Summary of Herc Holdings Inc. FY Conference Call (September 11, 2025) Company Overview - Herc Holdings Inc. is the oldest public company in the equipment rental industry, celebrating its 60th anniversary. [1] - The company operates over 625 locations across 46 states and five Canadian provinces, employing over 10,000 people. [1] - The addressable market for Herc is approximately $87 billion and is expected to grow, driven by a shift from ownership to rental in the equipment sector. [1] Core Business Strategies - Herc has achieved above-market growth through fleet investments, new openings, and M&A, completing over 50 transactions in the last four and a half years, adding 113 locations. [2] - The recent acquisition of H&E Equipment Services Inc. added 165 locations, enhancing Herc's scale and capabilities in the mega project market. [2][3] - The company operates primarily in the top 100 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in North America, which helps mitigate recession risks. [3] Market Dynamics - Local markets are currently stable but have shown softness, primarily due to commercial activity influenced by interest rates. [5][6] - The mega project segment remains strong, with Herc aiming to participate in 10% to 15% of these projects. [7] - Geographic strength is noted in areas with fewer regulations, such as Texas and the Gulf, while the West Coast faces challenges in securing large projects. [8] Acquisition Insights - The integration of H&E Equipment Services Inc. is progressing well, with all locations expected to be fully operational on the Herc platform shortly. [3][16] - The acquisition is expected to yield $125 million in cost synergies over two years, with a current run rate indicating 50% achievement by year-end. [17] - The combined fleet will focus on increasing the specialty segment from 16% to a long-term target of 25%, enhancing margin profiles. [25] Financial Outlook - The leverage ratio post-acquisition is at 3.8, with expectations to return to a 2-3 times leverage profile by 2027. [19][21] - The company is prioritizing integration and optimizing the newly acquired branches before pursuing further acquisitions. [21] Future Market Trends - The equipment rental industry is expected to continue growing, with a secular trend favoring rental over ownership. [31] - Customers are increasingly seeking comprehensive solutions, including technology and efficiency in fleet management. [31] - The introduction of innovative products, such as battery storage power and load banks for data centers, is anticipated to drive future growth. [29] Conclusion - Herc Holdings Inc. is well-positioned to capitalize on market opportunities through strategic acquisitions, a focus on specialty equipment, and a robust approach to integration and capital efficiency. [1][17][31]