What was the reported amount for 'Restricted cash' for Budget, as indicated in the financial statements?
Budget Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avis | $ 6,775 | $ 6,779 | $ 6,519 |
| Budget | 4,271 | 4,478 | 4,701 |
| Other (a) | 743 | 751 | 774 |
| Total revenues | $ 11,789 | $ 12,008 | $ 11,994 |
(a) Other includes Zipcar and other operating brands.
Deferred Revenue
We record deferred revenues when cash payments are received in advance of satisfying our performance obligations, including amounts that are refundable. In addition, certain customers earn loyalty points on rentals, for which we defer a portion of our rental revenues generally equivalent to the estimated retail value of points expected to be redeemed. We estimate points that will never be redeemed based upon actual redemption and expiration patterns. Loyalty points generally expire five years from when they were earned or after 12 months of member inactivity. Future changes to expiration assumptions or expiration policy, or to program rules, may result in changes to deferred revenue as well as recognized revenues from the program.
Year Ended December 31,
As of December 31.
2023
61
58
(52)
67
The following table presents changes in deferred revenue associated with our customer loyalty program:
2024 $ Balance, January 1 61 Revenue deferred (78)Revenue recognized 50 Balance, December 31 (a)
Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated at the rate of exchange in effect on the balance sheet date; income and expenses are translated at the prevailing monthly average rate of exchange. The related translation adjustments are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the stockholders' equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets and in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (See Note 16 – Stockholders' Equity). We have designated our euro-denominated Notes as a hedge of our investment in euro-denominated foreign operations and, accordingly, record the effective portion of gains or losses on this net investment hedge in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as part of currency translation adjustments.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Program Cash and Restricted Cash
We consider highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Program cash primarily represents amounts specifically designated to purchase assets under vehicle programs and/or to repay the related debt, as such we consider it a restricted cash equivalent. The following table provides a detail of cash and cash equivalents, program and restricted cash reported within the Consolidated Balance Sheets to the amounts shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
| | s | 534 | $ | 555 |
Source: Item 21 — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (FDD page 79)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Budget's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the financial statements include details on cash, cash equivalents, program cash, and restricted cash. The restricted cash reported for 2023 was $60 million, while for 2024, it was $85 million. These figures are part of the consolidated balance sheets. All dollar amounts are in millions, unless otherwise noted.
Restricted cash, as the name suggests, is cash that is reserved for a specific purpose and not available for general use by Budget. This could include funds set aside for vehicle programs or other specific obligations. The increase from $60 million in 2023 to $85 million in 2024 indicates a notable change in the amount of cash held for these restricted purposes.
For a prospective Budget franchisee, understanding the nature and extent of restricted cash is important. It provides insight into the company's financial obligations and how it manages its cash reserves. While the financial statements are consolidated for Avis Budget Group, Inc., this information can help franchisees assess the overall financial health and stability of the parent company, which can indirectly impact the franchise system.