Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. - Annual Report: 2015 (Form 10-K)

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 

OR

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

For the transition period from                             to

Commission File Number 001-36603

LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC. 

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (720) 875-5200

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes ☒   No 

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes    No ☒

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 ☒   No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§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 ☒    No 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

 

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

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. computed by reference to the last sales price of such stock, as of the closing of trading on the last trading day prior to June 30, 2015, was approximately $2.2 billion. 

The number of outstanding shares of Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc.'s common stock as of January 31, 2016 was:

 

Documents Incorporated by Reference

The Registrant's definitive proxy statement for its 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is hereby incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

2015 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10‑K

 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

PART I.

Item 1.  Business.

(a)General Development of Business

During October 2013, the Board of Directors of Liberty Interactive Corporation and its subsidiaries (“Liberty”) authorized a plan to distribute to the stockholders of Liberty’s Liberty Ventures common stock shares of a newly-formed company, Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. (“TripCo” or the “Company”) (the “Trip Spin-Off”). TripCo holds the subsidiaries TripAdvisor, Inc. (“TripAdvisor”) and BuySeasons, Inc., which includes the retail businesses of BuyCostumes.com and Celebrate Express (“BuySeasons”), both of which operate as stand-alone operating entities. Both TripAdvisor and BuySeasons have more revenue in the third quarter, based on a higher travel research period and the Halloween period, respectively, as compared to the other quarters of the year. The Trip Spin-Off was completed on August 27, 2014 and effected as a pro-rata dividend of shares of TripCo to the stockholders of Series A and Series B Liberty Ventures common stock of Liberty.

Spin-Off of TripCo from Liberty Interactive Corporation

Following the Trip Spin-Off, Liberty and TripCo operate as separate, publicly traded companies, and neither has any stock ownership, beneficial or otherwise, in the other. In connection with the Trip Spin-Off, TripCo entered into certain agreements, including the reorganization agreement, the services agreement, the facilities sharing agreement and the tax sharing agreement, with Liberty and/or Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty Media”) (or certain of their subsidiaries) in order to govern certain of the ongoing relationships between the companies after the Trip Spin-Off and to provide for an orderly transition.

The reorganization agreement provides for, among other things, the principal corporate transactions (including the internal restructuring) required to effect the Trip Spin-Off, certain conditions to the Trip Spin-Off and provisions governing the relationship between TripCo and Liberty with respect to and resulting from the Trip Spin-Off.

Pursuant to the services agreement, Liberty Media provides TripCo with general and administrative services including legal, tax, accounting, treasury and investor relations support. TripCo will reimburse Liberty Media for direct, out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Liberty Media in providing these services and TripCo will pay a services fee to Liberty Media under the services agreement that will be subject to adjustment semi-annually, as necessary.

Under the facilities sharing agreement, TripCo will share office space with Liberty, Liberty Media and Liberty Broadband Corporation (“LBC”) and related amenities at Liberty Media’s corporate headquarters in Englewood, Colorado.

The tax sharing agreement provides for the allocation and indemnification of tax liabilities and benefits between Liberty and TripCo and other agreements related to tax matters. Pursuant to the tax sharing agreement, TripCo has agreed to indemnify Liberty, subject to certain limited exceptions, for losses and taxes resulting from the Trip Spin-Off to the extent such losses or taxes result primarily from, individually or in the aggregate, the breach of certain restrictive covenants made by TripCo (applicable to actions or failures to act by TripCo and its subsidiaries following the completion of the Trip Spin-Off).

In October 2014, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) completed its examination of the Trip Spin-Off and notified Liberty that it agreed with the nontaxable characterization of the transaction. Liberty executed a Closing Agreement with the IRS documenting this conclusion in 2015.

 

* * * * *

Certain statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our business, product and marketing strategies; new service offerings; the recoverability of our goodwill and other long-lived assets; our projected sources and uses of cash; and the anticipated impact of certain contingent liabilities related to legal and tax proceedings and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business.  In particular, statements under Item 1. "Business," Item 1A. "Risk-Factors," Item 2. "Properties," Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Item 7A. "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" contain forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements inherently involve many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in these statements. Where, in any forward-looking statement, we express an expectation or belief as to future results or events, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis, but such statements necessarily involve risks and uncertainties and there can be no assurance that the expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished. The following include some but not all of the factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated:

These forward-looking statements and such risks, uncertainties and other factors speak only as of the date of this Annual Report, and we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein, to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto, or any other change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.  When considering such forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the factors described in Item 1A, "Risk Factors" and other cautionary statements contained in this Annual Report.  Such risk factors and statements describe circumstances which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.

This Annual Report includes information concerning, TripAdvisor, Inc., a public company in which we have a controlling interest that files reports and other information with the SEC in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).  Information in this Annual Report concerning those companies has been derived from the reports and other information filed by them with the SEC.  If you would like further information about these companies, the reports and other information they file with the SEC can be accessed on the Internet website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.  Those reports and other information are not incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.

(b)Financial Information About Operating Segments

Through our ownership of interests in subsidiaries and other companies, we are primarily engaged in the on-line travel research and on-line commerce industries.  Each of these businesses is separately managed.

We identify our reportable segments as (A) those consolidated subsidiaries that represent 10% or more of our annual consolidated revenue, Adjusted OIBDA or total assets and (B) those equity method affiliates whose share of earnings represent 10% or more of our annual pre-tax earnings.  Financial information related to our operating segments can be found in note 13 to our consolidated financial statements found in Part II of this report.

(c)Narrative Description of Business

TripAdvisor, Inc.

TripAdvisor owns and operates a portfolio of online travel brands. TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site, and its mission is to help people around the world plan and book the perfect trip. Its travel research platform aggregates millions of travelers’ reviews and opinions about destinations, accommodations, activities and attractions, and restaurants throughout the world so that its users have access to trusted advice wherever their trip takes them. TripAdvisor’s platform not only helps users plan their trip with its unique user-generated content, but also enables users to compare real-time pricing and availability so that they can book hotels, vacation rentals, flights, activities and attractions, and restaurants.

TripAdvisor-branded websites include tripadvisor.com in the United States and localized versions of the website in 46 countries. Its branded websites reached 350 million average monthly unique visitors during the year ended December 31, 2015, according to its internal log files. TripAdvisor’s websites feature 320 million reviews and opinions on 6.2 million places to stay, places to eat and things to do – including 995,000 hotels and accommodations and 770,000 vacation rentals, 3.8 million restaurants and 625,000 attractions around the world. In addition to user-generated content, its websites feature price comparison tools and links to partner websites, including travel advertisers, on which users can book their travel arrangement. Users may now also complete hotel bookings directly with TripAdvisor’s partners through tripadvisor.com and also through the TripAdvisor mobile application where coverage is available. In addition to the flagship TripAdvisor brand, TripAdvisor now manages and operates 23 other travel media brands, connected by the common goal of providing users the most comprehensive travel-planning and travel-taking resources in the travel industry. 

TripAdvisor branded sites are comprehensive online resources for user-generated content on destinations, lodging, restaurants and attractions. To help its users plan and book their trips, TripAdvisor’s websites feature 320 million reviews and opinions on accommodations, restaurants and attractions, including more than 50 million candid photos, and helpful content ranging from hotel room tips to travel guides. TripAdvisor provides real-time pricing and availability search functionality that compares hundreds of partner websites and enables users to book hotels, activities, attractions and make restaurant reservations through its sites. The tools and information TripAdvisor provides are available in 28 different languages on web-based and mobile applications on mobile devices and desktops. In order to achieve its goals, TripAdvisor leverages its key assets: a robust travel community, rich user-generated content, continuous technological innovation and global reach.

TripAdvisor derives the majority of its revenue from the sale of advertising, primarily through click-based advertising and, to a lesser extent, display-based advertising. The remainder of its revenue is generated through a combination of subscription and transaction-based offerings, and other revenue including content licensing. In the year ended December 31, 2015, TripAdvisor earned $956 million of revenue from click-based advertising, $159 million in revenue from display-based advertising and $377 million in revenue from subscription-based offerings, transaction revenue and other revenue.

TripAdvisor has click-based advertising relationships with the vast majority of the leading online travel agencies globally as well as a variety of other travel suppliers pursuant to which these companies purchase traveler leads from it, generally on a cost-per-click (“CPC”) basis. These click-based advertising relationships are strategically important to it and most can be terminated by the advertiser at will or on short notice.

TripAdvisor’s systems infrastructure, web and database servers for TripAdvisor branded websites are housed at two geographically separate facilities and have multiple communication links as well as continuous monitoring and engineering support. Each facility is fully self-sufficient and operational with its own hardware, networking, software, and content, and is structured in an active/passive, fully redundant configuration. Substantially all of its software components, data, and content are replicated in multiple datacenters and development centers, as well as being backed up at offsite locations. TripAdvisor’s systems are monitored and protected though multiple layers of security. Several of its individual subsidiaries and businesses, including Viator, have their own data infrastructure and technology teams.

Business Model

TripAdvisor’s platforms connect users wishing to plan and book the best travel experiences with providers of travel accommodations and travel services around the world. TripAdvisor derives the majority of its revenue from the sale of advertising, primarily through click-based advertising and, to a lesser extent, display-based advertising. The remainder of TripAdvisor’s revenue is generated through a combination of subscription and transaction-based offerings as well as content licensing.

Commercial Relationships

TripAdvisor has a number of commercial relationships that are important to the success of its business.  Although these relationships are memorialized in some form of agreement, many of these agreements are for a limited term or are terminable at will or on short notice. 

TripAdvisor has click-based advertising relationships with the vast majority of the leading online travel agencies as well as a variety of other travel suppliers, pursuant to which such companies purchase traveler leads from TripAdvisor, generally on a CPC basis. For the year ended December 31, 2015, TripAdvisor’s two most significant advertising partners, Expedia and Priceline, and their subsidiaries, each accounted for more than 10% of its total revenue and combined accounted for 46% of total revenue.

TripAdvisor’s instant booking feature enables hotel shoppers to book directly with a third-party partner, without leaving TripAdvisor’s website.  To facilitate this, TripAdvisor has partnered with seven of the top ten major hotel chains, including Accor, Best Western International, Carlson Rezidor, Choice Hotels, Hyatt  Hotels, Marriott International and Wyndham Worldwide. TripAdvisor also partnered with Priceline, whereby some of Priceline's online travel brands will participate in TripAdvisor’s instant booking platform, beginning with its Booking.com brand.  As a result, users are able to book more than 450,000 hotels, powered by its partners, without leaving the TripAdvisor site or mobile experience.  

TripAdvisor has a content licensing program utilized by over 1,300 partners around the world, including hotel chains, online travel agents, tourist boards, airlines and media sites. TripAdvisor also distributes its content through self-service HTML widgets, which are used on the websites of hotels, restaurants, attractions and destination marketing organizations. These products, which are available at no cost in the TripAdvisor Management Center, allow businesses and destinations to promote themselves by displaying their TripAdvisor ratings, reviews and awards. TripAdvisor widgets are presently found on more than 200,000 unique domains around the globe.  Both free and licensed TripAdvisor content reaches over 900 million people per month. Partners benefit from its user-generated content, such as reviews, ratings, and photos. In addition, TripAdvisor powers review collection for a growing number of partners, such as Accor Hotels, Wyndham Hotel Group, Best Western and Easytobook.com, enabling them to proactively collect reviews from their own customers post-stay in their own branded environment. TripAdvisor has also developed partnerships with mobile carriers and device manufacturers.

Intellectual Property

TripAdvisor’s intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, domain names, trade dress, proprietary technology and trade secrets, is an important component of its business. TripAdvisor relies on its intellectual property rights in its content, proprietary technology, software code, ratings indexes, databases of reviews and forum content, images, videos, graphics and brands. TripAdvisor has acquired some of its intellectual property rights through licenses and content agreements with third parties. These licenses and agreements may place restrictions on its use of the intellectual property.

TripAdvisor protects its intellectual property by relying on its terms of use, confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions, as well as on international, national, state and common law rights. In addition, TripAdvisor enters into confidentiality and invention assignment agreements with employees and contractors, and confidentiality agreements with other third parties. TripAdvisor protects its brands by pursuing the trademark registration of its core brands, such as TripAdvisor and the Owl Logo, maintaining its trademark portfolio, securing contractual trademark rights protection when appropriate, and relying on common law trademark rights when appropriate. TripAdvisor also registers copyrights and domain names as deemed appropriate. Additionally, TripAdvisor protects its trademarks, domain names and copyrights with the use of intellectual property licenses and an enforcement program.

Seasonality

The global travel market is large and traveler expenditures tend to follow a seasonal pattern. As such, expenditures by travel advertisers to market to potential travelers, and, therefore, TripAdvisor’s financial performance, tends to be seasonal as well. As a result, the third quarter tends to be TripAdvisor’s seasonal high, as it is a key period for travel research and trip-taking and its seasonal low generally occurs in the first and/or fourth quarter. Significant shifts in TripAdvisor’s business mix or adverse economic conditions could influence the typical trend of its seasonality in the future.

Terms of Investment in TripAdvisor

We own an approximate 21% equity interest and 56% voting interest in TripAdvisor. TripAdvisor’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the holders of TripAdvisor common stock, acting as a single class, are entitled to elect a number of directors equal to 25% of the total number of directors, rounded up to the next whole number, which is currently three directors. As discussed previously we currently consolidate TripAdvisor as we control a majority of the voting interest in TripAdvisor. We are subject to a Governance Agreement with TripAdvisor which provides us with certain director nomination, registration and other rights and imposes certain restrictions on our shares of Class B common stock.

BuySeasons

BuySeasons is a wholly owned subsidiary of TripCo that owns and operates BuyCostumes.com and the Celebrate Express family of websites. Liberty acquired BuySeasons in 2006, which in turn acquired Celebrate Express in 2008. BuySeasons, an internet celebrations leader, provides a unique party offering by giving individuals the resources necessary to plan, execute and attend a wide variety of celebrations and costuming events. These resources include party supplies

primarily through the retail websites which offer proprietary products through exclusive license agreements and costumes for a wide variety of occasions (the primary occasion is Halloween). BuySeasons purchases its products from various suppliers, both domestic and international. BuySeasons depends on five suppliers for approximately one half of its costumes, accessories, and party supplies. The loss of any of these suppliers could adversely impact stand alone financial results of BuySeasons.

BuySeasons’ business is highly seasonal with approximately half of its revenue earned from the sale of costumes in September and October leading up to Halloween. Since the acquisition of Celebrate Express, BuySeasons has seen the seasonality decrease slightly due to higher sales of birthday party supplies which is a less seasonal business. BuySeasons outsources about 90% of its customer service function, with the remaining portion being maintained at its corporate headquarters. Customer service representatives are available up to 12 hours a day, and up to seven days a week during its busy season to respond to customer questions. The customer service center and warehouse staffing is scalable and BuySeasons employs seasonal labor to react to higher volume during the peak Halloween season. Subsequent to December 31, 2015, BuySeasons has made the decision to pivot its business to a dropship business model.

Regulatory Matters

Internet Services

Our online commerce businesses are subject, both directly and indirectly, to various laws and governmental regulations. Certain of these businesses engaged in the provision of goods and services over the Internet must comply with federal and state laws and regulations applicable to online communications and commerce. For example, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”) prohibits web sites from collecting personally identifiable information online from children under age 13 without parental consent and imposes a number of operational requirements. In 2012, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) adopted revised COPPA regulations amending certain definitions and modifying certain operational requirements regarding notice and parental consent, among other matters. Certain email activities are subject to the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003, commonly known as the CAN-SPAM Act. The CAN-SPAM Act regulates the sending of unsolicited commercial email by requiring the email sender, among other things, to comply with specific disclosure requirements and to provide an “opt-out” mechanism for recipients. Both of these laws include statutory penalties for non-compliance. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act limits, but does not eliminate, liability for listing or linking to third party websites that may include content that infringes on copyrights or other rights so long as our Internet businesses comply with the statutory requirements. Various states also have adopted laws regulating certain aspects of Internet communications. Congress has extended the moratorium on state and local taxes on Internet access and commerce until October 1, 2016. Legislative proposals that would further extend the moratorium on state and local taxes on Internet access and commerce are pending in Congress.

Our online commerce businesses also are subject to laws governing the collection, use, retention, security and transfer of personally-identifiable information about their users. In particular, the collection and use of personal information by companies has received increased regulatory scrutiny on a global basis. The enactment, interpretation and application of user data protection laws are in a state of flux, and the interpretation and application of such laws may vary from country to country. For example, on December 15, 2015, the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union (“Council”) reached agreement on new data laws that give customers additional rights and impose additional restrictions and penalties on companies for illegal collection and misuse of personal information. The European Parliament and the Council are expected to adopt the new laws in early 2016, with the laws expected to become effective on a future date following adoption. Further, on October 6, 2015, the Court of Justice of the European Union invalidated the “Safe Harbor Framework,” which had allowed companies to collect and process personal data in European Union nations for use in the U.S.  European Union and U.S. authorities announced on February 2, 2016 that they had reached agreement on a new data transfer framework.  The European Union and the U.S. must implement the new framework, which may be subject to legal challenge.  Finally, a European Union directive restricting the Internet tracking tools known as “cookies” has taken effect. 

In the U.S., the FTC has proposed a privacy policy framework, and legislation that would require organizations that suffer a breach of security related to personal information to notify owners of such information is pending in Congress. Many states have adopted laws requiring notification to users when there is a security breach affecting personal data, such

as California’s Information Practices Act. Complying with these different national and state privacy requirements may cause the Internet companies in which we have interests to incur substantial costs. In addition, such companies generally have and post on their websites privacy policies and practices regarding the collection, use and disclosure of user data. A failure to comply with such posted privacy policies or with the regulatory requirements of federal, state, or foreign privacy laws could result in proceedings or actions by governmental agencies or others (such as class action litigation) which could adversely affect our online commerce businesses. Technical violations of certain privacy laws can result in significant penalties, including statutory penalties. In 2012, the FCC amended its regulations under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act “TCPA”, which could subject our Internet businesses to increased liability for certain telephonic communications with customers, including but not limited to text messages to mobile phones. Under the TCPA, plaintiffs may seek actual monetary loss or statutory damages of $500 per violation, whichever is greater, and courts may treble such damage awards for willful or knowing violations. Data collection, privacy and security are growing public concerns. If consumers were to decrease their use of our Internet businesses’ websites to purchase products and services, such businesses could be harmed. Congress and individual states may consider additional online privacy legislation.

Goods sold over the Internet also must comply with traditional regulatory requirements, such as the FTC requirements regarding truthful and accurate claims. Other Internet-related laws and regulations enacted in the future may cover issues such as defamatory speech, copyright infringement, pricing and characteristics and quality of products and services. The future adoption of such laws or regulations may slow the growth of commercial online services and the Internet, which could in turn cause a decline in the demand for the services and products of our online commerce businesses and increase their costs of doing business or otherwise have an adverse effect on their businesses, operating results and financial conditions. Moreover, the applicability to commercial online services and the Internet of existing laws governing issues such as property ownership, libel, personal privacy and taxation is uncertain and could expose these companies to substantial liability.

In 2010, the FCC adopted rules in its open Internet proceeding that largely were vacated by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (“D.C. Circuit”) in 2014. On February 26, 2015, the FCC adopted new open Internet rules that reclassify wireline and wireless broadband services as Title II common carrier services and regulate broadband services offered by Internet service providers (ISPs) under Title II, Title III and Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.  The regulations prohibit ISPs from: (1) blocking access to, or impairing or degrading, legal content, applications, services or non-harmful devices; and (2) favoring selected Internet traffic in exchange for consideration.  The rules also allow the FCC to hear complaints and take enforcement action if it determines that the interconnection agreements of ISPs are not just and reasonable, or if ISPs fail to meet a new general obligation not to unreasonably interfere with or unreasonably disadvantage consumers or edge providers.  The rules also require greater transparency by ISPs, including requiring disclosure of promotional rates, fees and surcharges, and data caps.  The FCC forbears, or refrains from, imposing certain Title II regulation on ISPs, such as rate regulation, tariffs, and last-mile unbundling, and do not assess Universal Service Fund fees on broadband at this time.  Multiple parties have challenged the open Internet rules in the D.C. Circuit, and the D.C. Circuit is expected to rule on the challenge in 2016.

Proposed Changes in Regulation

The regulation of Internet services, online sales and other forms of product marketing is subject to the political process and has been in constant flux over the past decade. Further material changes in the law and regulatory requirements must be anticipated and there can be no assurance that our business will not be adversely affected by future legislation, new regulation or deregulation.

Competition

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor competes in rapidly evolving and intensely competitive markets. TripAdvisor faces competition for content, users, advertisers, online travel search and price comparison services (or hotel metasearch) and online reservations.  TripAdvisor also faces competition from large companies that also offer comprehensive on-line resources for destinations, lodging, attractions and restaurants. TripAdvisor’s primary competitors include large online portals, social networking sites and search engines, such as Google (including Google + Local),  Facebook (including Graph Search),

Yahoo! (including Yahoo! Travel) and Baidu. TripAdvisor faces competition from online travel agencies (such as Expedia and Priceline and their respective subsidiaries), as well as wholesalers, tour operators and traditional offline travel agencies. TripAdvisor also competes with a wide range of other companies, including Airbnb, Inc., Alibaba, Ctrip.com International, Ltd., HolidayCheck AG, HomeAway, Inc. (a subsidiary of Expedia as of December 15, 2015), Yelp, Inc. and OpenTable, Inc. (a subsidiary of Priceline).

TripAdvisor faces competition in the travel review space from online travel agencies, such as Expedia and Priceline and their respective subsidiaries, which solicit reviews from travelers who book travel on their websites. With respect to its restaurant,  attractions and vacation rental businesses, TripAdvisor faces competition from OpenTable (a subsidiary of Priceline), and Yelp’s SeatMe and Amazon’s Table8 with respect to online restaurant reservation services, from GetYourGuide and Expedia (through its Destination Services) with respect to online attraction reservation services and from HomeAway (a subsidiary of Expedia) and Airbnb with respect to online accommodation search and research services. Moreover, networks with significant installed user bases such as Google (for example, via Google + Local and Google Hotel Finder) and Microsoft (through Bing Travel) have begun to compete more directly with TripAdvisor by attracting and accumulating user-generated travel reviews and opinions or may pursue the acquisition of travel-related content directly from consumers, and other networks and channels could choose to do the same. In the competition to attract users, TripAdvisor relies on its ability to acquire traffic through offline brand recognition and brand-direct efforts such as television, email and online search, whether unpaid or paid. TripAdvisor also competes for online travel search and price comparison services (or hotel metasearch), with other such companies, including Expedia (through its ownership of Trivago), Priceline (through its ownership of Kayak)  and HotelsCombined. Finally, TripAdvisor also competes for travel-related advertising budgets with large, established search engines with significantly greater resources than it has, such as Google, Bing, and Yahoo!, as well as online media companies and ad networks, and offline advertising sources, such as television and print media.

Certain of the companies TripAdvisor does business with are also its competitors. The consolidation of its competitors and partners, including Expedia (through its ownership of Trivago, Orbitz, Travelocity and HomeAway) and Priceline (through its ownership of Kayak and OpenTable), coupled with evolving business models throughout the industry, results in a highly dynamic competitive environment. As the market evolves for online travel content and the technology supporting it, including platforms such as smartphone and tablet computing devices, we and TripAdvisor anticipate that the existing competitive landscape will change and new competitors may emerge.

BuySeasons

The party and costume segments have a large number of independent retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online. Our subsidiary BuySeasons has a number of large and small primary competitors. Party City is the most significant competitor selling in both the party and costume categories. BuySeasons believes it has a competitive advantage due to the combination of a large assortment of on-line products, services related to party planning, product personalization, value pricing and a high level of customer service.

In addition, BuySeasons competes with traditional brick-and-mortar and online retailers ranging from large department stores to specialty shops, electronic retailers, direct marketing retailers, such as mail order and catalog companies, and discount retailers. Due to the nature of these businesses there is not a single or small group of competitors that own a significant portion of the overall market share. However, some of these competitors, such as Amazon, have a significantly greater Web-presence than our e-commerce businesses. We believe that the principal competitive factors in the markets in which BuySeasons competes are selection, price, availability of inventory, convenience, brand recognition, accessibility, customer service, reliability, website performance, and ease of use.

Employees

TripCo currently does not have any corporate employees. Liberty Media provides TripCo with certain transitional and ongoing management services pursuant to a services agreement and certain of Liberty Media’s corporate employees and executive officers will provide services to TripCo for a determined fee. As of December 31, 2015, TripAdvisor had approximately 3,000 employees. Of those employees, approximately 1,500 were based in the United States. As of

December 31, 2015, BuySeasons had 258 full and part-time employees. None of these employees is represented by a labor union or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. TripCo believes that these employee relations are good.

(d)Financial Information About Geographic Areas

For financial information related to the geographic areas in which we do business, see note 13 to our consolidated financial statements found in Part II of this report.

(e)Available Information

All of our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including our Form 10-K, Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks, as well as amendments to such filings are available on our Internet website free of charge generally within 24 hours after we file such material with the SEC.  Our website address is www.libertytripadvisorholdings.com.

Our corporate governance guidelines, code of business conduct and ethics, compensation committee charter, nominating and corporate governance committee charter, and audit committee charter are available on our website.  In addition, we will provide a copy of any of these documents, free of charge, to any shareholder who calls or submits a request in writing to Investor Relations, Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc., 12300 Liberty Boulevard, Englewood, Colorado 80112, Tel. No. (877) 772-1518.

The information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference herein.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The risks described below and elsewhere in this annual report are not the only ones that relate to our businesses or our capitalization.  The risks described below are considered to be the most material.  However, there may be other unknown or unpredictable economic, business, competitive, regulatory or other factors that also could have material adverse effects on our businesses.  Past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods.  If any of the events described below were to occur, our businesses, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

Factors Relating to Our Corporate History and Structure

We are a holding company, and we could be unable in the future to obtain cash in amounts sufficient to service our financial obligations or meet our other commitments.

Our ability to meet our financial obligations and other contractual commitments, including to make debt service payments under the Margin Loan Agreements (as defined below) and any other credit facilities that we may obtain in the future, depends upon our ability to access cash. We are a holding company, and our sources of cash include our available cash balances, net cash from the operating activities of our wholly owned subsidiary BuySeasons, any dividends and interest we may receive from our investments and proceeds from any asset sales we may undertake in the future. We currently have no plans with respect to any asset sales. The ability of our operating subsidiaries to pay dividends or to make other payments or advances to us depends on their individual operating results and any statutory, regulatory or contractual restrictions to which they may be or may become subject.

We do not have access to the cash that TripAdvisor generates from its operating activities.

TripAdvisor generated $382 million, $387 million and $349 million of cash from its operations during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. TripAdvisor uses the cash it generates from its operations to fund its investing activities and to service its debt and other financing obligations. We do not have access to the cash that TripAdvisor generates unless TripAdvisor declares a dividend on its capital stock payable in cash, repurchases any or all of its outstanding shares of capital stock for cash or otherwise distributes or makes payments to its stockholders, including us. Historically, TripAdvisor has not paid any dividends on its capital stock or, with limited exceptions, otherwise distributed cash to its stockholders and instead has used all of its available cash in the expansion of its business and to service its debt obligations. Covenants in TripAdvisor’s existing debt instruments also restrict the payment of dividends and cash distributions to stockholders. We expect that TripAdvisor will continue to apply its available cash to the expansion of its business.

Our company has overlapping directors and officers with Liberty, Liberty Media and LBC, which may lead to conflicting interests.

As a result of the Trip Spin-Off, the September 2011 separation of Starz from Liberty and Liberty Media’s spin-off of LBC, most of our executive officers also serve as executive officers of Liberty, Liberty Media and LBC and there are overlapping directors. None of the foregoing companies has any ownership interest in any of the others. Our executive officers and members of our company’s board of directors have fiduciary duties to our stockholders. Likewise, any such persons who serve in similar capacities at Liberty, Liberty Media or LBC have fiduciary duties to that company’s stockholders. For example, there may be the potential for a conflict of interest when our company, Liberty, Liberty Media or LBC looks at acquisitions and other corporate opportunities that may be suitable for each of them. Therefore, such persons may have conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest with respect to matters involving or affecting more than one of the companies to which they owe fiduciary duties. Moreover, most of our company’s directors and officers own Liberty, Liberty Media and LBC stock and equity awards.  These ownership interests could create, or appear to create, potential conflicts of interest when the applicable individuals are faced with decisions that could have different implications for our company, Liberty, Liberty Media and/or LBC. Any potential conflict that qualifies as a “related party transaction” (as defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K) is subject to review by an independent committee of the applicable issuer’s board of directors in accordance with its corporate governance guidelines. Each of our company

and LBC have renounced their rights to certain business opportunities and each company’s  restated certificate of incorporation contains provisions deeming directors and officers not in breach of their fiduciary duties in certain cases for directing a corporate opportunity to another person or entity (including Liberty, Liberty Media and LBC) instead of such company. Any other potential conflicts that arise will be addressed on a case-by-case basis, keeping in mind the applicable fiduciary duties owed by the executive officers and directors of each issuer. From time to time, we may enter into transactions with Liberty, Liberty Media or LBC and/or their subsidiaries or other affiliates. There can be no assurance that the terms of any such transactions will be as favorable to our company, Liberty, Liberty Media, LBC or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates as would be the case where there is no overlapping officer or director.

Our inter-company agreements were negotiated while we were a subsidiary of Liberty.

We entered into a number of inter-company agreements covering matters such as tax sharing and our responsibility for certain liabilities previously undertaken by Liberty for certain of our businesses. In addition, we entered into a services agreement with Liberty Media pursuant to which it provides to us certain management, administrative, financial, treasury, accounting, tax, legal and other services, for which we will pay Liberty Media a services fee. The terms of all of these agreements were established while we were a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty, and hence may not be the result of arms’ length negotiations. Although we believe that the negotiations with Liberty Media were at arms’ length, the persons negotiating on behalf of Liberty Media also serve as officers of Liberty, as described above. We believe that the terms of these inter-company agreements are commercially reasonable and fair to all parties under the circumstances; however, conflicts could arise in the interpretation or any extension or renegotiation of the foregoing agreements.

Factors Relating to Our Businesses

If TripAdvisor is unable to continue to increase visitors to its websites and to cost-effectively convert these visitors into repeat users or contributors, its advertising revenue could decline.

The primary asset that TripAdvisor uses to attract visitors to its websites and convert these visitors into repeat users is TripAdvisor’s ability to collect, create, organize and distribute high-quality, commercially valuable content that meets users’ specific interests and enables them to use the content and interact with the supporting communities. There can be no assurances that TripAdvisor will continue to obtain content in a cost-effective manner or in a manner that meets rapidly changing consumer demand. Any failure to obtain and manage such content in a manner that will engage users, or a failure to provide content and products that are perceived as useful, reliable and trustworthy, could adversely affect user experiences and reduce traffic to its websites, which would make TripAdvisor’s websites less attractive to advertisers. Any change in the cost structure pursuant to which TripAdvisor obtains its content, in travelers’ relative appreciation of user-based versus expert content, in the quality of its content versus other sites’ content, or any other changes that could reduce traffic  to TripAdvisor’s websites would negatively impact its business and financial performance.

TripAdvisor derives a substantial portion of its revenue from advertising and any significant reduction in spending by its advertisers could harm its business.

TripAdvisor derives a substantial portion of its revenue from the sale of advertising, primarily through click-based advertising and, to a lesser extent, display-based advertising. TripAdvisor enters into master advertising contracts with its advertising partners, however, these agreements are generally limited to matters such as privacy and compliance, payment terms and conditions, termination and indemnities and most can be terminated by its partners at will or on short notice. TripAdvisor’s ability to grow advertising revenue with its existing or new advertising partners is dependent in large part on its ability to generate revenue for them. Advertisers will not continue to do business with TripAdvisor if their investment in such advertising does not generate sales leads, customers, bookings, or revenue and profit on a cost-effective basis. If TripAdvisor is unable to provide value to its advertising partners, they will likely stop placing ads on its websites, which would harm its revenue and business. We cannot guarantee that TripAdvisor’s current advertisers will fulfill their obligations under existing contracts, continue to advertise beyond the terms of existing contracts or enter into any additional contracts with it.

Click-based advertising accounts for the majority of TripAdvisor’s advertising revenue. Any changes TripAdvisor makes to its business model may impact its advertising revenue in ways that it does not expect. In addition, if new, more

effective advertising models were to emerge, there can be no assurance that TripAdvisor would have the ability to offer these models, or offer them in an effective manner.

Furthermore, TripAdvisor’s CPC pricing for click-based advertising depends, in part, on competition between advertisers. If its large advertisers become less competitive with each other, merge with each other or with its competitors, focus more on per-click profit than on traffic volume, or are able to reduce CPCs, this could have an adverse impact on TripAdvisor’s click-based advertising revenue which would, in turn, have an adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.

Expenditures by advertisers also tend to be cyclical, subject to variation based on budgetary constraints, project cancellation or delay, and to reflect overall economic conditions and buying patterns. If TripAdvisor is unable to generate advertising revenue due to factors outside of its control, its business and financial performance would be adversely affected.

TripAdvisor relies on a relatively small number of significant advertising partners and any reduction in spending by or loss of these partners could seriously harm its business.

TripAdvisor derives a substantial portion of its revenue from a relatively small number of advertising partners and relies significantly on its relationships. For example, for the year ended December 31, 2015, TripAdvisor’s two most significant advertising partners, Expedia and Priceline (and their subsidiaries), accounted for a combined 46% of its total revenue. While TripAdvisor enters into master advertising contracts with its partners, the terms of these agreements generally address matters such as privacy and compliance, payment terms and conditions, termination and indemnities and most of these click-based advertising contracts can be terminated by its partners at will or on short notice. If any of its significant advertisers were to cease or significantly curtail advertising on TripAdvisor’s websites, TripAdvisor could experience a rapid decline in its revenue over a relatively short period of time which would have a material impact on its business.

Our subsidiaries’ businesses could be negatively affected by changes in Internet search engine algorithms and dynamics, or search engine disintermediation.

Our subsidiaries rely heavily on Internet search engines, such as Google, to generate traffic to their websites, principally through the purchase of travel-related keywords. Search engines, including Google, frequently update and change the logic that determines the placement and display of results of a user’s search, such that the purchased or algorithmic placement of links to our subsidiaries’ websites can be negatively affected. In addition, a search engine could, for competitive or other purposes, alter its search algorithms or results causing our subsidiaries’ websites to place lower in search query results. If a major search engine changes its algorithms in a manner that negatively affects the search engine ranking of our subsidiaries’ websites or those of their partners, or if competitive dynamics impact the cost or effectiveness of search engine optimization (“SEO”) or search engine marketing (“SEM”) in a negative manner, our business and financial performance would be adversely affected, potentially to a material extent. Furthermore, our subsidiaries’ failure to successfully manage their SEO and SEM strategies could result in a substantial decrease in traffic to their websites, as well as increased costs if our subsidiaries were to replace free traffic with paid traffic.

In addition, to the extent that Google, or other leading search or metasearch engines that have a significant presence in TripAdvisor’s key markets, disintermediate OTAs or travel content providers by offering comprehensive travel planning or shopping capabilities, or refer those leads to suppliers directly, or to other favored partners, there could be a material adverse impact on TripAdvisor’s business and financial performance. To the extent these actions have a negative effect on TripAdvisor’s search traffic, whether on desktop, tablet or mobile devices, TripAdvisor’s business and financial performance could be adversely affected.

TripAdvisor continues to work aggressively to roll out its “instant booking” feature despite anticipated and potential unanticipated challenges and risks which could have a negative impact on its business and financial performance. 

Instant booking is a feature that enables users to book a hotel reservation directly with a hotel or online travel agency partner while remaining on the TripAdvisor website. TripAdvisor has been gradually rolling this feature out in the U.S. since June 2014, and in 2015, accelerated the rollout of instant booking for hotels across its platforms to all users on all devices.  TripAdvisor plans to continue rolling out this feature to additional international markets in 2016. TripAdvisor believes that allowing users to book directly online without leaving the TripAdvisor site will result in a better user experience as well as, ultimately, additional revenue to TripAdvisor.  However, there are additional risks associated with this feature. 

TripAdvisor’s success depends in large part on its ability to maintain and expand relationships with partners in the travel industry, including hotel chains, online travel agencies and travel suppliers and other online travel partners.  TripAdvisor is working with some of these partners to “power” the instant booking function on its website and believes that these partners will also benefit from this feature, through increased reservations and more direct relationships with travelers.  Some partners, however, may view this new functionality as directly competitive and take action that could adversely affect TripAdvisor’s business and financial performance.  They could reduce or eliminate advertising revenue paid to TripAdvisor, charge for or otherwise restrict access to content, further reduce their average daily rates, decide not to make their travel inventory available to TripAdvisor, or decide not to provide accurate booking information.  Any of these actions could have an adverse impact on TripAdvisor’s business.

The roll out of TripAdvisor’s new “instant booking” feature may not meet TripAdvisor’s expectations and may subject TripAdvisor to additional and ongoing operational risks. 

Currently TripAdvisor’s instant booking feature is monetizing at a lower revenue per hotel shopper rate compared to its metasearch feature. While TripAdvisor expects to close this monetization gap, primarily by continuing to streamline its booking path to enhance user experience, persistently promoting the TripAdvisor brand as a booking channel and continuing to seek partners with strong branding and supply channels, there is no guarantee that these initiatives will ultimately be successful and, if not, its revenue may be materially adversely affected. 

TripAdvisor’s instant booking revenue recorded under the consumption model is recognized at the time the traveler completes his or her stay. Comparatively, revenue under the transaction model is recorded at the time the user books the stay and revenue from its metasearch feature is recorded when a traveler makes the click-through to the travel partners’ websites.  Based on its internal data, TripAdvisor currently estimates the average time between a user booking a stay to consuming a stay is approximately three to five weeks, subject to seasonal variations. In future periods, greater contribution of revenue from its instant booking consumption model would result in additional revenue recognized at the time of a consumed stay and thus a shift in the timing of revenue recognition.

TripAdvisor expects the instant booking functionality to significantly increase the number of transactions that will occur on TripAdvisor’s website.  Even though the transactions and customer care associated with these transactions are provided by its hotel partners, each reservation is completed on TripAdvisor’s instant booking platform.  Failure to effectively manage the process for instantly booking on its website and safeguard the data that is obtained during the course of arranging for such bookings could negatively impact its reputation and, consequently, its business. 

Growth in the use of devices other than desktop computers may negatively affect TripAdvisor’s revenue and financial results.

TripAdvisor’s content was originally designed for users accessing the Internet on a desktop computer. The number of people who access the Internet through devices other than desktop computers, including mobile phone devices and handheld computers such as notebooks and tablets, has increased substantially in the last few years.  TripAdvisor anticipates that the rate of use of these computing devices will continue to grow. To address these growing user demands, TripAdvisor continues to extend its platform to develop mobile phone and tablet applications and its advertising revenue continues to grow.  However, currently, it monetizes users of these devices at a lower rate compared to users who access its websites through desktop computers. In addition, given the device sizes and technical limitations of these devices, mobile consumers may not be willing to download multiple apps from multiple companies providing similar services and instead prefer to use one or a limited number of apps for their hotel, restaurant and attractions activity. The consumer experience with mobile apps as well as brand recognition and loyalty are likely to become increasingly important.    

 As a result, TripAdvisor continues to develop and improve upon its mobile app and websites and mobile monetization strategies.  If TripAdvisor is unable to continue to rapidly innovate and create new, user-friendly and differentiated mobile offerings and efficiently and effectively advertise and distribute on these platforms, or if its mobile offerings are not used by consumers, TripAdvisor’s future growth and results of operations could be negatively impacted.    

Declines or disruptions in the economy in general and the travel industry in particular could adversely affect TripAdvisor’s businesses and financial performance.

TripAdvisor’s businesses and financial performance are affected by the health of the global economy generally as well as the worldwide travel industry and leisure travel in particular. Sales of travel services tend to decline or grow more slowly during economic downturns and recessions when consumers engage in less discretionary spending, are concerned about unemployment or inflation, have reduced access to credit or experience other concerns that reduce their ability or willingness to travel. The global economy may be adversely impacted by unforeseen events beyond TripAdvisor’s control, including acts of terrorism, unusual weather patterns, natural disasters, political instability and health concerns (including epidemics or pandemics such as Zika virus, Ebola, H1N1 and SARS),  defaults on government debt, significant increases in fuel and energy costs, tax increases and other matters that could reduce discretionary spending, tightening of credit markets, and further declines in consumer confidence. Decreased travel expenditures could reduce the demand for TripAdvisor’s services, thereby causing a reduction in revenue. 

In addition, the uncertainty of macro-economic factors and their impact on consumer behavior, which may differ across regions, makes it more difficult to forecast industry and consumer trends and the timing and degree of their impact on TripAdvisor’s markets and business, which in turn could adversely affect TripAdvisor’s  ability to effectively manage its  business and adversely affect its results of operations.

TripAdvisor relies on the value of its brand and consumer trust in its brand. If TripAdvisor is not able to maintain and enhance its brand, or if events occur that damage its reputation and brand, TripAdvisor’s business may be harmed.

TripAdvisor believes that the TripAdvisor brand has contributed significantly to its success and that maintaining and enhancing its brand is critical to expanding its base of users, to creating content and to attracting advertisers. As a result, TripAdvisor invests significantly in brand marketing. TripAdvisor expects these investments to continue, or even increase, as a result of a variety of factors, including increased spending from competitors, the increasing costs of supporting multiple brands, expansion into geographies and products where its brands are less well known, inflation in media pricing, and the continued emergence and relative traffic share growth of search engines as destination sites for travelers. Such efforts may not maintain or enhance consumer awareness of its brands and, even if TripAdvisor is successful in its branding efforts, such efforts may not be cost-effective or as efficient as they have been historically. If TripAdvisor is unable to maintain or enhance consumer awareness of its brands or to generate demand in a cost-effective manner, it would have a material adverse effect on TripAdvisor’s business and financial performance.

TripAdvisor receives significant media coverage in its various geographic markets. Unfavorable publicity regarding, for example, TripAdvisor’s practices relating to privacy and data protection, product changes, competitive pressures, the accuracy of user-generated content, product quality, litigation or regulatory activity, could adversely affect its reputation with its site users and its advertisers. Such negative publicity also could have an adverse effect on the size, engagement, and loyalty of TripAdvisor’s user base and result in decreased revenue, which could adversely affect its business and financial results.

TripAdvisor operates in an increasingly competitive global environment and its failure to compete effectively could reduce its market share and harm its financial performance.

TripAdvisor faces competition for content, users, advertisers, online travel search and price comparison services (or hotel metasearch) and online reservations. TripAdvisor also faces competition from large companies that also offer comprehensive on-line resources for destinations, lodging, attractions and restaurants.  Many of TripAdvisor’s competitors have significantly greater and more diversified resources than it does and may be able to leverage other aspects of their business to enable them to compete more effectively against TripAdvisor. More specifically:

Many of TripAdvisor’s competitors have significantly greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources compared to it and have expertise in developing online commerce and facilitating Internet traffic as well as large client bases. TripAdvisor expects to face additional competition as other established and emerging companies enter the travel advertising market.

Certain of the companies it does business with, including some of its click-based advertising partners, are also its competitors. The consolidation of TripAdvisor’s competitors and partners, including Expedia (through its ownership of Trivago, Orbitz, Travelocity and HomeAway) and Priceline (through its ownership of Kayak and OpenTable), may affect its relative competitiveness and its partner relationships. Competition and consolidation could result in higher traffic acquisition costs, reduced margins on TripAdvisor’s advertising services, loss of market share, reduced customer traffic to its websites and reduced advertising by travel companies on its websites. For example, Google has taken steps to appeal more directly to travel customers, which could lead to diversion of customer traffic to their own websites or those of a favored partner, or undermine TripAdvisor’s ability to obtain prominent placement in paid or unpaid search results at a reasonable cost, or at all. Competition in TripAdvisor’s industry may result in pricing pressure, loss of market share or decreased member engagement, any of which could adversely affect TripAdvisor’s business and financial performance.

TripAdvisor is regularly subject to claims, suits, government investigations, and other proceedings that may result in adverse outcomes.

TripAdvisor is regularly subject to claims, suits, government investigations and other proceedings involving competition, intellectual property, privacy and data protection, consumer protection, tax, labor and employment, commercial disputes, content generated by its users, free speech issues, goods and services offered by advertisers or publishers using its platforms, and other matters. In addition, TripAdvisor’s businesses face intellectual property litigation, that exposes it to the risk of exclusion and cease and desist orders, which could limit its ability to sell products and services.

Such claims, suits, and government investigations are inherently uncertain and their results cannot be predicted with certainty. Regardless of the outcome, any of these types of legal proceedings can have an adverse impact on TripAdvisor because of legal costs, diversion of management resources, injunctions or damage awards and other factors. Determining reserves for TripAdvisor’s pending litigation is a complex, fact-intensive process that requires significant judgment. It is possible that a resolution of one or more such proceedings could result in substantial fines and penalties that could adversely affect TripAdvisor’s business, consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows in a particular period. These proceedings could also result in reputational harm, criminal sanctions, consent decrees, or orders preventing TripAdvisor from offering certain features, functionalities, products, or services, requiring a change in TripAdvisor’s business practices or other field action, or requiring development of non-infringing or otherwise altered products or technologies. Any of these consequences could adversely affect its business and results of operations. 

TripAdvisor is dependent upon the quality of traffic in its network to provide value to online advertisers, and any failure in its quality control could have a material adverse effect on the value of its websites to its advertisers and adversely affect its revenue.

TripAdvisor uses technology and processes to monitor the quality of and to identify metrics associated with, the Internet traffic that it delivers to online advertisers. These metrics are used not only to identify the value of advertising on TripAdvisor’s website, but also to identify low quality clicks such as non-human processes, including robots, spiders or other software; the mechanical automation of clicking; and other types of invalid clicks or click fraud. Even with such monitoring in place, there is a risk that a certain amount of low-quality traffic, or traffic that online advertisers deem to be invalid, will be delivered to such online advertisers. As a result, TripAdvisor may be required to credit amounts owed to it by its advertisers. Furthermore, low-quality or invalid traffic may be detrimental to TripAdvisor’s relationships with advertisers, and could adversely affect its advertising pricing and revenue.

TripAdvisor relies on assumptions and estimates and data to calculate certain of its key metrics, and real or perceived inaccuracies in such metrics may harm TripAdvisor’s reputation and negatively affect its business.

TripAdvisor believes certain metrics are key to TripAdvisor’s business, including unique visitors, hotel shoppers, revenue per hotel shopper, downloads of its mobile apps, and number of reviews and opinions.  As the industry in which it operates continues to evolve and as its business continues to evolve, so too might the metrics by which TripAdvisor evaluates its business. While these numbers are based on what TripAdvisor believes to be reasonable estimates, its internal tools have a number of limitations and its methodologies for tracking these metrics may change over time.  For example, a single person may have multiple accounts or browse the internet on multiple browsers or devices, some users may restrict TripAdvisor’s ability to accurately identify them across visits, some mobile applications automatically contact its servers for regular updates with no user action, and it is not always able to capture user information on all of its platforms. As such, the calculations of its unique visitors may not accurately reflect the number of people actually visiting its platforms.  Also if the internal tools TripAdvisor uses to track these metrics under-count or over-count performance or contain algorithm or other technical errors, the data TripAdvisor reports may not be accurate. In addition, historically, certain metrics were calculated by independent third parties. Accordingly undue reliance should not be placed on these numbers.  More recently, TripAdvisor started to calculate metrics, primarily using internal tools, which are not independently verified by a third party. TripAdvisor continues to improve upon its tools and methodologies to capture data and believes that its current metrics are more accurate; however, the improvement of its tools and methodologies could cause inconsistency between current data and previously reported data, which could confuse investors or lead to questions about the integrity of its data. 

Our subsidiaries rely on information technology to operate their business and remain competitive, and any failure to adapt to technological developments or industry trends could harm our subsidiaries.

Our subsidiaries depend on the use of sophisticated information technologies and systems. As their operations grow in size and scope, they must continuously improve and upgrade their systems and infrastructure while maintaining or improving the reliability and integrity of their systems and infrastructure. Our subsidiaries’ future success also depends on their ability to adapt their services and infrastructure to meet rapidly evolving consumer trends and demands while continuing to improve the performance, features and reliability of their services in response to competitive service and product offerings. The emergence of alternative platforms such as smartphone and tablet computing devices and the

emergence of niche competitors who may be able to optimize products, services or strategies for such platforms will require new investment in technology. New developments in other areas, such as cloud computing, could also make it easier for competition to enter their markets due to lower up-front technology costs. In addition, our subsidiaries may not be able to maintain their existing systems or replace or introduce new technologies and systems as quickly as they would like or in a cost-effective manner.

If TripAdvisor does not continue to innovate and provide tools and services that are useful to travelers, it may not remain competitive, and its business and financial performance could suffer.

TripAdvisor’s success depends in part on continued innovation to provide features and services that make its websites and smartphone and tablet computing applications useful for travelers. Its competitors are continually developing innovations in online travel-related services and features. As a result, TripAdvisor is continually working to improve its business model and user experience in order to drive user traffic and conversion dates. TripAdvisor can give no assurances that the changes it makes will yield the benefits it expects and will not have adverse impacts that TripAdvisor did not anticipate. If TripAdvisor is unable to continue offering innovative products and services and quality features that travelers want to use, existing users may become dissatisfied and use a competitor’s offerings and, it may be unable to attract additional users, which could adversely affect its business and financial performance.

TripAdvisor’s culture emphasizes rapid innovation and prioritizes user engagement over short-term financial results.

TripAdvisor operates in a culture that encourages rapid development and release of new and improved products, which may at times result in unintended consequences or decisions that are poorly received by users or advertisers. TripAdvisor’s culture also prioritizes user engagement, or website “stickiness,” over short-term financial results. TripAdvisor has taken actions in the past and may continue to make product decisions going forward that have the effect of reducing its short-term revenue or profitability if it believes that the decisions benefit the aggregate user experience and/or conversion rates and CPC pricing, thereby ultimately improving its financial performance over the long-term. The short-term reductions in revenue or profitability could be more severe than TripAdvisor anticipates or these decisions may not produce the long-term benefits that TripAdvisor expects, in which case its user growth and engagement, its relationships with users and advertisers, and its business and results of operations could be harmed.

The online vacation rental market is rapidly evolving and if TripAdvisor fails to predict the manner in which the market develops, its business and prospects may suffer.

TripAdvisor offers vacation rental services on its TripAdvisor-branded sites as well as through its U.S.-based FlipKey and Vacation Home Rentals and European-based Holiday Lettings and Niumba businesses. The online vacation rental market is rapidly evolving in many respects, including acceptance of the business model by travelers, property owners and property managers; from a business and marketing perspective as well as the regulatory environment. TripAdvisor operates in various disparate jurisdictions and markets and has limited insight into trends that may develop in those markets and may affect its business. Since TripAdvisor began offering such services, there have been and continue to be significant business, marketing and regulatory developments. Operating in new and untested jurisdictions requires significant management attention and financial resources. TripAdvisor cannot assure that its expansion efforts will be successful, and the investment and additional resources required to establish operations and manage growth may not produce the desired levels of revenue or profitability.

If TripAdvisor fails to attract and maintain a critical mass of vacation rental listings and travelers, its vacation rental marketplaces will become less valuable and this may have a negative impact on its business.

In TripAdvisor’s vacation rental business, revenue is generated when owners and/or travelers pay TripAdvisor a fee upon booking a transaction, owners or managers pay TripAdvisor fees to list and market vacation rental properties to users who visit the websites comprising its marketplace, and property managers pay TripAdvisor fees for email and telephone leads from potential travelers or fees upon booking a reservation. As a result, TripAdvisor’s success in this area primarily depends on its ability to attract owners, managers, travelers and advertisers to its marketplace. If property owners and managers do not perceive the benefits of marketing their properties through TripAdvisor’s websites, or elect to list

them with a competitor instead of listing with TripAdvisor, its volume of new listings and listing renewals may suffer. As a result, TripAdvisor may be unable to offer a sufficient supply and variety of vacation properties to attract travelers to its websites. Larger competitors already exist in the vacation rental space, with significantly more users, listed properties, and financial resources.

TripAdvisor may be subject to claims that it violated intellectual property rights of others and these claims can be extremely costly to defend and could require TripAdvisor to pay significant damages and limit its ability to operate.

Companies in the Internet and technology industries, and other patent and trademark holders seeking to profit from royalties in connection with grants of licenses, own large numbers of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets and frequently enter into litigation based on allegations of infringement or other violations of those intellectual property rights. TripAdvisor has received in the past, and may in the future receive, notices that claim it has misappropriated or misused other parties’ intellectual property rights. Any intellectual property claim against TripAdvisor, regardless of merit, could be time consuming and expensive to settle or litigate and could divert management’s attention and other resources. These claims also could subject TripAdvisor to significant liability for damages and could result in it having to stop using technology or content found to be in violation of another party’s rights. TripAdvisor might be required or may opt to seek a license for rights to intellectual property held by others, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. Even if a license is available, it could be required to pay significant royalties, which would increase its operating expenses. TripAdvisor may also be required to develop alternative non-infringing technology, or content, which could require significant effort and expense and make it less competitive in the relevant market. Any of these results could harm its business and financial performance.

Each of our company and TripAdvisor may have future capital needs and may not be able to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms.

In connection with the Trip Spin-Off, we have outstanding borrowings of $421 million at December 31, 2015, including PIK interest, under two margin loan agreements (the “Margin Loan Agreements”) entered into by our bankruptcy remote wholly-owned subsidiary (“TripSPV”). Borrowings under the Margin Loan Agreements are guaranteed solely by our company and secured by our ownership interest in TripAdvisor. All of our equity interests in TripAdvisor will be held through TripSPV. Because our primary asset consists of our equity interests in TripAdvisor and the Margin Loan Agreements prohibit, with limited exceptions, the incurrence of additional indebtedness by TripSPV, our company is very limited in its ability to incur additional financing (other than a contingent line of credit provided to our company by Liberty, pursuant to which our company is able to borrow up to $200 million under limited circumstances (the “Liberty Line of Credit”), and our cash reserves and limited operating cash flow may be insufficient to satisfy our financial obligations. In addition, the Margin Loan Agreements provide that, among other triggering events, if at any time the closing price per share of TripAdvisor common stock falls below certain minimum values, a partial repayment of the Margin Loans will be due and payable with respect to each such circumstance, together with accrued and unpaid interest and, during approximately the first two years of the term of the Margin Loan Agreements, a prepayment premium. If the company or TripSPV is unable to pay such amounts, the lenders may foreclose on the pledged stock of TripAdvisor that TripSPV holds and any other collateral that then secures TripSPV’s obligations under the Margin Loan Agreements, which would materially adversely affect our asset composition and financial condition as well as our access to capital on a going forward basis.

TripAdvisor has $200 million outstanding under a revolving facility at December 31, 2015. This arrangement includes restrictive covenants that may impact the way TripAdvisor manages its business and may limit TripAdvisor’s ability to secure significant additional financing in the future on favorable terms, and its cash reserves and operating cash flow may be insufficient to satisfy its financial obligations under indebtedness outstanding from time to time. The ability of TripAdvisor to secure additional financing and satisfy its financial obligations under indebtedness outstanding from time to time will depend upon its future operating performance.

In addition, the availability of capital for our company and TripAdvisor will be subject to prevailing general economic and credit market conditions, including interest rate levels and the availability of credit generally, and financial, business and other factors, all of which are beyond the control of our company and TripAdvisor. In light of periodic uncertainty in the capital and credit markets, there can be no assurance that sufficient financing will be available on

desirable terms, if at all, to fund investments, acquisitions, stock repurchases, dividends, debt refinancing or extraordinary actions or that counterparties in any such financings would honor their contractual commitments. If financing is not available when needed or is not available on favorable terms, TripAdvisor may be unable to issue or develop new or enhanced existing services, and both our company and TripAdvisor may be unable to complete acquisitions, repurchase equity or otherwise take advantage of business opportunities, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of our company and TripAdvisor. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity securities, our stockholders may experience significant dilution.

Further, if TripAdvisor raises additional funds through the issuance of equity securities, including as a result of the lack of availability of debt financing, our company may experience significant dilution.

TripAdvisor is also accumulating a greater portion of its cash flows in foreign jurisdictions than previously. The repatriation of such funds for use in the United States, including for corporate purposes such as acquisitions, stock repurchases, dividends or debt refinancings, may result in additional U.S. income tax expense and higher cost for such capital.

Each of our company and TripAdvisor has significant indebtedness, which could adversely affect its business and financial condition.

As discussed above, in connection with the Trip Spin-Off, we entered into the Margin Loan Agreements as the guarantor with TripSPV as the borrower, pursuant to which TripSPV has outstanding $421 million at December 31, 2015, including PIK interest. TripAdvisor currently has approximately $200 million outstanding in long-term debt. As a result of this significant indebtedness, each company may:

In addition, it is possible that each company may need to incur additional indebtedness in the future in the ordinary course of business. However, there is no assurance that additional financing will be available to TripAdvisor on terms favorable to it, if at all. The terms of TripAdvisor’s outstanding indebtedness permit it to incur additional debt subject to certain limitations. If new debt is added to the current debt levels, the risks described above could intensify. In addition, TripSPV is prohibited from incurring additional indebtedness under the Margin Loan Agreements, and we expect our company to have limited capacity to incur indebtedness outside of TripSPV (other than with respect to the Liberty Line of Credit, which is only available under limited circumstances).

Although TripAdvisor has substantial cash flow from operations with which it may service its debt obligations, we have limited sources of cash and liquidity. Our cash balance is expected to enable us to fund our parent level operating expenses and debt service obligations for the next five years; however, we cannot assure you that we will not experience

unexpected expenses or that we will have sufficient liquidity to fund our operations and service our direct debt obligations during those five years or thereafter. For additional information about our company’s ability to potentially service our direct debt obligations, see “We are a holding company, and we could be unable in the future to obtain cash in amounts sufficient to service our financial obligations or meet our other commitments.” and “We do not have access to the cash that TripAdvisor generates from its operating activities.” above. A description of TripAdvisor’s debt service obligations can be found in note 7 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

TripAdvisor faces increased risks as the level of its debt increases.  

On June 26, 2015, TripAdvisor entered into a new credit agreement with respect to a $1 billion five-year revolving credit facility.  These arrangements include restrictive covenants that may impact the way TripAdvisor manages its business and may limit its ability to secure significant additional financing in the future on favorable terms. TripAdvisor’s ability to secure additional financing and satisfy its financial obligations under indebtedness outstanding from time to time will depend upon its future operating performance, which is subject to then prevailing general economic and credit market conditions, including interest rate levels and the availability of credit generally, and financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond its control. In light of periodic uncertainty in the capital and credit markets, there can be no assurance that sufficient financing will be available on desirable or even any terms to fund investments, acquisitions, stock repurchases, dividends, debt refinancing or extraordinary actions or that counterparties in any such financings would honor their contractual commitments.

The agreements that govern TripAdvisor’s revolving credit facility contain various covenants that limit its discretion in the operation of its businesses and require it to meet financial maintenance tests and other covenants. The failure to comply with such tests and covenants could have a material adverse effect on TripAdvisor. In addition, the Margin Loan Agreements contain various covenants that will restrict the activities of TripSPV.

TripAdvisor is party to a credit agreement providing for the revolving credit facility. The agreements that govern the revolving credit facility contain various covenants, including those that limit TripAdvisor’s ability to, among other things:

These covenants may limit TripAdvisor’s ability to optimally operate its business. In addition, TripAdvisor’s revolving credit facility requires that it meets certain financial tests, including a leverage ratio test.

As discussed above, in connection with the Trip Spin-Off, we entered into the Margin Loan Agreements as the guarantor with TripSPV as the borrower, pursuant to which we borrowed $421 million, including PIK interest. The Margin Loan Agreements contain various covenants, including those that limit our ability to, among other things:

In addition, as discussed above, the Margin Loan Agreements provide that, among other triggering events, if at any time the closing price per share of TripAdvisor common stock falls below certain minimum values, a partial repayment

of the Margin Loans to certain specified amounts will be due and payable with respect to each such circumstance, together with accrued and unpaid interest and, during approximately the first two years of the term of the Margin Loan Agreements, a prepayment premium, and if the company or TripSPV is unable to pay such amounts, the lenders may foreclose on the pledged stock of TripAdvisor that TripSPV holds and any other collateral that then secures TripSPV’s obligations under the Margin Loan Agreements, which would materially adversely affect our asset composition and financial condition.

Any failure to comply with the restrictions of TripAdvisor’s credit facility or the Margin Loan Agreements may result in an event of default under the agreements governing such facilities. Such default may allow the applicable creditors to accelerate the debt incurred thereunder. In addition, lenders may be able to terminate any commitments they had made to supply TripAdvisor with further funds (including periodic rollovers of existing borrowings). For additional information regarding the potential impact of the restrictions in these debt arrangements, see “Each of our company and TripAdvisor may have future capital needs and may not be able to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms.”

In connection with TripAdvisor’s spin-off from Expedia (the “Spin-Off”), TripAdvisor could be subject to significant tax liabilities.

Under the tax sharing agreement between TripAdvisor and Expedia entered into in connection with the Spin-Off, TripAdvisor is generally required to indemnify Expedia for any taxes resulting from the spin-off (and any related interest, penalties, legal and professional fees, and all costs and damages associated with related stockholder litigation or controversies) to the extent such amounts resulted from (i) any act or failure to act by TripAdvisor described in the covenants in the tax sharing agreement, (ii) any acquisition of TripAdvisor’s equity securities or assets or those of a member of its group, or (iii) any failure of the representations with respect to TripAdvisor or any member of its group to be true or any breach by TripAdvisor or any member of its group of any covenant, in each case, which is contained in the separation documents or in the documents relating to the IRS private letter ruling and/or the opinion of counsel.

TripAdvisor continues to be responsible for potential tax liabilities in connection with consolidated income tax returns filed with Expedia prior to or in connection with the Spin-Off. TripAdvisor is currently under an IRS audit for the 2009 and 2010 tax years, and have various ongoing state income tax audits.  These audits include questioning of the timing and the amount of income and deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions.  The outcome of these matters or any other audits could subject TripAdvisor  to significant tax liabilities.

TripAdvisor’s international operations involve additional risks and its exposure to these risks increases as its business continues to expand globally.

TripAdvisor operates in a number of jurisdictions outside of the United States and continues to expand its international operations. Many of these regions have different economic conditions, languages, currencies, consumer expectations, levels of consumer acceptance and use of the Internet for commerce, legislation, regulatory environments (including labor laws and customs), tax laws and levels of political stability. TripAdvisor is subject to associated risks typical of international businesses, including but not limited to, the following:

TripAdvisor has a business operating in China, which creates particular risks and uncertainties relating to the laws in China.   The laws and regulations of China restrict foreign investment in areas including air-ticketing and travel agency services, Internet content provision, mobile communication and related businesses. Although TripAdvisor has established effective control of its Chinese business through a series of agreements, future developments in the interpretation or enforcement of Chinese laws and regulations or a dispute relating to these agreements could restrict TripAdvisor’s ability to operate or restructure this business or to engage in strategic transactions.  The success of this business, and of any future investments in China, is subject to risks and uncertainties regarding the application, development and interpretation of China’s laws and regulations. 

Furthermore, TripAdvisor is also accumulating a greater portion of its cash flows in foreign jurisdictions than previously, which it considers indefinitely reinvested. The repatriation of such funds for use in the United States, including for corporate purposes such as acquisitions, stock repurchases, dividends or debt refinancings, may result in additional U.S. income tax expense and higher cost for such capital.

The loss of one or more of TripAdvisor’s key personnel, or its failure to attract and retain other highly qualified personnel in the future, could harm TripAdvisor’s business.

TripAdvisor’s future success depends upon the continued contributions of its senior corporate management and other key employees. In particular, the contributions of Stephen Kaufer, TripAdvisor’s President and Chief Executive Officer, are critical to its overall management. TripAdvisor cannot ensure that it will be able to retain the services of these individuals, and the loss of one or more of its key personnel could seriously harm its business. TripAdvisor does not maintain any key person life insurance policies.

In addition, competition remains intense for well-qualified employees in certain aspects of TripAdvisor’s business, including software engineers, developers, product management and development personnel, and other technology professionals. TripAdvisor’s continued ability to compete effectively depends on its ability to attract new employees and to retain and motivate existing employees. If TripAdvisor does not succeed in attracting well-qualified employees or retaining or motivating existing employees, its business would be adversely affected.

A failure to comply with current laws, rules and regulations or changes to such laws, rules and regulations and other legal uncertainties may adversely affect our subsidiaries or our financial performance.

Our subsidiaries’ business and financial performance could be adversely affected by unfavorable changes in or interpretations of existing laws, rules and regulations or the promulgation of new laws, rules and regulations applicable to us, our business and our subsidiaries, including those relating to the Internet and online commerce, Internet advertising, consumer protection, data security and privacy. Unfavorable changes could decrease demand for products and services, limit marketing methods and capabilities, increase costs and/or subject us and/or our subsidiaries to additional liabilities.

For example, there is, and will likely continue to be, an increasing number of laws and regulations pertaining to the Internet and online commerce that may relate to liability for information retrieved from or transmitted over the Internet, online editorial and user-generated content, user privacy, data security, behavioral targeting and online advertising, taxation, liability for third-party activities and the quality of products and services. Our subsidiaries’ current business partner arrangements with third parties, including Facebook, could be negatively impacted to the extent that more restrictive privacy laws or regulations are enacted, particularly in the United States or European Union. In addition, enforcement authorities in the United States continue to rely on their authority under existing consumer protection laws to take action against companies relating to data privacy and security practices. The growth and development of online

commerce may prompt calls for more stringent consumer protection laws and more aggressive enforcement efforts, which may impose additional burdens on online businesses generally.

TripAdvisor also has been subject, and it will likely be subject in the future, to inquiries from time to time from regulatory bodies concerning compliance with consumer protection, competition, tax and travel industry-specific laws and regulations. The failure of its businesses to comply with these laws and regulations could result in fines and/or proceedings against TripAdvisor by governmental agencies and/or consumers, which if material, could adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, if such laws and regulations are not enforced equally against other competitors in a particular market, TripAdvisor’s compliance with such laws may put it at a competitive disadvantage vis-à-vis competitors who do not comply with such requirements.

The promulgation of new laws, rules and regulations, or the new interpretation of existing laws, rules and regulations, in each case that restrict or otherwise unfavorably impact the ability or manner in which TripAdvisor provides services could require it to change certain aspects of its business, operations and commercial relationships to ensure compliance, which could decrease demand for services, reduce revenue, increase costs and/or subject the company to additional liabilities.

TripAdvisor’s effective tax rate is impacted by a number of factors that could have a material impact on its financial results and could increase the volatility of those results.

Due to the global nature of its business, TripAdvisor is subject to income taxes in the United States and other foreign jurisdictions. In the event TripAdvisor incurs net income in certain jurisdictions but incurs losses in other jurisdictions, it generally cannot offset the income from one jurisdiction with the loss from another, which could increase its effective tax rate. Furthermore, significant judgment is required to calculate TripAdvisor’s worldwide provision for income taxes. In the ordinary course of its business there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. By virtue of TripAdvisor’s previously filed separate company and consolidated income tax returns with Expedia, TripAdvisor is routinely under audit by federal, state and foreign taxing authorities. Although TripAdvisor believes its tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination of audits could be materially different from its historical income tax provisions and accruals. The results of an audit could have a material effect on TripAdvisor’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows in the period or periods for which that determination is made.

Additionally, TripAdvisor earns an increasing portion of its income, and accumulates a greater portion of cash flow, in foreign jurisdictions which it considers indefinitely reinvested. Any repatriation of funds currently held in foreign jurisdictions may result in higher effective tax rates and incremental cash tax payments. In addition, there have been proposals to amend U.S. tax laws that would significantly impact the manner in which U.S. companies are taxed on foreign earnings. Although we cannot predict whether or in what form any legislation will pass, if enacted, it could have a material adverse impact on TripAdvisor’s U.S. tax expense and cash flows.

TripAdvisor cannot be sure that its intellectual property is protected from copying or use by others, including potential competitors.

TripAdvisor’s websites rely on content, brands and technology, much of which is proprietary. TripAdvisor protects its proprietary content, brands and technology by relying on a combination of trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, patents and confidentiality agreements. In connection with its license agreements with third parties, TripAdvisor seeks to control access to, and the use and distribution of, proprietary technology, content and brands. Even with these precautions, it may be possible for another party to copy or otherwise obtain and use TripAdvisor’s proprietary technology, content or brands without authorization or to develop similar technology, content or brands independently. Effective intellectual property protection may not be available in every jurisdiction in which its services are made available, and policing unauthorized use of its intellectual property is difficult and expensive. Therefore, in certain jurisdictions, TripAdvisor may be unable to protect its intellectual property adequately against unauthorized third-party copying or use, which could adversely affect its business or ability to compete. TripAdvisor cannot be sure that the steps it has taken will prevent misappropriation or infringement of its intellectual property. Any misappropriation or violation of TripAdvisor’s rights could have a material adverse effect on its business. Furthermore, TripAdvisor may need to go to court or other tribunals or administrative bodies in order to enforce its intellectual property rights, to protect its trade secrets or to

determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others. These proceedings might result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention. TripAdvisor’s failure to protect its intellectual property in a cost-effective or effective manner could have a material adverse effect on its business and ability to protect its technology, content and brands.

TripAdvisor currently licenses from third parties and incorporates the technologies and content into its websites. As TripAdvisor continues to introduce new services that incorporate new technologies and content, it may be required to license additional technology or content. TripAdvisor cannot be sure that such technology or content will be available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all.

TripAdvisor is subject to fluctuation in foreign currency exchange risk.

TripAdvisor conducts a significant and growing portion of its business outside the United States, but reports its results in U.S. dollars. As a result, TripAdvisor faces exposure to movements in currency exchange rates, particularly those related to the Euro, British pound sterling, Singapore dollar, Australian dollar and Chinese renminbi. These exposures include, but are not limited to re-measurement of gains and losses from changes in the value of foreign denominated assets and liabilities; translation gains and losses on foreign subsidiary financial results that are translated into U.S. dollars upon consolidation; and planning risk related to changes in exchange rates between the time TripAdvisor prepares its annual and quarterly forecasts and when actual results occur.

Depending on the size of the exposures and the relative movements of exchange rates, if TripAdvisor were to choose not to hedge or were to fail to hedge effectively its exposure, TripAdvisor could experience a material adverse effect on its financial statements and financial condition. As seen in some recent periods, in the event of severe volatility in exchange rates, the impact of these exposures can increase, and the impact on results of operations can be more pronounced. In addition, the current environment and the increasingly global nature of TripAdvisor’s business have made hedging these exposures both more complex and costly. TripAdvisor hedges certain short-term foreign currency exposures with the purchase of forward exchange contracts. These hedge contracts only help mitigate the impact of changes in foreign currency rates that occur during the term of the related contract period and carry risks of counter-party failure. There can be no assurance that its hedges will have their intended effects.

Significant fluctuations in currency exchange rates can affect consumer travel behavior. Volatility in foreign exchange rates and its impact on consumer behavior, which may differ across regions, makes it more difficult to forecast industry and consumer trends and the timing and degree of their impact on TripAdvisor’s markets and business, which in turn could adversely affect its ability to effectively manage its business and adversely affect its results of operations.

System interruption and the lack of redundancy in some of its internal information systems may harm our subsidiaries’ business.

Our subsidiaries rely on computer systems to deliver content and services. Our subsidiaries have experienced, and may in the future experience, system interruptions that make some or all of these systems unavailable or prevent them from efficiently fulfilling orders or providing content and services to users and third parties. Significant interruptions, outages or delays in internal systems, or systems of third parties that they rely upon or deterioration in the performance of any such systems, would impair our subsidiaries’ ability to process transactions or display content and decrease the quality of the services they offer to users. These interruptions could include security intrusions and attacks on their systems for fraud or service interruption (called “denial of service” or “bot” attacks). If our subsidiaries were to experience frequent or persistent system failures, their business, reputations and brand could be harmed.

Our subsidiaries do not have a completely formalized or comprehensive disaster recovery plan in every geographic region in which they conduct business and their backup systems and disaster recovery, business continuity or contingency plans for certain critical aspects of their operations or business processes may not be sufficient. Many other systems are not fully redundant and their disaster recovery or business continuity planning may not be sufficient. Fire, flood, power loss, telecommunications failure, break-ins, earthquakes, acts of war or terrorism, acts of God, computer viruses, electronic intrusion attempts from both external and internal sources and similar events or disruptions may damage or impact or interrupt computer or communications systems or business processes at any time. Although our subsidiaries

have put measures in place to protect certain portions of their facilities and assets, any of these events could cause system interruption, delays and loss of critical data, and could prevent them from providing content and services to users, travelers and/or third parties for a significant period of time. If TripAdvisor experiences frequent or persistent system failures, its reputation and brand could be permanently and significantly harmed.  In addition, remediation may be costly and our subsidiaries may not have adequate insurance to cover such costs. Moreover, the costs of enhancing infrastructure to attain improved stability and redundancy may be time consuming and expensive and may require resources and expertise that are difficult to obtain.

Our subsidiaries’ processing, storage and use of personal information and other data exposes them to risks of external and internal security breaches and could give rise to liabilities.

There are numerous laws regarding privacy and the storing, sharing, use, processing, disclosure and protection of personal information and other consumer data, the scope of which is changing, subject to differing interpretations, and may be inconsistent between countries or conflict with other rules. In addition, the security of data when engaging in electronic commerce is essential to maintaining consumer and travel service provider confidences in their services.  Our subsidiaries strive to comply with all applicable laws, policies, legal obligations and industry codes of conduct relating to privacy and data protection. Any failure or perceived failure by our subsidiaries to comply with their privacy policies, privacy-related obligations to users or other third parties, or privacy-related legal obligations, or any compromise of security that results in the unauthorized release or transfer of personally identifiable information or other user data, may result in governmental enforcement actions, litigation or public statements that could harm their reputation and cause their customers and members to lose trust in them, which could have an adverse effect on their businesses, brand, market share and results of operations.

The regulatory framework for privacy issues worldwide is currently in flux and is likely to remain so for the foreseeable future. Compliance with these laws and regulations, or changes in these laws and regulations, may be onerous and expensive and may be inconsistent from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, further increasing the cost of compliance. Practices regarding the collection, use, storage, transmission and security of personal information by companies operating over the Internet have recently come under increased public scrutiny. The U.S. Congress and federal agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Commerce, are reviewing the need for greater regulation for the collection and use of information concerning consumer behavior on the Internet. Various U.S. courts are also considering the applicability of existing federal and state statutes, including computer trespass and wiretapping laws, to the collection and exchange of information online. In addition, the European Court of Justice in October 2015 invalidated the U.S.-EU Safe Harbor Framework, which facilitated personal data transfers to the U.S. in compliance with applicable European data protection laws. The business of companies that relied on the U.S.-EU Safe Harbor Framework may be impacted by its invalidation.  Although U.S. and EU authorities announced on February 2, 2016 that they had reached agreement on a new data transfer framework, such framework must be implemented and may be subject to challenge.  Thus, there is regulatory uncertainty surrounding how data transfers from the European Union to the U.S. will be authorized in the future. Further, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union are expected to adopt new data laws early this year that give consumers additional rights and impose additional restrictions and penalties on companies for illegal collection and misuse of personal information, with the laws expected to become effective on a future date following adoption.

Potential security breaches to our subsidiaries’ systems, whether resulting from internal or external sources, could significantly harm our business. A party, whether internal or external, that is able to circumvent their security systems could misappropriate user information or proprietary information or cause significant interruptions in their operations. In the past, our subsidiaries have experienced “denial-of-service” type attacks on their systems that have made portions of their websites unavailable for short periods of time as well as unauthorized access of their systems and data. In addition, TripAdvisor has acquired a number of companies over the years and may continue to do so in the future. While TripAdvisor makes significant efforts to address any information technology security issues with respect to its acquisitions, it may still inherit such risks when it integrates the acquired businesses. Our subsidiaries may need to expend significant resources to protect against security breaches or to investigate and address problems caused by breaches, and reductions in website availability could cause a loss of substantial business volume during the occurrence of any such incident. Because the techniques used to sabotage security change frequently, often are not recognized until launched against a target and may originate from less regulated and remote areas around the world, our subsidiaries may be unable to proactively address these techniques or to implement adequate preventive measures. Security breaches could result in negative publicity,

damage to reputation, exposure to risk of loss or litigation and possible liability due to regulatory penalties and sanctions. Security breaches could also cause users and potential users to lose confidence in their security, which would have a negative effect on the value of their brands. Failure to adequately protect against attacks or intrusions, whether for their own systems or systems of vendors, could expose our subsidiaries to security breaches that could have an adverse impact on financial performance.

Our subsidiaries also face risks associated with security breaches affecting third parties conducting business over the Internet. For example, much of TripAdvisor’s business is conducted with third party marketing affiliates, or, more recently, through business partners powering TripAdvisor’s instant booking feature. In addition, our subsidiaries frequently use third parties to process credit card payments. A security breach at such third party could be perceived by consumers as a security breach of our subsidiaries’ systems and could result in negative publicity, damage our subsidiaries’ reputation, expose them to risk of loss or litigation and possible liability and subject them to regulatory penalties and sanctions. In addition, such third parties may not comply with applicable disclosure requirements, which could expose our subsidiaries to liability.

Investment in new business strategies and acquisitions could disrupt TripAdvisor’s ongoing business and present new challenges and risks.

TripAdvisor has invested, and in the future may invest, in new business strategies or acquisitions. Such endeavors may involve significant risks and uncertainties, including distraction of management from current operations, greater than expected liabilities and expenses, inadequate return of capital, and issues not discovered in its investigations and evaluations of those strategies and acquisitions. TripAdvisor may decide to make minority investments, including through joint ventures, in which it has limited or no management or operational control. The controlling person in such case may have business interests, strategies or goals that are inconsistent with TripAdvisor’s, and decisions of the company or venture in which TripAdvisor invested may result in harm to its reputation or adversely affect the value of its investment. Further, TripAdvisor may issue shares of its common stock in these transactions, and as a result our company may experience significant dilution.

If the businesses TripAdvisor has acquired or invested in do not perform as expected or TripAdvisor is unable to effectively integrate acquired businesses, its operating results and prospects could be harmed.

TripAdvisor has acquired a number of businesses in the past, and its future growth may depend, in part, on future acquisitions, any of which could be material to its financial condition and results of operations. There are certain financial and operational risks related to acquisitions that may have a material impact on TripAdvisor’s business including, but not limited to, the following:

Moreover, TripAdvisor relies heavily on the representations and warranties provided to it by the sellers of acquired companies, including as they relate to ownership and rights in intellectual property and compliance with laws and contractual requirements. TripAdvisor’s failure to address these risks or other problems encountered in connection with past or future acquisitions and investments could cause it to fail to realize the anticipated benefits of such acquisitions or investments, to incur unanticipated liabilities and to harm its business generally.

If TripAdvisor fails to manage its growth effectively, its brand, results of operations and business could be harmed.

TripAdvisor has experienced rapid growth in its headcount and operations, which places substantial demands on management and its operational infrastructure. TripAdvisor continues to make substantial investments in its technology, sales and marketing and community management organizations. As TripAdvisor continues to grow, it must effectively integrate, develop and motivate a large number of new employees, including employees in international markets, while maintaining the beneficial aspects of its company culture. If TripAdvisor does not manage the growth of its business and operations effectively, the quality of its platform and efficiency of its operations could suffer, which could harm its brand, results of operations and business.

No assurance can be made that we will be successful in integrating any acquired businesses.

Our subsidiaries may grow through acquisitions in selected markets. Integration of new businesses may present significant challenges, including: realizing economies of scale in programming and network operations; eliminating duplicative overhead; and integrating networks, financial systems and operational systems. No assurance can be made that, with respect to any acquisition, we will realize anticipated benefits or successfully integrate any acquired business with our existing operations. In addition, while we intend to implement appropriate controls and procedures as we integrate acquired companies, we may not be able to certify as to the effectiveness of these companies’ disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting (as required by U.S. federal securities laws and regulations) until we have fully integrated them.

Future sales of shares of TripAdvisor’s or our common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales may occur, may depress its or our stock price.

For the period ended December 31, 2015, the average daily trading volume of TripAdvisor’s common stock on Nasdaq was approximately 2.0 million shares. If its stockholders were to sell substantial amounts of TripAdvisor’s common stock in the public market, the market price of its common stock and hence our common stock could decrease significantly. The perception in the public market that TripAdvisor’s existing stockholders or our stockholders might sell shares of common stock could also depress the trading price of our common stock. For example, sales of or hedging transactions, such as collars, in our shares by any of our directors or executive officers could cause a perception in the marketplace that our stock price (and hence TripAdvisor’s stock price) has peaked or that adverse events or trends have occurred or may be occurring at our company or TripAdvisor. This perception could result notwithstanding any personal financial motivation for these insider transactions. In addition, we have the right to require TripAdvisor to file registration statements covering TripAdvisor shares we own or to include TripAdvisor shares in registration statements that it may file for itself or other stockholders. A decline in the price of shares of TripAdvisor’s common stock or our common stock might impede its or our ability to raise capital through the issuance of additional equity securities.

The seasonality of our subsidiary BuySeasons places increased strain on its operations.

The net revenue of BuySeasons in recent years indicates that its business is seasonal due to a higher volume of sales in certain months or calendar quarters or related to holiday shopping. BuySeasons earns approximately half of its revenue from the sale of costumes in September and October leading up to Halloween. If the vendors for BuySeasons’ business are not able to provide popular products in sufficient amounts such that BuySeasons fails to meet customer demand, it could significantly affect its revenue and future growth. If too many customers access the websites of BuySeasons within a short period of time due to increased demand, its business may experience system interruptions that make its websites unavailable or prevent them from efficiently fulfilling orders, which may reduce the volume of goods it sells and the attractiveness of its products and services. In addition, BuySeasons may be unable to adequately staff its fulfillment and customer service centers during these peak periods and delivery and other third party shipping (or carrier) companies may be unable to meet the seasonal demand.

Factors Relating to our Common Stock and the Securities Market

Our stock price may be disproportionately affected by the results of operations of TripAdvisor and developments in its business.

The fair value of our investment in TripAdvisor, on an as-converted basis, was approximately $2.6 billion as of December 31, 2015, which, prior to the Trip Spin-Off, represented a large portion of the total market value of Liberty’s Liberty Ventures tracking stock, as a whole, and, following the Trip Spin-Off, represents an even larger portion of our total market value. The Liberty Ventures tracking stock historically traded at times somewhat in tandem with TripAdvisor’s common stock. As a result of the Trip Spin-Off, our stock price may move in tandem with the TripAdvisor stock price to a greater degree than the Liberty Ventures common stock did prior to the Trip Spin-Off, with the result that our stock price may be disproportionately affected by the results of operations of TripAdvisor and developments in its business.

It may be difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if doing so may be beneficial to our stockholders.

Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company that a stockholder may consider favorable. These provisions include the following:

In addition, Gregory B. Maffei, our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, beneficially owns shares representing the power to direct approximately 27% of the aggregate voting power in our company, due to his beneficial ownership of approximately 95% of the outstanding shares of our Series B common stock as of January 31, 2016.

Holders of a single series of our common stock may not have any remedies if an action by our directors has an adverse effect on only that series of our common stock.

Principles of Delaware law and the provisions of our certificate of incorporation may protect decisions of our board of directors that have a disparate impact upon holders of any single series of our common stock. Under Delaware law, the board of directors has a duty to act with due care and in the best interests of all of our stockholders, including the holders of all series of our common stock. Principles of Delaware law established in cases involving differing treatment of multiple classes or series of stock provide that a board of directors owes an equal duty to all common stockholders regardless of class or series and does not have separate or additional duties to any group of stockholders. As a result, in some circumstances, our directors may be required to make a decision that is viewed as adverse to the holders of one series of our common stock. Under the principles of Delaware law and the business judgment rule, holders may not be able to successfully challenge decisions that they believe have a disparate impact upon the holders of one series of our stock if our board of directors is disinterested and independent with respect to the action taken, is adequately informed with respect to the action taken and acts in good faith and in the honest belief that the board is acting in the best interest of all of our stockholders.

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments

 

None. 

 

Item 2.  Properties.

 

In connection with the Trip Spin-Off, a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Media entered into a facilities sharing agreement with TripCo, pursuant to which TripCo shares office facilities with Liberty Media, Liberty and Liberty Broadband Corporation located at 12300 Liberty Boulevard, Englewood, Colorado.

TripAdvisor did not legally own any real estate as of December 31, 2015. TripAdvisor currently leases approximately 280,000 square feet for its corporate headquarters in Needham, Massachusetts, which expires in December 2030. TripAdvisor also leases an aggregate of approximately 410,000 square feet at approximately 40 other locations across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific, primarily for its sales offices, subsidiary headquarters and international management teams, pursuant to lease agreements with expiration dates through June 2027.

BuySeasons has its corporate headquarters and maintains warehouse operations in New Berlin, Wisconsin. BuySeasons leases its approximately 470,000 square foot facility for its headquarters and warehouse operations pursuant to a non-cancelable operating lease agreement which expires in July 2026.

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of its business, our subsidiary TripAdvisor and its subsidiaries are party to legal proceedings and claims arising out of their operations. These matters may relate to claims involving alleged infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, defamation, taxes, regulatory compliance and other claims. There are no other material pending legal proceedings or claims to which we or our subsidiaries are party or of which any of our property is the subject. There may be claims or actions pending or threatened against us or our subsidiaries of which we are currently not aware and the ultimate disposition of which could have a material adverse effect on us.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.

 

 

 

PART II

Item 5.  Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters of Equity Securities.

 

Market Information

Our Series A and Series B common stock have been outstanding since August 27, 2014.   Each series of our common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.  The following table sets forth the range of high and low sales prices of shares of our common stock for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, for the periods they were outstanding.

 

 

 

Holders

As of January 31, 2016, there were approximately 1,291 and 64 record holders of our Series A and Series B common stock, respectively.  The foregoing numbers of record holders do not include the number of stockholders whose shares are held nominally by banks, brokerage houses or other institutions, but include each such institution as one shareholder.

Dividends

We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock, and we have no present intention of so doing.  Payment of cash dividends, if any, in the future will be determined by our board of directors in light of our earnings, financial condition and other relevant considerations.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

Information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement for our 2016 Annual Meeting of stockholders.

 

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer

 

2,121 shares of Series A Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. common stock were surrendered by certain of our officers and employees to pay withholding taxes and other deductions in connection with the vesting of their restricted stock during the three months ended December 31, 2015.

 

Item 6.    Selected Financial Data.

The following tables present selected historical information relating to our financial condition and results of operations for the past five years. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified for comparability with current year presentation. The following data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis provides information concerning our results of operations and financial condition. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our accompanying consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.

Overview

During October 2013, the Board of Directors of Liberty Interactive Corporation and its subsidiaries (“Liberty”) authorized a plan to distribute to the stockholders of Liberty’s Liberty Ventures common stock shares of a wholly-owned subsidiary Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. (“TripCo” or the “Company”) which holds the subsidiaries TripAdvisor, Inc. (“TripAdvisor”) and BuySeasons, Inc. which includes the retail businesses BuyCostumes.com and Celebrate Express (“BuySeasons”) (the “Trip Spin-Off”). The transaction was completed on August 27, 2014 and was effected as a pro-rata dividend of shares of TripCo to the stockholders of Series A and Series B Liberty Ventures common stock of Liberty. The Trip Spin-Off is intended to be tax-free and has been accounted for at historical cost due to the pro rata nature of the distribution to shareholders of Liberty Ventures common stock.

The financial information represents a combination of the historical results of TripAdvisor and BuySeasons as discussed in note 1 in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. These financial statements refer to the combination of TripAdvisor and BuySeasons as “TripCo,” “the Company,” “us,” “we” and “our” in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.

Our “Corporate and Other” category includes our interest in BuySeasons and corporate expenses.

Strategies and Challenges

Executive Summary

Our results prior to December 11, 2012 were largely dependent on the operating performance of BuySeasons. In 2013 and future periods, results for TripCo have been and will be largely dependent upon the operating performance of TripAdvisor. Therefore, the executive summary below contains the strategies and challenges of TripAdvisor for an understanding of the business objectives of TripAdvisor, our most significant operating business. In addition, we have included challenges and strategies related to BuySeasons.

Strategies and Challenges Related to TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor’s financial results are currently principally dependent on its ability to drive click-based advertising revenue. TripAdvisor is investing in areas of potential click-based advertising revenue growth, including enabling users to transact directly on its site, international expansion and innovations in the mobile user experience. TripAdvisor is also investing in display-based advertising, Business Listings, Attractions, Restaurants and Vacation Rentals. As the largest online travel website, TripAdvisor believes it is an attractive marketing channel for advertisers—including hotel chains, independent hoteliers, online travel agencies, destination marketing organizations, and other travel-related and non-travel related product and service providers—who seek to sell their products and services to its large user base. The key drivers of click-based and display-based advertising revenue are described below, as well as a summary of key growth areas and the current trends impacting the business.

Key Drivers of Click-Based Advertising Revenue

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 64%, 70% and 74%, respectively, of TripAdvisor’s total revenue came from TripAdvisor’s cost-per-click, or CPC, based lead generation product. The key drivers of TripAdvisor’s click-based advertising revenue include the growth in monthly unique hotel shoppers and particularly revenue per hotel shopper.

Hotel shoppers:    TripAdvisor believes total traffic growth, or growth in monthly visits from unique visitors, is reflective of its overall brand growth. Additionally, TripAdvisor tracks and analyzes sub-segments of its traffic and their correlation to revenue generation and utilize data regarding hotel shoppers as a key indicator of revenue growth. TripAdvisor uses the term “hotel shoppers” to refer to visitors who view either a listing of hotels in a city or a specific hotel page. The number of hotel shoppers tends to vary based on seasonality of the travel industry and general economic conditions, as well as other factors outside of TripAdvisor’s control. Given these factors, as well as the trend towards increased usage on mobile devices (for which usage trends continue to evolve) and international growth, quarterly and annual hotel shopper growth is difficult to forecast.   Average monthly unique hotel shoppers on TripAdvisor sites increased 16% for the year ended December 31, 2015 over 2014 and increased 10% for the year ended December 31, 2014 over 2013, according to TripAdvisor’s internal log files. The increase in hotel shoppers for the year ended December 31, 2015 is primarily due to success in TripAdvisor’s online marketing strategy, a growing number of hotel shoppers visiting its websites on mobile devices, as well as favorable comparatives for search engine optimization (“SEO”) due to lower average monthly unique hotel shopper growth during the majority of the year ended December 31, 2014.  Increasing the number of hotel shoppers on TripAdvisor’s sites remains a top strategic priority.

Revenue per hotel shopper:  Revenue per hotel shopper is designed to measure how effectively TripAdvisor converts hotel shoppers into revenue on TripAdvisor-branded websites. Revenue per hotel shopper is made up of three factors—the number of monthly unique hotel shoppers on TripAdvisor-branded websites, the rate of conversion of a hotel shopper to a paid click or a booking in the case of its instant booking feature, and the price per click or commission per booking that TripAdvisor receives. Conversion of a hotel shopper to a paid click or booking on a TripAdvisor site is driven primarily by three factors: merchandising, commerce coverage and choice. TripAdvisor defines merchandising as the number and location of ads that are available on a page; TripAdvisor defines commerce coverage as whether it has a partner who can take an online booking for a particular property; and TripAdvisor defines choice as the number of partners available for any given property.  Hotel shoppers visiting via mobile generally monetize at a significantly lower rate than hotel shoppers visiting via desktop and tablet. Cost per click is the effective price that partners are willing to pay for a hotel shopper lead, and is determined through a competitive bidding process.  CPCs are generally lower in international markets as well as on mobile.  Revenue per hotel shopper decreased 6% for the year ended December 31, 2015 in comparison to 2014, and increased 15% for the year ended December 31, 2014 in comparison to 2013, according to TripAdvisor’s internal log files. The decrease in revenue per hotel shopper for the year ended December 31, 2015 over 2014, is primarily due to pricing pressure experienced during 2015, particularly in the second half of the year; which includes the impact from (i) product changes, such as TripAdvisor’s decision to accelerate the rollout of its instant booking feature to its US and UK markets on all devices in the third quarter of 2015, (ii) the prolonged weakness of the Euro, which has decreased its CPCs, and (iii) a growing number of hotel shoppers visiting its websites on mobile devices. Revenue per hotel shopper increased 15% for the year ended December 31, 2014 over 2013, largely due to TripAdvisor’s implementation of hotel metasearch completed in June 2013, which resulted in higher CPC pricing paid by its partners, due to higher quality clicks being delivered, offset by relatively lower rates of hotel shopper conversion.

Key Drivers of Display-Based Advertising Revenue

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013,  approximately 11%, 11% and 13%, respectively, of TripAdvisor’s total revenue came from its display-based advertising product. The key drivers of TripAdvisor’s display-based advertising revenue include the growth in number of impressions, or the number of times an ad is displayed on TripAdvisor’s site, and the revenue received for such impressions measured in cost per thousand impressions, or CPM (or pricing). According to TripAdvisor’s internal log files, the number of impressions sold increased 14% and 19% for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, primarily due to increased sales productivity, as well as increased sellable inventory due to traffic growth, and introduction of new products and features, while pricing decreased 1% for both years.

Key Growth Areas

TripAdvisor continues to invest in areas of potential growth, including TripAdvisor’s content and community, product innovation and international expansion.

Content & Community.  TripAdvisor is a website on which travelers can research content and share their travel experiences with the rest of the world. Establishing and nurturing a sense of community among users and brand loyalty is a key priority and a competitive advantage for TripAdvisor. As a result, TripAdvisor continues to look for ways to make it easier for users to plan, compare and book their perfect trip on TripAdvisor as well as to share their experiences. 

Mobile.    Innovating and improving TripAdvisor’s mobile products is a key priority. As of December 31, 2015, TripAdvisor reached 290 million downloads of its mobile app and average monthly unique visitors via smartphone and tablet devices grew 32% year-over-year, according to TripAdvisor’s internal log files. TripAdvisor anticipates that the rate of growth in mobile visitors will continue to exceed the growth rate of its overall unique monthly visitors, and that an increasing proportion of users will use mobile devices to access the full range of services available on its sites. TripAdvisor is investing significant resources to improve the features, functionality and commercialization of its mobile websites and applications.

Direct Hotel Bookings on TripAdvisor’s Websites. TripAdvisor believes that allowing users to book directly online without leaving its websites will result in a better user experience as well as, ultimately, additional revenue.  Instant booking is a feature that enables users to book a hotel reservation directly with a hotel or OTA partner while remaining on the TripAdvisor website. TripAdvisor has been gradually rolling this feature out in the U.S. since June 2014, and in 2015, accelerated the rollout of instant booking for hotels across its U.S. and U.K. platforms to all users on all devices. TripAdvisor also plans to continue rolling out this feature to additional international markets in 2016. TripAdvisor’s business success depends in large part on its ability to maintain and expand relationships with its partners in the travel industry.  These partners power the instant booking feature on TripAdvisor’s website and it believes that these partners will also benefit from this feature, through increased reservations and more direct relationships with travelers.

International Expansion. TripAdvisor is focused on strengthening its broad global footprint as its believes that penetrating international markets represent a long-term opportunity. TripAdvisor continues to improve localization and grow its user base in Europe, Asia and South America, especially in emerging markets, such as Brazil, Russia and China. In addition, TripAdvisor currently has a lead product offering in the Chinese market—re-branded Mao Tu Ying (or TripAdvisor China) — headquartered in Beijing. During the year ended December 31, 2015, international revenue accounted for 50% of TripAdvisor’s worldwide revenue.

Restaurants & Attractions. TripAdvisor has information and user-generated content on 3.8 million restaurants and 625,000 attractions around the world. As a significant percentage of its users are not hotel shoppers, TripAdvisor believes it has a unique opportunity to monetize its community of these non-hotel shoppers looking for places to eat and things to do. With the acquisitions of TripAdvisor’s online restaurant reservation businesses, including Lafourchette, and Viator for online bookable tours and attractions, TripAdvisor is attempting to match more users with more businesses.

Vacation Rentals.    TripAdvisor offers individual property owners and property managers the ability to list their properties using a free-to-list, commission-based structure or a subscription-based fee option and TripAdvisor believes its highly-engaged and motivated user community creates a competitive advantage in this market. In the year ended December 31, 2015, Vacation Rental property listings grew 18% to 770,000 properties, driven by strong listings growth in TripAdvisor’s free-to-list model.

Current Trends Affecting TripAdvisor’s Business

Continued Shift to Online Travel and Social Media to Access Travel Information. According to Phocuswright, global travel spending is expected to exceed $1.3 trillion in 2016. Travel related commerce, information and advertising continue to migrate to the Internet and away from traditional media outlets. Consumers are increasingly using online social media channels, such as Facebook and Twitter, as a means to communicate and exchange information, including travel information and opinions. TripAdvisor believes this trend will continue to create strategic growth opportunities, allowing it to attract new consumers and develop unique and effective advertising solutions. Over the years, TripAdvisor has made significant progress using social networking to leverage the expanding use of these channels and enhance traffic diversification and user engagement. TripAdvisor believes that the Internet will continue to become even more integral to the travel-planning process due to increasing worldwide online penetration, particularly given the capabilities that the Internet provides travelers, including the ability to refine searches, compare destinations, view real-time pricing, complete

bookings, and access information while in-destination.  TripAdvisor will continue to adapt its user experience in response to a changing Internet environment and usage trends.

Increasing Competition.    The travel planning industry and, more generally, the business of collecting and aggregating travel-related resources and information, as well as enabling consumers to purchase travel-related products, continues to be increasingly competitive. There are an increasing number of companies, including search companies, such as Google, Inc. and Baidu.com, Inc., large and increasingly consolidating online travel agencies, or OTAs (such as Expedia and Priceline and their respective subsidiaries), as well as new global entrants such as Airbnb, Inc. and Alibaba that collect and aggregate travel information and resources and enable consumers to plan and book travel. TripAdvisor plans to continue to invest in order to remain the leading source of travel reviews as well as continue to enhance its user experience.

Accelerated Rollout of Instant Booking. Revenue from TripAdvisor’s instant booking feature is included in click-based advertising revenue. Currently, TripAdvisor’s instant booking feature is monetizing at a lower revenue per hotel shopper rate compared to its metasearch feature. While TripAdvisor expects to close this monetization gap, primarily by continuing to streamline its booking path to enhance user experience, persistently promoting the TripAdvisor brand as the place to “plan, compare and book” and continuing to seek partners with strong branding and supply channels, there is no guarantee that these initiatives will ultimately be successful and, if not, TripAdvisor’s click-based advertising revenue may be materially adversely affected.

In addition, TripAdvisor’s instant booking revenue, recorded under the consumption model, is recognized at the time the traveler consumes the stay. Comparatively, instant booking revenue under the transaction model is recorded at the time the user books the stay and TripAdvisor’s metasearch feature revenue is recorded when a traveler makes the click-through to the travel partners’ websites.  Based on TripAdvisor’s internal data, it currently estimates the average time between a user booking a stay to consuming a stay is approximately three to five weeks, subject to seasonal variations. In future periods, greater contribution from TripAdvisor’s instant booking consumption model to click-based advertising revenue could result in additional revenue recognized at the time of a consumed stay and therefore a shift in the timing of revenue recognition.

Evolution of the 360 Degree Travel Experience.  TripAdvisor believes its role in the overall travel experience continues to grow in importance in the travel industry, as it emphasizes to travelers that it is the place to “plan, compare and book” their trip.  TripAdvisor’s websites globally reached 350 million average monthly unique visitors during the year ended December 31, 2015, according to TripAdvisor’s internal log files. With 320 million reviews and opinions on 6.2 million places to stay, places to eat and things to do – including 995,000 hotels and accommodations and 770,000 vacation rentals, 3.8 million restaurants and 625,000 attractions in 125,000 destinations throughout the world, TripAdvisor believes it has the best content in the travel industry for research and travel planning decision-making. When combined with TripAdvisor’s hotel metasearch capabilities to compare and find the best prices, its instant booking feature, allowing users to book their hotels on all devices directly on its website, and subsequent to their trip the ability to submit a traveler review, TripAdvisor has become a 360 degree or end to end travel experience.

Growth in Mobile Phone and Other Handheld Devices. To access the internet, users are increasingly using devices other than desktop computers, including mobile phone devices and handheld computers such as notebooks and tablets. To address these growing user demands, TripAdvisor continues to extend its platform to develop mobile phone and tablet applications to deliver travel information and resources. Although the substantial majority of its mobile phone users also access and engage with TripAdvisor’s websites on personal computers and tablets where it displays advertising, TripAdvisor’s users could decide to access its products primarily through mobile phone devices. TripAdvisor displays graphic advertising on mobile phone devices; however, its mobile phone monetization strategies are still developing, as mobile phone monetization is significantly less than desktop and tablet monetization. Mobile phone growth and development remains a key strategy and TripAdvisor will continue to invest and innovate in this growing platform to help maintain and grow its user base, engagement and monetization over the long term.    

Strategies and Challenges Related to BuySeasons

BuySeasons is engaged in the online costume and party supply business. In recent years, BuySeasons has faced increased competition from both internet companies and brick-and-mortar stores resulting in declining revenue and lower margins due primarily to increased marketing spend and discounting of products to drive sales. In order to try and reverse these adverse trends, BuySeasons intends to significantly reduce its focus on its retail sales and instead focus on its relationships with online marketplaces. In addition, BuySeasons intends to continue implementing cost-cutting measures across the organization, including warehouse operations, customer service and corporate expenses, to improve Adjusted OIBDA margins.

Results of Operations—Consolidated

General.  We provide in the tables below information regarding our historical Consolidated Operating Results and Other Income and Expense, as well as information regarding the contribution to those items from our reportable segment. The “corporate and other” category consists of those assets or businesses which we do not disclose separately, such as BuySeasons. For a more detailed discussion and analysis of the financial results of the principal reporting segment, see “Results of Operations—TripAdvisor” below.

Operating Results

 

 

Revenue.  Our consolidated revenue increased $236 million and $295 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year periods. During 2015 and 2014 the revenue growth was primarily attributable to increases in revenue at TripAdvisor of $246 million and $301 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Revenue for BuySeasons decreased for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, as compared to the corresponding prior periods, due to reduced order volume and average order value for both the party channel and costumes. Increased market pressure, competition and lack of demand left BuySeasons with post-Halloween inventory that had to be largely sold at significant discounts. For the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the prior year period, order volume decreased 10% and average order value decreased 8%. For the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the prior year period, BuySeasons’ order volume and average order value both decreased by 8%. Due to the continued negative trends in the business, BuySeasons has made the decision to pivot the business to a dropship model.  Revenue for Corporate and other is expected to be significantly lower in future periods due to this business decision. See “Results of Operations—TripAdvisor” below for a more complete discussion of the results of operations of TripAdvisor.

Adjusted OIBDA.  We define Adjusted OIBDA as revenue less cost of sales, operating expenses and selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses (excluding stock compensation), adjusted for specifically identified non-recurring transactions. Our chief operating decision maker and management team use this measure of performance in conjunction with other measures to evaluate our businesses and make decisions about allocating resources among our

businesses. We believe this is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of our businesses, including each business’s ability to service debt and fund capital expenditures. In addition, this measure allows us to view operating results, perform analytical comparisons and benchmarking between businesses and identify strategies to improve performance. This measure of performance excludes such costs as depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation and restructuring and impairment charges that are included in the measurement of operating income pursuant to GAAP. Accordingly, Adjusted OIBDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, operating income, net income, cash flow provided by operating activities and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. See note 13 to the accompanying December 31, 2015 consolidated financial statements for a reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to earnings (loss) before income taxes.

Consolidated Adjusted OIBDA decreased approximately $8 million and increased  $81 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year periods. Adjusted OIBDA at TripAdvisor decreased $4 million during the year ended December 31, 2015 when compared to the same period in 2014, due to an increase in revenue, offset by increased personnel costs, overhead costs, and other online traffic acquisition costs. Adjusted OIBDA at TripAdvisor increased $89 million during the year ended December 31, 2014 when compared to the same period in 2013, due to an increase in revenue, partially offset by increased personnel, overhead costs, and other online traffic acquisition costs. BuySeasons’ results have been in decline over the past two years. BuySeasons’ Adjusted OIBDA declined for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, as compared to the corresponding prior periods, primarily as a result of decreased revenue and declining product margin. Product margin was 7% in 2015, 21% in 2014 and 22% in 2013. The decline in product margin was the result of continued discounting of product to meet market pricing for costumes and sell through of aged inventory. Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue were 13%, 16% and 15% for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Additionally, SG&A expenses as a percentage of revenue were 27%, 18% and 18% for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

As discussed above, BuySeasons expects to switch to a dropship business model and anticipates reducing costs  to a level appropriate to operate  a smaller business, which is expected to improve Adjusted OIBDA if these efforts are successful. See “Results of Operations—TripAdvisor” below for a more complete discussion of the results of operations of TripAdvisor.

Operating Income (Loss).  Our consolidated operating income decreased $53 million and increased  $85 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year periods. Operating income at TripAdvisor decreased $45 million during the year ended December 31, 2015 when compared to the same period in 2014, primarily due to an increase in charitable contributions of $59 million.  See note 12 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for information regarding TripAdvisor’s contribution to its charitable foundation. The significant increase in 2014 is related to the increase in revenue from TripAdvisor. See “Results of Operations—TripAdvisor” below for a more complete discussion of the results of operations of TripAdvisor.

Other Income and Expense

Components of Other Income (Expense) are presented in the table below.

 

Interest expense.  Interest expense increased $15 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 when compared to the same period in 2014, primarily due to borrowings on the margin loans at the corporate level which were entered into during the fourth quarter of 2014. Interest expense remained relatively flat for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the corresponding prior year period. 

Other, net.    The primary components of other, net are gains and losses on dispositions and income and interest earned on marketable securities offset by net foreign exchange losses. Other, net increased $29 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 when compared to the same period in 2014, primarily due to a $20 million gain on the sale of a Chinese subsidiary of TripAdvisor. For the year ended December 31, 2014, other, net primarily consisted of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.

Income taxes.    The Company had an income tax benefit of $10 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, $35 million tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 and $55 million tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2013.  During 2015, the Company had income tax benefits from earnings in foreign jurisdictions taxed at rates lower than the 35% U.S. federal tax rate, partially offset by the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for basis differences in the stock of a consolidated subsidiary, changes in valuation allowance, and changes in unrecognized tax benefits. During 2014, the Company incurred aggregate income tax expense related to an increase in its estimate of the state effective tax rate used to measure its net deferred tax liabilities, based on a change to the Company’s estimated state apportionment factors and an increase in its unrecognized tax benefits. This income tax expense was partially offset with income tax benefits for earnings in foreign jurisdictions taxed at rates lower than the 35% U.S. federal tax rate. The 2013 effective tax rate is greater than the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% due primarily to a change in the corporate effective state tax rate for outstanding deferred tax liabilities and assets of TripCo due to a change in the apportionment of income to various states.

Net earnings (loss).  We had net losses of $40 million,  $22 million and  $7 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The change in net loss was the result of the above-described fluctuations in our revenue, expenses and other gains and losses.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2015, substantially all of our cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand in global financial institutions, money market funds and marketable securities, with maturities of 90 days or less at the date purchased.

The following are potential sources of liquidity: available cash balances, proceeds from asset sales, monetization of our investments, outstanding or anticipated debt facilities, debt and equity issuances, and dividend and interest receipts.

As of December 31, 2015 TripCo had a cash balance of $644 million. Approximately $614 million of the cash balance is held at TripAdvisor. Although TripCo has a 56% voting interest in TripAdvisor, TripAdvisor is a separate public company with a significant non-controlling interest, as TripCo has only a 21% economic interest in TripAdvisor. Even though TripCo controls TripAdvisor through its voting interest and board representation, decision making with respect to using TripAdvisor’s cash balances must consider TripAdvisor’s minority holders. Accordingly, any potential distributions of cash from TripAdvisor to TripCo would generally be on a pro rata basis based on economic ownership interests. As of December 31, 2015, approximately $467 million of TripCo cash is held by TripAdvisor foreign subsidiaries. Cash in foreign subsidiaries is generally accessible but certain tax consequences may reduce the net amount of cash TripAdvisor is able to utilize for domestic purposes. Historically, TripAdvisor’s operating cash flows have been sufficient to fund its working capital requirements, capital expenditures and long term debt obligations and other financial commitments and are expected to be sufficient in future periods.

 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2015, TripCo’s primary uses of cash were $431 million in debt repayments, $205 million in purchases of short term investments and other marketable securities, $112 million of capital expenditures and $72 million of minimum withholding tax payments.  These uses of cash were funded primarily with cash on hand, cash provided by operations, proceeds from short term investments and other marketable securities and borrowings of debt. During the year ended December 31, 2014, TripCo’s primary uses of cash were approximately $331 million to fund acquisitions by TripAdvisor, $348 million distribution to Liberty prior to the Trip Spin-Off, $251 million in purchases of short term investments and other marketable securities and $90 million in capital expenditures. During the year ended December 31, 2013, TripCo’s primary uses of cash were approximately $145 million of shares repurchased by TripAdvisor, $107 million of net investments in short term investments and $60 million capital expenditures. These uses of cash were funded primarily with cash provided by operations. 

The projected use of TripCo’s corporate cash will be to primarily fund any operational cash deficits at BuySeasons, to pay fees (not expected to exceed $4 million annually) to Liberty Media for providing certain services pursuant to the services agreement and the facilities sharing agreement, and to pay any other corporate level expenses. We anticipate that TripCo’s corporate cash balance (without other financial resources potentially available as discussed above) to be sufficient to maintain operations through a refinancing arrangement on the margin loans. The debt service costs of the Margin Loan Agreements described in note 7 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements are paid in kind and become outstanding principal. At the maturity of the Margin Loan Agreements, a number of options are available to satisfy the obligation as discussed above in potential sources of liquidity. TripAdvisor’s projected use of cash, incremental to increased operational investment in its business, will primarily be payment of long term debt obligations and other financial commitments, the repurchase of TripAdvisor common stock under TripAdvisor’s stock repurchase program approved in 2013 and potential investments or acquisitions in new or existing businesses.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations

We have contingent liabilities related to legal and tax proceedings and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business including potential tax obligations associated with certain transactions following the Trip Spin-Off. Although it is reasonably possible we may incur losses upon conclusion of such matters, an estimate of any loss or range of loss cannot be made. In the opinion of management, it is expected that amounts, if any, which may be required to satisfy such contingencies will not be material in relation to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Information concerning the amount and timing of required payments, both accrued and off-balance sheet, under our contractual obligations, excluding uncertain tax positions as it is undeterminable when payments will be made, is summarized below.

 

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Listed below are the accounting estimates that we believe are critical to our financial statements due to the degree of uncertainty regarding the estimates or assumptions involved and the magnitude of the asset, liability, revenue or expense being reported.

Recognition and Recoverability of Goodwill, Intangible and Long-lived Assets

We account for acquired businesses using the purchase method of accounting which requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded at the date of acquisition at their respective fair values. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level (operating segment or one level below an operating segment). Goodwill is allocated to our reporting units at the date the goodwill is initially recorded. Once goodwill has been allocated to the reporting units, it no longer retains its identification with a particular acquisition and becomes identified with the reporting unit in its entirety. Accordingly, the fair value of the reporting unit as a whole is available to support the recoverability of its goodwill.

Our non-financial instrument valuations are primarily comprised of our annual assessment of the recoverability of our goodwill and other nonamortizable intangibles, such as trademarks and our evaluation of the recoverability of our other long-lived assets upon certain triggering events and the initial recognition of such assets through the application of the purchase accounting method. If the carrying value of our definite lived intangible assets and long-lived assets exceeds their undiscounted cash flows, we are required to write the carrying value down to fair value. Any such writedown is included in impairment of long-lived assets in our consolidated statement of operations. A high degree of judgment is required to estimate the fair value of our long-lived assets. We may use quoted market prices, prices for similar assets, present value techniques and other valuation techniques to prepare these estimates. We may need to make estimates of future cash flows and discount rates as well as other assumptions in order to implement these valuation techniques. Due to the high degree of judgment involved in our estimation techniques, any value ultimately derived from our long-lived assets may differ from our estimate of fair value. As each of our operating segments has long-lived assets, this critical accounting policy affects the financial position and results of operations of each segment.

As of December 31, 2015, the intangible assets not subject to amortization for each of our significant reportable segments was as follows:

 

 

We perform our annual assessment of the recoverability of our goodwill and other non-amortizable intangible assets during the fourth quarter, or more frequently, if events and circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. At year-end we utilized a qualitative assessment for determining whether step one of the goodwill impairment analysis was necessary. Due to declining operating results at BuySeasons, trademark impairments of approximately $2 million were recorded during both of the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. 

Websites and Internal Use Software Development Costs

Our subsidiaries capitalize certain costs incurred during the application development stage related to the development of websites and internal use software when it is probable the project will be completed and the software will be used as intended. Such costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the related asset, generally estimated to be three years. Capitalized costs include internal and external costs, if direct and incremental, and deemed by management to be significant. The costs related to the planning and post-implementation phases of software and website development are expensed as these costs are incurred. Maintenance and enhancement costs (including those costs in the post-implementation stages) are typically expensed as incurred, unless such costs relate to substantial upgrades and enhancements to the website or software resulting in added functionality, in which case the costs are capitalized.  Future changes to the manner in which developing and testing new features and functionalities related to our subsidiaries’ websites and internal use software, assessing the ongoing value of capitalized assets or determining the estimated useful lives over which the costs are amortized, could change the amount of website and internal use software development costs capitalized and amortized in future periods.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition.  Revenue is recognized from advertising services and the sale of goods when the following four revenue recognition criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Deferred revenue, which primarily relates to subscription-based programs, is recorded when payments are received in advance of TripAdvisor’s performance as required by the underlying agreements.

Click-based Advertising.  Revenue is derived primarily from click-through fees charged to TripAdvisor’s travel partners for traveler leads sent to the travel partners’ website. TripAdvisor records revenue from click-through fees after the traveler makes the click-through to the travel partners’ websites. Instant booking commission revenue is recorded at the time a traveler books a hotel transaction on TripAdvisor’s site where TripAdvisor does not assume cancellation risk. In transactions in which TripAdvisor assumes cancellation risk, it records revenue in the month in which the traveler’s stay at a hotel occurs. TripAdvisor has no post-booking service obligations for instant booking transactions.

Display and Other Advertising.  TripAdvisor recognizes display-based advertising revenue ratably over the advertising period or upon delivery of advertising impressions, depending on the terms of the advertising contract. Subscription-based revenue is recognized ratably over the related contractual period over which service is delivered.  

Attractions. TripAdvisor receives cash from the consumer at the time of booking of the destination activity and records these amounts, net of commissions, as deferred merchant payables on its consolidated balance sheets. Commission revenue is recorded as deferred revenue at the time of booking and later recognized when the consumer has completed the destination activity. TripAdvisor pays the destination activity operators after the travelers’ use.

Restaurants. TripAdvisor recognizes reservation revenue (or per seated diner fees) on a transaction-by-transaction basis as diners are seated by its restaurant customers. Subscription-based revenue is recognized ratably over the related contractual period over which the service is delivered.

Vacation Rentals. TripAdvisor generates revenue from customers for online advertising services related to the listing of their properties for rent primarily on either a subscription basis over a fixed-term, or on a commission basis for transactions that are booked on its platform. Payments for term-based subscriptions received in advance of services being rendered are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized ratably to revenue on a straight-line basis over the listing period. TripAdvisor’s commission revenue is primarily generated on its free-to-list option, in lieu of a pre-paid subscription fee. When a commissionable transaction is booked on its platform, TripAdvisor receives cash from the traveler that includes both its commission, which is recorded as deferred revenue, and the amount due to the property owner, which is recorded to deferred merchant payables on its consolidated balance sheets.  TripAdvisor pays the amount due to the property owner and recognizes commission revenue at the time of the traveler’s stay. Additional revenue is derived on a pay-per-lead basis, as it provides leads for rental properties to property managers. Pay-per-lead revenue is billed and recognized in the period when the leads are delivered to the property managers.

Income Taxes

We are required to estimate the amount of tax payable or refundable for the current year and the deferred income tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been reflected in our financial statements or tax returns for each taxing jurisdiction in which we operate. This process requires our management to make judgments regarding the timing and probability of the ultimate tax impact of the various agreements and transactions that we enter into. Based on these judgments we may record tax reserves or adjustments to valuation allowances on deferred tax assets to reflect the expected realizability of future tax benefits. Actual income taxes could vary from these estimates due to future changes in income tax law, significant changes in the jurisdictions in which we operate, our inability to generate sufficient future taxable income or unpredicted results from the final determination of each year’s liability by taxing authorities. These changes could have a significant impact on our financial position.

Additionally, TripAdvisor records liabilities to address uncertain tax positions taken in previously filed tax returns or that are expected to be taken in a future tax return. The determination for required liabilities is based upon an analysis of each individual tax position, taking into consideration whether it is more likely than not that the tax position, based on its technical merits, will be sustained upon examination. For those positions for which a conclusion is reached that it is more likely than not it will be sustained, the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the taxing authority is recognized. The difference between the amount recognized and the total tax position is recorded as a liability. The ultimate resolution of these tax positions may be greater or less than the liabilities recorded.

TripAdvisor has not provided for deferred U.S. income taxes on undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that are intended to be reinvested permanently outside the United States. Should the earnings of foreign subsidiaries be distributed in the form of dividends or otherwise, they may be subject to U.S. income taxes. Due to complexities in tax laws and various assumptions that would have to be made, it is not practicable, at this time, to estimate the amount of unrecognized deferred U.S. taxes on these earnings.

Stock-Based Compensation

As more fully described in note 9 to the consolidated financial statements, TripCo has granted to its directors, employees and employees of its subsidiaries options and restricted stock to purchase shares of TripCo common stock (collectively, “Awards”).  TripCo measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an Award based on the grant-date fair value of the Award, and recognizes that cost over the period during which the employee is required to provide service (usually the vesting period of the Award).

The estimated fair value of options granted to date is calculated using the Black-Scholes-Merton model. The Black-Scholes-Merton model incorporates assumptions to value stock-based awards, which includes the risk-free rate of return, volatility, expected term and expected dividend yield.

The risk-free interest rate is based on the rates currently available on zero-coupon U.S. Treasury issues, in effect at the time of the grant, whose remaining maturity period most closely approximates the stock option’s expected term assumption. The volatility of the respective common stock is estimated by using an average of TripAdvisor’s historical stock price volatility and that of publicly traded companies that are considered peers based on daily price observations over a period equivalent or approximate to the expected term of the stock option grants. The decision to use a weighted average volatility factor of a peer group was based upon the relatively short period of availability of data on the respective common stock. The expected term was estimated using the simplified method for all stock options. The expected dividend yield is zero, as no dividends have been paid on the respective common stocks to date.

The fair value of stock options, net of estimated forfeitures, is amortized as stock-based compensation expense over the vesting term on a straight-line basis, with the amount of compensation expense recognized at any date at least equaling the portion of the grant-date fair value of the award that is vested at that date.

Results of Operations—TripAdvisor

Our economic ownership interest in TripAdvisor is 21% and our results include the consolidated results of TripAdvisor and the elimination of approximately 79% of TripAdvisor’s net income (loss), including purchase accounting adjustments, through the noncontrolling interest line item in the consolidated statements of operations. TripAdvisor is a separate publicly traded company and additional information about TripAdvisor can be obtained through its website and its public filings. Given that TripAdvisor represents a significant portion of TripCo, we believe a discussion of TripAdvisor’s stand alone results promotes a better understanding of overall results of their business. TripAdvisor’s revenue, Adjusted OIBDA and operating income on a standalone basis for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 were as follows (see tables below for a reconciliation of TripAdvisor’s standalone results to those amounts reported by TripCo):

 

 

Revenue

TripAdvisor derives a substantial portion of its revenue through the sale of advertising, primarily through click-based advertising, which includes instant booking revenue, and, to a lesser extent, display-based advertising. In addition, TripAdvisor earns revenue through a combination of subscription-based and transaction-based offerings related to its Business Listings products, subscription and commission-based offerings from its Vacation Rentals products, room reservations sold through its Jetsetter and Tingo brands, destination activities sold primarily through Viator, and online restaurant reservations booked primarily through Lafourchette, or thefork.com. TripAdvisor also derives revenue from content licensing.

Revenue increased $246 million during the year ended December 31, 2015 when compared to the same period in 2014, primarily due to an increase in click-based advertising revenue of $86 million. The primary driver of the increase in

click-based advertising revenue was an increase in hotel shoppers of 16%, partially offset by a decrease in revenue per hotel shopper of 6% for the year ended December 31, 2015. The decline in revenue per hotel shopper was primarily due to pricing pressure experienced during 2015, particularly in the second half of the year; which includes the impact from (i) product changes, such as TripAdvisor’s decision to accelerate the rollout of its instant booking feature to its US and UK markets on all devices in the third quarter of 2015, (ii) the prolonged weakness of the Euro, which has decreased TripAdvisor’s CPCs, and (iii) a growing number of hotel shoppers visiting TripAdvisor’s websites on mobile devices. Display-based advertising increased by $19 million during the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily as a result of a 14% increase in the number of impressions sold when compared to the same period in 2014, partially offset by a decrease in pricing by 1% for the same period. Subscription, transaction and other revenue increased by $141 million during the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily due to growth in Attractions, Restaurants, Business Listings, and Vacation Rentals, which was driven by incremental revenue due to inclusion of acquisitions for the full year ended December 31, 2015 of $96 million, related to its Attraction and Restaurant businesses (most prominently Viator and Lafourchette). 

Revenue increased $301 million during the year ended December 31, 2014 when compared to the same period in 2013, primarily due to an increase in click-based advertising revenue of $174 million. The primary driver of the increase in click-based advertising revenue was an increase in hotel shoppers of 10% and an increase in revenue per hotel shopper of 15% for the year ended December 31, 2014. Display-based advertising increased by $21 million during the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily as a result of a 19% increase in the number of impressions sold when compared to the same period in 2013, partially offset by a decrease in pricing by 1% for the same period. Subscription, transaction and other revenue increased by $106 million during the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to growth in its Business Listings and Vacation Rentals products, as well as revenue generated by the businesses it acquired during 2014 of $43 million.

TripAdvisor’s international revenue represented 50%, 52% and 51% of its total revenue during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Although international revenue increased, TripAdvisor’s international revenue growth rate decelerated and international revenue, as a percentage of total revenue, declined slightly during the year ended December 31, 2015 when compared to the same periods in 2014 and 2013, primarily due to the impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, specifically the prolonged weakness of the Euro, in addition to TripAdvisor’s accelerated rollout of instant booking in the U.K. during 2015 and generally lower CPCs, or monetization, in markets outside the U.S. overall. See note 13 in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further details of revenue by geographic area.

Adjusted OIBDA

Adjusted OIBDA as a percentage of revenue has declined year over year as TripAdvisor continues to invest in the business and the brand. The primary expenses that drive Adjusted OIBDA results are operating expense (primarily technology and content costs), sales and marketing and general and administrative expense.

Operating Expense

The most significant driver of operating expense are technology and content costs, which increased $35 million during the year ended December 31, 2015 when compared to the same period in 2014, primarily due to increased personnel costs from increased headcount to support business growth, including international expansion and enhanced site features, as well as incremental personnel costs related to TripAdvisor’s 2014 business acquisitions in Attractions and Restaurants. 

Technology and content costs increased $34 million during the year ended December 31, 2014 when compared to the same period in 2013, primarily due to increased personnel costs from increased headcount to support business growth, including international expansion and enhanced site features, as well as additional personnel costs related to employees joining TripAdvisor through business acquisitions. 

Selling and Marketing

Sales and marketing expenses primarily consist of direct costs, including search engine marketing, or SEM, other traffic acquisition costs, syndication costs and affiliate program commissions, brand advertising and public relations. In

addition, indirect sales and marketing expense consists of personnel and overhead expenses, including salaries, commissions, benefits, and bonuses for sales, sales support, customer support and marketing employees.

Direct selling and marketing costs increased $187 million during the year ended December 31, 2015 when compared to the same period in 2014, primarily due to increased SEM costs and other online traffic acquisition costs, increased costs related to TripAdvisor’s television campaign, and incremental costs related to its 2014 business acquisitions in Attractions and Restaurants.  During the year ended December 31, 2015, TripAdvisor spent $51 million on its television advertising campaign.  Personnel and overhead costs increased $23 million during the year ended December 31, 2015 when compared to the same period in 2014, primarily due to incremental personnel costs related to Attractions and Restaurants. 

Direct selling and marketing costs increased $132 million during the year ended December 31, 2014 when compared to the same period in 2013, primarily due to increased SEM costs, other online traffic acquisition costs, costs related to its television campaign, in addition to incremental costs from TripAdvisor’s recent business acquisitions, partially offset by a decrease in spending in social media costs and other offline advertising costs, excluding television advertising. TripAdvisor spent $33 million on its television campaign during the year ended December 31, 2014, which was launched in May 2014.  Personnel and overhead costs increased $30 million during the year ended December 31, 2014 when compared to the same period in 2013, primarily due to an increase in headcount to support business growth, including international expansion and employees added through business acquisitions.  

General and Administrative

General and administrative expense consists primarily of personnel and related overhead costs, including executive leadership, finance, legal and human resource functions and stock-based compensation as well as professional service fees and other fees including audit, legal, tax and accounting, and other costs including bad debt expense and charitable foundation costs.

General and administrative costs increased $10 million during the year ended December 31, 2015, when compared to the same period in 2014, primarily due to increases in personnel costs and overhead costs related to an increase in headcount to support TripAdvisor’s business operations, as well as incremental personnel costs related to its 2014 business acquisitions in Attractions and Restaurants. 

General and administrative costs increased $23 million during the year ended December 31, 2014, when compared to the same period in 2013, primarily due to personnel costs and overhead costs related to an increase in headcount to support its business operations, as well as additional personnel costs related to employees joining TripAdvisor through business acquisitions, professional fees primarily related to its 2014 business acquisitions, higher charitable contributions and increased bad debt expense.

Stock settled charitable contribution

As discussed in note 12 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements, during 2015, TripAdvisor recognized $67 million related to a charitable contribution settled with its treasury shares. Due to the one-time nature and use of stock to settle the obligation, this contribution has been excluded from Adjusted OIBDA for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Stock based compensation

Stock-based compensation increased $9 million and $14 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, when compared to the same period in the prior year due to continued grants of stock options as well as new grants of stock options in conjunction with business acquisitions. 

The following is a reconciliation of the results as reported by TripAdvisor, used for comparison purposes as discussed above, for a greater understanding of the stand-alone operations of TripAdvisor to the results reported by TripCo (amounts in millions):