leon County, Florida Litigation. On June 11, 2015, the Florida Supreme Court affirmed the Florida Court of Appeals’ decision holding that online travel companies have no obligation to remit hotel occupancy taxes.

 

    City of Fargo, North Dakota Litigation. On July 9, 2015, the trial court granted the online travel companies’ motion for summary judgment and dismissed all claims brought by the city.

 

    Hawaii (General Excise Tax). On July 20, 2015, the Hawaii tax court held that the State of Hawaii is required to refund the Expedia companies approximately $131 million previously paid by the Expedia companies in order to contest an assessment from the Hawaii Department of Taxation for general excise taxes, and that the refund of an additional approximately $4.0 million will be subject to a further hearing.

For additional information on these and other legal proceedings, see Part II, Item 1, Legal Proceedings.

We have established a reserve for the potential settlement of issues related to hotel occupancy tax litigation, consistent with applicable accounting principles and in light of all current facts and circumstances, in the amount of $94 million as of June 30, 2015 and $62 million as of December 31, 2014. The reserve balance increased as of June 30, 2015 primarily due to an additional $33 million of expense related to probable interest payments in connection with the District of Columbia litigation.

Certain jurisdictions, including the states of New York, North Carolina, Minnesota and Oregon, the city of New York, and the District of Columbia, have enacted legislation seeking to tax online travel company services as part of sales taxes for hotel occupancy. We are currently remitting taxes to a number of jurisdictions, including to the states of New York, South Carolina, North Carolina, Minnesota, Georgia, Wyoming, Oregon, the District of Columbia and the city of New York, as well as certain other county and local jurisdictions.

Pay-to-Play

Certain jurisdictions may require us to pay tax assessments prior to contesting any such assessments. This requirement is commonly referred to as “pay-to-play.” Payment of these amounts is not an admission that we believe we are subject to such taxes and, even when such payments are made, we continue to defend our position vigorously.

Hawaii (General Excise Tax). On January 31, 2011, the online travel companies received final notices of assessment from the Hawaii Department of Taxation for general excise taxes for the tax years 2000 to 2011 on their services relating to non-commissioned hotel room reservations. The online travel companies appealed these assessments to the Hawaii tax court. On January 11, 2013, the Hawaii tax court ruled that the online travel companies are obligated to remit past Hawaii general excise taxes with interest both on the amount paid to the online travel companies for their services and the amount paid to the hotel for the room; thus subjecting the hotel’s charge for the room to double taxation because tax amounts on the hotel room

 

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had already been paid for all of the years at issue. On March 15, 2013, the Hawaii tax court issued penalties against the online travel companies for their failure to file returns and pay general excise taxes and on August 12, 2013, the court further held that interest is due on such penalties. On December 24, 2013, the Hawaii Supreme Court agreed to accept transfer and review of the case and on March 17, 2015, the Court affirmed in part and reversed in part the Hawaii tax court’s decision. The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that while the online travel companies are obligated to remit past Hawaii general excise taxes with interest on the amount paid to them for their services, along with penalties, the online travel companies are not liable for general excise taxes, interest or penalties on the amount paid to the hotel.

In addition to the above assessment, the Department of Taxation issued final assessments for general excise taxes against the Expedia companies for (i) non-commissioned hotel reservations totaling $20.5 million for the tax year 2012, (ii) non-commissioned travel agency services relating to rental cars totaling $29.2 million for the tax years 2000 through 2012, which include a duplicative assessment for Expedia and Hotels.com totaling $9.3 million and thus are overstated, and (iii) for non-commissioned travel agency services relating to hotel reservations and car rental totaling $28.5 million for the tax year 2013. In each case, the tax court held proceedings in abeyance pending review and decision by the Hawaii Supreme Court on the prior assessments and further proceedings will now take place as a result of the Hawaii Supreme Court decision.

As a pre-condition to appealing the tax court rulings in the Hawaii excise tax proceedings, the Expedia companies were required pay an amount equal to taxes, penalties and interest. During 2012, we expensed $110 million, and during 2013, we expensed an additional $64 million for amounts required or expected to be paid prior to appealing the tax court’s ruling. The total amount that the Expedia companies paid in 2013 was $171 million, which is comprised of $78 million in taxes, $41 million in penalties and $52 million in interest. At a July 20, 2015 hearing to determine the amount of refund of prepaid pay-to-play amounts due to the online travel companies, the Hawaii tax court held that the State of Hawaii is required to refund the Expedia companies approximately $131 million and that the refund of an additional approximately $4.0 million will be subject to a further hearing.

San Francisco. During 2009, we paid $48 million in advance of litigation relating to occupancy tax proceedings with the city of San Francisco. The city of San Francisco subsequently issued additional assessments of tax, penalties and interest for the time period from the fourth quarter of 2007 through the fourth quarter of 2011 against the online travel companies, including against Expedia, Hotels.com and Hotwire. The additional assessments, including the prepayment of such assessments, were contested by the Expedia companies on the basis that the court has already ruled that taxes are not due from the online travel companies and that binding precedent by the California Court of Appeals precludes the city’s claim for taxes. Although the city initially agreed, subject to documentation, that the additional assessments need not be paid and could be placed under a bond, it subsequently sought to collect the additional assessment against the Expedia companies. On May 14, 2014, the court heard oral argument on the Expedia companies’ contest of the prepayment requirement for the additional assessments and held that the Expedia companies were required to prepay in order to litigate the legality of the assessments. On May 26, 2014, the Expedia companies paid $25.5 million under protest in order to contest the additional assessments. The additional assessments were expensed during the second quarter of 2014. On August 6, 2014, the California Court of Appeals stayed this case pending review and decision by the California Supreme Court of the City of San Diego, California Litigation.

Other Jurisdictions. In December 2014, the City of Portland and Multnomah County, Oregon assessed certain online travel companies, including Expedia, Hotels.com and Hotwire, for hotel occupancy taxes for the period October 7, 2013 to December 31, 2014 based on recent amendments to state legislation. On January 9, 2015, as a pre-condition to challenging the assessments, the Expedia companies paid $2.3 million under protest in alleged taxes, penalties and interest. We are also in various stages of inquiry or audit with domestic and foreign tax authorities, some of which, including in the UK regarding the application of value added tax to our European Union related transactions, impose a pay-to-play requirement to challenge an adverse inquiry or audit result in court.

If we prevail in the litigation, for which a pay-to-play payment was made, the jurisdiction collecting the payment will be required to repay such amounts and also may be required to pay interest. However, any significant pay-to-play payment or litigation loss could negatively impact our liquidity.

 

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Segments

Beginning in the first quarter of 2015, we had four reportable segments: Core Online Travel Agencies (“Core OTA”), trivago, Egencia and eLong through its disposal on May 22, 2015. Our Core OTA segment provides a full range of travel and advertising services to our worldwide customers through a variety of brands including: Expedia.com and Hotels.com in the United States and localized Expedia and Hotels.com websites throughout the world, EAN, Hotwire.com, Travelocity, Venere, Wotif Group, CarRentals.com, and Classic Vacations. Our trivago segment generates advertising revenue primarily from sending referrals to online travel companies and travel service providers from its hotel metasearch websites. Our Egencia segment provides managed travel services to corporate customers worldwide.

Operating Metrics

Our operating results are affected by certain metrics, such as gross bookings and revenue margin, which we believe are necessary for understanding and evaluating us. Gross bookings represent the total retail value of transactions booked for both agency and merchant transactions, recorded at the time of booking reflecting the total price due for travel by travelers, including taxes, fees and other charges, and are generally reduced for cancellations and refunds. As travelers have increased their use of the internet to book travel arrangements, we have generally seen our gross bookings increase, reflecting the growth in the online travel industry, our organic market share gains and our business acquisitions. Revenue margin is defined as revenue as a percentage of gross bookings.

Gross Bookings and Revenue Margin

 

     Three months ended June 30,           Six months ended June 30,        
     2015     2014     % Change     2015     2014     % Change  
     ($ in millions)           ($ in millions)        

Gross Bookings

            

Core OTA

   $ 13,692      $ 11,174        23   $ 26,599      $ 21,984        21

trivago (1)

     —          —          N/A        —          —          N/A   

Egencia

     1,371        1,328        3     2,737        2,638        4

eLong (2)

     438        544        (19 %)      1,151        1,048        10
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total gross bookings

   $ 15,501      $ 13,046        19   $ 30,487      $ 25,670        19
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Revenue Margin

            

Core OTA

     10.7     11.3       9.9     10.3  

trivago (1)

     N/A        N/A          N/A        N/A     

Egencia

     7.4     7.8       7.3     7.7  

eLong (2)

     1.9     9.5       3.6     8.8  

Total revenue margin

     10.7     11.5       10.0     10.5  

 

(1) trivago, which is comprised of a hotel metasearch business that differs from our transaction-based websites, does not have associated gross bookings or revenue margin. However, third-party revenue from trivago is included in revenue used to calculate total revenue margin.
(2) Includes results for eLong through its disposal on May 22, 2015.

The increase in worldwide gross bookings for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, as compared to the same periods in 2014, was primarily driven by growth in the Core OTA segment, including strong performance at Brand Expedia and Hotels.com. Acquisitions added approximately 6% and 4% of inorganic gross bookings growth for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015. Impacts from acquisitions exclude Travelocity due to the previously implemented commercial agreement.

The decrease in revenue margin for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, as compared to the same periods in 2014, was primarily due to lower revenue per room night. These impacts were partially offset by a mix shift to higher margin products, including advertising and media revenue, and a favorable impact of lower air ticket prices.

 

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Results of Operations

On May 22, 2015, we completed the sale of our 62.4% ownership stake in eLong. The below discussion of the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 include results for eLong through its disposal on May 22, 2015. Operating expense tables below present total expenses including eLong as well as eLong specific amounts included within the consolidated total.

Revenue

 

     Three months ended June 30,            Six months ended June 30,         
     2015      2014      % Change     2015      2014      % Change  
     ($ in millions)            ($ in millions)         

Revenue by Segment

                

Core OTA

   $ 1,463       $ 1,268         15   $ 2,633       $ 2,269         16

trivago (Third-party revenue)

     90         72         25     162         131         24

Egencia

     102         103         (2 %)      199         203         (2 %) 

eLong

     8         52         (84 %)      42         92         (54 %) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total revenue

   $ 1,663       $ 1,495         11   $ 3,036       $ 2,695         13
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

Revenue increased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to the same periods in 2014, primarily driven by growth in the Core OTA segment, including strong performance at Brand Expedia and Hotels.com, as well as growth at trivago. Acquisitions added approximately 4% of inorganic revenue growth for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2015.

Worldwide hotel revenue increased 10% and 12% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to the same periods in 2014. The increases were primarily due to a 25% and 28% increase in room nights stayed driven by Hotels.com and Brand Expedia, partially offset by a 10% and 6% detriment to the room nights stayed growth rate due to the disposal of eLong on May 22, 2015 as well as a 12% and 13% decrease in revenue per room night. Revenue per room night decreased primarily due to an unfavorable foreign exchange impact, both in translation and in book-to-stay, deliberate margin reductions aimed at expanding the size and availability of the global hotel supply portfolio as well as increased promotional activities such as growing loyalty programs. Revenue per room night is expected to continue to decrease year-over-year in 2015. ADRs decreased 2% and 3% year-over-year in the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, as currency-neutral ADR growth was offset by an unfavorable foreign exchange translation impact. ADRs are expected to be negative year-over-year in 2015 primarily due to foreign exchange.

Worldwide air revenue increased 10% and 9% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to the same periods in 2014, due to a 22% and 20% increase in air tickets sold primarily due to strong growth on Brand Expedia sites, partially offset by a 10% and 9% decrease in revenue per air ticket.

The remaining worldwide revenue, other than hotel and air discussed above, increased by 16% for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to the same periods in 2014, primarily due to strong growth in advertising and media revenue as well as growth in our car rental and travel insurance products.

In addition to the above segment and product revenue discussion, our revenue by business model is as follows:

 

     Three months ended June 30,            Six months ended June 30,         
     2015      2014      % Change     2015      2014      % Change  
     ($ in millions)            ($ in millions)         

Revenue by Business Model

                

Merchant

   $ 1,061       $ 984         8   $ 1,938       $ 1,766         10

Agency

     459         388         18     833         707         18

Advertising and media (1)

     143         123         16     265         222         19
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total revenue

   $ 1,663       $ 1,495         11   $ 3,036       $ 2,695         13
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

(1) Includes third-party revenue from trivago as well as our transaction-based websites.

Merchant revenue increased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to the same periods in 2014, primarily due to the increase in merchant hotel revenue driven by an increase in room nights stayed.

 

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Agency revenue increased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to the same periods in 2014, primarily due to the growth in agency hotel.

Advertising and media revenue increased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to the same periods in 2014, primarily due to continued strong growth in revenue at trivago and Expedia Media Solutions.

Cost of Revenue

 

     Three months ended June 30,           Six months ended June 30,        
     2015     2014     % Change     2015     2014     % Change  
     ($ in millions)           ($ in millions)        

Customer operations

   $ 137      $ 138        (1 %)    $ 273      $ 269        1

Credit card processing

     113        108        5     225        221        2

Data center and other

     71        55        30     145        105        37
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total cost of revenue (1)

   $ 321      $ 301        7   $ 643      $ 595        8
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

% of revenue

     19.3     20.1       21.2     22.1  

(1) Includes the following eLong amounts:

   $ 12      $ 12        7   $ 37      $ 23        63

Cost of revenue primarily consists of (1) customer operations, including our customer support and telesales as well as fees to air ticket fulfillment vendors, (2) credit card processing, including merchant fees, charge backs and fraud, and (3) other costs, primarily including data center costs to support our websites, supplier operations, destination supply, certain pre-purchased hotel supply at eLong and stock-based compensation.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, the increase in cost of revenue expense as compared to the same periods in 2014 was driven by $16 million and $40 million of higher data center and other costs, including the cost of pre-purchased hotel supply at eLong of $3 million and $13 million and, to a lesser extent, increased credit card processing expenses of $5 million and $4 million primarily due to an increase in transaction volumes partially offset by a decrease in chargeback and fraud expenses for both periods. Acquisitions added approximately 5% and 4% of inorganic cost of revenue growth for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015.

Selling and Marketing

 

     Three months ended June 30,           Six months ended June 30,        
     2015     2014     % Change     2015     2014     % Change  
     ($ in millions)           ($ in millions)        

Direct costs

   $ 727      $ 607        20   $ 1,338      $ 1,101        21

Indirect costs

     158        137        16     311        267        16
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total selling and marketing (1)

   $ 885      $ 744        19   $ 1,649      $ 1,368        21
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

% of revenue

     53.3     49.8       54.3     50.8  

(1) Includes the following eLong amounts:

   $ 20      $ 28        (28 %)    $ 54      $ 55        (2 %) 

Selling and marketing expense primarily relates to direct costs, including traffic generation costs from search engines and internet portals, television, radio and print spending, private label and affiliate program commissions, public relations and other costs. The remainder of the expense relates to indirect costs, including personnel and related overhead in our various Core OTA brands, global supply organization, Egencia and trivago as well as stock-based compensation costs.

Selling and marketing expenses increased $141 million and $281 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to the same periods in 2014, driven by increases of $120 million and $237 million of direct costs, including online and offline marketing expenses. Brand Expedia, trivago, Hotels.com and Travelocity accounted for the majority of the total direct cost increase. In addition, higher personnel expenses of $21 million and $44 million also contributed to the increase and were driven by the additional personnel due to an accelerated pace of hiring in the lodging supply organization. Acquisitions added approximately 5% and 4% of inorganic selling and marketing growth for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015.

 

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Technology and Content

 

     Three months ended June 30,           Six months ended June 30,        
     2015     2014     % Change     2015     2014     % Change  
     ($ in millions)           ($ in millions)        

Personnel and overhead

   $ 96      $ 91        5   $ 198      $ 179        11

Depreciation and amortization of technology assets

     63        54        17     122        104        17

Other

     28        24        14     57        49        17
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total technology and content (1)

$ 187    $ 169      10 $ 377    $ 332      14
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

% of revenue

  11.2   11.3   12.4   12.3

(1) Includes the following eLong amounts:

$ 5    $ 5      (4 %)  $ 11    $ 9      21

Technology and content expense includes product development and content expense, as well as information technology costs to support our infrastructure, back-office applications and overall monitoring and security of our networks, and is principally comprised of personnel and overhead, depreciation and amortization of technology assets including hardware, and purchased and internally developed software, and other costs including licensing and maintenance expense and stock-based compensation.

Technology and content expense increased $18 million and $45 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to the same periods in 2014, primarily due to increased depreciation and amortization of technology assets of $9 million and $18 million as well as increased personnel and overhead costs of $5 million and $19 million for additional personnel to support key technology projects primarily for Brand Expedia and our corporate technology function. Acquisitions added approximately 1% and 2% of inorganic technology and content growth for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015.

General and Administrative

 

     Three months ended June 30,           Six months ended June 30,        
     2015     2014     % Change     2015     2014     % Change  
     ($ in millions)           ($ in millions)        

Personnel and overhead

   $ 80      $ 70        15   $ 151      $ 135        12

Professional fees and other

     61        33        87     107        67        61
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total general and administrative (1)

$ 141    $ 103      38 $ 258    $ 202      28
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

% of revenue

  8.5   6.9   8.5   7.5

(1) Includes the following eLong amounts:

$ 16    $ 6      165 $ 23    $ 11      103

General and administrative expense consists primarily of personnel-related costs, including our executive leadership, finance, legal and human resource functions as well as fees for external professional services including legal, tax and accounting, and other costs including stock-based compensation.

General and administrative expense increased $38 million and $56 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to the same periods in 2014, due primarily to higher professional fees and other of $28 million and $40 million driven mostly by higher stock-based compensation of $17 million and $19 million and an increase in acquisition-related expenses of $5 million and $13 million. Stock-based compensation for both current year periods included $12 million in expense related to the acceleration of an eLong executive’s stock-based awards. In addition, personnel and overhead expenses increased $10 million and $16 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to the same periods in 2014. Acquisitions, including acquisition-related expenses, added approximately 11% and 12% of inorganic general and administrative growth for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015.

 

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Amortization of Intangible Assets

 

     Three months ended June 30,           Six months ended June 30,        
     2015     2014     % Change     2015     2014     % Change  
     ($ in millions)           ($ in millions)        

Amortization of intangible assets

   $ 27      $ 18        47   $ 52      $ 37        41

% of revenue

     1.6     1.2       1.7     1.4  

Amortization of intangible assets increased $9 million and $15 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to the same periods in 2014, primarily due to amortization related to new business acquisitions.

Legal Reserves, Occupancy Tax and Other

 

     Three months ended June 30,           Six months ended June 30,        
     2015     2014     % Change     2015     2014     % Change  
     ($ in millions)           ($ in millions)        

Legal reserves, occupancy tax and other

   $ 6      $ 31        (82 %)    $ 8      $ 35        (77 %) 

% of revenue

     0.3     2.1       0.3     1.3  

Legal reserves, occupancy tax and other consists of changes in our reserves for court decisions and the potential and final settlement of issues related to hotel occupancy taxes, expenses recognized related to monies paid in advance of occupancy and other tax proceedings (“pay-to-play”) as well as certain other legal reserves.

During the three months ended June 30 2015, we recorded a $25 million benefit in legal reserves, occupancy tax and other for the recovery of costs related to occupancy tax litigation matters. In addition, during the three months ended June 30, 2015, we recorded expense of $33 million related to probable interest payments in connection with the District of Columbia litigation.

During the three months ended June 30, 2014, we recognized approximately $25.5 million related to monies paid in advance of litigation in the San Francisco occupancy tax proceedings.

Restructuring and Related Reorganization Charges

In conjunction with the migration of technology platforms and centralization of technology, supply and other operations, primarily related to acquisition integrations including the Wotif Group, we recognized $10 million in restructuring and related reorganization charges during the first half of 2015 as well as $26 million during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2014. We expect up to $5 million of additional restructuring charges for the remainder of 2015 related to these integrations already underway, but not including any possible future acquisition integrations. For additional information, see Note 11 — Restructuring and Related Reorganization Charges in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Operating Income

 

     Three months ended June 30,           Six months ended June 30,        
     2015     2014     % Change     2015     2014     % Change  
     ($ in millions)           ($ in millions)        

Operating income

   $ 90      $ 129        (30 %)    $ 39      $ 126        (69 %) 

% of revenue

     5.4     8.6       1.3     4.7  

Operating income decreased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to the same periods in 2014, primarily due to increased costs and expenses, including growth in selling and marketing expense in excess of revenue growth, partially offset by the prior period charges related to pay-to-play payments for San Francisco discussed above.

Included in our consolidated operating income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 is operating losses for eLong through its disposition date of May 22, 2015 of $45 million and $86 million. In the prior year periods, eLong had immaterial operating income for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and operating losses of $8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014.

 

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Interest Income and Expense

 

     Three months ended June 30,           Six months ended June 30,        
     2015     2014     % Change     2015     2014     % Change  
     ($ in millions)           ($ in millions)        

Interest income

   $ 5      $ 7        (32 %)    $ 10      $ 13        (19 %) 

Interest expense

     (29     (22     28     (57     (44     28

Interest income decreased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to the same periods in 2014, primarily due lower interest income at eLong due to its sale on May 22, 2015 and to a lesser extent lower rates of return. Interest expense increased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to the same periods in 2014, primarily as a result of additional interest on the $500 million senior unsecured notes issued in August 2014 as well as the Euro 650 million of senior unsecured notes issued in June 2015.

Gain on Sale of Business

On May 22, 2015, we completed the sale of our 62.4% ownership stake in eLong, Inc. for approximately $671 million to several purchasers, including Ctrip. As a result of the sale, we recognized a pre-tax gain of $509 million ($395 million after tax) during the second quarter of 2015. For additional information, see Note 4 — Disposition of Business in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Other, Net

Other, net is comprised of the following:

 

     Three months ended June 30,      Six months ended June 30,  
     2015      2014      2015      2014  
     ($ in millions)  

Foreign exchange rate losses, net

   $ (15    $ (12    $ (1    $ (18

Noncontrolling investment basis adjustment

     (2      —           77         —     

Other

     —           5         12         10   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other, net

$ (17 $ (7 $ 88    $ (8
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2015, in conjunction with the acquisition of additional interest in one of our equity method investments, we remeasured our previously held equity interest to fair value and recognized a gain of $77 million in other, net. For additional information, see Note 3 — Acquisitions and Other Investments in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Provision for Income Taxes

 

     Three months ended June 30,           Six months ended June 30,        
     2015     2014     % Change     2015     2014     % Change  
     ($ in millions)                    

Provision for income taxes

   $ 131      $ 21        532   $ 130      $ 21        518

Effective tax rate

     23.5     19.5       22.1     24.2  

We determine our provision for income taxes for interim periods using an estimate of our annual effective tax rate. We record any changes affecting the estimated annual tax rate in the interim period in which the change occurs, including discrete tax items.

Our effective tax rate was 23.5% and 19.5 % for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, and 22.1% and 24.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014. The change in the effective rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014 was due to an increase in taxable income in the United States primarily related to the gain on the sale of eLong, a portion of which was taxable in the United States and resulted in estimated tax expense of $113 million.

 

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In addition to the above, our effective tax rate for all periods was lower than the 35% federal statutory rate also due to earnings in foreign jursidictions outside of the United States, predominately Switzerland, where our statutory income tax rate is lower.

Financial Position, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our principal sources of liquidity are cash flows generated from operations; our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investment balances, which were $3.4 billion and $1.8 billion at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, including $795 million and $369 million of cash and short-term investment balances held in wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries (which includes $295 million and $190 million related to earnings indefinitely invested outside the United States) as well as $51 million and $304 million of majority-owned subsidiaries, which is also indefinitely invested outside the United States; and our $1 billion revolving credit facility, which expires in September 2019. As of June 30, 2015, $986 million was available under the facility representing the total $1 billion facility less $14 million of outstanding letters of credit. The revolving credit facility bears interest based on the Company’s credit ratings, with drawn amounts bearing interest at LIBOR plus 150 basis points, and the commitment fee on undrawn amounts at 20 basis points as of June 30, 2015.

In June 2015, we issued Euro 650 million of registered senior unsecured notes that are due in June 2022 and bear interest at 2.5% (the “2.5% Notes”). The 2.5% Notes were issued at 99.525% of par resulting in a discount, which is being amortized over their life. Interest is payable annually in arrears in June of each year, beginning June 3, 2016. We plan to use the proceeds, net of the discount and issuance costs paid to date, of $702 million to fund a portion of the cash consideration payable in connection with our proposed acquisition of Orbitz and for other general corporate purposes.

Our credit ratings are periodically reviewed by rating agencies. As of June 30, 2015, Moody’s rating was Ba1 with an outlook of “stable,” S&P’s rating was BBB- with an outlook of “stable” and Fitch’s rating was BBB- with an outlook of “stable.” Changes in our operating results, cash flows, financial position, capital structure, financial policy or capital allocations to share repurchase, dividends, investments and acquisitions could impact the ratings assigned by the various rating agencies. Should our credit ratings be adjusted downward, we may incur higher costs to borrow and/or limited access to capital markets, which could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

As of June 30, 2015, we were in compliance with the covenants and conditions in our revolving credit facility and outstanding debt, which was comprised of $500 million in registered senior unsecured notes due in August 2018 that bear interest at 7.456%, $750 million in registered senior unsecured notes due in August 2020 that bear interest at 5.95%, $500 million in registered senior unsecured notes due in August 2024 that bear interest at 4.5%, and Euro 650 million in registered senior unsecured notes due in June 2022 that bear interest at 2.5%.

Under the merchant model, we receive cash from travelers at the time of booking and we record these amounts on our consolidated balance sheets as deferred merchant bookings. We pay our airline suppliers related to these merchant model bookings generally within a few weeks after completing the transaction, but we are liable for the full value of such transactions until the flights are completed. For most other merchant bookings, which is primarily our merchant hotel business, we generally pay after the travelers’ use and, in some cases, subsequent billing from the hotel suppliers. Therefore, generally we receive cash from the traveler prior to paying our supplier, and this operating cycle represents a working capital source of cash to us. As long as the merchant hotel business grows, we expect that changes in working capital related to merchant hotel transactions will positively impact operating cash flows. However, we are using both the merchant model and the agency model in many of our markets. If the merchant hotel model declines relative to our other business models that generally consume working capital such as agency hotel, managed corporate travel, advertising or certain Expedia Affiliate Network relationships, or if there are changes to the merchant model, supplier payment terms, or booking patterns that compress the time period between our receipt of cash from travelers and our payment to suppliers, such as with mobile bookings via smartphones, our overall working capital benefits could be reduced, eliminated or even reversed.

For example, we have continued to see positive momentum in the global roll out of the ETP program launched in 2012. As this program continues to expand, and depending on relative traveler and supplier adoption rates and customer payment preferences, among other things, the scaling up of ETP has and will continue to negatively impact near term working capital cash balances, cash flow, relative liquidity during the transition, and hotel revenue margins.

 

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Seasonal fluctuations in our merchant hotel bookings affect the timing of our annual cash flows. During the first half of the year, hotel bookings have traditionally exceeded stays, resulting in much higher cash flow related to working capital. During the second half of the year, this pattern reverses and cash flows are typically negative. While we expect the impact of seasonal fluctuations to continue, merchant hotel growth rates, changes to the model or booking patterns, as well as changes in the relative mix of merchant hotel transactions compared with transactions in our working capital consuming businesses, including ETP, may counteract or intensify the anticipated seasonal fluctuations.

As of June 30, 2015, we had a deficit in our working capital of $978 million, compared to a deficit of $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2014. The change in deficit is primarily due to financing and investing activities, including proceeds from the issuance of the Euro 650 million 2.5% Notes and proceeds from the sale of eLong, partially offset by cash paid for business acquisitions and capital expenditures, including our new corporate headquarters.

We continue to invest in the development and expansion of our operations. Ongoing investments include but are not limited to improvements in infrastructure, which include our servers, networking equipment and software, release improvements to our software code, platform migrations and consolidation and search engine marketing and optimization efforts. Our future capital requirements may include capital needs for acquisitions (including purchases of non-controlling interest), share repurchases, dividend payments or expenditures in support of our business strategy; thus reducing our cash balance and/or increasing our debt. Our capital expenditures for full year 2015 are expected to increase meaningfully in comparison to 2014 spending levels, due in large part to various real estate projects including $229 million for our new corporate headquarters.

Our cash flows are as follows:

 

     Six months ended June 30,         
     2015      2014      $ Change  
     (In millions)  

Cash provided by (used in):

        

Operating activities

   $ 1,662       $ 1,465       $ 197   

Investing activities

     (509      (765      256   

Financing activities

     686         (296      982   

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (55      8         (63

For the six months ended June 30, 2015, net cash provided by operating activities increased by $197 million primarily due to increased benefits from working capital changes driven mostly from a change in deferred merchant bookings, partially offset by higher cash paid for taxes.

For the six months ended June 30, 2015, cash used in investing activities decreased by $256 million primarily due to net proceeds from the sale of eLong of $527 million and lower net purchases of investments of $327 million, partially offset by an increase of cash used for acquisitions of $327 million and higher capital expenditures of $312 million, including amounts paid for our new corporate headquarters.

On February 12, 2015, we announced we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Orbitz for $12.00 per share in cash, representing an enterprise value of approximately $1.6 billion. The Boards of Directors of both companies as well as the shareholders of a majority of Orbitz’s common stock have approved the transaction, but it is still subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

For the six months ended June 30, 2015, cash provided by financing activities primarily included $702 million of net proceeds for the issuance of 2.5% Notes in June 2015, $82 million of proceeds from the exercise of options and employee stock purchase plans as well as the issuance of treasury stock, and $69 million in excess tax benefit on equity awards, of which approximately $47 million related to the excess tax benefit associated with the stock options exercised by our Chairman and Senior Executive. These financing inflows were offset in part by $85 million of withholding taxes for stock option exercises

 

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paid on behalf of our Chairman and Senior Executive in exchange for surrendering a portion of his vested shares, which were concurrently cancelled, as well as cash paid to acquire shares of $45 million under the repurchase authorizations discussed below, and $46 million cash dividend payments. For the six months ended June 30, 2014, cash used in financing activities primarily included cash paid to acquire shares of $339 million and $39 million of cash dividend payments, partially offset by $53 million of proceeds from the exercise of options and employee stock purchase plans.

In 2012, the Executive Committee, acting on behalf of the Board of Directors, authorized a repurchase of up to 20 million outstanding shares of our common stock. In February 2015, the Executive Committee, acting on behalf of the Board of Directors, authorized an additional repurchase of up to 10 million shares of our common stock. During the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, we repurchased, through open market transactions, 0.5 million and 4.7 million shares under these authorizations for a total cost of $45 million and $339 million, excluding transaction costs. As of June 30, 2015, 11.2 million shares remain authorized for repurchase under these authorizations with no fixed termination date for the repurchases.

In the first half of 2015 and 2014, the Executive Committee, acting on behalf of the Board of Directors, declared and we paid the following dividends:

 

Declaration Date

   Dividend
Per Share
     Record Date      Total Amount
(in thousands)
     Payment Date  

Six months ended June 30, 2015:

  

        

February 4, 2015

   $ 0.18         March 10, 2015       $ 22,895         March 26, 2015   

April 29, 2015

     0.18         May 28, 2015         23,096         June 18, 2015   

Six months ended June 30, 2014:

           

February 5, 2014

   $ 0.15         March 10, 2014       $ 19,602         March 27, 2014   

April 30, 2014

     0.15         May 30, 2014         19,231         June 19, 2014   

In addition, on July 29, 2015, the Executive Committee, acting on behalf of the Board of Directors, declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.24 per share of outstanding common stock payable on September 17, 2015 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 27, 2015. Future declarations of dividends are subject to final determination by our Board of Directors.

The effect of foreign exchange on our cash balances denominated in foreign currency for the six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014, showed a net change of $63 million reflecting depreciations in foreign currencies in the current year period compared to appreciations in foreign currencies in the prior year period.

In our opinion, available cash, funds from operations and available borrowings will provide sufficient capital resources to meet our foreseeable liquidity needs. There can be no assurance, however, that the cost or availability of future borrowings, including refinancings, if any, will be available on terms acceptable to us.

Contractual Obligations, Commercial Commitments and Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

Other than theOrbitz agreement discussed above, there have been no other material changes outside the normal course of business to our contractual obligations and commercial commitments since December 31, 2014. Other than our contractual obligations and commercial commitments, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as of June 30, 2015 or December 31, 2014.

 

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Part I. Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market Risk Management

There has been no material changes in our market risk during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015. For additional information, see Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, in Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

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Part I. Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), our management, including our Chairman and Senior Executive, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based upon that evaluation, our Chairman and Senior Executive, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting.

There were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Part II. Item 1. Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of business, Expedia and its subsidiaries are parties to legal proceedings and claims involving property, personal injury, contract, alleged infringement of third party intellectual property rights and other claims. A discussion of certain legal proceedings can be found in the section titled “Legal Proceedings,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015. The following are developments regarding such legal proceedings:

Litigation Relating to Hotel Occupancy Taxes

Actions Filed by Individual States, Cities and Counties

City of Chicago, Illinois Litigation. On May 7, 2015, the court granted in part and denied in part the City’s motion for summary judgment on damages and penalties.

City of Atlanta, Georgia Litigation. On July 9, 2015, the Georgia Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court’s decision granting summary judgment in favor of the online travel companies on the city’s remaining common law claims for recovery of taxes. On July 20, 2015, the city filed notice of intention to petition for a writ of certiorari to the Georgia Supreme Court.

Nassau County, New York Litigation. On June 1, 2015, the Appellate Division denied plaintiffs’ motion for leave to renew its motion for reargument of the Appellate Division’s decision reversing the trial court’s order granting class certification or for leave to appeal to the New York Court of Appeals.

Leon County, Florida et al. Litigation. On June 11, 2015, the Florida Supreme Court affirmed the Florida Court of Appeals’ decision holding that online travel companies have no obligation to remit hotel occupancy taxes. On June 26, 2015, the counties filed a motion for rehearing.

District of Columbia Litigation. On June 23, 2015, the D.C. Court of Appeals issued an order affirming the trial court’s judgment.

City of Fargo, North Dakota Litigation. On July 9, 2015, the trial court granted the online travel companies’ motion for summary judgment and dismissed all claims brought by the city.

State of Kentucky Litigation. On June 19, 2015, the court stayed oral argument and consideration of the parties’ cross-motions for summary judgment pending resolution of a discovery dispute over the state’s refusal to produce certain documents.

City of Bedford Park, Illinois Litigation. On June 4, 2015, the court issued an order dismissing the defendant online travel companies’ exhaustion of administrative remedies defense with respect to the 14 named plaintiffs. On July 7, 2015, the plaintiffs filed a second motion for class certification. The online travel company defendants are opposing that motion.

State of New Hampshire Litigation. On May 5, 2015, the court issued an order denying the plaintiff’s motion to amend its complaint except as to ministerial changes. On May 27, 2015, plaintiff filed its amended complaint. The Expedia defendants filed their answer to the amended complaint on June 26, 2015.

Notices of Audit or Tax Assessments

At various times, the Company has also received notices of audit, or tax assessments from municipalities and other taxing jurisdictions concerning our possible obligations with respect to state and local hotel occupancy or related taxes, which are listed in the section titled “Legal Proceedings” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

The Company believes that the hotel occupancy tax claims discussed above lack merit and will continue to defend vigorously against them.

 

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Part II. Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

Actions Filed by Expedia and Other Tax Litigation

Hawaii (General Excise Tax and Transient Accommodation Tax). On March 17, 2015, the Hawaii Supreme Court issued a decision on the parties’ pending appeals. The Court affirmed the Hawaii Tax Appeal Court’s decision that transient accommodation taxes are not due on the online travel companies’ services. With respect to the general excise tax, the Court affirmed in part and reversed in part the lower court’s decision. The Court ruled that while the online travel companies are obligated to remit past Hawaii general excise taxes with interest on the amount paid to them for their services, along with penalties, the online travel companies are not liable for general excise taxes, interest or penalties on the amount paid to the hotel for the hotel room. At a July 20, 2015 hearing to determine the amount of refund of prepaid pay-to-play amounts due to the online travel companies, the Hawaii tax court held that the State of Hawaii is required to refund the Expedia companies approximately $131 million and that the refund of an additional approximately $4.0 million will be subject to a further hearing.

State of Oregon Litigation. On May 26, 2015, the online travel companies filed notice of voluntary dismissal of their claims in the lawsuit. The court entered judgment dismissing the action on May 26, 2015.

Hotel Booking Practices Proceedings and Litigation

Matters relating to Hotel Booking Practices. On July 31, 2012, the United Kingdom Office of Fair Trading (“OFT”) issued a Statement of Objections alleging that Expedia, Booking.com B.V. and InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (“IHG”) have infringed European Union and United Kingdom competition law in relation to the online supply of hotel room accommodations. The Statement of Objections alleges that Expedia and Booking.com entered into separate agreements with IHG that restricted each online travel company’s ability to discount the price of IHG hotel rooms. The OFT limited its investigation to a small number of companies, but stated that the investigation was likely to have wider implications for the industry within the United Kingdom. The parties proposed to address the OFT’s concerns by offering commitments, and on January 31, 2014, the OFT announced that it had formally accepted the commitments offered by the parties, with no finding of fault or liability. The commitments provide online travel companies with the right to provide non-public discounts on the rate offered for room only hotel accommodation bookings at hotels located in the United Kingdom to eligible European Economic Area resident members of the online travel companies’ closed groups. The commitments also clarify the hotels’ rights to offer discounts under the same conditions to members of their closed groups. In addition, the commitments require online travel agencies to modify their price parity clauses, as relevant, so as not to apply to any discounting activities covered by the commitments. The commitments are binding on the parties through January 31, 2016. On April 2, 2014, Skyscanner Limited filed an appeal challenging the OFT’s January 31, 2014 decision to accept the parties’ commitments. On September 26, 2014, the United Kingdom’s Competition Appeal Tribunal (“CAT”) granted Skyscanner Limited’s appeal. This judgment requires the Competition & Markets Authority (“CMA”), the United Kingdom’s competition authority, to review the decision of its predecessor body, the OFT. The CMA did not appeal the CAT’s decision and subsequently announced that it is considering next steps in the investigation in light of the CAT judgment and market developments, including developments relating to the investigations of other European competition authorities described below. It is not certain what impact the CMA’s review of the OFT decision will have on online travel companies, including Expedia.

In addition, the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Repression of Fraud, a directorate of the French Ministry of Economy and Finance with authority over unfair trading practices, has brought a lawsuit in France against Expedia entities objecting to certain parity clauses in contracts between Expedia entities and French hotels. In May 2015, the French court ruled that certain of the parity provisions in certain contracts that were the subject of the lawsuit were not in compliance with French commercial law, but imposed no fine and no injunction. A number of competition authorities, such as those in Austria, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Sweden and Switzerland, have also inquired or initiated investigations into the travel industry and, in particular, in relation to parity provisions in contracts between hotels and online travel companies, including Expedia. In April 2015, the Swiss competition authority issued a draft decision challenging certain parity provisions in agreements between Swiss hotels and each of Expedia, Booking.com and Hotel Reservation Service (“HRS”). The draft decision is not a final determination by the Swiss Competition authority that Expedia has violated any competition laws and did not provide for fines. Expedia subsequently objected to the preliminary findings of the draft decision in writing and the final decision of the Swiss Competition authority is still outstanding.

 

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While the ultimate outcomes of these lawsuits, inquiries or investigations are uncertain and our circumstances are distinguishable from those of other online travel agencies subject to similar lawsuits, inquiries or investigations, we note in this context that on April 21, 2015 the competition authorities in France, Italy and Sweden announced a proposed set of commitments offered by Booking.com to resolve the parity clause cases brought by these authorities against Booking.com. The German Federal Cartel Office (“FCO”) also has required another online travel company, Hotel Reservation Service (“HRS”), to remove certain clauses from its contracts with hotels. HRS appealed this decision, which the Higher Regional Court Düsseldorf rejected on January 9, 2015. In addition, on July 1, 2015, Expedia announced that, effective August 1, 2015, it intends to waive certain rate, conditions and availability parity clauses in its agreements with its European hotel partners for a period of five years. While Expedia maintains that its current parity clauses are lawful and in compliance with competition law, Expedia considers that its announcement is a positive step towards facilitating the closure of the open investigations into such clauses on a harmonized pan-European basis. It is not certain what the outcome will be of the competition authorities’ assessment of Expedia’s announcement.

On July 9, 2015, the French National Assembly adopted a law that would seek to define the nature of the relationship between online travel company sites and French hotels. The law will become effective following a review of certain of its provisions by the French Constitutional Council and Expedia is considering the potential impact, if any, it may have on Expedia’s agreements and relationships with French hotels going forward.

 

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Part II. Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

 

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Part II. Item 6. Exhibits

The exhibits listed below are filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

Exhibit         Filed      Incorporated by Reference
No.    Exhibit Description    Herewith      Form    SEC File No.    Exhibit    Filing Date
  31.1    Certification of the Chairman and Senior Executive pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002      X               
  31.2    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002      X               
  31.3    Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002      X               
  32.1    Certification of the Chairman and Senior Executive pursuant Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002      X               
  32.2    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002      X               
  32.3    Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002      X               
101    The following financial statements from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Statements of Operations, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.      X               

 

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Signature

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

July 30, 2015     Expedia, Inc.
    By:  

/s/ MARK D. OKERSTROM

      Mark D. Okerstrom
      Chief Financial Officer

 

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