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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, 201 5  

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)

 

 

 

 

 

 

State of Delaware

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

46 - 3337365  

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

 

12300 Liberty Boulevard

Englewood, Colorado

(Address of principal executive offices)

80112

(Zip Code)

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

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

 

 

 

Title of each class

 

Name of exchange on which registered

Series A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share  

 

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Series B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share

 

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Large accelerated filer 

Accelerated filer 

Non-accelerated filer 

(do not check if

smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company 

 

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

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, 201 5 , was approximately $2.2 billion.  

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series A

 

Series B

 

Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. common stock

 

71,951,637

 

2,929,777

 

Documents Incorporated by Reference

The Registrant's definitive proxy statement for its 201 6 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is hereby incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

 

 


 

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LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

201 5 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10 K

 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Part I

    

Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.  

 

Business

 

I- 1

 

Item 1A.  

 

Risk Factors

 

I- 11

 

Item 1B.  

 

Unresolved Staff Comments

 

I- 30

 

Item 2.  

 

Properties

 

I- 30

 

Item 3.  

 

Legal Proceedings

 

I- 30

 

Item 4.  

 

Mine Safety Disclosures

 

I- 30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part II

 

 

 

Item 5.  

 

Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

II- 1

 

Item 6.  

 

Selected Financial Data

 

II- 2

 

Item 7.  

 

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

 

II- 3

 

Item 7A.  

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

II- 18

 

Item 8.  

 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

II- 18

 

Item 9.  

 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

II- 18

 

Item 9A.  

 

Controls and Procedures

 

II- 18

 

Item 9B.  

 

Other Information

 

II- 19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part III

 

 

 

Item 10.  

 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

III- 1

 

Item 11.  

 

Executive Compensation

 

III- 1

 

Item 12.  

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Man agement and Related Stockholder Matters

 

III- 1

 

Item 13.  

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 

III- 1

 

Item 14.  

 

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

III- 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part IV

 

 

 

Item 15.  

 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

IV- 1

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

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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.

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* * * * *

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:

·

customer demand for products and services and the ability of our company and our subsidiaries to adapt to changes in demand;

·

competitor responses to products and services;

·

the levels and quality of online traffic to our businesses’ websites and the ability of our subsidiaries to convert visitors into consumers or contributors;

·

the expansion of social integration and member acquisition efforts with social media by our subsidiaries;

·

the impact of changes in search engine algorithms and dynamics or search engine disintermediation;

·

uncertainties inherent in the development and integration of new business lines and business strategies;

·

our future financial performance, including availability, terms and deployment of capital;

·

our ability to successfully integrate and recognize anticipated efficiencies and benefits from the businesses we acquire;

·

the ability of suppliers and vendors to deliver products, equipment, software and services;

·

availability of qualified personnel;

·

changes in, or failure or inability to comply with, government regulations, including, without limitation, regulations of the FCC and adverse outcomes from regulatory proceedings;

·

changes in the business models of our subsidiaries;

·

changes in the nature of key strategic relationships with partners, distributors, suppliers and vendors;

·

domestic and international economic and business conditions and industry trends, including the current economic downturn and those which result in declines or disruptions in the travel industry;

·

consumer spending levels, including the availability and amount of individual consumer debt;

·

costs related to the maintenance and enhancement of brand awareness by our subsidiaries;

·

advertising spending levels;

·

rapid technological changes;

·

our failure, and the failure of our subsidiaries, to protect the security of personal information about customers, subjecting each of us to potentially costly government enforcement actions or private litigation and reputational damage;

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·

the regulatory and competitive environment of the industries in which our subsidiaries operate;

·

fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; and

·

threatened terrorist attacks, political unrest in international markets and ongoing military action around the world.

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. TripAdviso r 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. TripAdv isor’s websites feature 320   mil lion reviews and opinions on 6.2 million places to stay, places to eat and things to do – including 995 ,000 hotels and accomm odations and 77 0,000 vacation rentals, 3. 8 million restaurants and 625 ,000 attractions around the world. In addition to user-generated content, it s 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.  

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TripAdvisor branded sites are comprehensive online resource s 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 site s . 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.

·

Click-Based Advertising Revenue.  TripAdvisor’s largest source of revenue is click-based advertising, which includes links to its partners’ booking sites and contextually-relevant branded and unbranded text links. Its click-based advertising partners are predominantly online travel agencies, or OTAs, and direct suppliers in the hotel, airline and cruise product categories. Click-based advertising is generally priced on a cost-per-click, or CPC, basis, with payments from advertisers based on the number of users who click on each type of link. CPC prices are determined in a bidding process that allows TripAdvisor’s partners to use its proprietary system to submit CPC bids to have their rates and availability listed on TripAdvisor’s site. When a partner submits a CPC bid they agree to pay the amount of that bid each time a user subsequently clicks on the URL link to the partner’s website. Bids are submitted periodically – sometimes as often as daily or weekly – on a property-by-property basis and the size of the bid relative to other bids received determines the partner’s placement in all metasearch placements on TripAdvisor’s site with one or more offers shown, including hotel comparison search results and the property detail page. The system is automated and the size of the partner’s bid is the only factor impacting the partner’s placement on that page, except that individual partners may be sorted lower in the event that they have not provided price information or if they cease to have availability for the property. Click-based advertising revenue also includes revenue from TripAdvisor’s instant booking feature, which enab les the merchant of record, generally an OTA or hotel partner , to pay a

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commission rate for a user that completes a reservation on TripAdvisor. Instant booking revenue is current ly recognized under two different models: the transaction mode l and the consumption model. Under the transaction model , commission revenue is recorded at the time a traveler books a hotel reservation on TripAdvisor’s site with one of its transaction partners. TripAdvisor’s transaction pa rtners are liable for commissi on payment to TripAdvisor upon booking and the partner assumes the cancel lation risk. When a traveler makes a hotel reservation on TripAdvisor’s site with one of its consumption partners, revenue is not recorded until the travelers’ stay.  TripAdvisor’s consumption partners are liable for commission payment upon the complet ion of stay by the traveler. Online travel agencies, hotel partner placement and comparative hotel prices available to the traveler in the booking process under both models are determined in a bidding process in TripAdvisor’s proprietary system ,   based on a number of variables including commission rates ,   depending on the specific hotel selected.   For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, TripAdvisor earned $956 million, $870 million, and $696 million, respectively, of revenue from click-based advertising.

·

Display-Based Advertising Revenue.  Advertising partners can promote their brands in a contextually-relevant manner through a variety of display-based advertising placements on TripAdvisor’s websites. While its display-based advertising clients are predominately direct suppliers in the hotel, airline and cruise categories as well as OTA s, TripAdvisor also accepts display advertising from destination marketing organizations, casinos, resorts and attractions, as well as advertisers from non-travel categories. Display-based advertising is sold predominately on a cost per thousand impressions, or CPM, basis. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, TripAdvisor earned $159 million, $140 million and $119 million, respectively, in revenue from display-based advertising.

·

Subscription-Based, Transaction -Based and Other Revenue.  Business Listings is a subscription-based advertising product offered to hotels, B&Bs and other specialty lodging properties. This advertising product is sold for a flat fee and allows subscribers to list, for a contracted period of time, a website URL, email address and phone number on TripAdvisor-branded websites, as well as to post special offers for travelers. In addition, TripAdvisor earns revenue from making hotel room nights available for booking on its transaction -based sites, including Jetsetter and Tingo , for which TripAdvisor is the merchant of record; making ren tal listings available through its vacation rentals business; selling destination activities primarily through Viator; and providing access to online restaurant reservations primarily through Lafourchette , or thefork.com ; as well as other revenue including content licensing with third-party sites. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, TripAdvisor earned $377 million, $236 million and $130 million, respectively, in revenue from subscription-based, transaction -based and other revenue.

Commercial Relationships

Trip Advisor has a number of commercial relationships that are important to the success of its business Although t hese 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  H otels , 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, u s ers are able to book more than 450,000 hotels, powered by its partners, without leaving the TripAdvisor site or mobile experience .  

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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

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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

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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 com petition 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),

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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 business es , TripAdvisor faces competition from OpenTable ( a subsidi ary 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 f or 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 technol ogy 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 in dependent 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

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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.

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Item 1A. Risk Factor s

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

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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 int erests 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 Trip Advisor obtains its content, in travelers’ relative appreciation of user-ba sed versus expert content, in the quality of its content versus other sites’ content, or any other changes that could reduce traffic  t o 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, d isplay-based advertising. TripAdvisor enters into master advertising contracts with its advertising partners, however, these agreements are generally limited to matter s 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

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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.

Furthermor e, 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 fac tors outside of its control, its business and financial performance would be adversely affected.

TripAdvisor relies on a relatively small n umber of significant advertising partners and any reducti on in spending by or loss of the se partners could seriously harm its business.

TripAdvisor derives a substantial portion of its revenue from a relatively small n umber 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 peri od 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 addi tion, 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 deskto p, 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 b usiness and financial performance. 

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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 believe s 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 t he instant book ing functionality to significantly increase the numbe r of transactions that will occur on TripAdvisor’s website.  Even though the transaction s 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 us e 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 applicati ons and its advertising revenue continue s 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 service s and instead prefer to use one or a limited number of apps for their hotel, rest aurant and attractions activity. The consumer experience with mobile apps as well as brand recognition and loyalty are likely to become increasingly important.    

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  As a result, TripAdvisor continues to develop a nd 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 distribu te on these platforms, or if its mobile offering s 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, i ncluding 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 di scretionary 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 a nd degree of their impact on TripAdvisor’s markets and business, which in turn could adversely affect TripAdvisor’s  a bility to effectively manage its  b usiness 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 operate s in an increasingly compet itive global environment and its failure to comp ete effectively could reduce its market share and harm its financial performance.

TripAdvisor face s competition for content, users, advertisers, online travel search and price comparison services (or hotel metasea rch) and online reservations. TripAdvisor also face s competition from large companies that also offer comprehensive on-line resources for destinations, lodging, attractio ns and restaurants.  Many of TripAdvisor’s competitors have significantly greater and mo re diversified resources than it do es and may be able to leverage other aspects of their business to enable them to com pete more effectively against TripAdvisor . More specifically:

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·

For content, TripAdvisor face s competition from large online portals, social networking sites and search engines, such as Google, Facebook, Yahoo and Baidu, which competition will only increase should they choose to compete more directly with TripAdvisor in the travel review space, and create commercially valuable online content at significant scale. For example, Google + Local, with its aggregated reviews and local r ecommendations, competes with TripAdvisor and Google’s access to more comprehensive data regarding user search queries through its search algorithms gives it a significant competitive advantage over other compani es in the industry, including TripAdvisor . In addition, if significant numbers of users adopt Facebook’s newly released Graph Search to get travel recommendations, it could have the effect of reducing traffic and user engagement on TripAdvisor.

·

TripAdvisor faces competition from online travel agents, such as Expedia and Priceline (and their subsidiaries), and this competition may increase to the extent that these online travel agents accumulate and develop a comprehensive offering of travel-related reviews and resources.

·

TripAdvisor faces competition from travel service providers such as major hotel companies, airlines and rental car companies, many of which have their own websites to which they drive business. Major hotel companies may also attempt to improve their competitive position by offering lower room rates, better room availability or additional features or amenities through their reservation service than are available through services like TripAdvisor’s.

·

TripAdvisor also face s competition from wholesalers, tour operators, traditional offline travel agencies and operators of travel industry reservation databases such as Galileo, Travelport, Amadeus and Sabre.

·

In addition, TripAdvisor compete s with newspapers, magazines and other traditional media companies that provide offline and online advertising opportunities.

·

In its vacation rental business, TripAdvisor face s competition from several companies, including HomeAway (a subsidiary of Expedia) and Airbnb , Inc. , some of whom have a larg er inventory of rooms available.

·

In its restaurant reservat ion and attractions business, TripAdvisor face s competition from certain companies like OpenTable (a subsidiary of Priceline), SeatMe (which is owned by Yelp) and Table8 (which was recently launched by Amazon) as well as other regional players operating in various parts of the world. 

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 (t hrough 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 regularl y 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.

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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 c ertain 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 Trip Advisor evaluates its business. W hile 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 believe s 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

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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

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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 re sources .

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

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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:

·

Experience increased vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

·

Be required to dedicate a substantial portion of its available cash to make payments on its indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, strategic acquisitions and investments and other general corporate purposes (and we further note that, in the case of our company, we have a limited amount of cash and do not have access to the cash of TripAdvisor as a result of the significant non-controlling interest in TripAdvisor);

·

Be handicapped in its ability to optimally capitalize and manage the cash flow for its businesses;

·

Be limited in its flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in its businesses and the markets in which it operates;

·

Possibly be placed at a competitive disadvantage compared to its competitors that have less debt;

·

Be exposed to the risk of increased interest rates with respect to any variable rate portion of its indebtedness; and

·

Be limited in its ability to borrow additional funds or to borrow funds at rates or on other terms that it finds acceptable.

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

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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 servi ce 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 manage s 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 agr eement 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:

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Incur indebtedness;

·

Pay dividends on, redeem or repurchase its capital stock;

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Enter into certain asset sale transactions, including partial or full spin-off transactions;

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Enter into secured financing arrangements;

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Enter into sale and leaseback transactions; and

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Enter into unrelated businesses.

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:

·

Incur indebtedness by TripSPV;

·

Enter into financing arrangements with respect to the stock of TripAdvisor; and

·

Cause TripSPV to enter into unrelated businesses or otherwise conduct business other than owning common stock or other shares of TripAdvisor.

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

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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.

U nder 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 w ith 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 a ny other audits could subject TripAdvisor  t o significant tax liabilities.

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

TripAdvisor operates in a number of jurisdictions outside of the United States and continue s 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:

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Political instability;

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Threatened or actual acts of terrorism;

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Ability to comply with additional laws applicable to companies operating internationally as well as local laws and regulations, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and U.K. Bribery Act, data privacy requirements, labor laws and anti-competition regulations;

·

Diminished ability to legally enforce contractual rights;

·

Increased risk and limits on enforceability of intellectual property rights;

·

Restrictions on, or adverse consequences related to, the withdrawal of non-U.S. investment and earnings;

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Restrictions on repatriation of cash as well as restrictions on investments in operations in certain countries;

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Financial risk arising from transactions in multiple currencies, as well as currency exchange restrictions;

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Slower adoption of the Internet as an advertising, broadcast and commerce medium in certain of those markets as compared to the United States;

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Difficulties in managing staff and operations due to distance, time zones, language and cultural differences; and

·

Uncertainty regarding liability for services, content and intellectual property rights, including uncertainty as a result of local laws and lack of precedent.

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 accum ulating a greater portion of its cash flows in foreign jurisdictions t han previously, which it consider s 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

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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 cou ld 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

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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.

O ur 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

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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,

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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 c ertain financial and operational risks related to acquisitions that may have a material impact on TripAdvisor’s business including, but not limited to, the following :

·

Expected and unexpected costs incurred in identifying and pursuing acquisitions, and performing due diligence on potential acquisition targets that may or may not be successful;

·

Use of cash resources and incurrence of debt and contingent liabilities in funding acquisitions that may limit other potential uses of its cash, including stock repurchases, dividend payments and retirement of outstanding indebtedness;

·

Amortization expenses related to acquired intangible assets and other adverse accounting consequences;

·

Diversion of management’s attention or other resources from its existing business;

·

Difficulties and expenses in integrating the operations, products, technology, privacy protection systems, information systems or personnel of the acquired company;

·

The assumption of known and unknown debt and liabilit ies of the acquired company, including costs associated with litigation and other claims relating to the acquired company;

·

Failure of any acquired company to achieve anticipated revenue, earnings or cash flows or to retain key management or employees;

·

Failure to generate adequate returns on acquisitions and investments;

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·

Entrance into markets in which TripAdvisor has no direct prior experience and increased complexity in its business;

·

Impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets such as trademarks or other intellectual property arising from acquisitions; and

·

Adverse market reaction to acquisitions.

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.

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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:

·

authorizing a capital structure with multiple series of common stock: a Series B that entitles the holders to ten votes per share, a Series A that entitles the holders to one vote per share and a Series C that, except as otherwise required by applicable law, entitles the holders to no voting rights;

·

authorizing the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock, which could be issued by our board of directors to increase the number of outstanding shares and thwart a takeover attempt;

·

classifying our board of directors with staggered three-year terms, which may lengthen the time required to gain control of our board of directors;

·

limiting who may call special meetings of stockholders;

·

prohibiting stockholder action by written consent, thereby requiring all stockholder actions to be taken at a meeting of the stockholders;

·

establishing advance notice requirements for nominations of candidates for election to our board of directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at stockholder meetings;

·

requiring stockholder approval by holders of at least 80% of our voting power or the approval by at least 75% of our board of directors with respect to certain extraordinary matters, such as a merger or consolidation of our company, a sale of all or substantially all of our assets or an amendment to our certificate of incorporation; and

·

the existence of authorized and unissued stock which would allow our board of directors to issue shares to persons friendly to current management, thereby protecting the continuity of its management, or which could be used to dilute the stock ownership of persons seeking to obtain control of us.

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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 s ubsidiary of Liberty Media enter ed into a facilities sharing agreement with TripCo , pursuant to which TripCo share s office facilities with Liberty Media, Liberty and Liberty Broadband Corporation located at 12300 Liberty Boulevard, Englewood, Colorado.

TripAdvisor did not legally own any rea l estate as of December 31, 2015 . TripAdvisor currently leases approximately 280,000 square feet for its corporate headquarters in N eedham , Massachusetts , which expires in December 2030 . TripAdvisor also leases an aggregate of approximately 41 0 ,00 0 square feet at approximately 4 0 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 expira tion dates through June 2027 .

BuySeasons has its corporate headquarters and maintains warehouse operations in New Berlin, Wisconsi n. 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 Proceeding s

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 ulti mate disposition of which c ould have a material adverse effect on us.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosure s

 

Not applicable.

 

 

 

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PART I I

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc.

 

 

 

Series A

 

Series B

 

 

    

High

    

Low

    

High

    

Low

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Third quarter (after August 27, 2014)

 

$

38.39

 

32.46

 

42.00

 

35.44

 

Fourth quarter

 

$

34.04

 

23.91

 

35.44

 

19.64

 

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First quarter

 

$

34.04

 

23.46

 

36.92

 

23.96

 

Second quarter

 

$

33.69

 

27.29

 

37.68

 

31.24

 

Third quarter

 

$

35.10

 

22.09

 

35.17

 

23.99

 

Fourth quarter

 

$

32.01

 

22.20

 

31.84

 

24.84

 

 

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.

 

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Item 6.     Selected Financial Data .

The following tables present selected historical information relating to our financial condition and results of opera tions 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

    

2015

    

2014

    

2013

    

2012

    

2011

 

Summary Balance Sheet Data:

 

amounts in millions

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

644

 

509

 

354

 

369

 

1

 

Investments in available for sale securities and other cost investments

 

$

37

 

31

 

188

 

99

 

 

Investment in affiliates(1)

 

$

 —

 

 —

 

 

 

183

 

Intangible assets not subject to amortization

 

$

5,492

 

5,510

 

5,292

 

5,267

 

46

 

Intangible assets subject to amortization, net

 

$

625

 

841

 

908

 

1,158

 

2

 

Total assets

 

$

7,285

 

7,366

 

7,087

 

7,205

 

350

 

Long-term debt

 

$

620

 

662

 

298

 

343

 

1

 

Deferred income tax liabilities

 

$

719

 

808

 

853

 

972

 

 

Total stockholders' equity

 

$

808

 

897

 

1,208

 

1,279

 

329

 

Noncontrolling interest

 

$

4,628

 

4,450

 

4,373

 

4,340

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

 

 

 

2015

    

2014

    

2013

    

2012 (1)

    

2011

 

Summary Statement of Operations Data:

 

amounts in millions, except per share amounts

 

Revenue

 

$

1,565

 

1,329

 

1,034

 

165

 

155

 

Operating income (loss)

 

$

15

 

68

 

(17)

 

(54)

 

 —

 

Interest Expense, including related party

 

$

(28)

 

(13)

 

(12)

 

(1)

 

 —

 

Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates

 

$

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

38

 

1

 

Other, net

 

$

17

 

(11)

 

1

 

1,121

 

 —

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. shareholders

 

$

(40)

 

(22)

 

(7)

 

983

 

12

 

Basic net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. stockholders per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series A and Series B common stock (2)

 

$

(0.53)

 

(0.30)

 

(0.10)

 

13.35

 

0.16

 

Diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. stockholders per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series A and Series B common stock (2)

 

$

(0.53)

 

(0.30)

 

(0.10)

 

13.35

 

0.16

 

 


(1)

During May 2012, TripCo sold approximately 8.5  million shares of TripAdvisor for cash proceeds of $338  million. The sale resulted in a $288  million gain recorded in other , net, based on the average cost of those shares, in the statement s of operations .   On December 11, 2012, we acquired approximately 4.8 million additional shares of common stock of TripAdvisor (an additional 4% equity ownership interest), for $300 million, along with the right to control the vote of the shares of TripAdvisor’s common stock and class B common stock we own. Following the transaction we own ed approximately 22% of the equity and 57% of the total votes of all classes of TripAdvisor common stock. As we now control TripAdvisor, we applied the applicable purchase accounting guidance and recorded a gain on the transaction of $800 million on our ownership interest held prior to the transaction, recognized in the other , net line in the c onsolidated statements of operations.

(2)

Liberty issued 73,685,924 common shares, which is the aggregate number of shares of Series A and Series B common stock outstanding upon the completion of the Trip Spin-Off on August 27, 2014.  The same number of shares is being used for both basic and diluted earnings per share for all periods prior to the date of the Trip Spin-Off as no Company equity awards were outstanding prior to the Trip Spin-Off.

 

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

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 transactio ns 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 reven ue 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.

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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 design ed to measure how effectively TripAdvisor convert s 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 o r commission per booking that TripAdvisor receive s .   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. TripAdv is or 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 partner s 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 201 3 ,   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.

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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 prio rity. 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 anticipate s that the rate of growth in mobile visitors will continue t o 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 ra nge 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

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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 i nstant 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 believe s its role in the overall travel experience continues to grow in importan ce in the travel industry, as it   emphasizes to travelers that it is the place to “plan, co mpare and book” their trip.  TripAdvisor’s websites globally reached 350 million average monthly unique visitors during the year ended Dec ember 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 desti nations throughout the world, TripAdvisor believe s it has the best content in the travel industry for research and travel planning decisi on-making. When combined with TripAdvisor’s hotel metasearch capabilities to compa re and find the best prices, its instant bo oking 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.    

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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 implement ing 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 Co nsolidated 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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

 

 

    

2015

    

2014

    

2013

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TripAdvisor

 

$

1,492

 

1,246

 

945

 

Corporate and other

 

 

73

 

83

 

89

 

Consolidated TripCo

 

$

1,565

 

1,329

 

1,034

 

Adjusted OIBDA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TripAdvisor

 

$

464

 

468

 

379

 

Corporate and other

 

 

(30)

 

(26)

 

(18)

 

Consolidated TripCo

 

$

434

 

442

 

361

 

Operating Income (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TripAdvisor

 

$

56

 

101

 

8

 

Corporate and other

 

 

(41)

 

(33)

 

(25)

 

Consolidated TripCo

 

$

15

 

68

 

(17)

 

 

Revenue.  Our co nsolidated revenue increased $ 236  million and $ 295  million for t he 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 a nd average order value for both the p arty 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, 201 5 , as compared to the prior year per iod, 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

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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 th e accompanying December 31, 2015 co nsolidated financial statements for a reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to earnings (loss) before income taxes.

Co nsolidated Adjusted OIBDA de creased approximately $ 8   million and increased  $ 81  million for t he 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 cost s   to a level appropriate to operat e   a smaller business, which is expected to i mprove 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 co nsolidated operating income   de creased $ 53   million and increased  $ 85  million for t he 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 th e accompanying co nsolidated financial statements for information regarding TripAdvisor’s contribution to its charitable foundation. The significant increase in 201 4 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Interest expense (including related party)

    

 

    

    

    

    

    

 

TripAdvisor

 

$

(10)

 

(11)

 

(10)

 

Corporate and other

 

 

(18)

 

(2)

 

(2)

 

Consolidated TripCo

 

$

(28)

 

(13)

 

(12)

 

Other, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TripAdvisor

 

$

17

 

(11)

 

1

 

Corporate and other

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

Consolidated TripCo

 

$

17

 

(11)

 

1

 

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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.

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Years ended

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Cash flow information

    

 

    

    

    

    

    

 

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

 

$

360

 

365

 

336

 

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

 

$

(63)

 

(242)

 

(205)

 

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

 

$

(152)

 

40

 

(147)

 

 

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 fee s (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 a re 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 associate d 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 co nsolidated 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.

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Payments due by period

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less than

 

 

 

 

 

More than

 

 

 

Total

 

1 year

 

1 - 3 years

 

3 - 5 years

 

5 years

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Consolidated contractual obligations

    

 

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

Long-term debt(1)

 

$

601

 

1

 

400

 

200

 

 —

 

Interest payments(2)

 

$

65

 

3

 

57

 

5

 

 —

 

Lease obligations

 

$

285

 

25

 

52

 

50

 

158

 

Total

 

$

951

 

29

 

509

 

255

 

158

 

 


(1)

Amounts are stated at the face amount at maturity of our debt instruments. Amounts also include capital lease obligations. Amounts do not assume additional borrowings or refinancings of existing debt. The outstanding Chinese credit facility has been included as a current payment as the facility is short term in nature.

(2)

Amounts (i) are based on our outst anding debt at December 31, 2015 , (ii) assume the interest ra tes on TripAdvisor’s variable rate debt remain s constant at the December 31, 2015 rates , (iii) assume the interest rates on TripCo’s variable rate debt change based on forecasted LIBOR rates and (iv ) assume that our existing debt is repaid at maturity.

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 co nsolidated 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.

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As of December 31, 201 5 , the intangible assets not subject to amortization for each of our significant reportable segments was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

Trademarks

 

Total

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

TripAdvisor

    

$

3,689

 

1,803

 

5,492

 

Corporate and other

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 

 

$

3,689

 

1,803

 

5,492

 

 

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 payment s 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 record s 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 recognize s 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.

II- 12


 

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.

II- 13


 

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 statement s of operations. TripAdvisor is a separate publicly traded company and additional information about TripAdvisor can be obtained through its we bsite 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):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years ended

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Revenue

    

 

    

    

    

    

    

 

Click-based advertising

 

$

956

 

870

 

696

 

Display-based advertising

 

 

159

 

140

 

119

 

Subscription, transaction and other

 

 

377

 

236

 

130

 

Total revenue

 

 

1,492

 

1,246

 

945

 

Operating expense, excluding stock-based compensation

 

 

237

 

184

 

127

 

SG&A, excluding stock-based compensation and stock settled charitable contribution

 

 

791

 

594

 

439

 

Adjusted OIBDA

 

 

464

 

468

 

379

 

Stock settled charitable contribution

 

 

67

 

 —

 

 —

 

Stock based compensation

 

 

72

 

63

 

49

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

93

 

65

 

35

 

Operating income (loss) as reported by TripAdvisor

 

$

232

 

340

 

295

 

 

Revenue

TripA dvisor 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

II- 14


 

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 t echnology 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 incr eased $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 emp loyees 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

II- 15


 

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 an d 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 acquisi tion 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, excl uding 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 ex pansion 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 ad ministrative costs increased $10 million during the year ended December 31, 2015, when comp ared to the same period in 2014, primarily due to increases in pe rsonnel costs and overhead costs related to an increase in headcount to support TripAdvisor’s business operations, as well as incrementa l personnel costs related to its 2014 business acquisitions in Attractions and Restaurants. 

General and ad ministrative 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 incr ease in headcount to support its business operations, as well as additional personnel costs related to employees joining TripAdvisor through business acquisitions, profession al 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. 

II- 16


 

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):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                  Year ended December 31, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase

 

 

 

 

 

As Reported

 

Accounting

 

As Reported

 

 

 

By TripAdvisor

 

Adjustments

 

By TripCo

 

Revenue

    

$

1,492

 

 —

 

1,492

 

Operating expense

 

 

(237)

 

 —

 

(237)

 

SG&A, excluding stock-based compensation and stock settled charitable contribution

 

 

(791)

 

 —

 

(791)

 

Adjusted OIBDA

 

 

464

 

 —

 

464

 

Stock settled charitable contribution

 

 

(67)

 

 —

 

(67)

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 

(72)

 

(5)

 

(77)

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

(93)

 

(171)

 

(264)

 

Operating income (loss)

 

$

232

 

(176)

 

56

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase

 

 

 

 

 

As Reported

 

Accounting

 

As Reported

 

 

 

By TripAdvisor

 

Adjustments

 

By TripCo

 

Revenue

    

$

1,246

    

 —

    

1,246

 

Operating expense

 

 

(184)

 

 —

 

(184)

 

Selling, general and administrative expense

 

 

(594)

 

 —

 

(594)

 

Adjusted OIBDA

 

 

468

 

 —

 

468

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 

(63)

 

(10)

 

(73)

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

(65)

 

(229)

 

(294)

 

Operating income (loss)

 

$

340

 

(239)

 

101

 

 

II- 17


 

 

 

 

Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk .

We are exposed to market risk in the normal course of business due to our ongoing investing and financial activities and the conduct of operations by our subsidiaries in different foreign countries. Market risk refers to the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in stock prices, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The risk of loss can be assessed from the perspective of adverse changes in fair values, cash flows and future earnings. We have established policies, procedures and internal processes governing our management of market risks and the use of financial instruments to manage our exposure to such risks.

We are exposed to changes in interest rates primarily as a result of our borrowing and investment activities, which include investments in fixed and floating rate debt instruments and borrowings used to maintain liquidity and to fund business operations. The nature and amount of our long-term and short-term debt are expected to vary as a result of future requirements, market conditions and other factors. We expect to manage our exposure to interest rates by maintaining what we believe is an appropriate mix of fixed and variable rate debt. We believe this best protects us from interest rate risk. We expect to achieve this mix by (i) issuing fixed rate debt that we believe has a low stated interest rate and significant term to maturity, (ii) issuing variable rate debt with appropriate maturities and interest rates and (iii) entering into interest rate swap arrangements when we deem appro priate.  As of December 31, 2015 , our debt is comprised of the following amounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variable rate debt

 

Fixed rate debt

 

 

 

Principal

 

Weighted avg

 

Principal

 

Weighted avg

 

 

 

amount

 

interest rate

 

Amount

 

interest rate

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

TripAdvisor

    

$

201

    

1.7

%      

    

N/A

 

TripCo debt

    

$

421

    

3.6

%      

    

N/A

 

TripCo is exposed to foreign exchange rate fluctuations related primarily to the monetary assets and liabilities and the financial results of TripAdvisor's foreign subsidiaries. Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries for which the functional currency is the local currency are translated into U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates, and the statements of operations are generally translated at the average exchange rate for the period. Exchange rate fluctuations on translating foreign currency financial statements into U.S. dollars that result in unrealized gains or losses are referred to as translation adjustments. Cumulative translation adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss) as a separate component of stockholders' equity. Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are recorded based on exchange rates at the time such transactions arise. Subsequent changes in exchange rates result in transaction gains and losses, which are reflected in income as unrealized (based on period-end translations) or realized upon settlement of the transactions. Cash flows from our operations in foreign countries are translated at the average rate for the period. Accordingly, TripCo may experience economic loss and a negative impact on earnings and equity with respect to our holdings solely as a result of foreign curre ncy exchange rate fluctuations.

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data .

The consolidated financial statements of Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. are filed under this Item, beginning on Page II- 22 .  The financial statement schedules required by Regulation S-X are fil ed under Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10 - K.

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure .

 

None.

Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures .

In accordance with Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its chief executive officer and its principal accounting and financial officer (the "Executives"), of the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the

II- 18


 

Table of Contents

period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Executives concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were e ffective as of December 31, 2015 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in its reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms.

See page II- 20 for Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting .

See page II-2 1 for   Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for their attestation regarding our internal control over financial reporting.

There has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended December 31, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.  Other Information .

None.

 

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Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc.’s (the "Company") management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over the Company's financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a - 15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  The Company's internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Because of inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.

 

The Company's management assessed the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, using the criteria in Internal Co ntrol-Integrated Framework (2013 ), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation the Company's management believes that, as of December 31, 2015, its internal control over financial reporting is effective.

 

The Company's independent registered public accounting firm audited the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K and have issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. This report appears on page II-21 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

II- 20


 

Table of Contents

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. :

 

We have audited Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc.’s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive earnings (loss), cash flows, and equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015.  We did not audit the 2013 financial statements of TripAdvisor, Inc., a consolidated subsidiary, which statements reflect total revenue constituting 91 percent in 2013 of the related consolidated totals.  The 2013 financial statements of TripAdvisor, Inc. were audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for TripAdvisor, Inc., is based solely on the report of the other auditors.  Based on our audits and the report of the other audito rs, our report dated February 18 , 2016, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

/s/ KPMG LLP

 

Denver, Colorado

February 18 , 2016

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Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. (the Company) (as defined in note 1) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive earnings (loss), cash flows, and equity for each of the years in the three ‑year period ended December 31, 2015. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.  We did not audit the 2013 financial statements of TripAdvisor, Inc., a consolidated subsidiary, which statements reflect total revenue constituting 91 percent in 2013 of the related consolidated totals.  The 2013 financial statements of TripAdvisor, Inc. were audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for TripAdvisor, Inc., is based solely on the report of the other auditors. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the report of other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of the other auditors, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three ‑year period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework   (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 18 , 2016, expressed   an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

/s/ KPMG LLP

Denver, Colorado
February 18 , 2016

 

 

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Table of Contents

LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheet s

December 31, 201 5 and 201 4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

2015

    

2014

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

644

 

509

 

Trade and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $6 million and $7 million, respectively

 

 

181

 

153

 

Short-term marketable securities (note 5)

 

 

47

 

108

 

Other current assets

 

 

34

 

41

 

Total current assets

 

 

906

 

811

 

Investments in available-for-sale securities (note 5)

 

 

37

 

31

 

Property and equipment, at cost

 

 

216

 

174

 

Accumulated depreciation

 

 

(36)

 

(36)

 

 

 

 

180

 

138

 

Intangible assets not subject to amortization (note 6):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

3,689

 

3,691

 

Trademarks

 

 

1,803

 

1,819

 

 

 

 

5,492

 

5,510

 

Intangible assets subject to amortization, net (note 6)

 

 

625

 

841

 

Other assets, at cost, net of accumulated amortization

 

 

45

 

35

 

Total assets

 

$

7,285

 

7,366

 

 

(continued)

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Continued)

December 31, 2015 and 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

2015

    

2014

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Liabilities and Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

121

 

118

 

Accrued liabilities

 

 

129

 

121

 

Current portion of debt (note 7)

 

 

1

 

78

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

64

 

57

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

5

 

21

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

320

 

395

 

Long-term debt (note 7)

 

 

620

 

662

 

Deferred income tax liabilities (note 8)

 

 

719

 

808

 

Other liabilities

 

 

190

 

154

 

Total liabilities

 

 

1,849

 

2,019

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 50,000,000 shares; no shares issued .

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

Series A common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 200,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 71,920,260 at December 31, 2015 and 71,555,730 shares at December 31, 2014 .

 

 

1

 

1

 

Series B common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 7,500,000 shares; issued and outstanding 2,929,777 at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 .

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

Series C common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 200,000,000 shares; no shares issued.

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

260

 

296

 

Accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes

 

 

(25)

 

(12)

 

Retained earnings

 

 

572

 

612

 

Total stockholders' equity

 

 

808

 

897

 

Noncontrolling interests in equity of subsidiaries

 

 

4,628

 

4,450

 

Total equity

 

 

5,436

 

5,347

 

Commitments and contingencies (note 12)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

7,285

 

7,366

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Operation s

Years ended December 31, 2015,  2014 and 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

2015

    

2014

    

2013

    

 

 

amounts in millions, except

 

 

 

per share amounts

 

Service revenue

 

$

1,492

 

1,246

 

945

 

Other revenue

 

 

73

 

83

 

89

 

Total revenue, net

 

 

1,565

 

1,329

 

1,034

 

Operating costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expense, including stock-based compensation (note 2 and 9)

 

 

345

 

294

 

237

 

Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation (note 2 and 9)

 

 

935

 

667

 

496

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

268

 

298

 

315

 

Impairment of intangible assets

 

 

2

 

2

 

3

 

 

 

 

1,550

 

1,261

 

1,051

 

Operating income

 

 

15

 

68

 

(17)

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, including related party

 

 

(28)

 

(13)

 

(12)

 

Other, net

 

 

17

 

(11)

 

1

 

 

 

 

(11)

 

(24)

 

(11)

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

 

4

 

44

 

(28)

 

Income tax (expense) benefit (note 8)

 

 

10

 

(35)

 

55

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

 

14

 

9

 

27

 

Less net earnings (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests

 

 

54

 

31

 

34

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. shareholders

 

$

(40)

 

(22)

 

(7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net earnings (loss) attributable to Series A and Series B Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. shareholders per common share (note 2):

 

$

(0.53)

 

(0.30)

 

(0.10)

 

Diluted net earnings (loss) attributable to Series A and Series B Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. shareholders per common share (note 2):

 

$

(0.53)

 

(0.30)

 

(0.10)

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings (Loss )

Years ended December 31, 201 5 , 201 4 and 201 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

 

$

14

 

9

 

27

 

Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 

 

(58)

 

(57)

 

(4)

 

Reclassification adjustment on sale of business

 

 

 

1

 

 —

 

 —

 

Other comprehensive earnings (loss)

 

 

 

(57)

 

(57)

 

(4)

 

Comprehensive earnings (loss)

 

 

 

(43)

 

(48)

 

23

 

Less comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

9

 

(14)

 

31

 

Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. shareholders

 

 

$

(52)

 

(34)

 

(8)

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow s

Years ended December 31, 201 5 , 201 4 and 201 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

2015

    

2014

    

2013

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

14

 

9

 

27

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

268

 

298

 

315

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

82

 

74

 

60

 

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

 

 

(31)

 

(20)

 

(8)

 

Non-cash contribution to charitable foundation (note 12)

 

 

67

 

 —

 

 —

 

(Gains) losses on transactions, net (note 4)

 

 

(19)

 

 —

 

1

 

Impairment of intangible assets

 

 

2

 

2

 

3

 

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

(85)

 

(70)

 

(117)

 

Non-cash interest on margin loans

 

 

17

 

4

 

 —

 

Other noncash charges (credits), net

 

 

(8)

 

10

 

1

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current and other assets

 

 

(31)

 

(16)

 

3

 

Payables and other liabilities

 

 

84

 

74

 

51

 

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

 

 

360

 

365

 

336

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expended for property and equipment

 

 

(112)

 

(90)

 

(60)

 

Cash (paid) for acquisitions, net of cash acquired (note 3)

 

 

(29)

 

(331)

 

(35)

 

Purchases of short term investments and other marketable securities

 

 

(205)

 

(251)

 

(432)

 

Proceeds from short term and other marketable securities

 

 

258

 

429

 

325

 

Other investing activities, net

 

 

25

 

1

 

(3)

 

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

 

 

(63)

 

(242)

 

(205)

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings of debt, net of financing costs

 

 

291

 

429

 

43

 

Repayments of debt

 

 

(431)

 

(43)

 

(66)

 

Distribution to Liberty

 

 

 —

 

(348)

 

 —

 

Shares repurchased by subsidiary

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

(145)

 

Payment of minimum withholding taxes on net share settlements of equity awards

 

 

(72)

 

(33)

 

(14)

 

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

 

 

31

 

20

 

8

 

Shares issued by subsidiary

 

 

12

 

3

 

27

 

Option exercises

 

 

5

 

12

 

 

Other financing activities, net

 

 

12

 

 —

 

 

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

 

 

(152)

 

40

 

(147)

 

Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash

 

 

(10)

 

(8)

 

1

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

135

 

155

 

(15)

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

509

 

354

 

369

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

644

 

509

 

354

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

II- 27


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Consolidated Statement of Equit y

Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 201 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

Noncontrolling

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

 

 

other

 

 

 

interest in

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

paid-in

 

Parent’s

 

comprehensive

 

Retained

 

equity of

 

Total

 

 

 

stock

 

Series A

 

Series B

 

Series C

 

capital

 

investment

 

earnings

 

earnings

 

subsidiaries

 

equity

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Balance at January 1, 2013

 

$

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

289

 

1

 

989

 

4,340

 

5,619

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(7)

 

34

 

27

 

Other comprehensive earnings (loss)

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(1)

 

 —

 

(3)

 

(4)

 

Stock compensation

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

15

 

 —

 

 —

 

49

 

64

 

Shares issued by subsidiary

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(7)

 

 —

 

 —

 

34

 

27

 

Shares repurchased by TripAdvisor

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(63)

 

 —

 

 —

 

(82)

 

(145)

 

Other, net

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(8)

 

 —

 

 —

 

1

 

(7)

 

Balance at December 31, 2013

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

226

 

 —

 

982

 

4,373

 

5,581

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(22)

 

31

 

9

 

Other comprehensive earnings (loss)

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(12)

 

 —

 

(45)

 

(57)

 

Stock compensation

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

7

 

11

 

 —

 

 —

 

63

 

81

 

Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

13

 

2

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

15

 

Minimum withholding taxes on net share settlements of stock-based compensation

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(1)

 

(32)

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(33)

 

Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

1

 

3

 

 —

 

 —

 

16

 

20

 

Intercompany taxes and debt forgiven by Liberty

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

75

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

75

 

Fair value of stock options assumed in connection with acquisition

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

1

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

4

 

5

 

Change in capitalization in connection with Trip Spin-Off

 

 

 —

 

1

 

 —

 

 —

 

277

 

(278)

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

Distribution to Liberty

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(348)

 

 —

 

(348)

 

Shares issued by subsidiary

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(2)

 

(7)

 

 —

 

 —

 

9

 

 —

 

Other, net

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(1)

 

(1)

 

Balance at December 31, 2014

 

 

 —

 

1

 

 —

 

 —

 

296

 

 —

 

(12)

 

612

 

4,450

 

5,347

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(40)

 

54

 

14

 

Other comprehensive earnings (loss)

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(12)

 

 —

 

(45)

 

(57)

 

Stock compensation

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

24

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

67

 

91

 

Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

5

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

5

 

Minimum withholding taxes on net share settlements of stock-based compensation

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(72)

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(72)

 

Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

10

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

21

 

31

 

Shares issued by subsidiary

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(8)

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

20

 

12

 

Stock settled charitable contribution by subsidiary (note 12)

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

6

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

61

 

67

 

Other, net

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

 —

 

(1)

 

 —

 

(1)

 

 —

 

 —

 

(2)

 

Balance at December 31, 2015

 

$

 —

 

1

 

 —

 

 —

 

260

 

 —

 

(25)

 

572

 

4,628

 

5,436

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

 

(1)  Basis of Presentatio n

 

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”) (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. The Trip Spin-Off was intended to be tax-free and was accounted for at historical cost due to the pro rata nature of the distribution to shareholders of Liberty Ventures common stock.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) and represent a combination of the historical financial information of TripAdvisor, a combined company since December 11, 2012 (see note 4 for a more detailed discussion of transactions related to TripAdvisor), and BuySeasons. 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.

Description of Business

TripAdvisor is an online travel company, empowering users to plan and book the perfect trip. TripAdvisor’s travel research platform aggregates reviews and opinions of members about accommodations, destinations, 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 4 6 countries . In addition to the flagship TripAdvisor brand, TripAdvisor manages and operates 2 3   other travel media brands, connected by the common goal of providing comprehensive travel planning resources across the travel sector. A substantial portion of TripAdvisor’s revenue is derived from advertising, primarily through click-based advertising and, to a lesser extent, display-based advertising sales. In addition, TripAdvisor earns revenue through a combination of subscription-based and transaction-based offerings including: Business Listings; subscription and commission-based offerings from its Vacation Rental products, transaction revenue from selling room nights through Jetsetter and Tingo, selling destination activities and fulfilling online restaurant reservations through Viator and Lafourchette, respectively , and other revenue including content licensing.

BuySeasons is an online retailer and supplier of costumes, accessories, seasonal décor, and party supplies. BuySeasons is dedicated to offering a large selection at affordable prices through its brands BuyCostumes.com and Celebrate Express. BuySeasons acquired the family friendly retailer, Celebrate Express, in 2008. BuySeasons also operates a private-label drop ship program for other Internet retailers.

Spin-Off of TripCo from Liberty

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

II- 29


 

Table of Contents

LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

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 execute d a Closing Agreement with the IRS documenting this conclusion in 2015.  

(2)  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash consists of cash deposits held in global financial institutions. Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the time of acquisition.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable are generally due within 30  days and are recorded net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Such allowance aggregated $ 6  million and $ 7  million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. For accounts outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms, the Company determines an allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, previous loss history, a specific customer’s ability to pay its obligations to us, and the condition of the general economy and industry as a whole.

Inventory

Inventory, which consists of party and costume merchandise held for sale, is stated at the lower of cost or market, determined on a first-in, first-out method. Inventory is stated net of valuation adjustments and inventory obsolescence reserves, equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value, of approximately $ 3  million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 The Company recorded $ 3 million and $ 3  million reductions in the value of its inventory during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 due to the amount of aged inventory on-hand. These charges

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LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

are included in operating expenses in the statements of operations. Additionally, the Company sold approximately $ 1 million and $4  million of previously reserved inventory during 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Investments

All marketable debt and equity securities held by the Company are classified as available-for-sale (“AFS”) and are carried at fair value generally based on quoted market prices. Fair values are determined for each individual security in the investment portfolio. Unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, arising from changes in fair value are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a component of equity.

The classification of investments is determined at the time of purchase and reevaluated at each balance sheet date. We invest in highly-rated securities, and our investment policy limits the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer, industry group and currency. The policy requires investments to be investment grade, with the primary objective of minimizing the potential risk of principal loss and providing liquidity of investments sufficient to meet our operating and capital spending requirements and debt repayments.

Marketable debt securities are classified as either short-term or long-term based on each instrument’s underlying contractual maturity date and as to whether and when we intend to sell a particular security prior to its maturity date. Marketable debt securities with maturities greater than 90 days at the date of purchase and 12 months or less remaining at the balance sheet date will be classified as short-term and marketable debt securities with maturities greater than 12 months from the balance sheet date will generally be classified as long-term. We classify our marketable equity securities, limited to money market funds and mutual funds, as either short-term or long-term based on the nature of each security and its availability for use in current operations.

Realized gains and losses on the sale of securities are determined by specific identification of each security’s cost basis. We may sell certain of our marketable securities prior to their stated maturities for strategic reasons including, but not limited to, anticipation of credit deterioration and liquidity and duration management. The weighted average maturity of our total invested cash shall not exceed 18  months, and no security shall have a final maturity date greater than three years.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consists of the following (amounts in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

    

2015

    

2014

 

Building

 

$

123

 

 —

 

Leasehold improvements

 

 

34

 

36

 

Computer equipment

 

 

38

 

34

 

Furniture, office equipment and other

 

 

21

 

17

 

Construction in progress

 

 

 —

 

87

 

Total property and equipment

 

$

216

 

174

 

 

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LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

Property and equipment is recorded at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which is three to five years for computer equipment and furniture, office equipment and other. Leasehold improvements are depreciated using the straight-line method, over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the improvement or the remaining term of the lease. TripAdvisor’s building, which is considered an asset for accounting purposes, is depreciated over its estimated useful life of 40 years. Construction-in-progress costs were primarily related to TripAdvisor’s build-to-suit lease obligation during the year ended December 31, 2014, as discussed in note 12.

Leases

The Company, through its consolidated companies, leases facilities in several countries around the world and certain equipment under non-cancelable lease agreements. The terms of some of the lease agreements provide for rental payments on a graduated basis. Rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease period and accrued as rent expense incurred but not paid. Any lease incentives are recognized as reductions of rental expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The lease term begins on the date we become legally obligated for the rent payments or when we take possession of the office space, whichever is earlier.

We establish assets and liabilities for the estimated construction costs incurred under lease arrangements where we are considered the owner for accounting purposes only, or build-to-suit leases, to the extent we are involved in the construction of structural improvements or take construction risk prior to commencement of a lease. Upon occupancy of facilities under build-to-suit leases, we assess whether these arrangements qualify for sales recognition under the sale-leaseback accounting guidance. If we continue to be the deemed owner, the facilities are accounted for as financing leases.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets with estimable useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment upon certain triggering events. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives (collectively, "indefinite lived intangible assets") are not amortized, but instead are tested for impairment at least annually. Our annual impairment assessment of our indefinite-lived intangible assets is performed during the fourth quarter of each year.

The Company utilizes a qualitative assessment for determining whether step one of the goodwill impairment analysis is necessary. The accounting guidance permits entities to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. In evaluating goodwill on a qualitative basis the Company reviews the business performance of each reporting unit and evaluates other relevant factors as identified in the relevant accounting guidance to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indicated impairment exists for any of our reporting units. The Company considers whether there are any negative macroeconomic conditions, industry specific conditions, market changes, increased competition, increased costs in doing business, management challenges, the legal environments and how these factors might impact company specific performance in future periods. As part of the analysis, the Company also considers fair value determinations for certain reporting units that have been made at various points throughout the current and prior years for other purposes.

If a step one test is considered necessary based on the qualitative factors, the Company compares the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. Developing estimates of fair value requires significant judgments, including making assumptions about appropriate discount rates, perpetual growth rates, relevant comparable market multiples, public trading prices and the amount and timing of expected future cash flows. The cash flows employed in Liberty's valuation analysis are based on management's best estimates considering current marketplace factors and risks

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LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

as well as assumptions of growth rates in future years. There is no assurance that actual results in the future will approximate these forecasts. For those reporting units whose carrying value exceeds the fair value, a second test is required to measure the impairment loss (the "Step 2 Test"). In the Step 2 Test, the fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit with any residual value being allocated to goodwill. The difference between such allocated amount and the carrying value of the goodwill is recorded as an impairment charge.

The accounting guidance also permits entities to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If the qualitative assessment supports that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, exceeds its fair value, then a quantitative assessment is performed. If the carrying value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. See note 6 for discussion of goodwill impairments.

Websites and Internal Use Software Development Costs

Certain costs incurred during the application development stage related to the development of websites and internal use software are capitalized and included in other intangibles. Capitalized costs include internal and external costs, if direct and incremental, and deemed by management to be significant. 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.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

The Company periodically reviews the carrying amounts of its property and equipment and its intangible assets (other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles) to determine whether current events or circumstances indicate that such carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount of the asset group is greater than the expected undiscounted cash flows to be generated by such asset group, including its ultimate disposition, an impairment adjustment is to be recognized. Such adjustment is measured by the amount that the carrying value of such asset groups exceeds their fair value. The Company generally measures fair value by considering sale prices for similar assets or by discounting estimated future cash flows using an appropriate discount rate. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate the fair value of asset groups. Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from such estimates. Asset groups to be disposed of are carried at the lower of their financial statement carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling interest relates to the equity ownership interest in TripAdvisor that the Company does not own. The Company reports noncontrolling interests of consolidated companies within equity in the consolidated balance sheets and the amount of net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest is presented in the consolidated statements of operations. Also, changes in ownership interests in consolidated companies in which the Company maintains a controlling interest are recorded in equity.

Foreign Currency Translation and Transaction Gains and Losses

The functional currency of the Company is the United States (“U.S.”) dollar. The functional currency of the Company’s foreign operations generally is the applicable local currency for each foreign subsidiary. Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated at the spot rate in effect at the applicable reporting date, and the consolidated

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LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

statements of operations are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during the applicable period. The resulting unrealized cumulative translation adjustment, net of applicable income taxes, is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss) in equity.

Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are recorded based on exchange rates at the time such transactions arise. Subsequent changes in exchange rates result in transaction gains and losses which are reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive earnings (loss) as unrealized (based on the applicable period-end exchange rate) or realized upon settlement of the transactions.

Accordingly, we have recorded foreign exchange losses of $ 3 million, $ 10 million, and none for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, in other, net on our consolidated statements of operations. These amounts include gains and losses, realized and unrealized, on foreign currency forward contracts.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized from the sale of goods and advertising services rendered 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 and commission based arrangements, 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 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 record 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 TripAdvisor’s 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 TripAdvisor’s platform, it receives cash from the traveler that includes both commission, which is recorded as deferred revenue, and the amount due to the property owner,

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LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

which is recorded to deferred merchant payables on TripAdvisor’s consolidated balance sheet.  We pay the amount due to the property owner and recognize our commission revenue at the time of the traveler’s stay. Additional revenue is derived on a pay-per-lead basis, as we provide 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.

 

Other Revenue – Retail r evenue is recognized at the time of delivery to customers. An allowance for returned merchandise is provided as a percentage of sales based on historical experience. The total reduction in sales due to returns was approximately $ 3 million, $ 2  million, and $ 3  million for each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Shipping revenue is included in net sales and the related costs of shipping are included in operating expense. Sales tax collected from customers on retail sales is recorded on a net basis and is not included in revenue.

Operating Expense

Operating expenses consist primarily of certain technology and content expenses, including personnel and overhead expenses which include salaries and benefits, stock-based compensation expense and bonuses for salaried employees and contractors engaged in the design, development, testing and maintenance of TripAdvisor’s website and mobile apps. Operating expense also includes to a lesser extent costs of services which are expenses that are closely correlated or directly related to service revenue generated, including advertising fees, flight search fees, credit card fees and data center costs. Other costs include licensing, maintenance expense, computer supplies, technology hardware, actual product cost, provision for obsolete inventory, buying allowances received from suppliers, shipping and handling costs and warehouse costs.

General and Administrative

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

Selling and Marketing

Selling and marketing expenses primarily consist of direct costs, including search engine marketing, or SEM, and catalogue costs. In addition, our 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.

The Company incurs advertising expense consisting of traffic generation costs from search engines and internet portals, other online and offline advertising expense, promotions and public relations to promote our brands. Costs associated with advertisements are expensed in the period in which the advertisement takes place. Advertising expense was $ 519  million, $ 357  million and $ 251  million for each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation

As more fully described in note 9, Liberty has previously granted to its directors, employees and employees of its subsidiaries options, restricted stock and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) to purchase shares of Liberty Interactive and/or Liberty Ventures common stock (collectively, “Awards”). Liberty measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an Award of equity instruments (such as stock options and restricted stock) 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

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LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

(usually the vesting period of the Award). Liberty measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an Award of liability instruments (such as stock appreciation rights that will be settled in cash) based on the current fair value of the Award, and remeasures the fair value of the Award at each reporting date. Certain outstanding awards that were previously granted by Liberty were assumed by TripCo upon the completion of the Trip Spin-Off. Additionally, as of December 2012 TripAdvisor is a consolidated company and TripAdvisor has issued stock-based compensation to its employees related to their common stock. The consolidated statements of operations include stock-based compensation related to TripAdvisor equity in addition to Liberty Awards already held by BuySeasons employees.

Included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations are the following amounts of stock-based compensation for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (amounts in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

    

2015

    

2014

 

2013

 

Operating expense

    

$

32

 

32

 

26

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

50

 

42

 

34

 

 

 

$

82

 

74

 

60

 

 

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying value amounts and income tax bases of assets and liabilities and the expected benefits of utilizing net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated using enacted tax rates in effect for each taxing jurisdiction in which the Company operates for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Net deferred tax assets are then reduced by a valuation allowance if the Company believes it more likely than not that such net deferred tax assets will not be realized. We consider all relevant factors when assessing the likelihood of future realization of our deferred tax assets, including our recent earnings experience by jurisdiction, expectations of future taxable income, and the carryforward periods available to us for tax reporting purposes, as well as assessing available tax planning strategies. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of an enacted change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Due to inherent complexities arising from the nature of our businesses, future changes in income tax law, tax sharing agreements or variances between our actual and anticipated operating results, we make certain judgments and estimates. Therefore, actual income taxes could materially vary from these estimates.

When the tax law requires interest to be paid on an underpayment of income taxes, the Company recognizes interest expense from the first period the interest would begin accruing according to the relevant tax law. Such interest expense is included in income tax expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Any accrual of penalties related to underpayment of income taxes on uncertain tax positions is included in income tax (expense) benefit in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

We recognize in our consolidated financial statements the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not to be sustained upon an examination, based on the technical merits of the position.

In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes.  The new guidance requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet and permits the use of either a retrospective or prospective transition method. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early application permitted. The Company has early adopted this guidance.  The retrospective application

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LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

of this guidance decreased current “Deferred income tax assets” by $ 11 million, decreased “Other assets” by $2 million and decreased “Deferred income tax liabilities” by $ 13 million on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014.

Deferred Merchant Payables

TripAdvisor receives cash from travelers at the time of booking related to its vacation rental, attractions and transaction-based businesses and it records these amounts, net of commissions, on its consolidated balance sheets as deferred merchant payables. TripAdvisor pays the hotel, attraction provider or vacation rental owner after the travelers’ use and subsequent billing from the hotel, attraction pr ovider or vacation rental owner . Therefore, it receives cash from the traveler prior to paying the hotel, attraction provider or vacation rental owner , and this operating cycle represents a working capital source or use of cash to TripAdvisor. As long as these businesses grow, TripAdvisor expects that changes in working capital related to these transactions, depending on timing of payments and seasonality, will continue to impact operating cash flows. TripAdvisor’s deferred merchant payables balance was $ 105 million and $ 93 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Certain Risks and Concentrations

The TripAdvisor business is subject to certain risks and concentrations including dependence on relationships with its customers. TripAdvisor is highly dependent on advertising relationships with Expedia and Priceline, which each accounted for more than 10% of TripAdvisor’s consolidated revenue and combined accounted for approximately 46% ,   46% and 47% of its total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Contingent Liabilities

Periodically, we review the status of all significant outstanding matters to assess any potential financial exposure. When (i) it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and (ii) the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we record the estimated loss in our consolidated statements of operations. We provide disclosure in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for loss contingencies that do not meet both these conditions if there is a reasonable possibility that a loss may have been incurred that would be material to the financial statements. Significant judgment is required to determine the probability that a liability has been incurred and whether such liability is reasonably estimable. We base accruals made on the best information available at the time which can be highly subjective. The final outcome of these matters could vary significantly from the amounts included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss), cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of tax.

Earnings (Loss) per Common Share (EPS)

Basic earnings (loss) per common share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS presents the dilutive effect on a per share basis of potential common shares as if they had been converted at the beginning of the periods presented.

The Company issued 73,685,924 common shares, which is the aggregate number of shares of Series A and Series B common stock outstanding upon the completion of the Trip Spin-Off on August 27, 2014.  The number of shares issued

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LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

in the Trip Spin-Off is being used for both basic and diluted earnings per share for all periods prior to the date of the Trip Spin-Off as no Company equities or equity awards were outstanding prior to the Trip Spin-Off.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

number of shares in millions

 

Basic EPS

 

75

 

74

 

Potentially dilutive shares

 

 —

 

 —

 

Diluted EPS

 

75

 

74

 

 

Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company considers (i) recoverability and recognition of goodwill, intangible and long-lived assets, (ii) accounting for income taxes and (iii) stock-based compensation to be its most significant estimates.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified for comparability with the current year presentation.  

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2015, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability instead of being presented as an asset. Debt disclosures will include the face amount of the debt liability and the effective interest rate.  In August 2015, additional accounting guidance was issued on this topic that clarifies the April 2015 guidance for debt issuance costs associated with line-of-credit arrangements, which states the FASB would not object to the continued deferral and presentation of debt issuance costs as an asset, which would be subsequently amortized over the term of the arrangement.  This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and the interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early application permitted.  The Company has early adopted this guidance.  The retrospective application of this guidance decreased “Other assets” and “Long-term debt” by $2 million on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014. Refer to “Note 7— Debt” below for the current year presentation.

New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In September 2015, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which eliminates the requirement for an acquirer in a business combination to account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively. Instead, acquirers must recognize measurement-period adjustments during the period in which they determine the amounts, including the effect on earnings of any amounts that would have been recorded in previous periods if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. This update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted.  The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In May 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on revenue from contracts with customers. The new guidance requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised

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LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

goods or services to customers. The updated guidance will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective and permits the use of either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company has not yet selected a transition method and is currently evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have on its financial statements and related disclosures .

(3)  Supplemental Disclosures to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

 

 

    

2015

    

2014

    

2013

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Cash paid for acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangibles not subject to amortization

 

$

17

 

253

 

30

 

Intangibles subject to amortization

 

 

12

 

194

 

19

 

Fair value of other assets acquired

 

 

2

 

25

 

2

 

Net liabilities assumed

 

 

 —

 

(96)

 

(15)

 

Deferred tax assets (liabilities)

 

 

(2)

 

(40)

 

1

 

Other

 

 

 —

 

(5)

 

(2)

 

Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash (acquired)

 

$

29

 

331

 

35

 

Cash paid for interest

 

$

7

 

8

 

9

 

Cash paid for income taxes

 

$

44

 

54

 

50

 

 

(4)  TripAdvisor Acquisitions and Dispositions

Acquisitions

 

During the year ended December 31, 2015, TripAdvisor completed three acquisitions for a total purchase price consideration of $28 million and paid in cash. The total cash consideration is subject to adjustment based on the certain indemnification obligations for general representations and warranties of the acquired company stockholders. The cash consideration was paid primarily from TripAdvisor’s international subsidiaries. TripAdvisor acquired 100% of the outstanding capital stock of the following companies: ZeTrip, a personal journal app that helps users log activities, including places they have visited and photos they have taken, purchased in January 2015; BestTables, a provider of an online and mobile reservations platform for restaurants in Portugal and Brazil, purchased in March 2015; and Dimmi, a provider of an online and mobile reservations platform for restaurants in Australia, purchased in May 2015.  

 

The purchase price allocation for TripAdvisor’s 2015 acquisitions is preliminary and subject to revision as more information becomes available, but in any case will not be revised beyond twelve months after the acquisition date and any change to the fair value of assets acquired or liabilities assumed will lead to a corresponding adjustment through the consolidated statement of operations. The primary area of the purchase price allocation which is not yet finalized is related to income tax net operating losses for all 2015 acquisitions.  Acquired goodwill related to our 2015 acquisitions is not deductible for tax purposes. Pro-forma results of operations for these acquisitions have not been presented as the financial impact to our consolidated financial statements, both individually and in aggregate, would not be materially different from historical results.

 

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LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

T he following table presents the initial purchase price allocations recorded on our consolidated balance sheet for all 2015 acquisitions (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

$

17

 

Intangible assets

 

 

12

 

Net tangible assets

 

 

1

 

Deferred tax liabilities, net

 

 

(2)

 

Total purchase price consideration

 

$

28

 

 

Intangible assets acquired during 2015 included trade names of $ 2 million, customer lists and supplier relationships of $ 7 million, and technology and other of $ 3 million.  The overall weighted average life of the intangible assets acquired in the purchase of these businesses during 2015 was approximately 6 years, and will be amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2014, TripAdvisor completed seven acquisitions for total cash consideration of $ 331 million, net of cash acquired. TripAdvisor acquired Vacation Home Rentals, a U.S.-based vacation rental website featuring properties around the world; London-based Tripbod, a travel community that helps connect travelers to local experts to deliver travelers relevant recommendations for trip planning; Lafourchette, a provider of an online and mobile reservations platform for restaurants in Europe; Viator a platform for researching and booking destination activities around the world; MyTable and Restopolis, a provider of an online and mobile reservations platform for restaurants in Italy; Iens, a provider of an online and mobile reservations platform for restaurants in the Netherlands.

 

The following table presents the purchase price allocations recorded on our consolidated balance sheet for all 2014 acquisitions (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets (including acquired cash)

    

$

94

 

Goodwill

 

 

253

 

Intangible assets

 

 

194

 

Deferred tax liabilities, net

 

 

(40)

 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

 

(101)

 

Total purchase price consideration

 

$

400

 

 

The excess purchase price over identifiable net tangible assets of $253 million has been recorded to goodwill in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014. The goodwill in these transactions is primarily attributable to expected operational synergies, the assembled workforces, and the future development initiatives of the assembled workforces. Approximately $ 5  million of goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. A total of $194 million was allocated to identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization, including customer and supplier relationships, tradenames, subscription relationships, developed technology and other intangibles. The weighted-average life of the identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired in 2014 is approximately 7  years and will be amortized on a straight-line basis. Pro forma financial information related to these acquisitions has not been provided as they are not material to our consolidated results of operations.

During the year ended December 31, 2013, TripAdvisor completed six acquisitions for total cash consideration of approximately $ 35 million, net of cash acquired.

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LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

Approximately $1 million , $4  million, and $2 million of acquisition-related costs were expensed as incurred during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and are included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Dispositions

In August 2015, TripAdvisor sold its 100% interest in a Chinese subsidiary to an unrelated third party for $ 28 million in cash consideration.  Accordingly, TripAdvisor deconsolidated $ 11 million of assets (which included $ 3 million of cash sold) and $ 4 million of liabilities from its consolidated balance sheets and recognized a $ 20 million gain on sale in other, net on the consolidated statements of operations.

 

(5)   Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

For assets and liabilities required to be reported at fair value, GAAP provides a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs, other than quoted market prices included within Level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. The Company does not have any recurring assets or liabilities measured at fair value that would be considered Level 3.

The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2015

 

December 31, 2014

 

 

    

 

 

    

Quoted prices

    

Significant

    

 

    

Quoted prices

    

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

 

in active

 

other

 

 

 

in active

 

other

 

 

 

 

 

 

markets for

 

observable

 

 

 

markets for

 

observable

 

 

 

 

 

 

identical assets

 

inputs

 

 

 

identical assets

 

inputs

 

Description

 

Total

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

Total

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Cash equivalents

 

$

44

 

39

 

5

 

58

 

58

 

 —

 

Marketable securities

 

$

47

 

 —

 

47

 

108

 

 

108

 

Available-for-sale securities

 

$

37

 

 —

 

37

 

31

 

 

31

 

The fair value of Level 2 marketable securities and available - for - sale securities were obtained from pricing sources for identical or comparable instruments, rather than direct observations of quoted prices in active markets.

Other Financial Instruments

Other financial instruments not measured at fair value on a recurring b asis include trade receivables , trade payables, accrued and other current liabilities. The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments as reported on our consolidated balance sheets.

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LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

(6)  Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows (amounts in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

    

Corporate

    

 

 

 

 

TripAdvisor

 

and Other

 

Total

 

Balance at January 1, 2014

 

$

3,460

 

 —

 

3,460

 

Acquisition (1)

 

 

253

 

 —

 

253

 

Other (2)

 

 

(22)

 

 —

 

(22)

 

Balance at December 31, 2014

 

 

3,691

 

 —

 

3,691

 

Acquisition (1)

 

 

17

 

 —

 

17

 

Other (2)

 

 

(19)

 

 —

 

(19)

 

Balance at December 31, 2015

 

$

3,689

 

 —

 

3,689

 

 


(1)

Additions to goodwill relate to TripAdvisor’s acquisitions.  See “Note 4 – TripAdvisor, Inc. Acquisitions and Dispositions,” for further information.

(2)

Other changes are primarily due to foreign currency translation on goodwill.

As presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, trademarks are the other significant indefinite lived intangible asset and the change from the prior year is due to the change in foreign exchange rates.

Intangible Assets subject to amortization

Intangible assets subject to amortization are comprised of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2015

 

December 31, 2014

 

 

    

Weighted

    

 

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

 

 

 

Average

 

Gross

 

 

 

Net

 

Gross

 

 

 

Net

 

 

 

Remaining

 

carrying

 

Accumulated

 

carrying

 

carrying

 

Accumulated

 

carrying

 

 

 

Useful Life

 

amount

 

amortization

 

amount

 

amount

 

amortization

 

amount

 

 

 

in years

 

amounts in millions

 

Customer relationships

 

5

 

 

965

 

(599)

 

366

 

979

 

(456)

 

523

 

Other

 

6

 

 

444

 

(185)

 

259

 

428

 

(110)

 

318

 

Total

 

 

 

 

1,409

 

(784)

 

625

 

1,407

 

(566)

 

841

 

 

Amortization of TripAdvisor intangible assets acquired during 2012 are expected to match the usage of the related assets and are being amortized on an accelerated basis as reflected in amortization expense and in the future amortization table below.

Amortization expense was $245 million, $279 million and $303 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

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LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

The estimated future amortization expense for the next five years related to intangible assets with definite lives as of December 31, 2015, assuming no subsequent impairment of the underlying assets, is as follows (amounts in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

2016

 

$

193

 

2017

 

$

175

 

2018

 

$

112

 

2019

 

$

108

 

2020

 

$

103

 

 

Impairments

During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we recorded impairments related to BuySeasons, presented in the statements of operations, which is included in the Corporate and other segment. The impairments are primarily related to trademarks. Continued declining operating results as compared to budgeted results and certain trends required a quantitative impairment test and a determination of fair value for BuySeasons. This fair value, including the related intangibles and goodwill, was determined using projections of future operating performance and applying a combination of market multiples (market approach) and discounted cash flow (income approach) calculations (Level 3). As of December 31, 2015 the accumulated impairment losses for BuySeasons was $46 million.

 

(7) Debt

Outstanding debt at December 31, 2015 and 2014 is summarized as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

TripAdvisor 2011 Credit Facility

    

$

 —

 

    

300

 

TripAdvisor 2015 Credit Facility

 

 

200

 

 

 —

 

TripCo margin loans

 

 

421

 

 

404

 

Chinese credit facilities

 

 

1

 

 

38

 

Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs

 

 

(1)

 

 

(2)

 

Total consolidated TripCo debt

 

$

621

 

 

740

 

Less debt classified as current

 

 

(1)

 

 

(78)

 

Total long-term debt

 

$

620

 

 

662

 

 

TripAdvisor 2011 Credit Facility

In 2011, TripAdvisor entered into a credit agreement (the “2011 Credit Facility”), which provided $600  million of borrowing including:

·

a term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $ 400  million with a term of five years due December 2016 (“Term Loan”); and

·

a revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $ 200  million available in U.S. dollars, Euros and British pound sterling with a term of five years expiring December 2016.

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LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

On June 26, 2015, the entire outstanding principal on TripAdvisor’s Term Loan in the amount of $ 290 million was repaid with borrowings from TripAdvisor’s 2015 Credit Facility (described below) and the 2011 Credit Facility was subsequently terminated. TripAdvisor repaid the Term Loan debt and terminated the 2011 Credit Facility without premium or penalty. There was no resulting loss on early extinguishment of this debt.

TripAdvisor 2015 Credit Facility

On June 26, 2015, TripAdvisor entered into a five year credit agreement (the “2015 Credit Facility”).  The 2015 Credit Facility, among other things, provides for (i) a $1 billion unsecured revolving credit facility, (ii) an interest rate on borrowings and commitment fees based on TripAdvisor’s and its subsidiaries’ consolidated leverage ratio and (iii) uncommitted incremental revolving loan and term loan facilities, subject to compliance with a leverage covenant and other conditions. Any overdue amounts under or in respect of the revolving credit facility not paid when due shall bear interest at (i) in the case of principal, the applicable interest rate plus 2.00% per annum, (ii) in the case of interest denominated in British pound sterling or Euro, the applicable rate plus 2.00% per annum and (iii) in the case of interest denominated in U.S. Dollars, 2.00% per annum plus the Alternate Base Rate plus the interest rate spread applicable to ABR loans. TripAdvisor may borrow from the revolving credit facility in U.S. dollars, Euros and British pound sterling with a term of five years expiring June 26, 2020. 

TripAdvisor immediately borrowed $290 million from this revolving credit facility, which was used to repay all outstanding borrowings pursuant to the 2011 Credit Facility and is recorded in long term debt in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015.  There is no specific repayment date prior to the five-year maturity date for borrowings under this revolving credit facility. During the year ended December 31, 2015, TripAdvisor repaid $ 90 million of its outstanding borrowings on the 2015 Credit Facility.  Based on TripAdvisor’s current leverage ratio, borrowings bear interest at LIBOR plus 125 basis points, or the Eurocurrency Spread. TripAdvisor is currently borrowing under a one-month interest period of 1.7%  per annum, using a one-month interest period Eurocurrency Spread, which will reset periodically. Interest will be payable on a monthly basis while TripAdvisor is borrowing under the one-month interest rate period.

TripAdvisor is also required to pay a quarterly commitment fee, on the average daily unused portion of the revolving credit facility for each fiscal quarter and fees in connection with the issuance of letters of credit. Unused revolver capacity is currently subject to a commitment fee of 20 basis points, given TripAdvisor’s current leverage ratio. The 2015 Credit Facility includes $15 million of borrowing capacity available for letters of credit and $40 million for borrowings on same-day notice. As of December 31, 2015, TripAdvisor had issued $ 2 million of outstanding letters of credit under the 2015 Credit Facility.

In connection with the 2015 Credit Facility, TripAdvisor incurred lender fees and debt financing costs totaling $3 million, which were capitalized as deferred financing costs and recorded in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. These costs will be amortized over the term of the 2015 Credit Facility using the effective interest rate method and will be recorded to interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

TripAdvisor may voluntarily repay any outstanding borrowing under the 2015 Credit Facility at any time without premium or penalty, other than customary breakage costs with respect to Eurocurrency loans. Certain wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries of TripAdvisor have agreed to guarantee TripAdvisor’s obligations under the 2015 Credit Facility.

The 2015 Credit Facility contains a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict TripAdvisor’s ability to: incur additional indebtedness, create liens, enter into sale and leaseback transactions, engage in mergers or consolidations, sell or transfer assets, pay dividends and distributions, make investments, loans or advances, prepay certain subordinated indebtedness, make certain acquisitions, engage in certain transactions with affiliates, amend material

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LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

agreements governing certain subordinated indebtedness, and change the fiscal year. The 2015 Credit Facility also requires TripAdvisor to maintain a maximum leverage ratio and contains certain customary affirmative covenants and events of default, including a change of control. If an event of default occurs, the lenders under the 2015 Credit Facility will be entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of all amounts due under the 2015 Credit Facility.  

TripAdvisor Chinese Credit Facilities

In addition to borrowings under the 2015 Credit Facility, TripAdvisor maintains Chinese Credit Facilities. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, there were approximately $1 million and $38 million of short term borrowings outstanding, respectively.

Tr ipAdvisor’s Chinese subsidiary entered into a $30  million, one year revolving credit facility with Bank of America (the “Chinese Credit Facility—BOA”) that is currently subject to review on a periodic basis with no specific expiration period. The Chinese Credit Facility—BOA bears interest at a rate based on 100% of the People’s Bank of China’s base rate, which was 4.35 % as of December 31, 2015. During the year ended December 31, 2015, TripAdvisor made a $ 22 million repayment of its outstanding borrowings on the Chinese Credit Facility—BOA. As of December 31, 2015, TripAdvisor had $1  million of borrowings outstanding under the Chinese Credit Facility—BOA.

In addition, Tr ipAdvisor’s Chinese subsidiary entered into a RMB 125,000,000 (approximately $20  million) one -year revolving credit facility with J.P. Morgan Chase Bank (“Chinese Credit Facility—JPM”). The Chinese Credit Facility—JPM bears interest at a rate based on 100% of the People’s Bank of China’s base rate, which was 4.35 % as of December 31, 2015. During the year ended December 31, 2015, TripAdvisor made a $ 19 million repayment of its outstanding borrowings on the Chinese Credit Facility—JPM. As of December 31, 2015, there are no outstanding borrowings under the Chinese Credit Facility—JPM.

TripCo Debt

On August 21, 2014, a wholly owned subsidiary of TripCo (“TripSPV”), entered into two margin loan agreements which aggregated total borrowings of $400 million. Prior to the Trip Spin-Off, approximately $348 million of such amount was distributed to Liberty. Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of TripAdvisor were pledged as collateral pursuant to these agreements. Each agreement contains language that indicates that TripSPV, as borrower and transferor of underlying shares as collateral, has the right to exercise all voting, consensual and other powers of ownership pertaining to the transferred shares for all purposes, provided that TripCo agrees that it will not vote the shares in any manner that would reasonably be expected to give rise to transfer or certain other restrictions. Similarly, the loan agreements indicate that no lender party shall have any voting rights with respect to the shares transferred, except to the extent that a lender party buys any shares in a sale or other disposition made pursuant to the terms of the loan agreements. The agreements also contain certain restrictions related to additional indebtedness and margin calls. The initial margin call would require the outstanding balance to be reduced to $300 million if at any time the closing price per share of TripAdvisor common stock were to fall below certain minimum values. Interest on the margin loans accrues at a rate of 3.65% plus LIBOR for six months and 3.25% thereafter to be paid in kind or cash at the election of TripSPV. The Company expects that interest on the loan will be paid in kind and added to the principal amount on the loan. During the year ended December 31, 2015, TripCo recorded $17 million of non-cash interest related to the loan. The term of the loan is three years and the maturity date is August 22, 2017.

 

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Table of Contents

LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

As of December 31, 2015, the values of TripAdvisor’s shares pledged as collateral pursuant to the margin loan agreements, determined based on the trading price of the Common Stock and on an as-if converted basis for the Class B Common Stock, are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

Number of Shares

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

Pledged 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

as Collateral as of 

  

Share value as of 

 

Pledged Collateral

  

December 31, 2015

  

December 31, 2015

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Common Stock 

 

18.2

 

$

1,552

 

 

Class B Common Stock

 

12.8

 

$

1,091

 

 

 

The outstanding margin loans contain various affirmative and negative covenants that restrict the activities of the borrower. The loan agreements do not include any financial covenants.

 

Additionally, in support of the margin loan agreements, TripCo and Liberty Interactive LLC entered into a promissory note whereby TripCo may request, upon certain margin call thresholds, up to $200 million in funds. Proceeds from the promissory note must be used by TripSPV to offset obligations under the margin loan agreements.

 

Fair Value

Due to the primarily variable rate nature, TripCo believes that the carrying amount of its debt approximated fair value at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Debt Covenants

As of December 31, 2015, each of the Company and TripAdvisor was in compliance with its respective debt covenants.

(8)  Income Taxes

TripCo was included in the federal consolidated income tax return of Liberty prior to August 27, 2014. The tax provision included in these financial statements has been prepared on a stand-alone basis, as if TripCo was not part of the consolidated Liberty group. TripAdvisor, as a consolidated subsidiary for financial statement purposes, is not included in the Liberty consolidated group tax return and is not included in the TripCo consolidated group tax return subsequent to the Trip Spin-Off as TripCo owns less than 80% of TripAdvisor. Additionally, upon the completion of the Trip Spin-Off, the unused stand-alone net operating losses of BuySeasons was treated as a deemed equity distribution at that date. Furthermore, the income taxes payable allocated to TripCo by Liberty as of August 27, 2014 was treated as a deemed equity contribution of $29 million from Liberty upon completion of the Trip Spin-Off.

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LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

Income tax benefit (expense) consists of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years ended

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

    

2015

    

2014

    

2013

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

(42)

 

(77)

 

(32)

 

State and local

 

 

(7)

 

(22)

 

(10)

 

Foreign

 

 

(26)

 

(6)

 

(20)

 

 

 

$

(75)

 

(105)

 

(62)

 

Deferred:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

52

 

55

 

9

 

State and local

 

 

7

 

(16)

 

76

 

Foreign

 

 

26

 

31

 

32

 

 

 

 

85

 

70

 

117

 

Income tax benefit (expense)

 

$

10

 

(35)

 

55

 

 

The following table presents a summary of our domestic and foreign earnings from continuing operations before income taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years ended

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

    

2015

    

2014

    

2013

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Domestic

 

$

(70)

 

4

 

(23)

 

Foreign

 

 

74

 

40

 

(5)

 

Total

 

$

4

 

44

 

(28)

 

 

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LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

Income tax benefit (expense) differs from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% as a result of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years ended

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

    

2015

    

2014

    

2013

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Computed expected tax benefits (expense)

 

$

(1)

 

(16)

 

10

 

State and local taxes, net of federal income taxes

 

 

2

 

(7)

 

(3)

 

Foreign taxes, net of foreign tax credits

 

 

48

 

28

 

15

 

Change in estimated tax rate

 

 

3

 

(15)

 

46

 

Basis difference in consolidated subsidiary

 

 

(21)

 

(5)

 

 —

 

Change in valuation allowance

 

 

(7)

 

(7)

 

(3)

 

Change in unrecognized tax benefits

 

 

(12)

 

(14)

 

(9)

 

Other

 

 

(2)

 

1

 

(1)

 

Income tax (expense) benefit

 

$

10

 

(35)

 

55

 

 

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. Included in the income tax benefits from earnings in foreign jurisdictions is a $ 13 million tax benefit recorded at TripAdvisor as a result of a favorable decision in a U.S tax court case issued in July 2015 related to the treatment of stock-based compensation in intercompany cost-sharing agreements.  

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.    

During 2013, the Company changed its estimate of the effective state tax rate used to measure its net deferred tax liabilities, based on expected changes to the Company’s state apportionment factors. The rate change required an adjustment to the recognized deferred taxes at the TripAdvisor level.

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LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are presented below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

    

2015

    

2014

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss carryforwards

 

$

89

 

48

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

56

 

45

 

Other

 

 

65

 

61

 

Total deferred tax assets

 

 

210

 

154

 

Less: valuation allowance

 

 

(23)

 

(23)

 

Net deferred tax assets

 

 

187

 

131

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets

 

 

(811)

 

(870)

 

Investments

 

 

(33)

 

(12)

 

Other

 

 

(62)

 

(57)

 

Total deferred tax liabilities

 

 

(906)

 

(939)

 

Net deferred tax liability

 

$

(719)

 

(808)

 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2015, t he re was a $ 7 million increase in the Company’s valuation allowance that affected tax expense and a  $ 7 million decrease in the valuation allowance due to the sale of a foreign subsidiary at TripAdvisor.  

TripAdvisor has not provided for deferred U.S. income taxes on undistributed earnings of certain foreign consolidated companies that it intends to reinvest permanently outside the United States; the total amount of such earnings as of December 31, 2015 was $759  million. Should these earnings be distributed or treated under certain U.S. tax rules as having distributed earnings of foreign consolidated companies in the form of dividends or otherwise, TripAdvisor 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.

At December 31, 2015, the Company has a deferred tax asset of $89 million for federal, state, and foreign loss carryforwards.  Of this amount, $55 million is recorded at TripAdvisor.  If not utilized to reduce income tax liabilities at TripAdvisor in future periods, these loss carryforwards will expire at various times between 2016 and 2035.  The remaining deferred tax asset of $3 4 million relates to federal and state net operating loss carryforwards recorded at TripCo. If not utilized to reduce income tax liabilities at TripCo in future periods, these net operating loss carryforwards will expire at various times between 2021 and 2035.  The loss carryforwards recorded at TripAdvisor and TripCo are expected to be utilized prior to expiration, except for $6 million of state net operating losses and $17 million of foreign net operating losses (on a tax-effected basis), which based on current projections of state and foreign taxable income may expire unused.

As of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 the Company had recorded tax reserves of $89 million, $67 million and $36 million, respectively, related to unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions, which is classified as long-term and included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Prior to the acquisition of a controlling interest in TripAdvisor in December 2012, the Company did not have any unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions. If the unrecognized tax benefits were to be recognized for financial statement purposes, approximately $ 53  million, $65 million and $19 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, would be reflected in the Company’s tax expense and affect its effective tax rate. The Company’s estimate of its unrecognized tax

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LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

benefits related to uncertain tax positions requires a high degree of judgment. The Company does not believe it is reasonably possible the gross unrecognized tax benefits may increase or be paid within the next twelve months.

A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (amounts in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years ended

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

    

2015

    

2014

 

2013

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

$

67

 

36

 

24

 

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

 

 

15

 

13

 

12

 

Additions for tax positions of prior years

 

 

7

 

18

 

4

 

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

(4)

 

Balance at end of year

 

$

89

 

67

 

36

 

 

As of December 31, 2015, Liberty’s 2001 through 2011 tax years are closed for federal income tax purposes, and the IRS has completed its examination of Liberty’s 2012 and 2013 tax years. The tax loss carryforwards from the 2010 through 2012 tax years are still subject to adjustment. Liberty’s 2014 tax year is being examined currently as part of the IRS’s Compliance Assurance Process (“CAP”) program, and TripCo’s 2014 and 2015 tax years are also being examined currently as part of the CAP program. As discussed earlier, because TripCo’s ownership of TripAdvisor is less than the required 80%, TripAdvisor does not consolidate with TripCo for federal income tax purposes.

Prior to December 2011, Trip Advisor was included in the consolidated federal income tax returns filed by Expedia. Expedia’s 2009 and 2010 tax years are currently being audited by the IRS. TripAdvisor and Expedia are parties to a tax sharing agreement whereby TripAdvisor is generally required to indemnify Expedia for any taxes resulting from the Expedia 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 is undergoing an audit by the IRS for the 2012 and 2013 tax year s . Various sta tes are currently examining TripAdvisor’s prior year’s state income tax returns. TripAdvisor is no longer subject to tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2007.  As of December 31, 2015, no material assessments have resulted.

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had recorded approximately $ 6 million and $4 million, respectively, of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions.

(9) Stock-Based Compensation

TripCo Incentive Plans

In connection with the Trip Spin-Off ,   the holder of an outstanding option or stock appreciation right (collectively “Award”) to purchase shares of Liberty Ventures Series A and Series B common stock on the record date (a “Liberty

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LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

Ventures Award”) received an Award to purchase shares of the corresponding series of TripCo common stock and an adjustment to the exercise price and number of shares subject to the original Liberty Ventures Award (as so adjusted, an “adjusted Liberty Ventures Award”).  Following the Trip Spin-Off, employees of Liberty hold Awards in both Liberty Ventures common stock and TripCo common stock.  The compensation expense relating to employees of Liberty is recorded at Liberty. Therefore, compensation expense related to Awards resulting from the Trip Spin-Off will not be recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Except as described above, all other terms of an adjusted Liberty Ventures Award and a new TripCo Award (including, for example, the vesting terms thereof) are in all material respects, the same as those of the corresponding original Liberty Ventures Award.

Pursuant to the Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (Amended and Restated as of March 11, 2015) (the “2014 Plan”), the Company may grant Awards in respect of a maximum of 6.7 million shares of TripCo common stock.  Awards generally vest over 4 - 5 years and have a term of 7 - 10 years.  TripCo issues new shares upon exercise of equity awards.

TripCo - Grants

During the year ended December 31, 2015 and pursuant to the 2014 Plan, TripCo granted 25 thousand options to purchase shares of Series A common stock to its non-employee directors.  Such options had a weighted average grant-date fair value of $12.66 per share and cliff vest over a 1-year vesting period.  There were no options to purchase shares of Series B common stock granted during the period.

The Company has calculated the grant-date fair value for all of its equity classified awards and any subsequent remeasurement of its liability classified awards using the Black-Scholes -Merton Model.  The Company estimates the expected term of the Awards based on historical exercise and forfeitur e data.  For grants made in 2014 and 2015 , the range of expected terms was 6 yea rs to 7 years.  Since TripCo common stock has not traded on the stock market for a significant length of time, the volatility used in the calculation for Awards is based on a blend of the historical volatility of TripCo and TripAdvisor common stock and the implied volatility of publicly traded TripCo and TripAdvisor options; as the most significant asset within TripCo, the volatility of TripAdvisor was considered in the overall volatility of TripCo.  For grants made in 2014 and 2015 , the range of volatilities was 40.8% to   45.9% .  The Company uses a zero dividend rate and the risk-free rate for Treasury Bonds with a term similar to that of the subject options. The Company recognizes the cost of an Award over the period during which the employee is required to provide service (usually the vesting period of the Award).

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LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

TripCo - Outstanding Awards

The following table presents the number and weighted average exercise price (“WAEP”) of Awards to purchase TripCo common stock granted to certain officers, employees and directors of the Company, as well as the weighted average remaining life and aggregate intrinsic value of the Awards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

    

    

    

 

    

Weighted

    

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

remaining

 

Aggregate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

contractual

 

intrinsic

 

 

 

Series A

 

WAEP

 

life

 

value

 

 

 

in thousands

 

 

 

 

in years

 

in millions

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2015

 

1,090

 

$

13.94

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

25

 

$

30.46

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(394)

 

$

13.61

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited/Cancelled

 

(1)

 

$

22.75

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2015

 

720

 

$

14.67

 

3.5

 

$

11

 

Exercisable at December 31, 2015

 

628

 

$

13.63

 

3.1

 

$

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

    

    

    

 

    

Weighted

    

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

remaining

 

Aggregate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

contractual

 

intrinsic

 

 

 

Series B

 

WAEP

 

life

 

value

 

 

 

in thousands

 

 

 

 

in years

 

(in millions)

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2015

 

1,797

 

$

27.83

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited/Cancelled

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2015

 

1,797

 

$

27.83

 

9.0

 

$

5

 

Exercisable at December 31, 2015

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

 

As of December 31, 2015 , the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested equity Awards was $20   million. Such amount will be recognized in the Company’s statements of operations over a weighted average period of approximately 2.4  years.

TripCo - Exercises

The aggregate intrinsic value of all TripCo options exercised during the year s ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $7.3 million and   $10.7   million , respectively .

The aggregate intrinsic value of all Liberty options, related to BuySeasons emplo yees, exercised during the year   ended December 31, 2013 was $1.6  million .

TripCo — Restricted Stock

The aggregate fair value of all restricted shares of TripCo common stock and Liberty common stock that vested during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, was less than a million.

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LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

TripAdvisor Equity Grant Awards

Pursuant to TripAdvisor ’s 2011 Stock and Annual Incentive Plan (the “2011 Incentive Plan”), TripAdvisor may grant restricted stock, restricted stock awards, RSUs, stock options and other stock-based awards to TripAdvisor directors, officers, employees and consultants. Grants were valued using a volatility of 41.8% and the applicable risk free rate for an expected term of 5.4 years for the year ended December 31, 2015, volatility of 44.0% and the applicable risk free rate for an expected term of 5.8  years for the year ended December 31, 2014, and a volatility of 50.8% and the applicable risk free interest rate for an expected term of  6.1   years for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Performance-based stock options and RSUs vest upon achievement of certain TripAdvisor company-based performance conditions and a requisite service period. On the date of grant, the fair value of stock options is calculated using a Black-Scholes -Merton model, which incorporates assumptions to value stock-based awards, including the risk-free rate of return, expected volatility, expected term and expected dividend yield. If, upon grant, TripAdvisor assesses the achievement of performance targets as probable, compensation expense is recorded for the awards over the estimated performance period on a straight-line basis. At each reporting period, the probability of achieving the performance targets and the performance period required to meet those targets is assessed. To the extent actual results or updated estimates differ from TripAdvisor’s estimates, the cumulative effect on current and prior periods of those changes will be recorded in the period estimates are revised, or the change in estimate will be applied prospectively depending on whether the change affects the estimate of total compensation cost to be recognized or merely affects the period over which compensation cost is to be recognized.

The following table presents the number, weighted average exercise price (“WAEP”) and aggregate intrinsic value of stock options to purchase TripAdvisor common stock granted under their 2011 Incentive Plan:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

    

 

 

    

Weighted

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remaining

 

Aggregate

 

 

 

Number of

 

 

 

 

Contractual

 

Intrinsic

 

 

 

Options

 

WAEP

 

Life

 

Value

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

(in years)

 

(in millions)

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2015

 

8,651

 

$

44.47

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

587

 

$

83.78

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(3,187)

 

$

33.78

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cancelled or expired

 

(331)

 

$

57.44

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2015

 

5,720

 

$

53.71

 

5.6

 

$

187

 

Exercisable at December 31, 2015

 

2,480

 

$

36.69

 

4.3

 

$

122

 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2015, Trip Advisor granted 0.6  million of service based stock options u nder their 2011 Incentive Plan , with a weighted average estimated grant-date fair value per option of $ 33.02 . These stock options generally have a contractual term of ten years from the date of grant and generally vest over a four year requisite service period. As of December 31, 2015 , the total number of shares available under the 2011 Incentive Plan is 17,200,758 shares. TripAdvisor related stock-based compensation for the year ended December 31, 2015 was approximately $ 77  million. As of December 31, 2015 , the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested TripAdvisor stock options was approximately $ 56  million and will be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.5  years.

Restricted Stock Units  RSUs are stock awards that are granted to employees entitling the holder to shares of TripAdvisor common stock as the award vests. RSUs are measured at fair value based on the number of shares granted and the quoted price of TripAdvisor common stock at the date of grant. The fair value of RSUs, net of estimated forf eitures,

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LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

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.

During the year ended December 31, 2015, TripAdvisor granted 1  million service based RSUs under their 2011 Incentive Plan for which the fair value was measured based on the quoted price of TripAdvisor common stock at the date of grant. The weighted average grant date fair va lue for RSUs granted during 2015 was $ 82.95 per share. The unvested TripAdvisor RSUs had a weighted a verage grant date fair value of $ 79.02 as of December 31, 2015 . As of December 31,   2015 , the total unrecognized compensation cost related to 1.8 million unvested TripAdvisor RSU’s outstanding was approximately $94  million which will be recognized over the remaining vesting term of approximately 2.7  years.

(10)   Employee Benefit Plans

Consolidate d companies of TripCo sponsor 401(k) plans, which provide their employees an opportunity to make contributions to a trust for investment in TripCo common stock, as well as other mutual funds. The Company’s co nsolidate d companies make matching contributions to the plans based on a percentage of the amount contributed by employees. Employer cash contributions related to BuySeasons and TripAdvisor were  $ 7 million,   $5 million and   $5 million   for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

(11)   Related Party Transactions

Agreement with Chairman, President and CEO

Because of the significant voting power that Mr. Maffei would possess upon exercise of the options granted to him on December 21, 2014 and as a result of the share exchange between Mr. Maffei and certain of our stockholders in December 2014, the Compensation Committee of the Board and members of the Board independent of Mr. Maffei determined it was appropriate to request that Mr. Maffei and TripCo enter into a standstill agreement that would cap his voting interest at 34.9% (the “Standstill Agreement”), subject to a variety of l imitations and exceptions.

(12)   Commitments and Contingencies

Operating Leases

TripCo’s consolidated companies have contractual obligations in the form of operating leases for office and warehouse space for which the related expense is recorded on a monthly basis. Certain leases contain periodic rent escalation adjustments and renewal options. Rent expense related to such leases is recorded on a straight-line basis. Operating lease obligations expire at various dates with the latest maturity in December 20 30 .

In June 2013, TripAdvisor entered into a lease to move its headquarters to Needham, Massachusetts in 2015. TripAdvisor was the deemed owner (for accounting purposes only) of the new building during the construction period under build to suit lease accounting. As building construction began in the fourth quarter of 2013, TripAdvisor recorded project construction cost s incurred by the landlord as a construction-in-progress asset and a corresponding construction financing obligation in “Property and equipment, at cost” and “Other liabilities,” respectively, in the consolidated balance sheets.

Upon completion of construction at the end of the second quarter of 2015, TripAdvisor evaluated the construction-in-progress asset and construction financing obligation for de-recognition under the criteria for “sale-leaseback” treatment under GAAP. TripAdvisor has continued economic involvement in the facility, and therefore did not meet the provisions

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LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

for sale-leaseback accounting. This determination was based on TripAdvisor's continuing involvement with the property in the form of non-recourse financing to the lessor. Therefore, the lease has been accounted for as a financing obligation. Accordingly, TripAdvisor began depreciating the building asset over its estimated useful life and incurring interest expense related to the financing obligation imputed using the effective interest rate method. TripAdvisor will bifurcate the lease payments into (i) a portion that is allocated to the building (a reduction to the construction financing obligation) and; (ii) a portion that is allocated to the land on which the building was constructed. The portion of the lease payments allocated to the land is treated as an operating lease that commenced in 2013. The construction financing obligation is considered a long-term finance lease obligation and is recorded to noncurrent “Other liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheets.  At the end of the lease term, the carrying value of the building asset and of the remaining financing obligation are expected to be equal, at which time TripAdvisor may either surrender the leased asset as settlement of the remaining financing obligation or extend the initial term of the lease for the continued use of the asset. The lease payments under the new lease will approximate $9.5  million annually. TripAdvisor incurred approximately $6 million,  $ 62 million and $8 million of non-cash construction costs and related obligations in connection with the capitalization of construction-in-progress and tenant improvement costs during the year s ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively .

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 international management teams, sales offices, and subsidiary headquarters, pursuant to leases with expirat ion dates through June 2027.  

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, TripCo recorded rental expense of $22 million, $22 million and $15 million, respectively. The following table presents TripCo’s estimated future minimum rental payments under operating leases with non-cancelable lease terms, including the new TripAdvisor headquarters lease, that expire after December 31, 2015 (amounts in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

2016

    

$

25

 

2017

 

 

26

 

2018

 

 

26

 

2019

 

 

25

 

2020

 

 

25

 

Thereafter

 

 

158

 

 

 

$

285

 

 

Charitable Fou ndation

 

TripAdvisor has historically funded 2% of its annual operating income before amortization and stock-based compensation to The TripAdvisor Foundation (“the Foundation”). TripAdvisor’s pledge agreement provided for an immediate satisfaction of all future annual contributions, by paying an amount of eight multiplied by TripAdvisor’s prior year contribution to the Foundation. TripAdvisor exercised this right under the pledge agreement in December 2015.  Consequently, TripAdvisor recorded an expense for the year ending December 31, 2015 in the amount of $67 million for the contribution, which was recorded to general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations. TripAdvisor settled this obligation with treasury shares based on the fair value of its common stock on the date the treasury shares were issued to the Foundation.   Due to the one-time nature and use of stock to settle the obligation, the amount has been excluded from Adjusted OIBDA for the year ended December 31, 2015, as shown in note 13. TripAdvisor does not expect to make any future contributions to the Foundation. The Board of Directors of the Foundation is comprised of Stephen Kaufer- TripAdvisor President and Chief Executive Officer, Julie M.B. Bradley- former TripAdvisor Chief Financial Officer and Seth J. Kalvert- TripAdvisor Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary.     

 

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LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

Off- Balance Sheet Arrangements

TripCo did not have any other off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Litigation

In the ordinary course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are parties to legal proceedings and claims involving, among other things, arising out of our operations. These matters may relate to claims involving alleged infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, defamation, taxes, regulatory compliance and other claims. Although it is reasonably possible that the Company 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.

(13) Segment Information

TripCo, through its ownership interests in subsidiaries and other companies, is primarily engaged in the on - line commerce industries. TripCo identifies its reportable segments as (A) those co nsolidate d companies that represent 10% or more of its co nsolidat ed annual revenue, annual adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted OIBDA”) or total assets and (B) those equity method affiliates whose share of earnings represent 10% or more of TripCo’s annual pre - tax earnings.

TripCo evaluates performance and makes decisions about allocating resources to its operating segments based on financial measures such as revenue, Adjusted OIBDA, gross margin, average sales price per unit, number of units shipped and revenue or sales per customer equivalent. In addition, TripCo reviews nonfinancial measures such as unique website visitors, conversion rates and active customers, as appropriate.

TripCo defines Adjusted OIBDA as revenue less operating expenses, and selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding stock - based compensation) ,   adjusted for specifically identified non-recurring transactions . TripCo believes this measure is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of its businesses, including each business’s ability to service debt and fund capital expenditures. In addition, this measure allows management to view operating results and perform analytical comparisons and benchmarking between businesses and identify strategies to improve performance. This measure of performance excludes depreciation and amortization, equity settled liabilities (including stock - based compensation ) , separately reported litigation settlements 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. TripCo generally accounts for intersegment sales and transfers as if the sales or transfers were to third parties, that is, at current prices.

TripCo’s operating segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services. They are managed separately because each segment requires different technologies, distribution channels and marketing strategies. The accounting policies of the segments that are also co nsolidate d companies are the same as those described in the Company’s summary of significant accounting policies.

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LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

Performance Measures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

    

 

 

    

Adjusted

    

 

    

Adjusted

    

 

    

Adjusted

 

 

 

Revenue

 

OIBDA

 

Revenue

 

OIBDA

 

Revenue

 

OIBDA

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

TripAdvisor

 

$

1,492

 

464

 

1,246

 

468

 

945

 

379

 

Corporate and other

 

 

73

 

(30)

 

83

 

(26)

 

89

 

(18)

 

Consolidated TripCo

 

$

1,565

 

434

 

1,329

 

442

 

1,034

 

361

 

 

Other Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2015

 

December 31, 2014

 

 

    

Total

    

Capital

    

Total

    

Capital

 

 

 

Assets

 

expenditures

 

Assets

 

expenditures

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

TripAdvisor

 

$

7,235

 

109

 

7,284

 

81

 

Corporate and other

 

 

50

 

3

 

82

 

9

 

Consolidated TripCo

 

$

7,285

 

112

 

7,366

 

90

 

 

Revenue by Geographic Area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

    

2015

    

2014

    

2013

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

United States

 

$

807

 

670

 

541

 

United Kingdom

 

 

215

 

191

 

141

 

Other countries

 

 

543

 

468

 

352

 

Consolidated TripCo

 

$

1,565

 

1,329

 

1,034

 

 

Long - lived Assets by Geographic Area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

    

2015

    

2014

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

United States

 

$

150

 

124

 

Other countries

 

 

30

 

14

 

Consolidated TripCo

 

$

180

 

138

 

 

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LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

The following table provides a reconciliation of co nsolidat ed Adjusted OIBDA to earnings (loss) before income taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

 

 

    

2015

    

2014

    

2013

 

 

 

amounts in millions

 

Consolidated Adjusted OIBDA

 

$

434

 

442

 

361

 

Stock settled charitable contribution

 

 

(67)

 

 —

 

 —

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

(82)

 

(74)

 

(60)

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

(268)

 

(298)

 

(315)

 

Impairment of intangible assets

 

 

(2)

 

(2)

 

(3)

 

Interest expense

 

 

(28)

 

(13)

 

(12)

 

Other, net

 

 

17

 

(11)

 

1

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

$

4

 

44

 

(28)

 

 

 

 

 

(14) Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

1 st

    

2 nd

    

3 rd

    

4 th

 

 

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

 

 

amounts in millions, except per share amounts

 

2015:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

374

 

414

 

432

 

345

 

Operating income (loss)

 

$

38

 

25

 

35

 

(83)

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

17

 

13

 

29

 

(45)

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. Series A and Series B stockholders

 

$

(7)

 

(7)

 

(3)

 

(23)

 

Basic earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. Series A and Series B stockholders per common share

 

$

(0.09)

 

(0.09)

 

(0.04)

 

(0.31)

 

Diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. Series A and Series B Stockholders per common share

 

$

(0.09)

 

(0.09)

 

(0.04)

 

(0.31)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

1 st

    

2 nd

    

3 rd

    

4 th

 

 

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

 

 

amounts in millions, except per share amounts

 

2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

294

 

335

 

375

 

325

 

Operating income (loss)

 

$

29

 

31

 

17

 

(9)

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

23

 

17

 

2

 

(33)

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. Series A and Series B stockholders

 

$

5

 

(1)

 

(5)

 

(21)

 

Basic earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. Series A and Series B stockholders per common share

 

$

0.07

 

(0.01)

 

(0.07)

 

(0.29)

 

Diluted earnings (loss) attributable to Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. Series A and Series B Stockholders per common share

 

$

0.07

 

(0.01)

 

(0.07)

 

(0.29)

 

 

 

 

 

 

II- 58


 

Table of Contents

PART II I

 

The following required information is incorporated by reference to our definitive prox y statement for our 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders presently scheduled to be he ld in the second quarter of 2016 :

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governanc e

Item 11. Executive Compensatio n

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matter s

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independenc e

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Service s

 

We expect to file our definit ive proxy statement for our 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders with the Securities and Exchange Commis sion on or before April 29 , 2016 .

 

 

 

III- 1


 

Table of Contents

 

PART IV .

Item 15.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules .

(a)(1)  Financial Statements

Included in Part II of this report:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page No.

 

Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report s of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  

 

II- 21

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets, December 31, 2015 and 2014  

 

II- 23

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations, Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013  

 

II- 25

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings (loss), Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013  

 

II- 26

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013  

 

II- 27

 

Consolidated Statements of Equity, Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013  

 

II- 28

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013  

 

II- 29

 

 

(a)(2)  Financial Statement Schedules

 

(i)      All schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable, not material or the required information is set forth in the financial statements or notes thereto.

(ii)  Prior year Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for TripAdvisor, Inc. referenced by current year Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm .

(a)(3)  Exhibits

Listed below are the exhibits which are filed as a part of this Report (according to the number assigned to them in Item 601 of Regulation S-K):

 

 

2 -Plan of Acquisition, Reorganization, Arrangement, Liquidation or Succession:

2.1

Reorganization Agreement, dated as of August 15, 2014, between Liberty Interactive Corporation and Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Liberty Interactive Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 3, 2014 (File No. 001-33982) (the “Liberty Interactive 8-K”)).

3 -Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws:

3.1

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 3, 2014 (File No. 001-36603) (the “8-K”)).

3.2

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36603) as filed on August 13, 2015)).

4 -Instruments Defining the Rights to Securities Holders, including Indentures:

4.1

Specimen Certificate for shares of Series A Common Stock of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on May 6, 2014 (File No. 333-195705) (the “S-1”)).

4.2

Specimen Certificate for shares of Series B Common Stock of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 the S-1).

10 -Material Contracts:

10.1

Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (Amended and Restated as of March 11, 2015) (incorporated by reference to   Annex A to Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc.’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 22, 2015 (File No. 001-36603)).

IV- 1


 

Table of Contents

10.2

Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. Transitional Stock Adjustment Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on September 9, 2014 (File No. 333-198649)).

10.3

Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan for Gregory B. Maffei, effective December 21, 2014. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 1 3 , 2015 (File No. 001-36603)).

10.4

Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of August 27, 2014, between Liberty Interactive Corporation and Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Liberty Interactive 8-K).

10.5

Amendment to Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of October 3, 2014, between Liberty Interactive Corporation and Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Liberty Interactive Corporation's Quarterly Report on 10-Q filed on May 8, 2015 (File No. 001-33982).

10.6

Services Agreement, dated as of August 27, 2014, by and between Liberty Media Corporation and Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the 8-K).

10.7

Facilities Sharing Agreement, dated as of August 27, 2014, by and among Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc., Liberty Media Corporation and Liberty Property Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the 8-K).

10.8

Form of Indemnification Agreement, by and between Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. and its executive officers/directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on July 25, 2014 (File No. 333-195705)).

10.9

Aircraft Time Sharing Agreements, dated as of November 6 , 2015, by and between Liberty Media Corporation and Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc.*

10.10

Aircraft Time Sharing Agreem ent, dated as of August 27, 2014 , by and among Liberty Citation, Inc., Liberty Denver Arena, LLC and Lib erty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the 8-K).  

10.11

Governance Agreement, dated as of December 20, 2011, by and between TripAdvisor, Inc. and Liberty Interactive Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to Liberty Interactive Corporation's Schedule 13D in respect of common stock of TripAdvisor, Inc. (“TripAdvisor”), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 30, 2011).

10.12

Assignment and Assumption of Governance Agreement, made as of August 12, 2014, by and among Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc., Liberty Interactive Corporation and TripAdvisor (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 7(b) to the Registrant’s Schedule 13D in respect of common stock of TripAdvisor, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 29, 2014).

10.13

Letter Agreement, dated December 21, 2014, between Gregory B. Maffei and Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 29, 2014 (File No. 001-36603)).

10.14

Tax Sharing Agreement, by and between TripAdvisor and Expedia, Inc., dated as of December 20, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.2 to TripAdvisor’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 27, 2011 (File No. 001-35362) (the "TripAdvisor 8-K")).

10.15

Sublease between Newton Technology Park LLC and TripAdvisor LLC, dated as of October 31, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to TripAdvisor's Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed on October 24, 2011 (File No. 333-175828-01) (the "TripAdvisor S-4")).

10.16

First Amendment to Sublease between Newton Technology Park LLC and TripAdvisor LLC, dated as of June 15, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the TripAdvisor S-4).

10.17

Credit Agreement, by and among TripAdvisor, TripAdvisor Holdings, LLC, and TripAdvisor LLC, the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and J.P. Morgan Europe Limited, as London agent, dated as of December 20, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the TripAdvisor 8-K).

10.18

Waiver and Amendment Agreement, by and among TripAdvisor, TripAdvisor Holdings, LLC, and TripAdvisor LLC, the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and J.P. Morgan Europe Limited, as London agent, dated as of December 27, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to TripAdvisor's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 11, 2014 (File No. 001-35362) (the "TripAdvisor 10-K")).

IV- 2


 

10.19

Credit Agreement dated as of June 26, 2015 by and among TripAdvisor, Inc., TripAdvisor Holdings, LLC, TripAdvisor LLC, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent; J.P. Morgan Europe Limited, as London Agent; Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A.; Bank of America, N.A.; BNP Paribas; SunTrust Bank; Wells Fargo Bank, National Association; Royal Bank of Canada; Barclays Bank PLC; U.S. Bank National Association; Citibank, N.A.; The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd.; Goldman Sachs Bank USA; and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to TripAdvisor’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-35362), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2015).

10.20

Corporate Headquarters Lease with Normandy Gap-V Needham Building 3, LLC, as landlord, dated as of June 20, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to TripAdvisor's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on July 24, 2013 (File No. 001-35362) (the "TripAdvisor 10-Q")).

10.21

Guaranty dated June 20, 2013 by TripAdvisor, Inc. for the benefit of Normandy Gap-V Needham Building 3, LLC, as landlord (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the TripAdvisor 10-Q).

10.22

Form of TripAdvisor Media Group Master Advertising Insertion Order (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the TripAdvisor 10-K).

10.23

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (Amended and Restated as of March 11, 2015).*

10.24

Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (Amended and Restated as of March 11, 2015).*

21

Subsidiaries of Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc.*

23.1

Consent of KPMG LLP.*

23.2

Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.*

31.1

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d -14(a) Certification.*

31.2

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d -14(a) Certification.*

32

Section 1350 Certification.**

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document.*

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.*

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document.*

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document.*

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document.*

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Definition Document.*

 


*   Filed herewith.

** Furnished herewith  

 

IV- 3


 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

of TripAdvisor, Inc.:

We have audited the consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows of TripAdvisor, Inc. (a consolidated subsidiary of Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc.) for the year ended December 31, 2013 (not presented separately herein) . These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated results of operations and cash flows of TripAdvisor, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2013, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 11, 2014, except for Note 2 and Note 16,

as to which the date is

February 17, 2015  

IV- 4


 

Table of Contents

SIGNATURE S

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

 

 

Date: February 18 , 201 6

 

By:

/s/ GREGORY B. MAFFEI

 

 

 

Gregory B. Maffei

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

Date: February 18 , 201 6

 

By:

/s/ BRIAN J. WENDLING

 

 

 

Brian J. Wendling

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature

    

Title

    

Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/Gregory B. Maffei

 

Chairman of the Board ,   President and

 

February 1 8 , 2016

 

Gregory B. Maffei

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Brian J. Wendling

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

February 1 8 , 2016

 

Brian J. Wendling

 

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/Michael J. Malone

 

Director

 

February 1 8 , 2016

 

Michael J. Malone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/Chris Mueller

 

Director

 

February 1 8 , 2016

 

Chris Mueller

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/Larry E. Romrell

 

Director

 

February 1 8 , 2016

 

Larry E. Romrell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/Albert E. Rosenthaler

 

Director

 

February 1 8 , 2016

 

Albert E. Rosenthaler

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/J. David Wargo

 

Director

 

February 1 8 , 2016

 

J. David Wargo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IV- 5


 

Table of Contents

 

EXHIBIT INDE X

Listed below are the exhibits which are filed as a part of this Report (according to the number assigned to them in Item 601 of Regulation S-K):

 

 

2 -Plan of Acquisition, Reorganization, Arrangement, Liquidation or Succession:

2.1

Reorganization Agreement, dated as of August 15, 2014, between Liberty Interactive Corporation and Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Liberty Interactive Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 3, 2014 (File No. 001-33982) (the “Liberty Interactive 8-K”)).

3 -Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws:

3.1

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 3, 2014 (File No. 001-36603) (the “8-K”)).

3.2

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36603) as filed on August 13, 2015)).

4 -Instruments Defining the Rights to Securities Holders, including Indentures:

4.1

Specimen Certificate for shares of Series A Common Stock of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on May 6, 2014 (File No. 333-195705) (the “S-1”)).

4.2

Specimen Certificate for shares of Series B Common Stock of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 the S-1).

10 -Material Contracts:

10.1

Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (Amended and Restated as of March 11, 2015) (incorporated by reference to   Annex A to Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc.’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 22, 2015 (File No. 001-36603)).

10.2

Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. Transitional Stock Adjustment Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on September 9, 2014 (File No. 333-198649)).

10.3

Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan for Gregory B. Maffei, effective December 21, 2014. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 13, 2015 (File No. 001-36603)).

10.4

Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of August 27, 2014, between Liberty Interactive Corporation and Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Liberty Interactive 8-K).

10.5

Amendment to Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of October 3, 2014, between Liberty Interactive Corporation and Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Liberty Interactive Corporation's Quarterly Report on 10-Q filed on May 8, 2015 (File No. 001-33982).

10.6

Services Agreement, dated as of August 27, 2014, by and between Liberty Media Corporation and Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the 8-K).

10.7

Facilities Sharing Agreement, dated as of August 27, 2014, by and among Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc., Liberty Media Corporation and Liberty Property Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the 8-K).

10.8

Form of Indemnification Agreement, by and between Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. and its executive officers/directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on July 25, 2014 (File No. 333-195705)).

10.9

Aircraft Time Sharing Agreements, dated as of November 6, 2015, by and between Liberty Media Corporation and Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc.*

10.10

Aircraft Time Sharing Agreement, dated as of August 27, 2014, by and among Liberty Citation, Inc., Liberty Denver Arena, LLC and Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc.(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the 8-K).

IV- 6


 

Table of Contents

10.11

Governance Agreement, dated as of December 20, 2011, by and between TripAdvisor, Inc. and Liberty Interactive Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to Liberty Interactive Corporation's Schedule 13D in respect of common stock of TripAdvisor, Inc. (“TripAdvisor”), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 30, 2011).

10.12

Assignment and Assumption of Governance Agreement, made as of August 12, 2014, by and among Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc., Liberty Interactive Corporation and TripAdvisor (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 7(b) to the Registrant’s Schedule 13D in respect of common stock of TripAdvisor, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 29, 2014).

10.13

Letter Agreement, dated December 21, 2014, between Gregory B. Maffei and Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 29, 2014 (File No. 001-36603)).

10.14

Tax Sharing Agreement, by and between TripAdvisor and Expedia, Inc., dated as of December 20, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.2 to TripAdvisor’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 27, 2011 (File No. 001-35362) (the "TripAdvisor 8-K")).

10.15

Sublease between Newton Technology Park LLC and TripAdvisor LLC, dated as of October 31, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to TripAdvisor's Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed on October 24, 2011 (File No. 333-175828-01) (the "TripAdvisor S-4")).

10.16

First Amendment to Sublease between Newton Technology Park LLC and TripAdvisor LLC, dated as of June 15, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the TripAdvisor S-4).

10.17

Credit Agreement, by and among TripAdvisor, TripAdvisor Holdings, LLC, and TripAdvisor LLC, the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and J.P. Morgan Europe Limited, as London agent, dated as of December 20, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the TripAdvisor 8-K).

10.18

Waiver and Amendment Agreement, by and among TripAdvisor, TripAdvisor Holdings, LLC, and TripAdvisor LLC, the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and J.P. Morgan Europe Limited, as London agent, dated as of December 27, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to TripAdvisor's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 11, 2014 (File No. 001-35362) (the "TripAdvisor 10-K")).

10.19

Credit Agreement dated as of June 26, 2015 by and among TripAdvisor, Inc., TripAdvisor Holdings, LLC, TripAdvisor LLC, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent; J.P. Morgan Europe Limited, as London Agent; Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A.; Bank of America, N.A.; BNP Paribas; SunTrust Bank; Wells Fargo Bank, National Association; Royal Bank of Canada; Barclays Bank PLC; U.S. Bank National Association; Citibank, N.A.; The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd.; Goldman Sachs Bank USA; and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to TripAdvisor’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-35362), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2015).

10.20

Corporate Headquarters Lease with Normandy Gap-V Needham Building 3, LLC, as landlord, dated as of June 20, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to TripAdvisor's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on July 24, 2013 (File No. 001-35362) (the "TripAdvisor 10-Q")).

10.21

Guaranty dated June 20, 2013 by TripAdvisor, Inc. for the benefit of Normandy Gap-V Needham Building 3, LLC, as landlord (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the TripAdvisor 10-Q).

10.22

Form of TripAdvisor Media Group Master Advertising Insertion Order (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the TripAdvisor 10-K).

10.23

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (Amended and Restated as of March 11, 2015).*

10.24

Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (Amended and Restated as of March 11, 2015).*

21

Subsidiaries of Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc.*

23.1

Consent of KPMG LLP.*

23.2

Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.*

31.1

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d -14(a) Certification.*

31.2

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d -14(a) Certification.*

32

Section 1350 Certification.**

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document.*

IV- 7


 

Table of Contents

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.*

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document.*

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document.*

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document.*

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Definition Document.*

 


*   Filed herewith.

** Furnished herewith  

 

 

 

IV- 8


 

Table of Contents

QuickLinks

 

 

LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC. Consolidated Balance Sheets  

LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC. Consolidated Statements Of Operations  

LIBER TY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC. Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Earnings (Loss)  

LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC. Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows  

LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  

 

Item 1. Business  

Item 1A. Risk Factors  

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments  

Item 2. Properties  

Item 3. Legal Proceedings  

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

Item 6. Selected Financial Data  

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

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.  

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data  

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure  

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures  

Item 9B. Other Information  

 

SIGNATURES  

EXHIBIT INDEX  

 

 

 

 

IV- 1


Exhibit 10.23

 

NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

 

THIS NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made as of the date set forth on Schedule I hereto (the “Grant Date”), by and between the issuer identified in Schedule I hereto (the “Company”), and the recipient (the “Grantee”) of an Award of Options granted by the Plan Administrator (as defined in Schedule I hereto )   as set forth in this Agreement.

The Company has adopted the incentive plan identified on Schedule I hereto (as has been or may hereafter be amended, the “Plan”), a copy of which is attached via a link at the end of this online Agreement as Exhibit A and by this reference made a part hereof, for the benefit of eligible persons as specified in the Plan.  Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined in this Agreement will have the meanings ascribed to them in the Plan.

Pursuant to the Plan, the Plan Administrator has determined that it would be in the interest of the Company and its stockholders to award Options to the Grantee, subject to the conditions and restrictions set forth herein and in the Plan, in order to provide the Grantee with additional remuneration for services rendered, to encourage the Grantee to remain in the service or employ of the Company or its Subsidiaries and to increase the Grantee’s personal interest in the continued success and progress of the Company.

The Company and the Grantee therefore agree as follows:

1. Definitions .  The following terms, when used in this Agreement, have the following meanings:

“Base Price” means , with respect to each type of Common Stock for which Options are granted hereunder, the amount set forth on Schedule I hereto as the Base Price for such Common Stock , which is the Fair Market Value of a share of such Common Stock on the Grant Date.

“Business Day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in Denver, Colorado, are required or authorized to be closed.

“Cause” has the meaning specified as “cause” in Section 1 0 .2(b) of the Plan.

“Close of Business” means, on any day, 5:00 p.m., Denver, Colorado time.  

“Common Stock” has the meaning specified in Schedule I hereto .

“Company” has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Agreement.

“Grant Date” has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Agreement.

“Grantee” has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Agreement.

“Options” has the meaning specified in Section 2.


 

“Option Share” has the meaning specified in Section 4(c)(i).

“Option Termination Date” has the meaning specified in Schedule I hereto.

“Plan” has the meaning specified in the recitals of this Agreement.

“Plan Administrator” has the meaning specified in Schedule I hereto.

“Required Withholding Amount” has the meaning specified in Section 5.

“Section 409(A)” has the meaning specified in Section 2 1 .

“Term” has the meaning specified in Section 2.

“Unvested Fractional Option” has the meaning specified in Section 3(b).

“Vesting Date” has the meaning specified in Section 3(a).

“Vesting Percentage” has the meaning specified in Section 3(a).

2. Award Pursuant to the terms of the Plan and in consideration of the covenants and promises of the Grantee herein contained, the Company hereby awards to the Grantee as of the Grant Date nonqualified stock options to purchase from the Company at the applicable Base Price the number and type of shares of Common Stock authorized by the Plan Administrator and set forth in the notice of online grant delivered to the Grantee pursuant to the Company’s online   grant and administration program, subject to the conditions and restrictions set forth in this Agreement and in the Plan (the “Options”).  The Options are exercisable as set forth in Section 3 during the period commencing on the Grant Date and expiring at the Close of Business on the Option Termination Date (the “Term”) , subject to earlier termination as provided in Section 7 below However, if the term of an Option expires when trading in the Common Stock is prohibited by law or the Company’s insider trading policy, then the term of such Option shall expire on the 30th day after the expiration of such prohibition.   No fractional shares of Common Stock will be issuable upon exercise of an Option, and the Grantee will receive, in lieu of any fractional share of such Common Stock that the Grantee otherwise would receive upon such exercise, cash equal to the fraction representing such fractional share multiplied by the Fair Market Value of one share of such Common Stock as of the date on which such exercise is considered to occur pursuant to Section 4.

3. Conditions of Exercise .  Unless otherwise determined by the Plan Administrator in its sole discretion, the Options will be exercisable only in accordance with the conditions stated in this Section 3.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 10.1(b) of the Plan, the Options may be exercised only to the extent they have become exercisable in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3(a) or Section 3(b), and subject to the provisions of Section 3(c).  That number of each type of Options that is equal to the fraction or percentage specified on Schedule I hereto (the “Vesting Percentage”) of the total number of such type of Options that are subject to this

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Agreement, in each case rounded down to the nearest whole number of such type of Options, shall become exercisable on each of the dates specified on Schedule I hereto (each such date, together with any other date on which Options vest pursuant to this A greement, a “Vesting Date”).

(b) If rounding pursuant to Section 3(a) prevents any portion of an Option from becoming exercisable on a particular Vesting Date (any such portion, an “Unvested Fractional Option”), one additional Option to purchase a share of the type of Common Stock covered by such Option will become exercisable on the earliest succeeding Vesting Date on which the cumulative fractional amount of all Unvested Fractional Options to purchase shares of such type of Common Stock (including any Unvested Fractional Option created on such succeeding Vesting Date) equals or exceeds one whole Option, with any excess treated as an Unvested Fractional Option thereafter subject to the application of this Section 3(b).  Any Unvested Fractional Option comprising part of a whole Option that vests pursuant to the preceding sentence will thereafter cease to be an Unvested Fractional Option. 

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) in the event that any date on which Options would otherwise become exercisable is not a Business Day, such Options will become exercisable on the first Business Day following such date, (ii) all Options will become exercisable on the date of the Grantee’s termination of employment or, if the Grantee is a   non-employee director of the Company, on the date of the Grantee’s termination of service as such if (A) the Grantee’s employment with the Company or a Subsidiary or service as a non-employee director, as applicable terminates by reason of Disability or (B) the Grantee dies while employed by the Company or a Subsidiary or while serving as a non-employee director of the Company, as applicable, and (iii) if the Grantee’s employment with the Company or a Subsidiary is terminated by the Company or such Subsidiary without Cause, any unvested Options will become exercisable to the extent , if any, indicated on Schedule   I .

(d) To the extent the Options become exercisable, such Options may be exercised in whole or in part (at any time or from time to time, except as otherwise provided herein) until expiration of the Term or earlier termination thereof.

(e) The Grantee acknowledges and agrees that the Plan Administrator , in its discretion and as contemplated by Section 3.3 of the Plan, may adopt rules and regulations from time to time after the date hereof with respect to the exercise of the Options and that the exercise by the Grantee of Options will be subject to the further condition that such exercise is made in accordance with all such rules and regulations as the Plan Administrator may determine are applicable thereto.

4. Manner of Exercise .  Options will be considered exercised (as to the number of Options specified in the notice referred to in Section 4(c)(i)) on the latest of (a) the date of exercise designated in the written notice referred to in Section 4(c)(i), (b) if the date so

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designated is not a Business Day, the first Business Day following such date or (c) the earliest Business Day by which the Company has received all of the following:

(i) Written notice, in such form as the Plan Administrator may require, containing such representations and warranties as the Plan Administrator may require and designating, among other things, the date of exercise and the number and type of shares of Common Stock to be purchased by exercise of Options (each, an “Option Share”);

(ii) Payment of the applicable Base Price for each Option Share in any (or a combination) of the following forms:  ( A ) cash, ( B ) check, ( C ) the delivery, together with a properly executed exercise notice, of irrevocable instructions to a broker to deliver promptly to the Company the amount of sale or loan proceeds required to pay such Base Price (and, if applicable, the Required Withholding Amount as described in Section 5) or (D) at the option of the Company, the delivery of irrevocable instructions via the Company’s online grant and administration program for the Company to withhold the number of shares of Common Stock (valued at the Fair Market Value of such Common Stock on the date of exercise)   required to pay such Base Price (and, if applicable, the Required Withholding Amount as described in Section 5) that would otherwise be delivered by the Company to the Grantee upon exercise of the Options; and

(iii) Any other documentation that the Plan Administrator may reasonably require.

5. Mandatory Withholding for Taxes .  The Grantee acknowledges and agrees that the Company will deduct from the shares of Common Stock otherwise payable or deliverable upon exercise of any Options that number of shares of the applicable Common Stock (valued at the Fair Market Value of such Common Stock on the date of exercise) that is equal to the amount   of all federal, state and other governmental taxes required to be withheld by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company upon such exercise, as determined by the Company (the “Required Withholding Amount”), unless provisions to pay such Required Withholding Amount have been made to the satisfaction of the Company.  If the Grantee elects to make payment of the applicable Base Price by delivery of irrevocable instructions to a broker to deliver promptly to the Company the amount of sale or loan proceeds required to pay such Base Price, such instructions may also include instructions to deliver the Required Withholding Amount to the Company.  In such case, the Company will notify the broker promptly of its determination of the Required Withholding Amount.

6. Payment or Delivery by the Company .  As soon as practicable after receipt of all items referred to in Section 4, and subject to the withholding referred to in Section 5, the Company will (a) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Grantee certificates issued in the Grantee’s name for, or cause to be transferred to a brokerage account through Depository Trust Company for the benefit of the Grantee, the number of shares of Common Stock purchased by exercise of Options and (b) deliver any cash payment to which the Grantee is entitled in lieu of a fractional share of Common Stock as provided in Section 2.  Any delivery of shares of Common Stock will be deemed effected for all purposes when certificates representing such shares have

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been delivered personally to the Grantee or, if delivery is by mail, when the stock transfer agent of the Company has deposited the certificates in the United States mail, addressed to the Grantee or at the time the stock transfer agent initiates transfer of shares to a brokerage account through Depository Trust Company for the benefit of the Grantee, if applicable, and any cash payment will be deemed effected when a check from the Company, payable to the Grantee and in the amount equal to the amount of the cash payment, has been delivered personally to the Grantee or deposited in the United States mail, addressed to the Grantee.

7. Early Termination of Options Subject to any longer period of exercisability specified in Schedule I here to , t he Options will terminate, prior to the expiration of the Term, at the time specified below:

(a) Subject to Section 7(b), if the Grantee’s employment with the Company or a Subsidiary is terminated or, if the Grantee is a non-employee director of the Company, if the Grantee’s service to the Company as such is terminated , in each case   other than (i) by the Company or such Subsidiary for Cause , or (ii) by reason of death or Disability, then the Options will terminate at the Close of Business on the first Business Day following the expiration of the 90 - day period that began on the date of termination of the Grantee’s employment or, in the case of a non-employee director of the Company, at the Close of Business on the first Business Day following the expiration of the one-year period that began on the date of termination of the Grantee’s service as a non-employee director of the Company.

(b) If the Grantee dies while employed by the Company or a Subsidiary or while serving as a non-employee director of the Company, as applicable, or prior to the expiration of a period of time following termination of the Grantee’s employment or service during which the Options remain exercisable as provided in Section 7(a) or Section 7(c), as applicable, the Options will terminate at the Close of Business on the first Business Day following the expiration of the one-year period that began on the date of the Grantee’s death

(c) Subject to Section 7(b), if the Grantee’s employment with the Company or a Subsidiary terminates by reason of Disability, or, if the Grantee is a non-employee director of the Company, if the Grantee’s service to the Company as such is terminated by reason of Disability, then the Options will terminate at the Close of Business on the first Business Day following the expiration of the one-year period that began on the date of termination of the Grantee’s employment or service .

(d) If the Grantee’s employment with the Company or a Subsidiary is terminated by the Company or such Subsidiary for Cause, or, if the Grantee is a non-employee director of the Company, if the Grantee’s service to the Company as such is terminated by the Company for Cause, then the Options will terminate immediately upon such termination of the Grantee’s employment or service .

In any event in which Options remain exercisable for a period of time following the date of termination of the Grantee’s employment or service as provided above, the Options

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may be exercised during such period of time only to the extent the same were exercisable as provided in Section 3 on such date of termination of the Grantee’s employment or service .  Notwithstanding any period of time referenced in this Section 7 or any other provision of this Section 7 that may be construed to the contrary, the Options will in any event terminate upon the expiration of the Term.

Unless the Plan Administrator otherwise determines, a change of the Grantee’s employment from the Company to a Subsidiary or from a Subsidiary to the Company or another Subsidiary will not be considered a termination of the Grantee’s employment for purposes of this Agreement if such change of employment is made at the request or with the express consent of the Company.  Unless the Plan Administrator otherwise determines, however, any such change of employment that is not made at the request or with the express consent of the Company will be a termination of the Grantee’s employment within the meaning of this Agreement. 

8. Nontransferability .     Options are not transferable (either voluntarily or involuntarily), before or after the Grantee’s death, except as follows: (a) during the Grantee’s lifetime, pursuant to a domestic relations order, issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, that is not contrary to the terms and conditions of the Plan or this Agreement, and in a form acceptable to the Plan Administrator ; or (b) after the Grantee’s death, by will or pursuant to the applicable laws of descent and distribution, as may be the case.  Any person to whom Options are transferred in accordance with the provisions of the preceding sentence shall take such Options subject to all of the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement, including that the vesting and termination provisions of this Agreement will continue to be applied with respect to the Grantee.  Options are exercisable only by the Grantee (or, during the Grantee’s lifetime, by the Grantee’s court appointed legal representative) or a person to whom the Options have been transferred in accordance with this Section.

9. No Stockholder Rights .  Prior to the exercise of Options in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Grantee will not be deemed for any purpose to be, or to have any of the rights of, a stockholder of the Company with respect to any shares of Common Stock represented by the Options, nor will the existence of this Agreement affect in any way the right or power of the Company or its stockholders to accomplish any corporate act, including, without limitation, the acts referred to in Section 10.15 or Section 10.16, as applicable, of the Plan.

10. Adjustments. 

(a) The Options will be subject to adjustment (including, without limitation, as to the Base Price) in such manner as the Plan Administrator , in its sole discretion, deem s equitable and appropriate in connection with the occurrence of any of the events described in Section 4.2 of the Plan following the Grant Date.  

(b) In the event of any Approved Transaction, Board Change or Control Purchase following the Grant Date, the Options may become exercisable in accordance with Section 10.1(b) of the Plan.

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11. Restrictions Imposed by Law.  Without limiting the generality of Section 10.7 or Section 10.8, as applicable,   of the Plan, the Grantee will not exercise the Options, and the Company will not be obligated to make any cash payment or issue or cause to be issued any shares of Common Stock, if counsel to the Company determines that such exercise, payment or issuance would violate any applicable law or any rule or regulation of any governmental authority or any rule or regulation of, or agreement of the Company with, any securities exchange or association upon which shares of Common Stock are listed or quoted.  The Company will in no event be obligated to take any affirmative action in order to cause the exercise of the Options or the resulting payment of cash or issuance of shares of Common Stock to comply with any such law, rule, regulation or agreement.

12. Notice.  Unless the Company notifies the Grantee in writing of a different procedure or address, any notice or other communication to the Company with respect to this Agreement will be in writing and will be delivered personally or sent by first class mail, postage prepaid, to the address specified for the Company in Schedule I hereto.     Unless the Company elects to notify the Grantee electronically pursuant to the online grant and administration program or via email, any notice or other communication to the Grantee with respect to this Agreement will be in writing and will be delivered personally, or will be sent by first class mail, postage prepaid, to the Grantee’s address as listed in the records of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company on the Grant Date, unless the Company has received written notification from the Grantee of a change of address.

13. Amendment .  Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, this Agreement may be supplemented or amended from time to time as approved by the Plan Administrator as contemplated by Section 10.6(b) or Section 10.7(b), as applicable,   of the Plan.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, without the consent of the Grantee:

(a) this Agreement may be amended or supplemented from time to time as approved by the Plan Administrator (i) to cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision herein that may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision herein, (ii) to add to the covenants and agreements of the Company for the benefit of the Grantee or surrender any right or power reserved to or conferred upon the Company in this Agreement, subject to any required approval of the Company s stockholders , and provided, in each case, that such changes or corrections will not adversely affect the rights of the Grantee with respect to the Award evidenced hereby or (iii) to make such other changes as the Company, upon advice of counsel, determines are necessary or advisable because of the adoption or promulgation of, or change in the interpretation of, any law or governmental rule or regulation, including any applicable federal or state securities laws; and

(b) subject to any required action by the Board of Directors or the stockholders of the Company, the Options granted under this Agreement may be canceled by the Plan Administrator and a new Award made in substitution therefor, provided that the Award so substituted will satisfy all of the requirements of the Plan as of the date such new Award is made and no such action will adversely affect any Options to the extent then exercisable.

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14. Grantee Employment or Status as a Director .  Nothing contained in this Agreement, and no action of the Company or the Plan Administrator with respect hereto, will confer or be construed to confer on the Grantee any right to continue in the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary or as a non-employee director of the Company or interfere in any way with the right of the Company or any employing Subsidiary (or the Company’s stockholders in the case of a non-employee director) to terminate the Grantee’s employment or service, as applicable, at any time, with or without Cause, subject to the provisions of any employment agreement between the Grantee and the Company or any Subsidiary.

15. Nonalienation of Benefits.  Except as provided in Section 8 ,  ( a ) no right or benefit under this Agreement will be subject to anticipation, alienation, sale, assignment, hypothecation, pledge, exchange, transfer, encumbrance or charge, and any attempt to anticipate, alienate, sell, assign, hypothecate, pledge, exchange, transfer, encumber or charge the same will be void, and ( b ) no right or benefit hereunder will in any manner be subjected to or liable for the debts, contracts, liabilities or torts of the Grantee or other person entitled to such benefits.

16. Governing Law.  This Agreement will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of Colorado.  Each party irrevocably submits to the general jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in the State of Colorado in any action to interpret or enforce this Agreement and irrevocably waives any objection to jurisdiction that such party may have based on inconvenience of forum.

17. Construction.  References in this Agreement to “this Agreement” and the words “herein,” “hereof,” “hereunder” and similar terms include all Exhibits and Schedules appended hereto, including the Plan.  All references to “Sections” in this Agreement shall be to Sections of this Agreement unless explicitly stated otherwise.  The word “include” and all variations thereof are used in an illustrative sense and not in a limiting sense.  All decisions of the Plan Administrator upon questions regarding the Plan or this Agreement will be conclusive.  Unless otherwise expressly stated herein, in the event of any inconsistency between the terms of the Plan and this Agreement, the terms of the Plan will control.  The headings of the sections of this Agreement have been included for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part hereof and will in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

18. Rules by Plan Administrator .  The rights of the Grantee and the obligations of the Company hereunder will be subject to such reasonable rules and regulations as the Plan Administrator may adopt from time to time.

19. Entire Agreement.  This Agreement is in satisfaction of and in lieu of all prior discussions and agreements, oral or written, between the Company and the Grantee regarding the subject matter hereof.  The Grantee and the Company hereby declare and represent that no promise or agreement not herein expressed has been made and that this Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the Award and replaces and makes null and void any prior agreements between the Grantee and the Company regarding the Award.  Subject to the restrictions set forth in Sections 8 and 1 5 , this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective heirs, successors and assigns.

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20. Grantee Acknowledgment .  The Grantee will signify acceptance of the terms and conditions of this Agreement by acknowledging the acceptance of this Agreement via the procedures described in the online grant and administration program utilized by the Company.

21. Code Section 409A Compliance.     T o the extent that Section 409A of the Code or the related regulations and Treasury pronouncements (“Section 409A”) is applicable to the Grantee in connection with the Award, i f any provision of this Agreement would result in the imposition of an excise tax under Section 409A, that provision will be reformed to avoid imposition of the excise tax and no action taken to comply with Section 409A shall be deemed to impair a benefit under this Agreement.  

*****

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Schedule I

to Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc.

Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement

TND_____

 

 

Grant Date:

____________, 20___

Issuer/Company:

Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. , a Delaware corporation

Plan:

Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan

(Amended and Restated as of March 11, 2015)

 

Plan Administrator:

The Board of Directors of the Company

Common Stock:

Series A Common Stock (“ LTRP A Common Stock ”)

Option Termination Date:

The 7 th   anniversary of the Grant Date

Base Price:

The Base Price for L TRPA Common Stock:   $ _________

Vesting Percentage:

100%

Vesting Date:

___________, 20___

Company Notice Address:

Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc.

12300 Liberty Boulevard

Englewood, Colorado 80112

Attn:  General Counsel

 

 

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Exhibit 10.24

 

RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT

 

THIS   RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made as of the date set forth on Schedule I hereto (the “Grant Date”), by and between the issuer identified in Schedule I hereto (the “Company”), and the recipient (the “Grantee”) of an Award of Restricted Shares granted by the Plan Administrator (as defined in Schedule I hereto) as set forth in this Agreement.    

 

The Company has adopted the incentive plan identified on Schedule I hereto (as has been or may hereafter be amended, the “Plan”), a copy of which is attached via a link at the end of this online Agreement as Exhibit A and by this reference made a part hereof, for the benefit of eligible persons as specified in the Plan.  Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined in this Agreement will have the meanings ascribed to them in the Plan.    

 

Pursuant to the Plan, the Plan Administrator has determined that it would be in the interest of the Company and its stockholders to award shares of common stock to the Grantee, subject to the conditions and restrictions set forth herein and in the Plan, in order to provide the Grantee with additional remuneration for services rendered, to encourage the Grantee to remain in the service or employ of the Company or its Subsidiaries and to increase the Grantee’s personal interest in the continued success and progress of the Company.

 

The Company and the Grantee therefore agree as follows:

 

1. Definitions .  The following terms, when used in this Agreement, have the following meanings:

“Cause” has the meaning specified as “cause” in Section 10 .2(b) of the Plan.

“Common Stock” has the meaning specified in Section 2.

“Company” has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Agreement.

“Grant Date” has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Agreement.

“Grantee” has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Agreement.

“Plan” has the meaning specified in Schedule I hereto.

Plan Administrator ” has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Agreement.

“Restricted Shares” has the meaning specified in Section 2.

“Retained Distributions” has the meaning specified in Section 4.

“Section 409(A)” has the meaning specified in Section 2 3 .


 

“Unvested Fractional Restricted Share” has the meaning specified in Section 5.

“Vesting Date” has the meaning specified in Section 5.

“Vesting Percentage” has the meaning specified in Section 5.

2. Award .  Pursuant to the terms of the Plan and in consideration of the covenants and promises of the Grantee herein contained, the Company hereby awards to the Grantee as of the Grant Date the number and type of shares of Common Stock authorized by the Plan Administrator and set forth in the notice of online grant delivered to the Grantee pursuant to the Company’s online grant and administration program, subject to the conditions and restrictions set forth in this Agreement and in the Plan (the “Restricted Shares”).

3. Issuance of Restricted Shares at Beginning of the Restriction Period .  Upon issuance of the Restricted Shares, such Restricted Shares will be registered in a book entry account in the name of the Grantee. During the Restriction Period, any statement of ownership representing the Restricted Shares that may be issued during the Restriction Period, and any securities constituting Retained Distributions will bear a restrictive legend to the effect that ownership of the Restricted Shares (and such Retained Distributions), and the enjoyment of all rights appurtenant thereto, are subject to the restrictions, terms and conditions provided in the Plan and this Agreement.

4. Restrictions .  The Restricted Shares w ill constitute issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock   for all corporate purposes. The Grantee will have the right to vote such Restricted Shares, to receive and retain such dividends and distributions paid or distributed on such Restricted Shares as the Plan Administrator may in its sole discretion designate   and to exercise all other rights, powers and privileges of a holder of Common Stock with respect to such Restricted Shares, except that (a) the Grantee will not be entitled to delivery of the Restricted Shares until the Restriction Period shall have expired and unless all other vesting requirements with respect thereto shall have been fulfilled or waived, (b) the Company or its designee will retain custody of the Restricted Shares during the Restriction Period as provided in Section 8.2 of the Plan, (c) other than such dividends and distributions as the Plan Administrator may in its sole discretion designate, the Company or its designee will retain custody of all distributions (“Retained Distributions”) made or declared with respect to the Restricted Shares (and such Retained Distributions will be subject to the same restrictions, terms and vesting and other conditions as are applicable to the Restricted Shares) until such time, if ever, as the Restricted Shares with respect to which such Retained Distributions shall have been made, paid or declared shall have become vested, and such Retained Distributions will not bear interest or be segregated in a separate account, (d) except as provided in Section 11, the Grantee may not sell, assign, transfer, pledge, exchange, encumber or dispose of the Restricted Shares or any Retained Distributions or the Grantee’s interest in any of them during the Restriction Period and (e) a breach of any restrictions, terms or conditions provided in the Plan or established by the Plan Administrator with respect to any Restricted Shares or Retained Distributions will cause a forfeiture of such Restricted Shares and any Retained Distributions with respect thereto.

5. Vesting and Forfeiture of Restricted Shares .  Subject to earlier vesting in accordance with Section 6, the Grantee will become vested as to that number of each type of

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Restricted Shares (if any) subject to this Agreement that is equal to the fraction or percentage set forth on Schedule I hereto (the “Vesting Percentage”) of the total number of such type of Restricted Shares that are subject to this Agreement (in each case, rounded down to the nearest whole number of such type of Restricted Shares) on each of the dates indicated on Schedule I hereto (each such date, together with any other date on which Restricted Shares vest pursuant to this Agreement, a “Vesting Date”).  If rounding pursuant to the preceding sentence prevents any portion of a Restricted Share from becoming vested on a particular Vesting Date (any such portion, an “Unvested Fractional Restricted Share”), one additional Restricted Share of such type of Restricted Share will become vested on the earliest succeeding Vesting Date on which the cumulative fractional amount of all Unvested Fractional Restricted Shares of such type of Restricted Share (including any Unvested Fractional Restricted Share created on such succeeding Vesting Date) equals or exceeds one whole Restricted Share, with any excess treated as an Unvested Fractional Restricted Share thereafter subject to the application of this sentence and the following sentence. Any Unvested Fractional Restricted Share comprising part of a whole Restricted Share that vests pursuant to the preceding sentence will thereafter cease to be an Unvested Fractional Restricted Share. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) the Grantee will not vest, pursuant to this Section 5, in Restricted Shares as to which the Grantee would otherwise vest as of a given date if the Grantee has not been continuously employed by the Company or its Subsidiaries from the date of this Agreement through such date , or, if the Grantee is a non-employee director, the Grantee has not been continuously providing services as a non-employee director through such date (the vesting or forfeiture of such shares to be governed instead by the provisions of Section 6) , and (b) in the event that any date on which vesting would otherwise occur is a Saturday, Sunday or a holiday, such vesting will instead occur on the business day next following such date.  Unless otherwise determined by the Plan Administrator in its sole discretion, Retained Distributions will be subject to the same vesting and forfeiture conditions that are applicable to the Restricted Shares to which such Retained Distributions relate.

6. Early Termination or Vesting U nless otherwise determined by the Plan Administrator in its sole discretion :

(a) I f   the Grantee’s employment with the Company or a Subsidiary terminates or, if the Grantee is a non-employee director of the Company, if the Grantee’s service to the Company as such terminates, in each case for any reason other than death or Disability or a termination by the Company or such Subsidiary without Cause ,   then the Award, to the extent not theretofore vested, will be forfeited immediately ;

(b) If the Grantee dies while employed by the Company or a Subsidiary or while serving as a non-employee director of the Company ,   as applicable, then the Award, to the extent not theretofore vested, will i mmediately become fully vested;

(c) If the Grantee’s employment with the Company or a Subsidiary or service as a non-employee director, as applicable, terminates by reason of Disability , then the Award, to the extent not theretofore vested, will immediately become fully vested ; and

 

(d) If the Grantee’s employment with the Company or a Subsidiary is terminated by the Company or such Subsidiary without Cause, or, if the Grantee is a non-employee director of the Company, if the Grantee’s service to the Company as such is terminated

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by the Company or such Subsidiary without Cause, then the Award, to the extent not theretofore vested, will be forfeited immediately, except to the extent , if any, otherwise specified on Schedule I hereto.

 

Unless the Plan Administrator otherwise determines, a change of the Grantee’s employment from the Company to a Subsidiary or from a Subsidiary to the Company or another Subsidiary will not be considered a termination of the Grantee’s employment for purposes of this Agreement if such change of employment is made at the request or with the express consent of the Company.  Unless the Plan Administrator otherwise determines, however, any such change of employment that is not made at the request or with the express consent of the Company will be a termination of the Grantee’s employment within the meaning of this Agreement. 

7. Completion of the Restriction Period .  On the Vesting Date with respect to each award of Restricted Shares, and the satisfaction of any other applicable restrictions, terms and conditions (a) all or the applicable portion of such Restricted Shares will become vested and (b) any Retained Distributions with respect to such Restricted Shares will become vested to the extent that the Restricted Shares related thereto shall have become vested, all in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.  Any such Restricted Shares and Retained Distributions that shall not become vested will be forfeited to the Company, and the Grantee will not thereafter have any rights (including dividend and voting rights) with respect to such Restricted Shares or any Retained Distributions that are so forfeited. 

8. Adjustments; Early Vesting in Certain Events .

(a) The Restricted Shares will be subject to adjustment (including, without limitation, as to the number of Restricted Shares) in such manner as the Plan Administrator , in its sole discretion, deem s equitable and appropriate in connection with the occurrence of any of the events described in Section 4.2 of the Plan following the Grant Date.

(b) In the event of any Approved Transaction, Board Change or Control Purchase followin g the Grant Date, the restrictions in Section s 3 and 4 may lapse in accordance with Section 10.1(b) of the Plan. 

9. Mandatory Withholding for Taxes The Grantee acknowledges   and agrees that, upon the expiration of the Restriction Period, the Company will deduct from the shares of applicable Common   Stock otherwise deliverable to the Grantee (or the Grantee’s beneficiary, if applicable) that number of shares of such Common Stock (valued at the Fair Market Value on the applicable Vesting Date) that is equal to the amount, as determined by the Company, of all federal, state or other governmental taxes required to be withheld by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company with respect to the vesting of Restricted Shares and any related Retained Distributions , unless other provisions to pay such withholding requirements have been made to the satisfaction of the Company.  Upon the payment of any cash dividends with respect to Restricted Shares during the Restriction Period, the amount of such dividends will be reduced to the extent necessary to satisfy any withholding tax requirements applicable thereto prior to payment to the Grantee. 

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10. Delivery by the Company .  As soon as practicable after the vesting of Restricted Shares pursuant to Sections 5, 6 or 8, but no later than 30 days after such vesting occurs, and subject to the withholding referred to in Section 9, the Company will ( a ) cause to be removed from the Restricted Shares that have vested   the restriction described in Section 3 or cause to be issued and delivered to the Grantee (in certificate or electronic form) shares of Common Stock   equal to the number of Restricted Shares that have vested , and ( b ) shall cause to be delivered to the Grantee any Retained Distributions with respect to such vested shares.  If delivery of certificates is by mail, delivery of shares of Common Stock will be deemed effected for all purposes when a stock transfer agent of the Company has deposited the certificates in the United States mail, addressed to the Grantee.

11. Nontransferability   of Restricted Shares Before Vesting Restricted Shares that have not vested are not transferable (either voluntarily or involuntarily), before or after the Grantee’s death, except as follows: (a) during the Grantee’s lifetime, pursuant to a domestic relations order, issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, that is not contrary to the terms and conditions of the Plan or this Agreement, and in a form acceptable to the Committee; or (b) after the Grantee’s death, by will or pursuant to the applicable laws of descent and distribution, as may be the case.  Any person to whom Restricted Shares are transferred in accordance with the provisions of the preceding sentence shall take such Restricted Shares subject to all of the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement, including that the vesting and termination provisions of this Agreement will continue to be applied with respect to the Grantee.  Certificates representing Restricted Shares that have vested may be delivered (or, in the case of book entry registration, registered) only to the Grantee (or during the Grantee’s lifetime, to the Grantee’ s court appointed legal representative) or to a person to whom the Restricted Shares have been transferred in accordance with this Section.

12. Company’s Rights.  The existence of this Agreement will not affect in any way the right or power of the Company or its stockholders to accomplish any corporate act, including without limitation, the acts referred to in Section 10.15 or Section 10.16 of the Plan , as applicable .

13. Restrictions Imposed by Law .  Without limiting the generality of Section 10.7 or Section 1 0 .8 of the Plan, as applicable, the Grantee will not require the Company to deliver any Restricted Shares and the Company will not be obligated to deliver any Restricted Shares if counsel to the Company determines that such exercise, delivery or payment would violate any applicable law or any rule or regulation of any governmental authority or any rule or regulation of, or agreement of the Company with, any securities exchange or association upon which shares of Common Stock   are listed or quoted.  The Company will in no event be obligated to take any affirmative action in order to cause the delivery of any Restricted Shares to comply with any such law, rule, regulation or agreement.

14. Notice .  Unless the Company notifies the   Grantee in writing of a different procedure or address, any notice or other communication to the Company with respect to this Agreement will be in writing and will be delivered personally or sent by first class mail, postage prepaid, to the address specified for the C ompany in Schedule I hereto.  Unless the Company elects to notify the Grantee electronically pursuant to the online grant and administration program or via email, any notice or other communication to the Grantee with respect to this

5


 

Agreement will be in writing and will be delivered personally, or will be sent by first class mail, postage prepaid, to the Grantee’s address as listed in the records of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company on the Grant Date, unless the Company has received written notification from the Grantee of a change of address.

15. Amendment .  Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, this Agreement may be supplemented or amended from time to time as approved by the Plan Administrator as contemplated by Section 10.6(b) or Section 10 .7(b) of the Plan , as applicable .  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, without the consent of the   Grantee :

(a) this Agreement may be amended or supplemented from time to time as approved by the Plan Administrator (i) to cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision herein that may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision herein,   (ii) to add to the covenants and agreements of the Company for the benefit of the Grantee or surrender any right or power reserved to or conferred upon the Company in this Agreement, subject to any required approval of the Company’s stockholders , and provided, in each case, that such changes or corrections will not adversely affect the rights of the Grantee with respect to the Award evidenced hereby or (iii) to make such other changes as the Company, upon advice of counsel, determines are necessary or advisable because of the adoption or promulgation of, or change in the interpretation of, any law or governmental rule or regulation, including any applicable federal or state securities laws; and

(b) subject to any required action by the Board of Directors or the stockholders of the Company , the Award evidenced by this Agreement may be canceled by the Plan Administrator and a new Award made in substitution therefor, provided that the Award so substituted will satisfy all of the requirements of the Plan as of the date such new Award is made and no such action will adversely affect the Restricted Shares to the extent then vested.

16. Grantee Employment or Status as a Director .  Nothing contained in this Agreement, and no action of the Company or the Plan Administrator with respect hereto, will confer or be construed to confer on the Grantee any right to continue in the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary or to continue as a non-employee director of the Company ,   or interfere in any way with the right of the Company or any employing Subsidiary (or the Company’s stockholders in the case of a non-employee director) to terminate the Grantee’s employment or service, as applicable, at any time, with or without Cause, subject to the provisions of any employment agreement between the Grantee and the Company or any Subsidiary.

17. Nonalienation of Benefits Except as provided in Section 11   and prior to the vesting of any Restricted Share, ( a ) no right or benefit under this Agreement will be subject to anticipation, alienation, sale, assignment, hypothecation, pledge, exchange, transfer, encumbrance or charge, and any attempt to anticipate, alienate, sell, assign, hypothecate, pledge, exchange, transfer, encumber or charge the same will be void, and ( b ) no right or benefit hereunder will in any manner be subjected to or liable for the debts, contracts, liabilities or torts of the Grantee or other person entitled to such benefits.

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18. Governing Law .  This Agreement will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of Colorado.  Each party irrevocably submits to the general jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in the State of Colorado in any action to interpret or enforce this Agreement and irrevocably waives any objection to jurisdiction that such party may have based on inconvenience of forum.

19. Construction References in this Agreement to “this Agreement” and the words “herein,” “hereof,” “hereunder” and similar terms include all Exhibits and Schedules appended hereto, including the Plan.  All references to “Sections” in this Agreement shall be to Sections of this Agreement unless explicitly stated otherwise.  The word “include” and all variations thereof are used in an illustrative sense and not in a limiting sense.     All decisions of the Plan Administrator upon questions regarding the Plan or this Agreement will be conclusive.  Unless otherwise expressly stated herein, in the event of any inconsistency between the terms of the Plan and this Agreement, the terms of the Plan will control.  The headings of the sections of this Agreement have been included for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part hereof and will in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

20. Rules by Plan Administrator .  The rights of the Grantee and the obligations of the Company hereunder will be subject to such reasonable rules and regulations as the Plan Administrator may adopt from time to time .

21. Entire Agreement .  This Agreement is in satisfaction of and in lieu of all prior discussions and agreements, oral or written, between the Company and the Grantee regarding the subject matter hereof .  The Grantee and the Company hereby declare and represent that no promise or agreement not herein expressed has been made and that this Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the Restricted Shares and replaces and makes null and void any prior agreements between the Grantee and the Company regarding the Restricted Shares.  Subject to the restrictions set forth in Sections 11 and 1 7 , this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective heirs, successors and assigns

22. Grantee Acknowledgment .  The Grantee will signify acceptance of the terms and conditions of this Agreement by acknowledging the acceptance of this Agreement via the procedures described in the online grant and administration program utilized by the Company.

23. C ode Section 409A Compliance To the extent that Section 409A of the Code or the related regulations and Treasury pronouncements (“Section 409A”) is applicable to the Grantee in connection with the Award, if any provision of this Agreement would result in the imposition of an excise tax under Section 409A, that provision will be reformed to avoid imposition of the excise tax and no action taken to comply with Section 409A shall be deemed to impair a benefit under this Agreement.

*****

Schedule I

to Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc.

Restricted Stock Award Agreement

 

Grant Date:

____________ , 20 ___

Issuer/Company:

Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. , a Delaware corporation

Plan:

Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan

(Amended and Restated as of March 11, 2015)

 

Plan Administrator:

The Board of Directors of the Company

Common Stock:

Series A Common Stock

Vesting Percentage:

100%

Vesting Date :

________, 20__

Company Notice Address:

Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc.

12300 Liberty Boulevard

Englewood, Colorado 80112

Attn:  General Counsel

 

 

 

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Exhibit 10.9

 

FALCON 900EX  N730LM

 

AIRCRAFT TIME SHARING AGREEMENT

This Aircraft Time Sharing Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into as of the 6 th day of November, 2015 (“Effective Date”), by and between Liberty Media Corporation, with an address of 12300 Liberty Boulevard ,   Englewood ,   Colorado   80112 (“Lessor”), and Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc., with an address of 12300 Liberty Boulevard ,   Englewood ,   Colorado   80112 (“Lessee”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Lessor is the owner of that certain Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft, bearing manufacturer’s serial number 101, currently registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) as N730LM (the “Aircraft”);

WHEREAS, Lessor employs a fully qualified flight crew to operate the Aircraft;

WHEREAS, Lessor desires to lease the Aircraft to Lessee and to provide a fully qualified flight crew for all operations on a periodic, non-exclusive time sharing basis, as defined in Section 91.501(c)(1) of the Federal Aviation Regulations (“FAR”); and

WHEREAS, the use of the Aircraft by Lessee shall at all times be pursuant to and in full compliance with the requirements of FAR Sections 91.501(b)(6), 91.501(c)(1) and 91.501(d).

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and considerations contained in this Agreement, the parties agree as follows:

1. Lessor agrees to lease the Aircraft to Lessee on a periodic, non-exclusive basis, and to provide a fully qualified flight crew for all operations, pursuant and subject to the provisions of FAR Section 91.501(c)(1) and the terms of this Agreement.  The parties expressly acknowledge and agree that, regardless of any employment, contractual or other relationship of any kind or nature, at all times that the Aircraft is operated under this Agreement, Lessor, as the party furnishing the Aircraft and flight crew and exercising complete control over all phases of aircraft operation, shall be deemed to have operational control of the Aircraft as such term is defined in 14 C.F.R. Section 1.1.     This Agreement will commence on the Effective Date and continue until the first anniversary of the Effective Date.  Thereafter, this Agreement shall be automatically renewed on a month-to-month basis, unless sooner terminated by either party as hereinafter provided.  Either party may at any time terminate this Agreement (including during the initial term) upon 30 days’ prior written notice to the other party.

2. Lessee shall pay Lessor for each flight conducted under this Agreement an amount equal to those charges specifically permitted by FAR Section 91.501(d) and in no event an amount in excess of such charges (the “Time Sharing Charge”), which are as follows:


 

(a) Fuel, oil, lubricants, and other additives;

(b) Travel expenses of the crew, inc luding food, lodging and ground transportation;

(c) Hangar and tie down costs away from the Aircraft's base of operation;

(d) Insurance obtained for the specific flight;

(e) Landing fees, airport taxes and similar assessments;

(f) Customs, foreign permit, and similar fees directly related to the flight;

(g) In-flight food and beverages;

(h) Passenger ground transportation;

(i) Flight planning and weather contract services; and

(j) An additional charge equal to 100% of the expenses listed in subparagraph   (a) of this paragraph.

3. Lessor will pay all expenses related to the operation of the Aircraft when incurred, and will bill Lessee on a monthly basis as soon as practicable after the last day of each calendar month for the Time Sharing Charge for any and all flights for the account of Lessee pursuant to this Agreement during the preceding month.  Lessee shall pay Lessor for all flights for the account of Lessee pursuant to this Agreement within 30 days of receipt of the invoice therefor.  If requested by Lessee, Lessor will provide Lessee with a detailed accounting of the expenses composing the Time Sharing Charge for each flight for the account of Lessee pursuant to this Agreement.  Without limiting the foregoing, amounts payable by Lessee to Lessor under this Agreement may include any federal excise tax that may be imposed under Internal Revenue Code Section 4261 or any similar excise taxes, if any.

4. Lessee will provide Lessor with requests for flight time and proposed flight schedules as far in advance of any given flight as possible, and in any case, at least 24 hours in advance of Lessee’s planned departure unless Lessor otherwise agrees.  Requests for flight time shall be in a form, whether written or oral, mutually convenient to, and agreed upon by the parties.  In addition to the proposed schedules and flight times, Lessee shall provide at least the following information for each proposed flight at some time prior to scheduled departure as required by Lessor or Lessor’s flight crew:

(a)

proposed departure point;

(b)

destinations;

(c)

date and time of flight;

(d)

the number of anticipated passengers;

(e)

the identity of each anticipated passenger;

(f)

the nature and extent of luggage and/or cargo to be carried;

(g)

the date and time of return flight, if any; and

(h)

any other information concerning the proposed flight that may be pertinent or required by Lessor or Lessor’s flight crew.

5. Lessor shall have sole and exclusive authority over the scheduling of the Aircraft, including any limitations on the number of passengers on any flight; provided, however, that Lessor will use commercially reasonable efforts to accommodate Lessee’s needs and to avoid conflicts in scheduling.

2


 

6. As between Lessor and Lessee, Lessor shall be solely responsible for securing maintenance, preventive maintenance and required or otherwise necessary inspections on the Aircraft, and shall take such requirements into account in scheduling the Aircraft.  No period of maintenance, preventative maintenance or inspection shall be delayed or postponed for the purpose of scheduling the Aircraft, unless said maintenance or inspection can be safely conducted at a later time in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, and within the sound discretion of the pilot in command.  The pilot in command shall have final and complete authority to cancel any flight for any reason or condition that in his judgment would compromise the safety of the flight.

7. Lessor shall employ, pay for and provide to Lessee a qualified flight crew for each flight undertaken under this Agreement.

8. In accordance with applicable FARs , the qualified flight crew provided by Lessor will exercise all of its duties and responsibilities in regard to the safety of each flight conducted hereunder.  Lessee specifically agrees that the flight crew, in its sole discretion, may terminate any flight, refuse to commence any flight or take other action which in the considered judgment of the pilot in command is necessitated by considerations of safety.  No such action of the pilot in command shall create or support any liability for loss, injury, damage or delay to Lessee or any other person.  The parties further agree that Lessor shall not be liable for delay or failure to furnish the Aircraft and crew pursuant to this Agreement when such failure is caused by government regulation or authority, mechanical difficulty, war, civil commotion, strikes or labor disputes, weather conditions, or acts of God or any other event or circumstance beyond the reasonable control of Lessor.

9. (a)        At all times during the term of this Agreement, Lessor shall cause to be carried and maintained, at Lessor’s cost and expense, physical damage insurance with respect to the Aircraft, third party aircraft liability insurance, passenger legal liability insurance, property damage liability insurance, and medical expense insurance in such amounts and on such terms and conditions as Lessor shall determine in its sole discretion.  Lessor shall also bear the cost of paying any deductible amount on any policy of insurance in the event of a claim or loss.

(b)        Any policies of insurance carried in accordance with this Agreement:  (i) shall name Lessee as an additional insured; (ii) shall contain a waiver by the underwriter thereof of any right of subrogation against Lessee; and (iii) shall require the insurers to provide at least 30 days’ prior written notice (or at least seven days’ in the case of any war-risk insurance) to Lessee if the insurers cancel insurance for any reason whatsoever; provided, however, that the insurers shall provide at least ten days’ prior written notice if the same is allowed to lapse for non-payment of premium.  Each liability policy shall be primary without right of contribution from any other insurance that is carried by Lessee or Lessor and shall expressly provide that all of the provisions thereof, except the limits of liability, shall operate in the same manner as if there were a separate policy covering each insured.

(c)        Lessor shall obtain the approval of this Agreement by the insurance carrier for each policy of insurance on the Aircraft.  If requested by Lessee, Lessor shall arrange for a Certificate of Insurance evidencing the insurance coverage with respect to the Aircraft carried and maintained by Lessor to be given by its insurance carriers to Lessee or will provide Lessee

3


 

with a copy of such insurance policies.  Lessor will give Lessee reasonable advance notice of any material modifications to insurance coverage relating to the Aircraft. 

10.        (a)        Lessee agrees that the proceeds of insurance will be Lessee’s sole recourse against Lessor with respect to any claims that Lessee may have under this Agreement, except in the event of gross negligence or willful misconduct by Lessor. 

(b)       THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION 10 SHALL SURVIVE INDEFINITELY THE TERMINATION OR EXPIRATION OF THE AGREEMENT .

 

11. Lessee warrants that:

(a) It will not use the Aircraft for the purpose of providing transportation of passengers or cargo in air commerce for compensation or hire, for any illegal purpose, or in violation of any insurance policies with respect to the Aircraft;

(b) It will refrain from incurring any mechanics, international interest, prospective international interest or other lien and shall not attempt to convey, mortgage, assign, lease or grant or obtain an international interest or prospective international interest or in any way alienate the Aircraft or create any kind of lien or security interest involving the Aircraft or do anything or take any action that might mature into such a lien; and

(c) It will comply with all applicable laws, governmental and airport orders, rules and regulations, as shall from time to time be in effect relating in any way to the operation and use of the Aircraft under this Agreement.

12. For purposes of this Agreement, the permanent base of operation of the Aircraft shall be Centennial Airport, Englewood, Colorado.

13. A copy of this Agreement shall be carried in the Aircraft and available for review upon the request of the Federal Aviation Administration on all flights conducted pursuant to this Agreement.

14. Lessee shall not assign this Agreement or its interest herein to any other person or entity without the prior written consent of Lessor, which may be granted or denied in Lessor’s sole discretion.  Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto, and their respective heirs, representatives, successors and assigns, and does not confer any rights on any other person. 

15. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior understandings and agreements between the parties respecting such subject matter, including the Aircraft Time Sharing Agreement for the Aircraft between Lessor and Lessee dated as of August 27, 2014, which the parties acknowledge is being terminated as of the Effective Date by execution of this Agreement.  This Agreement may be amended or supplemented and any provision hereof waived only by a written instrument signed by all parties.  The failure or delay on the part of any party to insist on strict performance of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement or to exercise any rights or remedies hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any such provisions, rights or remedies. 

4


 

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, which shall, singly or in the aggregate, constitute a fully executed and binding Agreement.  Words of gender used in this Agreement may be read as masculine, feminine or neuter as required by the context.  Words of number may be read as singular or plural, as required by the context.  The word “include” and derivatives of that word are used in this Agreement in an illustrative sense rather than a limiting sense.  The word “or” is not exclusive and shall be interpreted as meaning “and/or.”  The words “shall” and “will” are used interchangeably and are intended to have the same meaning.  Where applicable, this Agreement may be referred to as “this Lease.”

16. Except as otherwise set forth in Section 4, all communications and notices  provided for herein shall be in writing and shall become effective when delivered by facsimile transmission or by personal delivery, Federal Express or other overnight courier or four days following deposit in the United States mail, with correct postage for first-class mail prepaid, addressed to Lessor or Lessee at their respective addresses set forth above, or else as otherwise directed by the other party from time to time in writing. 

17. If any one or more provisions of this Agreement shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall be unimpaired, and the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions shall be replaced by a mutually acceptable provision, which, being valid, legal and enforceable, comes closest to the intention of the parties underlying the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision.  To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law, that renders any provision of this Agreement prohibited or unenforceable in any respect.

18. This Agreement is entered into under, and is to be construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Colorado, without reference to conflicts of laws. 

 

 

 

 

REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

 

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19. TRUTH IN LEASING STATEMENT UNDER FAR SECTION 91.23

THE AIRCRAFT, A DASSAULT FALCON 900EX, MANUFACTURER’S SERIAL NO. 101, CURRENTLY REGISTERED WITH THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION AS N730LM, HAS BEEN MAINTAINED AND INSPECTED UNDER FAR PART 91 DURING THE 12 MONTH PERIOD PRECEDING THE DATE OF THIS LEASE.

THE AIRCRAFT WILL BE MAINTAINED AND INSPECTED UNDER FAR PART 91 FOR OPERATIONS TO BE CONDUCTED UNDER THIS LEASE.  DURING THE DURATION OF THIS LEASE, LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION, 12300 LIBERTY BOULEVARD ,   ENGLEWOOD ,   COLORADO   80112   IS CONSIDERED RESPONSIBLE FOR OPERATIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT UNDER THIS LEASE.

AN EXPLANATION OF THE FACTORS BEARING ON OPERATIONAL CONTROL AND PERTINENT FEDERAL AVIATION REGULATIONS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE NEAREST FAA FLIGHT STANDARDS DISTRICT OFFICE.

THE “INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLIANCE WITH TRUTH IN LEASING REQUIREMENTS” ATTACHED HERETO ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE.

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION, LOCATED AT 12300 LIBERTY BOULEVARD, ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80112, THROUGH ITS UNDERSIGNED AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY BELOW, CERTIFIES THAT LESSOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OPERATIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AND THAT IT UNDERSTANDS ITS RESPONSIBILITIES FOR COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE FEDERAL AVIATION REGULATIONS.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement to be effective as of the date first above written.

 

LESSOR LESSEE

 

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

 

By: /s/ Craig Troyer By: /s/ Craig Troyer

 

Name: Craig Troyer Name:  Craig Troyer

 

Title: Vice President Title:    Vice President

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLIANCE WITH “TRUTH IN LEASING” REQUIREMENTS

1.

Mail a copy of the lease to the following address via certified mail, return receipt requested, immediately upon execution of the lease (14 C.F.R. 91.23 requires that the copy be sent within 24 hours after it is signed):

Federal Aviation Administration

Aircraft Registration Branch

ATTN:  Technical Section

P.O. Box 25724

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma  73125

2.

Telephone the nearest Flight Standards District Office at least 48 hours prior to the first flight under this lease.

3.

Carry a copy of the lease in the aircraft at all times.

 

 

 


 

 

FALCON 900EX N740LM

 

AIRCRAFT TIME SHARING AGREEMENT

This Aircraft Time Sharing Agreement (“Agreement”) is effective as of the 6 th day of November, 2015 (“Effective Date”), by and between Liberty Media Corporation, with an address of 12300 Liberty Boulevard ,   Englewood ,   Colorado   80112 (“Lessee”), and Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc., with an address of 12300 Liberty Boulevard ,   Englewood ,   Colorado   80112 (“Sublessee”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Kala Acquisitions, LLC (“Kala”) is the owner of that certain Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft, bearing manufacturer’s serial number 74 (the “Aircraft”), currently registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) as N740LM;

WHERE, Kala leased the Aircraft to Lessee pursuant to an Aircraft Dry Lease Agreement dated November 6, 2015 (the “Primary Lease”);

WHEREAS, Sublessee is aware of the Primary Lease and acknowledges that this Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Primary Lease;

WHEREAS, Lessee is the operator of the Aircraft;

WHEREAS, Lessee employs a fully qualified flight crew to operate the Aircraft;

WHEREAS, Lessee desires to sublease the Aircraft to Sublessee and to provide a fully qualified flight crew for all operations on a periodic, non-exclusive time sharing basis, as defined in Section 91.501(c)(1) of the Federal Aviation Regulations (“FAR”); and

WHEREAS, the use of the Aircraft by Sublessee shall at all times be pursuant to and in full compliance with the requirements of FAR Sections 91.501(b)(6), 91.501(c)(1) and 91.501(d).

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and considerations contained in this Agreement, the parties agree as follows:

1. Lessee agrees to sublease the Aircraft to Sublessee on a periodic, non-exclusive basis, and to provide a fully qualified flight crew for all operations, pursuant and subject to the provisions of FAR Section 91.501(c)(1) and the terms of this Agreement.  The parties expressly acknowledge and agree that, regardless of any employment, contractual or other relationship of any kind or nature, at all times that the Aircraft is operated under this Agreement, Lessee, as the party furnishing the Aircraft and flight crew and exercising complete control over all phases of aircraft operation, shall be deemed to have operational control of the Aircraft as such term is defined in 14 C.F.R. Section 1.1.     This Agreement will commence on the Effective Date and continue until the Primary Lease between Kala and Lessee terminates, and this Agreement will be subject to all of the terms and conditions of the Primary Lease until the Primary Lease

8


 

 

terminates.  Either party may at any time terminate this Agreement (including during the initial term) upon 30 days’ prior written notice to the other party.

2. Sublessee shall pay Lessee for each flight conducted under this Agreement an amount equal to those charges specifically permitted by FAR Section 91.501(d) and in no event an amount in excess of such charges (the “Time Sharing Charge”), which are as follows:

(a) Fuel, oil, lubricants, and other additives;

(b) Travel expenses of the crew, including food, lodging and ground transportation;

(c) Hangar and tie down costs away from the Aircraft's base of operation;

(d) Insurance obtained for the specific flight;

(e) Landing fees, airport taxes and similar assessments;

(f) Customs, foreign permit, and similar fees directly related to the flight;

(g) In-flight food and beverages;

(h) Passenger ground transportation;

(i) Flight planning and weather contract services; and

(j) An additional charge equal to 100% of the expenses listed in subparagraph (a) of this paragraph.

3. Lessee will pay all expenses related to the operation of the Aircraft when incurred, and will bill Sublessee on a monthly basis as soon as practicable after the last day of each calendar month for the Time Sharing Charge for any and all flights for the account of Sublessee pursuant to this Agreement during the preceding month.  Sublessee shall pay Lessee for all flights for the account of Sublessee pursuant to this Agreement within 30 days of receipt of the invoice therefor.  If requested by Sublessee, Lessee will provide Sublessee with a detailed accounting of the expenses composing the Time Sharing Charge for each flight for the account of Sublessee pursuant to this Agreement.  Without limiting the foregoing, amounts payable by Sublessee to Lessee under this Agreement may include any federal excise tax that may be imposed under Internal Revenue Code Section 4261 or any similar excise taxes, if any.

4. Sublessee will provide Lessee with requests for flight time and proposed flight schedules as far in advance of any given flight as possible, and in any case, at least 24 hours in advance of Sublessee’s planned departure unless Lessee otherwise agrees.  Requests for flight time shall be in a form, whether written or oral, mutually convenient to, and agreed upon by the parties.  In addition to the proposed schedules and flight times, Sublessee shall provide at least the following information for each proposed flight at some time prior to scheduled departure as required by Lessee or Lessee’s flight crew:

(a)

proposed departure point;

(b)

destinations;

(c)

date and time of flight;

(d)

the number of anticipated passengers;

(e)

the identity of each anticipated passenger;

(f)

the nature and extent of luggage and/or cargo to be carried;

(g)

the date and time of return flight, if any; and

9


 

 

(h)

any other information concerning the proposed flight that may be pertinent or required by Lessee or Lessee’s flight crew.

 

5 . Lessee shall have sole and exclusive authority over the scheduling of the Aircraft, including any limitations on the number of passengers on any flight; provided, however, that Lessee will use commercially reasonable efforts to accommodate Sublessee’s needs and to avoid conflicts in scheduling.

6 . As between Lessee and Sublessee, Lessee shall be solely responsible for securing maintenance, preventive maintenance and required or otherwise necessary inspections on the Aircraft, and shall take such requirements into account in scheduling the Aircraft.  No period of maintenance, preventative maintenance or inspection shall be delayed or postponed for the purpose of scheduling the Aircraft, unless said maintenance or inspection can be safely conducted at a later time in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, and within the sound discretion of the pilot in command.  The pilot in command shall have final and complete authority to cancel any flight for any reason or condition that in his judgment would compromise the safety of the flight.

7 . Lessee shall employ, pay for and provide to Sublessee a qualified flight crew for each flight undertaken under this Agreement.

8 . In accordance with applicable FARs, the qualified flight crew provided by Lessee will exercise all of its duties and responsibilities in regard to the safety of each flight conducted hereunder.  Sublessee specifically agrees that the flight crew, in its sole discretion, may terminate any flight, refuse to commence any flight or take other action which in the considered judgment of the pilot in command is necessitated by considerations of safety.  No such action of the pilot in command shall create or support any liability for loss, injury, damage or delay to Sublessee or any other person.  The parties further agree that Lessee shall not be liable for delay or failure to furnish the Aircraft and crew pursuant to this Agreement when such failure is caused by government regulation or authority, mechanical difficulty, war, civil commotion, strikes or labor disputes, weather conditions, or acts of God or any other event or circumstance beyond the reasonable control of Lessee.

9 . (a)        At all times during the term of this Agreement, Lessee shall cause to be carried and maintained, at Lessee’s cost and expense, physical damage insurance with respect to the Aircraft, third party aircraft liability insurance, passenger legal liability insurance, property damage liability insurance, and medical expense insurance in such amounts and on such terms and conditions as Lessee shall determine in its sole discretion.  Lessee shall also bear the cost of paying any deductible amount on any policy of insurance in the event of a claim or loss.

(b)        Any policies of insurance carried in accordance with this Agreement:  (i) shall name Sublessee as an additional insured; (ii) shall contain a waiver by the underwriter thereof of any right of subrogation against Sublessee; and (iii) shall require the insurers to provide at least 30 days’ prior written notice (or at least seven days’ in the case of any war-risk insurance) to Sublessee if the insurers cancel insurance for any reason whatsoever; provided, however, that the insurers shall provide at least ten days’ prior written notice if the same is allowed to lapse for non-payment of premium.  Each liability policy shall be primary without

10


 

 

right of contribution from any other insurance that is carried by Sublessee or Lessee and shall expressly provide that all of the provisions thereof, except the limits of liability, shall operate in the same manner as if there were a separate policy covering each insured.

 

(c)        Lessee shall obtain the approval of this Agreement by the insurance carrier for each policy of insurance on the Aircraft.  If requested by Sublessee, Lessee shall arrange for a Certificate of Insurance evidencing the insurance coverage with respect to the Aircraft carried and maintained by Lessee to be given by its insurance carriers to Sublessee or will provide Sublessee with a copy of such insurance policies.  Lessee will give Sublessee reasonable advance notice of any material modifications to insurance coverage relating to the Aircraft. 

 

10.       (a)        Sublessee agrees that the proceeds of insurance will be Sublessee’s sole recourse against Lessee with respect to any claims that Sublessee may have under this Agreement, except in the event of gross negligence or willful misconduct by Lessee. 

(b)    THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION 10 SHALL SURVIVE INDEFINITELY THE TERMINATION OR EXPIRATION OF THE AGREEMENT .

 

11.        Sublessee warrants that:

( a ) It will not use the Aircraft for the purpose of providing transportation of passengers or cargo in air commerce for compensation or hire, for any illegal purpose, or in violation of any insurance policies with respect to the Aircraft;

( b ) I t will refrain from incurring any mechanics, international interest, prospective international interest or other lien and shall not attempt to convey, mortgage, assign, lease or grant or obtain an international interest or prospective international interest or in any way alienate the Aircraft or create any kind of lien or security interest involving the Aircraft or do anything or take any action that might mature into such a lien; and

( c ) It will comply with all applicable laws, governmental and airport orders, rules and regulations, as shall from time to time be in effect relating in any way to the operation and use of the Aircraft under this Agreement.

12.        For purposes of this Agreement, the permanent base of operation of the Aircraft shall be Centennial Airport, Englewood, Colorado.

13.        A copy of this Agreement shall be carried in the Aircraft and available for review upon the request of the Federal Aviation Administration on all flights conducted pursuant to this Agreement.

14.        Sublessee shall not assign this Agreement or its interest herein to any other person or entity without the prior written consent of Lessee, which may be granted or denied in Lessee’s sole discretion.  Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto, and their respective heirs, representatives, successors and assigns, and does not confer any rights on any other person. 

11


 

 

15.       This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior understandings and agreements between the parties respecting such subject matter, including the Aircraft Time Sharing Agreement for the Aircraft effective as of August 27, 2014, between Liberty Media Corporation, the prior owner of the Aircraft, and Sublessee, which the parties acknowledge is being terminated as of the Effective Date by execution of this Agreement.  This Agreement may be amended or supplemented and any provision hereof waived only by a written instrument signed by all parties.  The failure or delay on the part of any party to insist on strict performance of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement or to exercise any rights or remedies hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any such provisions, rights or remedies.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, which shall, singly or in the aggregate, constitute a fully executed and binding Agreement.  Words of gender used in this Agreement may be read as masculine, feminine or neuter as required by the context.  Words of number may be read as singular or plural, as required by the context.  The word “include” and derivatives of that word are used in this Agreement in an illustrative sense rather than a limiting sense.  The word “or” is not exclusive and shall be interpreted as meaning “and/or.”  The words “shall” and “will” are used interchangeably and are intended to have the same meaning.  Where applicable, this Agreement may be referred to as “this Lease.”

16.        Except as otherwise set forth in Section 4, all communications and notices  provided for herein shall be in writing and shall become effective when delivered by facsimile transmission or by personal delivery, Federal Express or other overnight courier or four days following deposit in the United States mail, with correct postage for first-class mail prepaid, addressed to Lessee or Sublessee at their respective addresses set forth above, or else as otherwise directed by the other party from time to time in writing. 

17.        If any one or more provisions of this Agreement shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall be unimpaired, and the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions shall be replaced by a mutually acceptable provision, which, being valid, legal and enforceable, comes closest to the intention of the parties underlying the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision.  To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law, that renders any provision of this Agreement prohibited or unenforceable in any respect.

18.        This Agreement is entered into under, and is to be construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Colorado, without reference to conflicts of laws. 

 

 

 

 

REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

 

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19.        TRUTH IN LEASING STATEMENT UNDER FAR SECTION 91.23

THE AIRCRAFT, A DASSAULT FALCON 900EX, MANUFACTURER’S SERIAL NO. 74, CURRENTLY REGISTERED WITH THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION AS N740LM, HAS BEEN MAINTAINED AND INSPECTED UNDER FAR PART 91 DURING THE 12 MONTH PERIOD PRECEDING THE DATE OF THIS LEASE.

THE AIRCRAFT WILL BE MAINTAINED AND INSPECTED UNDER FAR PART 91 FOR OPERATIONS TO BE CONDUCTED UNDER THIS LEASE.  DURING THE DURATION OF THIS LEASE, LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION, 12300 LIBERTY BOULEVARD ,   ENGLEWOOD ,   COLORADO   80112   IS CONSIDERED RESPONSIBLE FOR OPERATIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT UNDER THIS LEASE.

AN EXPLANATION OF THE FACTORS BEARING ON OPERATIONAL CONTROL AND PERTINENT FEDERAL AVIATION REGULATIONS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE NEAREST FAA FLIGHT STANDARDS DISTRICT OFFICE.

THE “INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLIANCE WITH TRUTH IN LEASING REQUIREMENTS” ATTACHED HERETO ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE.

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION, LOCATED AT 12300 LIBERTY BOULEVARD, ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80112, THROUGH ITS UNDERSIGNED AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY BELOW, CERTIFIES THAT LESSEE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OPERATIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AND THAT IT UNDERSTANDS ITS RESPONSIBILITIES FOR COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE FEDERAL AVIATION REGULATIONS.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement to be effective as of the date first above written.

LESSEE SUBLESSEE

 

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

By: /s/ Craig Troyer By: /s/ Craig Troyer

 

Name: Craig Troyer Name: Craig Troyer

 

Title: Vice President Title: Vice President

 

 

 

 


 

 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLIANCE WITH “TRUTH IN LEASING” REQUIREMENTS

1. Mail a copy of the lease to the following address via certified mail, return receipt requested, immediately upon execution of the lease (14 C.F.R. 91.23 requires that the copy be sent within 24 hours after it is signed):

Federal Aviation Administration

Aircraft Registration Branch

ATTN:  Technical Section

P.O. Box 25724

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma  73125

2. Telephone the nearest Flight Standards District Office at least 48 hours prior to the first flight under this lease.

3. Carry a copy of the lease in the aircraft at all times.

 

 

 

 


 

 

FALCON 7X N770LM

 

AIRCRAFT TIME SHARING AGREEMENT

This Aircraft Time Sharing Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into as of the 6 th day of November, 2015 (“Effective Date”), by and between Liberty Media Corporation, with an address of 12300 Liberty Boulevard ,   Englewood ,   Colorado   80112 (“Lessor”), and Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc., with an address of 12300 Liberty Boulevard, Englewood, Colorado   80112 (“Lessee”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Lessor is the owner of that certain Dassault Falcon 7X aircraft, bearing manufacturer’s serial number 262 (the “Aircraft”), registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) as N770LM;

WHEREAS, Lessor employs a fully qualified flight crew to operate the Aircraft;

WHEREAS, Lessor desires to lease the Aircraft to Lessee and to provide a fully qualified flight crew for all operations on a periodic, non-exclusive time sharing basis, as defined in Section 91.501(c)(1) of the Federal Aviation Regulations (“FAR”); and

WHEREAS, the use of the Aircraft by Lessee shall at all times be pursuant to and in full compliance with the requirements of FAR Sections 91.501(b)(6), 91.501(c)(1) and 91.501(d).

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and considerations contained in this Agreement, the parties agree as follows:

1. Lessor agrees to lease the Aircraft to Lessee on a periodic, non-exclusive basis, and to provide a fully qualified flight crew for all operations, pursuant and subject to the provisions of FAR Section 91.501(c)(1) and the terms of this Agreement.  The parties expressly acknowledge and agree that, regardless of any employment, contractual or other relationship of any kind or nature, at all times that the Aircraft is operated under this Agreement, Lessor, as the party furnishing the Aircraft and flight crew and exercising complete control over all phases of aircraft operation, shall be deemed to have operational control of the Aircraft as such term is defined in 14 C.F.R. Section 1.1.     This Agreement will commence on the Effective Date and continue until the first anniversary of the Effective Date.  Thereafter, this Agreement shall be automatically renewed on a month-to-month basis, unless sooner terminated by either party as hereinafter provided.  Either party may at any time terminate this Agreement (including during the initial term) upon 30 days’ prior written notice to the other party.

2. Lessee shall pay Lessor for each flight conducted under this Agreement an amount equal to those charges specifically permitted by FAR Section 91.501(d) and in no event an amount in excess of such charges (the “Time Sharing Charge”), which are as follows:

15


 

 

(a) Fuel, oil, lubricants, and other additives;

(b) Travel expenses of the crew, including food, lodging and ground transportation;

(c) Hangar and tie down costs away from the Aircraft's base of operation;

(d) Insurance obtained for the specific flight;

(e) Landing fees, airport taxes and similar assessments;

(f) Customs, foreign permit, and similar fees directly related to the flight;

(g) In-flight food and beverages;

(h) Passenger ground transportation;

(i) Flight planning and weather contract services; and

(j) An additional charge equal to 100% of the expenses listed in subparagraph (a) of this paragraph.

3. Lessor will pay all expenses related to the operation of the Aircraft when incurred, and will bill Lessee on a monthly basis as soon as practicable after the last day of each calendar month for the Time Sharing Charge for any and all flights for the account of Lessee pursuant to this Agreement during the preceding month.  Lessee shall pay Lessor for all flights for the account of Lessee pursuant to this Agreement within 30 days of receipt of the invoice therefor.  If requested by Lessee, Lessor will provide Lessee with a detailed accounting of the expenses composing the Time Sharing Charge for each flight for the account of Lessee pursuant to this Agreement.  Without limiting the foregoing, amounts payable by Lessee to Lessor under this Agreement may include any federal excise tax that may be imposed under Internal Revenue Code Section 4261 or any similar excise taxes, if any.

4. Lessee will provide Lessor with requests for flight time and proposed flight schedules as far in advance of any given flight as possible, and in any case, at least 24 hours in advance of Lessee’s planned departure unless Lessor otherwise agrees.  Requests for flight time shall be in a form, whether written or oral, mutually convenient to, and agreed upon by the parties.  In addition to the proposed schedules and flight times, Lessee shall provide at least the following information for each proposed flight at some time prior to scheduled departure as required by Lessor or Lessor’s flight crew:

(a) proposed departure point;

(b) destinations;

(c) date and time of flight;

(d) the number of anticipated passengers;

(e) the identity of each anticipated passenger;

(f) the nature and extent of luggage and/or cargo to be carried;

(g) the date and time of return flight, if any; and

(h) any other information concerning the proposed flight that may be pertinent or required by Lessor or Lessor’s flight crew.

 

5. Lessor shall have sole and exclusive authority over the scheduling of the Aircraft, including any limitations on the number of passengers on any flight; provided, however, that Lessor will use commercially reasonable efforts to accommodate Lessee’s needs and to avoid conflicts in scheduling.

16


 

 

6. As between Lessor and Lessee, Lessor shall be solely responsible for securing maintenance, preventive maintenance and required or otherwise necessary inspections on the Aircraft, and shall take such requirements into account in scheduling the Aircraft.  No period of maintenance, preventative maintenance or inspection shall be delayed or postponed for the purpose of scheduling the Aircraft, unless said maintenance or inspection can be safely conducted at a later time in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, and within the sound discretion of the pilot in command.  The pilot in command shall have final and complete authority to cancel any flight for any reason or condition that in his judgment would compromise the safety of the flight.

7. Lessor shall employ, pay for and provide to Lessee a qualified flight crew for each flight undertaken under this Agreement.

8. In accordance with applicable FARs, the qualified flight crew provided by Lessor will exercise all of its duties and responsibilities in regard to the safety of each flight conducted hereunder.  Lessee specifically agrees that the flight crew, in its sole discretion, may terminate any flight, refuse to commence any flight or take other action which in the considered judgment of the pilot in command is necessitated by considerations of safety.  No such action of the pilot in command shall create or support any liability for loss, injury, damage or delay to Lessee or any other person.  The parties further agree that Lessor shall not be liable for delay or failure to furnish the Aircraft and crew pursuant to this Agreement when such failure is caused by government regulation or authority, mechanical difficulty, war, civil commotion, strikes or labor disputes, weather conditions, or acts of God or any other event or circumstance beyond the reasonable control of Lessor.

9.   (a) At all times during the term of this Agreement, Lessor shall cause to be carried and maintained, at Lessor’s cost and expense, physical damage insurance with respect to the Aircraft, third party aircraft liability insurance, passenger legal liability insurance, property damage liability insurance, and medical expense insurance in such amounts and on such terms and conditions as Lessor shall determine in its sole discretion.  Lessor shall also bear the cost of paying any deductible amount on any policy of insurance in the event of a claim or loss.

(b) Any policies of insurance carried in accordance with this Agreement:  (i) shall name Lessee as an additional insured; (ii) shall contain a waiver by the underwriter thereof of any right of subrogation against Lessee; and (iii) shall require the insurers to provide at least 30 days’ prior written notice (or at least seven days’ in the case of any war-risk insurance) to Lessee if the insurers cancel insurance for any reason whatsoever; provided, however, that the insurers shall provide at least ten days’ prior written notice if the same is allowed to lapse for non-payment of premium.  Each liability policy shall be primary without right of contribution from any other insurance that is carried by Lessee or Lessor and shall expressly provide that all of the provisions thereof, except the limits of liability, shall operate in the same manner as if there were a separate policy covering each insured.

 

(c) Lessor shall obtain the approval of this Agreement by the insurance carrier for each policy of insurance on the Aircraft.  If requested by Lessee, Lessor shall arrange for a Certificate of Insurance evidencing the insurance coverage with respect to the Aircraft carried and maintained by Lessor to be given by its insurance carriers to Lessee or will provide Lessee

17


 

 

with a copy of such insurance policies.  Lessor will give Lessee reasonable advance notice of any material modifications to insurance coverage relating to the Aircraft. 

 

10. (a) Lessee agrees that the proceeds of insurance will be Lessee’s sole recourse against Lessor with respect to any claims that Lessee may have under this Agreement, except in the event of gross negligence or willful misconduct by Lessor. 

(b)    THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION 10 SHALL SURVIVE INDEFINITELY THE TERMINATION OR EXPIRATION OF THE AGREEMENT .

 

11. Lessee warrants that:

(a) It will not use the Aircraft for the purpose of providing transportation of passengers or cargo in air commerce for compensation or hire, for any illegal purpose, or in violation of any insurance policies with respect to the Aircraft;

(b) It will refrain from incurring any mechanics, international interest, prospective international interest or other lien and shall not attempt to convey, mortgage, assign, lease or grant or obtain an international interest or prospective international interest or in any way alienate the Aircraft or create any kind of lien or security interest involving the Aircraft or do anything or take any action that might mature into such a lien; and

(c) It will comply with all applicable laws, governmental and airport orders, rules and regulations, as shall from time to time be in effect relating in any way to the operation and use of the Aircraft under this Agreement.

12. For purposes of this Agreement, the permanent base of operation of the Aircraft shall be Centennial Airport, Englewood, Colorado.

13. A copy of this Agreement shall be carried in the Aircraft and available for review upon the request of the Federal Aviation Administration on all flights conducted pursuant to this Agreement.

14. Lessee shall not assign this Agreement or its interest herein to any other person or entity without the prior written consent of Lessor, which may be granted or denied in Lessor’s sole discretion.  Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto, and their respective heirs, representatives, successors and assigns, and does not confer any rights on any other person. 

15. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior understandings and agreements between the parties respecting such subject matter.  This Agreement may be amended or supplemented and any provision hereof waived only by a written instrument signed by all parties.  The failure or delay on the part of any party to insist on strict performance of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement or to exercise any rights or remedies hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any such provisions, rights or remedies.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, which shall, singly or in the aggregate, constitute a fully executed and binding Agreement.  Words of gender used in this Agreement may be read as masculine, feminine or

18


 

 

neuter as required by the context.  Words of number may be read as singular or plural, as required by the context.  The word “include” and derivatives of that word are used in this Agreement in an illustrative sense rather than a limiting sense.  The word “or” is not exclusive and shall be interpreted as meaning “and/or.”  The words “shall” and “will” are used interchangeably and are intended to have the same meaning.  Where applicable, this Agreement may be referred to as “this Lease.”

16. Except as otherwise set forth in Section 4, all communications and notices  provided for herein shall be in writing and shall become effective when delivered by facsimile transmission or by personal delivery, Federal Express or other overnight courier or four days following deposit in the United States mail, with correct postage for first-class mail prepaid, addressed to Lessor or Lessee at their respective addresses set forth above, or else as otherwise directed by the other party from time to time in writing. 

17. If any one or more provisions of this Agreement shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall be unimpaired, and the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions shall be replaced by a mutually acceptable provision, which, being valid, legal and enforceable, comes closest to the intention of the parties underlying the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision.  To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law, that renders any provision of this Agreement prohibited or unenforceable in any respect.

18. This Agreement is entered into under, and is to be construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Colorado, without reference to conflicts of laws. 

 

 

 

 

REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

 

19


 

 

19. TRUTH IN LEASING STATEMENT UNDER FAR SECTION 91.23

THE AIRCRAFT, A DASSAULT FALCON 7X, MANUFACTURER’S SERIAL NO. 262, CURRENTLY REGISTERED WITH THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION AS N770LM, EITHER HAS BEEN DELIVERED FROM ITS MANUFACTURER OR HAS BEEN MAINTAINED AND INSPECTED UNDER FAR PART 91 DURING THE 12 MONTH PERIOD PRECEDING THE DATE OF THIS LEASE.

THE AIRCRAFT WILL BE MAINTAINED AND INSPECTED UNDER FAR PART 91 FOR OPERATIONS TO BE CONDUCTED UNDER THIS LEASE.  DURING THE DURATION OF THIS LEASE, LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION, 12300 LIBERTY BOULEVARD ,   ENGLEWOOD ,   COLORADO   80112   IS CONSIDERED RESPONSIBLE FOR OPERATIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT UNDER THIS LEASE.

AN EXPLANATION OF THE FACTORS BEARING ON OPERATIONAL CONTROL AND PERTINENT FEDERAL AVIATION REGULATIONS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE NEAREST FAA FLIGHT STANDARDS DISTRICT OFFICE.

THE “INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLIANCE WITH TRUTH IN LEASING REQUIREMENTS” ATTACHED HERETO ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE.

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION, LOCATED AT 12300 LIBERTY BOULEVARD, ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80112, THROUGH ITS UNDERSIGNED AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY BELOW, CERTIFIES THAT LESSOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OPERATIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AND THAT IT UNDERSTANDS ITS RESPONSIBILITIES FOR COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE FEDERAL AVIATION REGULATIONS.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement to be effective as of the date first above written.

 

LESSOR LESSEE

 

LIBERTY MEDIA CORPORATION LIBERTY TRIPADVISOR HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

By: /s/ Craig Troyer By: /s/ Craig Troyer

 

Name: Craig Troyer Name: Craig Troyer

 

Title: Vice President Title: Vice President

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLIANCE WITH “TRUTH IN LEASING” REQUIREMENTS

1. Mail a copy of the lease to the following address via certified mail, return receipt requested, immediately upon execution of the lease (14 C.F.R. 91.23 requires that the copy be sent within 24 hours after it is signed):

Federal Aviation Administration

Aircraft Registration Branch

ATTN:  Technical Section

P.O. Box 25724

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma  73125

 

2. Telephone the nearest Flight Standards District Office at least 48 hours prior to the first flight under this lease.

3. Carry a copy of the lease in the aircraft at all times.

 

 

 

 


Exhibit 21

Entity Name

Domicile

BuySeasons, Inc.

DE

Liberty TripAdvisor, LLC

DE

TripAdvisor, Inc. (50%+ voting interest/consolidated for accounting purposes)

DE

 


Exhibit 23 .1

 

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors
Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc.:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following registration statements of Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. (the Company) of our reports dated February 1 8 , 2016, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive earnings (loss), cash flows, and equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, which reports appear in the December 31, 2015 annual report on Form 10 ‑K of the Company.

 

Description

 

Registration Statement No.

 

Description

S-8

 

333-198649

 

Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. Transitional Stock Adjustment Plan

S-8

 

333-198650

 

Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan

S-8

 

333-201011

 

Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan

 

/s/ KPMG LLP 

Denver, Colorado
February 1 8 , 2016

 


Exhibit 23.2

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

We consent to the use of our report dated February 11, 2014, except for Note 2 and Note 16, as to which the date is February 17, 2015, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of TripAdvisor, Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

 

Boston, Massachusetts

February 1 8 , 2016

 


 

EXHIBIT 31.1

 

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Gregory B. Maffei, certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc.;

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this annual report fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

 

4.

The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have :

 

a)

designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

 

b)

designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

c)

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this annual report based on such evaluation; and

 

d)

disclosed in this annual report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.

The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 

a)

all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 

6

 

 

 

Date:

    

February 1 8, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ GREGORY B. MAFFEI

 

 

 

Gregory B. Maffei

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 


EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Brian J. Wendling , certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc.;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this annual report fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

4.

The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have :

a)

designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

b)

designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this annual report based on such evaluation; and

d)

disclosed in this annual report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.

The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a)

all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

 

Date:

    

February 18, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  BRIAN J. WENDLING

 

 

Brian J. Wendling

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 


Exhibit 32

 

Certification

 

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code)

 

Pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code), each of the undersigned officers of Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), does hereby certify, to such officer's knowledge, that:

 

The Annual Report on Form 10-K for th e period ended December 31, 2015 (the "Form 10-K") of the Company fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dated:

February 18 , 201 6

 

/s/ GREGORY B. MAFFEI

 

 

 

Gregory B. Maffei

President and Chief Executive Officer

Dated:

February 18, 2016

 

/s/  BRIAN J. WENDLING

 

 

 

Brian J. Wendling

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code) and is not being filed as part of the Form 10-K or as a separate disclosure document.