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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Revenue Recognition
We account for revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606 (“ASC 606”). Revenue is recognized upon the transfer of control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the
consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those products or services. To achieve the core principle of the guidance, we take the following steps: (i) identify the contract with the customer; (ii) determine whether the promised goods or services are separate performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price, including considering the constraint on variable consideration; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract based on the standalone selling price or estimated standalone selling price of the good or service; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) we satisfy each performance obligation.
Contracts with Multiple Performance Obligations
A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and is the unit of account in ASC 606. For arrangements that contain multiple goods or services, we determine whether such goods or services are distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately in the arrangement. When allocating the transaction price in the arrangement, we may not have observable standalone sales for all of the performance obligations in these contracts. In order to estimate the standalone selling prices for products, we primarily rely on the expected cost-plus margin and adjusted market assessment approaches. We then recognize the revenue allocated to each performance obligation as the related performance obligation is satisfied as discussed below.
Sales of VOIs, net — Customers who purchase all vacation ownership products, whether paid in cash or financed, enter into multiple contracts, which we combine and account for as a single contract. Revenue from VOI sales is recognized at the point in time when control of the VOI is transferred to the customer which is when the customer has executed a binding sales contract, collectability is reasonably assured, the purchaser’s period to cancel for a refund has expired and the customer has the right to use the VOI. Revenue from sales of VOIs under construction is deferred until the point in time when construction activities are deemed to be completed, occupancy of the development is permissible, and the above criteria has been met. For financed sales, we estimate the variable consideration to be received under such contracts and recognize revenue net of amounts deemed uncollectible as the VOI is returned to inventory upon customer default. The variable consideration is estimated based on the expected value method, based on historical default rates, to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal is not expected to occur. Variable consideration which has not been included within the transaction price is presented as a reserve on the financing receivable. See Note 7: Timeshare Financing Receivables for additional information regarding our estimate of variable consideration.
Vacation ownership product sales include revenue from the sale of VOIs, which in the case of the trust products, are represented by an annual or biennial allotment of points that can be utilized for vacations at resorts in our network for varying lengths of stay. Typical contracts include the sale of VOIs, certain sales incentives primarily in the form of additional points for use over a specified period of time (“Bonus Points”), and generally membership of Hilton Grand Vacations Club and Hilton Club exchange programs, Diamond points-based multi-resort timeshare clubs or HGV Max (collectively the "Clubs"), each of which represent a separate and distinct performance obligation for which consideration is allocated based on the estimated stand-alone selling price of the sales incentives and membership dues. We recognize revenue related to our VOIs when control of the points passes to the customer, which generally occurs after the expiration of the applicable statutory rescission period and after collectability is reasonably assured and the customer has the right to use the VOI.
Bonus Points are valid for a specified period of time (generally for a period between 18 and 30 months) and may be used for stays at properties within our resort network, or converted to use for hotel reservations within Hilton’s system and VOI interval exchanges with other third-party vacation ownership exchanges. At the time of the VOI sale, we estimate the fair value of sales incentives to be redeemed, including an adjustment for estimated breakage, to determine the standalone selling price of these incentives (“FDI”). We defer a portion of the total transaction price for the combined VOI contract as a liability for the FDI and recognize the corresponding revenue at the point in time when the customer receives the benefits of the FDI, which is upon the customer’s redemption of the Bonus Points. At that time, we also determine whether we are principal or agent for the redeemed good or service and recognize revenue on a gross or net basis accordingly.
Sales, marketing, brand and other fees — We enter into contracts with third-party developers to sell VOIs on their behalf through fee-for-service agreements for which we earn sales commissions and other fees. These commissions are variable as they are based on the sales and marketing results, which are subject to the constraint on variable consideration and resolved on a monthly basis over the contract term. We estimate such commissions to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of such revenue will not occur and recognize the commissions as the developer receives and consumes the benefits of the
services. Any changes in these estimates would affect revenue and earnings in the period such variances are realized.
Additionally, we enter into contracts to sell prepaid vacation packages. Our obligation in such contracts is satisfied when customers stay at our property; therefore, we recognize revenue for these packages when they are redeemed. On a portfolio basis, we exercise judgement to estimate the amount of expected breakage related to unused prepaid vacation packages and recognize such breakage in proportion to the pattern of packages utilized by our portfolio of customers.
Resort and club management — As part of our VOI sales, a majority of our customers enter into a Club arrangement which allows the member to exchange points for a number of vacation options. We manage the Clubs, receiving annual dues, transaction fees from member exchanges, and, when applicable, activation fees. The member's first year of annual dues and, when applicable, the activation fee, are payable at the time of the VOI sale.
The Club activation fee relates to activities we are required to undertake at or near contract inception to fulfill the contract and does not result in the transfer of a promised good or service. Since our customers are granted the opportunity to renew their membership on an annual basis for no additional activation fee, we defer and amortize the activation fee on a straight-line basis over the seven-year average inventory holding period.
Annual dues for membership renewals are billed each year, and we recognize revenue from these annual dues over the period services are rendered. A member may elect to enter into an optional exchange transaction at which point the member pays their required transaction fee. This option does not represent a material right as the transactions are priced at their standalone selling price. Revenue related to the transaction is recognized when the services are rendered.
As part of our resort operations, we contract with HOAs to provide day-to-day-management services, including housekeeping services, operation of a reservation system, maintenance, and certain accounting and administrative services. We receive compensation for such management services, which is generally based on a percentage of costs to operate the resorts, on a monthly basis. These fees represent a form of variable consideration and are estimated and recognized over time as the HOAs receive and consume the benefits of the management services. Management fees earned related to the portion of unsold VOIs at each resort which we own are recognized on a net basis given we retain these VOIs in our inventory.
Rental and ancillary services — Our rental and ancillary services consist primarily of rental revenues on unoccupied vacation ownership units, inventory made available due to ownership exchanges through our club program and ancillary revenues. Rental revenue is recognized when occupancy has occurred. Advance deposits on the rental unit and the corresponding revenue is deferred and recognized upon the customer’s vacation stay. Ancillary revenues consist of food and beverage, retail, spa offerings and other items. We recognize ancillary revenue when goods have been provided and/or services have been rendered.
We account for rental operations of unsold VOIs, including accommodations provided through the use of our vacation sampler programs, as incidental operations. In all periods presented, incremental carrying costs exceeded incremental revenues, and all revenues and expenses are recognized in the period earned or incurred.
Cost reimbursements — As part of our management agreements with HOAs and fee-for-service developers, we receive cost reimbursements for performing the day-to-day management services, including direct and indirect costs that HOAs and developers reimburse to us. These costs primarily consist of insurance, payroll and payroll related costs for management of the HOAs and other services we provide where we are the employer and provide insurance. Cost reimbursements are based upon actual expenses with no added margin, and are billed to the HOA on a monthly basis. We recognize cost reimbursements when we incur the related reimbursable costs as the HOA receives and consumes the benefits of the management services.
We capitalize all incremental costs incurred to obtain a contract when such costs would not have been incurred if the contract had not been obtained. We elect to expense costs incurred to obtain a contract when the deferral period would be one year or less. These contract costs are recognized at the point in time that the revenue related to the incentive is recognized. Commissions for VOI sales for resorts under construction are expensed when the associated VOI revenue is recognized which is upon completion of the resort. These commissions are classified as Sales and marketing expense in our consolidated statements of operations.
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the ending asset balance for costs to obtain a contract was $11 million and $8 million, respectively, relating to deferred commission costs for certain vacation package sales and VOI sales of resorts under construction. For the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized $7 million of expense related to costs deferred as of December 31, 2022. For the year ended December 31, 2022, we recognized $9 million of expense related to costs deferred as of December 31, 2021.
Other than the United States, there were no countries that individually represented more than 10% of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we did not earn more than 10% of our total revenue from one customer.
We are required to collect certain taxes and fees from customers on behalf of government agencies and remit these back to the applicable governmental agencies on a periodic basis. We have a legal obligation to act as a collection agent with respect to these taxes and fees. We do not retain these taxes and fees and, therefore, they are not included in revenues. We record a liability when the amounts are collected and relieve the liability when payments are made to the applicable taxing authority or other appropriate governmental agency.
See Note 4: Revenue from Contracts with Customers for additional information.
Business Combinations
We account for our business combinations in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting. We allocate the purchase price of an acquisition to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. For each acquisition, we recognize goodwill as the amount in which consideration transferred for the acquired entity exceeds the fair values of net assets. The fair value of net assets is the fair value assigned to the assets acquired reduced by the fair value assigned to liabilities assumed. In determining the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, we use various recognized valuation methods including the income, cost and sales and market approaches, which also include certain valuation assumptions such as discount rates, and the amount and timing of future cash flows. We utilize independent valuation specialists under our supervision for certain of our assignments of fair value. We record the net assets and results of operations of an acquired entity in our consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date through period-end. We expense acquisition-related expenses as incurred and include such expenses within Acquisition and integration-related expense on our consolidated statements of operations. See Note 3: Acquisitions for additional information.
Acquired Financial Assets with Credit Deterioration
When financial assets are acquired, whether in connection with a business combination or an asset acquisition, we evaluate whether those acquired financial assets have experienced a more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination. Financial assets that were acquired with evidence of such credit deterioration are referred to as purchased credit deteriorated (“PCD”) assets and reflect the acquirer’s assessment at the acquisition date. The evaluation of PCD assets is a qualitative assessment requiring management judgment. We consider indicators such as delinquency, FICO score deterioration, purchased credit impaired status from prior acquisition, certain account status codes which we believe are indicative of credit deterioration, foreign currency exchange risks, as well as certain loan activity such as modifications and downgrades. In addition, we consider the impact of current and forward-looking economic conditions relative to the conditions which would have existed at origination.
Acquired PCD assets are recorded at the purchase price, represented by the acquisition date fair value, and subsequently “grossed-up” by the acquirer’s acquisition date assessment of the allowance for credit losses. The purchase price and the initial allowance for credit losses collectively represent the PCD asset’s initial amortized cost basis. While the initial allowance for credit losses of PCD assets does not impact period earnings, the Company remeasures the allowance for credit losses for PCD assets during each subsequent reporting period; changes in the allowance are recognized as provision expense within period earnings. The difference over which par value of the acquired PCD assets exceeds the purchase price plus the initial allowance for credit losses is reflected as a non-credit discount (or premium) and is accreted into interest income (or as a reduction to interest income) under the effective interest method.
Acquired financial assets which are not PCD assets are also recorded at the purchase price but are not similarly “grossed-up”. The acquirer recognizes an allowance for credit losses as of the acquisition date, which is recognized with a corresponding provision expense impact within earnings. The allowance is remeasured within each subsequent reporting period in the same manner as for PCD assets, with any change in the allowance recognized as provision expense in period earnings.
We acquired PCD assets as part of the Diamond Acquisition and the Grand Islander Acquisition which are referred to as “Legacy-Diamond” and “Legacy-Grand Islander”, respectively. -See Note 3: Acquisitions and Note 7: Timeshare Financing Receivables for additional information.
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
We account for investments in unconsolidated affiliates under the equity method of accounting when we exercise significant influence, but do not maintain a controlling financial interest over the affiliates. We evaluate our investments in affiliates for impairment when there are indicators that the fair value of our investment may be less than our carrying value.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash includes deposits received on VOI sales that are held in escrow until legal requirements of the local jurisdictions are met with regards to project construction or contract status and cash reserves required by our non-recourse debt agreements. Restricted cash also includes certain amounts collected on behalf of HOAs.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses
Accounts receivable primarily consists of trade receivables and is reported as the customers’ outstanding balances, less any allowance for credit losses. The expected credit losses are measured using an expected-loss model that reflects the risk of loss and considers the losses expected over the outstanding period of the receivable.
Cloud Computing Arrangements
We capitalize certain costs associated with cloud computing arrangements (“CCAs”). These costs are included in Other assets in our consolidated balance sheets and are expensed in the same line as the hosting arrangement in our consolidated statements of operations using the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives, which is generally three to five years. We review the CCAs for impairment when circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If the carrying value of an asset group is not recoverable, we recognize an impairment loss for the excess of carrying value over the fair value in our consolidated statements of operations.
Derivative Instruments
We use derivative instruments as part of our overall strategy to manage our exposure to market risks primarily associated with fluctuations in interest rates and do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. We record the derivative instrument at fair value either as an asset or liability. We assess the effectiveness of our hedging instruments quarterly and record changes in fair value in Accumulated other comprehensive income for the effective portion of the hedge and record the ineffectiveness of a hedge immediately in earnings in our consolidated statement of operations. We release the derivative’s gain or loss from accumulated other comprehensive income to match the timing of the underlying hedged items’ effect on earnings.
Timeshare Financing Receivables and Allowance for Financing Receivables Losses
Our timeshare financing receivables consist of loans that are secured by the underlying timeshare properties. We have two timeshare financing receivables portfolio segments: (i) originated and (ii) acquired. Our originated portfolio segment includes Legacy-HGV, Legacy-Diamond and Legacy-Grand Islander timeshare financing receivables originated after their respective acquisition dates, while our acquired portfolio segments includes all Legacy-Diamond and Legacy-Grand Islander timeshare financing receivables as of their respective acquisition dates. We evaluate each portfolio segment collectively, since we hold a large group of homogeneous timeshare financing receivables, which are individually immaterial. We monitor the credit quality of our receivables on an ongoing basis. There are no significant concentrations of collection risk with any individual counterparty or groups of counterparties. We use a technique referred to as static pool analysis as the basis for determining our financing receivables losses reserve requirements on our timeshare financing receivables. The static pool analysis includes several years of default data through which we stratify our portfolio using certain key dimensions such as FICO scores and equity percentage at the time of sale. For our originated portfolio, we record an estimate of variable consideration as a reduction of revenue from VOI sales at the time revenue is recognized on a VOI sale; for our acquired portfolio, any changes to the estimates of our allowance are recorded within Financing expense on our consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the change occurs. The adequacy of the related allowance is determined by management through analysis of several factors, such as current and forward-looking economic conditions and industry trends, as well as the specific risk characteristics of the portfolio including assumed default rates, aging and historical write-offs of these receivables. In addition, for our acquired portfolio segment we also develop an inventory recovery assumption to reflect the recovery value of VOIs from future potential defaults. Our estimate of
inventory recovery is principally based upon the fair value of underlying VOIs and assumed default rates and is reflected as a reduction to the estimated gross allowance. Once a timeshare financing receivable within the acquired portfolio segment is charged-off, the loan's corresponding inventory recovery amount is reclassified from the allowance into inventory. The allowance is maintained at a level deemed adequate by management based on a periodic analysis of the mortgage portfolio.
We determine our timeshare financing receivables to be past due based on the contractual terms of the individual mortgage loans. We recognize interest income on our timeshare financing receivables as earned. The interest rate charged on the notes correlates to the risk profile of the borrower at the time of purchase and the percentage of the purchase that is financed, among other factors. We apply payments we receive for loans, including those in non-accrual status, to amounts due in the following order: servicing fees; interest; principal; and late charges. Once a loan is 91 days past due, we cease accruing interest and reverse the accrued interest recognized up to that point. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we reversed $73 million, $70 million and $28 million, respectively, of accrued interest income. We resume interest accrual for loans for which we had previously ceased accruing interest once the loan is less than 91 days past due. We fully reserve for a timeshare financing receivable in the month following the date that the loan is 121 days past due and, subsequently, we write off the uncollectible note against the reserve once the foreclosure process is complete and we receive the deed for the foreclosed unit. See Note 7: Timeshare Financing Receivables for additional information.
Inventory and Cost of Sales
Inventory includes unsold, completed VOIs; VOIs under construction; and land and infrastructure held for future VOI product development at our current resorts. We carry our completed VOI inventory at the lower of cost or estimated fair value, less costs to sell, which can result in impairment losses and/or recoveries of previous impairments. Projects under development, along with land and infrastructure for future development are under a held and use impairment model and are reviewed for indicators of impairment quarterly.
We capitalize costs directly associated with the acquisition, development and construction of a real estate project when it is probable that the project will move forward. We capitalize salary and related costs only to the extent they directly relate to the project. We capitalize interest expense, taxes and insurance costs when activities that are necessary to get the property ready for its intended use are underway. We cease capitalization of costs during prolonged gaps in development when substantially all activities are suspended or when projects are considered substantially complete.
We account for our VOI inventory and cost of VOI sales using the relative sales value method. Also, we do not reduce inventory for the cost of VOI sales related to anticipated defaults, and accordingly, no adjustment is made when inventory is reacquired upon default of the related receivable. This results in changes in estimates within the relative sales value calculations to be accounted for as real estate inventory true-ups, which we refer to as cost of sales true-ups, and are included in Cost of VOI sales in our consolidated statements of operations to retrospectively adjust the margin previously recognized subject to those estimates.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost and include land, buildings and leasehold improvement and furniture and equipment at our corporate offices, sales centers and management offices. Additionally, certain property and equipment is held for future conversion into inventory. Construction in progress primarily relates to development activities. Costs that are capitalized related to development activities are classified as property and equipment until they are registered for sale. Costs of improvements that extend the economic life or improve service potential are also capitalized. Capitalized costs are depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Costs for normal repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Other than the United States, there were no countries that individually represented over 10% of total property and equipment, net as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives, which are generally as follows: buildings and improvements (eight to forty years); furniture and equipment (three to fifteen years, including our corporate jet); and computer equipment and acquired software (three years). Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life, based on the estimates above, or the lease term.
We evaluate the carrying value of our property and equipment if there are indicators of potential impairment. We perform an analysis to determine the recoverability of the asset’s carrying value by comparing the expected undiscounted future cash flows to the net book value of the asset. If it is determined that the expected undiscounted future cash flows are less than the net book value of the asset, we calculate the asset’s fair value. The impairment loss recognized is equal to the amount that the net book value is in excess of fair value. Fair value is generally estimated using valuation techniques that consider the discounted cash flows of the asset using discount and capitalization rates deemed reasonable for the type of asset, as well as prevailing market conditions, appraisals, recent similar transactions in the market and, if appropriate and available, current estimated net sales proceeds from pending offers. Refer to Note 9: Property and Equipment for additional information.
If sufficient information exists to reasonably estimate the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation, including environmental remediation liabilities, we recognize the fair value of the obligation when the obligation is incurred.
Assets Held for Sale
We classify long-lived assets to be sold as held for sale in the period (i) we have approved and committed to a plan to sell the asset, (ii) the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition, (iii) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to sell the asset have been initiated, (iv) the sale of the asset is probable, (v) the asset is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value, and (vi) it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. We initially measure a long-lived asset that is classified as held for sale at the lower of its carrying value or fair value less any costs to sell. Any loss resulting from this measurement is recognized in the period in which the held for sale criteria are met. Conversely, gains are not recognized on the sale of a long-lived asset until the date of sale. Upon designation as an asset held for sale, we stop recording depreciation expense on the asset. We assess the fair value of a long-lived asset less any costs to sell at each reporting period and until the asset is no longer classified as held for sale. The methodology utilized to determine fair value at the time of classification as held for sale is dependent on the type of long-lived asset. All methodologies utilized to determine fair value involve judgment.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we concluded that the parcels of land and infrastructure which were previously classified as held for sale, no longer met the held for sale criteria. Thus, these assets were reclassified to property and equipment as a non-cash transfer. The assets were measured at fair value as of the transfer date as assets held for sale prior to reclassification, principally utilizing market approaches for the land parcels and the cost approach for infrastructure. For the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded a reversal of impairment expense of $7 million corresponding with this reclassification. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we did not have assets held for sale. Refer to Note 9: Property and Equipment for additional information.
Leases
We lease sales centers, office space and equipment under lease agreements. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Amounts related to operating leases are included in Operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, net and Operating lease liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. ROU assets are adjusted for lease incentives received.
ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term as of the commencement date. Because most of our leases do not provide an explicit or implicit rate of return, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments on an individual lease basis. Our incremental borrowing rate for a lease is the rate of interest we would have to pay on a collateralized basis to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments for the asset under similar terms.
We have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are accounted for as a single lease component. Our operating leases may require minimum rent payments, contingent rent payments based on a percentage of revenue or income, or rental payments adjusted periodically for inflation or rent payments equal to the greater of a minimum rent or contingent rent. Our leases do not contain any residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheets and lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
We monitor events or changes in circumstances that change the timing or amount of future lease payments which results in the remeasurement of a lease liability, with a corresponding adjustment to the ROU asset. ROU assets for operating and finance leases are periodically reviewed for impairment losses under ASC 360-10, Property, Plant, and Equipment, to determine whether a ROU asset is impaired, and if so, the amount of the impairment loss to recognize. Refer to Note 17: Leases for additional information.
Goodwill
Goodwill acquired in business combinations is assigned to the reporting units expected to benefit from the combination as of the acquisition date. We do not amortize goodwill. We evaluate goodwill for potential impairment at least annually, on October 1, or more frequently if an event or other circumstance indicates that it is more-likely-than-not that we may not be able to recover the carrying amount (book value) of the net assets of the related reporting unit. The review is based on either a qualitative assessment or a two-step impairment test. When evaluating goodwill for impairment, we may perform the optional qualitative assessment by considering factors including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, overall financial performance of our reporting units, and other relevant entity-specific events. If we bypass the qualitative assessment, or if we conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then we perform a quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit
with its carrying amount. We only recognize an impairment on goodwill if the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, in an amount not to exceed the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill. No goodwill impairment charges were recognized during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 and there is no accumulated impairment of goodwill for any period presented in the consolidated financial statements. The changes in goodwill for the periods presented in the consolidated financial statements were limited to increases or decreases in goodwill resulted from the Diamond and Grand Islander acquisitions and any related measurement period adjustments. Refer to Note 3: Acquisitions for additional information.
Intangible Assets
Our intangible assets consist of management agreements, trade name, club member relationships and certain proprietary software technologies with finite lives. Additionally, we capitalize costs incurred to develop internal-use computer software, including costs incurred in connection with development of upgrades or enhancements that result in additional functionality. These capitalized costs are included in Intangible assets, net in our consolidated balance sheets. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized using the straight-line method over their respective useful lives, which varies for each type of intangible, unless another amortization method is deemed to be more appropriate. In our consolidated statements of operations, the amortization of these intangible assets is included in Depreciation and amortization expense.
In estimating the useful life of acquired assets, we reviewed the expected use of the assets acquired, factors that may limit the useful life of an acquired asset or may enable the extension of the useful life of an acquired asset without substantial cost, the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition and other economic factors, and the level of maintenance expenditures required to obtain the expected future cash flows from the asset.
We review all finite life intangible assets for impairment when circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If the carrying value of an asset group is not recoverable, we recognize an impairment loss for the excess of the carrying value over the fair value in our consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we do not have any indefinite lived intangible assets. Refer to Note 12: Intangible Assets for additional information.
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs, including legal fees and upfront lenders fees, related to the Company’s debt and non-recourse debt are deferred and amortized over the life of the respective debt using the effective interest method. The capitalized costs related to the Timeshare Facility and the Revolver are included in Other assets while the remaining capitalized costs related to all other debt instruments are included in Debt, net and Non-recourse debt, net in our consolidated balance sheets. The amortization of deferred financing costs is included in Interest expense in our consolidated statements of operations. Refer to Note 15: Debt & Non-recourse debt for additional information.
Costs Incurred to Sell VOIs and Vacation Packages
We expense indirect sales and marketing costs we incur to sell VOIs and vacation packages when incurred. Deferred selling expenses, which are direct selling costs related to a contract for which revenue has not yet been recognized, were $18 million as of both December 31, 2023 and 2022, and were included in Other assets on our consolidated balance sheets.
Fair Value Measurements—Valuation Hierarchy
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 on the measurement date (an exit price). We use the three-level valuation hierarchy for classification of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect our own assumptions about the data market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The three-level hierarchy of inputs is summarized below:
Level 1—Valuation is based upon quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;
Level 2—Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or other inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the instrument; and
Level 3—Valuation is based upon unobservable inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement.
The classification of assets and liabilities within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Refer to Note 15: Debt and non-recourse debt and Note 16: Fair Value Measurements for additional information.
Currency Translation and Remeasurement
The United States dollar (“USD”) is our reporting currency and is the functional currency of the majority of our operations. For operations whose functional currency is not the USD, assets and liabilities measured in foreign currencies are translated into USD at the prevailing exchange rates in effect as of the financial statement date, and the related gains and losses are reflected within Accumulated other comprehensive income in our consolidated balance sheets. Related income and expense accounts are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. Gains and losses from foreign exchange rate changes related to transactions denominated in a currency other than an entity’s functional currency or transactions related to intercompany receivables and payables denominated in a currency other than an entity’s functional currency that are not of a long-term investment nature are recognized as gains or losses on foreign currency transactions. These gains or losses are included in Other gain (loss), net in our consolidated statements of operations.
Share-Based Compensation
On May 3, 2023, the 2023 Omnibus Incentive Plan (“2023 Plan”) was approved by our shareholders to replace the 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan and the 2017 Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “2017 Plans”). The 2023 Plan authorizes the issuance of restricted stock units (“Service RSUs” or “RSUs”), nonqualified stock options (“Options”), time and performance-vesting restricted stock units (“Performance RSUs” or “PSUs”), and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) to certain employees and directors. We record compensation expense based on the share-based awards granted to our employees.
The measurement objective for these equity awards is the estimated fair value at the grant date of the equity instruments that we are obligated to issue when employees have rendered the requisite service and satisfied any other conditions necessary to earn the right to benefit from the instruments. Compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period and the corresponding change is recognized in Additional paid-in capital in our consolidated balance sheets. The requisite service period is the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for an award. We recognize forfeitures of awards as they occur.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. The objectives of accounting for income taxes are to recognize the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year, to recognize the deferred tax assets and liabilities that relate to tax consequences in future years, which result from differences between the respective tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts, and tax loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the respective temporary differences or operating loss or tax credit carryforwards are expected to be recovered or settled. The realization of deferred tax assets and tax loss and tax credit carryforwards is contingent upon the generation of future taxable income and other restrictions that may exist under the tax laws of the jurisdiction in which a deferred tax asset exists. Valuation allowances are provided to reduce such deferred tax assets to amounts more likely than not to be ultimately realized.
We use a prescribed recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken in a tax return. For all income tax positions, we first determine whether it is “more-likely-than-not” that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. If it is determined that a position meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the benefit recognized in the financial statements is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized as a component of income tax expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included on the related tax liability line in the consolidated balance sheet.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing the earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is calculated to give effect to all potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during the reporting period. When there is a year-to-date loss, potential common shares should not be included in the computation of diluted EPS; hence, diluted EPS would equal basic EPS in a period of loss.
Defined Contribution Plan
We administer and maintain a defined contribution plan for the benefit of all employees meeting certain eligibility requirements who elect to participate in the plan. Contributions are determined based on a specified percentage of salary and bonus deferrals by participating employees. We recognized compensation expense for our participating employees totaling $23 million, $19 million and $5 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Adopted Accounting Standards
On January 1, 2023, we adopted Accounting Standards Update 2022-02 (“ASU 2022-02”), Financial Instruments— Credit Losses (ASC 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. ASU 2022-02 provides, under Issue 2 - Vintage Disclosures, that an entity discloses current-period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing receivables and net investments in leases. For financing receivables, the vintage disclosure is to present the amortized cost basis by credit quality indicator and class of financing receivable for the year of origination. The vintage disclosures are to be applied prospectively. The impact of adoption of ASU 2022-02 was in disclosure only and did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements. See Note 7: Timeshare Financing Receivables for additional information.
On January 1, 2023, we adopted Accounting Standards Update 2021-08 (“ASU 2021-08”), Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2021-08 provides that an entity recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with Topic 606. At the acquisition date, the entity should account for the related revenue contracts in accordance with Topic 606 as if the entity had originated the contracts. The adoption of ASU 2021-08 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
In November 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2023-07 (“ASU 2023-07”), Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. ASU 2023-07 provides amendments to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements both on an interim and annual basis, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The impact of adoption of ASU 2023-07 is expected to impact disclosures only and not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2023-09 (“ASU 2023-09”), Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. ASU 2023-09 states that an entity must provide greater disaggregation of its effective tax rate reconciliation disclosure. The ASU also states that an entity must separately disclose net cash taxes paid between federal, state, and foreign jurisdictions. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The guidance is to be applied prospectively, although retrospective application is permitted. The impact of adoption of ASU 2023-09 is expected to impact disclosures only and not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or results.