The Quarterly
CAR Q2 2017 10-Q

Avis Budget Group Inc (CAR) SEC Quarterly Report (10-Q) for Q3 2017

CAR 2017 10-K
CAR Q2 2017 10-Q CAR 2017 10-K

Table of Contents


UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


 Form 10-Q


x

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


For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017


OR

o

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. 001-10308

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

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes x No o

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 the definitions of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer", "smaller reporting company", and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

x

Accelerated filer

o

Non-accelerated filer

o

Smaller reporting company

o

Emerging growth company

o


If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o


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


The number of shares outstanding of the issuer's common stock was 81,421,558 shares as of October 31, 2017 .


Table of Contents


Table of Contents

Page

PART I

Financial Information

Item 1.

Financial Statements

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (Unaudited)

3

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (Unaudited)

4

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (Unaudited)

5

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)

7

Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

33

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

43

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

43

PART II

Other Information

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

44

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

44

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

44

Item 6.

Exhibits

44

Signatures

45


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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS


Certain statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may be considered "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include information concerning our future financial performance, business strategy, projected plans and objectives. These statements may be identified by the fact that they do not relate to historical or current facts and may use words such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "will," "should," "could," "may," "would," "intends," "projects," "estimates," "plans," and similar words, expressions or phrases. 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;


a change in travel demand, including changes in airline passenger traffic;


a change in our fleet costs as a result of a change in the cost of new vehicles, manufacturer recalls, disruption in the supply of new vehicles, and/or a change 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 our agreements with them, including repurchase and/or guaranteed depreciation arrangements, 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;


any change in economic conditions generally, particularly during our peak season or in key market segments;


our ability to continue to achieve and maintain cost savings and successfully implement our business strategies;


our ability to obtain financing for our global operations, including the funding of our vehicle fleet through the issuance of asset-backed securities and use of the global lending markets;


an occurrence or threat of terrorism, pandemic disease, natural disasters, military conflict or civil unrest in the locations in which we operate;


our dependence on third-party distribution channels, third-party suppliers of other services and co-marketing arrangements with third parties;


our ability to utilize derivative instruments, and the impact of derivative instruments we utilize, which can be affected by fluctuations in interest rates, gasoline prices and exchange rates, changes in government regulations and other factors;


our ability to accurately estimate our future results;


any major disruptions in our communication networks or information systems;


our exposure to uninsured or unpaid claims in excess of historical levels;


risks associated with litigation, governmental or regulatory inquiries, or any failure or inability to comply with laws, regulations or contractual obligations or any changes in laws, regulations or contractual obligations, including with respect to personally identifiable information and taxes;


any impact on us from the actions of our licensees, dealers and independent contractors;


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any substantial changes in the cost or supply of fuel, vehicle parts, energy, labor or other resources on which we depend to operate our business;


risks related to our indebtedness, including our substantial outstanding debt obligations and our ability to incur substantially more debt;


our ability to meet the financial and other covenants contained in the agreements governing our indebtedness;


risks related to tax obligations and the effect of future changes in accounting standards;


risks related to completed or future acquisitions or investments that we may pursue, including any incurrence of incremental indebtedness to help fund such transactions and our ability to promptly and effectively integrate any acquired businesses;


risks related to protecting the integrity of our information technology systems and the confidential information of our employees and customers against security breaches, including cyber-security breaches; and


other business, economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, political or technological factors affecting our operations, pricing or services, including uncertainty and instability related to the potential withdrawal of countries from the European Union.


We operate in a continuously changing business environment and new risk factors emerge from time to time. New risk factors, factors beyond our control, or changes in the impact of identified risk factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in any forward-looking statements. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a prediction of actual results. Moreover, we do not assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of those statements. Other factors and assumptions not identified above, including those discussed in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," "Risk Factors" and other portions of our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 21, 2017 (the "2016 Form 10-K"), could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements.


Although we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, any or all of our forward-looking statements may prove to be inaccurate and we can make no guarantees about our future performance. Should unknown risks or uncertainties materialize or underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could differ materially from past results and/or those anticipated, estimated or projected. Except to the extent of our obligations 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. 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.



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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Financial Statements

Avis Budget Group, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In millions, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended 
 September 30,

Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,

2017

2016

2017

2016

Revenues

Vehicle rental

$

1,949


$

1,871


$

4,798


$

4,772


Other

803


785


2,031


2,008


Net revenues

2,752


2,656


6,829


6,780


Expenses

Operating

1,256


1,219


3,413


3,381


Vehicle depreciation and lease charges, net

616


576


1,717


1,571


Selling, general and administrative

320


315


875


896


Vehicle interest, net

78


77


215


215


Non-vehicle related depreciation and amortization

66


63


194


189


Interest expense related to corporate debt, net:





Interest expense

45


51


142


157


Early extinguishment of debt

-


-


3


10


Restructuring and other related charges

7


6


52


26


Transaction-related costs, net

-


4


8


13


Total expenses

2,388


2,311


6,619


6,458


Income before income taxes

364


345


210


322


Provision for income taxes

119


136


69


128


Net income

$

245



$

209


$

141


$

194


Comprehensive income

$

279


$

235


$

251


$

294


Earnings per share

Basic

$

2.96


$

2.32


$

1.68


$

2.07


Diluted

$

2.91


$

2.28


$

1.65


$

2.05


See Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited).


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Avis Budget Group, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions, except par value)

(Unaudited)

September 30, 
 2017

December 31,  
 2016

Assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

814


$

490


Receivables, net

855


808


Other current assets

750


519


Total current assets

2,419


1,817


Property and equipment, net

693


685


Deferred income taxes

1,566


1,493


Goodwill

1,065


1,007


Other intangibles, net

863


870


Other non-current assets

182


193


Total assets exclusive of assets under vehicle programs

6,788


6,065


Assets under vehicle programs:

Program cash

180


225


Vehicles, net

11,801


10,464


Receivables from vehicle manufacturers and other

709


527


Investment in Avis Budget Rental Car Funding (AESOP) LLC-related party

395


362


13,085


11,578


Total assets

$

19,873


$

17,643


Liabilities and stockholders' equity

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

$

1,866


$

1,488


Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt

26


279


Total current liabilities

1,892


1,767


Long-term debt

3,565


3,244


Other non-current liabilities

760


764


Total liabilities exclusive of liabilities under vehicle programs

6,217


5,775


Liabilities under vehicle programs:

Debt

3,781


2,183


Debt due to Avis Budget Rental Car Funding (AESOP) LLC-related party

6,785


6,695


Deferred income taxes

2,424


2,429


Other

265


340


13,255


11,647


Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)



Stockholders' equity:

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value-authorized 10 shares; none issued and outstanding, at each date

-


-


Common stock, $0.01 par value-authorized 250 shares; issued 137 shares, at each date

1


1


Additional paid-in capital

6,862


6,918


Accumulated deficit

(1,442

)

(1,639

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(44

)

(154

)

Treasury stock, at cost-55 and 51 shares, respectively

(4,976

)

(4,905

)

Total stockholders' equity

401


221


Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

19,873


$

17,643


See Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited).


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Avis Budget Group, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In millions)

(Unaudited)

Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,

2017

2016

Operating activities

Net income

$

141


$

194


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

Vehicle depreciation

1,500


1,453


(Gain) loss on sale of vehicles, net

53


(15

)

Non-vehicle related depreciation and amortization

194


189


Stock-based compensation

8


21


Amortization of debt financing fees

25


29


Early extinguishment of debt costs

3


10


Net change in assets and liabilities:

Receivables

(112

)

(149

)

Income taxes and deferred income taxes

16


80


Accounts payable and other current liabilities

74


43


Other, net

139


256


Net cash provided by operating activities

2,041


2,111


Investing activities

Property and equipment additions

(138

)

(125

)

Proceeds received on asset sales

6


10


Net assets acquired (net of cash acquired)

(17

)

(4

)

Other, net

5


4


Net cash used in investing activities exclusive of vehicle programs

(144

)

(115

)

Vehicle programs:

Decrease in program cash

53


138


Investment in vehicles

(9,672

)

(10,151

)

Proceeds received on disposition of vehicles

6,872


7,373


Investment in debt securities of Avis Budget Rental Car Funding (AESOP) LLC-related party

(33

)

-


(2,780

)

(2,640

)

Net cash used in investing activities

(2,924

)

(2,755

)



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Avis Budget Group, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)

(In millions)

(Unaudited)

Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,

2017

2016

Financing activities

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

589


896


Payments on long-term borrowings

(596

)

(527

)

Net change in short-term borrowings

(3

)

1


Repurchases of common stock

(144

)

(299

)

Debt financing fees

(9

)

(15

)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities exclusive of vehicle programs

(163

)

56


Vehicle programs:

Proceeds from borrowings

14,276


11,879


Payments on borrowings

(12,930

)

(10,752

)

Debt financing fees

(8

)

(20

)

1,338


1,107


Net cash provided by financing activities

1,175


1,163


Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

32


14


Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

324


533


Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

490


452


Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

814


$

985


See Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited).


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Avis Budget Group, Inc.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(Unless otherwise noted, all dollar amounts in tables are in millions, except per share amounts)


1.

Basis of Presentation


Avis Budget Group, Inc. provides car and truck rentals, car sharing services and ancillary services to businesses and consumers worldwide. The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements include the accounts and transactions of Avis Budget Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, as well as entities in which Avis Budget Group, Inc. directly or indirectly has a controlling financial interest (collectively, the "Company"), and have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for interim financial reporting.

The Company operates the following reportable business segments:


Americas -consisting primarily of (i) vehicle rental operations in North America, South America, Central America and the Caribbean, (ii) car sharing operations in certain of these markets, and (iii) licensees in the areas in which the Company does not operate directly.


International -consisting primarily of (i) vehicle rental operations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australasia, (ii) car sharing operations in certain of these markets, and (iii) licensees in the areas in which the Company does not operate directly.


The operating results of acquired businesses are included in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements from the dates of acquisition. The fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the Company's fourth quarter 2016 acquisition of FranceCars has not yet been finalized; however, there have been no significant changes to the preliminary allocation of the purchase price during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 .


In presenting the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"), 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. In management's opinion, the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements contain all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of interim results reported. The results of operations reported for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the entire year or any subsequent interim period. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's 2016 Form 10-K.


Summary of Significant Accounting Policies


The Company's significant accounting policies are fully described in Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2016.


Reclassifications. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years' Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications have no impact on reported net income (see "Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements" below).


Vehicle Programs.  The Company presents separately the financial data of its vehicle programs. These programs are distinct from the Company's 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 acquisition of such assets and the principal debt repayment or financing of such assets are classified as activities of the Company's 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.



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Transaction-related costs, net. Transaction-related costs, net are classified separately in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income. These costs are comprised of expenses related to acquisition-related activities such as due diligence and other advisory costs, expenses related to the integration of the acquiree's operations with those of the Company, including the implementation of best practices and process improvements, non-cash gains and losses related to re-acquired rights, expenses related to pre-acquisition contingencies and contingent consideration related to acquisitions.


Currency Transactions. The Company records the gain or loss on foreign-currency transactions on certain intercompany loans and the gain or loss on intercompany loan hedges within interest expense related to corporate debt, net. During the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , the Company recorded a $2 million gain and a $1 million loss, respectively and during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , the Company recorded a $2 million gain and a $8 million loss, respectively, on such items.


Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements


On January 1, 2017, as a result of a new accounting pronouncement, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, "Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting," which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, minimum statutory withholding requirements and classification in the statement of cash flows. Accordingly, in the Company's Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet at January 1, 2017, deferred income tax assets, net of the valuation allowance were increased by $56 million related to previously unrecognized excess tax benefits associated with equity awards, with a corresponding decrease to accumulated deficit, using the modified retrospective method. In addition, in the Company's Consolidated Condensed Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, cash taxes paid related to shares directly withheld from employees for tax purposes of $10 million were reclassified from accounts payable and other current liabilities within net cash provided by operating activities to repurchases of common stock within net cash provided by financing activities exclusive of vehicle programs. The Company elected to account for forfeitures on an actual basis, which did not have a material impact on its Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.


Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements


Accounting for Hedging Activities


In August 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2017-12, "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities," which amends the existing guidance to allow companies to more accurately present the economic results of an entity's risk management activities in the financial statements. ASU 2017-12 becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of this accounting pronouncement on its Consolidated Financial Statements.


Scope of Modification Accounting for Share-Based Payment Awards


In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, "Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting," which provides guidance on the types of changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award to which an entity would be required to apply modification accounting. ASU 2017-09 becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.


Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost


In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, "Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Costs and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost," which requires an entity to disaggregate the components of net benefit cost recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. ASU 2017-07 becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this accounting pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.


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Accounting for Goodwill Impairment


In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment," which requires an entity to perform its goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and to recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value. ASU 2017-04 becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this accounting pronouncement is not expected to have an impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.


Clarifying the Definition of a Business


In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, "Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business," which assists entities in evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions of assets or businesses. ASU 2017-01 becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this accounting pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.


Restricted Cash


In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash," which clarifies guidance on the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this accounting pronouncement will impact the presentation of program cash in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.


Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments


In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments," which clarifies guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this accounting pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.


Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments


In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments," which sets forth a current expected credit loss impairment model for financial assets that replaces the current incurred loss model. This model requires a financial asset (or group of financial assets), including trade receivables, measured at amortized cost to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected with an allowance for credit losses deducted from the amortized cost basis. The allowance for credit losses should reflect management's current estimate of credit losses that are expected to occur over the remaining life of a financial asset. ASU 2016-13 becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted as of January 1, 2019. The adoption of this accounting pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's Financial Statements.



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Leases


In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)," which requires a lessee to recognize all long-term leases on its balance sheet as a liability for its lease obligation, measured at the present value of lease payments not yet paid, and a corresponding asset representing its right to use the underlying asset over the lease term and expands disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. The ASU does not significantly change a lessee's recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows. Additionally, ASU 2016-02 aligns key aspects of lessor accounting with the new revenue recognition guidance in ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" (see below). ASU 2016-02 becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. In transition, lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach which includes a number of optional practical expedients that entities may elect to apply. The Company is currently evaluating and planning for the implementation of this ASU, including assessing its overall impact, and expects most of its operating lease commitments will be subject to the new standard and recognized as operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets upon adoption, which will materially increase total assets and total liabilities relative to such amounts prior to adoption. The Company has determined portions of its vehicle rental contracts that convey the right to control the use of identified assets are within the scope of the accounting guidance contained in ASU 2016-02. As discussed in Revenue from Contracts with Customers below, the Company's vehicle rental revenues will be accounted for under the revenue accounting standard ("Topic 606") effective January 1, 2018, until the adoption of this accounting pronouncement on January 1, 2019.


Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities


In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, "Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities," which makes limited amendments to the classification and measurement of financial instruments. The new standard amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this accounting pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.


Revenue from Contracts with Customers


In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)," which outlines a single model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes current revenue recognition guidance. The new guidance applies to all contracts with customers except for leases, insurance contracts, financial instruments, certain nonmonetary exchanges and certain guarantees. Also, additional disclosures are required about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. ASU 2014-09 becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and may be adopted on either a full or modified retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating and planning for the implementation of this ASU and has determined it will adopt the requirements of the new standard on a modified retrospective basis using the practical expedient not to restate contracts that begin and end within the same prior fiscal year. The Company derives revenue primarily by providing vehicle rentals and ancillary products to customers and has determined this ASU will affect its presentation of vehicle rental and other revenue as the total transaction price for each vehicle rental contract will need to be allocated among performance obligations based on standalone selling price. ASU 2014-09 defines standalone selling price as the observable price of a good or service when sold separately in similar circumstances and to similar customers. The Company has also determined this ASU will impact its accounting for its customer loyalty program and rebates. As discussed in Leases above, the Company's vehicle rental revenues will be accounted for under Topic 606 effective January 1, 2018, until the adoption of Topic 842 on January 1, 2019.



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2.

Restructuring and Other Related Charges


Restructuring


During first quarter 2017, the Company initiated a strategic restructuring initiative to drive operational efficiency throughout the organization by reducing headcount, improving processes and consolidating functions, closing certain rental locations and decreasing the size of its fleet (the "T17"). During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as part of this initiative, the Company formally communicated the termination of employment to approximately 620 employees, and as of September 30, 2017, the Company had terminated the employment of approximately 595 of these employees. The costs associated with this initiative primarily represent severance, outplacement services and other costs associated with employee terminations, the majority of which have been or are expected to be settled in cash. The Company expects further restructuring expense of approximately $4 million related to this initiative to be incurred in fourth quarter 2017.


In conjunction with previous acquisitions, the Company identified opportunities to integrate and streamline its operations, primarily in Europe (the "Acquisition integration"). This initiative is substantially complete, and the Company does not anticipate any further restructuring expense related to this initiative.


In 2014, the Company committed to various strategic initiatives to identify best practices and drive efficiency throughout its organization, by reducing headcount, improving processes and consolidating functions (the "T15"). The Company does not anticipate any further restructuring expense related to this initiative.


The following tables summarize the changes to our restructuring-related liabilities and identify the amounts recorded within the Company's reporting segments for restructuring charges and corresponding payments and utilizations:

Americas

International

Total

Balance as of January 1, 2017

$

1


$

5


$

6


Restructuring expense:

T17

24


7


31


Restructuring payment/utilization:

T17

(23

)

(7

)

(30

)

T15

(1

)

(2

)

(3

)

Acquisition integration

-


(1

)

(1

)

Balance as of September 30, 2017

$

1


$

2


$

3


Personnel
Related

Facility
Related

Other (a)

Total

Balance as of January 1, 2017

$

5


$

1


$

-


$

6


Restructuring expense:

T17

17


-


14


31


Restructuring payment/utilization:

T17

(15

)

(1

)

(14

)

(30

)

T15

(3

)

-


-


(3

)

Acquisition integration

(1

)

-


-


(1

)

Balance as of September 30, 2017

$

3


$

-


$

-


$

3


__________

(a)

Includes expenses primarily related to the disposition of vehicles.


Other Related Charges


Officer Separation Costs


On May 12, 2017, the Company announced the resignation of David B. Wyshner as the Company's President and Chief Financial Officer. In connection with Mr. Wyshner's departure, the Company recorded other related charges of $7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, inclusive of accelerated stock-based compensation expense of $2 million .


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Limited Voluntary Opportunity Plan ("LVOP")


During second quarter 2017, the Company decided to offer a voluntary termination program to certain employees in the Americas' field operations, shared services, and general and administrative functions for a limited time. These employees, if qualified, can elect resignation from employment in return for enhanced severance benefits to be settled in cash. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recorded other related charges of $14 million in connection with the LVOP. Approximately 325 qualified employees elected to participate in the plan, and as of September 30, 2017, the Company had terminated the employment of approximately 255 of these participants.


3.

Earnings Per Share


The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS") (shares in millions): 

Three Months Ended 
 September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,

2017

2016

2017

2016

Net income for basic and diluted EPS

$

245


$

209


$

141


$

194


Basic weighted average shares outstanding

82.6


90.4


84.1


93.5


Options and non-vested stock (a)

1.4


1.4


1.4


1.3


Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

84.0


91.8


85.5


94.8


Earnings per share:

Basic

$

2.96


$

2.32


$

1.68


$

2.07


Diluted

$

2.91


$

2.28


$

1.65


$

2.05


__________

(a)

For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , 0.7 million and 0.2 million non-vested stock awards, respectively, have an anti-dilutive effect and therefore are excluded from the computation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, 0.8 million and 0.2 million non-vested stock awards, respectively, have an anti-dilutive effect and therefore are excluded from the computation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding.


4.

Other Current Assets


Other current assets consisted of:

As of
September 30,

2017

As of December 31, 2016

Sales and use taxes

$

348


$

153


Prepaid expenses

231


212


Other

171


154


Other current assets

$

750


$

519




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5.

Intangible Assets


Intangible assets consisted of:

As of September 30, 2017

As of December 31, 2016

Gross

Carrying

Amount

Accumulated

Amortization

Net

Carrying

Amount

Gross

Carrying

Amount

Accumulated

Amortization

Net

Carrying

Amount

Amortized Intangible Assets

License agreements

$

279


$

133


$

146


$

261


$

109


$

152


Customer relationships

240


113


127


224


90


134


Other

50


15


35


46


12


34


Total

$

569


$

261


$

308


$

531


$

211


$

320


Unamortized Intangible Assets

Goodwill (a)

$

1,065


$

1,007


Trademarks

$

555


$

550


_________

(a)

The increase in the carrying amount since December 31, 2016 primarily reflects currency translation.


For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , amortization expense related to amortizable intangible assets was approximately $17 million and $15 million , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , amortization expense related to amortizable intangible assets was approximately $48 million in each period. Based on the Company's amortizable intangible assets at September 30, 2017 , the Company expects amortization expense of approximately $14 million for the remainder of 2017 , $47 million for 2018, $41 million for 2019, $40 million for 2020, $30 million for 2021 and $24 million for 2022, excluding effects of currency exchange rates.


6.

Vehicle Rental Activities


The components of vehicles, net within assets under vehicle programs were as follows:

As of

As of

September 30,

December 31,

2017

2016

Rental vehicles

$

12,993


$

10,937


Less: Accumulated depreciation

(1,627

)

(1,454

)

11,366


9,483


Vehicles held for sale

435


981


Vehicles, net

$

11,801


$

10,464



The components of vehicle depreciation and lease charges, net are summarized below:

Three Months Ended 
 September 30,

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

2017

2016

2017

2016

Depreciation expense

$

547


$

523


$

1,500


$

1,453


Lease charges

67


57


164


133


(Gain) loss on sale of vehicles, net

2


(4

)

53


(15

)

Vehicle depreciation and lease charges, net

$

616


$

576


$

1,717


$

1,571



At September 30, 2017 and 2016 , the Company had payables related to vehicle purchases included in liabilities under vehicle programs - other of $231 million and $164 million , respectively, and receivables related to vehicle sales included in assets under vehicle programs - receivables from vehicle manufacturers and other of $707 million and $586 million , respectively.



13

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7.

Income Taxes


The Company's effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is a provision of 32.9% . Such rate differed from the Federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily due to foreign taxes as a result of the mix of the Company's earnings between the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions.


The Company's effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was a provision of 39.8% . Such rate differed from the Federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily due to state and foreign income taxes.


8.

Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities


Accounts payable and other current liabilities consisted of:

As of


As of

September 30,


December 31,

2017


2016

Accounts payable

$

426


$

343


Accrued sales and use taxes

329


206


Accrued payroll and related

172


173


Deferred revenue – current

154


114


Public liability and property damage insurance liabilities – current

141


141


Accrued commissions

126


86


Other

518


425


Accounts payable and other current liabilities

$

1,866


$

1,488



9.

Long-term Corporate Debt and Borrowing Arrangements


Long-term and other borrowing arrangements consisted of:

As of

As of

Maturity

Dates

September 30,

December 31,

2017

2016

Floating Rate Senior Notes

December 2017

$

-


$

249


Floating Rate Term Loan

March 2019

-


144


6% euro-denominated Senior Notes

March 2021

-


194


Floating Rate Term Loan (a)

March 2022

1,139


816


5⅛% Senior Notes

June 2022

400


400


5½% Senior Notes

April 2023

675


675


6⅜% Senior Notes

April 2024

350


350


4⅛% euro-denominated Senior Notes

November 2024

354


316


5¼% Senior Notes

March 2025

375


375


4½% euro-denominated Senior Notes

May 2025

295


-


Other (b)

51


57


Deferred financing fees

(48

)

(53

)

Total

3,591


3,523


Less: Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt

26


279


Long-term debt

$

3,565


$

3,244


__________

(a)

The floating rate term loan is part of the Company's senior credit facility, which is secured by pledges of capital stock of certain subsidiaries of the Company, and liens on substantially all of the Company's intellectual property and certain other real and personal property. As of September 30, 2017, the floating rate term loan due 2022 bears interest at three-month LIBOR plus 200 basis points, for an aggregate rate of 3.34%. The Company has entered into a swap to hedge $700 million of its interest rate exposure related to the floating rate term loan at an aggregate rate of 3.75%.

(b)

Primarily includes capital leases which are secured by liens on the related assets.


In March 2017, the Company issued €250 million of 4½% euro-denominated Senior Notes due 2025, at par. In April 2017, the Company used the net proceeds from the offering to redeem its outstanding €175 million principal amount of 6% euro-denominated Senior Notes due 2021 for €180 million plus accrued interest. In June 2017, the Company used the remaining proceeds to redeem a portion of its Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2017.


14

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In March 2017, the Company increased its Floating Rate Term Loan due 2022 to $1.1 billion and reduced the loan interest rate to three-month LIBOR plus 2.00%. The Company used the incremental term loan proceeds to repay all of its outstanding Floating Rate Term Loan due 2019. In June 2017, the Company used the remaining proceeds to redeem the remainder of its outstanding Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2017.


Committed Credit Facilities and Available Funding Arrangements


At September 30, 2017 , the committed corporate credit facilities available to the Company and/or its subsidiaries were as follows:

Total

Capacity

Outstanding

Borrowings

Letters of Credit Issued

Available

Capacity

Senior revolving credit facility maturing 2021 (a)

$

1,800


$

-


$

1,058


$

742


Other facilities (b)

3


3


-


-


__________

(a)

The senior revolving credit facility bears interest at one-month LIBOR plus 200 basis points and is part of the Company's senior credit facility, which is secured by pledges of capital stock of certain subsidiaries of the Company, and liens on substantially all of the Company's intellectual property and certain other real and personal property.

(b)

These facilities encompass bank overdraft lines of credit, bearing interest of 3.10% to 3.18% as of September 30, 2017.


At September 30, 2017 , the Company had various uncommitted credit facilities available, under which it had drawn approximately $2 million , which bear interest at rates between 0.74% and 4.50% .

Debt Covenants


The agreements governing the Company's indebtedness contain restrictive covenants, including restrictions on dividends paid to the Company by certain of its subsidiaries, the incurrence of additional indebtedness by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries, acquisitions, mergers, liquidations, and sale and leaseback transactions. The Company's senior credit facility also contains a maximum leverage ratio requirement. As of September 30, 2017 , the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants governing its indebtedness.


10.

Debt Under Vehicle Programs and Borrowing Arrangements


Debt under vehicle programs, including related party debt due to Avis Budget Rental Car Funding (AESOP) LLC ("Avis Budget Rental Car Funding"), consisted of:

As of

As of

September 30,

December 31,

2017

2016

Americas - Debt due to Avis Budget Rental Car Funding (a)

$

6,816


$

6,733


Americas - Debt borrowings (a)

947


577


International - Debt borrowings (a)

2,684


1,449


International - Capital leases

159


162


Other

1


7


Deferred financing fees (b)

(41

)

(50

)

Total

$

10,566


$

8,878


__________

(a)

The increase reflects additional borrowings principally to fund increases in the Company's car rental fleet.

(b)

Deferred financing fees related to Debt due to Avis Budget Rental Car Funding as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were $31 million and $38 million, respectively.


In March 2017, the Company's Avis Budget Rental Car Funding subsidiary issued approximately $600 million in asset-backed notes with an expected final payment date of September 2022 . The weighted average interest rate was 3% . The Company used the proceeds from these borrowings to fund the repayment of maturing vehicle-backed debt and the acquisition of rental cars in the United States.



15

Table of Contents


In May 2017, the Company increased its capacity under the European rental fleet securitization program by €250 million . The Company used the proceeds to finance fleet purchases for certain of the Company's European operations.


Debt Maturities


The following table provides the contractual maturities of the Company's debt under vehicle programs, including related party debt due to Avis Budget Rental Car Funding, at  September 30, 2017 .

Debt under Vehicle Programs

Within 1 year (a)

$

1,868


Between 1 and 2 years

4,751


Between 2 and 3 years

1,908


Between 3 and 4 years

1,143


Between 4 and 5 years

800


Thereafter

137


Total

$

10,607


__________

(a)

Vehicle-backed debt maturing within one year primarily represents term asset-backed securities.


Committed Credit Facilities and Available Funding Arrangements


As of September 30, 2017 , available funding under the Company's vehicle programs, including related party debt due to Avis Budget Rental Car Funding, consisted of:

Total

Capacity  (a)

Outstanding

Borrowings

Available

Capacity

Americas - Debt due to Avis Budget Rental Car Funding (b)

$

9,106


$

6,816


$

2,290


Americas - Debt borrowings (c)

974


947


27


International - Debt borrowings (d)

2,897


2,684


213


International - Capital leases (e)

189


159


30


Other

1


1


-


Total

$

13,167


$

10,607


$

2,560


__________

(a)

Capacity is subject to maintaining sufficient assets to collateralize debt.

(b)

The outstanding debt is collateralized by approximately $8.4 billion of underlying vehicles and related assets.

(c)

The outstanding debt is collateralized by approximately $1.3 billion of underlying vehicles and related assets.

(d)

The outstanding debt is collateralized by approximately $3.1 billion of underlying vehicles and related assets.

(e)

The outstanding debt is collateralized by approximately $0.2 billion of underlying vehicles and related assets.


Debt Covenants


The agreements under the Company's vehicle-backed funding programs contain restrictive covenants, including restrictions on dividends paid to the Company by certain of its subsidiaries and restrictions on indebtedness, mergers, liens, liquidations, and sale and leaseback transactions and in some cases also require compliance with certain financial requirements. As of September 30, 2017 , the Company is not aware of any instances of non-compliance with any of the financial covenants contained in the debt agreements under its vehicle-backed funding programs.


11.

Commitments and Contingencies


Contingencies


In 2006, the Company completed the spin-offs of its Realogy and Wyndham subsidiaries. The Company does not believe that the impact of any resolution of pre-existing contingent liabilities in connection with the spin-offs should result in a material liability to the Company in relation to its consolidated financial position or liquidity, as Realogy and Wyndham each have agreed to assume responsibility for these liabilities. The Company is also named in litigation that is primarily related to the businesses of its former subsidiaries,


16

Table of Contents


including Realogy and Wyndham. The Company is entitled to indemnification from such entities for any liability resulting from such litigation.


In February 2015, the French Competition Authority issued a statement of objections alleging that several car rental companies, including the Company and two of its European subsidiaries, engaged with (i) twelve French airports, the majority of which are controlled by public administrative bodies or the French state, and violated competition law through the distribution by airports of company-specific statistics to car rental companies operating at those airports and (ii) two other international car rental companies in a concerted practice relating to train station surcharges. In February 2017, the Company was notified that the French Competition Authority dismissed the charges and cleared the Company and its subsidiaries of any wrongdoing.


In February 2017, following a state court trial in Georgia, a jury found the Company liable for damages in a case brought by a plaintiff who was injured in a vehicle accident allegedly caused by an employee of an independent contractor of the Company who was acting outside of the scope of employment. In March 2017, the Company was also found liable for damages in a companion case arising from the same incident. The Company considers the attribution of liability to the Company, and the amount of damages awarded, to be unsupported by the facts of these cases and intends to appeal the verdicts. The Company has recognized a liability for the expected loss related to these cases, net of recoverable insurance proceeds, of approximately $12 million .


The Company is involved in claims, legal proceedings and governmental inquiries related, among other things, to its vehicle rental operations, including contract and licensee disputes, competition matters, employment matters, insurance and liability claims, intellectual property claims, business practice disputes and other regulatory, environmental, commercial and tax matters. Litigation is inherently unpredictable and, although the Company believes that its accruals are adequate and/or that it has valid defenses in these matters, unfavorable resolutions could occur. The Company estimates that the potential exposure resulting from adverse outcomes of legal proceedings in which it is reasonably possible that a loss may be incurred could, in the aggregate, be up to approximately $50 million in excess of amounts accrued as of September 30, 2017 ; however, the Company does not believe that the impact should result in a material liability to the Company in relation to its consolidated financial condition or results of operations.


Commitments to Purchase Vehicles


The Company maintains agreements with vehicle manufacturers under which the Company has agreed to purchase approximately $6.1 billion of vehicles from manufacturers over the next 12 months financed primarily through the issuance of vehicle-backed debt and cash received upon the disposition of vehicles. Certain of these commitments are subject to the vehicle manufacturers' satisfying their obligations under their respective repurchase and guaranteed depreciation agreements.


Concentrations


Concentrations of credit risk at September 30, 2017 include (i) risks related to the Company's repurchase and guaranteed depreciation agreements with domestic and foreign car manufacturers, including Ford, General Motors and Chrysler , and primarily with respect to receivables for program cars that have been disposed but for which the Company has not yet received payment from the manufacturers and (ii) risks related to Realogy and Wyndham, including receivables of $30 million and $19 million , respectively, related to certain contingent, income tax and other corporate liabilities assumed by Realogy and Wyndham in connection with their disposition.



17

Table of Contents


12.

Stockholders' Equity


Stockholder Rights Plan


In January 2017, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the adoption of a short-term stockholder rights plan, with an expiration date in January 2018. Effective May 3, 2017, the Company terminated the rights plan. Pursuant to the rights plan, the Company declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right for each outstanding share of common stock, payable to holders of record as of the close of business on February 2, 2017. Each right, which was exercisable only in the event any person or group were to acquire a voting or economic position of 10% or more of the Company's outstanding common stock (with certain limited exceptions), would have entitled any holder other than the person or group whose ownership position had exceeded the ownership limit to purchase common stock having a value equal to twice the $90 exercise price of the right, or, at the election of the Board of Directors, to exchange each right for one share of common stock (subject to adjustment). On May 3, 2017, the Company also entered into a new cooperation agreement with SRS Investment Management LLC and certain of its affiliates.

Share Repurchases


The Company's Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $1.5 billion of its common stock under a plan originally approved in 2013 and subsequently expanded, most recently in 2016. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company repurchased approximately 4.2 million shares of common stock at a cost of approximately $127 million under the program. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company repurchased approximately 9.5 million shares of common stock at a cost of approximately $290 million under the program. As of September 30, 2017 , approximately $174 million of authorization remains available to repurchase common stock under this plan.


Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)


Comprehensive income consists of net income and other gains and losses affecting stockholders' equity that, under GAAP, are excluded from net income.


The components of other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows: 

Three Months Ended 
 September 30,

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

2017

2016

2017

2016

Net income

$

245


$

209


$

141


$

194


Other comprehensive income (loss):

Currency translation adjustments (net of tax of $9, $3, $29 and $7, respectively)

32


20


105


100


Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities (net of tax of $(1), $0, $(1), $0, respectively)

-


1


1


1


Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges (net of tax of $(1), $(3), $0 and $2, respectively)

1


4


-


(4

)

Minimum pension liability adjustment (net of tax of $(1), $0, $(2) and $(1), respectively)

1


1


4


3


34


26


110


100


Comprehensive income

$

279


$

235


$

251


$

294


__________

Currency translation adjustments exclude income taxes related to indefinite investments in foreign subsidiaries.



18

Table of Contents


Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)


The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows: 

Currency

Translation

Adjustments

Net Unrealized

Gains (Losses)

on Cash Flow

Hedges (a)

Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for Sale Securities (b)

Minimum

Pension

Liability

Adjustment (c)

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Income (Loss)

Balance, January 1, 2017

$

(39

)

$

2


$

1


$

(118

)

$

(154

)

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

105


(2

)

1


-


104


Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

-


2


-


4


6


Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)

105


-


1


4


110


Balance, September 30, 2017

$

66


$

2


$

2


$

(114

)

$

(44

)

Balance, January 1, 2016

$

(80

)

$

(2

)

$

-


$

(65

)

$

(147

)

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

100


(7

)

-


-


93


Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

-


3


1


3


7


Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)

100


(4

)

1


3


100


Balance, September  30, 2016

$

20


$

(6

)

$

1


$

(62

)

$

(47

)

__________

All components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are net of tax, except currency translation adjustments, which exclude income taxes related to indefinite investments in foreign subsidiaries and include a $39 million gain, net of tax, as of September 30, 2017 related to the Company's hedge of its net investment in euro-denominated foreign operations (see Note 14 - Financial Instruments).

(a)

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into corporate interest expense were $1 million ( $1 million , net of tax) and $3 million ( $2 million , net of tax), respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into corporate interest expense were $2 million ( $1 million , net of tax) and $6 million ( $3 million , net of tax), respectively.

(b)

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into operating expenses were $1 million ( $1 million , net of tax) in each period.

(c)

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into selling, general and administrative expenses were $2 million ( $1 million , net of tax) and $6 million ( $4 million , net of tax), respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into selling, general and administrative expenses were $1 million ( $1 million , net of tax) and $4 million ( $3 million , net of tax), respectively.



13.

Stock-Based Compensation


The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $1 million and $7 million ( $1 million and $5 million , net of tax) during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and $6 million and $21 million ( $4 million and $14 million , net of tax) during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.


The Company uses a Monte Carlo simulation model to calculate the fair value of stock unit awards containing a market condition. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company did not issue any stock unit awards containing a market condition. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company's weighted average assumptions for expected stock price volatility, risk-free interest rate, valuation period and dividend yield were 46% , 0.98% , 3 years , and 0.0% , respectively.



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Table of Contents


The activity related to the Company's restricted stock units ("RSUs") consisted of (in thousands of shares):

Time-Based RSUs

Performance-Based and Market-Based RSUs

Number of Shares

Weighted

Average Grant Date

Fair Value

Number of Shares

Weighted

Average Grant Date

Fair Value

Outstanding at January 1, 2017 (a)

878


$

34.83


923


$

34.11


Granted

915


35.32


572


35.21


Vested (b)

(470

)

37.11


(146

)

36.55


Forfeited/expired

(92

)

32.53


(304

)

38.73


Outstanding at September 30, 2017 (c)

1,231


$

34.50


1,045


$

33.03


__________

(a)

Reflects the maximum number of stock units assuming achievement of all time-, performance- and market-vesting criteria and does not include those for non-employee directors. The weighted-average fair value of time-based RSUs, and performance-based and market-based RSUs granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $25.92 and $23.33 , respectively.

(b)

The total grant date fair value of RSUs vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $23 million and $27 million , respectively.

(c)

The Company assumes 0.1 million of performance-based and market-based RSUs outstanding awards will vest over time with weighted average grate date fair value of $36.64 . The Company's outstanding time-based RSUs, and performance-based and market-based RSUs expected to vest had aggregate intrinsic values of $47 million and $4 million , respectively. Aggregate unrecognized compensation expense related to time-based RSUs, and performance-based and market-based RSUs amounted to $40 million and will be recognized over a weighted average vesting period of 1.3 years.


The stock option activity consisted of (in thousands of shares): 

Number of Options

Weighted Average Exercise Price

Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions)

Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)

Outstanding at January 1, 2017

810


$

2.91


$

27


2.3

Granted

-


-


-


Exercised

(14

)

0.79


-


Forfeited/expired

-


-


-


Outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2017

796


$

2.95


$

28


1.5


14.

Financial Instruments


Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Currency Risk. The Company uses currency exchange contracts to manage its exposure to changes in currency exchange rates associated with certain of its non-U.S.-dollar denominated receivables and forecasted royalties, forecasted earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries and forecasted non-U.S.-dollar denominated acquisitions. The Company primarily hedges a portion of its current-year currency exposure to the Australian, Canadian and New Zealand dollars, the euro and the British pound sterling. The majority of forward contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. The fluctuations in the value of these forward contracts do, however, largely offset the impact of changes in the value of the underlying risk they economically hedge. Forward contracts used to hedge forecasted third-party receipts and disbursements up to 12 months are designated and do qualify as cash flow hedges. The Company has designated its euro-denominated notes as a hedge of its investment in euro-denominated foreign operations.

The amount of gains or losses reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings resulting from ineffectiveness or from excluding a component of the hedges' gain or loss from the effectiveness calculation for cash flow and net investment hedges during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was not material, nor is the amount of gains or losses the Company expects to reclassify from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings over the next 12 months.


Interest Rate Risk. The Company uses various hedging strategies including interest rate swaps and interest rate caps to create what it deems an appropriate mix of fixed and floating rate assets and liabilities. The


20

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Company uses interest rate swaps and interest rate caps to manage the risk related to its floating rate corporate debt and its floating rate vehicle-backed debt. The Company records the effective portion of changes in the fair value of its cash flow hedges to other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, and subsequently reclassifies these amounts into earnings in the period during which the hedged transaction is recognized. The Company records the gains or losses related to freestanding derivatives, which are not designated as a hedge for accounting purposes, in its consolidated results of operations. The changes in fair values of hedges that are determined to be ineffective are immediately reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings. The amount of gains or losses reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings resulting from ineffectiveness related to the Company's cash flow hedges was not material during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 . The Company estimates that $2 million of losses currently recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) will be recognized in earnings over the next 12 months.


The Company enters into derivative commodity contracts to manage its exposure in the U.S. to changes in the price of unleaded gasoline. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recorded within operating expenses.


The Company held derivative instruments with absolute notional values as follows:

As of September 30, 2017

Interest rate caps (a)

$

11,035


Interest rate swaps

1,100


Foreign exchange contracts

887


Commodity contracts (millions of gallons of unleaded gasoline)

4


__________

(a)

Represents $8.0 billion of interest rate caps sold, partially offset by approximately $3.0 billion of interest rate caps purchased. These amounts exclude $5.0 billion of interest rate caps purchased by the Company's Avis Budget Rental Car Funding subsidiary as it is not consolidated by the Company.


Estimated fair values (Level 2) of derivative instruments were as follows: 

As of September 30, 2017

As of December 31, 2016

Fair Value,

Asset

Derivatives

Fair Value,

Liability

Derivatives

Fair Value,

Asset

Derivatives

Fair Value,

Liability

Derivatives

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

Interest rate swaps (a)

$

4


$

2


$

7


$

4


Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

Interest rate caps (b)

-


1


1


7


Foreign exchange contracts (c)

7


10


7


2


Total

$

11


$

13


$

15


$

13


__________

Amounts in this table exclude derivatives issued by Avis Budget Rental Car Funding; however, certain amounts related to the derivatives held by Avis Budget Rental Car Funding are included within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

(a)

Included in other non-current assets or other non-current liabilities.

(b)

Included in assets under vehicle programs or liabilities under vehicle programs.

(c)

Included in other current assets or other current liabilities.



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The effects of derivatives recognized in the Company's Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements were as follows:

Three Months Ended 
 September 30,

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

2017


2016


2017


2016

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments (a)

Interest rate swaps

$

1


$

4


$

-


$

(4

)

Euro-denominated notes

(13

)

(3

)

(44

)

(11

)

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments (b)

Interest rate caps  (c)

(1

)

-


(1

)

(1

)

Foreign exchange contracts  (d)

(11

)

5


(44

)

17


Commodity contracts (e)

1


-


(1

)

-


Total

$

(23

)

$

6


$

(90

)

$

1


__________

(a)

Recognized, net of tax, as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders' equity.

(b)

Gains (losses) related to derivative instruments are expected to be largely offset by (losses) gains on the underlying exposures being hedged.

(c)

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017, included in vehicle interest, net.

(d)

For the three months ended September 30, 2017 , included a $7 million loss in interest expense and a $4 million loss in operating expense and for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , included a $25 million loss in interest expense and a $19 million loss in operating expense. For the three months ended September 30, 2016 , included a $8 million gain in interest expense and a $3 million loss in operating expense and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , included a $43 million gain in interest expense and a $26 million loss in operating expense.

(e)

Included in operating expense.


Debt Instruments


The carrying amounts and estimated fair values (Level 2) of debt instruments were as follows:

As of September 30, 2017

As of December 31, 2016

Carrying

Amount

Estimated

Fair

Value

Carrying

Amount

Estimated

Fair

Value

Corporate debt

Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt

$

26


$

26


$

279


$

280


Long-term debt

3,565


3,667


3,244


3,265


Debt under vehicle programs

Vehicle-backed debt due to Avis Budget Rental Car Funding

$

6,785


$

6,834


$

6,695


$

6,722


Vehicle-backed debt

3,780


3,786


2,176


2,187


Interest rate swaps and interest rate caps (a)

1


1


7


7


__________

(a)

Derivatives in a liability position.


15.

Segment Information


The Company's chief operating decision-maker assesses performance and allocates resources based upon the separate financial information from each of the Company's operating segments. In identifying its reportable segments, the Company considered the nature of services provided, the geographical areas in which the segments operated and other relevant factors. The Company aggregates certain of its operating segments into its reportable segments.


Management evaluates the operating results of each of its reportable segments based upon revenue and "Adjusted EBITDA," which the Company defines as income from continuing operations before non-vehicle related depreciation and amortization, any impairment charges, restructuring and other related charges, early extinguishment of debt costs, non-vehicle related interest, transaction-related costs, net charges for


22

Table of Contents


unprecedented personal-injury legal matters and income taxes. Net charges for unprecedented personal-injury legal matters are recorded within operating expenses in the Company's Consolidated Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income. The Company has revised its definition of Adjusted EBITDA to exclude costs associated with the separation of certain officers of the Company and its limited voluntary opportunity plan, which offers certain employees the limited opportunity to elect resignation from employment for enhanced severance benefits. Costs associated with the separation of certain officers and the limited voluntary opportunity plan are recorded as part of restructuring and other related charges in the Company's Consolidated Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income. The Company did not revise prior year's Adjusted EBITDA amounts because there were no costs similar in nature to these costs. The Company's presentation of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures used by other companies.

Three Months Ended September 30,

2017

2016

Revenues


Adjusted EBITDA


Revenues


Adjusted EBITDA

Americas

$

1,839


$

303


$

1,821


$

306


International

913


194


835


179


Corporate and Other (a)

-


(15

)

-


(16

)

Total Company

$

2,752


$

482


$

2,656


$

469


Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to income before income taxes

2017

2016

Adjusted EBITDA

$

482


$

469


Less:

Non-vehicle related depreciation and amortization

66


63


Interest expense related to corporate debt, net

45


51


Restructuring and other related charges

7


6


Transaction-related costs, net

-


4


Income before income taxes

$

364


$

345


__________

(a)

Includes unallocated corporate overhead which is not attributable to a particular segment.


Nine Months Ended September 30,

2017

2016

Revenues

Adjusted EBITDA

Revenues

Adjusted EBITDA

Americas

$

4,718


$

379


$

4,778


$

532


International

2,111


260


2,002


237


Corporate and Other (a)

-


(44

)

-


(52

)

Total Company

$

6,829


$

595


$

6,780


$

717


Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to income before income taxes

2017

2016

Adjusted EBITDA

$

595


$

717


Less:

Non-vehicle related depreciation and amortization

194


189


Interest expense related to corporate debt, net

142


157


Early extinguishment of corporate debt

3


10


Restructuring and other related charges

52


26


Transaction-related costs, net

8


13


Charges for legal matter, net (b)

(14

)

-


Income before income taxes

$

210


$

322


__________

(a)

Includes unallocated corporate overhead which is not attributable to a particular segment.

(b)

Reported within operating expenses in our Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income.


Since December 31, 2016 , there have been no significant changes in segment assets other than the Company's International segment assets. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , International segment assets exclusive of assets under vehicle programs were approximately $2.6 billion and $2.0 billion ,


23

Table of Contents


respectively, and International segment assets under vehicle programs were approximately $3.5 billion and $2.4 billion , respectively, due to seasonality.


16.

Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Consolidating Condensed Financial Statements


The following consolidating financial information presents Consolidating Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , Consolidating Condensed Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , and Consolidating Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 for: (i) Avis Budget Group, Inc. (the "Parent"); (ii) ABCR and Avis Budget Finance, Inc. (the "Subsidiary Issuers"); (iii) the guarantor subsidiaries; (iv) the non-guarantor subsidiaries; (v) elimination entries necessary to consolidate the Parent with the Subsidiary Issuers, and the guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries; and (vi) the Company on a consolidated basis. The Subsidiary Issuers and the guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries are 100% owned by the Parent, either directly or indirectly. All guarantees are full and unconditional and joint and several. This financial information is being presented in relation to the Company's guarantee of the payment of principal, premium (if any) and interest on the notes issued by the Subsidiary Issuers. See Note 9 - Long-term Debt and Borrowing Arrangements for additional description of these guaranteed notes. The Senior Notes are guaranteed by the Parent and certain subsidiaries.


Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for using the equity method of accounting for purposes of the consolidating presentation. The principal elimination entries relate to investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions. For purposes of the accompanying Consolidating Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income, certain expenses incurred by the Subsidiary Issuers are allocated to the guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries.


24

Table of Contents


Consolidating Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income


Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

Parent

Subsidiary

Issuers

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

Non-

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total

Revenues

Vehicle rental

$

-


$

-


$

1,228


$

721


$

-


$

1,949


Other

-


-


341


1,073


(611

)

803


Net revenues

-


-


1,569


1,794


(611

)

2,752


Expenses

Operating

-


5


710


541


-


1,256


Vehicle depreciation and lease charges, net

-


-


568


605


(557

)

616


Selling, general and administrative

9


2


174


135


-


320


Vehicle interest, net

-


-


53


79


(54

)

78


Non-vehicle related depreciation and amortization

-


-


41


25


-


66


Interest expense related to corporate debt, net:

Interest expense

-


38


2


5


-


45


Intercompany interest expense (income)

(3

)

25


6


(28

)

-


-


Restructuring and other related charges

-


5


(2

)

4


-


7


Total expenses

6


75


1,552


1,366


(611

)

2,388


Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiaries

(6

)

(75

)

17


428


-


364


Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

(6

)

(30

)

87


68


-


119


Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

245


290


360


-


(895

)

-


Net income

$

245


$

245


$

290


$

360


$

(895

)

$

245














Comprehensive income

$

279


$

278


$

323


$

392


$

(993

)

$

279




25

Table of Contents


Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

Parent

Subsidiary

Issuers

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

Non-

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total

Revenues

Vehicle rental

$

-


$

-


$

3,169


$

1,629


$

-


$

4,798


Other

-


-


924


2,966


(1,859

)

2,031


Net revenues

-


-


4,093


4,595


(1,859

)

6,829


Expenses

Operating

2


18


1,994


1,399


-


3,413


Vehicle depreciation and lease charges, net

-


-


1,728


1,690


(1,701

)

1,717


Selling, general and administrative

29


6


485


355


-


875


Vehicle interest, net

-


-


150


223


(158

)

215


Non-vehicle related depreciation and amortization

-


1


121


72


-


194


Interest expense related to corporate debt, net:

Interest expense

-


118


3


21


-


142


Intercompany interest expense (income)

(9

)

80


17


(88

)

-


-


Early extinguishment of debt

-


4


-


(1

)

-


3


Restructuring and other related charges

-


7


37


8


-


52


Transaction-related costs, net

-


-


-


8


-


8


Total expenses

22


234


4,535


3,687


(1,859

)

6,619


Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiaries

(22

)

(234

)

(442

)

908


-


210


Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

(10

)

(92

)

59


112


-


69


Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

153


295


796


-


(1,244

)

-


Net income

$

141


$

153


$

295


$

796


$

(1,244

)

$

141














Comprehensive income

$

251


$

262


$

405


$

904


$

(1,571

)

$

251




























26

Table of Contents


Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

Parent

Subsidiary

Issuers

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

Non-

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total

Revenues

Vehicle rental

$

-


$

-


$

1,216


$

655


$

-


$

1,871


Other

-


-


344


1,021


(580

)

785


Net revenues

-


-


1,560


1,676


(580

)

2,656


Expenses

Operating

1


3


719


496


-


1,219


Vehicle depreciation and lease charges, net

-


-


525


575


(524

)

576


Selling, general and administrative

10


4


173


128


-


315


Vehicle interest, net

-


-


55


78


(56

)

77


Non-vehicle related depreciation and amortization

-


-


38


25


-


63


Interest expense related to corporate debt, net:

Interest expense

-


41


1


9


-


51


Intercompany interest expense (income)

(3

)

(3

)

6


-


-


-


Restructuring and other related charges

-


-


1


5


-


6


Transaction-related costs, net

-


-


-


4


-


4


Total expenses

8


45


1,518


1,320


(580

)

2,311


Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiaries

(8

)

(45

)

42


356


-


345


Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

(3

)

(18

)

87


70


-


136


Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

214


241


286


-


(741

)

-


Net income

$

209


$

214


$

241


$

286


$

(741

)

$

209


Comprehensive income

$

235


$

239


$

262


$

307


$

(808

)

$

235






27

Table of Contents


Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

Parent

Subsidiary

Issuers

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

Non-

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total

Revenues

Vehicle rental

$

-


$

-


$

3,229


$

1,543


$

-


$

4,772


Other

-


-


931


2,746


(1,669

)

2,008


Net revenues

-


-


4,160


4,289


(1,669

)

6,780


Expenses

Operating

3


14


2,013


1,351


-


3,381


Vehicle depreciation and lease charges, net

-


-


1,514


1,571


(1,514

)

1,571


Selling, general and administrative

29


14


492


361


-


896


Vehicle interest, net

-


-


149


221


(155

)

215


Non-vehicle related depreciation and amortization

-


1


115


73


-


189


Interest expense related to corporate debt, net:

Interest expense

-


122


3


32


-


157


Intercompany interest expense (income)

(9

)

(8

)

17


-


-


-


Early extinguishment of debt

-


10


-


-


-


10


Restructuring and other related charges

-


-


8


18


-


26


Transaction-related costs, net

-


1


1


11


-


13


Total expenses

23


154


4,312


3,638


(1,669

)

6,458


Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiaries

(23

)

(154

)

(152

)

651


-


322


Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

(9

)

(61

)

119


79


-


128


Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

208


301


572


-


(1,081

)

-


Net income

$

194


$

208


$

301


$

572


$

(1,081

)

$

194


Comprehensive income

$

294


$

307


$

403


$

672


$

(1,382

)

$

294




























28

Table of Contents



Consolidating Condensed Balance Sheets


As of September 30, 2017

Parent

Subsidiary

Issuers

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

Non-

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total

Assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

3


$

17


$

-


$

794


$

-


$

814


Receivables, net

-


-


248


607


-


855


Other current assets

2


87


116


545


-


750


Total current assets

5


104


364


1,946


-


2,419


Property and equipment, net

-


164


321


208


-


693


Deferred income taxes

19


1,248


272


27


-


1,566


Goodwill

-


-


489


576


-


1,065


Other intangibles, net

-


27


486


350


-


863


Other non-current assets

58


24


18


82


-


182


Intercompany receivables

181


376


1,552


903


(3,012

)

-


Investment in subsidiaries

203


4,126


4,064


-


(8,393

)

-


Total assets exclusive of assets under vehicle programs

466


6,069


7,566


4,092


(11,405

)

6,788


Assets under vehicle programs:

Program cash

-


-


-


180


-


180


Vehicles, net

-


22


64


11,715


-


11,801


Receivables from vehicle manufacturers and other

-


1


1


707


-


709


Investment in Avis Budget Rental Car Funding (AESOP) LLC-related party

-


-


-


395


-


395


-


23


65


12,997


-


13,085


Total assets

$

466


$

6,092


$

7,631


$

17,089


$

(11,405

)

$

19,873


Liabilities and stockholders' equity

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

$

13


$

236


$

587


$

1,030


$

-


$

1,866


Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt

-


17


3


6


-


26


Total current liabilities

13


253


590


1,036


-


1,892


Long-term debt

-


2,911


4


650


-


3,565


Other non-current liabilities

52


84


227


397


-


760


Intercompany payables

-


2,634


376


2


(3,012

)

-


Total liabilities exclusive of liabilities under vehicle programs

65


5,882


1,197


2,085


(3,012

)

6,217


Liabilities under vehicle programs:

Debt

-


7


60


3,714


-


3,781


Due to Avis Budget Rental Car Funding (AESOP) LLC-related party

-


-


-


6,785


-


6,785


Deferred income taxes

-


-


2,247


177


-


2,424


Other

-


-


1


264


-


265


-


7


2,308


10,940


-


13,255


Total stockholders' equity

401


203


4,126


4,064


(8,393

)

401


Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

466


$

6,092


$

7,631


$

17,089


$

(11,405

)

$

19,873



29

Table of Contents


As of December 31, 2016

Parent

Subsidiary

Issuers

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

Non-

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total

Assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

3


$

12


$

-


$

475


$

-


$

490


Receivables, net

-


-


231


577


-


808


Other current assets

2


101


90


326


-


519


Total current assets

5


113


321


1,378


-


1,817


Property and equipment, net

-


148


341


196


-


685


Deferred income taxes

20


1,219


268


-


(14

)

1,493


Goodwill

-


-


489


518


-


1,007


Other intangibles, net

-


28


502


340


-


870


Other non-current assets

75


24


16


78


-


193


Intercompany receivables

171


359


1,466


670


(2,666

)

-


Investment in subsidiaries

42


3,717


3,698


-


(7,457

)

-


Total assets exclusive of assets under vehicle programs

313


5,608


7,101


3,180


(10,137

)

6,065


Assets under vehicle programs:

Program cash

-


-


-


225


-


225


Vehicles, net

-


24


70


10,370


-


10,464


Receivables from vehicle manufacturers and other

-


1


-


526


-


527


Investment in Avis Budget Rental Car Funding (AESOP) LLC-related party

-


-


-


362


-


362


-


25


70


11,483


-


11,578


Total assets

$

313


$

5,633


$

7,171


$

14,663


$

(10,137

)

$

17,643


Liabilities and stockholders' equity

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

$

23


$

189


$

512


$

764


$

-


$

1,488


Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt

-


264


3


12


-


279


Total current liabilities

23


453


515


776


-


1,767


Long-term debt

-


2,730


3


511


-


3,244


Other non-current liabilities

69


88


253


368


(14

)

764


Intercompany payables

-


2,306


359


1


(2,666

)

-


Total liabilities exclusive of liabilities under vehicle programs

92


5,577


1,130


1,656


(2,680

)

5,775


Liabilities under vehicle programs:

Debt

-


14


66


2,103


-


2,183


Due to Avis Budget Rental Car Funding (AESOP) LLC-related party

-


-


-


6,695


-


6,695


Deferred income taxes

-


-


2,258


171


-


2,429


Other

-


-


-


340


-


340


-


14


2,324


9,309


-


11,647


Total stockholders' equity

221


42


3,717


3,698


(7,457

)

221


Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

313


$

5,633


$

7,171


$

14,663


$

(10,137

)

$

17,643





30

Table of Contents


Consolidating Condensed Statements of Cash Flows


Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

Parent

Subsidiary

Issuers

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

$

44


$

(45

)

$

70


$

2,007


$

(35

)

$

2,041


Investing activities

Property and equipment additions

-


(36

)

(56

)

(46

)

-


(138

)

Proceeds received on asset sales

-


1


-


5


-


6


Net assets acquired (net of cash acquired)

-


(1

)

(5

)

(11

)

-


(17

)

Intercompany loan receipts (advances)

-


-


-


(264

)

264


-


Other, net

100


-


-


5


(100

)

5


Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities exclusive of vehicle programs

100


(36

)

(61

)

(311

)

164


(144

)

Vehicle programs:

Decrease in program cash

-


-


-


53


-


53


Investment in vehicles

-


-


-


(9,672

)

-


(9,672

)

Proceeds received on disposition of vehicles

-


39


-


6,833


-


6,872


Investment in debt securities of Avis Budget Rental Car Funding (AESOP) LLC-related party

-


-


-


(33

)

-


(33

)

-


39


-


(2,819

)

-


(2,780

)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

100


3


(61

)

(3,130

)

164


(2,924

)

Financing activities

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

-


325


-


264


-


589


Payments on long-term borrowings

-


(401

)

(2

)

(193

)

-


(596

)

Net change in short-term borrowings

-


-


-


(3

)

-


(3

)

Intercompany loan borrowings (payments)

-


264


-


-


(264

)

-


Repurchases of common stock

(144

)

-


-


-




(144

)

Debt financing fees

-


(5

)

-


(4

)

-


(9

)

Other, net

-


(135

)

-


-


135


-


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities exclusive of vehicle programs

(144

)

48


(2

)

64


(129

)

(163

)

Vehicle programs:

Proceeds from borrowings

-


-


-


14,276


-


14,276


Payments on borrowings

-


(1

)

(7

)

(12,922

)

-


(12,930

)

Debt financing fees

-


-


-


(8

)

-


(8

)

-


(1

)

(7

)

1,346


-


1,338


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

(144

)

47


(9

)

1,410


(129

)

1,175


Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

-


-


-


32


-


32


Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

-


5


-


319


-


324


Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

3


12


-


475


-


490


Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

3


$

17


$

-


$

794


$

-


$

814



31

Table of Contents


Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

Parent

Subsidiary

Issuers

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

205


$

372


$

50


$

1,679


$

(195

)

$

2,111


Investing activities

Property and equipment additions

-


(15

)

(63

)

(47

)

-


(125

)

Proceeds received on asset sales

-


5


1


4


-


10


Net assets acquired (net of cash acquired)

-


-


(1

)

(3

)

-


(4

)

Intercompany loan receipts (advances)

-


-


28


(337

)

309


-


Other, net

93


(1

)

-


5


(93

)

4


Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities exclusive of vehicle programs

93


(11

)

(35

)

(378

)

216


(115

)

Vehicle programs:

Decrease in program cash

-


-


-


138


-


138


Investment in vehicles

-


(3

)

(4

)

(10,144

)

-


(10,151

)

Proceeds received on disposition of vehicles

-


25


-


7,348


-


7,373


-


22


(4

)

(2,658

)

-


(2,640

)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

93


11


(39

)

(3,036

)

216


(2,755

)

Financing activities

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

-


557


-


339


-


896


Payments on long-term borrowings

-


(523

)

(3

)

(1

)

-


(527

)

Net change in short-term borrowings

-


-


-


1


-


1


Intercompany loan borrowings (payments)

-


337


-


(28

)

(309

)

-


Repurchases of common stock

(299

)

-


-


-


-


(299

)

Debt financing fees

-


(10

)

-


(5

)

-


(15

)

Other, net

-


(288

)

-


-


288


-


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities exclusive of vehicle programs

(299

)

73


(3

)

306


(21

)

56


Vehicle programs:

Proceeds from borrowings

-


-


-


11,879


-


11,879


Payments on borrowings

-


-


(7

)

(10,745

)

-


(10,752

)

Debt financing fees

-


-


(1

)

(19

)



(20

)

-


-


(8

)

1,115


-


1,107


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

(299

)

73


(11

)

1,421


(21

)

1,163


Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

-


-


-


14


-


14


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

(1

)

456


-


78


-


533


Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

4


70


-


378


-


452


Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

3


$

526


$

-


$

456


$

-


$

985




* * * *


32

Table of Contents


Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements and accompanying Notes thereto included elsewhere herein, and with our 2016 Form 10-K. Our actual results of operations may differ materially from those discussed in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including but not limited to those included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and those included in the "Management ' s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," "Risk Factors" and other portions of our 2016 Form 10-K. Unless otherwise noted, all dollar amounts in tables are in millions and those relating to our results of operations are presented before taxes.

OVERVIEW


Our Company


We operate three of the most recognized brands in the global vehicle rental and car sharing industry, Avis, Budget and Zipcar together with several brands well recognized in their respective markets, including Payless, Maggiore in Italy, FranceCars in France and Apex in both New Zealand and Australia. We are a leading vehicle rental operator in North America, Europe, Australasia and certain other regions we serve, with an average rental fleet of more than 600,000 vehicles. We also license the use of our trademarks to licensees in the areas in which we do not operate directly. We and our licensees operate our brands in approximately 180 countries throughout the world.


Our Segments


We categorize our operations into two reportable business segments: Americas , consisting primarily of our vehicle rental operations in North America, South America, Central America and the Caribbean, and our car sharing operations in certain of these markets; and International , consisting primarily of our vehicle rental operations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australasia, and our car sharing operations in certain of these markets.


Business and Trends


Our revenues are derived principally from vehicle rentals in our Company-owned operations and include:

time & mileage fees charged to our customers for vehicle rentals;

payments from our customers with respect to certain operating expenses we incur, including gasoline and vehicle licensing fees, as well as concession fees, which we pay in exchange for the right to operate at airports and other locations;

sales of loss damage waivers and insurance and rentals of navigation units and other items in conjunction with vehicle rentals; and

royalty revenue from our licensees in conjunction with their vehicle rental transactions.


Our operating results are subject to variability due to seasonality, macroeconomic conditions and other factors. Car rental volumes tend to be associated with the travel industry, particularly airline passenger volumes, or enplanements, which in turn tend to reflect general economic conditions. Our vehicle rental operations are also seasonal, with the third quarter of the year historically having been our strongest due to the increased level of leisure travel during the quarter. 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.

To date in 2017, we have operated in an uncertain and uneven economic environment marked by heightened geopolitical risks, competitive market conditions and soft used-vehicle values in the U.S. in particular. Nonetheless, we continue to anticipate that worldwide demand for vehicle rental and car sharing services will continue to grow in the remainder of 2017, most likely against a backdrop of modest and uneven global economic growth. Our access to new fleet vehicles has been adequate to meet our needs for both replacement of existing vehicles in the normal course and for growth to meet incremental demand, and we expect that to continue to be the case. We will look to pursue opportunities for pricing increases in the remaining months of 2017 in order to enhance our profitability and returns on invested capital.


33

Table of Contents



Our objective is to focus on strategically accelerating our growth, strengthening our global position as a leading provider of vehicle rental services, continuing to enhance our customers' rental experience, and controlling costs and driving efficiency throughout the organization. We operate in a highly competitive industry and we expect to continue to face challenges and risks. We seek to mitigate our exposure to risks in numerous ways, including delivering upon our core strategic initiatives, continued optimization of fleet levels to match changes in demand for vehicle rentals, adjustments in the size, nature and terms of our relationships with vehicle manufacturers, appropriate investments in technology and maintenance of liquidity to fund our fleet and our operations.


During 2017 :


Our revenues totaled $6.8 billion in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, increased 1% compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016 due to higher rental volumes, offset by lower time & mileage revenue per day.


In the nine months ended September 30, 2017, our net income was $141 million , representing a $53 million year-over-year reduction in earnings, and our Adjusted EBITDA was $595 million , representing a $122 million year-over-year reduction, due to higher per-unit fleet costs in the Americas, partially offset by a $20 million favorable effect from currency exchange rate movements.


We repurchased approximately $127 million of our common stock in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 under our share repurchase program, reducing our shares outstanding by approximately 4.2 million shares, or 5%.


We issued €250 million of 4½% euro-denominated Senior Notes due 2025 and $188 million of incremental term loan borrowings, the proceeds of which were used to redeem all of our outstanding 6% euro-denominated Senior Notes due 2021 and our Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2017. As a result of these transactions, we will have no significant corporate debt maturities until 2022.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


We measure performance principally using the following key operating statistics: (i) rental days, which represent the total number of days (or portion thereof) a vehicle was rented, (ii) time & mileage revenue per rental day, which represents the average daily revenue we earned from rental time & mileage fees charged to our customers, both of which exclude our U.S. truck rental and Zipcar car sharing operations and (iii) per-unit fleet costs, which represent vehicle depreciation, lease charges and gain or loss on vehicle sales, divided by average rental fleet and exclude our U.S. truck rental operations. We also measure our ancillary revenues (rental-transaction revenue other than time & mileage revenue), such as from the sale of collision and loss damage waivers, insurance products, fuel service options and portable GPS navigation unit rentals. Our rental days and time & mileage revenue per rental day vehicle rental operating statistics are all calculated based on the actual rental of the vehicle during a 24-hour period. We believe that this methodology provides us 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. We present currency exchange rate effects to provide a method of assessing how our business performed excluding the effects of foreign currency rate fluctuations. Currency exchange rate effects are calculated by translating the current-year results at the prior-period average exchange rate plus any related gains and losses on currency hedges.


We assess performance and allocate resources based upon the separate financial information of our operating segments. In identifying our reportable segments, we also consider the nature of services provided by our operating segments, the geographical areas in which our segments operate and other relevant factors. Management evaluates the operating results of each of our reportable segments based upon revenue and "Adjusted EBITDA," which we define as income from continuing operations before non-vehicle related depreciation and amortization, any impairment charges, restructuring and other related charges, early extinguishment of debt costs, non-vehicle related interest, transaction-related costs, net charges for unprecedented personal-injury legal matters and income taxes. Net charges for unprecedented personal-injury legal matters are recorded within operating expenses in our consolidated results of operations. We have revised our definition of Adjusted EBITDA to exclude costs associated with the separation of certain officers of the Company and our limited voluntary opportunity plan, which offers certain employees the limited opportunity to


34

Table of Contents


elect resignation from employment for enhanced severance benefits. Costs associated with the separation of certain officers and the limited voluntary opportunity plan are recorded as part of restructuring and other related charges in our consolidated results of operations. We did not revise prior year's Adjusted EBITDA amounts because there were no costs similar in nature to these costs. We believe Adjusted EBITDA is useful as a supplemental measure in evaluating the performance of our operating businesses and in comparing our results from period to period. We also believe that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors because it allows investors to assess our results of operations and financial condition on the same basis that management uses internally. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income or other income statement data prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures used by other companies.


Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 vs. Three Months Ended September 30, 2016


Our consolidated results of operations comprised the following:

Three Months Ended 
 September 30,

$ Change  Favorable /(Unfavorable)

2017

2016

% Change

Revenues

Vehicle rental

$

1,949


$

1,871


$

78


4

%

Other

803


785


18


2

%

Net revenues

2,752


2,656


96


4

%

Expenses

Operating

1,256


1,219


(37

)

(3

%)

Vehicle depreciation and lease charges, net

616


576


(40

)

(7

%)

Selling, general and administrative

320


315


(5

)

(2

%)

Vehicle interest, net

78


77


(1

)

(1

%)

Non-vehicle related depreciation and amortization

66


63


(3

)

(5

%)

Interest expense related to corporate debt, net

45


51


6


12

%

Restructuring and other related charges

7


6


(1

)

(17

%)

Transaction-related costs, net

-


4


4


*


Total expenses

2,388


2,311


(77

)

(3

%)

Income before income taxes

364


345


19


6

%

Provision for income taxes

119


136


17


13

%

Net income

$

245


$

209


$

36


17

%

__________

*

Not meaningful.


During third quarter 2017 , our revenues increased as a result of a 5% increase in rental volumes. Currency exchange rate movements increased revenues by $42 million.


Total expenses increased as a result of increased rental volumes, a 3% increase in per-unit fleet costs (including a 1% negative effect from currency movements) and increased operating commissions. These increases include a $30 million negative effect from currency exchange rate movements. Our effective tax rates were a provision of 33% and 39% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As a result of these items, our net income increased by $36 million .


For the three months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company reported earnings of $2.91 per diluted share, which includes after-tax restructuring and other related charges of ($0.06) per share. For the three months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company reported earnings of $2.28 per diluted share, which includes after-tax restructuring and other related charges of ($0.05) per share and after-tax transaction-related costs of ($0.04) per share.


In the three months ended September 30, 2017 :


Operating expenses were reduced to 45.7% of revenue from 45.9% in third quarter 2016 .


35

Table of Contents



Vehicle depreciation and lease charges increased to 22.4% of revenue from 21.7% in third quarter 2016 , due to higher per-unit fleet costs, partially offset by improved utilization.


Selling, general and administrative costs were reduced to 11.6% of revenue compared to 11.9% in third quarter 2016 .


Vehicle interest costs were reduced to 2.8% of revenue compared to 2.9% in the prior-year period.


Following is a more detailed discussion of the results of each of our reportable segments and reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA: 

2017

2016

Revenues

Adjusted EBITDA

Revenues

Adjusted EBITDA

Americas

$

1,839


$

303


$

1,821


$

306


International

913


194


835


179


Corporate and Other (a)

-


(15

)

-


(16

)

Total Company

$

2,752


$

482


$

2,656


$

469


Reconciliation of Net income to Adjusted EBITDA

2017

2016

Net income

$

245


$

209


Provision for income taxes

119


136


Income before income taxes

364


345


Add:

Non-vehicle related depreciation and amortization

66


63


Interest expense related to corporate debt, net

45


51


Restructuring and other related charges

7


6


Transaction-related costs, net (b)

-


4


Adjusted EBITDA

$

482


$

469


__________

(a)

Includes unallocated corporate overhead which is not attributable to a particular segment.

(b)

Primarily comprised of acquisition- and integration-related expenses.


Americas

2017

2016

% Change

Revenues

$

1,839


$

1,821


1

%

Adjusted EBITDA

303


306


(1

%)


Revenues increased 1% in the third quarter 2017 compared with third quarter 2016 , primarily due to a 2% increase in time & mileage revenue per day (including a 1% favorable effect from currency movements) and a 1% increase in rental volumes. Currency movements increased revenues by $6 million.


Adjusted EBITDA decreased 1% in third quarter 2017 compared with third quarter 2016 , due to a 5% increase in per-unit fleet costs, partially offset by increased revenues, cost mitigating actions and improved utilization.


In the three months ended September 30, 2017 :


Operating expenses were reduced to 45.6% of revenue from 46.2% in third quarter 2016, primarily due to cost mitigating actions.


Vehicle depreciation and lease charges increased to 24.2% of revenue from 23.3% in the prior-year period, due to higher per-unit fleet costs, partially offset by improved utilization.


Selling, general and administrative costs increased to 10.6% of revenue from 10.4% in third quarter 2016 .


Vehicle interest costs were reduced to 3.2% of revenue compared to 3.4% in in the prior-year period.


36

Table of Contents


International

2017

2016

% Change

Revenues

$

913


$

835


9

%

Adjusted EBITDA

194


179


8

%


Revenues increased 9% in third quarter 2017 compared to third quarter 2016 , due to a 13% increase in rental volumes, including a 6% benefit from FranceCars which was acquired in December 2016, partially offset by a 1% decrease in time & mileage revenue per day (including a 4% favorable effect from currency movements). Currency movements increased revenues by $36 million .


Adjusted EBITDA increased 8% in third quarter 2017 compared to third quarter 2016 , primarily due to increased revenues, partially offset by inflationary cost increases and operating commissions. Currency movements increased Adjusted EBITDA by $9 million.


In the three months ended September 30, 2017 :


Operating expenses increased to 45.5% of revenue from 45.1% in the prior-year period, primarily due inflationary costs and higher commissions, partially offset by increased revenues.


Vehicle depreciation and lease charges increased to 18.7% of revenue from 18.2% in the third quarter 2016 , primarily due to lower time & mileage revenue per day.


Selling, general and administrative costs were reduced to 12.5% of revenue from 13.5% in the prior-year period, primarily due to increased revenues and cost mitigating actions.


Vehicle interest costs increased to 2.0% of revenue from 1.8% in third quarter 2016 .



37

Table of Contents


Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 vs. Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016


Our consolidated results of operations comprised the following:

Nine Months Ended September 30,

$ Change Favorable /(Unfavorable)

2017

2016

% Change

Revenues

Vehicle rental

$

4,798


$

4,772


$

26


1

%

Other

2,031


2,008


23


1

%

Net revenues

6,829


6,780


49


1

%

Expenses

Operating

3,413


3,381


(32

)

(1

%)

Vehicle depreciation and lease charges, net

1,717


1,571


(146

)

(9

%)

Selling, general and administrative

875


896


21


2

%

Vehicle interest, net

215


215


0


0

%

Non-vehicle related depreciation and amortization

194


189


(5

)

(3

%)

Interest expense related to corporate debt, net:



Interest expense

142


157


15


10

%

Early extinguishment of debt

3


10


7


70

%

Restructuring and other related charges

52


26


(26

)

(100

%)

Transaction-related costs, net

8


13


5


38

%

Total expenses

6,619


6,458


(161

)

(2

%)

Income before income taxes

210


322


(112

)

(35

%)

Provision for income taxes

69


128


59


46

%

Net income

$

141


$

194


$

(53

)

(27

%)



During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , our revenues increased as a result of a 4% increase in rental volumes, partially offset by a 3% reduction in time & mileage revenue per day. Currency movements increased revenues by $18 million year-over-year.


Total expenses increased as a result of higher rental volumes, a 5% increase in per-unit fleet costs and increased restructuring and other related charges, partially offset by cost mitigating actions. Currency movements decreased expenses by $16 million year-over-year. Our effective tax rates were a provision of 33% and 40% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As a result of these items, our net income decreased by $53 million .


For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company reported earnings of $1.65 per diluted share, which includes after-tax restructuring and other related charges of ($0.39) per share, after-tax transaction-related costs of ($0.07) per share, after-tax debt extinguishment costs of ($0.02) per share and after-tax reversal of charges for legal matter of $0.10 per share. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company reported earnings of $2.05 per diluted share, which includes after-tax restructuring and other related charges of ($0.20) per share, after-tax transaction-related costs of ($0.11) per share and after-tax debt extinguishment costs of ($0.07) per share.


In the nine months ended September 30, 2017 :


Operating expenses were 50.0% of revenue compared to 49.9% in the prior-year period.


Vehicle depreciation and lease charges increased to 25.1% of revenue from 23.2% in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , primarily due to higher per-unit fleet costs and lower time & mileage revenue per day.


Selling, general and administrative costs were reduced to 12.8% of revenue from 13.2% in the first nine months of 2016 , primarily due to cost mitigating actions.


38

Table of Contents



Vehicle interest costs were 3.1% of revenue compared to 3.2% in the prior-year period.


Following is a more detailed discussion of the results of each of our reportable segments and reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA: 

2017

2016

Revenues

Adjusted EBITDA

Revenues

Adjusted EBITDA

Americas

$

4,718


$

379


$

4,778


$

532


International

2,111


260


2,002


237


Corporate and Other (a)

-


(44

)

-


(52

)

Total Company

$

6,829


$

595


$

6,780


$

717


Reconciliation of Net income to Adjusted EBITDA

2017

2016

Net income

$

141


$

194


Provision for income taxes

69


128


Income before income taxes

210


322


Add:

Non-vehicle related depreciation and amortization

194


189


Interest expense related to corporate debt, net:

Interest expense

142


157


Early extinguishment of debt

3


10


Restructuring and other related costs

52


26


Transaction-related costs, net (b)

8


13


Charges for legal matter, net (c)

(14

)

-


Adjusted EBITDA

$

595


$

717


__________

(a)

Includes unallocated corporate overhead which is not attributable to a particular segment.

(b)

Primarily comprised of acquisition- and integration-related expenses.

(c)

Reported within operating expenses in our consolidated results of operations.


Americas

2017

2016

% Change

Revenues

$

4,718


$

4,778


(1

%)

Adjusted EBITDA

379


532


(29

%)


Revenues were 1% lower during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016 , primarily due to a 2% reduction in time & mileage revenue per day, partially offset by 1% growth in rental volumes. Currency movements increased revenues by $6 million year-over-year.


Adjusted EBITDA decreased 29% in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period 2016 , due to lower revenues and a 7% increase in per-unit fleet costs.


In the nine months ended September 30, 2017 :


Operating expenses were 49.0% of revenue compared to 48.9% in the prior-year period.


Vehicle depreciation and lease charges increased to 27.6% of revenue from 25.1% in the the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , primarily due to higher per-unit fleet costs and lower time & mileage revenue per day.


Selling, general and administrative costs were 11.4% of revenue compared to 11.3% in the prior period.


Vehicle interest costs, at 3.6% of revenue, remained level with the nine months ended September 30, 2016 .


39

Table of Contents


International

2017

2016

% Change

Revenues

$

2,111


$

2,002


5

%

Adjusted EBITDA

260


237


10

%


Revenues increased 5% in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016 , primarily due to a 11% increase in rental volumes, including a 6% benefit from FranceCars, partially offset by a 4% reduction in time & mileage revenue per day. Currency movements increased revenues by $12 million.


Adjusted EBITDA increased 10% in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016 , due to increased revenues and cost mitigating actions. Currency movements increased Adjusted EBITDA by $20 million.


In the nine months ended September 30, 2017 :


Operating expenses, at 51.7% of revenue, remained level compared to the prior-year period.


Vehicle depreciation and lease charges increased to 19.6% of revenue from 18.6% compared to the first nine months of 2016 , primarily due to lower time & mileage revenue per day.


Selling, general and administrative costs were reduced to 14.3% of revenue compared to 15.7% in the prior-year period, primarily due to increased revenues and cost mitigating actions.


Vehicle interest costs were 2.1% of revenue compared to 2.2% in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 .


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 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

September 30, 
 2017

December 31,  
 2016

Change

Total assets exclusive of assets under vehicle programs

$

6,788


$

6,065


$

723


Total liabilities exclusive of liabilities under vehicle programs

6,217


5,775


442


Assets under vehicle programs

13,085


11,578


1,507


Liabilities under vehicle programs

13,255


11,647


1,608


Stockholders' equity

401


221


180



Total assets exclusive of assets under vehicle programs increased primarily due to a seasonal increase in value-added tax receivables, which are recoverable from government agencies and an increase in cash. Total liabilities exclusive of liabilities under vehicle programs increased primarily due to a seasonal increase in accounts payable.


The increases in assets under vehicle programs and liabilities under vehicle programs are principally related to the seasonal increase in the size of our vehicle rental fleet. The increase in stockholders' equity is primarily due to our net income and currency translation adjustments.



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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.


During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , we issued €250 million of 4½% euro-denominated Senior Notes due 2025 at par. The proceeds from this borrowing were used to redeem all of our outstanding 6% euro-denominated Senior Notes due 2021 and a portion of our Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2017. We also increased our Floating Rate Term Loan borrowing by $188 million, these proceeds were used to repay the remainder of our outstanding Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2017. In addition, our Avis Budget Rental Car Funding subsidiary issued approximately $600 million in asset-backed notes with an expected final payment date of September 2022 and a weighted average interest rate of 3% . The proceeds from these borrowings were used to fund the repayment of maturing vehicle-backed debt and the acquisition of rental cars in the United States. We also increased our capacity under our European rental fleet securitization program by €250 million , the proceeds of which were used to finance fleet purchases for certain of our European operations. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , we repurchased approximately 4.2 million shares of our outstanding common stock for approximately $127 million .


CASH FLOWS


The following table summarizes our cash flows:

Nine Months Ended September 30,

2017

2016

Change

Cash provided by (used in):


Operating activities

$

2,041


$

2,111


$

(70

)


Investing activities

(2,924

)

(2,755

)

(169

)


Financing activities

1,175


1,163


12


Effect of exchange rate changes

32


14


18


Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

324


533


(209

)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

490


452


38


Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

814


$

985


$

(171

)


The decrease in cash provided by operating activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016 is principally due to changes in the components of working capital.


The increase in cash used in investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the same period in 2016 is primarily due to a net increase in investment in vehicles.


Cash provided by financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was substantially unchanged compared with the same period in 2016 .


DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS


At September 30, 2017 , we had approximately $14 billion of indebtedness, including corporate indebtedness of approximately $4 billion and debt under vehicle programs of approximately $10 billion. For detailed information regarding our debt and borrowing arrangements, see Notes 9 and 10 to our Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

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. The present intention of management is to reinvest the undistributed earnings of the Company's foreign subsidiaries indefinitely into its foreign operations. We do not anticipate the need to repatriate foreign earnings to the United States to service corporate debt or for other U.S. needs. Our primary sources of funding are operating revenue, cash received upon the sale of vehicles, borrowings under our vehicle-backed borrowing arrangements and our senior revolving credit facility, and other financing activities.


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As discussed above, as of September 30, 2017 , we have cash and cash equivalents of approximately $0.8 billion , available borrowing capacity under our committed credit facilities of approximately $0.7 billion and available capacity under our vehicle programs of approximately $2.6 billion .


Our liquidity position could be negatively affected by financial market disruptions or a downturn in the U.S. and worldwide economies, which may result in unfavorable conditions in the vehicle rental industry, in the asset-backed financing market, and in the credit markets generally. We believe these factors have in the past affected and could in the future affect the debt ratings assigned to us by credit rating agencies and the cost of our borrowings. Additionally, a downturn in the worldwide economy or a disruption in the credit markets could 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, (iii) the adverse impact of vehicle manufacturers, including Ford, General Motors and Chrysler , being unable or unwilling to honor their obligations to repurchase or guarantee the depreciation on the related program vehicles and (iv) disruption in our ability to obtain financing due to negative credit events specific to us or affecting the overall debt market.


Our liquidity position could also be negatively impacted if we are unable to remain in compliance with the financial and other covenants associated with our senior credit facility and other borrowings, including a maximum leverage ratio. As of September 30, 2017 , we were in compliance with the financial covenants governing our indebtedness. For additional information regarding our liquidity risks, see Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" of our 2016 Form 10-K.


CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS


Our future contractual obligations have not changed significantly from the amounts reported within our  2016  Form 10-K with the exception of our commitment to purchase vehicles, which decreased by approximately  $1.6 billion  from December 31, 2016, to approximately $6.1 billion  at  September 30, 2017 . Changes to our obligations related to corporate indebtedness and debt under vehicle programs are presented above within the section titled "Liquidity and Capital Resources-Debt and Financing Arrangements" and also within Notes 9 and 10 to our Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.


ACCOUNTING POLICIES


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. However, 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 that we are required to make pertain to matters that are inherently uncertain as they relate to future events. Presented within the section titled "Critical Accounting Policies" of our 2016 Form 10-K are the accounting policies (related to goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, vehicles, income taxes and public liability, property damage and other insurance liabilities) that we believe require subjective and/or complex judgments that could potentially affect 2017 reported results. There have been no significant changes to those accounting policies or our assessment of which accounting policies we would consider to be critical accounting policies.


New Accounting Standards


For detailed information regarding new accounting standards and their impact on our business, see Note 1 to our Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.



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Table of Contents


Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk


We are exposed to a variety of market risks, including changes in currency exchange rates, interest rates and gasoline prices. We assess our market risks based on changes in interest and currency exchange rates utilizing a sensitivity analysis that measures the potential impact on earnings, fair values and cash flows based on a hypothetical 10% change (increase and decrease) in interest and foreign currency exchange rates. We used September 30, 2017 market rates to perform a sensitivity analysis separately for each of these market risk exposures. We have determined, through such analyses, that the impact of a 10% change in interest or currency exchange rates on our results of operations, balance sheet and cash flows would not be material. Additionally, 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 determined that a 10% change in the price of unleaded gasoline would not have a material impact on our earnings for the period ended September 30, 2017 . For additional information regarding our long-term borrowings and financial instruments, see Notes 9, 10 and 14 to our Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.


Item 4.

Controls and Procedures


(a)

Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, our management conducted an evaluation of 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")). Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2017 .


(b)

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.  During the fiscal quarter to which this report relates, there has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.


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Table of Contents


PART II – OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.

Legal Proceedings


During the quarter ended September 30, 2017, the Company had no material developments to report with respect to its legal proceedings. For additional information regarding the Company's legal proceedings, see Note 11 to our Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements and refer to the Company's 2016 Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017.


Item 1A.

Risk Factors


During the quarter ended September 30, 2017 , the Company had no material developments to report with respect to its risk factors. For additional information regarding the Company's risk factors, please refer to the Company's 2016 Form 10-K.


Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds


The following is a summary of the Company's common stock repurchases by month for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 :

Total Number of Shares Purchased (a)

Average Price Paid per Share

Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs

Approximate Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs

July 2017

326,950


$

30.58


326,950


$

190,476,807


August 2017

50


33.80


50


190,475,117


September 2017

455,763


36.70


455,763


173,749,879


Total

782,763


$

34.14


782,763


$

173,749,879


__________

(a)

Excludes, for the three months ended September 30, 2017 , 11,565 shares which were withheld by the Company to satisfy employees' income tax liabilities attributable to the vesting of restricted stock unit awards.


The Company ' s Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $1.5 billion of its common stock under a plan originally approved in 2013 and subsequently expanded, most recently in 2016 . The Company ' s stock repurchases may occur through open market purchases or trading plans pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The amount and timing of specific repurchases are subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors. The repurchase program may be suspended, modified or discontinued at any time without prior notice. The repurchase program has no set expiration or termination date.


Item 6.

Exhibits


See Exhibit Index.


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Table of Contents


SIGNATURES


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

AVIS BUDGET GROUP, INC.

Date:

November 7, 2017

/s/ Martyn Smith

Martyn Smith

Interim Chief Financial Officer

Date:

November 7, 2017

/s/ David T. Calabria

David T. Calabria

Senior Vice President and

Chief Accounting Officer


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Exhibit Index

Exhibit No.

Description

10.1

Second Amendment, dated as of August 23, 2017, to the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of October 7, 2016, among Avis Budget Holdings, LLC, Avis Budget Car Rental, LLC, Avis Budget Group, Inc., the subsidiary borrowers from time to time parties thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the several lenders from time to time parties thereto (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 24, 2017).

10.2

Avis Budget Car Rental 2018 Model Year Program Letter dated August 29, 2017 between Avis Budget Car Rental, LLC and Ford Motor Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 31, 2017).*

12

Statement re: Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 13(a)-14(a) and 15(d)-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

31.2

Certification of Interim Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rules 13(a)-14(a) and 15(d)-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

32

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document.

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.

____________________

*

Confidential treatment has been requested for certain portions of this Exhibit pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which portions have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


46