Attached files

file filename
EX-10.50 - EX-10.50 NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION GRANT AGREEMENT - Sabre Corpsabr10q063016-ex1050.htm
EX-32.2 - EX-32.2 CERTIFICATION OF CFO PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 - Sabre Corpsabr063016-ex322.htm
EX-32.1 - EX-32.1 CERTIFICATION OF CEO PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 - Sabre Corpsabr063016-ex321.htm
EX-31.2 - EX-31.2 CERTIFICATION OF CFO PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 - Sabre Corpsabr063016-ex312.htm
EX-31.1 - EX-31.1 CERTIFICATION OF CEO PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 - Sabre Corpsabr10q063016-ex311.htm
EX-10.69 - EX-10.69 AMENDMENT TO G WEBB EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - Sabre Corpsabr10q063016-ex1069.htm
EX-10.49 - EX-10.49 RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT GRANT AGREEMENT - Sabre Corpsabr10q063016-ex1049.htm

 


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
FORM 10-Q
 
 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016
or
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number: 001-36422
 
 
Sabre Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
 
Delaware
 
20-8647322
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
3150 Sabre Drive
Southlake, TX 76092
(Address, including zip code, of principal executive offices)
(682) 605-1000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days:    Yes  x    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨
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
 
x
  
Accelerated filer
 
¨
Non-accelerated filer
 
¨  (Do not check if a 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   x
As of July 27, 2016, 278,069,943 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, were outstanding.

 



SABRE CORPORATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
Page No.
    Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Item 2.
     Item 3.
     Item 4.
 
 
     Item 1.
     Item 1A.
     Item 6.
 





PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SABRE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited) 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Revenue
$
845,242

 
$
707,091

 
$
1,704,785

 
$
1,417,439

Cost of revenue (1) (2)
556,317

 
461,126

 
1,110,582

 
930,124

Selling, general and administrative (2)
146,886

 
123,360

 
280,742

 
245,718

Operating income
142,039

 
122,605

 
313,461

 
241,597

Other income (expense):
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
(37,210
)
 
(42,609
)
 
(78,412
)
 
(89,062
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt

 
(33,235
)
 

 
(33,235
)
Joint venture equity income
763

 
5,307

 
1,526

 
13,826

Other, net
876

 
197

 
4,236

 
(4,248
)
Total other expense, net
(35,571
)
 
(70,340
)
 
(72,650
)
 
(112,719
)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
106,468

 
52,265

 
240,811

 
128,878

Provision for income taxes
31,273

 
19,676

 
72,697

 
46,959

Income from continuing operations
75,195

 
32,589

 
168,114

 
81,919

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax
(2,098
)
 
696

 
11,252

 
159,607

Net income
73,097

 
33,285

 
179,366

 
241,526

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
1,078

 
1,078

 
2,180

 
1,825

Net income attributable to common stockholders
$
72,019

 
$
32,207

 
$
177,186

 
$
239,701

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic net income per share attributable to common
stockholders:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
$
0.27

 
$
0.12

 
$
0.60

 
$
0.30

(Loss) income from discontinued operations
(0.01
)
 

 
0.04

 
0.59

Net income per common share
$
0.26

 
$
0.12

 
$
0.64

 
$
0.89

Diluted net income per share attributable to common stockholders:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
$
0.26

 
$
0.11

 
$
0.59

 
$
0.29

(Loss) income from discontinued operations
(0.01
)
 

 
0.04

 
0.57

Net income per common share
$
0.25

 
$
0.12

 
$
0.63

 
$
0.86

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Basic
277,392

 
271,948

 
276,480

 
270,574

Diluted
283,001

 
279,101

 
282,648

 
278,082

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends per common share
$
0.13

 
$
0.09

 
$
0.26

 
$
0.18

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Includes amortization of upfront incentive consideration
$
13,896

 
$
10,878

 
$
26,233

 
$
22,050

(2) Includes stock-based compensation as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of revenue
$
5,072

 
$
2,902

 
$
9,146

 
$
6,435

Selling, general and administrative
7,738

 
4,428

 
13,953

 
9,689

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

1



SABRE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Net income
$
73,097

 
$
33,285

 
$
179,366

 
$
241,526

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign CTA gains (losses), net of tax
1,909

 
(4,590
)
 
1,539

 
(1,581
)
Reclassification adjustment for realized gain on foreign CTA, net of tax

 

 
(198
)
 

Net change in foreign CTA gains (losses), net of tax
1,909

 
(4,590
)
 
1,341

 
(1,581
)
Retirement-related benefit plans:
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Amortization of prior service credits, net of taxes of $130, $129, $259 and $258
(228
)
 
(230
)
 
(457
)
 
(459
)
Amortization of actuarial losses, net of taxes of $(516), $(649), $(1,031) and $(1,272)
909

 
1,149

 
1,819

 
2,251

Total retirement-related benefit plans
681

 
919

 
1,362

 
1,792

Derivatives and available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes of $1,062, $(463), $2,321 and $3,575
777

 
882

 
285

 
(7,794
)
Reclassification adjustment for realized losses, net of taxes of $(55), $(1,153), $(340) and $(2,177)
93

 
3,462

 
1,012

 
6,932

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives and available-for-sale securities, net of tax
870

 
4,344

 
1,297

 
(862
)
Share of other comprehensive (loss) income of joint venture

 
(43
)
 

 
922

Other comprehensive income
3,460

 
630

 
4,000

 
271

Comprehensive income
76,557

 
33,915

 
183,366

 
241,797

Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(1,078
)
 
(1,078
)
 
(2,180
)
 
(1,825
)
Comprehensive income attributable to Sabre Corporation
$
75,479

 
$
32,837

 
$
181,186

 
$
239,972

 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

2



SABRE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Assets
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
68,312

 
$
321,132

Accounts receivable, net
466,691

 
375,789

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
94,253

 
81,167

Total current assets
629,256

 
778,088

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $851,364 and $850,587
689,712

 
627,529

Investments in joint ventures
25,203

 
24,348

Goodwill
2,543,515

 
2,440,431

Acquired customer relationships, net of accumulated amortization of $605,912 and $561,876
438,353

 
416,887

Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $504,068 and $480,037
421,836

 
419,666

Deferred income taxes
90,443

 
44,464

Other assets, net
709,104

 
642,214

Total assets
$
5,547,422

 
$
5,393,627

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 

 
 

Current liabilities
 

 
 

Accounts payable
$
141,115

 
$
138,421

Accrued compensation and related benefits
74,040

 
99,382

Accrued subscriber incentives
219,451

 
185,270

Deferred revenues
193,367

 
165,124

Other accrued liabilities
200,569

 
221,976

Current portion of debt
174,048

 
190,315

Tax Receivable Agreement
111,678

 

Total current liabilities
1,114,268

 
1,000,488

Deferred income taxes
107,680

 
83,562

Other noncurrent liabilities
530,869

 
656,093

Long-term debt
3,081,919

 
3,169,344

Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)


 


Stockholders’ equity
 

 
 

Common Stock: $0.01 par value; 450,000,000 authorized shares; 282,305,528 and 279,082,473 shares issued, 277,798,062 and 274,955,830 shares outstanding at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively
2,823

 
2,790

Additional paid-in capital
2,057,341

 
2,016,325

Treasury Stock, at cost, 4,507,466 and 4,126,643 shares at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively
(121,130
)
 
(110,548
)
Retained deficit
(1,136,831
)
 
(1,328,730
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(93,135
)
 
(97,135
)
Noncontrolling interest
3,618

 
1,438

Total stockholders’ equity
712,686

 
484,140

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
5,547,422

 
$
5,393,627


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

3



SABRE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
179,366

 
$
241,526

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

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
194,726

 
166,617

Amortization of upfront incentive consideration
26,233

 
22,050

Litigation-related credits
(25,527
)
 
(32,557
)
Stock-based compensation expense
23,099

 
16,124

Allowance for doubtful accounts
6,131

 
5,329

Deferred income taxes
59,315

 
36,757

Joint venture equity income
(1,526
)
 
(13,826
)
Dividends received from joint venture investments

 
28,700

Amortization of debt issuance costs
3,892

 
3,181

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 
33,235

Other
3,030

 
7,505

Income from discontinued operations
(11,252
)
 
(159,607
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 

 
 

Accounts and other receivables
(83,551
)
 
(47,647
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(15,354
)
 
(631
)
Capitalized implementation costs
(43,268
)
 
(29,561
)
Upfront incentive consideration
(47,228
)
 
(22,994
)
Other assets
(13,639
)
 
(43,618
)
Accrued compensation and related benefits
(25,663
)
 
(22,802
)
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities
12,963

 
62,039

Deferred revenue including upfront solution fees
22,037

 
18,179

Cash provided by operating activities
263,784

 
267,999

Investing Activities
 

 
 

Additions to property and equipment
(164,593
)
 
(127,963
)
Acquisition, net of cash acquired
(164,977
)
 

Other investing activities

 
148

Cash used in investing activities
(329,570
)
 
(127,815
)
Financing Activities
 

 
 

Proceeds of borrowings from lenders
378,000

 
600,000

Payments on borrowings from lenders
(485,796
)
 
(491,215
)
Debt prepayment fees and issuance costs

 
(40,215
)
Net proceeds on the settlement of equity-based awards
4,808

 
18,239

Cash dividends paid to common stockholders
(72,060
)
 
(48,919
)
Other financing activities
714

 
(3,657
)
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(174,334
)
 
34,233

Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations
 

 
 

Cash used in operating activities
(12,407
)
 
(26,036
)
Cash provided by investing activities

 
278,834

Cash (used in) provided by in discontinued operations
(12,407
)
 
252,798

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(293
)
 
(4,861
)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(252,820
)
 
422,354

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
321,132

 
155,679

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
68,312

 
$
578,033

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

4



SABRE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
1. General Information
Sabre Corporation is a Delaware corporation formed in December 2006. On March 30, 2007, Sabre Corporation acquired Sabre Holdings Corporation (“Sabre Holdings”). Sabre Holdings is the sole subsidiary of Sabre Corporation. Sabre GLBL Inc. ("Sabre GLBL") is the principal operating subsidiary and sole direct subsidiary of Sabre Holdings. Sabre GLBL or its direct or indirect subsidiaries conduct all of our businesses. In these consolidated financial statements, references to “Sabre,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” “ours,” and “us” refer to Sabre Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires.
We are a leading technology solutions provider to the global travel and tourism industry. We operate through two business segments: (i) Travel Network, our global travel marketplace for travel suppliers and travel buyers, and (ii) Airline and Hospitality Solutions, an extensive suite of travel industry leading software solutions primarily for airlines and hotel properties.
Basis of Presentation—The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, these financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods indicated. Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the year ended December 31, 2016. The accompanying interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 19, 2016.
We consolidate all majority-owned subsidiaries and companies over which we exercise control through majority voting rights. No entities are consolidated due to control through operating agreements, financing agreements, or as the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity.
The consolidated financial statements include our accounts after elimination of all significant intercompany balances and transactions. All dollar amounts in the financial statements and the tables in the notes, except per share amounts, are stated in thousands of U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. All amounts in the notes reference results from continuing operations unless otherwise indicated.
Use of Estimates—The preparation of these interim financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires that certain amounts be recorded based on estimates and assumptions made by management. Actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions. Our accounting policies, which consist of significant estimates and assumptions, include, among other things, the estimation of the collectability of accounts receivable, estimation of future cancellations of bookings processed through the Sabre global distribution system (“GDS”), revenue recognition for software arrangements, determination of the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination, determination of the fair value of derivatives, the evaluation of the recoverability of the carrying value of intangible assets and goodwill, assumptions utilized in the determination of pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities, estimation of loss contingencies, and estimation of uncertainties surrounding the calculation of our tax assets and liabilities. Our use of estimates and the related accounting policies are discussed in the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 19, 2016.
Stockholders’ Equity—During the six months ended June 30, 2016, we issued 3,223,055 shares of our common stock as a result of the exercise and settlement of employee equity-based awards. In addition, we received $15 million in proceeds from the exercise of employee stock-option awards and paid $11 million of income tax withholdings associated with the settlement of employee restricted-stock awards. We paid a quarterly cash dividend on our common stock of $0.13 per share, totaling $72 million, and $0.09 per share, totaling $49 million, during the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. In July 2016, we declared a cash dividend of $0.13 per share, payable on September 30, 2016, to stockholders of record on September 21, 2016.
During the six months ended June 30, 2016, certain of our stockholders sold an aggregate of 20,000,000 shares of our common stock through a secondary public offering. We did not offer any shares or receive any proceeds from this secondary public offering.
Adoption of New Accounting Standard—In the first quarter of 2016, we adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This guidance was issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") under their initiative to reduce complexity in financial reporting. The amendments of the updated standard include, among other things, the requirement to recognize excess tax benefits (or deficiencies) through earnings, the election of a policy to either estimate forfeitures when determining periodic expense or recognize actual forfeitures when they occur, and an increase in the allowable income tax withholding from the minimum to the maximum statutory rate.

5



In recent years, we have incurred significant excess tax benefits associated with settled equity-based awards that have not been recognized due to certain accounting policy elections we made under the previous accounting standard, combined with the significant amount of our net operating loss carryforwards. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-09, we recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment as of January 1, 2016 to increase retained earnings by $89 million with a corresponding increase to deferred tax assets in order to recognize excess tax benefits that can be used to reduce income taxes payable in the future. Effective January 1, 2016, excess tax benefits or deficiencies are recognized in our results of operations and are included in cash flows from operating activities in our statement of cash flows.
In accordance with the updated standard, we elected to recognize actual forfeitures of equity-based awards as they occur. As we previously estimated forfeitures to determine stock-based compensation expense, this change resulted in a cumulative-effect adjustment as of January 1, 2016 to reduce retained earnings by $2 million, net of tax.
There were no other material impacts to our consolidated financial statements as a result of adopting this updated standard.
Reclassifications—We reclassified all of our $30 million litigation settlement liability as of December 31, 2015 to other accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet to conform to our current period presentation. As of June 30, 2016, our litigation settlement liability included in other accrued liabilities totaled $6 million.
2. Acquisitions
Airpas Aviation
In April 2016, we completed the acquisition of Airpas Aviation, a software provider and consultancy company which offers route profitability and cost management software solutions. We acquired all of the outstanding stock and ownership interest of Airpas Aviation for net cash consideration of $9 million, excluding the effect of net working capital adjustments. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. The preliminary allocation of purchase price includes $10 million of assets acquired, primarily consisting of $8 million of goodwill, not deductible for tax purposes, and intangibles assets, and $1 million of liabilities assumed. The intangible assets consist mainly of $1 million of purchased technology with a useful life of 3 years. The preliminary purchase price allocation is subject to change, which is expected to be finalized in the fourth quarter of 2016. Airpas Aviation is integrated and managed as part of our Airline and Hospitality Solutions segment. The acquisition of Airpas Aviation did not have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements, and therefore pro forma information is not presented.
Trust Group
In January 2016, we completed the acquisition of the Trust Group, a central reservations, revenue management and hotel
marketing provider, expanding our presence in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa ("EMEA") and Asia Pacific ("APAC"). The net cash consideration for Trust Group was $156 million, which includes the effect of net working capital adjustments. The acquisition was funded using proceeds from our 5.25% senior secured notes due in 2023 and cash on hand. The Trust Group is integrated and managed as part of our Airline and Hospitality Solutions segment.
Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation
The purchase price allocation presented below is preliminary and based on available information as of the filing date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, the purchase price allocation is subject to change when finalized. We expect to finalize the purchase price allocation during 2016. A summary of the acquisition price and estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition is as follows (in thousands):
Cash and cash equivalents
$
4,209

Accounts receivable
10,564

Other current assets
793

Goodwill
89,725

Intangible assets:

Customer relationships
65,502

Purchased technology
21,834

Trademarks and brand names
4,367

Property and equipment, net
1,556

Current liabilities
(11,071
)
Noncurrent deferred income taxes
(27,104
)
Total acquisition price
$
160,375


6



The goodwill recognized reflects expected synergies from combined operations and also the acquired assembled workforce of the Trust Group in EMEA and APAC. The goodwill recognized is assigned to our Airline and Hospitality Solutions segment and is not deductible for tax purposes. The useful lives of the intangible assets acquired are 15 years for customer relationships, 5 years for purchased technology and 5 years for trademarks and brand names.
The acquisition of the Trust Group did not have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements, and therefore pro forma information is not presented.
Abacus
On July 1, 2015, we completed the acquisition of the remaining 65% interest in Abacus International Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based business-to-business travel e-commerce provider that serves the Asia-Pacific region, which is now named Sabre Asia Pacific Pte Ltd ("SAPPL"). Prior to the acquisition, SAPPL was 65% owned by a consortium of 11 airlines and the remaining 35% was owned by us. Separately, SAPPL has signed new long-term agreements with the consortium of 11 airlines to continue to utilize the Abacus GDS. In the third and fourth quarters of 2015, SAPPL completed the acquisition of the remaining interest in three national marketing companies, Abacus Distribution Systems (Hong Kong), Abacus Travel Systems (Singapore) and Abacus Distribution Systems Sdn Bhd (Malaysia) (the “NMCs” and, together with SAPPL, “Abacus”). SAPPL previously owned noncontrolling interests in the NMCs. The net cash consideration for Abacus was $443 million, which includes the effect of net working capital adjustments. The acquisition was funded with a combination of cash on hand and a $70 million draw on our revolving credit facility.
Purchase Price Allocation
The summary of the acquisition price and estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition is as follows (in thousands):
Cash and cash equivalents
$
65,641

Accounts receivable
49,099

Other current assets
12,522

Goodwill
292,267

Intangible assets:
 
Customer relationships
319,000

Reacquired rights(1) 
113,500

Purchased technology
14,000

Supplier agreements
13,000

Trademarks and brand names
4,000

Property and equipment, net
6,402

Other assets
66,423

Current liabilities
(123,307
)
Noncurrent liabilities
(44,245
)
Noncurrent deferred income taxes
(78,054
)
 
710,248

Fair value of Sabre Corporation's previously held equity investment in SAPPL
(200,000
)
Fair value of SAPPL's previously held equity investment in national marketing companies
(1,880
)
Total acquisition price
$
508,368

__________________________________
(1) In connection with the acquisition of Abacus, we reacquired certain contractual rights that provided Abacus the exclusive right, within the Asia-Pacific region, to operate and profit from the Sabre GDS.
The goodwill recognized reflects expected synergies from combined operations and also the acquired assembled workforce of Abacus. The goodwill recognized is assigned to our Travel Network business and is not deductible for tax purposes. The useful lives of the intangible assets acquired are 20 years for customer relationships, 7 years for reacquired rights, 3 years for purchased technology, 7 years for supplier agreements and 2 years for trademarks and brand names.
The purchase price allocation includes estimates for contingent liabilities of $25 million related to tax uncertainties.
As part of the integration strategy for Abacus, management evaluated actions to optimize the investment’s potential, including the implementation of a restructuring plan to align the acquired business with Travel Network. This plan includes the elimination of redundant positions, centralization of key operations and termination of particular product offerings. As of December 31, 2015, our restructuring accrual associated with this plan was $8 million, of which $1 million was paid in the six months ended June 30, 2016. We did not recognize material restructuring charges in the six months ended June 30, 2016. The plan is expected to be substantially complete by the first quarter of 2017, and we currently do not expect to incur significant additional charges in connection with the plan.

7



Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information
The following unaudited pro forma results of operations information give effect to the acquisitions of Abacus as if it occurred on January 1, 2014. The unaudited pro forma results of operations information include adjustments to: (i) eliminate historical revenue and cost of revenue between us, SAPPL and the NMCs; (ii) remove historical amortization recognized by SAPPL associated with its upfront incentive consideration and software developed for internal use, which are replaced by acquired intangible assets; and (iii) add amortization expense associated with acquired intangible assets.
The following unaudited pro forma results of operations information is presented in thousands:
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
Revenue
$
779,240

 
$
1,568,135

Income from continuing operations
35,289

 
93,055

Net income attributable to common stockholders
34,866

 
250,796

The unaudited pro forma financial information is for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of what our financial performance would have been had the acquisition been completed on the date assumed nor is such unaudited pro forma combined financial information necessarily indicative of the results to be expected in any future period.
3. Discontinued Operations
In the first quarter of 2015, we completed the divestiture of our Travelocity business through the sale of Travelocity.com and lastminute.com. Our Travelocity segment has no remaining operations subsequent to these dispositions. The financial results of our Travelocity business are included in net income from discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented.
Travelocity.com—On January 23, 2015, we sold Travelocity.com to Expedia Inc. (“Expedia”), pursuant to the terms of an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Travelocity Purchase Agreement”), dated January 23, 2015, by and among Sabre GLBL, Travelocity.com LP, and Expedia. The signing and closing of the Travelocity Purchase Agreement occurred contemporaneously. Expedia purchased Travelocity.com pursuant to the Travelocity Purchase Agreement for cash consideration of $280 million. The net assets of Travelocity.com disposed of primarily included a trade name with a carrying value of $55 million. We recognized a gain on sale of $143 million, net of tax, in the first quarter of 2015.
lastminute.com—On March 1, 2015, we sold lastminute.com to Bravofly Rumbo Group. The transaction was completed through the transfer of net liabilities as of the date of sale consisting primarily of a working capital deficit of $70 million, partially offset by assets sold including intangible assets of $27 million. We did not receive any cash proceeds or any other significant consideration in the transaction other than payments for specific services being provided to the acquirer under a transition services agreement, which concluded on March 31, 2016. Additionally, at the time of sale, the acquirer entered into a long-term agreement with us to continue to utilize our GDS for bookings, which generates incentive consideration paid by us to the acquirer. We recognized a gain on sale of $24 million, net of tax, in the first quarter of 2015.

The following table summarizes the results of our discontinued operations (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Revenue
$

 
$
2,112

 
$

 
$
23,254

Cost of revenue

 
1,737

 

 
14,025

Selling, general and administrative
3,273

 
2,267

 
8,199

 
21,508

Operating loss
(3,273
)
 
(1,892
)
 
(8,199
)
 
(12,279
)
Other income (expense):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Gain on sale of businesses

 

 
305

 
263,567

Other, net
(511
)
 
2,974

 
(1,828
)
 
2,499

Total other (expense) income, net
(511
)
 
2,974

 
(1,523
)
 
266,066

(Loss) income from discontinued operations before income taxes
(3,784
)
 
1,082

 
(9,722
)
 
253,787

(Benefit) provision for income taxes(1)
(1,686
)
 
386

 
(20,974
)
 
94,180

Net (loss) income from discontinued operations
$
(2,098
)
 
$
696

 
$
11,252

 
$
159,607

__________________________
(1)
In the first quarter 2016, we recognized a $17 million tax benefit associated with the resolution of uncertain tax positions; see Note 4, Income Taxes.

8



4. Income Taxes
Our effective tax rates for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 were 30% and 36%, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015 was primarily driven by an increase in forecasted earnings in lower tax jurisdictions, excess tax benefits associated with employee equity-based awards (see Note 1, General Information, for additional information related to our adoption of ASU 2016-09) and U.S. federal research tax credits, partially offset by an increase in foreign withholding taxes. The differences between our effective tax rates and the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate primarily result from our geographic mix of taxable income in various tax jurisdictions as well as the discrete tax items referenced above.
We recognize liabilities when we believe that an uncertain tax position may not be fully sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. This requires significant judgment, the use of estimates, and the interpretation and application of complex tax laws. When facts and circumstances change, we reassess these probabilities and record any changes in the consolidated financial statements as appropriate. In the first quarter of 2016, we recognized a tax benefit of $17 million associated with the effective settlement of uncertain tax positions in our discontinued Travelocity business. Our net unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, included in our consolidated balance sheets, were $56 million and $69 million as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. 
Tax Receivable Agreement
Immediately prior to the closing of our initial public offering in April 2014, we entered into a tax receivable agreement (“TRA”) that provides stockholders and equity award holders that were our stockholders and equity award holders, respectively, immediately prior to the closing of our initial public offering (collectively, the “Pre-IPO Existing Stockholders”) the right to receive future payments from us. The future payments will equal 85% of the amount of cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal income tax that we and our subsidiaries realize as a result of the utilization of certain tax assets attributable to periods prior to our initial public offering, including federal net operating losses (“NOLs”), capital losses and the ability to realize tax amortization of certain intangible assets (collectively, the “Pre-IPO Tax Assets”). Consequently, stockholders who are not Pre-IPO Existing Stockholders will only be entitled to the economic benefit of the Pre-IPO Tax Assets to the extent of our continuing 15% interest in those assets. These payment obligations are our obligations and not obligations of any of our subsidiaries. The actual utilization of the Pre-IPO Tax Assets, as well as the timing of any payments under the TRA, will vary depending upon a number of factors, including the amount, character and timing of our and our subsidiaries’ taxable income in the future.
Based on current tax laws and assuming that we and our subsidiaries earn sufficient taxable income to realize the full tax benefits subject to the TRA, we estimate that future payments under the TRA relating to the Pre-IPO Tax Assets to total $387 million, excluding interest. The TRA payments accrue interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.00% beginning on the 15th day of March subsequent to the tax year in which the tax benefits are realized through the date of the benefit payment. The estimate of future payments considers the impact of Section 382 of the Code, which imposes an annual limit on the ability of a corporation that undergoes an ownership change to use its net operating loss carryforwards to reduce its liability. We do not anticipate any material limitations on our ability to utilize NOLs under Section 382 of the Code. We expect future payments under the TRA to be made over the next five years with no material payments occurring in 2016. As of June 30, 2016, the current portion of our Tax Receivable Agreement liability totaled $112 million, which includes accrued interest of less than $1 million. We expect to pay the current portion of the Tax Receivable Agreement liability in the first quarter of 2017. The remaining portion of $276 million is included in other noncurrent liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2016. Payments under the TRA are not conditioned upon the parties’ continuing ownership of the company.

9



5. Debt
As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, our outstanding debt included in our consolidated balance sheets totaled $3,256 million and $3,360 million, respectively, which are net of debt issuance costs of $27 million and $30 million, respectively, and unamortized discounts of $5 million and $6 million, respectively. The following table sets forth the face values of our outstanding debt as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands):
 
Rate
 
Maturity
 
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Senior secured credit facilities:
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Term B facility
L + 3.00%
 
February 2019
 
$
1,712,875

 
$
1,721,750

Incremental term loan facility
L + 3.50%
 
February 2019
 
340,375

 
342,125

Term C facility
L + 3.00%
 
December 2017
 
49,313

 
49,313

Extended Revolver, $370 million
L + 2.75%
 
February 2019
 
63,951

 

Unextended Revolver, $35 million
L + 3.75%
 
February 2018
 
6,049

 

Senior unsecured notes due 2016
8.35%
 
March 2016
 

 
165,000

5.375% senior secured notes due 2023
5.375%
 
April 2023
 
530,000

 
530,000

5.25% senior secured notes due 2023
5.25%
 
November 2023
 
500,000

 
500,000

Mortgage facility
5.80%
 
April 2017
 
80,371

 
80,984

Capital lease obligations
 
 
 
 
4,944

 
6,502

Face value of total debt outstanding
 
 
 
 
3,287,878

 
3,395,674

Less current portion of debt outstanding
 
 
 
 
(174,048
)
 
(190,687
)
Face value of long-term debt outstanding
 
 
 
 
$
3,113,830

 
$
3,204,987

 Senior Secured Credit Facilities
Our senior secured credit facilities, as amended and restated ("Amended and Restated Credit Agreement"), provided for a revolving credit facility totaling $405 million, of which $370 million was set to expire in February 2019 ("Extended Revolver") and $35 million was set to expire in February 2018 ("Unextended Revolver," collectively, the "Prior Revolver"). We had $70 million outstanding under the Prior Revolver as of June 30, 2016, all of which is classified as current portion of debt in our consolidated balance sheet. No balance was outstanding under the Prior Revolver as of December 31, 2015. We had outstanding letters of credit totaling $37 million and $25 million as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, which reduced our overall credit capacity under the Prior Revolver.
In July 2016, Sabre GLBL entered into a series of amendments to our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement; see Note 12, Subsequent Events, for additional information.
Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2016
In March 2016, the remaining principal balance of $165 million of our senior unsecured notes matured. We repaid this remaining balance on the senior unsecured notes with a draw on our Prior Revolver and cash on hand.
6. Derivatives
Hedging Objectives—We are exposed to certain risks relating to ongoing business operations. The primary risks managed by using derivative instruments are foreign currency exchange rate risk and interest rate risk. Forward contracts on various foreign currencies are entered into to manage the foreign currency exchange rate risk on operational exposure denominated in foreign currencies. Interest rate swaps are entered into to manage interest rate risk associated with our floating-rate borrowings. In accordance with authoritative guidance on accounting for derivatives and hedging, we designate foreign currency forward contracts as cash flow hedges on operational exposure and interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges of floating-rate borrowings.
Cash Flow Hedging Strategy—To protect against the reduction in value of forecasted foreign currency cash flows, we hedge portions of our revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies with forward contracts. For example, when the dollar strengthens significantly against the foreign currencies, the decline in present value of future foreign currency expense is offset by losses in the fair value of the forward contracts designated as hedges. Conversely, when the dollar weakens, the increase in the present value of future foreign currency expense is offset by gains in the fair value of the forward contracts.
We enter into interest rate swap agreements to manage interest rate risk exposure. The interest rate swap agreements modify our exposure to interest rate risk by converting floating-rate debt to a fixed rate basis, thus reducing the impact of interest rate changes on future interest expense and net earnings. These agreements involve the receipt of floating rate amounts in exchange for fixed rate interest payments over the life of the agreements without an exchange of the underlying principal amount.

10



For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings in the same line item associated with the forecasted transaction and in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The remaining gain or loss on the derivative instrument in excess of the cumulative change in the present value of future cash flows of the hedged item, if any (ineffective portion), and hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness, are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations during the current period.
Forward Contracts—In order to hedge our operational exposure to foreign currency movements, we are a party to certain foreign currency forward contracts that extend until June 2017. We have designated these instruments as cash flow hedges. No hedging ineffectiveness was recorded in earnings relating to the forward contracts during the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015. As of June 30, 2016, we estimate that $1 million in losses will be reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings over the next 12 months.
As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had the following unsettled purchased foreign currency forward contracts that were entered into to hedge our operational exposure to foreign currency movements (in thousands, except for average contract rates):
Outstanding Notional Amounts as of June 30, 2016
Buy Currency
 
Sell Currency
 
Foreign Amount
 
USD Amount
 
Average
Contract Rate
US Dollar
 
Indian Rupee
 
55,000

 
810

 
0.0147

Australian Dollar
 
US Dollar
 
20,750

 
14,934

 
0.7197

Euro
 
US Dollar
 
5,450

 
6,135

 
1.1257

British Pound Sterling
 
US Dollar
 
18,300

 
26,360

 
1.4404

Indian Rupee
 
US Dollar
 
1,218,500

 
17,472

 
0.0143

Polish Zloty
 
US Dollar
 
256,750

 
65,649

 
0.2557

Singapore Dollar
 
US Dollar
 
42,000

 
30,261

 
0.7205

Outstanding Notional Amounts as of December 31, 2015
Buy Currency
 
Sell Currency
 
Foreign Amount
 
USD Amount
 
Average
Contract Rate
US Dollar
 
Australian Dollar
 
2,080

 
1,570

 
0.7548

US Dollar
 
Euro
 
2,870

 
3,169

 
1.1042

Australian Dollar
 
US Dollar
 
1,260

 
939

 
0.7452

Euro
 
US Dollar
 
2,870

 
3,122

 
1.0878

British Pound Sterling
 
US Dollar
 
18,075

 
27,415

 
1.5167

Indian Rupee
 
US Dollar
 
1,880,500

 
27,736

 
0.0147

Polish Zloty
 
US Dollar
 
226,500

 
59,120

 
0.2610

Interest Rate Swap Contracts—Interest rate swaps outstanding during the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:
Notional Amount
 
Interest Rate
Received
 
Interest Rate Paid
 
Effective Date
 
Maturity Date
$750 million
 
1 month LIBOR(1)
 
1.48%
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 30, 2016
$750 million
 
1 month LIBOR(1)
 
2.19%
 
December 30, 2016
 
December 29, 2017
$750 million
 
1 month LIBOR(1)
 
2.61%
 
December 29, 2017
 
December 31, 2018
______________________

(1)
Subject to a 1% floor.

In December 2014, we entered into eight forward starting interest rate swaps to hedge interest payments associated with $750 million of floating-rate liabilities on the notional amounts of a portion of our senior secured debt. We have designated these interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges. The total notional amount outstanding is $750 million in each of 2015, 2016 and 2017. There was no material hedge ineffectiveness for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings in the same line item associated with the forecasted transaction and in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. As of June 30, 2016, we estimate that $6 million in losses will be reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings over the next 12 months.
 

11



The estimated fair values of our derivatives designated as hedging instruments as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Derivative Assets (Liabilities)
 
 
 
 
Fair Value as of
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet Location
 
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Foreign exchange contracts
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
$
1,750

 
$

Foreign exchange contracts
 
Other accrued liabilities
 
(3,157
)
 
(1,759
)
Interest rate swaps
 
Other accrued liabilities
 
(6,249
)
 
(3,912
)
Interest rate swaps
 
Other noncurrent liabilities
 
(14,303
)
 
(9,822
)
 
 
 
 
$
(21,959
)
 
$
(15,493
)
 
The effects of derivative instruments, net of taxes, on OCI for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative
(Effective Portion)
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Foreign exchange contracts
 
$
(3,599
)
 
$
1,292

 
$
(558
)
 
$
(3,045
)
Interest rate swaps
 
(1,025
)
 
(410
)
 
(4,396
)
 
(4,749
)
Total
 
$
(4,624
)
 
$
882

 
$
(4,954
)
 
$
(7,794
)

 
 
 
 
Amount of Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
 
Income Statement Location
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Foreign exchange contracts
 
Cost of revenue
 
$
93

 
$
3,462

 
$
1,012

 
$
6,932

7. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date in the principal or most advantageous market for that asset or liability. Guidance on fair value measurements and disclosures establishes a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of inputs used in measuring fair value defined as follows:
Level 1—Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices that are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2—Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and quoted prices in non-active markets, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, and inputs that are not directly observable, but are corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3—Inputs that are unobservable and are supported by little or no market activity and reflect the use of significant management judgment.
The classification of a financial asset or liability within the hierarchy is determined based on the least reliable level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. In determining fair value, we utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible. We also consider the counterparty and our own non-performance risk in our assessment of fair value.
Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Available-for-sale Securities—Our available-for-sale securities include securities of a publicly-traded non-U.S. entity. The fair value of these securities is obtained from market quotes as of the last day of the period. Our available-for-sale securities are included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets.
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts—The fair value of the foreign currency forward contracts is estimated based upon pricing models that utilize Level 2 inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data such as currency spot and forward rates.

12



Interest Rate Swaps—The fair value of our interest rate swaps is estimated using a combined income and market-based valuation methodology based upon Level 2 inputs including credit ratings and forward interest rate yield curves obtained from independent pricing services reflecting broker market quotes.
The following tables present our assets (liabilities) that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands):
 
 
 
Fair Value at Reporting Date Using
 
June 30, 2016
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Available-for-sale securities
$
42,577

 
$
42,577

 
$

 
$

Derivatives

 

 

 

Foreign currency forward contracts
(1,407
)
 

 
(1,407
)
 

Interest rate swap contracts
(20,552
)
 

 
(20,552
)
 

Total
$
20,618

 
$
42,577

 
$
(21,959
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
Fair Value at Reporting Date Using
 
December 31, 2015
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Available-for-sale securities
$
36,711

 
$
36,711

 
$

 
$

Derivatives
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign currency forward contracts
(1,759
)
 

 
(1,759
)
 

Interest rate swap contracts
(13,734
)
 

 
(13,734
)
 

Total
$
21,218

 
$
36,711

 
$
(15,493
)
 
$

There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 within the fair value hierarchy for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
Other Financial Instruments
The carrying value of our financial instruments including cash and cash equivalents, and accounts receivable approximates their fair values. The fair values of our senior unsecured notes due 2016, senior secured notes due 2023 and term loans under our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are determined based on quoted market prices for the similar liability when traded as an asset in an active market, a Level 2 input. The outstanding principal balance of our mortgage facility approximated its fair value as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. The fair values of the mortgage facility were determined based on estimates of current interest rates for similar debt, a Level 2 input.
The following table presents the fair value and carrying value of our senior notes and borrowings under our senior secured credit facilities as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands):
 
 
Fair Value at
 
Carrying Value at
Financial Instrument
 
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Term B facility
 
$
1,710,734

 
$
1,705,609

 
$
1,708,040

 
$
1,716,048

Incremental term loan facility
 
341,013

 
339,559

 
340,375

 
342,125

Term C facility
 
49,374

 
49,251

 
49,196

 
49,157

Extended Revolver, $370 million
 
63,951

 

 
63,951

 

Unextended Revolver, $35 million
 
6,049

 

 
6,049

 

5.375% Senior secured notes due 2023
 
542,588

 
528,013

 
530,000

 
530,000

5.25% Senior secured notes due 2023
 
510,625

 
494,375

 
500,000

 
500,000

Senior unsecured notes due 2016
 

 
165,804

 

 
164,628

  

13



8. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of related deferred income taxes, are as follows (in thousands):
 
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Defined benefit pension and other post retirement benefit plans
$
(89,286
)
 
$
(90,647
)
Unrealized loss on foreign currency forward contracts, interest rate swaps, and available-for-sale securities
(5,087
)
 
(6,391
)
Unrealized foreign currency translation gain
1,238

 
(97
)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
$
(93,135
)
 
$
(97,135
)
The amortization of actuarial losses and periodic service credits associated with our retirement-related benefit plans is included in selling, general and administrative expenses. See Note 6, Derivatives, for information on the income statement line items affected as the result of reclassification adjustments associated with derivatives. 
9. Earnings Per Share
The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators used in the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (in thousands, except per share data):
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
$
75,195

 
$
32,589

 
$
168,114

 
$
81,919

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
1,078

 
1,078

 
2,180

 
1,825

Net income from continuing operations available to common stockholders, basic and diluted
$
74,117

 
$
31,511

 
$
165,934

 
$
80,094

Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding
277,392

 
271,948

 
276,480

 
270,574

Add: Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock awards
5,609

 
7,153

 
6,168

 
7,508

Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding
283,001

 
279,101

 
282,648

 
278,082

Earning per share from continuing operations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.27

 
$
0.12

 
$
0.60

 
$
0.30

Diluted
$
0.26

 
$
0.11

 
$
0.59

 
$
0.29

 
Basic earnings per share are based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share are based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus the effect of all dilutive common stock equivalents during each period. The calculation of diluted weighted-average shares excludes the impact of 1 million common stock equivalents for each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
10. Contingencies
Legal Proceedings
While certain legal proceedings and related indemnification obligations to which we are a party specify the amounts claimed, these claims may not represent reasonably possible losses. Given the inherent uncertainties of litigation, the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be predicted at this time, nor can the amount of possible loss or range of loss, if any, be reasonably estimated, except in circumstances where an aggregate litigation accrual has been recorded for probable and reasonably estimable loss contingencies. A determination of the amount of accrual required, if any, for these contingencies is made after careful analysis of each matter. The required accrual may change in the future due to new information or developments in each matter or changes in approach such as a change in settlement strategy in dealing with these matters.
Antitrust Litigation and DOJ Investigation
US Airways Antitrust Litigation
In April 2011, US Airways filed suit against us in federal court in the Southern District of New York, alleging violations of the Sherman Act Section 1 (anticompetitive agreements) and Section 2 (monopolization). The complaint was filed two months after we entered into a new distribution agreement with US Airways. In September 2011, the court dismissed all claims relating to Section 2. The claims that were not dismissed are claims brought under Section 1 of the Sherman Act, relating to our contracts with US Airways, which US Airways claims contain anticompetitive provisions, and an alleged conspiracy with the other GDSs, allegedly to maintain the industry structure and not to compete for content. We strongly deny all of the allegations made by US Airways.

14



Document, fact and expert witness discovery is complete. Sabre filed summary judgment motions in April 2014. In January 2015, the court issued an order granting Sabre's summary judgment motions in part, eliminating a majority of US Airways' alleged damages and rejecting its request for injunctive relief by which US Airways sought to bar Sabre from enforcing certain provisions in our contracts. US Airways may appeal the court's rulings upon a final judgment.
Based on the summary judgment ruling, the potential remaining range of damages has been significantly reduced. With respect to the remaining claims, US Airways seeks damages (before trebling) of either $45 million or $73 million. We believe their damage calculations are based on faulty assumptions and analysis and, therefore, are highly overstated.
We also believe that our business practices and contract terms are lawful, and we will continue to vigorously defend against the remaining claims. The trial on the remaining claims is scheduled to commence in October 2016.
We believe that the claims associated with this case are not probable and therefore have not accrued any losses as of June 30, 2016. We have and will incur significant fees, costs and expenses for as long as the litigation is ongoing. In addition, litigation by its nature is highly uncertain and fraught with risk, and it is therefore difficult to predict the outcome of any particular matter, including changes to our business that may be required as a result of the litigation. If favorable resolution of the matter is not reached, any monetary damages are subject to trebling under the antitrust laws and US Airways would be eligible to be reimbursed by us for its reasonable costs and attorneys’ fees. Depending on the amount of any such judgment, if we do not have sufficient cash on hand, we may be required to seek private or public financing. Depending on the outcome of the litigation, any of these consequences could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Putative Class Action Lawsuit
In July 2015, a putative class action lawsuit was filed against us and two other GDSs, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The plaintiffs, who are asserting claims on behalf of a putative class of consumers in various states, are generally alleging that the GDSs conspired to negotiate for full content from the airlines, resulting in higher ticket prices for consumers, in violation of various federal and state laws. The plaintiffs sought an unspecified amount of damages in connection with their state law claims, and they requested injunctive relief in connection with their federal claim. In July 2016, the court granted, in part, our motion to dismiss the lawsuit, finding that plaintiffs’ state law claims are preempted by federal law, thereby precluding their claims for damages. The court declined to dismiss plaintiffs’ claim seeking an injunction under federal antitrust law. The plaintiffs may appeal the court’s dismissal of their state law claims upon a final judgment. We may incur significant fees, costs and expenses for as long as this litigation is ongoing. We intend to vigorously defend against the remaining claims.
Department of Justice Investigation
On May 19, 2011, we received a civil investigative demand (“CID”) from the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) investigating alleged anticompetitive acts related to the airline distribution component of our business. We are fully cooperating with the DOJ investigation and are unable to make any prediction regarding its outcome. The DOJ is also investigating other companies that own GDSs, and has sent CIDs to other companies in the travel industry. Based on its findings in the investigation, the DOJ may (i) close the file, (ii) seek a consent decree to remedy issues it believes violate the antitrust laws, or (iii) file suit against us for violating the antitrust laws, seeking injunctive relief. If injunctive relief were granted, depending on its scope, it could affect the manner in which our airline distribution business is operated and potentially force changes to the existing airline distribution business model. Any of these consequences would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We have not received any communications from the DOJ regarding this matter for several years; however, we have not been notified that this matter is closed.
Insurance Carriers
We have disputes against some of our insurance carriers for failing to reimburse defense costs incurred in the American Airlines litigation, which we settled in October 2012. Both carriers admitted there is coverage and agreed to defend us, but reserved their rights not to pay should we be found liable for certain of American Airlines’ allegations. Despite their admission of coverage, the insurers only reimbursed us for a small portion of our significant defense costs. We filed suit against the entities in New York state court alleging breach of contract and a statutory cause of action for failure to promptly pay claims. Although the carriers never withdrew their agreement to defend us, they recently have taken the position in the lawsuit that they had no duty to defend or indemnify us. If we prevail, we may recover some or all amounts previously tendered to the insurance companies for payment within the limits of the policies and may be entitled to 18% interest on such amounts, all of which will be recorded in the period cash is received. To date, settlement discussions have been unsuccessful. Discovery is closed, and the parties are awaiting a ruling on summary judgment motions pending before the court.

15



Indian Income Tax Litigation
We are currently a defendant in income tax litigation brought by the Indian Director of Income Tax (“DIT”) in the Supreme Court of India. The dispute arose in 1999 when the DIT asserted that we have a permanent establishment within the meaning of the Income Tax Treaty between the United States and the Republic of India and accordingly issued tax assessments for assessment years ending March 1998 and March 1999, and later issued further tax assessments for assessment years ending March 2000 through March 2006. The DIT has continued to issue further tax assessments on a similar basis for subsequent years; however, the tax assessments for assessment years ending March 2007 and later are no longer material. We appealed the tax assessments for assessment years ending March 1998 through March 2006 and the Indian Commissioner of Income Tax Appeals returned a mixed verdict. We filed further appeals with the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (“ITAT”). The ITAT ruled in our favor on June 19, 2009 and July 10, 2009, stating that no income would be chargeable to tax for assessment years ending March 1998 and March 1999, and from March 2000 through March 2006. The DIT appealed those decisions to the Delhi High Court, which found in our favor on July 19, 2010. The DIT has appealed the decision to the Supreme Court of India and no trial date has been set. We have appealed the tax assessment for the assessment year ended March 2013 with the ITAT and no trial date has been set.
In addition, SAPPL is currently a defendant in similar income tax litigation brought by the DIT. The dispute arose when the DIT asserted that SAPPL has a permanent establishment within the meaning of the Income Tax Treaty between Singapore and India and accordingly issued tax assessments for assessment years ending March 2000 through March 2005. SAPPL appealed the tax assessments, and the Indian Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) returned a mixed verdict. SAPPL filed further appeals with the ITAT. The ITAT ruled in SAPPL’s favor, finding that no income would be chargeable to tax for assessment years ending March 2000 through March 2005. The DIT appealed those decisions to the Delhi High Court. No hearing date has been set. The DIT also assessed taxes on a similar basis for assessment years ending March 2006 through March 2012, which are pending before the ITAT.
If the DIT were to fully prevail on every claim against us, including SAPPL, we could be subject to taxes, interest and penalties of approximately $41 million as of June 30, 2016. We and SAPPL intend to continue to aggressively defend against each of the foregoing claims. Although we do not believe that the outcome of the proceedings will result in a material impact on our business or financial condition, litigation is by its nature uncertain. We do not believe this outcome is probable and therefore have not made any provisions or recorded any liability for the potential resolution of any of these claims.
Indian Service Tax Litigation
SAPPL is also subject to litigation by the India Director General (Service Tax) ("DGST"), which has assessed the subsidiary for multiple years related to its alleged failure to pay service tax on marketing fees and reimbursements of expenses. Indian courts have returned verdicts favorable to the Indian subsidiary. The DGST has appealed the verdict to the Indian Supreme Court. No provision has been recorded for this matter as we believe we will ultimately prevail.
Litigation and Administrative Audit Proceedings Relating to Hotel Occupancy Taxes
On January 23, 2015, we sold Travelocity.com to Expedia. Pursuant to the Travelocity Purchase Agreement, we will continue to be liable for pre-closing liabilities of Travelocity, including fees, charges, costs and settlements relating to litigation arising from hotels booked on the Travelocity platform prior to our previous long-term strategic marketing agreement with Expedia (the “Expedia SMA”). Fees, charges, costs and settlements relating to litigation from hotels booked on Travelocity.com subsequent to the Expedia SMA and prior to the date of the sale of Travelocity.com will be shared with Expedia in accordance with the terms that were in the Expedia SMA. We are jointly and severally liable for certain indemnification obligations under the Travelocity Purchase Agreement for liabilities that may arise out of these litigation matters, which could adversely affect our cash flow.
Beginning in 2004, various state and local governments in the United States have filed more than 80 lawsuits against us and other OTAs pertaining primarily to whether our discontinued Travelocity segment and other online travel agencies ("OTAs") owe sales or occupancy taxes on the revenues they earned from facilitating hotel reservations, where the customer paid us an amount at the time of booking that included (i) service fees, which we collected and retained, and (ii) the price of the hotel room and amounts for occupancy or other local taxes, which we passed along to the hotel supplier. The complaints generally allege, among other things, that the defendants failed to pay to the relevant taxing authority hotel occupancy taxes on the service fees. Several lawsuits also allege that the OTAs owe state or local taxes on their fees for facilitating car rental reservations. Courts have dismissed more than 30 of these lawsuits, some for failure to exhaust administrative remedies and some on the basis that we are not subject to sales or occupancy tax. The remaining lawsuits are in various stages of litigation. We have also settled some cases individually, most for amounts not material to our results of operations, and with respect to these settlements, have generally reserved our rights to challenge any effort by the applicable tax authority to impose occupancy taxes in the future.
Although we have prevailed in the majority of these lawsuits and proceedings, there have been several adverse judgments or decisions on the merits, some of which are subject to appeal. As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, our reserve was not material for the potential resolution of issues identified related to litigation involving hotel and car sales, occupancy or excise taxes. We did not record material charges associated with these cases during the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015. Our estimated liability is based on our current best estimate but the ultimate resolution of these issues may be greater or less than the amount recorded and, if greater, could adversely affect our results of operations.

16



In addition to the actions by the tax authorities, two consumer class action lawsuits have been filed against us in which the plaintiffs allege that we made misrepresentations concerning the description of the fees received in relation to facilitating hotel reservations. Generally, the consumer claims relate to whether Travelocity provided adequate notice to consumers regarding the nature of our fees and the amount of taxes charged or collected. One of these lawsuits is pending in Texas state court, where the court is currently considering the plaintiffs’ motion to certify a class action; and the other is pending in federal court, but has been stayed pending the outcome of the Texas state court action. We believe the notice we provided was appropriate and therefore have not accrued any losses related to these cases.
Furthermore, a number of state and local governments have initiated inquiries, audits and other administrative proceedings that could result in an assessment of sales or occupancy taxes on fees. If we do not prevail at the administrative level, those cases could lead to formal litigation proceedings.
Litigation Relating to Routine Proceedings
We are also engaged from time to time in other routine legal and tax proceedings incidental to our business. We do not believe that any of these routine proceedings will have a material impact on the business or our financial condition.
11. Segment Information
Our reportable segments are based upon our internal organizational structure; the manner in which our operations are managed; the criteria used by our Chief Executive Officer, who is our Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM"), to evaluate segment performance; the availability of separate financial information; and overall materiality considerations.
Our business has two reportable segments: (i) Travel Network and (ii) Airline and Hospitality Solutions, which aggregates the Airline Solutions and Hospitality Solutions operating segments as these operating segments have similar economic characteristics, generate revenues on transaction-based fees, incur the same types of expenses and use our software-as-a-service (“SaaS”) based and hosted applications and platforms to market to the travel industry.
In January 2016 and April 2016, we completed the acquisitions of the Trust Group and Airpas Aviation, respectively, which are integrated and managed as part of our Airline and Hospitality Solutions segment.
Our CODM utilizes Adjusted Gross Profit and Adjusted EBITDA as the measures of profitability to evaluate performance of our segments and allocate resources. Corporate includes a technology organization that provides development and support activities to our segments. The majority of costs associated with our technology organization are allocated to the segments primarily based on the segments' usage of resources. Benefit expenses, facility costs and depreciation expense on the corporate headquarters building are allocated to the segments based on headcount. Unallocated corporate costs include certain shared expenses such as accounting, human resources, legal, corporate systems, and other shared technology costs, as well as all amortization of intangible assets and any related impairments that originate from purchase accounting, stock-based compensation, restructuring charges, legal reserves, and other items not identifiable with one of our segments.
We account for significant intersegment transactions as if the transactions were with third parties, that is, at estimated current market prices. The majority of the intersegment revenues and cost of revenues are fees charged by Travel Network to Airline and Hospitality Solutions for airline trips booked through our GDS.
Our CODM does not review total assets by segment as operating evaluations and resource allocation decisions are not made on the basis of total assets by segment. Our CODM uses Adjusted Capital Expenditures in making product investment decisions and determining development resource requirements.
The performance of our segments is evaluated primarily on Adjusted Gross Profit and Adjusted EBITDA which are not recognized terms under GAAP. Our uses of Adjusted Gross Profit and Adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical tools, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.
We define Adjusted Gross Profit as operating income (loss) adjusted for selling, general and administrative expenses, amortization of upfront incentive consideration, and the cost of revenue portion of depreciation and amortization and stock-based compensation.
We define Adjusted EBITDA as income (loss) from continuing operations adjusted for depreciation and amortization of property and equipment, amortization of capitalized implementation costs, acquisition-related amortization, amortization of upfront incentive consideration, interest expense, net, loss on extinguishment of debt, other, net, restructuring and other costs, acquisition-related costs, litigation costs (reimbursements), net, stock-based compensation, and income taxes.
We define Adjusted Capital Expenditures as additions to property and equipment and capitalized implementation costs during the periods presented.

17



Segment information for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 is as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Revenue
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Travel Network
$
597,910

 
$
494,515

 
$
1,223,386

 
$
1,002,445

Airline and Hospitality Solutions
252,169

 
216,632

 
490,549

 
421,532

Eliminations
(4,837
)
 
(4,056
)
 
(9,150
)
 
(6,538
)
Total revenue
$
845,242

 
$
707,091

 
$
1,704,785

 
$
1,417,439

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted Gross Profit (a)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Travel Network
$
281,986

 
$
225,927

 
$
586,900

 
$
470,046

Airline and Hospitality Solutions
108,469

 
95,782

 
209,345

 
184,981

Corporate
(17,190
)
 
(8,885
)
 
(34,784
)
 
(21,481
)
Total
$
373,265

 
$
312,824

 
$
761,461

 
$
633,546

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA (b)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Travel Network
$
251,587

 
$
205,957

 
$
524,761

 
$
438,044

Airline and Hospitality Solutions
91,945

 
80,985

 
174,883

 
152,473

Total segments
343,532

 
286,942

 
699,644

 
590,517

Corporate
(72,048
)
 
(59,369
)
 
(140,680
)
 
(119,358
)
Total
$
271,484

 
$
227,573

 
$
558,964

 
$
471,159

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Travel Network
$
19,676

 
$
15,280

 
$
38,206

 
$
29,624

Airline and Hospitality Solutions
36,555

 
31,910

 
72,348

 
74,907

Total segments
56,231

 
47,190

 
110,554

 
104,531

Corporate
42,212

 
29,366

 
84,172

 
62,086

Total
$
98,443

 
$
76,556

 
$
194,726

 
$
166,617

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted Capital Expenditures (c)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Travel Network
$
24,185

 
$
14,473

 
$
47,155

 
$
27,558

Airline and Hospitality Solutions
71,045

 
52,542

 
131,465

 
106,979

Total segments
95,230

 
67,015

 
178,620

 
134,537

Corporate
17,202

 
14,270

 
29,241

 
22,987

Total
$
112,432

 
$
81,285

 
$
207,861

 
$
157,524

______________________________
(a)
The following table sets forth the reconciliation of Adjusted Gross Profit to operating income in our statement of operations (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Adjusted Gross Profit
$
373,265

 
$
312,824

 
$
761,461

 
$
633,546

Less adjustments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Selling, general and administrative
146,886

 
123,360

 
280,742

 
245,718

Cost of revenue adjustments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Depreciation and amortization (1)
65,372

 
53,079

 
131,879

 
117,746

Amortization of upfront incentive consideration (2)
13,896

 
10,878

 
26,233

 
22,050

Stock-based compensation
5,072

 
2,902

 
9,146

 
6,435

Operating income
$
142,039

 
$
122,605

 
$
313,461

 
$
241,597


18




(b)
The following table sets forth the reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to income from continuing operations in our statement of operations (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Adjusted EBITDA
$
271,484

 
$
227,573

 
$
558,964

 
$
471,159

Less adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment (1a)
56,214

 
46,244

 
109,879

 
107,907

Amortization of capitalized implementation costs (1b)
8,211

 
7,902

 
16,699

 
15,426

Acquisition-related amortization (1c)
34,018

 
23,211

 
68,148

 
44,886

Amortization of upfront incentive consideration (2)
13,896

 
10,878

 
26,233

 
22,050

Interest expense, net
37,210

 
42,609

 
78,412

 
89,062

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 
33,235

 

 
33,235

Other, net (3)
(876
)
 
(197
)
 
(4,236
)
 
4,248

Restructuring and other costs (4)
1,116

 

 
1,240

 

Acquisition-related costs (5)
516

 
2,053

 
624

 
3,864

Litigation costs (reimbursements), net (6)
1,901

 
2,043

 
(1,945
)
 
5,479

Stock-based compensation
12,810

 
7,330

 
23,099

 
16,124

Provision for income taxes
31,273

 
19,676

 
72,697

 
46,959

Income from continuing operations
$
75,195

 
$
32,589

 
$
168,114

 
$
81,919

______________________________________________________
(1)
Depreciation and amortization expenses:
a.
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment includes software developed for internal use.
b.
Amortization of capitalized implementation costs represents amortization of upfront costs to implement new customer contracts under our SaaS and hosted revenue model.
c.
Acquisition-related amortization represents amortization of intangible assets from the take-private transaction in 2007 as well as intangibles associated with acquisitions since that date and amortization of the excess basis in our underlying equity in joint ventures.
(2)
Our Travel Network business at times makes upfront cash payments or other consideration to travel agency subscribers at the inception or modification of a service contract, which are capitalized and amortized over an average expected life of the service contract, generally over three years to five years. Such consideration is made with the objective of increasing the number of clients or to ensure or improve customer loyalty. Such service contract terms are established such that the supplier and other fees generated over the life of the contract will exceed the cost of the incentive consideration provided up front. Such service contracts with travel agency subscribers require that the customer commit to achieving certain economic objectives and generally have terms requiring repayment of the upfront incentive consideration if those objectives are not met.
(3)
In the first quarter of 2016, we recognized a gain of $6 million associated with the receipt of an earn-out payment from the sale of a business in 2013. In addition, other, net includes foreign exchange gains and losses related to the remeasurement of foreign currency denominated balances included in our consolidated balance sheets into the relevant functional currency.
(4)
Restructuring and other costs represent charges associated with business restructuring and associated changes implemented which resulted in severance benefits related to employee terminations, integration and facility opening or closing costs and other business reorganization costs.
(5)
Acquisition-related costs represent fees and expenses incurred associated with the acquisition of the Abacus, Trust Group and Airpas Aviation (see Note 2, Acquisitions).
(6)
Litigation (reimbursements) costs, net represent charges and legal fee reimbursements associated with antitrust litigation (see Note 10, Contingencies).
(c)
Includes capital expenditures and capitalized implementation costs as summarized below (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Additions to property and equipment
$
89,121

 
$
66,051

 
$
164,593

 
$
127,963

Capitalized implementation costs
23,311

 
15,234

 
43,268

 
29,561

Adjusted Capital Expenditures
$
112,432

 
$
81,285

 
$
207,861

 
$
157,524


19



12. Subsequent Events
On July 18, 2016, Sabre GLBL entered into a series of amendments to our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement Amendments”) to provide for an incremental term loan under a new class with an aggregate principal amount of $600 million (the “Term Loan A”) and to replace the Prior Revolver with a new revolving credit facility totaling $400 million (the “New Revolver”), both of which mature in July 2021. Principal payments on the Term Loan A are due on a quarterly basis equal to 1.25% of its initial aggregate principal amount during the first two years of its term and 2.50% of its initial aggregate principal amount during the next three years of its term. The applicable margins for the Term Loan A and the New Revolver are 2.50% for Eurocurrency borrowings and 1.50% for base rate borrowings, with a step down to 2.25% for Eurocurrency borrowings and 1.25% for base rate borrowings if the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) is less than 2.50 to 1.00. The Term Loan A and the New Revolver include an accelerated maturity of November 19, 2018, if on November 19, 2018 the Term Loan B and Incremental Term Loan Facility have not been repaid in full or refinanced with a maturity date subsequent to July 18, 2021. The amount of the New Revolver commitments available as a letter of credit subfacility was set at $150 million.
The proceeds of Term Loan A were used to repay $350 million of outstanding principal on our Term Loan B and Incremental Term Loan Facility, on a pro rata basis, repay the $120 million outstanding balance on our Prior Revolver immediately prior to the execution of the Credit Agreement Amendments, and to pay $14 million in associated financing fees. We intend to use the remaining proceeds for general corporate purposes. We expect to recognize a $4 million loss on extinguishment of debt in the third quarter of 2016 in connection with these transactions.

20



ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part I, Item 2, contains information that may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relate to expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts, such as statements regarding our future financial condition or results of operations, our prospects and strategies for future growth, the development and introduction of new products, and the implementation of our marketing and branding strategies. In many cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "expects," "potential," "will," "estimates," "should," "may," "believes," "anticipates," "predicts," "plans," or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. The forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions and are subject to risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that may cause events or our actual activities or results to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Certain of these risks, uncertainties, and changes in circumstances are described in the "Risk Factors" section of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in the “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements” sections included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 19, 2016. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future events, results, actions, levels of activity, performance or achievements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Unless required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events after the date they are made.
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes contained elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 19, 2016.
Overview
We are a leading technology solutions provider to the global travel and tourism industry. We operate through two business segments: (i) Travel Network, our global B2B travel marketplace for travel suppliers and travel buyers, and (ii) Airline and Hospitality Solutions, an extensive suite of leading software solutions primarily for airlines and hotel properties. Collectively, these offerings enable travel suppliers to better serve their customers across the entire travel lifecycle, from route planning to post-trip business intelligence and analysis.
A significant portion of our revenue is generated through transaction based fees that we charge to our customers. For Travel Network, this fee is in the form of a transaction fee for bookings on our GDS; for Airline and Hospitality Solutions, this fee is a recurring usage-based fee for the use of our SaaS and hosted systems, as well as upfront solution fees and consulting fees. Items that are not allocated to our business segments are identified as corporate and include primarily certain shared technology costs as well as stock-based compensation expense, litigation costs and other items that are not identifiable with either of our segments.
In January 2016, we completed the acquisition of the Trust Group, a central reservations, revenue management and hotel marketing provider, expanding our presence in EMEA and APAC, for net cash consideration of $156 million, which includes the effect of net working capital adjustments. The Trust Group is integrated and managed as part of our Airline and Hospitality Solutions segment.
Factors Affecting our Results
A discussion of trends that we believe are the most significant opportunities and challenges currently impacting our business and industry is included the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Factors Affecting our Results” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 19, 2016. The discussion also includes management’s assessment of the effects these trends have had and are expected to have on our results of continuing operations. The information is not an exhaustive list of all of the factors that could affect our results and should be read in conjunction with the factors referred to in the section entitled “Risk Factors” included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 19, 2016.
Components of Revenues and Expenses
Revenues
Travel Network primarily generates revenues from Direct Billable Bookings processed on our GDS as well as the sale of aggregated bookings data to carriers. Prior to our acquisition of the remaining interest in SAPPL on July 1, 2015, we generated revenue from certain services we provided SAPPL. Airline and Hospitality Solutions primarily generates revenue through upfront solution fees and recurring usage-based fees for the use of our software solutions hosted on our own secure platforms or deployed through our SaaS. Airline and Hospitality Solutions also generates revenue through consulting services and software licensing fees.

21



Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue incurred by Travel Network and Airline and Hospitality Solutions consists of expenses related to our technology infrastructure that hosts our GDS and software solutions, salaries and benefits, and allocated overhead such as facilities and other support costs. Cost of revenue for Travel Network also includes incentive consideration expense representing payments or other consideration to travel agencies for reservations made on our GDS which accrue on a monthly basis.
Corporate cost of revenue includes a technology organization that provides development and support activities to our segments. The costs associated with our technology organization primarily include labor, data processing and technology costs, of which the majority are allocated to the segments primarily based on the segments' usage of resources. Corporate cost of revenue also includes stock-based compensation expense, professional services and other items that are not directly identifiable with our segments. Over time, we expect a substantial increase in stock-based compensation expense, as we have moved to granting broad-based equity awards annually, rather than biennially, beginning in March 2016 primarily in the form of restricted stock units.  These awards generally vest over a four-year period, with 25% vesting annually.  Stock compensation expense is based on the number of restricted stock units granted and the stock price on the date of grant, which is amortized over the four-year vesting period.
Depreciation and amortization included in cost of revenue is associated with property and equipment; software developed for internal use that supports our revenue, businesses and systems; amortization of contract implementation costs which relates to Airline and Hospitality Solutions; and intangible assets for technology purchased through acquisitions or established with our take-private transaction. Cost of revenue also includes amortization of upfront incentive consideration representing upfront payments or other consideration provided to travel agencies for reservations made on our GDS which are capitalized and amortized over the expected life of the contract.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of personnel-related expenses, including stock-based compensation, for employees that sell our services to new customers and administratively support the business, information technology and communication costs, professional services fees, certain settlement charges and costs to defend legal disputes, bad debt expense, depreciation and amortization and other overhead costs. Over time, we expect a substantial increase in stock-based compensation expense as described above.
Intersegment Transactions
We account for significant intersegment transactions as if the transactions were with third parties, that is, at estimated current market prices. Airline and Hospitality Solutions pays fees to Travel Network for airline trips and hotel stays booked through our GDS.
Key Metrics
“Direct Billable Bookings” and “Passengers Boarded” are the primary metrics utilized by Travel Network and Airline Solutions, respectively, to measure operating performance. Travel Network generates fees for each Direct Billable Booking which include bookings made through our GDS (e.g., air, car and hotel bookings) and through our joint venture partners in cases where we are paid directly by the travel supplier. Passengers Boarded (“PBs”) is the primary metric used by Airline Solutions to recognize SaaS and Hosted revenue from recurring usage-based fees. The following table sets forth these key metrics for the periods indicated (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
 
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
Travel Network
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
Direct Billable Bookings - Air
111,902

 
88,442

 
26.5%
 
231,768

 
179,865

 
28.9%
Direct Billable Bookings - Non-Air
15,892

 
14,687

 
8.2%
 
30,913

 
28,698

 
7.7%
Total Direct Billable Bookings
127,794

 
103,129

 
23.9%
 
262,681

 
208,563

 
25.9%
Airline Solutions Passengers Boarded
199,788

 
139,265

 
43.5%
 
383,180

 
265,439

 
44.4%
 
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We have included both financial measures compiled in accordance with GAAP and certain non-GAAP financial measures in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including Adjusted Gross Profit, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Capital Expenditures, Free Cash Flow, and ratios based on these financial measures.
We define Adjusted Gross Profit as operating income (loss) adjusted for selling, general and administrative expenses, amortization of upfront incentive consideration, and the cost of revenue portion of depreciation and amortization and stock-based compensation.

22



We define Adjusted Net Income as net income attributable to common stockholders adjusted for income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, acquisition-related amortization, loss on extinguishment of debt, other, net, restructuring and other costs, acquisition-related costs, litigation costs (reimbursements), net, stock-based compensation, and the tax impact of net income adjustments.
We define Adjusted EBITDA as Adjusted Net Income adjusted for depreciation and amortization of property and equipment, amortization of capitalized implementation costs, amortization of upfront incentive consideration, interest expense,net and the remaining provision (benefit) for income taxes. This Adjusted EBITDA metric differs from (i) the EBITDA metric referenced in the section entitled “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Senior Secured Credit Facilities,” which is calculated for the purposes of compliance with our debt covenants, and (ii) the Pre-VCP EBITDA and EBITDA metrics referenced in the section entitled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” in our 2016 Proxy Statement, which are calculated for the purposes of our annual incentive compensation program and performance-based awards, respectively.
We define Adjusted Net Income from continuing operations per share as Adjusted Net Income divided by the applicable share count.
We define Adjusted Capital Expenditures as additions to property and equipment and capitalized implementation costs.
We define Free Cash Flow as cash provided by operating activities less cash used in additions to property and equipment.
These non-GAAP financial measures are key metrics used by management and our board of directors to monitor our ongoing core operations because historical results have been significantly impacted by events that are unrelated to our core operations as a result of changes to our business and the regulatory environment. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures are used by investors, analysts and other interested parties as measures of financial performance and to evaluate our ability to service debt obligations, fund capital expenditures and meet working capital requirements. Adjusted Capital Expenditures include cash flows used in investing activities, for property and equipment, and cash flows used in operating activities, for capitalized implementation costs. Our management uses this combined metric in making product investment decisions and determining development resource requirements. We also believe that Adjusted Gross Profit, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Capital Expenditures assist investors in company-to-company and period-to-period comparisons by excluding differences caused by variations in capital structures (affecting interest expense), tax positions and the impact of depreciation and amortization expense. In addition, amounts derived from Adjusted EBITDA are a primary component of certain covenants under our senior secured credit facilities.
Adjusted Gross Profit, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Capital Expenditures, Free Cash Flow, and ratios based on these financial measures are not recognized terms under GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures and ratios based on them have important limitations as analytical tools, and should not be viewed in isolation and do not purport to be alternatives to net income as indicators of operating performance or cash flows from operating activities as measures of liquidity. These non-GAAP financial measures and ratios based on them exclude some, but not all, items that affect net income or cash flows from operating activities and these measures may vary among companies. Our use of these measures has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider them in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are:
these non-GAAP financial measures exclude certain recurring, non-cash charges such as stock-based compensation expense and amortization of acquired intangible assets;
although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted Gross Profit and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect cash requirements for such replacements;
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;
Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the interest expense or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our indebtedness;
Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect tax payments that may represent a reduction in cash available to us;
Free Cash Flow removes the impact of accrual-basis accounting on asset accounts and non-debt liability accounts, and does not reflect the cash requirements necessary to service the principal payments on our indebtedness; and
other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate Adjusted Gross Profit, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Capital Expenditures, or Free Cash Flow differently, which reduces their usefulness as comparative measures.


23



The following table sets forth the reconciliation of net income attributable to common stockholders to Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EBITDA (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Net income attributable to common stockholders
$
72,019

 
$
32,207

 
$
177,186

 
$
239,701

Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of tax
2,098

 
(696
)
 
(11,252
)
 
(159,607
)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(1)
1,078

 
1,078

 
2,180

 
1,825

Income from continuing operations
75,195

 
32,589

 
168,114

 
81,919

Adjustments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Acquisition-related amortization(2a)
34,018

 
23,211

 
68,148

 
44,886

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 
33,235