Avis Budget Group (NasdaqGS:CAR) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 19, 2026 08:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsAndrew Percoco - Executive DirectorBrian Choi - CEODaniel Cunha - EVP and CFODavid Calabria - SVP, Corporate Finance and TreasurerJosh Young - Vice PresidentStephanie Moore - Managing DirectorConference Call ParticipantsChristopher Stathoulopoulos - Senior Equity Research AnalystJohn Healy - Managing Director and Senior Research AnalystOperatorWelcome to the Avis Budget Group Q4 earnings call. At this ti ...

Core Insights - Lyft's CEO David Risher expressed confusion over the disconnect between the company's strong performance and investor expectations during a CNBC interview [1][2] - Risher highlighted a tension between long-term strategic goals and short-term market reactions, indicating a focus on structural transformation rather than immediate stock performance [2] Financial Performance - Lyft achieved record bookings of $5.1 billion, marking an all-time high [4] - The company reported a net income of $2.8 billion, primarily due to a tax asset release [4] - Lyft generated over $1.1 billion in free cash flow projected for 2025 [4] Strategic Focus - Lyft is prioritizing the development of autonomous vehicles (AVs) and aims to position itself as a leader in fleet management rather than just a ride-hailing service [3] - The company is implementing a hybrid network strategy and has established partnerships with Waymo and Baidu, with plans to launch robotaxis in Nashville by 2026 [3][4] - Lyft's Flexdrive subsidiary is being positioned as essential for maintenance, charging, and depot operations for its AV partners [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a third-quarter loss of $37 million compared to earnings of $67 million in the same quarter last year, resulting in a loss of $0.18 per non-voting share versus earnings of $0.35 per share previously [8][10] - Adjusted EBITDA for the moving and storage segment decreased by 11%, approximately $42 million, reflecting a similar decline in operating cash flows for the quarter [8][12] - A significant increase in depreciation and losses from the disposal of rental units contributed to a $75 million cost increase compared to the same period last year [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Equipment rental revenues increased by $8 million, or just under 1%, primarily from the in-town portion of the business [10] - Storage revenues rose by $18 million, or 8%, with average revenue per foot improving by just under 7% and same-store revenue per occupied foot up by 5% [12] - The company added 16 new storage locations, translating to about 1.5 million new net rentable square feet, although the development pipeline has decreased to 106 projects [15][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has a significant U-Box presence with over 200,000 containers in service, and over 100,000 in the hands of customers, indicating growth in the self-storage and moving market [6][12] - Same-store occupancy decreased by 490 basis points to just over 87%, impacted by efforts to increase available units by focusing on delinquent units [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to open more U-Haul dealership locations to better utilize excess fleet and increase transactions [4][10] - There is a focus on digital tools investment to meet customer expectations and improve service delivery [6] - The company is strategically slowing down the pace of self-storage development while still pursuing opportunities in key markets [15][75] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges due to excessive acquisition costs of vans and pickups, which have negatively impacted earnings [4] - The company is optimistic about future cargo van purchases being at a lower average cost, which may help mitigate losses [10] - Management expressed confidence in filling more storage units and improving occupancy rates despite current challenges [81][84] Other Important Information - The company invested $770 million in real estate acquisitions and development during the first nine months of fiscal 2026, a decrease of $444 million compared to the previous year [15] - Operating expenses increased by $66 million for the third quarter, with significant contributions from personnel costs and self-insurance liability costs [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on pressures in the one-way market and U-Box program - Management noted that consumer anxiety leads to shorter transaction distances, affecting the one-way rental market and U-Box performance [22][23] Question: Clarification on depreciation changes - Management explained that depreciation rates for box trucks decrease over time, while adjustments for pickup and cargo vans are made based on resale market conditions [24][25] Question: Capacity reductions from competitors and expansion in dealer space - Management confirmed that competitors are reducing fleet and locations, positioning the company to capture demand when the market improves [30][31] Question: Expense management and future efforts - Management indicated ongoing efforts to manage expenses, particularly in personnel costs, while also focusing on revenue generation [37][40] Question: U-Box construction and usage in large metros - Management confirmed ongoing construction in key markets and highlighted the advantages of U-Box containers in urban areas [44][48] Question: Future vehicle acquisition and depreciation - Management provided insights on the remaining cargo vans and the expected losses on sale, emphasizing the need for accurate market estimates [54][56] Question: Self-storage capacity utilization and development pace - Management acknowledged the need to slow down development while still pursuing strategic opportunities in self-storage [75][76]

Core Insights - Cartrack has partnered with Schmitz Cargobull to enhance its mobility solutions by integrating TrailerConnect® telematics data into its platform, providing transport operators with real-time visibility and control over fleet operations [1] Company Overview - Cartrack is a leading global mobility solutions provider and a subsidiary of Karooooo Limited, listed on NASDAQ under the ticker KARO [1] - Schmitz Cargobull is recognized as Europe's premier manufacturer of semi-trailers and is noted for its innovations in digital trailer connectivity [1]

Core Insights - Mastercard has launched a portfolio of fleet management solutions in the Asia-Pacific region, aimed at enhancing payment and data management for fleets of all sizes [2][4]. Group 1: Product Features - The Mastercard Fleet: Next Gen portfolio integrates payments, data, and controls, offering global acceptance for various fleet-related expenses such as fuel, electric vehicle charging, maintenance, and tolling [2]. - The solutions include network-based fleet data captured at the point of sale, digitally assigned fleet cards, and integration with mobility platforms and fleet management tools [2][3]. Group 2: Benefits for Fleet Managers - Fleet managers can utilize these tools to implement smarter authorization controls and spending policies, manage costs more effectively, and enhance forecasting capabilities [3]. - The solutions also allow for real-time monitoring of fraud and misuse, providing a comprehensive approach to fleet management [3]. Group 3: Strategic Goals - Mastercard aims to assist specialist fleet issuers and payment providers in bringing advanced fleet capabilities to market more quickly while minimizing complexity and investment [4]. - The company continues to invest in infrastructure, data centers, and global partnerships, with a focus on expanding services related to cybersecurity, data, and artificial intelligence [5]. Group 4: Industry Trends - The fleet management sector is increasingly becoming a hub of connectivity, with digital advancements enabling new ways to connect stakeholders [6]. - Other companies in the space, such as NCR Voyix and WEX, are also innovating by forming partnerships to enhance payment solutions for commercial fuel transactions [7].

Motive Technologies Inc. filed publicly for an initial public offering, with the artificial intelligence-enabled fleet management software firm disclosing both growing revenue and net losses. https://t.co/iCx5RVa8J0 ...

Summary of Karoooo's Conference Call Company Overview - **Company Name**: Karoooo - **Business Model**: Operates Cartrack, a SaaS platform focusing on telematics, fleet management, AI, vision, and logistics - **Subscribers**: 2.5 million across 24 countries - **Recent Performance**: 20% subscription revenue growth and 29% operating profit growth in the last quarter [5][12][30] Market Position and Competition - **Geographic Focus**: - **South Africa**: Largest market, generating approximately 70% of revenue, with 1.85 million subscribers - **Asia**: Fastest-growing segment, competing with smaller companies - **Europe**: Operations in Portugal, Poland, and Spain, competing against Geotab and Powerfleet - **Market Share**: 40% market share in South Africa despite entering the market 10 years after competitors [6][10][12] Growth Opportunities - **South Africa**: - Significant growth potential with a vehicle pool of approximately 13 million - New product launch: Cartrack Tag for asset monitoring, contributing to upsell opportunities [10][11][12] - **Asia**: - Plans to increase sales headcount by 70% to drive subscription revenue growth into the mid- to high 20s percentage range [13][16] - **Cross-Selling Initiatives**: Focus on selling new products (Tag and video solutions) to existing customers to enhance long-term business health [18][24] Financial Performance - **Recent Growth Metrics**: - Q2 subscription revenue growth: 20% - Subscriber growth: 15% - ARPU growth: 4% [24][27] - **Future Guidance**: - Subscription revenue growth guidance for FY 2026: 16%-21% - Expected ARPU growth in South Africa: up to 10% year-over-year [17][27] Challenges and Considerations - **Subscriber Growth Deceleration**: Noted a 150 basis points deceleration in subscriber growth, attributed to resource allocation towards selling new products rather than macroeconomic factors [9][49] - **Margin Concerns**: Operating profit margin decreased by 50 basis points year-over-year, but the company views this as a trade-off for accelerated growth [30][34] - **Investment in Sales Capacity**: Increased sales and marketing expenses by 34% in Q2 to support growth initiatives [30][31] Strategic Focus - **Innovation and Customer Retention**: Emphasis on continuous innovation to meet customer needs and maintain strong retention rates [51] - **Autonomous Vehicles**: Viewed as an opportunity rather than a disruption, with plans to integrate related solutions into the platform [48] Additional Insights - **Cultural Aspect**: The unique spelling of "Karoooo" reflects the founder's vision and the company's culture of innovation and disruption [54][56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q3 2025, equipment rental revenue increased approximately 30% year-over-year, driven by the acquisition of H&E Equipment Services Inc. and strong contributions from mega projects and specialty solutions [23] - Adjusted EBITDA rose 24% compared to the previous year's third quarter, benefiting from higher equipment rental revenue and used equipment sales [23] - Net income for the third quarter included $38 million of transaction costs related to the acquisition, with adjusted net income at $74 million [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Local accounts represented 52% of rental revenue, down from 53% a year ago on a pro forma basis, while national accounts continue to show robust private funding for large-scale projects [14] - The company is focusing on optimizing its fleet management and has made significant progress in disposing of underutilized and aged equipment [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The industrial spending forecast indicates strong capital and maintenance spending through the end of the decade, with non-residential construction starts in 2025 estimated at $467 billion, a 4% increase year-over-year [16] - The mega project pipeline is projected to exceed $650 billion for 2025, indicating significant growth opportunities in the construction sector [16][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is prioritizing the integration of H&E Equipment Services Inc. and has paused other M&A initiatives to focus on achieving cost and revenue synergies [10] - Plans include consolidating general rental branches and expanding specialty equipment locations, aiming for a 25% increase in specialty network next year [9][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while local market growth is limited due to high interest rates, robust activity in mega projects continues to drive demand [4][14] - The company remains confident in its ability to deliver full value from the acquisition and achieve long-term growth strategies [10][12] Other Important Information - The company completed a full systems integration in just 90 days, significantly faster than the typical timeline for similar-sized companies [6] - The integration allows for real-time visibility into performance metrics and operational KPIs, enhancing decision-making capabilities [7][8] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the status of the fleet right-sizing process? - The heavy lifting was completed in Q3, with more work expected in Q4, aiming to close this part of the process by the end of the year [31][33] Question: How does the mix of national accounts impact margins? - Management does not expect significant margin dilution from national accounts or mega projects, as these projects typically involve minimal movement and higher volumes of specialty products [35][36] Question: Can you clarify the consolidation of general rental locations? - The strategy involves opening specialty businesses within general rental branches rather than closing them, with plans for 50 new specialty locations [38] Question: Are there updates on cost and revenue synergies? - Cost synergy targets are evolving, with ongoing efficiency reviews now that the companies are on the same platform [40] Question: How is customer attrition being managed post-acquisition? - Customer attrition has stabilized, and efforts are being made to engage with former H&E Equipment Services Inc. customers to regain business [44][61]

Core Insights - Hertz Global reported a significant operational turnaround, achieving positive Adjusted Corporate EBITDA for the first time in nearly two years, with results surpassing consensus expectations [1][5][6] - Despite improvements, the company remains overall loss-making, with GAAP revenue declining year-over-year [1][6] Financial Performance - Non-GAAP loss per share was $0.34, better than the estimated loss of $0.41, while GAAP revenue was $2,185 million, exceeding analyst estimates of $2,156.98 million but down 7.1% from $2,353 million in Q2 2024 [1][2] - Adjusted Corporate EBITDA was $1 million, a significant improvement from a loss of $460 million in the previous year [2][6] - Net loss (GAAP) narrowed from $865 million in Q2 2024 to $294 million in Q2 2025, with adjusted net loss shrinking 76% year-over-year [6] Operational Highlights - Vehicle utilization increased to 83%, up 3 percentage points from the prior year, despite a 6% drop in fleet size [2][8] - Depreciation per unit per month decreased by 57.8% to $251, well below the target of $300, supported by a younger fleet [2][7] - Direct operating expenses fell 3% year-over-year, and customer satisfaction improved, as indicated by an 11-point rise in the Net Promoter Score [9] Strategic Focus - The company is concentrating on fleet management, cost discipline, and technological upgrades, including partnerships with ride-share services and investments in digital tools [4][10] - Management plans to maintain tight fleet levels while focusing on improving utilization and margins rather than expanding volume [12] Future Outlook - Management anticipates a "sizable profit" and positive net income in the next quarter, with a target of achieving positive EBITDA over $1 billion by fiscal 2027 [12][13] - The company has secured vehicle purchases at pre-tariff prices, mitigating risks from rising vehicle costs [12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, Transocean reported contract drilling revenues of $988 million, aligning with guidance, with an average daily revenue of approximately $459,000 [20] - Operating and maintenance expenses were $899 million, below guidance due to lower costs from service delays and out-of-service projects [20] - Total liquidity at the end of the quarter was approximately $1.3 billion, including $377 million in unrestricted cash and $395 million in restricted cash [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects contract drilling revenues for Q3 2025 to be between $1 billion and $1.02 billion, driven by increased in-service days and efficiency [21][22] - Full-year contract drilling revenues are now projected to be between $3.9 billion and $3.95 billion, reflecting potential variances in revenue efficiency [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global active ultra-deepwater fleet is expected to approach utilization exceeding 90% by late 2026, leading to upward pressure on day rates [14] - Wood Mackenzie projects deepwater and ultra-deepwater development CapEx to rise from $64 billion in 2025 to $79 billion in 2027, a 23% increase [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Transocean is focused on delivering best-in-class services, managing its high-spec rig portfolio, and improving financial flexibility by reducing debt and costs [6][11] - The company plans to reduce cash costs by approximately $100 million annually in 2025 and 2026, with additional efficiency improvements expected [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the market recovering, with increased contracting activity anticipated in 2026 and beyond [12][28] - The company is committed to maintaining a disciplined approach to managing its balance sheet and maximizing cash flow to reduce debt [11][28] Other Important Information - Transocean removed four lower specification rigs from its fleet in Q2 2025, contributing to improved industry dynamics [19] - The company is actively pursuing opportunities in various regions, including Africa, the Mediterranean, and Asia, with expectations for increased demand [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations on leading edge day rates - Management noted that while day rates have moderated, they expect utilization to recover and rates to improve as contracting activity increases [33][39] Question: Future contracts for drillships in the Gulf of Mexico - Management is optimistic that the Proteus and Concorde drillships will remain in the Gulf of Mexico due to customer interest [42] Question: Proceeds from rigs slated for disposal - Management indicated that proceeds from rig disposals are expected to be around breakeven, with no significant assumptions beyond that included in liquidity forecasts [46][48] Question: Exploration activity and implications - Management highlighted an increase in exploration activity and noted that successful discoveries, like BP's Boomerang, could lead to increased industry activity and CapEx levels [70][72]