UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008
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 NO. 1-10308
AVIS BUDGET GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE | 06-0918165 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) | |
6 SYLVAN WAY PARSIPPANY, NJ |
07054 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
973-496-4700
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
TITLE OF EACH CLASS | NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE ON WHICH REGISTERED | |
Common Stock, Par Value $.01 | New York Stock Exchange |
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨ No þ
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No þ
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 and 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 þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨
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 definition of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer þ |
Accelerated filer ¨ | Non-accelerated filer ¨ |
Smaller reporting company ¨ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ¨ No þ
The aggregate market value of the Registrants common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant on June 30, 2008 was $844,109,411. All executive officers and directors of the registrant have been deemed, solely for the purpose of the foregoing calculation, to be affiliates of the registrant.
The number of shares outstanding of the Registrants common stock was 101,570,563 as of January 30, 2009.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrants definitive proxy statement to be mailed to stockholders in connection with our annual stockholders meeting scheduled to be held on June 12, 2009 (the Annual Proxy Statement) are incorporated by reference into Part III hereof.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on various facts and were derived utilizing numerous important assumptions and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include the information concerning our future financial performance, business strategy, projected plans and objectives. Statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words believes, expects, anticipates, intends, projects, estimates, plans, may increase, may fluctuate and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as will, should, would, may and could are generally forward-looking in nature and not historical facts. You should understand that the following important factors and assumptions could affect our future results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements:
| the high level of competition in the vehicle rental industry and the impact such competition may have on pricing and rental volume; |
| an increase in our fleet costs as a result of an increase in the cost of new vehicles and/or a decrease in the price at which we dispose of used vehicles either in the used vehicle market or under repurchase or guaranteed depreciation programs; |
| the results of operations or financial condition of the manufacturers of our cars, which could impact their ability to perform their payment obligations under repurchase and/or guaranteed depreciation arrangements they have with us, and/or their willingness or ability to make cars available to us or the rental car industry as a whole on commercially reasonable terms or at all; |
| weakness in travel demand, including the downturn in airline passenger traffic in the United States and in the other international locations in which we operate; |
| the decline in general economic conditions and weakness in the housing market, which could lead to a disruption or decline in rental activity, and the impact such a disruption or decline may have on us, particularly during our peak season or in key market segments; |
| a disruption in our ability to obtain financing for our operations, including the funding of our vehicle fleet via the asset-backed securities and lending market as a result of the significant disruption in the credit markets or other factors, which could result in a significant increase in borrowing costs and impact our capital requirements; |
| an occurrence or threat of terrorism, pandemic disease, natural disasters or military conflict in the locations in which we operate; |
| our dependence on third-party distribution channels; |
| our ability to successfully implement our cost-savings and efficiency improvement initiatives and business strategy; |
| the impact of our derivative instruments, which can be affected by fluctuations in interest rates; |
| our ability to accurately estimate our future results; |
| a major disruption in our communication or centralized information networks; |
| our exposure to uninsured claims in excess of historic levels; |
| our failure or inability to comply with regulations or any changes in regulations, including with respect to personally identifiable information; |
| any impact on us from the actions of our licensees, dealers and independent contractors; |
| substantial increases in the cost, or decreases in the supply, of fuel, vehicle parts, energy or other resources on which we depend to operate our business; |
| risks related to our indebtedness, including our substantial amount of debt and our ability to incur substantially more debt; |
| our ability to meet the financial and other covenants contained in our senior credit facilities, our outstanding unsecured senior notes and certain asset-backed funding arrangements; |
| the terms of agreements among us and the former real estate, hospitality and travel distribution businesses following the separation of those businesses from us during third quarter 2006, when we were known as Cendant Corporation (the Separation), particularly with respect to the allocation of assets and liabilities, including contingent liabilities and guarantees, commercial arrangements, the ability of each of the separated companies to perform its obligations, including its indemnification obligations, under these agreements, and the former real estate business right to control the process for resolving disputes related to contingent liabilities and assets; |
| the continuation of a low trading price of our stock, which could limit our access to capital, be an indicator that our goodwill or other intangible assets are impaired and/or result in a future charge to earnings for an impairment of our goodwill or other intangible assets; |
| our ability to meet and continue to meet the New York Stock Exchanges continuing listing standards, including the minimum share price requirement; |
| our exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates; and |
| other business, economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, political or technological factors affecting our operations, pricing or services. |
Other factors and assumptions not identified above, including those described under Risk Factors set forth in Item 1A herein, were also involved in the derivation of these forward-looking statements, and the failure of such other assumptions to be realized, as well as other factors, may also cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Most of these factors are difficult to predict accurately and are generally beyond our control.
You should consider the areas of risk described above, as well as those described under Risk Factors set forth in Item 1A herein and those that may be disclosed from time to time in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in connection with any forward-looking statements that may be made by us and our businesses generally. Except for our ongoing obligations to disclose material information under the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to release any revisions to any forward-looking statements, to report events or to report the occurrence of unanticipated events unless required by law. For any forward-looking statements contained in any document, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Except as expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, the Company, Avis Budget, we, our or us means Avis Budget Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries and Avis Budget Car Rental or ABCR means Avis Budget Car Rental, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and its subsidiaries, the companies that comprise our vehicle rental operations. Avis and Budget refer to our Avis and Budget operations, respectively, and do not include the operations of Avis Europe and its affiliates, as further discussed below.
We operate two of the most recognized brands in the global vehicle rental industry through Avis and Budget. Avis is a leading rental car supplier to the premium commercial and leisure segments of the travel industry and Budget is a leading rental car supplier to the price-conscious segments of the industry. We believe we are the largest general-use vehicle rental operator in each of North America, Australia, New Zealand and certain other regions we serve, based on published airport statistics. We maintain the leading share of airport car rental revenue and operate one of the leading consumer truck rental businesses in the United States.
Our car rental operations generate significant benefits from operating two distinct brands that target different industry segments but share the same fleet, maintenance facilities, systems, technology and administrative infrastructure. We believe that Avis and Budget both enjoy complementary demand patterns with mid-week commercial demand balanced by weekend leisure demand. In 2008, we generated total revenues of $5,984 million. The Avis, Budget and Budget Truck brands accounted for approximately 62%, 32% and 6% of our revenue, respectively, in 2008.
Our operations have an extended global reach that includes approximately 7,000 car and truck rental locations in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, the Caribbean and parts of Asia. On average, our rental fleet totaled more than 424,000 vehicles, and we completed more than 27 million vehicle rental transactions worldwide in 2008. Domestically, in 2008 we derived approximately 80% of our nearly $4.7 billion in total car rental revenue from on-airport locations and approximately 20% of our domestic car rental revenue from off-airport locations, which we refer to as our local business. We expanded our local business in 2008, which included an increase in our insurance replacement revenue by approximately 24%. We rent our fleet of approximately 29,700 Budget trucks through a network of approximately 2,500 dealer-operated, 300 company-operated and 75 franchisee-operated locations throughout the continental United States. We also license the use of the Avis and Budget trademarks to multiple licensees in areas in which we do not operate. The Avis and/or Budget vehicle rental systems in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia are operated at approximately 3,800 locations by subsidiaries and sub-licensees of an independent third party primarily under royalty-free trademark license agreements.
We categorize our operations in three operating segments: domestic car rental, consisting of our Avis and Budget U.S. car rental operations; international car rental, consisting of our international Avis and Budget vehicle rental operations; and truck rental, consisting of our Budget truck rental operations in the United States. In 2008:
| our domestic car rental business generated approximately 92 million rental days and average time and mileage revenue per day of $39.41 with an average rental fleet of approximately 338,000 vehicles; |
| our international car rental business generated approximately 14 million rental days and average time and mileage revenue per day of $43.40 with an average rental fleet of approximately 56,700 vehicles; and |
| our truck rental business generated approximately 4.1 million rental days and average time and mileage revenue per day of $73.66 with an average rental fleet of approximately 29,700 trucks. |
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In 2008, our business was significantly impacted by the economic downturn, the disruption in the credit markets and ongoing concerns about the domestic auto manufacturers. As a result, pricing and volumes declined and fleet costs and borrowing costs increased, particularly in the second half of 2008. In response, in third quarter 2008, we eliminated more than 700 employee positions to reduce costs and streamlined infrastructure in our headquarters, sales, contact center and field operations, and in November 2008, we implemented a five-point plan to reduce annual expenses in addition to our Performance Excellence process improvement initiative. The five-point plan is intended to enable the Company to realize cost savings through the following specific actions:
| Significant reductions in operating costs, fleet costs and selling, general and administrative expenses, including the elimination of 2,300 additional positions; |
| A thorough review of station, segment and customer profitability to identify and respond appropriately to unprofitable aspects of the business; |
| Targeted increases in pricing and changes to our sales, marketing and affinity programs in order to improve revenue per day and overall profitability; |
| Further consolidation of purchasing programs and streamlined procurement practices; and |
| Further consolidation of customer-facing, and back-office functions and locations across our operations, which is expected to provide considerable synergies. |
For 2009, our objective is to enhance profitability and our position as a leading provider of vehicle rental services as well as to realize cost savings and efficiencies through process improvement and other actions. We expect to achieve our goals by focusing our efforts on the following core strategic initiatives:
| Optimizing Our Two-Brand Strategy. We plan to continue to position our two distinct and well-recognized brands to capture different segments of customer demand. With Avis as a premium brand preferred by corporate and upscale leisure travelers, and Budget as a value brand preferred by cost-conscious travelers, we believe we are able to target a broad range of demand, particularly since the two brands share the same operational and administrative infrastructure while providing differentiated though consistently high levels of customer service. We aim to provide products, service and pricing, and to maintain marketing affiliations and corporate account contracts, which complement each brands positioning. In addition, we use various marketing channels as appropriate for each of our brands and seek to continue to increase the share of our reservations that we generate through our avis.com and budget.com websites, which are among our least-expensive sources of advance bookings. |
| Expanding Our Revenue Sources. We plan to continue to expand our ancillary revenues by offering additional products and services to on- and off-airport customers and by increasing, where appropriate, our recovery from our customers of costs imposed on us by third parties. Opportunities for ancillary revenue growth include adding sales of additional insurance coverages and insurance-related and other ancillary products and services, such as electronic toll collection services and our upgraded where2 GPS navigation product, to the rental transactions of an increasing percentage of our renters. In addition, we seek to grow off-airport revenue by continuing our efforts to identify and attract local demand and increasing our revenues in the insurance replacement sector. |
| Capturing Incremental Profit Opportunities. We plan to continue our focus on yield management and pricing optimization and seek to increase the time and mileage rental fees we earn per rental day. We have implemented technology that strengthens our yield management and that enables us to tailor our product/price offerings to specific customer segments. We have also implemented retail price increases periodically, and we expect to continue to adjust our pricing as conditions warrant. In addition, we believe the expansion of our revenue sources (discussed above) should permit us to generate incremental profits from our customer base, while at the same time enhancing their vehicle rental experience. |
| Reducing Costs and Promoting Efficiencies. We have redoubled our efforts to rigorously control costs. We have developed and implemented our Performance Excellence process improvement initiative to |
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increase efficiencies, reduce operating costs and create sustainable cost savings. This initiative generated substantial savings in 2008 and should provide significant incremental benefits in 2009. In addition to the Performance Excellence initiative, we are taking aggressive action to reduce expenses throughout the organization, in large part through a five-point strategy for realizing cost savings, including: (i) significant reductions in operating and fleet costs and in selling, general and administrative expenses; (ii) a thorough review of station, segment and customer profitability to identify and respond appropriately to aspects of the business that are or have become unprofitable; (iii) targeted increases in pricing, price optimization initiatives and changes in our sales, marketing and affinity programs in order to improve revenue per day and overall profitability; (iv) further consolidation of purchasing programs and streamlined procurement practices; and (v) further consolidation of customer-facing, and back-office functions and locations. We believe these steps should have a significant impact on our financial performance. |
| Mitigating Risks. We expect to face a challenging operating environment in 2009 due to relatively weak demand for travel services, ongoing disruption in the credit markets and continuing concerns about the domestic auto manufacturers. We seek to mitigate our exposure to these risks in numerous ways, including the actions described above, continued adjustment of staffing and fleet levels to reflect changes in demand for vehicle rentals, actions to increase our access to capital, particularly to fund our fleet, and adjustments in the size, nature and terms of our relationships with vehicle manufacturers. |
In 2008, we not only completed more than 27 million rental transactions worldwide, but also made significant progress toward our strategic objectives. We retained approximately 97% of our commercial contracts and maintained or expanded our marketing alliances with key marketing partners. Budget entered into a multi-year agreement with Expedia, the largest online travel booking portal, increasing its exposure to additional customers. Avis was named North Americas Leading Car Hire in the prestigious World Travel Awards, and Budget grew its award-winning small business program. We opened 90 new off-airport locations in 2008, and off-airport revenues represented 20% of our domestic car rental revenues. We are an approved or preferred provider for customers of a majority of the largest auto insurance companies in the United States. In 2008, we continued to increase revenue related to rentals of where2 GPS navigation system units, loss damage waivers and insurance products, and other ancillary services.
In December 2008, we successfully renewed our two U.S. asset-backed rental car conduit facilities to provide financing of our fleet in 2009. We have continued to diversify our fleet purchases, and we have implemented strategies from our Performance Excellence program and elsewhere to realize cost savings throughout our business. We are utilizing sophisticated yield-management technology to optimize our pricing and fleet planning, and we continue to analyze and streamline our operations to gain efficiencies. And, most importantly, our more than 26,000 employees continue to provide reliable, high-quality vehicle rental services that foster customer satisfaction and customer loyalty.
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Company Information
Our principal executive office is located at 6 Sylvan Way, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 (telephone number: (973) 496-4700). We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and in accordance therewith, we file reports, proxy and information statements and other information with the Commission and certain of our officers and directors file statements of changes in beneficial ownership on Form 4 with the Commission. Such reports (including our annual reports on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to such reports), proxy statements, other information and Form 4s can be accessed on our website at www.avisbudget.com as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Commission. A copy of our Codes of Conduct and Ethics, as defined under Item 406 of Regulation S-K, including any amendments thereto or waivers thereof, Corporate Governance Guidelines, Director Independence Criteria and Board Committee Charters can also be accessed on our website. We will provide, free of charge, a copy of our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, Codes of Conduct and Ethics, Corporate Governance Guidelines and Board Committee Charters upon request by phone or in writing at the above phone number or address, attention: Investor Relations. In accordance with New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Rules, on June 18, 2008, we filed the annual certification by our Chief Executive Officer certifying that he was unaware of any violation by us of the NYSEs corporate governance listing standards at the time of the certification.
Company History
We were created through a merger with HFS Incorporated in December 1997 with the resultant corporation being renamed Cendant Corporation. On August 23, 2006, Cendant completed a separation into four separate companies (the Cendant Separation), one for each of its former Real Estate Services businesses (Realogy Corporation), its former Hospitality Services businesses (Wyndham Worldwide Corporation), its former Travel Distribution Services businesses (Travelport) and its Vehicle Rental businesses (Cendant, now Avis Budget Group). Following completion of the Cendant Separation, Cendant changed its name to Avis Budget Group, Inc. and our common stock began to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CAR. Avis Budget Groups operations consist of two of the most recognized brands in the global vehicle rental industry through Avis Budget Car Rental, LLC, the parent of Avis Rent A Car System, LLC, Budget Rent A Car System, Inc. and Budget Truck Rental, LLC.
Founded in 1946, Avis is believed to be the first company to rent cars from airport locations. Avis expanded its geographic reach throughout the United States in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1963, Avis introduced its award winning We try harder advertising campaign, which is considered one of the top ten advertising campaigns of all time by Advertising Age magazine. Budget was founded in 1958. The company name was chosen to appeal to the budget-minded or value-conscious vehicle rental customer. Avis possesses a long history of using proprietary information technology systems in its business, and its established, but continually updated, Wizard System remains the backbone of our operations. We acquired the Avis brand in 1996, Avis capital stock in 2001, and the Budget brand and substantially all of the domestic and certain international assets of Budgets predecessor in 2002.
In addition to our vehicle rental operations, we continue to manage the administration of certain legacy items which remain following the completion of the Cendant Separation. In connection with the Cendant Separation, we entered into certain agreements, including the Separation and Distribution Agreement dated as of July 27, 2006 (the Separation Agreement), with Realogy, Wyndham and Travelport governing our relationships following the separation, including the assumption by Realogy and Wyndham of 62.5% and 37.5%, respectively, of certain contingent and other liabilities of Cendant.
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Car rental business
OperationsAvis
We operate or franchise approximately 2,200 of the approximately 5,100 rental locations that comprise the Avis car rental system (the Avis System) throughout the world, which represents one of the largest car rental systems in the world, based on total revenue and number of locations, and encompasses locations at most of the largest airports and cities in the United States and internationally. The Avis System in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia is primarily operated under royalty-free license agreements with Avis Europe Holdings, Limited (Avis Europe), an independent third party, and is comprised of approximately 2,900 locations operated by Avis Europe and its sub-licensees.
We own and operate approximately 1,300 Avis car rental locations in both the on-airport and local rental segments in North America, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America and the Caribbean. In 2008, Avis generated total revenue of approximately $3.7 billion, of which approximately 83% (or $3.1 billion) was derived from U.S. operations. In addition, we franchise the Avis System to independent business owners in approximately 900 locations throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand and parts of Asia. In 2008, approximately 95% of the Avis System total domestic revenue was generated by our locations and the remainder was generated by locations operated by franchisees. Franchisees generally pay royalty fees to us based either on total time and mileage charges or total revenue.
The table below presents the total number of locations that make up the Avis System:
Avis System Locations*
U.S. | International | Total | ||||
Our Avis company-owned locations (includes agency-operated locations) |
1,000 | 300 | 1,300 | |||
Our Avis franchisee locations |
300 | 600 | 900 | |||
Our total Avis company-owned and franchisee locations |
1,300 | 900 | 2,200 | |||
Avis Europe locations** |
- | 2,900 | 2,900 | |||
Total Avis System Locations |
1,300 | 3,800 | 5,100 | |||
* | Location counts are approximate. |
** | Obtained from Avis Europe website. |
In 2008, Avis derived approximately 60% and 40% of its domestic time and mileage revenue from commercial and leisure customers, respectively, and 77% and 23% of its domestic revenue from customers renting at airports and locally, respectively.
The Avis brand provides high-quality car rental services at price points generally above non-branded and value-branded national car rental companies. We offer Avis customers a variety of premium services, including:
| Avis Preferred, a counter bypass program, which is available at major airport locations; |
| where2, a navigation system with real-time traffic alerts, that can suggest alternative routes and features Bluetooth hands-free calling and MP3 playback capability as well as directions in multiple languages; |
| Avis Cool Cars, a line of fun-to-drive vehicles such as the Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Corvette, Chrysler Crossfire and Hummer H3, as well as eco-friendly Nissan Altima and Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles; |
| Roving Rapid Return, wireless technology which permits customers who are returning vehicles to obtain a printed charge record from service agents at the vehicle as it is being returned; |
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| Avis Access, a full range of special products and services for drivers and passengers with disabilities; |
| Avis Interactive, a proprietary management tool that allows select corporate clients to easily view and analyze their rental activity via the Internet allowing these clients to better manage their travel budgets and monitor employee compliance with applicable travel policies; |
| The Avis First Program, a customer loyalty program that rewards customers with additional benefits for frequent rentals; and |
| Chauffeur Drive, a premium service which allows customers to hire a professional driver to drive their Avis rental car through an arrangement with a third party provider. |
OperationsBudget
The Budget vehicle rental system (the Budget System) is one of the largest car rental systems in the world, based on total revenue and number of locations. We operate or franchise approximately 1,850 of the approximately 2,750 car rental locations in the Budget System throughout the world, including locations at most of the largest airports and cities in the United States and certain other regions. The Budget System in Europe, Africa and the Middle East is operated under a royalty-free trademark license agreement with an independent third party, which is an affiliate of Avis Europe and is comprised of approximately 900 additional company-operated and sub-licensee locations.
We own and operate approximately 825 Budget car rental locations in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Australia and New Zealand. In 2008, our Budget car rental operations generated total revenue of approximately $1.9 billion, of which 86% (or $1.6 billion) was derived from U.S. operations. We also franchise the Budget System to independent business owners who operate approximately 1,025 locations throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean and parts of Asia. In 2008, approximately 86% of the Budget System domestic total revenue was generated by our locations with the remainder generated by locations operated by independent franchisees. Independent franchisees generally pay royalty fees to us based on gross rental revenue.
The table below presents the total number of locations that make up the Budget System:
Budget System Locations*
U.S. | International | Total | ||||
Our Budget company-owned locations (includes agency-operated locations) |
650 | 175 | 825 | |||
Our Budget franchisee locations |
225 | 800 | 1,025 | |||
Our total Budget company-owned and franchisee locations |
875 | 975 | 1,850 | |||
Avis Europe locations** |
- | 900 | 900 | |||
Total Budget System Locations |
875 | 1,875 | 2,750 | |||
* | Location counts are approximate. |
** | Obtained from Avis Europe website. |
In 2008, Budget derived 28% and 72% of its domestic time and mileage car rental revenue from commercial and leisure customers, respectively, and 75% and 25% of its domestic car rental revenue from customers renting at airports and locally, respectively.
Budget is a leading rental car supplier to the price-conscious segments of the industry. Budget offers its customers Fastbreak, an expedited rental service for frequent travelers, which operates much like Avis Preferred, as well as where2 navigation systems and Roving Rapid Return, as described above. Budget also offers the Budget Small Business Program, a program for small businesses that offers discounted rates and central billing options, and Unlimited Budget, a loyalty program for travel professionals established by Budget over ten years ago.
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Reservations
Customers can make Avis and Budget reservations through our Avis and Budget websites at avis.com and budget.com, through our reservation centers (also referred to as contact centers) toll-free at 1-888-777-AVIS and 1-800-BUDGET7, respectively, through online travel portals, through selected partners, including many major airlines utilizing direct connect technology, through their travel agent, or by calling a location directly. Travel agents can access our reservation systems through all major global distribution systems (GDSs) and can obtain information with respect to rental locations, vehicle availability and applicable rate structures through these systems.
Marketing
Avis and Budget support their premium and value brand positions through a range of marketing channels and campaigns, including traditional media, such as television, radio and print advertising, as well as Internet and direct marketing. Avis focuses its marketing around its industry-leading customer loyalty and its award-winning We try harder campaign. Budget builds its marketing around retail advertising, key partnerships and online marketing campaigns.
We maintain strong links to the travel industry. Avis and Budget offer customers the ability to earn frequent traveler points with most major airlines frequent traveler programs. Avis and Budget are also affiliated with the frequency programs of major hotel companies, including Hilton Hotels Corporation, Hyatt Corporation, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and Wyndham Worldwide. These arrangements provide incentives to program participants and cooperative marketing opportunities, including call transfer programs and online links with various partners websites. Avis has an agreement with Wyndham Worldwides lodging brands whereby lodging customers making reservations by telephone may be transferred to Avis if they desire to rent a vehicle.
In 2008, approximately 79% of domestic vehicle rental transactions from our owned and operated Avis locations in the United States were generated by travelers who rented from Avis under contracts between Avis and the travelers employers or through membership in an organization with whom Avis has a contractual affiliation (such as AARP). Avis also has marketing relationships with organizations such as American Express Company and Sears, Roebuck & Co., through which we are able to provide customers of these entities with incentives to rent from Avis. Avis franchisees also have the option to participate in these affiliations. For commercial and leisure travelers who are unaffiliated with any of the employers or organizations that we contract with, Avis solicits business through media, direct mail, e-mail and Internet advertising. Avis conducts various loyalty programs through direct marketing campaigns, including Avis Preferred, which allows customers to bypass the counter, and Avis First, which offers our customers enhanced benefits for frequent rentals.
Additionally, Budget offers Unlimited Budget, a loyalty incentive program for travel agents which had approximately 21,000 travel agents actively enrolled as of December 31, 2008, and the Budget Small Business Program, a program for small businesses that offers discounted rates and central billing options. Budget also has contractual arrangements with American Express Company and other organizations which offer members of these groups incentives to rent from Budget. In connection with its focus on price-conscious customers, Budget primarily relies on retail advertising, including Internet advertising, and on value pricing to drive customers to our Budget website, our call centers and other distribution channels. Budget also offers proprietary marketing programs such as Fastbreak, an expedited rental service for frequent renters. Our international Avis and Budget operations maintain close relationships with the travel industry through participation in several non-U.S. based frequent traveler programs with airlines such as Air Canada and Qantas Airways Limited, as well as participation in Avis Europes programs with British Airways Plc, Deutsche Lufthansa AG and other carriers.
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Franchising
Of the approximately 2,200 Avis and approximately 1,850 Budget car rental locations we operated and/or franchised at December 31, 2008, approximately 41% and 56%, respectively, were owned and operated by franchisees. Revenue derived from our car rental franchisees in 2008 totaled approximately $34 million. Franchised locations range from large operations at major airport locations to franchise territories encompassing an entire country to relatively small operations in suburban locations. Fleets of our franchisees range from fleets in excess of 3,000 vehicles to fleets of fewer than 50 vehicles. Franchising provides us with a source of high margin revenue as there are relatively limited additional fixed costs associated with fees paid by franchisees to us. Although franchised locations represent approximately half of the locations that we own or franchise, they represent only approximately 8% of total domestic revenue generated by the Avis and Budget Systems, as the average franchised operation is significantly smaller than the average owned location. Generally, we do not actively seek new franchisees in the United States or Canada.
We enjoy good relationships with our franchisees and meet regularly with them at regional, national and international meetings. Our relationships with Avis and/or Budget franchisees are governed by franchise agreements that grant the franchisees the right to operate Avis and/or Budget vehicle rental businesses in certain exclusive territories. These franchise agreements impose obligations on the franchisee regarding the operations of each franchise and most restrict the franchisees ability to transfer its franchise agreement and the franchisees capital stock. Each franchisee is required to adhere to our system standards for each brand as updated and supplemented by our policy bulletins, brand manuals and service programs.
We maintain the right to monitor the operations of franchisees and, when applicable, can declare a franchisee to be in default under its franchise agreements, which default may or may not be curable. We can terminate these franchise agreements for certain defaults, including failure to pay franchise fees and failure to adhere to our operational standards.
Our franchise agreements grant the franchisees the exclusive right to operate an Avis and/or Budget car and/or truck rental business in a particular geographic area. Under agreements that predate our ownership of Avis or Budget, a limited number of franchisees in the United States are also separately franchised exclusively to sell used cars under the Avis and/or Budget brand. Our current franchise agreements provide for a 20-year term. Certain existing franchise agreements do not contain a fixed term, or provide for renewal terms for no additional fee so long as the franchisee is not in default. Upon renewal, the terms and conditions of the franchise agreement may generally be amended from those contained in the expiring franchise agreements, while language in certain older franchise agreements may limit our ability to do so. The car rental royalty fee payable to us under franchise agreements is generally 5% to 8% of gross rental revenue but certain franchisees of each brand, both internationally and domestically, have franchise agreements with different royalty fee structures.
Pursuant to their franchise agreements, some franchisees must meet certain requirements relating to the number of rental locations in their franchised territory, the number of vehicles available for rental and the amount of their advertising and promotional expenditures. In general, each franchise agreement provides that the franchisee must not engage in any other vehicle rental business within the franchised territory during the term of such agreement and, in the Budget franchise agreement, for 12 months thereafter. Upon termination of a franchise, the franchisee is also prohibited from using the Avis or Budget name and related marks in any business.
Other revenue
In addition to revenue from vehicle rentals and franchisee royalties, we generate revenue from Avis and Budget customers through the sale and/or rental of optional products and services such as supplemental equipment (for example, child seats and ski racks), loss damage waivers, additional/supplemental liability insurance, personal accident/effects insurance, fuel service options, fuel service charges, electronic toll collection and other ancillary products and services as described above, such as rentals of where2 GPS navigation units which in 2008
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contributed more than $75 million to revenue. In 2008, approximately 4% of our vehicle rental operations revenue was generated by the sale of loss damage waivers under which we agree to relieve a customer from financial responsibility arising from vehicle damage incurred during the rental period if the customer has not breached the rental agreement. In addition, we receive reimbursement from our customers for certain operating expenses we incur, including gasoline and vehicle licensing fees, as well as airport concession fees, which we pay in exchange for the right to operate at airports and other locations.
Websites
Avis and Budget have strong brand presence on the Internet through their websites, avis.com and budget.com, as well as third party websites. Direct bookings via our websites are one of our least-expensive sources of bookings, so the use of Internet bookings generates cost savings for us. In addition, both Avis and Budget have agreements to promote their car rental services with major Internet portals and have a strong advertising presence on various search engines. Bookings over the Internet accounted for 55% of Budgets 2008 domestic reservations, with 33% of reservations derived from bookings on budget.com. Bookings over the Internet accounted for 35% of Avis 2008 domestic reservations, with 28% derived from bookings on avis.com.
The Wizard System
We own the Wizard System, our worldwide reservation, rental, data processing and information management system. The Wizard System enables us to process over one million incoming customer inquiries each day, providing our customers with accurate and timely information about our locations, rental rates and vehicle availability, as well as the ability to place or modify reservations. Additionally, the Wizard System is linked to all major travel distribution networks worldwide and provides real-time processing for travel agents, travel industry partners (such as airlines), corporate travel departments and individual consumers through our websites or calls to our contact centers. The Wizard System also provides personal profile information to our reservation and rental agents to better service our customers. Among the principal features of the Wizard System are:
| Roving Rapid Return, wireless technology which permits customers who are returning vehicles to obtain a printed charge record from service agents at the vehicle as it is being returned; |
| Preferred Service, Avis expedited rental service that provides enrolled customers with a printed Preferred Service rental record in their pre-assigned vehicle and a fast, convenient check-out; |
| Fastbreak, Budgets expedited rental service which allows for a faster processing of rentals and service for enrolled customers; |
| Wizard on Wheels, which enables us to assign vehicles and complete rental agreements while customers are being transported to the rental vehicle; |
| Flight Arrival Notification, a system that alerts rental locations when flights have arrived so that vehicles can be assigned and paperwork prepared automatically; |
| Avis Link, which automatically identifies when a customer with a profile on record is entitled to special rental rates and conditions, and therefore sharply reduces the number of instances in which we inadvertently fail to give Avis renters the benefits of negotiated rate arrangements to which they are entitled; |
| Credit Card Link, which allows both brands to verify all major credit cards through a real-time connection during the rental processing; |
| interactive interfaces through third party computerized reservation systems such as Galileo and Sabre; |
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| Avis Interactive, which allows select corporate clients to easily view and analyze their rental activity via the Internet through account analysis and activity reports, allowing these clients to better manage their travel budgets and monitor employee compliance with applicable travel policies; |
| Direct Connect, a service offered to business to business partners that allows them to easily connect their electronic systems to the Wizard System, and to obtain Avis or Budget rate, location and fleet information as well as book reservations for their customers; and |
| operations management programs that, among other things, enable field personnel to manage which vehicles will be rented next. |
We also use data supplied from the Wizard System and airline reservation systems in certain proprietary information management systems to maintain centralized control of major business processes such as fleet acquisition and logistics, sales to corporate accounts and determination of rental rates. The principal components of the systems we employ include:
| Fleet planning model. We have created a comprehensive decision tool to develop fleet plans and schedules for the acquisition and disposition of our fleet, along with fleet age, mix, mileage and cost reports based upon these plans and schedules. This tool allows management to monitor and change fleet volume and composition on a daily basis and to optimize our fleet plan based on estimated business levels and available repurchase and guaranteed depreciation programs. |
| Yield management. We have created a yield management system which is designed to enhance profits by providing greater control of vehicle availability and rate availability changes at our rental locations. The system monitors and forecasts supply and demand to support our efforts to optimize volume and rate at each location. Integrated into this yield management system is a fleet distribution module that takes into consideration the costs as well as the potential benefits associated with distributing vehicles to various rental locations within a geographic area to accommodate rental demand at these locations. The fleet distribution module makes specific recommendations for movement of vehicles between locations. |
| Pricing decision support system. Pricing in the vehicle rental industry is highly competitive and complex. To improve our ability to respond to rental rate changes in the marketplace, we have developed sophisticated systems to gather and report competitive industry rental rate changes every day. The system, using data from third party reservation systems as its source of information, automatically scans rate movements and reports significant changes to a staff of pricing analysts for evaluation. The system greatly enhances our ability to gather and respond to rate changes in the marketplace. |
| Business mix model. We have developed a strategic planning model to evaluate discrete components of our business relative to each other. The model considers revenue and costs to determine the potential margin contribution of each discrete segment. The model develops business mix and fleet optimization recommendations by using data from our financial systems, the Wizard System and the fleet and revenue management systems along with managements objectives and targets. |
| Customer profitability model. We have developed a sophisticated model which analyzes a corporate customers rental pattern to estimate the fleet costs, operations costs and division overhead expenses associated with that customers vehicle rentals. We use this profitability model to determine the financial merit of individual corporate contracts. |
| Enterprise data warehouse. We have developed a sophisticated and comprehensive electronic data storage and retrieval system which retains information related to various aspects of our business. This data warehouse allows us to take advantage of comprehensive management reports, query capability and easy access to data for strategic decision making for both brands. |
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| Sales and marketing systems. We have developed a sophisticated system of online data screens which enables our sales force to analyze key account information of our corporate customers including historical and current rental activity, revenue and booking sources, top renting locations, rate usage categories and customer satisfaction data. We use this information, which is updated weekly and captured on a country-by-country basis, to determine opportunities for revenue growth, profitability and improvement. |
| Interactive adjustments. We have developed a multi-linked customer data system which allows us to easily retrieve pertinent customer information and make needed adjustments online for superior customer service. This data system links with other accounting systems to handle any charge card transactions automatically. |
Fleet
General. We maintain a single fleet of vehicles for Avis and Budget. We rent a wide variety of vehicles, including luxury and specialty vehicles. Our fleet consists primarily of vehicles from the current and immediately preceding model year. Rentals are generally made on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Rental charges are computed on the basis of the length of the rental or, in some cases, on the length of the rental plus a mileage charge. Rates vary at different locations depending on the type of vehicle rented, the local marketplace and competitive and cost factors. Rentals are made utilizing rate plans under which the customer is responsible for gasoline used during the rental. We also generally offer our customers the convenience of leaving a rented vehicle at a location in a city other than the one in which it was rented, although, consistent with industry practices, a drop-off charge or special intercity rate may be imposed. We facilitate one-way car rentals between corporate-owned and franchised locations in the United States that enable us to operate as an integrated network of locations.
Vehicle purchasing. We participate in a variety of vehicle purchase programs with major domestic and foreign vehicle manufacturers. General Motors is the featured supplier for Avis, and Ford is the featured supplier for Budget. During 2008, approximately 32%, 23% and 14% of the cars acquired for our U.S. car rental fleet were manufactured by General Motors, Ford and Chrysler, respectively, compared to 34%, 27% and 16%, respectively, in 2007. During 2008, we also purchased Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota and Volkswagen vehicles. The decrease in the portion of our fleet sourced from domestic manufacturers in 2008 is reflective of our continuing efforts to diversify our fleet and to reduce fleet costs.
Vehicle disposition. We generally hold a vehicle in our domestic fleet for a term of four to 14 months. For 2008 and 2007, approximately 58% and 73%, respectively, of the rental cars purchased for our domestic car fleet were subject to agreements requiring automobile manufacturers to repurchase them or guarantee our rate of depreciation during a specified period of time. Cars subject to these agreements are sometimes referred to as program vehicles or program cars and cars not subject to these agreements are sometimes referred to as risk cars or risk vehicles. The programs in which we participate currently require that the program vehicles be maintained in our fleet for a minimum number of months (typically four to 12 months) and impose return conditions, including those related to mileage and condition. At the time of return to the manufacturer, we receive the price guaranteed at the time of purchase and are thus protected from fluctuations in the prices of previously-owned vehicles in the wholesale market at the time of disposition. The future percentages of program and risk vehicles in our fleet will be dependent on the availability and attractiveness of manufacturers repurchase and guaranteed depreciation programs. We dispose of our risk vehicles largely through automobile auctions, including auctions that enable dealers to purchase vehicles online more quickly than through traditional auctions.
Of the approximately 373,000 cars from our rental car fleet that we sold in 2008 (compared to 407,000 that we sold in 2007), we sold approximately 64% back to the manufacturers pursuant to repurchase or guaranteed depreciation programs and the rest through third party channels such as wholesale auctions. In 2009, we expect the percentage of cars sold back to the manufacturers to decrease as we acquire more risk vehicles.
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Utilization and seasonality. Our car rental business is subject to seasonal variations in customer demand, with the summer vacation period representing the peak season. The general seasonal variation in demand, along with more localized changes in demand at each of our locations, causes us to vary our fleet size over the course of the year. For 2008, our average monthly fleet size in the U.S. ranged from a low of approximately 269,000 vehicles in December to a high of approximately 380,000 vehicles in July. Compared to 2007, our average fleet size decreased approximately 1% in 2008 at approximately 338,000 vehicles. Average domestic fleet utilization for 2008, which is based on the number of rental days (or portion thereof) that vehicles are rented compared to the total amount of time that vehicles are available for rent, ranged from 68% in December to 79% in August and averaged 75% for 2008, which was consistent with 2007 levels. Our calculation of utilization may not be comparable to other companies calculation of similarly titled statistics.
Maintenance. We place a strong emphasis on vehicle maintenance for customer safety and customer satisfaction reasons, as well as because quick and proper repairs are critical to fleet utilization. To accomplish this task we employ a fully-certified National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) technician instructor at our headquarters. This instructor has developed a specialized training program for our 405 technicians who operate in approximately 85 maintenance and damage repair centers for both Avis and Budget. We use advanced diagnostic equipment, including General Motors Tech 2 and MDI diagnostic systems and Fords IDS diagnostic system. Our technician training department also prepares its own technical service bulletins that can be retrieved electronically at all of our repair locations. Approximately 85% of our technicians are ASE-certified.
Customer service
Our commitment to delivering a consistently high level of customer service is a critical element of our success and strategy. We conduct daily location-specific customer satisfaction tracking by sending web-based surveys to recent customers of our top volume locations. In 2008, we received over 530,000 responses to our online customer satisfaction survey (the Voice of the Customer Survey). The Voice of the Customer Survey selects customers at specific locations to evaluate their overall satisfaction with their rental experience at that location. Results are analyzed generally and by location to help further enhance our service levels to our customers. In addition, we utilize a toll-free 800 number and a dedicated customer service e-mail address to allow customers of both Avis and Budget to report problems directly to our customer relations department. Location associates and managers also receive training and are empowered to resolve virtually all customer issues at the location level. We prepare weekly and monthly reports on the types and number of complaints received for use by location management in conjunction with the customer satisfaction reports as feedback of customer service delivery.
Environmental Initiatives
Over the past several years, we have launched a number of initiatives to manage the environmental aspects of our business. We have focused on and expect to continue to focus on the environmental profile of our car rental fleet, as measured using the United States Environmental Protection Agency SmartWay Certification program. Sixty-three percent of the 2008 model year rental cars in our fleet met the standards for U.S. EPA SmartWay Certification. We also offer gas/electric hybrid cars for rent in three different car classes and flex fuel cars for rent for those seeking to minimize environmental impact through use of E-85 ethanol fuel. We also offer a significant number of vehicles equipped for electronic toll collection, which published research indicates reduces hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide emissions as well as emissions of nitrogen oxides.
We have begun the process of creating formal Environmental Management Systems (EMS) for key airport locations in accordance with ISO 14001 international standards. We intend to use these standards to quantify the various environmental aspects of our business operations, and to manage these aspects, reducing our impact when and where practicable. For example, all of the car washes installed at our Avis and Budget facilities now recycle and reuse at least 80% of their wastewater. We also recently announced that we will make the puraDYN® Oil Filtration System standard equipment on our fleet of nearly 300 heavy duty buses; this equipment upgrade is expected to reduce our use of motor oil significantly.
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We also offer corporate customers a carbon footprint calculator designed to work with our data warehouse and compute the emissions from their rental car use. We then offer our corporate customers a program to help them reduce their impact, including driver education, and the use of carbon offset credits aimed at making their rental car use carbon neutral. We also have an alliance with Carbonfund.org, a leading non-profit provider of carbon offset credits, to enable both renters and corporate customers to be able to offset the emissions from their rental car use. Renters can offset emissions on a daily, weekly or monthly basis on Avis.com or Budget.com.
Airport concession fees
In general, concession fees for on-airport locations are based on a percentage of total commissionable revenue (as defined by each airport authority), subject to minimum annual guaranteed amounts. Concessions are typically awarded by airport authorities every three to five years based upon competitive bids. Our concession agreements with the various airport authorities generally impose certain minimum operating requirements, provide for relocation in the event of future construction and provide for abatement of the minimum annual guarantee in the event of extended low passenger volume.
Competition
The car rental industry is characterized by intense price and service competition. Competition in our vehicle rental operations business is based primarily upon price, reliability, vehicle availability, national distribution, usability of booking systems, ease of rental and return, and other elements of customer service. In addition, competition is influenced strongly by advertising, marketing and brand reputation. We compete primarily with the following car rental companies: Hertz Global Holdings, Inc., Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Enterprise Rent-A-Car Company, which also operates the National Car Rental and Alamo brands, and Europcar.
2008 Acquisitions
In 2008, we acquired the exclusive rights to certain vehicle rental franchise territories and related assets, including $36 million of associated vehicles, for $87 million in cash, resulting in $50 million valued as trademark intangible assets. These acquisitions for 2008 relate to the Companys domestic car rental and international car rental segments. These acquisitions were not significant individually or in the aggregate to the Companys results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
Truck rental business
Operations
Budgets truck rental business is one of the largest local and one-way truck rental businesses in the United States. The Budget truck rental business has a combined fleet of approximately 29,700 trucks, with an average truck age of three years, which are rented through a network of approximately 2,500 dealers and 300 company-operated and 75 franchisee-operated locations throughout the continental United States. The Budget truck rental business serves both the consumer and light commercial sectors. The consumer sector consists primarily of individuals who rent trucks to move household goods on either a one-way or local basis. The light commercial sector consists of a wide range of businesses that rent light- to medium-duty trucks, which we define as trucks having a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds, for a variety of commercial applications. In 2008, the Budget truck rental business generated total revenue of approximately $382 million.
We primarily advertise in yellow pages telephone directories to promote our truck rental business to potential customers. Budget truck rental customers can make reservations through the Budget truck rental reservation center toll-free at 1-800-GO-BUDGET, through our Budget truck rental website at budgettruck.com or by calling a location directly. In addition, we have established online affiliations with websites like moving.com to reach our targeted audience. Budget truck rental reservations may also be made through the budget.com website.
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We maintain a co-branding agreement with Public Storage, a leading operator of self-storage units, whereby we are an exclusive third-party provider of rental trucks at Public Storage locations, and engage in certain cross-promotional efforts. We also maintain a strategic partnership agreement with Sears, Roebuck & Co. and in 2008 entered into new agreements with Entertainment Publications and AARP to promote Budgets truck rental business.
Distribution
Budgets truck rental business is offered through a national network, which included approximately 2,500 dealers as of December 31, 2008. These independently-owned dealers primarily operate self-storage facilities, rental centers, hardware stores, service stations and other similar retail service businesses. In addition to their principal businesses, the dealers rent our light- and medium-duty trucks to consumers and to our commercial accounts and are responsible for collecting payments on our behalf. The dealers receive a commission on all truck rentals and ancillary equipment rentals. Generally, dealership agreements may be terminated by either party upon 30 to 90 days prior written notice.
Competition
The truck rental industry is characterized by intense price and service competition. We compete with a large number of truck rental companies throughout the country, including U-Haul International, Inc., Penske Truck Leasing Corporation, Ryder System, Inc., Enterprise Rent-A-Car Company and many others.
Seasonality
Our truck rental operations are subject to seasonal demand patterns, with generally higher levels of demand occurring during the late spring and summer months when most self-moves occur, with the third quarter typically being our busiest quarter. Generally, December is also a strong month due to increased retail sales activity and package deliveries.
Ancillary products and insurance coverages
We supplement our daily truck rental revenue by offering customers a range of ancillary optional products. We rent automobile towing equipment and other moving accessories such as hand trucks, furniture pads and moving supplies, as well as where2 GPS navigation units. We also make available to customers a range of optional liability-limiting products and coverages such as physical damage waivers, automobile towing protection, personal accident and cargo insurance, and supplemental liability insurance. These ancillary products enhance our appeal to consumers by offering customers one-stop moving services.
INSURANCE
We generally assume the risk of liability to third parties arising from vehicle rental services in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, for up to $1 million per occurrence, through a combination of self-insurance, insurance coverage provided by one of our domestic subsidiaries and insurance coverage secured from one or more unaffiliated domestic insurance carriers. We retain the exposure for up to $9 million per occurrence, in excess of the previously described $1 million level, through an unaffiliated fronting carrier who is reinsured by our offshore captive insurance company, Constellation Reinsurance Co., Ltd. We also purchase additional excess insurance coverage from a combination of unaffiliated excess carriers.
We insure the risk of liability to third parties in Argentina, Australia and New Zealand through a combination of unaffiliated carriers and our affiliates. These carriers provide coverage supplemental to minimum local requirements.
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INTEREST IN CAREY HOLDINGS, INC.
We own a 47.9% interest in Carey Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Carey International, Inc., a leading worldwide provider of chauffeured ground transportation services. Carey operates in approximately 550 cities and 60 countries through a network of franchisees and alliance partners. In 2008, we continued to develop our relationship with Carey to enable us to offer our customers increasingly diversified ground transportation products and services.
TRADEMARKS AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
The service marks Avis and Budget, related marks incorporating the words Avis or Budget, and related logos and marks such as We try harder are material to our vehicle rental business. Our subsidiaries, licensees and franchisees actively use these marks. All of the material marks used by the Avis and Budget Systems are registered (or have applications pending for registration) with the United States Patent and Trademark Office as well as all countries worldwide where Avis and Budget have operations. Our subsidiaries own the marks, patents and other intellectual property, including the Wizard System, used in our business.
FINANCIAL DATA OF SEGMENTS AND GEOGRAPHIC AREAS
Financial data for our segments and geographic areas are reported in Note 23Segment Information to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
REGULATION
We are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations, including those relating to taxing and licensing of vehicles, franchising, consumer credit, consumer protection, environmental protection, insurance, privacy and labor matters.
Environmental
The principal environmental regulatory requirements applicable to our vehicle rental operations relate to the ownership or use of tanks for the storage of petroleum products, such as gasoline, diesel fuel and waste oils; the treatment or discharge of waste waters; and the generation, storage, transportation and off-site treatment or disposal of solid or liquid wastes. We operate approximately 430 Avis and Budget locations at which petroleum products are stored in underground or above ground tanks. We have instituted an environmental compliance program designed to ensure that these tanks are in compliance with applicable technical and operational requirements, including the replacement and upgrade of underground tanks to comply with the December 1998 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency upgrade mandate and periodic testing and leak monitoring of underground storage tanks. We believe that the locations where we currently operate are in compliance, in all material respects, with such regulatory requirements.
We may also be subject to requirements related to the remediation of, or the liability for remediation of, substances that have been released into the environment at properties owned or operated by us or at properties to which we send substances for treatment or disposal. Such remediation requirements may be imposed without regard to fault and liability for environmental remediation can be substantial.
We may be eligible for reimbursement or payment of remediation costs associated with future releases from regulated underground storage tanks and have established funds to assist in the payment of remediation costs for releases from certain registered underground tanks. Subject to certain deductibles, the availability of funds, compliance status of the tanks and the nature of the release, these tank funds may be available to us for use in remediating future releases from our tank systems.
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Loss damage waivers
A traditional revenue source for the vehicle rental industry has been the sale of loss damage waivers, by which rental companies agree to relieve a customer from financial responsibility arising from vehicle damage incurred during the rental period if there has been no breach of the rental agreement. Approximately 4% of our domestic car rental revenue during 2008 was generated by the sale of loss damage waivers. To date, 24 states have enacted legislation which requires disclosure to each customer at the time of rental that damage to the rented vehicle may be covered by the customers personal automobile insurance and that loss damage waivers may not be necessary. In addition, New York permits the sale of loss damage waivers at a capped rate per day based on the vehicle manufacturers suggested retail price. Illinois, Nevada and California have similar statutes, which establish the daily rate that can be charged for loss damage waivers.
Insurance
As a result of our reinsurance of the optional insurance coverages that we offer through unaffiliated third party insurance companies as well as other insurance obligations, we are subject to regulation under the insurance statutes, including insurance holding company statutes, of the jurisdictions in which our insurance company subsidiaries are domiciled. These regulations vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but generally require insurance holding companies and insurers that are subsidiaries of insurance holding companies to register and file certain reports, including information concerning their capital structure, ownership, financial condition and general business operations with the regulatory authority of the applicable jurisdiction, and require prior regulatory agency approval of changes in control of an insurer and intra-corporate transfers of assets within the holding company structure. Such insurance statutes may also require that we obtain limited licenses to sell optional insurance coverage to our customers at the time of rental.
Franchise regulation
The sale of franchises is regulated by various state laws, as well as by the Federal Trade Commission (the FTC). The FTC requires that franchisors make extensive disclosure to prospective franchisees but does not require registration. A number of states require registration or disclosure in connection with franchise offers and sales. In addition, several states have franchise relationship laws or business opportunity laws that limit the ability of the franchisor to terminate franchise agreements or to withhold consent to the renewal or transfer of these agreements. Although our franchising operations have not been materially adversely affected by such existing regulations, we cannot predict the effect of any future federal, state or local legislation or regulation.
Privacy
Laws in some countries and jurisdictions limit the types of information we may collect about individuals with whom we deal or propose to deal, as well as how we collect, retain and use the information that we are permitted to collect, some of which is non-public personally identifiable information. The centralized nature of our information systems requires the routine flow of information about customers and potential customers across national borders, particularly into the United States. If this flow of information were to become illegal, or subject to onerous restrictions, our ability to serve our customers could be seriously impaired for an extended period of time. In addition, our failure to maintain the security of the data we hold, whether as a result of our own error or the actions of others, could harm our reputation or give rise to legal liabilities leading to lower revenue, increased costs and otherwise adversely impact our results of operations.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 2008, we employed approximately 26,000 employees, of which approximately 9,000 were employed on a part-time basis. Approximately 26% of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. We believe our employee relations are satisfactory. We have never experienced a large-scale work stoppage.
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You should carefully consider each of the following risks and all of the other information set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on the information currently known to us, we believe that the following information identifies the most significant risk factors affecting our company in each of these categories of risk. However, the risks and uncertainties our company faces are not limited to those described below. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also adversely affect our business. Past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods.
Risks related to our business
The high level of competition in the vehicle rental industry may lead to reduced rental volumes, downward pricing pressure or an inability to increase our prices, which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.
The vehicle rental industry in which we operate is highly competitive. We believe that price is one of the primary competitive factors in the vehicle rental industry. Our competitors, some of whom may have access to substantial capital, may seek to compete aggressively on the basis of pricing. To the extent that we match competitors reduced pricing, it could have an adverse impact on our results of operations. To the extent that we do not match or remain within a reasonable competitive margin of our competitors pricing, it could also have an adverse impact on our results of operations, as we may lose rental volume. The risk of competition on the basis of pricing in the truck rental industry can be even more intense than in the car rental industry because it is more difficult to reduce fleet size in the truck rental industry in response to reduced demand. The Internet has increased pricing transparency among vehicle rental companies by enabling cost-conscious customers to more easily obtain and compare the rates available from various vehicle rental companies for any given rental. This transparency may increase the prevalence and intensity of price competition in the future.
We face risks of increased fleet costs, both generally and due to the possibility that manufacturers could change or cease their repurchase or guaranteed depreciation programs.
Fleet costs, which represent our largest single expense, represented approximately 29% of our aggregate expenses for 2008 and can vary from year to year based on the prices at which we are able to purchase and dispose of rental vehicles. For 2008 and 2007, approximately 58% and 73%, respectively, of the rental cars purchased for our domestic car fleet were the subject of agreements requiring automobile manufacturers to repurchase them or guarantee the depreciation rate for a specified period of time. We refer to cars subject to such agreements as program cars. Under these repurchase and guaranteed depreciation programs, automobile manufacturers agree to repurchase cars at a specified price during a specified time period or guarantee the rate of depreciation for a specified period of time, typically subject to certain car condition and mileage requirements. Repurchase and guaranteed depreciation programs therefore enable us to determine, in advance, our depreciation expense, which is a significant cost factor in our car rental operations. Repurchase and guaranteed depreciation programs also limit the risk to us that the market value of a car, at the time of its disposition, will be less than its estimated residual (or depreciated) value; however, such programs result in additional exposure to the manufacturers with whom we have such agreements. See We face risks related to the financial condition and possible bankruptcy of automobile manufacturers and the used vehicle marketplace.
Automobile manufacturers may not continue to sell cars to us subject to repurchase or guaranteed depreciation programs at all or on terms consistent with past practice. The overall cost of cars subject to repurchase or guaranteed depreciation programs could also increase if the manufacturers were to make changes to these programs, particularly if such changes were to result in a decrease in the repurchase price or guaranteed depreciation without a corresponding decrease to the original purchase price. Repurchase or guaranteed depreciation programs also generally provide us with flexibility to reduce the size of our fleet rapidly in response to an economic slowdown or changes in demand by returning cars sooner than originally expected. This
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flexibility may be reduced in the future to the extent the percentage of program cars in our car rental fleet decreases or this feature of repurchase or guaranteed depreciation programs is altered.
Our per unit fleet costs could also increase if we purchase fewer vehicles, as we receive payments from manufacturers, known as incentive payments, following the purchase of some of our vehicles once certain conditions are met such as reaching certain purchase volumes, or if manufacturers eliminate or reduce the terms of these incentive programs. Our failure to purchase pre-determined volumes of cars for our rental fleet, or the elimination or reduction in incentive payments, could cause our per unit fleet costs to increase substantially and adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.
We face risks related to the financial condition and possible bankruptcy of automobile manufacturers and the used vehicle marketplace.
Approximately 58% of the rental cars acquired for our domestic car fleet in 2008 are subject to manufacturer repurchase or guaranteed depreciation programs and we also receive incentive payments from manufacturers following the purchase of some of our vehicles once certain conditions are met such as reaching certain purchase volumes. A default on any repurchase or guaranteed depreciation agreement or incentive payment obligation could leave us with a substantial unpaid claim against the manufacturer particularly with respect to program cars that were either (i) resold for an amount less than the amount guaranteed under the applicable agreement and therefore subject to a true-up payment obligation from the manufacturer or (ii) returned to the manufacturer but for which we were not yet paid and therefore we could incur a substantial loss as a result of such default.
Approximately 32%, 23% and 14% of the cars we acquired in 2008 were manufactured by General Motors, Ford and Chrysler, respectively, and more than 57% of these cars, and a portion of our cars manufactured by foreign manufacturers, are subject to manufacturer repurchase or guaranteed depreciation agreements. The auto industry has been adversely impacted by current economic conditions, and U.S. car sales of both domestic and foreign manufacturers have recently declined to historically low levels. U.S. automakers are facing particularly serious challenges; General Motors and Chrysler received government loans in 2008 and have requested additional assistance in 2009 and some observers believe Ford may seek similar assistance in 2009. We could incur additional material expenses if, following a manufacturer default under its agreements with us as a result of commencement of bankruptcy proceedings by such manufacturer or otherwise, the prices at which we were able to dispose of program cars were less than the specified prices under the repurchase or guaranteed depreciation program. The effect may be magnified because we typically pay the manufacturer of a program car more than we would pay to buy the same car as a non-program, or risk, vehicle and because we depreciate a program car to the repurchase price or the guaranteed depreciation agreed to by the manufacturer, which price does not take into consideration conditions in the used car marketplace and is usually therefore higher than the price that would be available in the used car marketplace.
We currently sell non-program vehicles through auctions, third party resellers and other channels in the used vehicle marketplace. In the fourth quarter of 2008, the resale value of used vehicles dropped sharply. Residual values for both non-program cars and trucks in our vehicle rental fleet can decline for a variety of reasons, including the current downturn in the U.S. and global economies, the effects of the disruptions of the credit markets on demand for vehicles in the used vehicle marketplace, a manufacturer announcing the elimination of various models or brands, or the financial distress of a manufacturer, including commencement of bankruptcy proceedings by such manufacturer. Such a reduction in value could cause us to sustain a substantial loss on the ultimate sale of non-program cars and trucks or require us to depreciate those cars and trucks at a more accelerated rate while we own them. If a manufacturer were to default on its obligations with respect to any of our program vehicles or commence bankruptcy proceedings, we may be forced to resell those program vehicles on our own, increasing our exposure to the same resale risks as apply to non-program vehicles.
Any reduction in the value of our fleet could effectively increase our fleet costs, adversely impact our profitability and potentially lead to decreased capacity in our asset backed car rental funding facilities due to the collateral requirements for such facilities which effectively increase as market values for vehicles decrease. As a result, our ability to utilize our asset-backed vehicle financing programs to acquire new vehicles for our rental
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fleet may be limited. In addition, if our ability to sell vehicles in the used vehicle marketplace were to become severely limited at a time when required collateral levels were rising, principal under our asset-backed financing facilities may be required to be repaid sooner than anticipated with vehicle disposition proceeds and lease payments we make to our vehicle program subsidiaries. If that were to occur, the holders of our asset-backed debt may have the ability to exercise their right to direct the trustee to foreclose on and sell vehicles to generate proceeds sufficient to repay such debt.
To the extent auto manufacturers significantly curtail production in response to current economic conditions or determine to curtail sales to the vehicle rental industry for any reason, we may not be able to obtain a sufficient number of vehicles to operate our business without significantly increasing our fleet costs.
We have been adversely impacted by the downturn in the U.S. economy and weakness in travel demand and the housing market and may be further adversely impacted.
The U.S. economy appears to have been in recession throughout 2008, and such conditions are likely to persist into at least 2009. Historically, our results of operations have declined during periods of general economic weakness. The effects of the current recession have contributed to the significant year-over-year decline in the results of our car and truck rental operations, including declines in volume and pricing particularly in the second half of 2008 in both our car and truck rental businesses. If economic conditions in the United States and worldwide do not improve or worsen, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely impacted in 2009 and beyond.
For example, the economic downturn has led to reduced travel demand, with many U.S. airlines having implemented capacity reductions and many companies curtailing business travel. In 2008, we generated approximately 80% of our domestic car rental revenue from our on-airport locations; therefore, a decline in airline travel will typically have a direct adverse impact on our results of operations. Air travel could also be further affected by work stoppages, military conflicts, terrorist incidents or threats, pandemic diseases, natural disasters or the response of governments to any of these events.
Our truck rental operations generated negative EBITDA for 2008 in part because the housing market, a key driver of both local rentals and one-way truck rentals, is also experiencing a severe downturn. If adverse conditions in the housing market persist or worsen, we may see a further decline in truck rental transactions, which could have a further adverse impact on our business.
We are dependent on third party distribution channels, and the success of our business depends in significant part on these relationships.
We generate approximately 45% of our domestic car rental reservations through third party distribution channels, which include (i) traditional and online travel agencies, airlines and hotel companies, marketing partners such as credit card companies and membership organizations, and other entities that help us attract customers and (ii) global distribution systems (GDS) that connect travel agents, travel service providers and corporations to our reservations systems. In 2008, 19% and 2% of our domestic car rental reservations came through our largest GDS source and our largest non-GDS third party source of reservations, respectively. The operators of third party distribution channels generally can cancel or modify their agreements with us upon relatively short notice. Changes in our pricing agreements, commission schedules or arrangements with third party distribution channels, the termination of any of our relationships or a reduction in the transaction volume of such channels, or a GDSs (Amadeus, Galileo, Sabre or Worldspan) inability to process and communicate reservations to us could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business is seasonal, and a disruption in rental activity during our peak season could materially adversely affect our results of operations.
In our business, the third quarter of the year has historically been our strongest quarter due to the increased level of leisure travel and household moving activity. In 2008, the third quarter accounted for approximately 28% of
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our vehicle rental revenue for each of our Domestic Car Rental, International Car Rental and Truck Rental segments and was our most profitable quarter for each of our segments as measured by EBITDA. Any circumstance or occurrence that disrupts rental activity during the third quarter could have a disproportionately adverse impact on our financial condition and our results of operations.
Our derivative instruments may impact our results of operations.
We utilize derivative instruments to manage a portion of our risk related to fluctuations in interest rates, gas prices and foreign exchange rates. The derivative instruments we use are typically in the form of interest rate and commodity swaps and foreign exchange forwards. Periodically, we are required to determine the change in fair value, called the mark to market, of these derivative instruments, which can result in a non-cash charge or gain being recognized in our financial results for a period preceding the period or periods in which settlement occurs under the derivative instruments and, for example, interest payments are made. Changes or shifts in interest rates, gas prices and foreign exchange rates can significantly impact the valuation of our derivatives and therefore could expose us to substantial mark-to-market losses or gains if such rates or prices fluctuate materially from the time the derivatives were entered into. Accordingly, a fluctuation in such rates or prices may impact our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, volatility in rates and prices can also impact the cost and effectiveness of our derivative instruments in managing our risks. To the extent any of our derivatives were to result in a gain upon settlement, we would be exposed to credit risk of the counterparties to such derivatives, which are typically financial institutions.
We are exposed to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, which may adversely affect our results of operations.
Certain of our international operations generate revenue and incur operating costs in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, including our operations in Australia, Canada and New Zealand. In addition, the financial position and results of operations of some of our foreign subsidiaries are reported in the relevant local currency and then translated to U.S. dollars at the applicable currency exchange rate for inclusion in our consolidated financial statements. Changes in exchange rates between these foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar will affect the recorded levels of our assets and liabilities, to the extent such figures reflect the inclusion of foreign assets and liabilities that are translated into U.S. dollars for presentation in our financial statements, as well as our results of operations. While we take steps to manage our currency exposure, we cannot accurately predict the nature or extent of future exchange rate variability, which could adversely impact our results of operations and financial position.
We may not be successful in implementing our cost-saving and efficiency improvements or other business strategies.
We expect to face a challenging operating environment in 2009, given the weakness in the economy and the disruption in the credit markets. As a result, we announced actions designed to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Such actions include (i) reduction of operating costs, fleet costs and other expenses; (ii) targeted pricing increases; (iii) assessment and modification or elimination of unprofitable aspects of our business; and (iv) consolidation of certain back office and other functions. We also anticipate generating additional cost savings in 2009 through implementation of our Performance Excellence process improvement initiative. If we are unable to achieve sufficient cost savings through these actions, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely impacted.
Part of our business strategy also includes enhancing profitability by expanding our ancillary revenues such as revenue from selling insurance coverages and where2 GPS navigation rentals. If we are unable to achieve targeted price increases aimed at improving revenue per day, overall profitability or ancillary revenue growth through our actions, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely impacted.
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Acquisitions of existing Avis or Budget franchisees, or other businesses, could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.
We have acquired or may acquire existing franchisees and have invested in and may invest in other businesses. These acquisitions may involve numerous risks, including those associated with integrating operations, technology and personnel into our business, potential disruption of our ongoing business and distraction of management, and exposure to existing as well as unknown liabilities, including litigation involving the acquired entity. Such acquisitions may not be accretive to our earnings and may negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations.
We face risks arising from our heavy reliance on communications networks and centralized information systems.
We rely heavily on information systems, including our reservation system, to accept reservations, process rental and sales transactions, manage our fleet of vehicles, account for our activities and otherwise conduct our business. We have centralized our information systems, and we rely on communications service providers to link our systems with the business locations these systems serve. A failure of a major system, or a major disruption of communications between the system and the locations it serves, could cause a loss of reservations, interfere with our ability to manage our fleet, slow rental and sales processes, and otherwise adversely affect our ability to manage our business effectively. Our systems business continuity plans and insurance programs seek to mitigate such a risk, not eliminate it.
In addition, because our systems contain non-public personally identifiable information about millions of individuals and businesses, our failure to maintain the security of the data we hold, whether as a result of our own error or the actions of others, could harm our reputation, give rise to legal liabilities leading to lower revenue and increased costs or otherwise adversely impact our reputation, financial condition and results of operations.
We face risks related to liability and insurance.
Our businesses expose us to claims for personal injury, death and property damage related to the use of our vehicles and for workers compensation claims and other employment-related claims by our employees. We may become exposed to uninsured liability at levels in excess of our historical levels resulting from unusually high losses or otherwise. In addition, liabilities in respect of existing or future claims may exceed the level of our reserves and/or our insurance, which could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, insurance with unaffiliated carriers may not continue to be available to us on economically reasonable terms or at all.
Environmental regulations could subject us to liability for fines or damages.
We are subject to federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations in connection with our operations, including, among other things, with respect to the ownership and operation of tanks for the storage of petroleum products, such as gasoline, diesel fuel and motor and waste oils. We have established a compliance program for our tank systems that is intended to ensure that the tanks are properly registered with the state or other jurisdiction in which the tanks are located and have been either replaced or upgraded to meet applicable leak detection and spill, overfill, corrosion protection and vapor recovery requirements. These tank systems may not at all times remain free from undetected leaks, and the use of these tanks may result in significant spills, which may expose us to material liabilities.
We have made, and will continue to make, expenditures to comply with environmental laws and regulations, including, among others, expenditures for the cleanup of contamination at our owned and leased properties, as well as contamination at other locations at which our wastes have reportedly been identified. Our compliance with existing or future environmental laws and regulations may, however, require material expenditures by us or otherwise have an adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
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Changes in the U.S. and foreign legal and regulatory environment that affect our operations, including laws and regulations relating to the insurance products we sell, consumer privacy, data security, employment matters, taxes, automobile-related liability and insurance rates, could disrupt our business, increase our expenses or otherwise have an adverse impact on our results of operations.
We are subject to a wide variety of laws and regulations in the United States and the other countries and jurisdictions in which we operate, and changes in the level of government regulation of our business have the potential to materially alter our business practices or our profitability. Depending on the jurisdiction, those changes may come about through new legislation, the issuance of new laws and regulations or changes in the interpretation of existing laws and regulations by a court, regulatory body or governmental official.
Optional insurance products, including, but not limited to, supplemental liability insurance, personal accident insurance and personal effects protection, we offer to renters providing various insurance coverages in our domestic vehicle rental operations, are regulated under state laws governing the licensing of such products. In our international car rental operations, our offering of optional products providing insurance coverages historically has not been regulated.
Any changes in U.S. or foreign law that change our operating requirements with respect to optional insurance products could increase our costs of compliance or make it uneconomical to offer such products, which would lead to a reduction in revenue and profitability. If customers decline to purchase supplemental liability insurance products from us as a result of any changes in these laws or otherwise, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
In almost every state, we recover from consumers various costs associated with the title and registration of our vehicles. In addition, where permitted, we also recover from consumers certain costs, including concession costs imposed by an airport authority or the owner and/or operator of the premises from which our vehicle is rented. Our long-standing business practice has been to separately state the existence of these additional costs in our rental agreements and invoices, and disclose to consumers additional surcharges used to recover such costs together with an estimated total price, inclusive of these surcharges, in all distribution channels. We believe that this standard practice comports with the Federal Trade Commission Act and has been upheld by several courts. We may in the future be subject to potential legislative changes or administrative action which could limit, restrict or prohibit our ability to separately state, charge and recover such costs, which would result in an adverse cost reallocation. If any such changes were to be enacted there may be an adverse impact or limitation on our ability to recover all of the surcharges we currently charge, which could adversely impact our profitability and results of operations.
We are also subject to numerous other laws and regulations in numerous jurisdictions. Changes in such laws and regulations could adversely impact our financial position and results of operations.
We may be held responsible by third parties, regulators or courts for the actions of, or failures to act by, our licensees, dealers or independent operators, which exposes us to possible fines, other liabilities and bad publicity.
Our car and truck rental franchisee and dealer locations are independently owned and operated. We also operate many of our corporate locations through agreements with agency operators, which are third party independent contractors who receive commissions to operate such locations. Our agreements with our franchisees, dealers and agency operators require that they comply with all laws and regulations applicable to their businesses, including our internal policies and standards. Under these agreements, our franchisees, dealers and agency operators retain control over the employment and management of all personnel. Third parties, regulators or courts may seek to hold us responsible for the actions of, or failures to act by, our franchisees, dealers or agency operators. Although we maintain the right to monitor the operations of these franchisees, dealers and agency operators, and under certain circumstances have the ability to terminate their agreements for failure to adhere to contracted operational standards, we are unlikely to detect all problems. Moreover, there are occasions when the actions and activities of
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our franchisees, dealers or agency operators may not be clearly distinguishable from our own. It is our policy to vigorously seek to be dismissed from any such claims and to pursue indemnity for any adverse outcomes. Failure of our franchisees, dealers or agency operators to comply with laws and regulations may expose us to liability, damages and publicity that may adversely affect our business.
Significant or sustained increases or significant volatility in fuel costs or limitations in fuel supplies could harm our business.
We could be adversely affected by limitations in fuel supplies or significant or sustained increases or significant volatility in fuel prices. A severe or protracted disruption in fuel supplies or significant increases in fuel prices could have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations, either by directly discouraging consumers from renting cars and trucks or by causing a decline in airline passenger traffic. Significant volatility in fuel prices can also impact the cost and effectiveness of derivative instruments we utilize to seek to hedge our exposure to fluctuation in fuel prices for fuel used in our business, thereby impacting our financial condition and results of operations. See Our derivative instruments may impact our results of operations.
Risks related to our indebtedness
We have a substantial amount of debt which could impair our financial condition and adversely affect our ability to react to changes in our business.
As of December 31, 2008, our total debt was approximately $7.8 billion and we had approximately $333 million of available letter of credit capacity, $275 million of which is available for borrowings, under our senior credit facilities.
Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences, including:
| limiting our ability to borrow additional amounts to fund working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, execution of our business strategy, or acquisitions and other purposes, particularly in light of our current inability to rely on the exception to the limitation on indebtedness covenant contained in our senior unsecured notes that is based on an interest coverage ratio; |
| requiring us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to pay principal and interest on our debt, which would reduce the funds available to us for other purposes; |
| making us more vulnerable to adverse changes in general economic, industry and competitive conditions, in government regulation and in our business by limiting our flexibility in planning for, and making it more difficult for us to react quickly to, changing conditions; and |
| exposing us to risks inherent in interest rate fluctuations because some of our borrowings are at variable rates of interest, which could result in higher interest expenses in the event of increases in interest rates. |
Our ability to make payments on and refinance our debt depends on our ability to generate cash flow. To some extent, this is subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. Our business may not generate cash flow from operations at levels sufficient to permit us to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness, and our cash needs may increase. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to service our debt and meet our other cash needs, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell or curtail assets or operations, seek additional capital, or seek to restructure or refinance our indebtedness. If we must sell or curtail our assets or operations, it may negatively affect our ability to generate revenue.
Despite our current indebtedness levels, we may still be able to incur substantially more debt. This could further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial indebtedness. Subject to the specified limitations referred to above, the indenture governing our senior unsecured notes limits, but does not prohibit, us from incurring
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additional indebtedness in the future. As noted above, as of December 31, 2008, our senior credit facilities provided us commitments for additional letters of credit of up to $333 million, $275 million of which is available for borrowings. All of those borrowings would be secured and the lenders under our senior credit facilities would have a prior claim to the assets that secure such indebtedness. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the risks described above could intensify.
We may be unable to remain in compliance with the financial or other covenants contained in our debt instruments, including our senior credit facilities.
Many of our debt instruments, including our senior credit facilities, contain financial and other covenants that impose significant requirements on us and limit our ability to engage in certain transactions or activities.
Our senior credit facilities were amended in December 2008 to change the financial covenants, interest rate spreads and restrictions on our activities contained therein. As a result, our borrowing costs under such facility will increase in 2009 compared to 2008 and the letter of credit availability and borrowing capacity thereunder were reduced.
Notwithstanding the December 2008 amendments to our senior credit facilities, due to reduced demand for travel services, rising borrowing costs and other factors, there can be no assurance that we will be able to generate sufficient earnings to enable us to satisfy the minimum EBITDA requirement or other covenants included in our senior credit facilities, our $2.45 billion of asset-backed conduit facilities used to finance a portion of our domestic car rental operations or our other borrowing agreements. Our failure to comply with these covenants, if not waived, would cause a default under the senior credit facilities and could result in principal under the conduit facilities being required to be repaid from a portion of vehicle disposition proceeds and lease payments we make to our vehicle program subsidiaries. If such a failure were to occur, there can be no assurance that we would be able to refinance or obtain a replacement for such facilities and in certain circumstances such failure could also give rise to a default under the instruments that govern our other indebtedness.
We have been adversely impacted by the significant disruption in the credit and asset-backed securities markets, which has led to and could lead to further increases in interest rates and could disrupt our ability to obtain financing for our operations, which require substantial capital.
We rely upon financing for our operations, particularly asset-backed financing, through asset-backed securities and the lending market, for our vehicle fleet. Our total asset-backed debt as of December 31, 2008 was approximately $6.0 billion, with available capacity of approximately $1.1 billion. In the fourth quarter of 2008, we amended and renewed our two asset-backed domestic rental car conduit facilities for 2009 with aggregate capacity of $2.45 billion and such facilities mature from September through December 2009. As a result of these amendments and renewals, our borrowing costs and collateral requirements for 2009 will increase compared to 2008. In addition, approximately $300 million and $1.1 billion of term asset-backed financings for our domestic car rental operations will mature in 2009 and 2010, respectively. There has been significant disruption in the asset-backed financing market; therefore, we may be unable to obtain refinancing for our operations at current levels, or at all, when our asset-backed rental car financings mature, and any new financing or refinancing of our existing financing could increase our borrowing costs, including due to an increase in required collateral levels. See We face risks related to the financial condition and possible bankruptcy of automobile manufacturers and the used vehicle marketplace. In addition, we could be subject to increased collateral requirements to the extent we request any amendment or renewal of any of our existing financing or by other counterparties.
Ambac Assurance Corporation, MBIA Insurance Corporation, Financial Guaranty Insurance Company and XL Capital, Ltd. provide credit enhancement in the form of financial guaranties for approximately $1.45 billion, $725 million, $200 million and $125 million, respectively, of our approximately $2.8 billion of domestic term asset-backed car rental financing outstanding at December 31, 2008. The debt ratings of these financial guaranty firms have been downgraded significantly, and the firms have substantially curtailed their issuance of new guaranties. Therefore we are unlikely to be able to offer similar financial guaranties in connection with any
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refinancing we pursue for our term asset-backed financings. Assured Guaranty Corp. is the provider of a financial guaranty for $250 million of our term asset-backed car rental financing.
Certain insolvency events in respect of the financial guarantors of our outstanding term asset-backed financings would result in principal of the related financing being required to be repaid sooner than anticipated from a portion of the proceeds of ordinary course vehicle disposition and lease payments we make to our vehicle program subsidiaries. These financial guarantor insolvency events could also result in the noteholders of the series of asset-backed notes guaranteed by the insolvent financial guarantor directing the trustee to foreclose on and sell vehicles to generate proceeds sufficient to repay such series of notes. If such a financial guarantor insolvency event were to occur, there can be no assurance that we would be able to obtain a replacement for the relevant financings on reasonable terms or at all.
We utilize a like-kind exchange program whereby we replace vehicles in a manner that allows tax gains on disposed vehicles to be deferred. The program has resulted in a material deferral of federal and state income taxes beginning in 2004. The benefit of deferral is dependent on reinvestment of vehicle disposition proceeds in replacement vehicles within a prescribed period of time (usually six months). An extended downsizing of our fleet could result in reduced deferrals, utilization of tax attributes and increased payment of federal and state income taxes. Such a downsizing or reduction in purchases would likely occur if, and to the extent, we are unable to obtain financing when our asset backed rental car financings mature.
An increase in interest rates would increase the cost of servicing our debt and could reduce our profitability.
A significant amount of our borrowings, primarily our vehicle-backed borrowings, bear interest at variable rates and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, whether because of an increase in market interest rates or an increase in our own cost of borrowing, our debt service obligations for our variable rate indebtedness would increase even though the amount of borrowings remained the same, and our results of operations could be adversely affected. As of December 31, 2008, our total outstanding debt of approximately $7.8 billion included interest rate sensitive debt of approximately $2.4 billion (either by its original terms or through the use of interest rate derivatives), which had a weighted average interest rate of approximately 4% per annum. During our seasonal borrowing peak in 2008, outstanding interest rate sensitive debt totalled approximately $2.4 billion, with a weighted average interest rate of approximately 3% per annum.
Restrictive covenants in agreements and instruments governing our debt may adversely affect our ability to operate our business.
The terms of certain of our indebtedness, including the indenture governing our senior unsecured notes and the agreement governing our senior credit facilities contain, and our future debt instruments may contain, various provisions that limit our ability to, among other things:
| incur additional debt; |
| provide guarantees in respect of obligations of other persons; |
| issue redeemable stock and preferred stock; |
| pay dividends or distributions or redeem or repurchase capital stock; |
| prepay, redeem or repurchase debt; |
| make loans, investments and capital expenditures; |
| incur liens; |
| make distributions from our subsidiaries; |
| sell assets and capital stock of our subsidiaries; |
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| make acquisitions; and |
| consolidate or merge with or into, or sell substantially all of our assets to, another person. |
In December 2008, we amended our senior credit facilities and as a result certain of the terms set forth above were revised to be more restrictive than they had previously been and we granted additional collateral to the lenders party to such facilities, which represented most of our assets that were not already encumbered by existing financings.
Risks related to the Cendant Separation
We have limited operating history as a stand-alone vehicle rental company.
The financial information included in this annual report on Form 10-K does not reflect the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows we would have achieved as a stand-alone vehicle rental company during full year 2006. Prior to the completion of the Cendant Separation, the vehicle rental business was operated by Cendant as part of its broader corporate organization, rather than as an independent company. Cendant or one of its affiliates performed various corporate functions for our vehicle rental business, including, but not limited to, tax administration, certain governance functions (including compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and internal audit) and external reporting. Our financial results for all periods before fourth quarter 2006 for our operating segments reflect allocations of corporate expenses from Cendant for these and similar functions. These allocations may be more or less than the comparable expenses we would have incurred had we operated as a stand-alone vehicle rental company during those periods.
We are relying on Realogy, Wyndham Worldwide and Travelport to fulfill their obligations under the Separation Agreement and other agreements.
Pursuant to the Separation Agreement, Realogy and Wyndham Worldwide are responsible for 62.5% and 37.5%, respectively, of certain contingent and other of our corporate liabilities including those relating to unresolved tax and legal matters as well as 100% of certain liabilities that relate to their respective businesses (the Assumed Obligations). More specifically, Realogy and Wyndham Worldwide have generally assumed and are responsible for the payment of their specified percentage of (i) all taxes imposed on us and certain of our subsidiaries and (ii) certain of our contingent and other corporate liabilities and/or those of our subsidiaries to the extent incurred prior to August 23, 2006. These contingent and other corporate liabilities include liabilities relating to (i) Cendants terminated or divested businesses, including among others, the former PHH and Marketing Services (Affinion) businesses, (ii) liabilities relating to the sale of Travelport, (iii) Cendants litigation that did not pertain to the operations of Realogy, Wyndham Worldwide, Travelport or our vehicle rental operations, including the Credentials Litigation (for a further description of the Credentials Litigation, see Legal Proceedings) and (iv) generally any actions with respect to the Cendant Separation or the distributions brought by any third party. If either Realogy or Wyndham were to default in its payment, when due, of any such Assumed Obligations, each non-defaulting party, including us, would be required to pay an equal portion of the amounts in default.
Realogy was acquired by an affiliate of Apollo Management VI, L.P. following the Cendant Separation and is not listed as an independent public company, but the acquisition did not affect Realogys obligation to satisfy its specified percentage of its Assumed Obligations. However, as a result of the acquisition, Realogy has greater debt obligations and its ability to satisfy its portion of such Assumed Obligations may be adversely impacted. In accordance with the terms of the Separation Agreement, Realogy posted a letter of credit for the benefit of the Company to cover its estimated share of the Assumed Obligations, which is subject to adjustment from time to time, although there can be no assurance that such letter of credit will be sufficient or effective to cover Realogys actual obligations if and when they arise. In addition, the Separation Agreement effectively provides Realogy with the right to control the process for resolving disputes related to many of the Assumed Obligations.
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Moreover, the Separation Agreement provides for cross-indemnities designed to place financial responsibility of certain liabilities and other obligations with the proper company. For example, Realogy, Wyndham Worldwide and/or Travelport are required to indemnify us in respect of certain effective guarantees that result from either us or one of our subsidiaries remaining a named lessee on real estate leases pertaining to properties occupied by Realogy, Wyndham and/or Travelport. Any failure by Realogy, Wyndham Worldwide or Travelport to pay any of their assumed liabilities when due or to indemnify us when required may adversely impact our results of operations.
Risks related to our common stock
The market price of our shares may fluctuate widely.
During 2008, the market price for our common stock experienced a substantial decline. We cannot predict the prices at which our common stock will trade. The market price of our common stock may fluctuate widely, depending upon many factors, some of which may be beyond our control, including:
| our quarterly or annual earnings, or those of other companies in our industry, including our suppliers; |
| actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results; |
| changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles; |
| announcements by us or our competitors of acquisitions or dispositions; |
| changes in earnings estimates by securities analysts or our ability to meet those estimates; |
| changes in investors and analysts perceptions of our industry, business or related industries; |
| the operating and stock price performance of other comparable companies; |
| overall market fluctuations; |
| general economic conditions and conditions in the credit markets; and |
| our ability to meet the continued listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange. See If we do not meet the continued listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange, our common stock may be delisted. |
The decrease in our stock price during 2008 has impacted our ability to provide equity incentives to our employees, officers or directors with a value comparable to prior years and has impacted the value of prior incentive awards made to our employees; therefore our ability to retain our key employees and officers could be adversely impacted.
Your percentage ownership may be diluted in the future.
Your percentage ownership may be diluted in the future because of equity issuances or equity awards that we granted or will grant to our directors, officers and employees. As disclosed in the notes to our financial statements included herein, in 2008 we granted approximately 1.2 million restricted stock units and we granted stock options in January 2009. We also expect to grant restricted stock units, stock options and/or other types of equity awards in the future.
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Provisions in our certificate of incorporation and by-laws, and of Delaware law may prevent or delay an acquisition of our company, which could decrease the trading price of our common stock.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated by-laws and Delaware law contain provisions that are intended to deter coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids by making such practices or bids unacceptably expensive to the raider and to encourage prospective acquirors to negotiate with our Board of Directors rather than to attempt a hostile takeover. These provisions include, among others:
| elimination of the right of our stockholders to act by written consent; |
| rules regarding how stockholders may present proposals or nominate directors for election at stockholder meetings; |
| the right of our Board to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval; and |
| limitations on the right of stockholders to remove directors. |
Delaware law also imposes some restrictions on mergers and other business combinations between us and any holder of 15% or more of our outstanding common stock.
We believe these provisions protect our stockholders from coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics by requiring potential acquirors to negotiate with our Board and by providing our Board with more time to assess any acquisition proposal. These provisions are not intended to make our company immune from takeovers. However, these provisions apply even if the offer may be considered beneficial by some stockholders and could delay or prevent an acquisition that our Board determines is not in the best interests of our company and our stockholders.
We recorded a charge for goodwill impairment in third quarter 2008, and our goodwill may be further impaired in the future, which may require us to record an additional charge to earnings.
Under generally accepted accounting principles, we perform a goodwill impairment assessment as required, which includes, among other things, a reconciliation of current equity market capitalization to stockholders equity. In third quarter 2008, our total stockholders equity significantly exceeded our equity market capitalization and based on our goodwill impairment assessment, we recorded a charge of approximately $1.3 billion for impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and the Companys investment in Carey Holdings, Inc. During the third and fourth quarter 2008, our stock price continued to decline. We may be required to record an additional impairment in the future including as a result of continued reduction to our equity market capitalization or other declines in our business, which would result in a negative impact on our results of operations.
If we do not meet the New York Stock Exchange continued listing requirements, our common stock may be delisted.
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) continued listing standards require that our common stock have a minimum average closing price of not less than $1.00 during a consecutive 30 trading-day period. On December 17, 2008, we were notified by the NYSE that we had fallen below this continued listing standard. Pursuant to NYSE rules, we must bring our share price and average share price back above $1.00 within six months from the receipt of the NYSE notice, subject to possible extension. If we fail to do so, or fail to maintain compliance with other NYSE listing requirements, the NYSE may initiate suspension and delisting procedures. A delisting of our common stock could negatively impact us by:
| reducing the liquidity and market price of our common stock; |
| reducing the number of investors willing to hold or acquire our common stock, which could negatively impact our ability to raise equity financing and access the public capital markets; or |
| impairing our ability to provide equity incentives to our employees, officers or directors. |
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We have responded to the NYSE with notice of our intent to cure the current deficiency, in which we noted that if we do not expect that the price condition will be cured at the expiration of the six-month cure period, we will consider a reverse stock split that will enable us to be in compliance with the price condition.
ITEM 1B. | UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS |
Not applicable.
Our principal executive offices are located at leased offices at 6 Sylvan Way, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 pursuant to a lease expiring in 2023. Additional corporate functions are also conducted at leased offices at 10 Sylvan Way and Three Century Drive in Parsippany, New Jersey pursuant to leases expiring in 2011 and 2018, respectively. We also own a facility in Virginia Beach, Virginia, which serves as a satellite administrative facility for our car and truck rental operations. Office space is also leased in Orlando, Florida; Englewood, Colorado; Wichita Falls, Texas; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Fredericton, Canada pursuant to leases expiring in 2010, except for the Englewood and Fredericton leases which expire in 2011. These locations primarily provide operational services for both brands, including call center operations. The Budget office at Redding, California was closed in 2005 and is currently vacant and is subject to a lease expiring in 2011. In addition, there are approximately 15 other leased office locations in the United States for administrative activities, regional sales and operations activities.
We lease or have vehicle rental concessions for both the Avis and Budget brands at locations throughout the world. Avis operates approximately 1,000 locations in the United States and approximately 300 locations outside the United States. Of those locations, approximately 250 in the United States and approximately 120 outside the United States are at airports. Budget operates at approximately 650 locations in the United States of which approximately 170 are at airports. Budget also operates at approximately 175 locations outside the United States of which approximately 65 are at airports. Typically, an airport receives a percentage of vehicle rental revenue, with a guaranteed minimum. Because there is a limit to the number of vehicle rental locations in an airport, vehicle rental companies frequently bid for the available locations, usually on the basis of the size of the guaranteed minimums. We believe that our properties are sufficient to meet our present needs and we do not anticipate any difficulty in securing additional space, as needed, on acceptable terms.
Vehicle Rental Litigation
We, along with our subsidiaries, are involved from time to time in legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, including the cases described below.
Avis was named as a defendant in two putative class actions (Esquivel v. Avis, commenced January 24, 2004 in the 214th Judicial District of Nueces County, Texas, and Stafford v. Avis, commenced February 16, 2005 in the District Court in and for Creek County, Oklahoma). Each case alleged various causes of action related to the Companys use and collection of the fuel service charge pursuant to its rental agreements. Both cases were settled by the Company for nominal fees.
On November 14, 2007, two California residents filed a putative class action lawsuit, captioned Michael Shames et al. v. The Hertz Corp. et al., No. 07 CV 2174H (S.D. Cal.), against Avis Budget, six other rental car companies, the California Travel and Tourism Commission (the CTTC) and the CTTCs Executive Director, alleging that the defendants violated federal antitrust law and Californias Unfair Competition Law and False Advertising Law by allegedly agreeing to pass on airport concession fees and a state tourism commission
29
assessment to passenger car renters in California. One plaintiff has raised an additional claim against the CTTC and its Executive Director of alleged violations of Californias Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act. The plaintiffs are seeking treble damages, injunctive relief and attorneys fees and costs. We filed a motion to dismiss the Shames suit, and on April 8, 2008, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California granted the motions to dismiss the putative class action lawsuit, on the ground that plaintiffs failed to state claims for which relief could be granted. An amended complaint was filed in May 2008 against the Company and six other rental car companies, as well as the CTTC, and contained claims that the defendants had violated federal antitrust law and Californias Unfair Competition Law and False Advertising Law by allegedly agreeing to pass on airport concession fees and a state tourism commission assessment to passenger car renters in California. On July 24, 2008, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California granted our motions to dismiss with respect to the state law claims and denied our motion to dismiss with respect to the federal antitrust claim. The court has dismissed all claims against the CTTC, but the plaintiffs are appealing the CTTCs dismissal. We intend to continue to vigorously defend this suit as we believe it is without merit.
In December 2007, two individuals filed separate but virtually identical putative class action lawsuits, captioned Thomas J. Comiskey et al. v. Avis Budget Group, Inc. et al., No. CV07-08118 (C.D. Cal.) and Isabel S. Cohen et al. v. Avis Budget Group, Inc. et al., No. CV07-08164 (C.D. Cal.), against Avis Budget, 12 other rental car companies, the CTTC and Californias Secretary of Business, Transportation and Housing. These suits challenge the tourism commission assessment fees imposed on certain renters in California as of January 1, 2007. Both the Comiskey and Cohen suits allege that Californias tourism assessment program with respect to the rental car industry (i) infringes on renters speech and associational rights in violation of both the U.S. and California Constitutions, (ii) violates the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, (iii) violates 42 U.S.C. § 1983 insofar as the assessment program violates the federal Constitutions Commerce Clause and First and Fourteenth Amendments, and (iv) violates the Motor Vehicle Revenues section of the California Constitution. On February 5, 2008, the district court consolidated the Comiskey and Cohen suits, and on March 19, 2008, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint against Avis Budget, ten other rental car companies, the CTTC and Californias Secretary of Business, Transportation and Housing. The consolidated amended complaint contains all the claims from the earlier individual complaints and adds equal-protection claims under the U.S. and California Constitutions. As was the case with both individual complaints, the consolidated amended complaint seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, a refund of all California tourism commission assessment fees collected by the rental car defendants, attorneys fees and costs, and unspecified damages. The defendants moved to dismiss the consolidated amended complaint as well as to transfer the action (now known as In re Tourism Assessment Fee Litigation) to the Southern District of California. On September 23, 2008, the transfer motion was granted and the action was subsequently transferred to the Southern District of California. On February 19, 2009, the court granted defendants motions to dismiss plaintiffs federal law claims, declined to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over plaintiffs state law claims, and dismissed plaintiffs amended complaint with prejudice.
Corporate Litigation
Pursuant to the Separation Agreement, Realogy has assumed 62.5% and Wyndham Worldwide has assumed 37.5% of certain contingent and other corporate liabilities (and related costs and expenses), including legal matters and related disputes, of the Company or its subsidiaries which are not primarily related to any of the respective businesses of Realogy, Wyndham Worldwide, Travelport and/or the Companys vehicle rental operations, in each case incurred or allegedly incurred on or prior to the date of the separation of Travelport from the Company. Such litigation includes the Credentials Litigation described below.
CSI Investment et. al. v. Cendant et. al., (Case No. 1:00-CV-01422 (DAB-DFE) (S.D.N.Y.) (Credentials Litigation) is an action for breach of contract and fraud arising out of Cendants acquisition of the Credentials business in 1998. The Credentials Litigation commenced in February 2000 and was filed against Cendant and its senior management. The Stock Purchase Agreement provided for the sale of Credentials Services International to Cendant for a set price of $125 million plus an additional amount which was contingent on Credentials future
30
performance. The closing occurred just prior to Cendants April 15, 1998 announcement of the discovery of accounting irregularities in its former CUC business units. Plaintiffs seek payment of certain hold back monies in the total amount of $5.7 million, as well as a contingent payment based upon future performance that plaintiffs contend should have been approximately $50 million. In early 2007, the parties moved for summary judgment on various aspects of the case, and in September 2007, the Court granted Cendants motion for summary judgment on the fraud claims and plaintiffs motion for summary judgment with respect to the plaintiffs claims for hold back monies and for breach of contract. Including pre-judgment interest, the Court entered judgment in favor of plaintiffs in the amount of approximately $94.3 million plus attorneys fees. The judgment entered in favor of plaintiffs was affirmed in May 2008 following the denial of our and plaintiffs motions for reconsideration. The judgment included sanctions against Cendant in the amount of $720,000 and Realogy and Wyndham have paid their proportional share of such sanctions plus post-judgment interest thereon. As requested by Realogy and Wyndham (who bear the economic liability for this case, as discussed below), we filed a notice of appeal on May 23, 2008 and appellate bonds were posted by Realogy and Wyndham in their proportional share. Plaintiffs filed a notice of cross appeal on June 2, 2008 and the Court stayed plaintiffs application for attorneys fees pending the outcome of the appeal. On September 12, 2008, we filed the initial appellate brief and plaintiffs filed their opposition brief and opening brief on their cross appeal on November 26, 2008. Our reply brief and response on cross appeal were filed on January 23, 2009 and oral argument is expected to take place in the spring of 2009. Given the agreements set forth in the Separation Agreement discussed above, we do not expect that any judgment or payment related to the Credentials Litigation will have a net impact on our financial statements or cash balances.
Realogy, Wyndham Worldwide and Travelport have also assumed under the Separation Agreement certain contingent and other corporate liabilities (and related costs and expenses), which include legal proceedings where we are named as a defendant but are primarily related to each of their respective businesses.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
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ITEM 5. | MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES |
Market Price of Common Stock
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol CAR. At January 30, 2009, the number of stockholders of record was approximately 3,954. The following table sets forth the quarterly high and low sales prices per share of CAR common stock as reported by the NYSE for 2008 and 2007.
2008 |
High | Low | ||||
First Quarter |
$ | 13.74 | $ | 9.00 | ||
Second Quarter |
18.00 | 8.30 | ||||
Third Quarter |
11.90 | 4.20 | ||||
Fourth Quarter |
5.83 | 0.38 | ||||
2007 |
High | Low | ||||
First Quarter |
$ | 28.10 | $ | 21.80 | ||
Second Quarter |
31.47 | 26.02 | ||||
Third Quarter |
30.24 | 19.08 | ||||
Fourth Quarter |
23.86 | 12.51 |
Dividend Policy
We paid no cash dividends on our common stock in 2008 and 2007 and we do not anticipate paying dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. Our ability to pay dividends to holders of our common stock is limited as a practical matter by ABCRs senior credit facilities, the indenture governing our senior notes and our vehicle financing programs, insofar as we may seek to pay dividends out of funds made available to Avis Budget Group by ABCR and/or its subsidiaries, because these debt financings directly or indirectly restrict ABGs ability to pay dividends. The declaration and payment of future dividends to holders of our common stock will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon many factors, including our financial condition, earnings, capital requirements of our businesses, covenants associated with certain debt obligations, legal requirements, regulatory constraints, industry practice and other factors that the Board of Directors deems relevant.
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Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table provides information about shares of our common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options and restricted stock units under all of our existing equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2008. The table excludes 202,000 shares of our common stock which was issued or available for issuance pursuant to the 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan approved by stockholders.
Of the approximately 8.3 million shares of our common stock to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, stock settled stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units, approximately 5 million shares are related to stock option grants that were made by Cendant Corporation to employees of Cendant Corporation prior to the spin-offs of Realogy and Wyndham, all of which have strike prices in excess of our closing stock price of $0.70 on December 31, 2008.
Plan Category |
Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants, Rights and Restricted Stock Units (d) |
Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (Excludes Restricted Stock Units) ($) (d) |
Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in First Column) | |||
Equity compensation plans approved by Company stockholders (a) |
4,720,917 | $24.96 | 6,724,046 | |||
Equity compensation plans not approved by Company stockholders (b)(e) |
3,587,196 | $24.81 | - | |||
Equity compensation plans assumed in mergers, acquisitions and corporate transactions (c) |
26,382 | $18.59 | - | |||
Total |
8,334,495 | $24.85 | 6,724,046 |
(a) |
The number of securities to be issued includes options and other awards granted under the following plans: 2007 Equity and Incentive Plan; 1997 Stock Incentive Plan; 1997 Stock Option Plan; 1987 Stock Option Plan and the Directors Deferred Compensation Plan. Each plan other than the 2007 Equity and Incentive Plan was approved by stockholders with respect to an initial allocation of shares. The number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans represents solely shares available for issuance under the 2007 Equity and Incentive Plan. |
(b) |
Includes options and other awards granted under the following plans: 1999 Broad-Based Employee Stock Option Plan; 1997 Employee Stock Plan; 1992 Employee Stock Option Plan; and stand-alone option grants to former officers. The material terms of these plans are set forth under footnote (e) below. Notwithstanding the terms of these plans to the contrary, no option granted under any of these plans provides for a term in excess of 10 years or an exercise price below fair market value as of the date of grant (other than options assumed or replaced in connection with acquisitions). All options granted under these plans have been approved by the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. |
(c) |
Includes options granted under the following plans: Galileo International, Inc. 1999 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan, Trendwest Resorts, Inc. 1997 Employee Stock Option Plan, Cheap Tickets 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, Avis Group Holdings Inc. 1997 Stock Option Plan, and Avis Group Holdings Inc. 2000 Compensation Plan. |
(d) |
Reflects an equitable adjustment of stock options and restricted stock units in connection with the spin-off of PHH Corporation to our stockholders during 2005 and the distributions of Realogy and Wyndham in 2006. Also reflects the one-for-ten reverse stock split completed in September 2006. |
(e) |
Following are the material terms of plans not submitted for stockholder approval: |
1999 Broad-Based Employee Stock Option Plan. This plan provides for the grant of stock options, shares of Common Stock and other awards valued by reference to Common Stock to our employees who are not executive officers. Shares issued pursuant to the exercise of options granted under this plan may be authorized and unissued shares or treasury
33
shares. In the event of any change in corporate capitalization, any reorganization of our company or a similar event, shares subject to outstanding options, the exercise price of outstanding options and the number and type of shares remaining to be made subject to options under this plan may be adjusted or substituted for, as the Compensation Committee or Board may determine. The terms and conditions of options granted under this plan are to be determined by the Compensation Committee, provided that the exercise price of an option may not be less than the fair market value of the shares covered thereby on the date of grant. Each option granted under this plan will become immediately exercisable upon a change-of-control transaction (as defined in the plan). Unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, following termination of employment, options granted under this plan generally will remain exercisable, to the extent exercisable at the time of termination, for one year (two years, in the case of retirement, death or disability).
1997 Employee Stock Plan. This plan provides for the grant of awards of stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock to our employees and affiliates. Shares issued pursuant to awards granted under this plan may be authorized and unissued shares or treasury shares. In the event of any change in corporate capitalization, any reorganization of our company or a similar event, shares subject to outstanding awards, the exercise price of outstanding options and the number and type of shares remaining to be made subject to awards under this plan may be adjusted or substituted for, as the Compensation Committee or Board may determine. The terms and conditions of awards granted under this plan are to be determined by the Compensation Committee, provided that the exercise price of an option may not be less than the fair market value of the shares covered thereby on the date of grant. Under this plan, stock appreciation rights may be granted only in tandem with an option, and will be cancelled to the extent the related option is exercised or cancelled. The vesting of restricted stock awards granted under this plan may be subject to the attainment of predetermined performance goals. Unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, following termination of employment, options and stock appreciation rights granted under this plan generally will remain exercisable, to the extent exercisable at the time of termination, for one year (two years, in the case of retirement, death or disability). Unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, following termination of employment for any reason, shares that are subject to restrictions under a restricted stock award will be immediately forfeited.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
None.
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Performance Graph
The following graph assumes $100 invested on December 31, 2003 and compares (A) the yearly percentage change in our cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock (as measured by dividing (i) the sum of (a) the cumulative amount of dividends, assuming dividend reinvestment, during the five years commencing on the last trading day before January 1, 2004 and ending on December 31, 2008, and (b) the difference between our stock price at the end and the beginning of the periods presented by (ii) the share price at the beginning of the periods presented with (B) the Standard & Poors MidCap 400 Index and the Dow Jones U.S. Transportation Average Index.
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
Among Avis Budget Group, Inc., the S&P Midcap 400 Index
and the Dow Jones US Transportation Average Index
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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
At or For the Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | |||||||||||||||
(In millions, except per share data) | |||||||||||||||||||
Results of Operations |
|||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues |
$ | 5,984 | $ | 5,986 | $ | 5,689 | $ | 5,400 | $ | 4,820 | |||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations |
$ | (1,124 | ) | $ | (947 | ) | $ | (451 | ) | $ | (11 | ) | $ | 71 | |||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax |
- | 31 | (1,479 | ) | 1,637 | 2,020 | |||||||||||||
Cumulative effect of accounting changes, net of tax |
- | - | (64 | ) | (8 | ) | - | ||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | (1,124 | ) | $ | (916 | ) | $ | (1,994 | ) | $ | 1,618 | $ | 2,091 | ||||||
Per Share Data |
|||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Basic |
$ | (11.04 | ) | $ | (9.18 | ) | $ | (4.48 | ) | $ | (0.10 | ) | $ | 0.69 | |||||
Diluted |
(11.04 | ) | (9.18 | ) | (4.48 | ) | (0.10 | ) | 0.67 | ||||||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Basic |
$ | - | $ | 0.30 | $ | (14.71 | ) | $ | 15.74 | $ | 19.60 | ||||||||
Diluted |
- | 0.30 | (14.71 | ) | 15.74 | 18.99 | |||||||||||||
Cumulative effect of accounting changes: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Basic |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | (0.63 | ) | $ | (0.08 | ) | $ | - | |||||||
Diluted |
- | - | (0.63 | ) | (0.08 | ) | - | ||||||||||||
Net income (loss): |
|||||||||||||||||||
Basic |
$ | (11.04 | ) | $ | (8.88 | ) | $ | (19.82 | ) | $ | 15.56 | $ | 20.29 | ||||||
Diluted |
(11.04 | ) | (8.88 | ) | (19.82 | ) | 15.56 | 19.66 | |||||||||||
Cash dividends declared (a) |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 1.10 | $ | 4.00 | $ | 3.20 | |||||||||
Financial Position |
|||||||||||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 11,318 | $ | 12,474 | $ | 13,271 | $ | 34,493 | $ | 42,698 | |||||||||
Assets of discontinued operations |
- | - | - | 20,512 | 29,452 | ||||||||||||||
Assets under vehicle programs |
7,826 | 7,981 | 7,700 | 8,500 | 7,072 | ||||||||||||||
Long-term debt, including current portion |
1,789 | 1,797 | 1,842 | 3,508 | 4,234 | ||||||||||||||
Debt under vehicle programs (b) |
6,034 | 5,596 | 5,270 | 7,909 | 6,727 | ||||||||||||||
Stockholders equity |
93 | 1,465 | 2,443 | 11,342 | 12,464 |
(a) |
Cash dividends declared have been adjusted to reflect the 1-for-10 reverse stock split of our common stock which became effective in September 2006. See Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. |
(b) |
Includes related-party debt due to Avis Budget Rental Car Funding (AESOP), LLC. See Note 17 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. |
In presenting the financial data above in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. See Critical Accounting Policies under Item 7 included elsewhere herein for a detailed discussion of the accounting policies that we believe require subjective and complex judgments that could potentially affect reported results.
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, includes the after tax results of the following disposed businesses for all periods presented (through their dates of disposition): (i) Travelport, which we sold in August 2006, (ii) Realogy and Wyndham, which were spun-off on July 31, 2006, (iii) our former Marketing Services division, which we sold in October 2005, (iv) Wright Express Corporation, which we sold in February 2005, (v) our former mortgage, fleet leasing and appraisal businesses, which were included in the spin-off of PHH Corporation on January 31, 2005, and (vi) Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc., which we sold in June 2004. Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, also includes a tax benefit realized as a result of certain elections
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made in connection with the disposition of Travelport on income tax returns filed during 2007, the after tax losses on the sale of Travelport and the spin-offs of Realogy and Wyndham in 2006, the after tax gains on the sale of our Marketing Services division and Wright Express in 2005, the after tax loss on the spin-off of PHH in 2005, and the after tax gain on the sale of Jackson Hewitt in 2004. See Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for more detailed information regarding these discontinued operations.
During 2008, we recorded a $1,262 million ($1,053 million, net of tax) charge to reflect (i) the impairment of goodwill, (ii) the impairment of the Companys tradenames assets and (iii) the impairment of our investment in Carey Holdings, Inc. These charges reflect the decline in their fair value below their carrying value, primarily as a result of reduced market valuations for vehicle services and other companies, as well as reduced profit forecasts due to soft economic conditions and increased financing costs. In 2007, we recorded a $1,195 million ($1,073 million after tax) charge for the impairment of goodwill at each of our reporting units to reflect the decline in their fair value as evidenced by a decline in the market value of our common stock. See Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. In 2006, we recorded an impairment charge of approximately $1.3 billion within discontinued operations to reflect the difference between Travelports carrying value and its estimated fair value, less costs to dispose. In 2005, we recorded an impairment charge of $425 million within discontinued operations as a result from a decline in future anticipated cash flows of one of Travelports businesses.
During 2008, we recorded $28 million of restructuring charges related to restructuring initiatives within each of our segments. In 2006, we recorded $10 million of restructuring charges related to restructuring initiatives within our Truck Rental and Domestic Car Rental segments. In 2005, we recorded $26 million of restructuring and transaction-related charges as a result of restructuring activities undertaken following the spin-off of PHH Corporation and the initial public offering of Wright Express Corporation. See Note 5 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
During 2008 and 2007, separation-related costs incurred in connection with the spin-offs of Realogy and Wyndham and the sale of Travelport were insignificant. In 2006 and 2005, we incurred separation-related costs of $574 million and $15 million, respectively. These costs consisted primarily of legal, accounting, other professional and consulting fees and various employee costs, and for 2006 included costs associated with the retirement of corporate debt.
In 2006, 2005 and 2004, we incurred $40 million, $35 million and ($28) million, respectively, of litigation and related costs (credits) primarily in connection with the 1998 discovery of accounting irregularities in the former business units of CUC International, Inc. The amount in 2004 includes a $55 million credit recorded in connection with previously established liabilities for severance and other termination benefits for which we no longer believe we are liable. In 2008 and 2007, these costs were immaterial.
In 2006, we recorded a $103 million ($64 million after tax) non-cash charge to reflect the cumulative effect of accounting charges related to (i) real estate time-share transactions at our former Hospitality Services and Timeshare Resorts segment and (ii) stock-based compensation awards. In 2005, we recorded a $14 million ($8 million after tax) non-cash charge to reflect the cumulative effect of accounting change relating to our asset retirement obligation to remove assets at certain leased properties.
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes thereto included elsewhere herein. Unless otherwise noted, all dollar amounts in tables are in millions and those relating to our results of operations are presented before taxes.
We operate two of the most recognized brands in the global vehicle rental industry through Avis Rent A Car System, LLC and Budget Rent A Car System, Inc. We provide car and truck rentals and ancillary services to businesses and consumers in the United States and internationally.
We operate in the following business segments:
| Domestic Car Rentalprovides car rentals and ancillary products and services in the United States. |
| International Car Rentalprovides vehicle rentals and ancillary products and services primarily in Argentina, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. |
| Truck Rentalprovides truck rentals and related services to consumers and light commercial users in the United States. |
Our revenues are derived principally from car and truck rentals in our Company-owned operations and include (i) time and mileage (T&M) fees charged to our customers for vehicle rentals, (ii) reimbursement from our customers for certain operating expenses we incur, including gasoline and vehicle licensing fees, as well as airport concession fees, which we pay in exchange for the right to operate at airports and other locations, and (iii) sales of loss damage waivers and insurance and rentals of navigation units and other items in conjunction with vehicle rentals. We also earn royalty revenue from our franchisees in conjunction with their vehicle rental transactions.
Car rental volumes are closely associated with the travel industry, particularly airline passenger volumes, or enplanements. Because we operate primarily in the United States and generate a significant portion of our revenue from our on-airport operations, we expect that our ability to generate revenue growth will be somewhat dependent on increases in domestic enplanements. We have also experienced significant per-unit fleet cost increases over the last four years, which have negatively impacted our margins. Accordingly, our ability to achieve profit margins consistent with prior periods remains dependent on our ability to successfully manage our fleet costs and to implement corresponding changes in our pricing programs. Our vehicle rental operations are seasonal. Historically, the third quarter of the year has been our strongest quarter due to the increased level of leisure travel and household moving activity. Any circumstance or occurrence that disrupts rental activity during the third quarter could have a disproportionate adverse effect on our results of operations. We have a partially variable cost structure and routinely adjust the size and, therefore, the cost of our rental fleet in response to fluctuations in demand. However, certain expenses, such as rent, are fixed and cannot be reduced in response to seasonal fluctuations in our operations.
We believe that the following trends, among others, may affect and/or have impacted our financial condition and results of operations:
| Domestic enplanements, which declined in 2008 compared to 2007 and, based on airlines announced projected capacity reductions, are expected to decline again in 2009; |
| Rising per-unit car fleet cost and changes in conditions in the used vehicle marketplace; |
| Changes in the financial condition of vehicle manufacturers; |
| Difficulty in achieving sustained pricing increases; |
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| Our expansion in off-airport or local vehicle rentals, including insurance replacement rentals; |
| Increases in borrowing costs for corporate and vehicle-related debt; and |
| Demand for truck rentals, which has been impacted by a decline in household moving activity. |
Many of these trends are the result of the current downturn in the U.S. and worldwide economies and have caused EBITDA for our domestic car rental and truck rental segments for the year ended December 31, 2008 to be significantly lower than for the year ended December 31, 2007. Due to reduced demand for travel services, rising borrowing costs and other factors, there can be no assurance that we will be able to satisfy the minimum EBITDA requirement and other covenants contained in our senior credit facilities, and our asset-backed car rental conduit facilities. Failure to comply with such covenants could significantly impact our liquidity if we were unable to obtain an amendment or waiver or were unable to refinance or obtain a replacement for such facilities. There can also be no assurance that 2008 results will be indicative of results we will achieve in 2009.
We have also been impacted by, and may be further impacted by, the current financial market disruptions as we rely heavily on financing for our operations, particularly asset-backed financing. The amendments we obtained to our senior credit facilities and asset-backed car rental conduit facilities in October and December 2008 amended the pricing, financial covenants and other terms in those facilities. As a result, our borrowing costs under such facilities will increase in 2009 compared to 2008 and the letter of credit availability and borrowing capacity under our senior credit facilities were reduced. These asset-backed car rental conduit facilities mature from September through December of 2009. To the extent we were to require any further amendment or waiver under our senior credit facilities or asset-backed car rental conduit facilities, our borrowing costs would likely increase even further. See Risk FactorsRisks related to our indebtedness.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Discussed below are our consolidated results of operations and the results of operations for each of our reportable segments. Generally accepted accounting principles require us to segregate and report as discontinued operations, for all periods presented, the account balances and activities of Realogy, Wyndham and Travelport.
We measure performance using the following key operating statistics: (i) rental days, which represents the total number of days (or portion thereof) a vehicle was rented, and (ii) T&M revenue per rental day, which represents the average daily revenue we earned from rental and mileage fees charged to our customers. Our car rental operating statistics (rental days and T&M revenue per rental day) are all calculated based on the actual usage of the vehicle during a 24-hour period. We believe that this methodology, while conservative, provides our management with the most relevant statistics in order to manage the business. Our calculation may not be comparable to other companies calculation of similarly-titled statistics.
The reportable segments presented below represent our operating segments for which separate financial information is available and is utilized on a regular basis by our chief operating decision maker to assess performance and to allocate resources. In identifying our reportable segments, we also consider the nature of services provided by our operating segments. Management evaluates the operating results of each of our reportable segments based upon revenue and EBITDA, which we define as income from continuing operations before non-vehicle related depreciation and amortization, any impairment of goodwill, other intangible asset or equity investment, non-vehicle related interest and income taxes. Our presentation of EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures used by other companies.
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Year Ended December 31, 2008 vs. Year Ended December 31, 2007
Our consolidated results of operations comprised the following:
2008 | 2007 | Change | ||||||||||
Net revenues |
$ | 5,984 | $ | 5,986 | $ | (2 | ) | |||||
Total expenses |
7,327 | 6,978 | 349 | |||||||||
Loss before income taxes |
(1,343 | ) | (992 | ) | (351 | ) | ||||||
Benefit from income taxes |
(219 | ) | (45 | ) | (174 | ) | ||||||
Loss from continuing operations |
(1,124 | ) | (947 | ) | (177 | ) | ||||||
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax |
- | (2 | ) | 2 | ||||||||
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax |
- | 33 | (33 | ) | ||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (1,124 | ) | $ | (916 | ) | $ | (208 | ) | |||
During 2008, our net revenues decreased $2 million principally due to a $103 million (2%) decrease in T&M revenue, reflecting a 1% decrease in domestic and international car rental T&M revenue per day and a 7% decrease in our Truck rental T&M revenue per day, offset by a $101 million (8%) increase in ancillary revenues, such as counter sales of insurance products, GPS navigation unit rentals, gasoline sales and fees charged to customers. In addition, the total revenue decrease includes a $7 million favorable effect related to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on the translation of our international operations results into U.S. dollars.
The total expense increase of $349 million (5%) was principally due to (i) a $126 million (8%) increase in vehicle depreciation and lease charges resulting from an increase in per-unit fleet costs, (ii) a $114 million (4%) increase in operating expenses, representing higher gasoline costs (which increased $77 million), vehicle licensing expenses and other items, (iii) a $67 million (6%) increase in impairment charges recorded for the impairment of goodwill, our tradenames asset and our equity investment in Carey Holdings, Inc. (Carey), (iv) $28 million in restructuring costs primarily associated with severance related expenses and costs incurred for closing facilities and (v) the absence of $5 million in net separation related expenses primarily resulting from tax related items. The increase in total expenses includes an adverse impact from foreign currency exchange rates of $7 million, offset by a gain on foreign currency earnings hedges of $7 million. As a result of these items, offset by a $174 million increase in our benefit from income taxes, our loss from continuing operations increased $177 million.
Our effective tax rate for continuing operations was a benefit of 16.3% and 4.5% for 2008 and 2007, respectively. The unusually low tax rate for 2008 and 2007 was primarily due from the non-deductible portion of the impairment charges.
Following is a more detailed discussion of the results of each of our reportable segments:
Revenues | EBITDA (a) | |||||||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | % Change |
2008 | 2007 | % Change |
|||||||||||||||
Domestic Car Rental |
$ | 4,695 | $ | 4,679 | 0 | % | $ | 12 | $ | 265 | (95 | )% | ||||||||
International Car Rental |
904 | 873 | 4 | 141 | 131 | 8 | ||||||||||||||
Truck Rental |
382 | 416 | (8 | ) | (4 | ) | 17 | * | ||||||||||||
Corporate and Other (b) |
3 | 18 | * | (13 | ) | 1 | * | |||||||||||||
Total Company |
$ | 5,984 | $ | 5,986 | 136 | 414 | ||||||||||||||
Less: Non-vehicle related depreciation and amortization |
88 | 84 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense related to corporate debt, net |
129 | 127 | ||||||||||||||||||
Impairment (c) |
1,262 | 1,195 | ||||||||||||||||||
Loss before income taxes |
$ | (1,343 | ) | $ | (992 | ) | ||||||||||||||
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(*) |
Not meaningful. |
(a) |
In 2007, EBITDA reflects separation-related costs (credits) of $5 million in Domestic Car Rental and ($10) million in Corporate and Other. |
(b) |
Includes unallocated corporate overhead and the elimination of transactions between segments. |
(c) |
We recorded a charge of $1,262 million for the impairment of goodwill, our tradenames asset and our investment in Carey during 2008. Domestic Car Rental recorded $882 million of the charge, International Car Rental recorded $275 million, Truck Rental recorded $87 million and Corporate and Other recorded $18 million. During 2007, we recorded a charge of $1,195 million for the impairment of goodwill. Domestic Car Rental recorded $786 million of the goodwill impairment, International Car Rental recorded $268 million and Truck Rental recorded $141 million. |
Domestic Car Rental
Revenues increased $16 million (less than 1%) while EBITDA decreased $253 million (95%) in 2008 compared with 2007. Revenue increased due to growth in ancillary revenues offset by lower car rental pricing. EBITDA margins were negatively impacted year-over-year by lower car rental pricing, increased fleet costs and severance costs.
The revenue increase of $16 million was comprised of a $91 million (9%) increase in ancillary revenues, offset by a $74 million (2%) decrease in T&M revenue. The $91 million increase in ancillary revenues was primarily due to (i) a $48 million increase in rentals of GPS navigation units, our implementation of an energy recovery fee, sales of insurance products and other items, (ii) a $33 million increase in gasoline sales, which was more than offset in EBITDA by $71 million of higher gasoline expense including an unfavorable impact of $31 million from gasoline hedges, and (iii) a $10 million increase in airport concession and vehicle licensing revenues, $6 million of which was offset in EBITDA by higher airport concession and vehicle licensing expenses remitted to airport and other regulatory authorities. The decrease in T&M revenue was principally driven by a 1% decrease in T&M revenue per day, while rental days remained essentially unchanged year-over-year.
The favorable effect of increased revenues was offset in EBITDA by $133 million (10%) of increased fleet depreciation and lease charges resulting from an 11% increase in per-unit fleet costs, while the average size of our domestic rental fleet decreased 1%. EBITDA also reflected a $61 million (2%) increase in operating and selling, general and administrative and other expenses including (i) $23 million of restructuring charges recorded in 2008 primarily due to expenses related to severance and the closure of rental facilities, (ii) $22 million of incremental operating expenses primarily representing inflationary increases in wages and salaries, off-airport rental expense and other costs offset by expense savings from our process improvement and cost-reduction initiatives, and (iii) a $9 million increase in selling, general and administration expense primarily related to higher travel agency commissions, travel incentive programs and other marketing costs.
International Car Rental
Revenues and EBITDA increased $31 million (4%) and $10 million (8%), respectively, in 2008 compared with 2007. Revenue and EBITDA increased primarily due to growth in ancillary revenues and the impact of foreign currency exchange rate movements.
The revenue increase of $31 million was comprised of a $28 million (11%) increase in ancillary revenues and a $3 million increase in car rental T&M revenue. The total growth in revenue includes a $7 million increase related to foreign currency exchange rates, impacting T&M revenue by $6 million and ancillary revenues by $1 million, and was largely offset in EBITDA by the opposite impact of foreign exchange on expenses of $7 million. The $28 million increase in ancillary revenues was primarily due to (i) a $13 million increase in counter sales of insurance, rentals of GPS navigation units and other items, (ii) a $12 million increase in airport concession and vehicle licensing revenues, $4 million of which was offset in EBITDA by higher airport concession and vehicle licensing expense remitted to airport and other regulatory authorities, and (iii) a $3 million increase in gasoline sales, which was more than offset in EBITDA by higher gasoline costs. The increase in T&M revenue was principally driven by a 1% increase in rental days, while T&M revenue per day remained essentially unchanged year-over-year.
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The favorable effect of incremental T&M revenues was offset in EBITDA by $6 million (3%) of increased fleet depreciation and lease charges, reflecting a 2% increase in the average size of our international rental fleet and a 1% increase in per-unit fleet costs. EBITDA also reflects a $6 million (2%) increase in incremental operating expenses including (i) a $9 million increase in salaries and wages, rents and other costs, (ii) a $4 million increase in selling, general and administrative expense related primarily to increased agency operator commissions, marketing and other expenses, and (iii) $3 million of restructuring charges recorded in 2008 for severance related expenses and costs for facility closures. These cost increases were offset by a $3 million reduction in insurance costs due to favorable claims experience and a $7 million gain on our foreign exchange earnings hedges.
Truck Rental
Revenues and EBITDA declined $34 million (8%) and $21 million, respectively, in 2008 compared with 2007.
The revenue decrease was due to a decline of $32 million (10%) in T&M revenue, which reflected a 7% decrease in T&M revenue per day and a 3% decrease in rental days in 2008 compared with 2007. The unfavorable effect of decreased revenue on EBITDA was partially offset by $11 million (9%) less fleet depreciation, lease charges and interest primarily reflecting an increase in the planned service lives of our truck fleet. EBITDA also reflected a decrease of $7 million in operating commission expense primarily as a result of the decrease in T&M revenue, and $2 million of restructuring charges recorded in 2008 for severance related expenses.
Corporate and Other
Revenue and EBITDA declined $15 million and $14 million, respectively, in 2008 compared with 2007.
The revenue decrease was primarily due to a decrease in revenues earned for information technology and other service contracts with Realogy, Wyndham and Travelport as the contracts expire and various services are no longer required. EBITDA decreased primarily due to the absence of a $14 million credit related to tax-related receivables from Realogy and Wyndham, recognized in connection with the adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income, in first quarter 2007.
Year Ended December 31, 2007 vs. Year Ended December 31, 2006
Our consolidated results of operations comprised the following:
2007 | 2006 | Change | ||||||||||
Net revenues |
$ | 5,986 | $ | 5,689 | $ | 297 | ||||||
Total expenses |
6,978 | 6,366 | 612 | |||||||||
Loss before income taxes |
(992 | ) | (677 | ) | (315 | ) | ||||||
Benefit from income taxes |
(45 | ) | (226 | ) | 181 | |||||||
Loss from continuing operations |
(947 | ) | (451 | ) | (496 | ) | ||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax |
(2 | ) | 478 | (480 | ) | |||||||
Gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax |
33 | (1,957 | ) | 1,990 | ||||||||
Cumulative effect of accounting changes, net of tax |
- | (64 | ) | 64 | ||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (916 | ) | $ | (1,994 | ) | $ | 1,078 | ||||
During 2007, our total revenues increased $297 million (5%) driven by our car rental operations, which experienced a 5% increase in T&M revenue, reflecting a 4% increase in rental days and a 1% increase in T&M revenue per day, and a 13% increase in ancillary revenue. The growth in our car rental operations was partially offset by a 7% reduction in truck rental days and an 8% reduction in truck T&M revenue per day. Ancillary revenue growth was primarily driven by increases in airport concession and vehicle licensing revenues, rentals of GPS navigation units, and sales of loss damage waivers and insurance products. In addition, the total revenue
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increase includes $67 million related to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on the translation of our international operations results into U.S. dollars.
Total expenses increased $612 million (10%) due to (i) a $1,195 million charge recorded for the impairment of goodwill at each of our reporting units to reflect the decline in their fair value as evidenced by a decline in the market value of our common stock, (ii) a $146 million (5%) increase in operating expense largely due to the 4% increase in car rental days, (iii) an increase in vehicle depreciation and lease charges of $155 million (11%) resulting from higher per unit vehicle costs and 4% growth in our average car rental fleet and (iv) the adverse impact from foreign exchange currency rates of $56 million. The increase in expenses was offset by decreases principally due to the $313 million charge for early extinguishment of debt incurred during 2006 and a $266 million decrease in separation-related costs. The separation costs related primarily to severance, retention and legal, accounting and other professional fees incurred in connection with the Cendant Separation. We also experienced (i) a $160 million reduction in selling, general and administrative expenses resulting mainly from unallocated corporate expense in 2006 related to the discontinued operations treatment of our former subsidiaries and (ii) $109 million lower interest expense related to corporate debt, resulting from the repayment of approximately $3.5 billion of such debt in third quarter 2006. As a result of these items and a $181 million reduction in our benefit from income taxes, our loss from continuing operations increased $496 million. Our effective tax rate for continuing operations were benefits of 4.5% and 33.4% for 2007 and 2006, respectively. The decrease in our effective tax rate for 2007 was primarily due to the non-deductible portion of the goodwill impairment charge.
Income (loss) from discontinued operations decreased $480 million, which principally reflects the absence of net income generated by Realogy, Wyndham and Travelport prior to the Cendant Separation, which was completed in 2006. The $2 billion increase in gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax primarily represents the loss on disposal of discontinued operations in 2006, partially offset by a tax benefit realized as a result of certain elections made in connection with the Travelport disposition on the income tax returns filed during 2007.
Absent in 2007 were the non-cash charges recorded in 2006 of $103 million ($64 million, after tax) to reflect the cumulative effect of accounting changes as a result of our adoption of (i) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 152, Accounting for Real Estate Time-Sharing Transactions, and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position No. 04-2, Accounting for Real Estate Time-Sharing Transactions on January 1, 2006, which resulted in a non-cash charge of $65 million after tax, and (ii) SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment, on January 1, 2006, which resulted in a non-cash credit of $1 million after tax.
As a result of the above-mentioned items, net loss decreased approximately $1.1 billion.
Following is a more detailed discussion of the results of each of our reportable segments:
Revenues | EBITDA(a) | |||||||||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | % Change |
2007 | 2006 | % Change |
|||||||||||||||
Domestic Car Rental |
$ | 4,679 | $ | 4,395 | 6 | % | $ | 265 | $ | 214 | 24 | % | ||||||||
International Car Rental |
873 | 761 | 15 | 131 | 111 | 18 | ||||||||||||||
Truck Rental |
416 | 472 | (12 | ) | 17 | 45 | (62 | ) | ||||||||||||
Corporate and Other (b) |
18 | 61 | * | 1 | (393 | ) | * | |||||||||||||
Total Company |
$ | 5,986 | $ | 5,689 | 414 | (23 | ) | |||||||||||||
Less: Non-vehicle related depreciation and amortization |
84 | 105 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense related to corporate debt, net (c) |
127 | 549 | ||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill impairment (d) |
1,195 | - | ||||||||||||||||||
Loss before income taxes |
$ | (992 | ) | $ | (677 | ) | ||||||||||||||
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(*) |
Not meaningful. |
(a) |
In 2007, EBITDA reflects separation-related costs (credits) of $5 million in Domestic Car Rental and ($10) million in Corporate and Other. In 2006, EBITDA reflects separation-related costs of $19 million in Domestic Car Rental, $1 million in International Car Rental, $3 million in Truck Rental and $238 million in Corporate and Other. |
(b) |
Includes unallocated corporate overhead, the elimination of transactions between segments and the results of operations of certain non-strategic businesses. In addition, EBITDA for 2006 reflects unallocated corporate expenses related to discontinued operations. Following the completion of the Cendant Separation, we do not incur the majority of such costs. |
(c) |
The amount in 2006 includes a $313 million charge related to the early extinguishment of corporate debt. |
(d) |
We recorded a charge of $1,195 million for the impairment of goodwill during the three months ended December 31, 2007. Domestic Car Rental recorded $786 million of the goodwill impairment, International Car Rental recorded $268 million and Truck Rental recorded $141 million. |
Domestic Car Rental
Revenues and EBITDA increased $284 million (6%) and $51 million (24%), respectively, in 2007 compared with 2006. We experienced increased demand for car rentals and significantly increased our ancillary revenues.
The revenue increase of $284 million was comprised of a $132 million (4%) increase in T&M revenue and a $152 million (19%) increase in ancillary revenues. The increase in T&M revenue was principally driven by a 4% increase in rental days. The $152 million increase in ancillary revenues was due primarily to (i) a $72 million increase in airport concession and vehicle licensing revenues, $20 million of which was offset in EBITDA by higher airport concession and vehicle licensing expenses remitted to airport and other regulatory authorities, (ii) a $69 million increase in rentals of GPS navigation units, sales of loss damage waivers and insurance products and other items, and (iii) an $11 million increase in gasoline sales.
The favorable effect of incremental revenues was offset in EBITDA by $125 million (11%) of increased fleet depreciation and lease charges primarily resulting from increased per-unit fleet costs in 2007 and a 4% increase in average fleet. EBITDA also reflected a $92 million increase in operating expenses including (i) $64 million of additional expenses associated with increased car rental volume and fleet size, primarily related to credit card fees and agency operator commissions and (ii) $29 million of incremental expenses, primarily representing inflationary increases in salaries and wages and off-airport rental expense. We incurred $8 million more vehicle-related interest expense during 2007 compared to 2006, primarily due to the loss of intercompany interest income recorded in 2006 prior to the Cendant Separation. EBITDA also benefited from a $17 million decrease in separation-related costs, primarily related to accelerated vesting of stock-based compensation awards incurred in 2006.
International Car Rental
Revenues and EBITDA increased $112 million (15%) and $20 million (18%), respectively, in 2007 compared with 2006, primarily due to the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, increased car rental pricing and higher demand for car rentals.
The revenue increase of $112 million was comprised of a $73 million (13%) increase in car rental T&M revenue and a $39 million (18%) increase in ancillary revenues. The increase in T&M revenue was principally driven by a 10% increase in T&M revenue per day and a 3% increase in the number of days a car was rented. The total growth in revenue includes a $67 million increase related to the translation of foreign currency exchange rates, which increased T&M revenue per day by 8% and was largely offset in EBITDA by the opposite impact on expenses and provided a net benefit of $8 million year-over-year. The $39 million increase in ancillary revenues was due primarily to (i) a $23 million increase in counter sales of insurance and other items, and (ii) a $13 million increase in airport concession and vehicle licensing revenues, which was more than offset in EBITDA by higher airport concession and vehicle licensing expenses remitted to airport and other regulatory authorities.
The favorable effect of incremental T&M revenues was partially offset in EBITDA by $27 million (15%) of increased fleet depreciation and lease charges principally resulting from an increase of 4% in the average size of
44
our international rental fleet and increased per-unit fleet costs including the effects of foreign exchange movements. EBITDA also reflects $37 million of incremental operating expenses including (i) $22 million in inflationary increases in salaries and wages, rents and other costs, (ii) $11 million in additional expenses associated with increased car rental volume, primarily related to license and registration fees and other vehicle costs, and (iii) $4 million in increased gasoline expenses. We incurred $7 million more interest expense during 2007 than in 2006 due to increased borrowings for international operations and higher interest rates.
Truck Rental
Revenues and EBITDA declined $56 million (12%) and $28 million (62%), respectively, in 2007 compared with 2006, primarily reflecting decreases in rental day volume and T&M revenue per day. EBITDA was also impacted by increased fleet costs.
Substantially all of the revenue decrease was due to a decline in T&M revenue, which reflected a 7% reduction in rental days and an 8% decrease in T&M revenue per day. The 7% reduction in rental days resulted primarily from declines in one-way consumer and commercial volumes, and a 6% reduction in the average size or our rental fleet. We believe these decreases reflect a soft housing market and heightened competition for commercial rentals. Despite the reduction in the average size of our truck rental fleet, we incurred $4 million (4%) of incremental fleet depreciation, interest and lease charges primarily due to higher per-unit fleet costs, including a reduction in expense of $5 million due to a change in projected vehicle hold periods. These items were offset by $22 million in reduced operating expenses, including (i) a decrease of $11 million in operating commission expense primarily reflecting the decrease in T&M revenue, (ii) a $10 million decrease in maintenance and damage costs, and (iii) an $8 million reduction in insurance expense as a result of favorable claims experience and the reduction in rental days. EBITDA also reflected a $5 million reduction in restructuring charges compared to 2006 and a year-over-year reduction of $3 million in costs related to the Cendant Separation.
Corporate and Other
Revenues decreased $43 million and EBITDA increased from a loss of $393 million in 2006 to an income of $1 million in 2007.
Revenues were lower in 2007 due to (i) the absence of $17 million in revenue associated with a credit card marketing program under which we earned fees based on a percentage of credit card spending through the date of the Cendant Separation, (ii) a $16 million decrease in revenues earned for information technology service contracts with Realogy, Wyndham and Travelport as the contracts expire and services are no longer being provided and (iii) a $10 million reduction primarily related to dividend income and gains on the sale of marketable securities in 2006.
EBITDA increased primarily due to (i) a $131 million reduction in selling and general expenses resulting from the spin-offs of Realogy and Wyndham and the sale of Travelport in third quarter 2006, (ii) a $248 million reduction in separation-related expenses, including unallocated corporate costs, (iii) a $40 million reduction in legal fees for litigation related to the former CUC business units and (iv) a $21 million decrease in intercompany interest expense prior to the Cendant Separation.
FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We present separately the financial data of our vehicle programs. These programs are distinct from our other activities as the assets under vehicle programs are generally funded through the issuance of debt that is collateralized by such assets. The income generated by these assets is used, in part, to repay the principal and interest associated with the debt. Cash inflows and outflows relating to the generation or acquisition of such assets and the principal debt repayment or financing of such assets are classified as activities of our vehicle
45
programs. We believe it is appropriate to segregate the financial data of our vehicle programs because, ultimately, the source of repayment of such debt is the realization of such assets.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
December 31, 2008 |
December 31, 2007 |
Change | |||||
Total assets exclusive of assets under vehicle programs |
$3,492 | $4,493 | $(1,001 | ) | |||
Total liabilities exclusive of liabilities under vehicle programs |
3,811 | 3,889 | (78 | ) | |||
Assets under vehicle programs |
7,826 | 7,981 | (155 | ) | |||
Liabilities under vehicle programs |
7,414 | 7,120 | 294 | ||||
Stockholders equity |
93 | 1,465 | (1,372 | ) |
Total assets exclusive of assets under vehicle programs decreased approximately $1.0 billion primarily due to (i) a charge of $1,262 million recorded in 2008 for the impairment to our goodwill, our tradenames asset within our other intangible assets, net and our equity investment in Carey, (ii) a $109 million decrease within other current assets for receivables due from Realogy and Wyndham, (iii) a $39 million decrease in income taxes receivable, (iv) a $36 million decrease in derivatives related to our vehicle debt driven by fluctuations in interest rates, and (v) a $32 million decrease in accounts receivable. These decreases were offset by (i) a $302 million increase in deferred taxes, (ii) a $77 million increase in other non-current assets related to an increase to the tax indemnification receivables from Realogy and Wyndham, (iii) a $48 million increase in other non-current assets and (iv) a $44 million increase in cash and cash equivalents (see Liquidity and Capital ResourcesCash Flows for a detailed discussion).
Total liabilities exclusive of liabilities under vehicle programs decreased $78 million primarily due to decreases of (i) $48 million in accounts payable, (ii) $39 million in tax liabilities for which we are entitled to indemnification from Realogy and Wyndham, (iii) $37 million in accrued payroll related liabilities, which related primarily to the payment of the 2007 annual incentives in first quarter 2008, (iv) $33 million in non-current insurance liabilities, (v) $27 million in advertising and marketing related liabilities and (vi) $15 million in accrued legal settlements. These decreases were partially offset by a net $86 million increase in other non-current liabilities, primarily related to a $68 million increase in tax liabilities for which we are entitled to indemnification from Realogy and Wyndham and a $40 million increase in long-term income taxes payable.
Assets under vehicle programs decreased $155 million primarily due to (i) a $310 million decrease in our net vehicles primarily due to the effect of foreign currency translations and (ii) a $113 million decrease in our Investment in Avis Budget Rental Car Funding (AESOP) LLC primarily due to mark-to-market losses on derivatives. These decreases were partially offset by a $257 million increase in receivables for vehicles sold.
Liabilities under vehicle programs increased $294 million, reflecting $438 million in additional borrowings, offset by an $86 million decrease in invoices from manufacturers for vehicles received. See Liquidity and Capital ResourcesDebt and Financing Arrangements for a detailed account of the change in our debt related to vehicle programs.
Stockholders equity decreased approximately $1.4 billion primarily due to (i) a net loss of $1,124 million, (ii) a $226 million decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income primarily as a result of currency translation adjustments, unrealized losses on interest rate hedges and the decrease in the fair value of our pension plan assets and (iii) the repurchase of approximately $33 million of our common stock.
46
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our principal sources of liquidity are cash on hand and our ability to generate cash through operations and financing activities, as well as available funding arrangements and committed credit facilities, each of which is discussed below.
CASH FLOWS
At December 31, 2008, we had $258 million of cash on hand, an increase of $44 million from $214 million at December 31, 2007. The following table summarizes such increase:
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | Change | ||||||||||
Cash provided by (used in): |
||||||||||||
Operating activities |
$ | 1,704 | $ | 1,714 | $ | (10 | ) | |||||
Investing activities |
(2,096 | ) | (1,917 | ) | (179 | ) | ||||||
Financing activities |
463 | 239 | 224 | |||||||||
Effects of exchange rate changes |
(27 | ) | 6 | (33 | ) | |||||||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 44 | $ | 42 | $ | 2 | ||||||
During 2008, we generated $10 million less cash from operating activities in comparison to 2007. This change principally reflected (i) a decrease in operating results in 2008 primarily due to higher expenses than those incurred in 2007 and (ii) a decrease in tax related items, offset by a reduced use of cash for working capital requirements during the year.
We used $179 million more cash in investing activities during 2008 compared with 2007. This change primarily reflects the activities of our vehicle programs, which used approximately $169 million more cash primarily due to the reduction in proceeds received on disposition of vehicles resulting from a reduction in vehicle dispositions. Additionally, there was $77 million of incremental spending for acquisitions of vehicle rental franchises during 2008, offset by the cash used in 2007 for our equity investment in Carey. During 2009, we expect to utilize at least $4.6 billion of cash to purchase rental vehicles, which will primarily be funded with proceeds received on the sale of rental vehicles to manufacturers under repurchase and guaranteed depreciation agreements or in the used vehicle market and our borrowings under our vehicle-backed debt programs. We anticipate aggregate capital expenditures will approximate $75 million in 2009.
We generated $224 million more cash from financing activities during 2008 compared to 2007. This change primarily reflects (i) a $299 million net increase in cash provided under our vehicle programs financing activities primarily due to reduced principal payments required on our vehicle-backed debt and (ii) a $35 million decrease in debt principal payments related to our corporate borrowings in 2008. These reductions in cash outflows were partially offset by an $83 million net increase in cash utilized for the repurchases of common stock during 2008 versus cash received in 2007 for common stock issuances.
DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
At December 31, 2008, we had approximately $7.8 billion of indebtedness (including corporate indebtedness of approximately $1.8 billion and debt under vehicle programs of approximately $6.0 billion).
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Corporate indebtedness consisted of:
Maturity Date |
As of December 31, 2008 |
As of December 31, 2007 |
Change | |||||||||
Floating rate term loan (a) (b) |
April 2012 | $ | 787 | $ | 796 | $ | (9 | ) | ||||
Floating rate notes (a) |
May 2014 | 250 | 250 | - | ||||||||
7 5/8% notes (a) |
May 2014 | 375 | 375 | - | ||||||||
7 3/4% notes (a) |
May 2016 | 375 | 375 | - | ||||||||
1,787 | 1,796 | (9 | ) | |||||||||
Other |
2 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||
$ | 1,789 | $ | 1,797 | $ | (8 | ) | ||||||
(a) |
In connection with the Separation, Avis Budget Car Rental borrowed $1,875 million in April 2006, which consisted of (i) $1 billion of unsecured fixed and floating rate notes and (ii) an $875 million secured floating rate term loan under our senior credit facilities. During December 2008, we amended this facility to change the financial covenants, interest rate spreads and restrictions on certain activities. As of December 31, 2008 the floating rate term loan and floating rate notes bear interest at three month LIBOR plus 375 basis points and three month LIBOR plus 250 basis points, respectively. We use various hedging strategies, including derivative instruments, to manage a portion of the risks associated with our floating rate debt. |
(b) |
Our senior credit facilities are secured by pledges of all of the capital stock of substantially all of our direct or indirect domestic subsidiaries and up to 66% of the capital stock of each direct foreign subsidiary, subject to certain exceptions, and liens on substantially all of our intellectual property and certain other real and personal property. |
The following table summarizes the components of our debt under vehicle programs (including related party debt due to Avis Budget Rental Car Funding (AESOP) LLC (Avis Budget Rental Car Funding)):
As of December 31, 2008 |
As of December 31, 2007 |
Change | ||||||||
Debt due to Avis Budget Rental Car Funding (a) |
$ | 5,142 | $ | 4,646 | $ | 496 | ||||
Budget Truck financing: |
||||||||||
Budget Truck Funding program (b) |
316 | 246 | 70 | |||||||
Capital leases |
126 | 204 | (78 | ) | ||||||
Other (c) |
450 | 500 | (50 | ) | ||||||
$ | 6,034 | $ | 5,596 | $ | 438 | |||||
(a) |
As of December 31, 2008, the principal sources of the $5.1 billion of debt are $4.8 billion of third party debt issued by Avis Budget Rental Car Funding, $85 million of our equity investment in Avis Budget Rental Car Funding and $215 million of interest rate derivative hedges. The increase principally reflects $468 million of incremental borrowings under our various debt arrangements to support the acquisition of rental vehicles within our Domestic Car Rental operations. |
(b) |
The increase primarily reflects incremental borrowings under our conduit facility to support the acquisition of rental vehicles within our Budget Truck rental fleet. |
(c) |
The decrease primarily reflects the effect of foreign currency exchange movements. |
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The following table provides the contractual maturities for our corporate debt and our debt under vehicle programs (including related party debt due to Avis Budget Rental Car Funding) at December 31, 2008:
Corporate Debt |
Debt under Vehicle Programs | |||||
Due in 2009 |
$ | 10 | $ | 2,263 | ||
Due in 2010 |
9 | 1,389 | ||||
Due in 2011 |
9 | 974 | ||||
Due in 2012 |
761 | 1,108 | ||||
Due in 2013 |
- | - | ||||
Thereafter |
1,000 | 300 | ||||
$ | 1,789 | $ | 6,034 | |||
At December 31, 2008, we had approximately $1.5 billion of available funding under our various financing arrangements (comprised of approximately $340 million of availability at the corporate level and approximately $1.1 billion available for use in our vehicle programs). As of December 31, 2008, the committed credit facilities available to us and/or our subsidiaries at the corporate or Avis Budget Car Rental level included:
Total Capacity |
Outstanding Borrowings |
Letters of Credit Issued |
Available Capacity | |||||||||
Revolving credit facility (a) |
$ | 1,150 | $ | - | $ | 816 | $ | 334 | ||||
Letter of credit facility (b) |
228 | - | 224 | 4 |
(a) |
This secured revolving credit facility was entered into by Avis Budget Car Rental in April 2006 and amended in December 2008, has a five year term and as of December 31, 2008 bears interest of LIBOR plus 400 basis points. The floating rate term loan and our revolving credit facility are secured by pledges of all of the capital stock of all of the Companys direct or indirect domestic subsidiaries and up to 66% of the capital stock of each direct foreign subsidiary, subject to certain exceptions, and liens on substantially all of the Companys intellectual property and certain other real and personal property. |
(b) |
Final maturity date is July 2010. |
The following table presents available funding under our debt arrangements related to our vehicle programs at December 31, 2008:
Total Capacity (a) |
Outstanding Borrowings |
Available Capacity | |||||||
Debt due to Avis Budget Rental Car Funding (b) |
$ | 5,967 | $ | 5,142 | $ | 825 | |||
Budget Truck Financing: |
|||||||||
Budget Truck Funding program (c) |
316 | 316 | - | ||||||
Capital leases (d) |
126 | 126 | - | ||||||
Other (e) |
761 | 450 | 311 | ||||||
$ | 7,170 | $ | 6,034 | $ | 1,136 | ||||
(a) |
Capacity is subject to maintaining sufficient assets to collateralize debt. |
(b) |
The outstanding debt is collateralized by approximately $6.6 billion of underlying vehicles and related assets. |
(c) |
The outstanding debt is collateralized by $334 million of underlying vehicles and related assets. |
(d) |
These capital leases are collateralized by $144 million of underlying vehicles. |
(e) |
The outstanding debt is collateralized by $869 million of vehicles and related assets. |
The significant terms for our outstanding debt instruments, credit facilities and available funding arrangements as of December 31, 2008 can be found in Notes 16 and 17 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
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LIQUIDITY RISK
Our primary liquidity needs include the payment of operating expenses, servicing of corporate and vehicle related debt and procurement of rental vehicles to be used in our operations. Our primary sources of funding are operating revenue, cash received upon sale of vehicles, borrowings under our vehicle-backed borrowing arrangements and our revolving credit facility.
Our liquidity position has been and may be further negatively affected by the current financial market disruptions and the current downturn in the U.S. and worldwide economies, which have resulted in and may result in further unfavorable conditions in the vehicle rental industry, in the asset backed financing market, and in the credit markets generally. These factors have contributed to and could further contribute to changes in the debt ratings assigned to us by credit rating agencies and the cost of our borrowings. Additionally, the downturn in the U.S. economy and the disruption in the credit markets could further impact our liquidity due to (i) decreased demand and pricing for vehicles in the used vehicle market, (ii) increased costs associated with, and/or reduced capacity or increased collateral needs under, our financings, such as the increased costs, including additional collateral requirements, incurred in connection with recent amendments to our asset-backed conduit facilities and increased costs and decreased capacity that resulted from recent amendments to our senior credit facilities, (iii) the adverse impact of any of the vehicle manufacturers, including General Motors Corporation, Ford Motor Company, Hyundai Motor America, Kia Motors America or Chrysler LLC being unable or unwilling to honor its obligations to repurchase or guarantee the depreciation on the related program vehicles, (iv) any potential disruption to our ability to obtain financing due to negative credit events specific to us or affecting the overall debt market, including our ability to renew or replace our asset-backed car rental conduit facilities as they mature in 2009, (v) the impact of an actual or potential default by any of the financial guaranty firms that have insured a portion of our outstanding vehicle-backed debt and (vi) the effect of any of Realogy, Wyndham or Travelport being unable or unwilling to honor its obligations under the Separation Agreement. Our liquidity position also may be negatively affected if we are unable to remain in compliance with the financial and other covenants associated with our senior credit facilities and other borrowings. The indenture governing our senior unsecured notes prohibits us from incurring additional debt, subject to certain exceptions. We are currently unable to rely on the exception which requires compliance with an interest coverage ratio. See Risk FactorsRisks related to our indebtedness.
As of December 31, 2008, we were not aware of any instances of non-compliance with the financial covenants under our debt facilities.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The following table summarizes our future contractual obligations as of December 31, 2008:
2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | Thereafter | Total | |||||||||||||||
Long-term debt, including current portion (a) |
$ | 10 | $ | 9 | $ | 9 | $ | 761 | $ | - | $ | 1,000 | $ | 1,789 | |||||||
Debt under vehicle programs (b) |
2,263 | 1,389 | 974 | 1,108 | - | 300 | 6,034 | ||||||||||||||
Debt interest |
430 | 282 | 226 | 120 | 75 | 87 | 1,220 | ||||||||||||||
Operating leases (c) |
401 | 294 | 234 | 196 | 143 | 642 | 1,910 | ||||||||||||||
Commitments to purchase vehicles (d) |
4,561 | - | - | - | - | - | 4,561 | ||||||||||||||
Tax obligations (e) |
- | 480 | - | - | - | - | 480 | ||||||||||||||
Other purchase commitments (f) |
40 | - | - | - | - | - | 40 | ||||||||||||||
$ | 7,705 | $ | 2,454 | $ | 1,443 | $ | 2,185 | $ | 218 | $ | 2,029 | $ | 16,034 | ||||||||
(a) |
Consists primarily of borrowings of Avis Budget Car Rental including $1.0 billion of fixed and floating rate senior notes and $789 million outstanding under a secured floating rate term loan. |
(b) |
Represents debt under vehicle programs (including related party debt due to Avis Budget Rental Car Funding), which was issued to support the purchase of vehicles. |
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(c) |
Operating lease obligations are presented net of sublease rentals to be received (see Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements). |
(d) |
Represents commitments to purchase vehicles, the majority of which are from General Motors Corporation, Ford Motor Company, Hyundai Motor America or Chrysler LLC. These commitments are subject to the vehicle manufacturers satisfying their obligations under the repurchase and guaranteed depreciation agreements. The purchase of such vehicles is financed through the issuance of debt under vehicle programs in addition to cash received upon the sale of vehicles, many of which are under repurchase and guaranteed depreciation programs (see Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements). |
(e) |
Primarily represents income tax uncertainties related to FIN 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxesan interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, substantially all of which are subject to indemnification by Realogy and Wyndham. |
(f) |
Primarily represents commitments under service contracts for information technology and telecommunications. |
For more information regarding guarantees and indemnifications, see Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Critical Accounting Policies
In presenting our financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported therein. Several of the estimates and assumptions we are required to make relate to matters that are inherently uncertain as they pertain to future events and/or events that are outside of our control. If there is a significant unfavorable change to current conditions, it could result in a material adverse impact to our consolidated results of operations, financial position and liquidity. We believe that the estimates and assumptions we used when preparing our financial statements were the most appropriate at that time. Presented below are those accounting policies that we believe require subjective and complex judgments that could potentially affect reported results. However, our businesses operate in environments where we are paid a fee for a service performed, and therefore the results of the majority of our recurring operations are recorded in our financial statements using accounting policies that are not particularly subjective, nor complex.
Goodwill and Other Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets. We have reviewed the carrying value of our goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets as required by Statements of Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. In performing this review, we are required to make an assessment of fair value for our goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets. When determining fair value, we utilize various assumptions, including the fair market trading price of our common stock and managements projections of future cash flows. A change in these underlying assumptions will cause a change in the results of the tests and, as such, could cause the fair value to be less than the respective carrying amount. In such event, we would then be required to record a charge, which would impact earnings. We review the carrying value of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred.
Our goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are allocated among three reporting units. During 2008, a $1,262 million ($1,053 million, net of tax) charge was recorded to reflect (i) the impairment of goodwill, (ii) the impairment of our tradenames assets and (iii) the impairment of our investment in Carey. These charges reflect the decline in their fair value below their carrying value, primarily as a result of reduced market valuations for vehicle services and other companies, as well as reduced profit forecasts due to soft economic conditions and increased financing costs. Domestic Car Rental operations recorded $882 million and International Car Rental recorded $275 million, for goodwill and tradename impairment, Truck Rental recorded $87 million for goodwill impairment and Corporate and Other recorded $18 million for the charge related to our investment in Carey. The aggregate carrying value of our goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets was approximately $75 million and $402 million, respectively, at December 31, 2008.
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Vehicles. We present vehicles at cost, net of accumulated depreciation on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We record the initial cost of the vehicle net of incentives and allowances from manufactures. We acquire our rental vehicles either through repurchase and guaranteed depreciation programs with certain automobile manufacturers or outside of such programs. For rental vehicles purchased under such programs, we depreciate the vehicles such that the net book value on the date of sale or return to the manufacturers is intended to equal the contractual guaranteed residual values. For vehicles acquired outside of manufacturer repurchase and guaranteed depreciation programs, we depreciate based on the vehicles estimated residual market values and their expected dates of disposition. See Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income Taxes. We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
We record net deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent results of operations. In the event we were to determine that we would be able to realize deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the valuation allowance which would reduce the provision for income taxes. Currently the Company does not record valuation allowances on the majority of its tax loss carryforwards as there are adequate deferred tax liabilities that could be realized within the carryforward period.
See Notes 2 and 10 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding income taxes.
Financial Instruments. We estimate fair values for each of our financial instruments, including derivative instruments. Most of these financial instruments are not publicly traded on an organized exchange. In the absence of quoted market prices, we must develop an estimate of fair value using dealer quotes, present value cash flow models, option pricing models or other conventional valuation methods, as appropriate. The use of these fair value techniques involves significant judgments and assumptions, including estimates of future interest rate levels based on interest rate yield curves, credit spreads of the Company and counterparties, volatility factors, and an estimation of the timing of future cash flows. The use of different assumptions may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts recorded in the financial statements, which are disclosed in Note 22 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition, hedge accounting requires that at the beginning of each hedge period, we justify an expectation that the relationship between the changes in fair value of derivatives designated as hedges compared to changes in the fair value of the underlying hedged items will be highly effective. This effectiveness assessment, which is performed at least quarterly, involves an estimation of changes in fair value resulting from changes in interest rates, as well as the probability of the occurrence of transactions for cash flow hedges. The use of different assumptions and changing market conditions may impact the results of the effectiveness assessment and ultimately the timing of when changes in derivative fair values and the underlying hedged items are recorded in earnings. See Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk for a discussion of the effect of hypothetical changes to these assumptions.
Public Liability, Property Damage and Other Insurance Liabilities, Net. Insurance liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets include additional liability insurance, personal effects protection insurance, public liability, property damage and personal accident insurance claims for which we are self-insured. We estimate the required liability of such claims on an undiscounted basis utilizing an actuarial method that is based upon various assumptions which include, but are not limited to, our historical loss experience and projected loss development factors. The required liability is also subject to adjustment in the future based upon changes in claims experience, including changes in the number of incidents and changes in the ultimate cost per incident.
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Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
During 2008, we adopted the following standards as a result of the issuance of new accounting pronouncements:
| SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements |
| FASB Staff Position FAS 157-1, Application of SFAS No. 157 to SFAS No. 13 and its Related Interpretative Accounting Pronouncements that Address Leasing Transactions |
| FASB Staff Position FAS 157-2, Effective Date of SFAS 157 |
| FASB Staff Position FAS 157-3 Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active |
| SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial LiabilitiesIncluding an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 |
| FASB Staff Position SFAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4, Disclosures about Credit Derivatives and Certain Guarantees: An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 and FASB Interpretation No. 45; and Clarification of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 161 |
| FASB Staff Position FAS 140-4 and FIN 46(R)-8, Disclosures by Public Entities (Enterprises) about Transfers of Financial Assets and Interests in Variable Interest Entities |
We adopted the following recently issued accounting pronouncements effective January 1, 2009:
| SFAS No. 141(R), Business Combinations |
| SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statementsan amendment of ARB No. 51 |
| SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activitiesan amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 |
| FASB Staff Position FAS 132(R)-1, Employers Disclosure about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets |
| FASB Staff Position FAS 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets |
| Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 08-6, Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations |
For detailed information regarding these pronouncements and the impact thereof on our business, see Notes 1 and 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We use various financial instruments, particularly swap contracts, futures and options contracts, to manage and reduce the interest rate risk related specifically to our debt. Foreign currency forwards are also used to manage and reduce the foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with our foreign currency denominated receivables and forecasted royalties, forecasted earnings of foreign subsidiaries and other transactions. We also use derivative commodity instruments to manage and reduce the risk of changing unleaded gasoline prices.
We are exclusively an end user of these instruments, which are commonly referred to as derivatives. We do not engage in trading, market-making or other speculative activities in the derivatives markets. More detailed information about these financial instruments is provided in Note 22 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Our principal market exposures are interest and foreign currency rate risks.
| Our primary interest rate exposure at December 31, 2008 was to interest rate fluctuations in the United States, specifically LIBOR and commercial paper interest rates due to their impact on variable rate borrowings and other interest rate sensitive liabilities. We anticipate that LIBOR and commercial paper rates will remain a primary market risk exposure for the foreseeable future. |
53
| We have foreign currency rate exposure to exchange rate fluctuations worldwide and particularly with respect to the Australian dollar, British pound, Canadian dollar and the New Zealand dollar. We anticipate that such foreign currency exchange rate risk will remain a market risk exposure for the foreseeable future. |
| We have commodity price exposure related to fluctuations in the price of unleaded gasoline. We anticipate that such commodity risk will remain a market risk exposure for the foreseeable future. |
We assess our market risk based on changes in interest and foreign currency exchange rates utilizing a sensitivity analysis. The sensitivity analysis measures the potential impact in earnings, fair values and cash flows based on a hypothetical 10% change (increase and decrease) in interest and currency rates.
We use a duration-based model in determining the impact of interest rate shifts on our debt portfolio and interest rate derivative portfolios. The primary assumption used in this model is that a 10% increase or decrease in the benchmark interest rate produces a parallel shift in the yield curve across all maturities.
Our total market risk is influenced by a wide variety of factors including the volatility present within the markets and the liquidity of the markets. There are certain limitations inherent in the sensitivity analyses presented. While probably the most meaningful analysis, these shock tests are constrained by several factors, including the necessity to conduct the analysis based on a single point in time and the inability to include the complex market reactions that normally would arise from the market shifts modeled.
We used December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 market rates on outstanding financial instruments to perform the sensitivity analyses separately for each of our market risk exposures. The estimates are based on the market risk sensitive portfolios described in the preceding paragraphs and assume instantaneous, parallel shifts in interest rate yield curves and exchange rates.
We have determined that the impact of a 10% change in interest rates exposure would not have a material impact on our operating income, fair values and cash flows. We have determined that the impact of a 10% change in foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices on our earnings, fair values and cash flows would not be material. While these results may be used as benchmarks, they should not be viewed as forecasts.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
See Consolidated Financial Statements and Consolidated Financial Statement Index commencing on Page F-1 hereof.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None. |
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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) | Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective. |
(b) | Managements Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment, our management believes that, as of December 31, 2008, our internal control over financial reporting is effective. Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting, which is included below. |
(c) | Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There have not been any changes in the Companys internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the Companys fiscal fourth quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting. |
55
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Avis Budget Group, Inc.
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Avis Budget Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Companys management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Companys internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the companys principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the companys board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on the criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2008 of the Company and our report dated February 26, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedule and included an explanatory paragraph relating to the Companys adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxesan interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, on January 1, 2007.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
New York, New York
February 26, 2009
56
ITEM 9B. | OTHER INFORMATION |
None.
ITEM | 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE |
The information contained in the Companys Annual Proxy Statement under the sections titled Board of Directors, Executive Officers, Corporate Governance and Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance is incorporated herein by reference in response to this item.
ITEM | 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
The information contained in the Companys Annual Proxy Statement under the section titled Executive Compensation is incorporated herein by reference in response to this item.
ITEM 12. | SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS |
The information contained in the Companys Annual Proxy Statement under the section titled Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management is incorporated herein by reference in response to this item.
Information concerning our equity compensation plans is included in Part II of this report under the caption Securities Authorized For Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans.
ITEM 13. | CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE |
The information contained in the Companys Annual Proxy Statement under the section titled Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Board of Directors is incorporated herein by reference in response to this item.
ITEM 14. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES |
The information contained in the Companys Annual Proxy Statement under the section titled Ratification of Appointment of Auditors is incorporated herein by reference in response to this item.
ITEM 15. | EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES |
ITEM 15(A)(1) | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
See Consolidated Financial Statements and Consolidated Financial Statements Index commencing on page F-1 hereof.
ITEM 15(A)(2) | FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES |
See Schedule IIValuation and Qualifying Account for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 commencing on page G-1 hereof.
ITEM 15(A)(3) | EXHIBITS |
See Exhibit Index commencing on page H-1 hereof.
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Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
AVIS BUDGET GROUP, INC. | ||
By: |
/s/ BRETT D. WEINBLATT | |
Brett D. Weinblatt | ||
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer | ||
Date: February 26, 2009 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature |
Title |
Date | ||
/s/ RONALD L. NELSON (Ronald L. Nelson) |
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Director | February 26, 2009 | ||
/s/ F. ROBERT SALERNO (F. Robert Salerno) |
President, Chief Operating Officer and Director | February 26, 2009 | ||
/s/ DAVID B. WYSHNER (David B. Wyshner) |
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | February 26, 2009 | ||
/s/ BRETT D.WEINBLATT (Brett D.Weinblatt) |
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer | February 26, 2009 | ||
/s/ MARY C. CHOKSI (Mary C. Choksi) |
Director | February 26, 2009 | ||
/s/ LEONARD S. COLEMAN, JR. (Leonard S. Coleman, Jr.) |
Director | February 26, 2009 | ||
/s/ MARTIN L. EDELMAN (Martin L. Edelman) |
Director | February 26, 2009 | ||
/s/ JOHN D. HARDY, JR. (John D. Hardy, Jr.) |
Director | February 26, 2009 | ||
/s/ LYNN KROMINGA (Lynn Krominga) |
Director | February 26, 2009 | ||
/s/ EDUARDO G. MESTRE (Eduardo G. Mestre) |
Director | February 26, 2009 | ||
/s/ STENDER E. SWEENEY (Stender E. Sweeney) |
Director | February 26, 2009 |
58
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Avis Budget Group, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Avis Budget Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxesan interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, on January 1, 2007.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Companys internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on the criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 26, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
/S/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
New York, New York
February 26, 2009
F-2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions, except per share data)
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||
Revenues |
||||||||||||
Vehicle rental |
$ | 4,564 | $ | 4,667 | $ | 4,519 | ||||||
Other |
1,420 | 1,319 | 1,170 | |||||||||
Net revenues |
5,984 | 5,986 | 5,689 | |||||||||
Expenses |
||||||||||||
Operating |
3,147 | 3,033 | 2,887 | |||||||||
Vehicle depreciation and lease charges, net |
1,697 | 1,571 | 1,416 | |||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
655 | 658 | 818 | |||||||||
Vehicle interest, net |
321 | 315 | 320 | |||||||||
Non-vehicle related depreciation and amortization |
88 | 84 | 105 | |||||||||
Interest expense related to corporate debt, net: |
||||||||||||
Interest expense |
129 | 127 | 236 | |||||||||
Early extinguishment of debt |
- | - | 313 | |||||||||
Separation costs, net |
- | (5 | ) | 261 | ||||||||
Restructuring charges |
28 | - | 10 | |||||||||
Impairment |
1,262 | 1,195 | - | |||||||||
Total expenses |
7,327 | 6,978 | 6,366 | |||||||||
Loss before income taxes |
(1,343 | ) | (992 | ) | (677 | ) | ||||||
Benefit from income taxes |
(219 | ) | (45 | ) | (226 | ) | ||||||
Loss from continuing operations |
(1,124 | ) | (947 | ) | (451 | ) | ||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax |
- | (2 | ) | 478 | ||||||||
Gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax |
- | 33 | (1,957 | ) | ||||||||
Loss before cumulative effect of accounting changes |
(1,124 | ) | (916 | ) | (1,930 | ) | ||||||
Cumulative effect of accounting changes, net of tax |
- | - | (64 | ) | ||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (1,124 | ) | $ | (916 | ) | $ | (1,994 | ) | |||
Earnings (loss) per share, basic and diluted: |
||||||||||||
Loss from continuing operations |
$ | (11.04 | ) | $ | (9.18 | ) | $ | (4.48 | ) | |||
Net loss |
(11.04 | ) | (8.88 | ) | (19.82 | ) |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-3
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except share data)
December 31, | ||||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 258 | $ | 214 | ||||
Receivables (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $17 and $19) |
360 | 392 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
75 | 42 | ||||||
Other current assets |
380 | 570 | ||||||
Total current assets |
1,073 | 1,218 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net |
485 | 500 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
503 | 234 | ||||||
Goodwill |
75 | 1,000 | ||||||
Other intangibles, net |
467 | 760 | ||||||
Other non-current assets |
889 | 781 | ||||||
Total assets exclusive of assets under vehicle programs |
3,492 | 4,493 | ||||||
Assets under vehicle programs: |
||||||||
Program cash |
12 | 1 | ||||||
Vehicles, net |
7,164 | 7,474 | ||||||
Receivables from vehicle manufacturers and other |
533 | 276 | ||||||
Investment in Avis Budget Rental Car Funding (AESOP) LLCrelated party |
117 | 230 | ||||||
7,826 | 7,981 | |||||||
Total assets |
$ | 11,318 | $ | 12,474 | ||||
Liabilities and stockholders equity |
||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||
Accounts payable and other current liabilities |
$ | 901 | $ | 1,094 | ||||
Current portion of long-term debt |
10 | 10 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
911 | 1,104 | ||||||
Long-term debt |
1,779 | 1,787 | ||||||
Other non-current liabilities |
1,121 | 998 | ||||||
Total liabilities exclusive of liabilities under vehicle programs |
3,811 | 3,889 | ||||||
Liabilities under vehicle programs: |
||||||||
Debt |
892 | 950 | ||||||
Debt due to Avis Budget Rental Car Funding (AESOP) LLCrelated party |
5,142 | 4,646 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
1,188 | 1,246 | ||||||
Other |
192 | 278 | ||||||
7,414 | 7,120 | |||||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 18) |
||||||||
Stockholders equity: |
||||||||
Preferred stock, $.01 par valueauthorized 10 million shares; none issued and outstanding |
- | - | ||||||
Common stock, $.01 par valueauthorized 250 million shares; issued 136,812,802 and 136,706,236 shares |
1 | 1 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
9,197 | 9,320 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(2,644 | ) | (1,520 | ) | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |
(194 | ) | 32 | |||||
Treasury stock, at cost35,030,086 and 32,719,985 shares |
(6,267 | ) | (6,368 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders equity |
93 | 1,465 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
$ | 11,318 | $ | 12,474 | ||||
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||
Operating Activities |
||||||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (1,124 | ) | $ | (916 | ) | $ | (1,994 | ) | |||
Adjustments to arrive at loss from continuing operations |
_ | (31 | ) | 1,543 | ||||||||
Loss from continuing operations |
(1,124 | ) | (947 | ) | (451 | ) | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile loss from continuing operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities exclusive of vehicle programs: |
||||||||||||
Non-vehicle related depreciation and amortization |
88 | 84 | 105 | |||||||||
Deferred income taxes |
(241 | ) | (57 | ) | (200 | ) | ||||||
Impairment |
1,262 | 1,195 | _ | |||||||||
Net change in assets and liabilities, excluding the impact of acquisitions and dispositions: |
||||||||||||
Receivables |
50 | (6 | ) | (33 | ) | |||||||
Income taxes |
7 | 38 | (301 | ) | ||||||||
Accounts payable and other current liabilities |
(40 | ) | (120 | ) | (87 | ) | ||||||
Other, net |
63 | (38 | ) | (143 | ) | |||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities exclusive of vehicle programs |
65 | 149 | (1,110 | ) | ||||||||
Vehicle programs: |
||||||||||||
Vehicle depreciation |
1,639 | 1,565 | 1,362 | |||||||||
1,639 | 1,565 | 1,362 | ||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
1,704 | 1,714 | 252 | |||||||||
Investing activities |
||||||||||||
Property and equipment additions |
(83 | ) | (94 | ) | (95 | ) | ||||||
Net assets acquired (net of cash acquired) and acquisition-related payments |
(88 | ) | (11 | ) | (118 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds received on asset sales |
17 | 19 | 25 | |||||||||
Proceeds from sale of investment |
_ | 106 | _ | |||||||||
Payments made to Realogy and Wyndham, net |
(3 | ) | (108 | ) | _ | |||||||
Purchase of equity investment |
_ | (60 | ) | _ | ||||||||
Other, net |
(14 | ) | (13 | ) | 4 | |||||||
Net cash used in investing activities exclusive of vehicle programs |
(171 | ) | (161 | ) | (184 | ) | ||||||
Vehicle programs: |
||||||||||||
Decrease (increase) in program cash |
(11 | ) | 13 | 1 | ||||||||
Investment in vehicles |
(8,608 | ) | (10,633 | ) | (11,348 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds received on disposition of vehicles |
6,722 | 8,864 | 10,790 | |||||||||
Other, net |
(28 | ) | _ | (12 | ) | |||||||
(1,925 | ) | (1,756 | ) | (569 | ) | |||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(2,096 | ) | (1,917 | ) | (753 | ) | ||||||
F-5
Avis Budget Group, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(In millions)
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||
Financing activities |
||||||||||||
Proceeds from borrowings |
_ | _ | 1,875 | |||||||||
Principal payments on borrowings |
(10 | ) | (45 | ) | (3,603 | ) | ||||||
Issuances of common stock |
_ | 50 | 46 | |||||||||
Repurchases of common stock |
(33 | ) | _ | (243 | ) | |||||||
Payment of dividends |
_ | _ | (113 | ) | ||||||||
Other, net |
(28 | ) | (1 | ) | (38 | ) | ||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities exclusive of vehicle programs |
(71 | ) | 4 | (2,076 | ) | |||||||
Vehicle programs: |
||||||||||||
Proceeds from borrowings |
8,476 | 10,565 | 10,979 | |||||||||
Principal payments on borrowings |
(8,060 | ) | (10,236 | ) | (13,310 | ) | ||||||
Net change in short-term borrowings |
152 | (86 | ) | (282 | ) | |||||||
Other, net |
(34 | ) | (8 | ) | (15 | ) | ||||||
534 | 235 | (2,628 | ) | |||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
463 | 239 | (4,704 | ) | ||||||||
Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents |
(27 | ) | 6 | 2 | ||||||||
Cash provided by discontinued operations |
||||||||||||
Operating activities |
_ | _ | 463 | |||||||||
Investing activities |
_ | _ | 3,304 | |||||||||
Financing activities |
_ | _ | 1,050 | |||||||||
Effect of changes in exchange rates |
_ | _ | 12 | |||||||||
Cash provided by discontinued operations |
_ | _ | 4,829 | |||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
44 | 42 | (374 | ) | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
214 | 172 | 546 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |
$ | 258 | $ | 214 | $ | 172 | ||||||
Supplemental Disclosure |
||||||||||||
Interest payments |
$ | 468 | $ | 461 | $ | 996 | ||||||
Income tax payments (refunds), net |
$ | 15 | $ | (26 | ) | $ | 275 |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-6
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
(In millions)
Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital |
Retained Earnings |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |
Treasury Stock | Total Stockholders Equity |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2006 |
135.1 | $ | 1 | $ | 12,022 | $ | 5,997 | $ | 40 | (33.9 | ) | $ | (6,718 | ) | $ | 11,342 | ||||||||||||
Comprehensive loss: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss |
- | - | - | (1,994 | ) | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
Currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $16 |
- | - | - | - | 213 | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax of $(6) |
- | - | - | - | (12 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
Reclassification for gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax of $(1) |
- | - | - | - | (1 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $5 |
- | - | - | - | 9 | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive loss |
(1,785 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net activity related to restricted stock units |
- | - | (48 | ) | - | - | 0.7 | 211 | 163 | |||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options |
0.4 | - | 39 | - | - | 0.2 | 44 | 83 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options |
- | - | 12 | - | - | - | - | 12 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchases of common stock |
- | - | - | - | - | (1.4 | ) | (243 | ) | (243 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Payment of dividends |
- | - | - | (107 | ) | - | - | - | (107 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Dividend of Realogy Corporation and |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wyndham Worldwide |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporation |
- | - | (2,361 | ) | (4,482 | ) | (167 | ) | - | - | (7,010 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Cumulative effect of adoption of |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SFAS No. 158, net of tax of $(2) |
- | - | - | - | (4 | ) | - | - | (4 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other |
- | - | - | - | (10 | ) | 0.1 | 2 | (8 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2006 |
135.5 | $ | 1 | $ | 9,664 | $ | (586 | ) | $ | 68 | (34.3 | ) | $ | (6,704 | ) | $ | 2,443 |
F-7
Avis Budget Group, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (Continued)
(In millions)
Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital |
Retained Earnings |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) |
Treasury Stock | Total Stockholders Equity |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2007 |
135.5 | $ | 1 | $ | 9,664 | $ | (586 | ) | $ | 68 | (34.3 | ) | $ | (6,704 | ) | $ | 2,443 | |||||||||||
Comprehensive loss: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss |
- | - | - | (916 | ) | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
Currency translation adjustment |
- | - | - | - | 50 | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax of $59 |
- | - | - | - | (93 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $(5) |
- | - | - | - | 7 | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive loss |
(952 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adoption of FIN 48 (see Note 2) |
- | - | - | (18 | ) | - | - | - | (18 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net activity related to restricted stock units |
- | - | (60 | ) | - | - | 0.3 | 72 | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options |
1.2 | - | (207 | ) | - | - | 1.3 | 256 | 49 | |||||||||||||||||||
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options |
- | - | 1 | - | - | - | - | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Activity related to employee stock purchase plan |
- | - | (3 | ) | - | - | - | 4 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
Post-separation dividend adjustment |
- | - | (66 | ) | - | - | - | - | (66 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other |
- | - | (9 | ) | - | - | - | 4 | (5 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2007 |
136.7 | $ | 1 | $ | 9,320 | $ | (1,520 | ) | $ | 32 | (32.7 | ) | $ | (6,368 | ) | $ | 1,465 | |||||||||||
Comprehensive loss: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss |
- | - | - | (1,124 | ) | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
Currency translation adjustment |
- | - | - | - | (110 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax of $56 |
- | - | - | - | (86 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $20 |
- | - | - | - | (30 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive loss |
(1,350 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net activity related to restricted stock units |
0.1 | - | (94 | ) | - | - | 0.4 | 105 | 11 | |||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options |
- | - | (1 | ) | - | - | - | 1 | - | |||||||||||||||||||
Repurchases of common stock |
- | - | - | - | - | (2.9 | ) | (33 | ) | (33 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Activity related to employee stock purchase plan |
- | - | (27 | ) | - | - | 0.2 | 28 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
Post-separation dividend adjustment |
- | - | (3 | ) | - | - | - | - | (3 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other |
- | - | 2 | - | - | - | - | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2008 |
136.8 | $ | 1 | $ | 9,197 | $ | (2,644 | ) | $ | (194 | ) | (35.0 | ) | $ | (6,267 | ) | $ | 93 | ||||||||||
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-8
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise noted, all amounts are in millions, except per share amounts)
1. | Basis of Presentation |
Avis Budget Group, Inc. provides car and truck rentals and ancillary services to businesses and consumers in the United States and internationally. The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts and transactions of Avis Budget Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Avis Budget), as well as entities in which Avis Budget directly or indirectly has a controlling financial interest (collectively, the Company).
The Company operates in the following business segments:
| Domestic Car Rentalprovides car rentals and ancillary products and services in the United States. |
| International Car Rentalprovides vehicle rentals and ancillary products and services primarily in Argentina, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. |
| Truck Rentalprovides truck rentals and related services to consumers and light commercial users in the United States. |
In presenting the Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and related disclosures. Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgment and available information. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.
Discontinued Operations. In February 2005, the Company completed an initial public offering of Wright Express Corporation (Wright Express), its former fuel card subsidiary, and in October 2005, the Company sold its former Marketing Services division, which was comprised of its individual membership and loyalty/insurance marketing businesses. On July 31, 2006, the Company completed the spin-offs of Realogy Corporation (Realogy) and Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (Wyndham), and on August 23, 2006, the Company completed the sale of Travelport, Inc. (Travelport) (see Cendant Separation below). Pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (SFAS No. 144), the account balances and activities of Wright Express, the former Marketing Services division, Realogy, Wyndham and Travelport have been segregated and reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Summarized financial data for the aforementioned businesses are provided in Note 3Discontinued Operations.
Cendant Separation. In July 2006, under a Board of Directors approved plan, the Company, then known as Cendant Corporation (Cendant), was separated into four independent companies (the Cendant Separation):
| Realogy Corporationencompasses the Companys former real estate services segment, which is now presented as a discontinued operation. |
| Wyndham Worldwide Corporationencompasses the Companys former Hospitality Services and Timeshare Resorts segments, which are now presented as discontinued operations. |
| Travelport, Inc.encompasses the Companys former Travel Distribution Services segment, which is now presented as a discontinued operation. |
| Avis Budget Group, Inc.encompasses the Companys vehicle rental operations. |
F-9
On July 31, 2006, the Company completed the spin-offs of Realogy and Wyndham in tax-free distributions of one share each of Realogy and Wyndham common stock for every four and five shares, respectively, of then outstanding Cendant common stock held on July 21, 2006. Prior to the completion of the spin-offs, Avis Budget received special cash dividends of $2,225 million and $1,360 million from Realogy and Wyndham, respectively, and utilized such proceeds to fund a portion of the repayment of its outstanding debt, as discussed below. On August 23, 2006, the Company completed the sale of Travelport for proceeds of approximately $4.1 billion, net of closing adjustments, of which approximately $1.8 billion was used to repay indebtedness of Travelport. Pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement (Separation Agreement) among the separating companies, during third quarter 2006, the Company distributed $1,423 million and $760 million of such proceeds from the sale of Travelport to Realogy and Wyndham, respectively.
During 2008, the Companys costs incurred in connection with the Cendant Separation were not material. During 2007 and 2006, the Company incurred net (credits)/costs of $(5) million and $574 million, respectively, in connection with executing the Cendant Separation. The 2008, 2007 and 2006 amounts relate to costs as follows:
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||||
Early extinguishment of corporate debt |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 313 | |||||
Other separation costs: |
|||||||||||
Stock-based compensation |
- | - | 79 | ||||||||
Severance and retention |
- | 3 | 70 | ||||||||
Legal, accounting and other professional fees |
- | 5 | 38 | ||||||||
Reversal of receivables from Realogy and Wyndham (a) |
- | - | 28 | ||||||||
Asset write-offs |
- | - | 19 | ||||||||
Insurance |
- | - | 14 | ||||||||
Infrastructure implementation |
2 | 4 | 2 | ||||||||
FIN 48 indemnification (b) |
4 | (14 | ) | - | |||||||
Other |
(6 | ) | (3 | ) | 11 | ||||||
- | (5 | ) | 261 | ||||||||
$ | - | $ | (5 | ) | $ | 574 | |||||
(a) |
Represents the reversal of receivables from Realogy and Wyndham due to the favorable resolution of certain tax related contingencies, for which the Company is entitled to indemnification by Realogy and Wyndham. The benefit for income taxes includes a corresponding credit resulting from the favorable resolution of such matters. |
(b) |
See Note 2Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. |
In 2006, the Company also incurred costs within discontinued operations of $239 million in connection with executing the Cendant Separation. Such costs are primarily related to the accelerated vesting of stock-based compensation awards, severance and retention and professional and consulting fees.
In addition, pursuant to the Separation Agreement, Realogy, Wyndham and Travelport have agreed to assume and retain all of the liabilities primarily related to each of their respective businesses and operations, including litigation primarily related to each of their businesses where the Company is a named party. Realogy and Wyndham have also agreed to assume certain contingent and other corporate liabilities of the Company or its subsidiaries incurred prior to the disposition of Travelport (see Note 18Commitments and Contingencies).
Prior to the spin-offs of Realogy and Wyndham, the Company entered into a Transition Services Agreement with Realogy, Wyndham and Travelport to provide for an orderly transition following the sale of Travelport and the spin-offs of Realogy and Wyndham. Under the Transition Services Agreement, the Company has provided Realogy, Wyndham and Travelport with various services, including services relating to payroll, accounts payable, telecommunications and information technology in exchange for fees based on the estimated cost of the services provided. As of December 31, 2008, the majority of these services are no longer being provided.
F-10
Also, in connection with its execution of the Cendant Separation, the Company repaid certain corporate and other debt and entered into new financing arrangements (see Note 16Long-term Debt and Borrowing Arrangements).
Selling, general and administrative expenses on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations include unallocated corporate expenses in 2006 related to the Companys discontinued operations. Accordingly, the expenses recorded by the Company in the Consolidated Statements of Operations may not be indicative of the actual expenses the Company would incur as a separate company.
Vehicle Programs. The Company presents separately the financial data of its vehicle programs. These programs are distinct from the Companys other activities since the assets under vehicle programs are generally funded through the issuance of debt that is collateralized by such assets. The income generated by these assets is used, in part, to repay the principal and interest associated with the debt. Cash inflows and outflows relating to the generation or acquisition of such assets and the principal debt repayment or financing of such assets are classified as activities of the Companys vehicle programs. The Company believes it is appropriate to segregate the financial data of its vehicle programs because, ultimately, the source of repayment of such debt is the realization of such assets.
Reverse Stock Split. In connection with the September 5, 2006 1-for-10 reverse stock split of the Companys common stock, common stock share data in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and notes have been revised to reflect the reverse stock split, unless otherwise noted.
Changes in Accounting Estimate. During fourth quarter 2008, the Company increased the assumed service lives of its Truck Rental segments model year 2004 and later diesel trucks and model year 2005 and later gas trucks. This extension of service lives reflects the Companys expectation that it will purchase and dispose of fewer trucks each year than previously projected, thereby lengthening average hold periods for its trucks. This change will also affect the value the Company realizes upon disposition of trucks. The change in estimate, effective as of October 1, 2008, was accounted for prospectively and resulted in a decrease in depreciation expense of approximately $4 million, and decreased net loss by approximately $3 million ($0.02 per diluted share), for the year ended December 31, 2008.
In fourth quarter 2007, the Company revised the assumed service lives of its truck fleet, for model years 2004 and later, to better reflect the projected hold periods of these vehicles. The Company believes that its decision to retain these trucks longer than previously anticipated will allow it to reduce cash outflow related to fleet costs. This change will also affect the value the Company realizes upon the disposition of trucks. The change in estimate, effective as of October 1, 2007, was accounted for prospectively and resulted in a decrease in depreciation expense of approximately $5 million, and decreased net loss by approximately $3 million ($0.03 per diluted share), for the year ended December 31, 2007.
In fourth quarter 2007, the Company revised its estimates for recording depreciation expense related to certain vehicles covered by repurchase and guaranteed depreciation agreements in light of longer projected hold periods. Once these vehicles are held longer than the Companys average hold period, they will be depreciated at monthly rates consistent with their contractually guaranteed residual values. This change in estimate, effective as of October 1, 2007, was accounted for prospectively and resulted in a decrease in depreciation expense of approximately $10 million, and decreased net loss by approximately $6 million ($0.06 per diluted share), for the year ended December 31, 2007.
Compliance with Debt Covenants, Business Risks and Managements Plans
Compliance with Debt Covenants. Many of the Companys debt instruments, including its senior credit facilities, contain financial and other covenants that impose significant requirements on the Company and limit its ability to engage in certain transactions or activities. The Companys senior credit facilities were
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amended in December 2008 to change the financial covenants, interest rate spreads and restrictions on its activities contained therein. The Companys financial covenant requires it to maintain minimum trailing twelve month EBITDA (as defined in the credit agreements) amounts on a quarterly basis.
The U.S. economy appears to have been in recession throughout 2008, and such conditions are likely to persist into at least 2009. Historically, the Companys results of operations have declined during periods of general economic weakness. The effects of the current recession contributed to the significant year-over-year decline in the results of the Companys car and truck rental operations in 2008, including declines in volume and pricing, particularly in the second half of 2008. If economic conditions in the United States do not improve or worsen, the Companys results of operations could be materially and adversely impacted in 2009 and beyond.
The Company relies upon financing for its operations, particularly asset-backed financing, through asset-backed securities and the lending market, for its vehicle fleet. As noted above, in fourth quarter 2008, the Company amended and renewed its two asset-backed domestic rental car conduit facilities; such facilities now mature from September through December 2009. As a result of these amendments and renewals, the Companys borrowing costs and collateral requirements for 2009 will increase compared to 2008. In addition, approximately $300 million and $1.1 billion of term asset-backed financings for the Companys domestic and international car rental operations will mature in 2009 and 2010, respectively. The existing availability under the asset-backed vehicle financing programs including the asset-backed conduit facilities should be sufficient to increase the Companys fleet for the third quarter, which has historically been its strongest quarter due to the increased level of leisure travel and household moving activity. A default by any of the financial-guaranty firms that have insured a portion of the Companys outstanding vehicle-backed debt could affect its existing availability. There has been significant disruption in the asset-backed financing market; therefore, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain refinancing for its operations at current levels, or at all, when its asset-backed rental car financings mature, and any new financing or refinancing of the Companys existing financing could increase its borrowing costs, including an increase in its collateral requirements.
Dependence on Vehicle Manufacturers. The Company is dependent on vehicle manufacturers for its fleet purchases and related incentive payments, and a substantial portion of the rental cars that comprise its domestic car fleet (program cars) are subject to manufacturer repurchase or guaranteed depreciation programs. A bankruptcy of one or more vehicle manufacturers could adversely affect the Companys arrangements with such vehicle manufacturers. A default on any repurchase or guaranteed depreciation agreement or incentive payment could leave the Company with a substantial unpaid claim against the manufacturer particularly with respect to program cars that were either (i) resold at an amount less than the amount guaranteed under the applicable agreement, and therefore subject to a true-up payment obligation from the manufacturer or (ii) returned to the manufacturer but for which the Company was not paid. In addition, the Company could incur additional expenses if, following a manufacturer default, the prices at which it were able to dispose of program cars were less than the specified prices under the repurchase or guaranteed depreciation program and/or if the prices at which the Company were able to dispose of non-program cars were less than previously assumed.
Cost Reduction Initiatives. In light of the challenging conditions facing its business as well as for competitive reasons, the Company has taken numerous actions to reduce expenses, including implementing during the fourth quarter 2008 a five-point plan designed to reduce costs and improve efficiency. This plan includes (i) targeting significant reductions in operating costs, fleet costs, selling, general and administrative expenses, headcount, discretionary spending and other variable costs, (ii) reviewing and improving station, channel and customer profitability, (iii) reviewing and strengthening the Companys pricing strategies and marketing, selling and affinity efforts, (iv) consolidation of both customer facing and non-customer facing activities and locations to reduce costs and provide synergies, and (v) consolidation of purchasing and procurement programs and practices. The Company terminated more than 1,600 employees in fourth quarter
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2008 in conjunction with this initiative (see Note 5Restructuring Charges). The Company also anticipates generating additional cost savings in 2009 through implementation of its Performance Excellence process improvement initiative, which began in late 2007. In addition, the Company has identified a number of additional cost reduction measures that it could implement, if necessary, to offset additional costs.
In addition, in the event of a bankruptcy or a default of one or more vehicle manufacturers, the Company could seek to begin to operate its vehicles for a longer period. This action would enable the Company to rent and depreciate its vehicles over this longer period thereby potentially mitigating the effects of a temporary disruption of vehicle supply.
Notwithstanding the December 2008 amendments to the Companys senior credit facilities and its cost reduction initiatives, due to reduced demand for travel services, disruption in the credit markets, rising borrowing costs, the Companys dependence on vehicle manufacturers, and other factors, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to generate sufficient earnings to enable it to satisfy the minimum EBITDA requirement or other covenants included in its senior credit facilities, the $2.45 billion of asset-backed conduit facilities used to finance a portion of its domestic car rental operations or other borrowing agreements. The Companys failure to comply with these covenants, if not waived, would cause a default under the senior credit facilities and could result in principal under the conduit facilities being required to be repaid from a portion of vehicle disposition proceeds and lease payments the Company makes to its vehicle program subsidiaries and adversely affect our liquidity position. If such a failure were to occur, there can be no assurance that the Company would be able to refinance or obtain a replacement for such facilities and in certain circumstances such failure could also give rise to a default under the instruments that govern its other indebtedness.
2. | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies |
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
The Companys Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP).
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Avis Budget and all entities in which the Company has a direct or indirect controlling financial interest and variable interest entities (VIEs) where the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary. The Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary if it bears a majority of the risk to the entities potential losses or stands to gain from a majority of the entities expected returns. Significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
USE OF ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS
The use of estimates and assumptions as determined by management are required in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP. These estimates are based on managements evaluation of historical trends and other information available when the Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared. Changes in estimates are recognized in accordance with the accounting rules for the estimate. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company derives revenue through the operation and franchising of the Avis and Budget rental systems, providing vehicle rentals and other services to business and leisure travelers and others. Other revenue includes rentals of GPS navigational units, sales of loss damage waivers and insurance products, fuel and fuel
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service charges, and other items. Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the services have been rendered to customers, the pricing is fixed or determinable and collection is reasonably assured.
Vehicle rental and rental-related revenue is recognized over the period the vehicle is rented. Franchise revenue principally consists of royalties paid by the Companys franchisees and are recorded as the franchisees revenue is earned (generally over the rental period of a vehicle). Revenue and expenses associated with gasoline, vehicle licensing and airport concessions are recorded on a gross basis within revenue and operating expenses.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated at the rate of exchange in effect on the balance sheet date; income and expenses are translated at the weighted average rate of exchange prevailing during the year. The related translation adjustments are reflected in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the stockholders equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The accumulated foreign currency translation adjustment as of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 was $7 million and $117 million, respectively. Foreign currency gains and losses resulting from transactions are included in earnings.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company considers highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment (including leasehold improvements) are recorded at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation (non-vehicle related) is computed utilizing the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Amortization of leasehold improvements is computed utilizing the straight-line method over the estimated benefit period of the related assets, which may not exceed 20 years, or the lease term, if shorter. Useful lives are as follows:
Buildings |
30 years | |
Furniture, fixtures & equipment |
3 to 10 years | |
Capitalized software |
3 to 7 years | |
Buses and support vehicles |
4 to 15 years |
The Company capitalizes the costs of software developed for internal use in accordance with Statement of Position No. 98-1, Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use. The software developed or obtained for internal use is amortized on a straight-line basis when such software is substantially ready for use. The net carrying value of software developed or obtained for internal use was $89 million and $60 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the fair values assigned to the tangible assets acquired, the identifiable intangible assets that are required to be valued and reported and the liabilities assumed. The Company does not amortize goodwill, but tests it at least annually for recoverability. Other intangible assets, primarily trademarks, with indefinite lives are not amortized but are evaluated annually for impairment. Other intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their remaining useful lives.
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IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS
In connection with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (SFAS No. 142), the Company is required to assess goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. The Company performs its annual impairment assessment in the fourth quarter of each year. Each of the Companys operating segments represents a reporting unit.
The Company assesses goodwill for such impairment by comparing the carrying value of each reporting units to its fair values using the present value of expected future cash flows. If the first test required under SFAS No. 142 indicates a potential impairment, we perform a second test for that reporting unit to determine the amount of impairment loss, if any. The Company determines the fair value of its reporting units utilizing discounted cash flows and incorporates assumptions that it believes marketplace participants would utilize. When available and as appropriate, comparative market multiples and other factors to corroborate the discounted cash flow results are used. Other indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment and written down to fair value, as required by SFAS No. 142.
The Company also evaluates the recoverability of its other long-lived assets, including amortizable intangible assets, if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred, pursuant to SFAS No. 144. This analysis is performed by comparing the respective carrying values of the assets to the current and expected future cash flows, on an undiscounted basis, to be generated from such assets. Property and equipment is evaluated separately within each segment. If such analysis indicates that the carrying value of these assets is not recoverable, the carrying value of such assets is reduced to fair value.
During 2008, the Company recorded a $1,262 million ($1,053 million after tax) charge to reflect (i) the impairment of goodwill, (ii) the impairment of the Companys tradenames assets and (iii) the impairment of its investment in Carey Holdings, Inc. (Carey). These charges reflect the decline in their fair value below their carrying value, primarily as a result of reduced market valuations for vehicle services and other companies, as well as reduced profit forecasts due to soft economic conditions and increased financing costs. Domestic Car Rental recorded $882 million and International Car Rental recorded $275 million for goodwill and tradenames impairment, Truck Rental recorded $87 million for goodwill impairment, and $18 million was recorded within Corporate and Other for the charge related to Carey.
In 2007, the Company recorded a $1,195 million ($1,073 million after tax) charge for the impairment of goodwill at each of the Companys reporting units to reflect the decline in their fair value as evidenced by a decline in the market value of the Companys common stock. Domestic Car Rental recorded $786 million of the goodwill impairment, International Car Rental recorded $268 million and Truck Rental recorded $141 million. There was no impairment under SFAS No. 142 on indefinite lived assets or under SFAS No. 144 on long-lived assets.
In 2006, there was no impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets within the Companys continuing operations, however, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $1.3 billion within discontinued operations to reflect the difference between Travelports carrying value and its estimated fair value, less costs to dispose.
PROGRAM CASH
Program cash primarily represents amounts specifically designated to purchase assets under vehicle programs and/or to repay the related debt.
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VEHICLES
Vehicles are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. The initial cost of the vehicles is net of incentives and allowances from manufacturers. The Company acquires many of its rental vehicles pursuant to repurchase and guaranteed depreciation programs established by automobile manufacturers. Under these programs, the manufacturers agree to repurchase vehicles at a specified price and date, or guarantee the depreciation rate for a specified period of time, subject to certain eligibility criteria (such as car condition and mileage requirements). The Company depreciates vehicles such that the net book value on the date of return to the manufacturers is intended to equal the contractual guaranteed residual values, thereby minimizing any gain or loss. The Company records depreciation expense for any deficiency in the contractual guaranteed residual values due to excessive wear or damages. At December 31, 2008, the Company has cumulatively recorded $35 million for the projected difference between the contracted guaranteed residual value and the carrying value of such vehicles, which is reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Rental vehicles acquired outside of manufacturer repurchase and guaranteed depreciation programs are depreciated based upon their estimated residual values at their expected dates of disposition, after giving effect to anticipated conditions in the used car market which are reviewed on a continuous basis.
For 2008, 2007 and 2006, rental vehicles were depreciated at rates ranging from 5% to 48% per annum. Upon disposal of the vehicles, depreciation expense is adjusted for any difference between the net sales proceeds and the remaining book value. Vehicle-related interest amounts are net of vehicle-related interest income of $7 million, $5 million and $6 million for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company increased the assumed service lives of its model year 2004 and later diesel trucks and model year 2005 and later gas trucks, to better reflect the projected hold period of these vehicles. In the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company revised the assumed service lives of its truck fleet, for model years 2004 and later, to better reflect the projected hold periods of these vehicles. In the fourth quarter 2007, the Company also revised its estimates for recording depreciation expense related to certain vehicles covered by repurchase and guaranteed depreciation agreements (see Note 1Basis of Presentation).
ADVERTISING EXPENSES
Advertising costs are expensed in the period incurred. Advertising expenses, recorded within selling, general and administrative expense on our Consolidated Statements of Operations, include radio, television, yellow pages and other advertising, travel partner points programs, internet advertising and other promotions and were approximately $106 million in both 2008 and 2007 and $107 million in 2006.
TAXES
The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
The Company records net deferred tax assets to the extent it believes these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent results of operations. In the event the Company were to determine that it would be able to realize the deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, the Company would adjust the valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.
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In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, (FIN 48), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 provides that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits. Income tax positions must meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold at the effective date to be recognized upon the adoption of FIN 48 and in subsequent periods. This interpretation also provides guidance on measurement, derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.
The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007, as required, and as a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Company recognized approximately an $18 million increase in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which was accounted for as a reduction to the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings.
The Company reports revenues net of any tax assessed by a governmental authority that is both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer in its Consolidated Statements of Operations.
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
Derivative instruments are used as part of the Companys overall strategy to manage exposure to market risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and gasoline costs. As a matter of policy, derivatives are not used for trading or speculative purposes.
All derivatives are recorded at fair value either as assets or liabilities. Changes in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are recognized currently in earnings within the same line item as the hedged item (principally vehicle interest, net). The effective portion of changes in fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. The ineffective portion is recognized currently in earnings within the same line item as the hedged item, including vehicle interest, net or interest related to corporate debt, net, based upon the nature of the hedged item. Amounts included in other comprehensive income are reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged item affects earnings.
During 2008 and 2007, the Company did not utilize fair value hedges. In 2006, the Company utilized certain derivatives designated as fair value hedges. Changes in the fair value of such instruments were recognized in earnings as a component of interest related to corporate debt, net.
INVESTMENTS
The Company determines the appropriate classification of its investments in debt and equity securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such determination at each balance sheet date. The Companys non-marketable preferred stock investments are accounted for at cost plus accretion. Common stock investments in affiliates over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence but not a controlling interest are carried on the equity method of accounting. Available-for-sale securities are carried at current fair value with unrealized gains or losses reported net of taxes as a separate component of stockholders equity. Trading securities are recorded at fair value with realized and unrealized gains and losses reported currently in earnings.
During 2008, the Company recorded an $18 million ($11 million, net of tax) charge to reflect the impairment on its investment in Carey.
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Aggregate realized gains and losses on investments and preferred dividend income are recorded within other revenues on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. There were no net realized gains or losses in continuing operations in 2008 and 2007. Gains amounted to $11 million in 2006. Gains and losses on securities sold are based on the specific identification method.
Affinion Group Holdings, Inc. The Companys former investment in Affinion Group Holdings, Inc. (Affinion) was received in connection with the October 2005 sale of its former Marketing Services division, along with cash proceeds approximating $1.7 billion. This investment represented preferred stock with a carrying value of $95 million, including accrued dividends (face value of $125 million) maturing in October 2017, and warrants with a carrying value of $3 million that were exercisable into 7.5% of the common equity of Affinion upon the earlier of four years or the achievement of specified investment hurdles.
Pursuant to the Separation Agreement, the Company was obligated to distribute all proceeds received on the sale of its investments in Affinion to Realogy and Wyndham. Accordingly, following the spin-offs of Realogy and Wyndham on July 31, 2006, the Company began to recognize a charge on its Consolidated Statement of Operations equal to the dividend and accretion income on the preferred stock of Affinion. From January 1, 2006 to July 31, 2006, the Company recorded $6 million of dividend and accretion income related to its preferred stock investment in Affinion. In 2007, the Company sold the majority of its preferred stock investment in Affinion and distributed the proceeds and the remaining investment to Realogy and Wyndham.
SELF-INSURANCE RESERVES
The Consolidated Balance Sheets include approximately $326 million and $361 million of liabilities with respect to self-insured public liability and property damage as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Such liabilities relate to additional liability insurance, personal effects protection insurance, public liability, property damage and personal accident insurance claims for which the Company is self-insured. These obligations represent an estimate for both reported claims not yet paid and claims incurred but not yet reported. The Company estimates the required reserve for such claims on an undiscounted basis utilizing an actuarial method that is based upon various assumptions which include, but are not limited to, the Companys historical loss experience and projected loss development factors. The required liability is also subject to adjustment in the future based upon the changes in claims experience, including changes in the number of incidents and changes in the ultimate cost per incident. These amounts are included within accounts payable and other current liabilities and other non-current liabilities.
The Consolidated Balance Sheets also includes liabilities of approximately $71 million and $76 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, related to health and welfare, workers compensation and other benefits the Company provides to its employees. The Company estimates the liability required for such benefits based on actual claims outstanding and the estimated cost of claims incurred as of the balance sheet date. These amounts are included within accounts payable and other current liabilities.
SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment (SFAS No. 123R), which eliminates the alternative to measure stock-based compensation awards using the intrinsic value approach permitted by APB Opinion No. 25 and by SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. The Company adopted SFAS No. 123R on January 1, 2006, as required, under the modified prospective application method. Since the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense for all outstanding employee stock awards prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the adoption of such standard did not have a significant impact on the Companys results of operations. However, during 2006, the Company recorded an after tax credit of $1 million as a cumulative effect of an accounting change, which represents the Companys estimate of total future forfeitures of stock-based awards outstanding as of January 1, 2006 (see Note 20Stock-Based Compensation).
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ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS DURING 2008
Fair Value Measurements. In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS No. 157), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. In addition, SFAS No. 157 requires the Company to consider its own credit spreads when measuring the fair value of liabilities, including derivatives, and the credit spreads of the Companys counterparties when measuring the fair value of assets, including derivatives. The Company adopted SFAS No. 157 on January 1, 2008, as required, and it had no impact to the Companys financial statements at the time of adoption (see Note 22Financial Instruments).
In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP SFAS 157-1, Application of SFAS No. 157 to SFAS No. 13 and Its Related Interpretative Accounting Pronouncements that Address Leasing Transactions (FSP SFAS 157-1) and FASB Staff Position SFAS 157-2, Effective Date of SFAS No. 157 (FSP SFAS 157-2). FSP SFAS 157-1 excludes most leasing transactions from the requirements of SFAS No. 157, and FSP SFAS 157-2 delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). FSP SFAS 157-1 and FSP SFAS 157-2 became effective for the Company upon adoption of SFAS No. 157 on January 1, 2008.
In October 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) SFAS 157-3, Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active (FSP SFAS 157-3). FSP SFAS 157-3 clarifies the application of SFAS No. 157, in a market that is not active and provides guidance on how to determine the fair value of financial assets when the market for that financial asset is not active. The Company adopted FSP SFAS 157-3 on September 30, 2008, as required, and it had no impact to the Companys financial statements at the time of adoption.
Fair Value Option. In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial LiabilitiesIncluding an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (SFAS No. 159). SFAS No. 159 permits a company to irrevocably elect fair value as the initial and subsequent measurement attribute for certain financial assets and financial liabilities on a contract-by-contract basis, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. The election to use the fair value option is available when an entity first recognizes a financial asset or a financial liability or upon entering into a firm commitment. Additionally, SFAS No. 159 allows for a one-time election for existing positions upon adoption, with the transition adjustment recorded to beginning retained earnings. The Company adopted SFAS No. 159 on January 1, 2008 and elected not to apply the fair value option to measure any of the Companys financial assets or liabilities.
Credit Derivatives and Guarantees. In September 2008, the FASB issued FSP SFAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4, Disclosures about Credit Derivatives and Certain Guarantees: An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 and FASB Interpretation No. 45; and Clarification of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 161 (FSP SFAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4). FSP SFAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4 require additional disclosures by entities regarding credit derivatives, including the nature of the instrument, its purpose, performance requirements, potential future payments and its fair value, as well as requiring disclosure of the performance risk of certain guarantees. This FSP also clarifies the required adoption date of SFAS No. 161. The provisions of FSP SFAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4 regarding credit derivatives and guarantees apply prospectively for fiscal years ending after November 15, 2008. The Company adopted FSP SFAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4 on December 31, 2008, as required, and does not currently have credit derivatives but has provided the additional disclosures required relating to certain guarantees in Note 18Commitments and Contingencies.
Variable Interest Entities. In December 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 140-4 and FIN 46(R)-8, Disclosures by Public Entities (Enterprises) about Transfers of Financial Assets and Interests in Variable
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Interest Entities (FSP SFAS 140-4 and FIN 46(R)-8). This FSP amends FASB Statement No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, to require public entities to provide additional disclosures about transfers of financial assets. It also amends FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, to require public enterprises to provide additional disclosures about their involvement with variable interest entities. Additionally, this FSP requires certain disclosures to be provided by a public enterprise that is (i) a sponsor of a qualifying special purpose entity (SPE) that holds a variable interest in the qualifying SPE but was not the transferor of financial assets to the qualifying SPE and (ii) a servicer of a qualifying SPE that holds a significant variable interest in the qualifying SPE but was not the transferor of financial assets to the qualifying SPE. The disclosures required by this FSP are intended to provide greater transparency to financial statement users about a transferors continuing involvement with transferred financial assets and an enterprises involvement with variable interest entities and qualifying SPEs. FSP FAS 140-4 and FIN 46(R)-8 apply prospectively for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. The Company adopted FSP FAS 140-4 and FIN 46(R)-8 on December 31, 2008, as required. It had no impact on the Companys financial statements at the time of adoption and the additional required disclosures have been provided in Note 17Debt Under Vehicle Programs and Borrowing Arrangements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations (SFAS No. 141(R)). SFAS No. 141(R) seeks to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial reports about a business combination and its effects. Among other things, SFAS No. 141(R) requires an acquiror to recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that date, with limited exceptions (whether full or partial acquisitions) and requires expensing of acquisition and most restructuring costs. SFAS No. 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company adopted SFAS No. 141(R) on January 1, 2009, as required, and it had no impact on its financial statements at the time of adoption.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statementsan amendment of ARB No. 51 (SFAS No. 160). SFAS No. 160 amends Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) No. 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling (minority) interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. In addition, SFAS No. 160 provides expanded disclosure guidance including the requirement that entities present noncontrolling (minority) interests as equity, rather than as a liability or mezzanine equity. SFAS No. 160 applies prospectively, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements which are applied retrospectively for all periods presented, and is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company adopted SFAS No. 160 on January 1, 2009, as required, and it had no impact on its financial statements at the time of adoption.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activitiesan amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (SFAS No. 161). SFAS No. 161 requires entities to provide qualitative disclosures about the objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative data about the fair value of and gains and losses on derivative contracts, and details of credit-risk-related contingent features in their hedged positions. SFAS No. 161 applies prospectively for fiscal years beginning on or after November 15, 2008. The Company adopted SFAS No. 161 on January 1, 2009, as required, and it had no impact on its financial statements at the time of adoption.
In December 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 132(R)-1, Employers Disclosure about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets (FSP FAS 132(R)-1). FSP FAS 132(R)-1 enhances the plan asset disclosures currently required by FASB Statement No. 132 (revised 2003), Employers Disclosures about Pensions and Other
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Postretirement Benefits, to provide users of financial statements with useful, transparent, and timely information about the asset portfolios of postretirement benefit plans. FSP FAS 132(R)-1 applies prospectively for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. The Company adopted FSP FAS 132(R)-1 on January 1, 2009, as required, and it had no impact on its financial statements at the time of adoption.
In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 142-3 Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets (FSP FAS 142-3). FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under FASB Statement No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. FSP FAS 142-3 applies prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company adopted FSP FAS 142-3 on January 1, 2009, as required, and it had no impact on its financial statements at the time of adoption.
In November 2008, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) ratified EITF Issue No. 08-6, Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations, for investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting. EITF Issue No. 08-6 reaffirmed accounting guidance provided around the initial measurement and other-than-temporary impairment of an equity method investment, as well as the manner in which an equity method investor must account for a share issuance by an investee. EITF Issue No. 08-6 applies prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company adopted EITF Issue No. 08-6 on January 1, 2009, as required, and it had no impact on its consolidated financial statements at the time of adoption.
3. | Discontinued Operations |
Travelport. On August 23, 2006, the Company completed the sale of Travelport, which comprised the Companys former travel distribution services businesses for proceeds of approximately $4.1 billion, net of closing adjustments. The loss incurred on disposal of Travelport included a $1.3 billion impairment charge reflecting the difference between Travelports carrying value and its estimated fair value and a tax charge related to asset basis differences resulting from the 2001 acquisition of a Travelport subsidiary.
Realogy and Wyndham. On July 31, 2006, the Company completed the spin-offs of Realogy and Wyndham in tax-free distributions of one share each of Realogy and Wyndham common stock for every four and five shares, respectively, of Cendant common stock held on July 21, 2006. Direct costs incurred in connection with the spin-offs of Realogy and Wyndham are included within gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Summarized statement of income data for discontinued operations are as follows:
Year Ended December 31, 2008
During 2008, the Company did not report any income (loss) from discontinued operations.
Year Ended December 31, 2007
The $2 million loss from discontinued operations, net of tax for the year ended December 31, 2007 represents a tax charge due to an increase in non-deductible expenses offset by a benefit in state taxes on discontinued operations. The $33 million gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax for the year ended December 31, 2007, primarily represents a tax benefit realized as a result of certain elections made in connection with the Travelport disposition on the income tax returns filed during 2007.
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Year Ended December 31, 2006
Wright Express (a) |
Marketing Services Division (b) |
Realogy (c) | ||||||||||
Net revenues |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 3,856 | ||||||
Income before income taxes |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 445 | ||||||
Provision for income taxes |
- | - | 172 | |||||||||
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 273 | ||||||
Gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations |
$ | 9 | $ | (15 | ) | $ | (76 | ) | ||||
Provision (benefit) for income taxes |
3 | 27 | (22 | ) | ||||||||
Gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax |
$ | 6 | $ | (42 | ) | $ | (54 | ) | ||||
Wyndham (c) (d) | Travelport (c) | Total | ||||||||||
Net revenues |
$ | 2,052 | $ | 1,859 | $ | 7,767 | ||||||
Income before income taxes |
$ | 377 | $ | 170 | $ | 992 | ||||||
Provision for income taxes |
288 | 54 | 514 | |||||||||
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax |
$ | 89 | $ | 116 | $ | 478 | ||||||
Gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations |
$ | (83 | ) | $ | (1,464 | ) | $ | (1,629 | ) | |||
Provision (benefit) for income taxes |
(25 | ) | 345 | 328 | ||||||||
Gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax |
$ | (58 | ) | $ | (1,809 | ) | $ | (1,957 | ) | |||
(a) |
The Company completed the initial public offering of Wright Express in February 2005 and entered into a tax receivable agreement, pursuant to which Wright Express is obligated to make payments to the Company over a 15 year term. Following the Cendant Separation, the Company is obligated to distribute all such payments to Realogy and Wyndham. Gain on disposal includes payments received from Wright Express during 2006 in connection with the tax receivable agreement excluding amounts remitted to Realogy and Wyndham. |
(b) |
Represents payments in connection with a guarantee obligation made to the Companys former Marketing Services division, which was disposed of in October 2005, and a tax charge primarily related to state taxes prior to the date of disposition. |
(c) |
Results are through the date of disposition. |
(d) |
The provision for income taxes reflects a $158 million charge associated with separating the vacation ownership business from the Company in connection with the spin-off of Wyndham. |
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4. | Earnings Per Share |
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS):
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||
Loss from continuing operations |
$ | (1,124 | ) | $ | (947 | ) | $ | (451 | ) | |||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax |
- | (2 | ) | 478 | ||||||||
Gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax |
- | 33 | (1,957 | ) | ||||||||
Cumulative effect of accounting changes, net of tax |
- | - | (64 | ) | ||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (1,124 | ) | $ | (916 | ) | $ | (1,994 | ) | |||
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding (a) |
101.9 | 103.1 | 100.6 | |||||||||
Earnings per share basic and diluted: |
||||||||||||
Loss from continuing operations |
$ | (11.04 | ) | $ | (9.18 | ) | $ | (4.48 | ) | |||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations |
- | (0.02 | ) | 4.75 | ||||||||
Gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations |
- | 0.32 | (19.46 | ) | ||||||||
Cumulative effect of accounting changes |
- | - | (0.63 | ) | ||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (11.04 | ) | $ | (8.88 | ) | $ | (19.82 | ) | |||
(a) |
As the Company incurred a loss from continuing operations in 2008, 2007 and 2006, all outstanding stock options and restricted stock units have an anti-dilutive effect and therefore are excluded from the computation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding. Accordingly, basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding are equal for such periods. |
The following table summarizes the Companys outstanding common stock equivalents that were anti-dilutive and therefore excluded from the computation of diluted EPS:
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | ||||
Options (a) |
5.0 | 6.0 | 11.0 | |||
Warrants (b) |
- | 0.2 | 0.2 |
(a) |
Represents all outstanding stock options for 2008, 2007 and 2006. |
(b) |
Represents all outstanding warrants for 2007 and 2006, for which the weighted average exercise price was $21.31. These warrants expired on June 3, 2008. |
5. | Restructuring Charges |
The restructuring charges related to these activities are accounted for under SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.
2008 Restructuring
During 2008, the Company implemented various strategic initiatives targeted principally at reducing costs, enhancing organizational efficiency and consolidating and rationalizing existing processes and facilities. The more significant areas of cost reduction included the elimination of approximately 3,000 positions, resulting in the termination of approximately 2,300 employees within the Companys Domestic Car Rental, International Car Rental and Truck Rental segments and the closure of certain facilities. The Company recorded a restructuring charge of $28 million in connection with these initiatives, substantially all of which is anticipated to be cash and $13 million of which has been paid as of December 31, 2008. This charge
F-23
primarily represents severance, outplacement services and other costs associated with employee terminations. The Company has reviewed and planned for measures related to this initiative and expects further restructuring costs of approximately $8 million to be incurred in the first six months of 2009.
2006 Restructuring
In 2006, the Company committed to various strategic initiatives targeted principally at reducing costs, enhancing organizational efficiency and consolidating and rationalizing existing processes and facilities within its Budget Truck Rental and Domestic Car Rental operations. The more significant areas of cost reduction included the closure of the Budget Truck Rental headquarters and other facilities and reductions in staff. The Company recorded $8 million of restructuring charges in connection with these initiatives, of which $6 million and $2 million was incurred within the Companys Truck Rental and Domestic Car Rental operations, respectively. The remaining liabilities related to the 2006 restructuring charges were paid in 2007.
2005 Restructuring
In 2005, the Company recorded $26 million of restructuring charges as a result of activities undertaken following the PHH spin-off and the initial public offering of Wright Express. The restructuring activities were targeted principally at reducing costs, enhancing organizational efficiency and consolidating and rationalizing existing processes and facilities. The more significant areas of cost reduction included the closure of a call center and field locations of the Companys Truck Rental business and reductions in staff within the Companys corporate functions. The initial charge recorded in the Companys Corporate and Other, Truck Rental and Domestic Car Rental segments amounted to $19 million, $5 million and $2 million, respectively. In 2006, the Company recorded a $2 million charge representing a revision to its original estimate of costs to exit a lease in connection with the closure of a truck rental facility in first quarter 2005. As of December 31, 2008, there is a remaining liability of approximately $1 million, relating to obligations under terminated leases.
The initial recognition of the restructuring charges and the corresponding utilization from inception are summarized by category as follows:
Personnel Related |
Facility Related |
Asset Impairments |
Total | ||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2006 |
$ | - | $ | 3 | $ | - | $ | 3 | |||||||
2005 Restructuring initiative revision |
- | 2 | - | 2 | |||||||||||
2006 Restructuring initial charge (a) |
4 | 4 | - | 8 | |||||||||||
2005 Restructuring cash payment |
- | (2 | ) | - | (2 | ) | |||||||||
2006 Restructuring cash payment |
- | (1 | ) | - | (1 | ) | |||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2006 |
4 | 6 | - | 10 | |||||||||||
2005 Restructuring cash payment |
- | (1 | ) | - | (1 | ) | |||||||||
2006 Restructuring cash payment |
(4 | ) | (3 | ) | - | (7 | ) | ||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2007 |
- | 2 | - | 2 | |||||||||||
2008 Restructuring initial charge (b) |
23 | 4 | 1 | 28 | |||||||||||
2005 Restructuring cash payment |
- | (1 | ) | - | (1 | ) | |||||||||
2008 Restructuring cash payment |
(13 | ) | - | - | (13 | ) | |||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2008 |
$ | 10 | $ | 5 | $ | 1 | $ | 16 | |||||||
F-24
The restructuring charges and corresponding utilization are recorded within the Companys segments as follows:
Truck Rental |
Domestic Car Rental |
International Car Rental |
Total | |||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2006 |
$ | 3 | $ |