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Herc Holdings(HRI) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report

Revenue and Market Conditions - The company's revenues are significantly affected by the cyclical nature of the construction and industrial sectors, with a decline in these activities leading to decreased demand for rental equipment [72]. - A substantial portion of revenues is derived from equipment rentals to contractors in the non-residential construction market, making the company vulnerable to fluctuations in construction activity [73]. - Economic conditions, including oil and gas prices, can adversely impact capital investments and maintenance expenditures, further affecting rental demand [73]. - Equipment rental revenues for 2024 reached 3.2billion,anincreaseof113.2 billion, an increase of 11% compared to 2023, driven by a 9.3% increase in equipment volume and a 3.2% increase in pricing [180]. - Total revenues for 2024 were 3.568 billion, reflecting a 286millionor9286 million or 9% increase from 2023 [186]. Competition and Market Dynamics - The company faces competitive pressures from various market participants, which could lead to decreased market share and pricing power [77]. - The rental equipment market is highly fragmented, with price being a primary competitive factor, impacting revenue if pricing strategies do not align with competitors [95]. - The company faced intense competition, with key national account customers accounting for 45% of rental revenue in 2024, which could adversely affect financial results if relationships decline [101]. Operational Challenges - Relationships with key suppliers are critical; disruptions in supply chains can negatively impact the company's ability to meet customer needs and execute growth plans [78]. - The company has experienced delays in receiving equipment due to global supply chain issues, which could impair operational performance [79]. - Significant components of expenses are fixed in the short term, leading to lower profitability during off-peak seasons, particularly in the construction industry [99]. - The company may experience inefficiencies due to employee turnover and competition for talent, affecting business continuity and operational efficiency [97]. Financial Position and Debt - The company has total outstanding debt of approximately 4.1 billion as of December 31, 2024, which significantly impacts cash flow and profitability [126]. - An increase in interest rates could raise the cost of servicing the company's debt, adversely affecting profitability [131]. - The company may face challenges in refinancing its indebtedness, which could lead to increased costs and operational restrictions [132]. - The company’s ability to incur additional secured indebtedness may be impaired due to the encumbrance of substantially all its assets under its revolving credit facility [129]. Acquisitions and Strategic Transactions - The company is pursuing strategic transactions, including acquisitions and divestitures, to enhance or expand its business operations [115]. - The company completed 9 acquisitions in 2024, adding 28 branches with a net cash outflow of 600million,andopened23newgreenfieldlocations[181].Anysignificantacquisitionmayrequireadditionalfinancing,whichcouldbedifficulttoobtainduetothecompanyssubstantialindebtedness[118].Asignificantdivestiturecouldresultinimmediatelossofrevenuesandearnings,requiringpotentialamendmentstoexistingdebt[119].CybersecurityandITRisksTherelianceoncentralizedITsystemsincreasesvulnerabilitytocybersecuritythreats,whichcoulddisruptoperationsandharmthecompanysreputation[81].TheBoardofDirectorsassumeddirectoversightofthecybersecurityprogramin2024,receivingperiodicupdatesonrisksandincidents[140].ThecompanyhasestablishedacybersecuritycrisismanagementteamresponsibleforsignificantincidentcommunicationandresolutionupdatestotheBoard[141].Thecybersecurityprogramincludestechnicalsafeguardssuchasfirewallsandintrusiondetectionsystems,withregularassessmentstoimprovethesemeasures[143].Thecompanyhasariskbasedapproachtomanagingcybersecurityriskspresentedbythirdparties,includingvendorsandserviceproviders[145].EnvironmentalandRegulatoryRisksClimatechangeandregulatoryresponsesmaynegativelyimpactthecompanysoperationsanddemandforservices,requiringpotentialcapitalexpenditurestomeetnewstandards[112].EnvironmentalliabilitiesaccruedasofDecember31,2024,were600 million, and opened 23 new greenfield locations [181]. - Any significant acquisition may require additional financing, which could be difficult to obtain due to the company's substantial indebtedness [118]. - A significant divestiture could result in immediate loss of revenues and earnings, requiring potential amendments to existing debt [119]. Cybersecurity and IT Risks - The reliance on centralized IT systems increases vulnerability to cybersecurity threats, which could disrupt operations and harm the company's reputation [81]. - The Board of Directors assumed direct oversight of the cybersecurity program in 2024, receiving periodic updates on risks and incidents [140]. - The company has established a cybersecurity crisis management team responsible for significant incident communication and resolution updates to the Board [141]. - The cybersecurity program includes technical safeguards such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, with regular assessments to improve these measures [143]. - The company has a risk-based approach to managing cybersecurity risks presented by third parties, including vendors and service providers [145]. Environmental and Regulatory Risks - Climate change and regulatory responses may negatively impact the company's operations and demand for services, requiring potential capital expenditures to meet new standards [112]. - Environmental liabilities accrued as of December 31, 2024, were 0.5 million, which could increase if unforeseen compliance costs arise [111]. Financial Performance and Metrics - Net income for 2024 was 211million,adecreaseof39211 million, a decrease of 39% from 347 million in 2023 [186]. - Basic earnings per share (EPS) for 2024 was 7.43,downfrom7.43, down from 12.18 in 2023, representing a decline of 38.0% [268]. - The effective tax rate increased to 27% in 2024, compared to 22% in 2023, influenced by non-deductible goodwill impairment and changes in stock-based compensation benefits [193]. - Cash generated from operating activities increased by 139millionin2024comparedto2023,totaling139 million in 2024 compared to 2023, totaling 1,225 million [198]. - Total assets increased to 7,877millionin2024,comparedto7,877 million in 2024, compared to 7,061 million in 2023, marking a growth of 11.5% [265].