The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. 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) recognition and recoverability of goodwill, intangible and long-lived assets and (ii) accounting for income taxes to be its most significant estimates.
Tripadvisor and the Company were negatively impacted by the risks and uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic and Tripadvisor’s business would be adversely and materially affected upon a resurgence of COVID-19 or the emergence of any new pandemic or other health crisis that results in reinstated travel bans and/or other government restrictions and mandates. Following the lifting of restrictions in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, travel demand increased. In addition, the U.S. and other countries have seen significant increased inflation and decreases in discretionary spending patterns by consumers. If macroeconomic conditions deteriorate, consumer demand and spending may decline, Tripadvisor may not be able to pass on increased costs to its customers and Tripadvisor’s inability or failure to navigate the macroeconomic environment could harm its business, results of operations and financial condition.
Additionally, natural disasters, public health-related events, political instability, geopolitical conflicts, including the evolving events in the Middle East, acts of terrorism, fluctuations in currency values, and changes in global economic conditions are examples of other events that could have a negative impact on the travel industry, and, as a result, Tripadvisor’s financial results in the future.
Consumer travel expenditures have historically followed a seasonal pattern. Correspondingly, travel partner advertising investments, and therefore Tripadvisor’s revenue and operating profits, have also historically followed a seasonal pattern. Tripadvisor’s financial performance tends to be seasonally highest in the second and third quarters of a given year, which includes the seasonal peak in consumer demand, including traveler accommodation stays, and travel experiences taken, compared to the first and fourth quarters, which represent seasonal low points. In addition, during the first half of the year, experience bookings typically exceed the amount of completed experiences, resulting in higher cash flow related to working capital; while during the second half of the year, particularly in the third quarter, this pattern reverses and cash flows from these transactions are typically negative. Other factors may also impact typical seasonal fluctuations, such as significant shifts in Tripadvisor’s business mix, adverse economic conditions, or public health-related events, as well as other factors.
TripCo has entered into certain agreements, including the services agreement, the facilities sharing agreement and the tax sharing agreement, with Qurate Retail, Inc. (“Qurate Retail”) and/or Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty Media”) (or certain of their subsidiaries). Pursuant to the services agreement (except as described below in respect to Gregory B. Maffei), Liberty Media provides TripCo with general and administrative services including legal, tax, accounting, treasury, information technology, cybersecurity and investor relations support. TripCo reimburses Liberty Media for direct, out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Liberty Media in providing these services and TripCo pays a services fee to Liberty Media under the services agreement that is subject to adjustment semi-annually, as necessary.
Pursuant to the services agreement, in connection with Liberty Media’s employment arrangement with Gregory B. Maffei, TripCo’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, components of Mr. Maffei’s compensation will either be paid directly to him or reimbursed to Liberty Media, in each case, based on allocations among Liberty Media and the Service Companies set forth in the amended services agreement, currently set at 5% for the Company but subject to adjustment on an annual basis and upon the occurrence of certain events.
Under the facilities sharing agreement, TripCo shares office space with Liberty Media and related amenities at Liberty Media’s corporate headquarters in Englewood, Colorado.