ESTERO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--After debuting its nationwide Hertz Gold Squad program earlier this year, Hertz is bringing its beloved team of highly-trained Golden Retrievers to Newark Liberty International Airport for their final 2025 appearance with plans to continue spreading joy into 2026. As millions of Americans hit the road for what is expected to be one of the busiest holiday travel seasons in years, the Gold Squad will greet travelers with comfort, joy, and surprise perks during peak December trav ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved $2.5 billion in revenue and delivered adjusted corporate EBITDA of $190 million, marking a $350 million year-over-year improvement and positive EPS for the first time in two years [5][28]. - The average fleet age is now under 12 months, with a record high utilization rate of 84%, the highest since 2018 [6][29]. - Direct operating expenses (DOE) per day improved both year-over-year and sequentially, while maintaining a sub-$350 DPU goal [7][29]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue per unit (RPU) came in at $1,530, nearly flat year-over-year, with record utilization driving performance despite a 7% smaller fleet [17][28]. - The company reported a 2% year-over-year improvement in RPU across the total fleet, with utilization across the total fleet improving by 460 basis points [18][29]. - The rent-to-buy program has a 70% purchase conversion rate, significantly exceeding traditional dealership rates [11]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The international segment saw strong margins with larger RPD and RPU gains, indicating a robust pricing environment [28]. - Inbound demand remains down low single digits year-over-year, particularly affected by EMEA and Australia/New Zealand markets [66]. - Corporate demand showed improvement in October, indicating a positive trend moving into Q4 [64]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on transforming its rental car business while simultaneously laying the groundwork for a diversified, value-creating platform spanning rental car, fleet, service, and mobility [9][14]. - The strategy includes enhancing customer experience, optimizing fleet management, and leveraging e-commerce channels to drive sales [12][20]. - The company aims to grow its mobility business, including partnerships with rideshare companies and exploring autonomous vehicle opportunities [14][45]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism for a stable setup in 2026, with expectations for mid-single-digit growth in transaction days and fleet size [33][36]. - The company anticipates challenges in Q4 due to government shutdown impacts and external system outages, which may affect revenue [32][68]. - Management emphasized the importance of execution and maintaining focus on core rental operations while expanding into new areas [39][45]. Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $2.2 billion in total liquidity, including $1.1 billion in unrestricted cash [30]. - The company completed a $425 million senior unsecured exchangeable note issuance, with plans to use part of the proceeds to redeem a $500 million bond maturing in December 2026 [30]. - The company is targeting a 3%-6% EBITDA margin for 2026, aiming for $1 billion in EBITDA production by 2027 [36]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you unpack what becoming a value-creating mobility platform means in practice? - Management highlighted that while the rental car business remains core, there are additional growth opportunities in car sales, service, and mobility, leveraging their existing infrastructure and customer base [41][42]. Question: Are the economics on a smaller vehicle footprint better despite potential RPD headwinds? - Management acknowledged RPD headwinds but emphasized the dynamic nature of vehicle mix optimization based on customer demand and market conditions [46][48]. Question: What are the expectations for DPU and fleet mix for next year? - Management indicated that the broader fleet strategy and stable residuals would support achieving sub-$300 DPU targets, with a focus on optimizing vehicle sales channels [54][55]. Question: Can you provide insights on international demand and market performance? - Management noted substantial improvement in airport demand and positive trends in corporate demand, although inbound demand remains slightly down year-over-year [62][64].

Core Insights - Hertz's "Back-to-Basics Roadmap" is effectively enhancing operational performance and establishing a stronger financial foundation, focusing on fleet management, revenue optimization, and cost efficiency [4][8][14] Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, total revenues decreased by 13% year-over-year to $1.813 billion, primarily due to reduced fleet capacity [21] - Net loss for Q1 2025 was $443 million, compared to a loss of $186 million in Q1 2024 [21] - Adjusted Corporate EBITDA improved to a loss of $325 million, a 43% year-over-year improvement [21][38] Fleet Management Strategy - Hertz has rotated into a newer, more efficient fleet, with over 70% of its core U.S. rental fleet being 12 months old or less [9][14] - Vehicle depreciation decreased by 45% year-over-year, with depreciation per unit (DPU) for Q1 2025 at $353, down from $588 [8][21] - The company aims to achieve a DPU below $300 by Q2 2025, ahead of its previous guidance [8][14] Revenue and Demand Environment - Revenue per unit (RPU) declined by 3% year-over-year to $1,264, influenced by seasonal factors and a shift in fleet mix [11][21] - Vehicle utilization increased by 240 basis points year-over-year to 79% [11][21] - Forward bookings for leisure rentals are up year-over-year, while demand for corporate and government segments has moderated [12] Cost Management - Direct operating expenses improved by $92 million year-over-year due to cost control initiatives [14][17] - The company is partnering with an AI-driven vehicle inspection system to enhance maintenance efficiency and customer experience [17] Recent Transactions and Financial Position - Hertz extended the maturity of $1.7 billion of its First Lien revolving credit facility to June 2028, improving its capital structure [19][20] - As of March 31, 2025, Hertz had $1.2 billion in corporate liquidity [14] Customer Experience and Loyalty - Net Promoter Scores improved by 11 points year-over-year, indicating enhanced customer satisfaction [16] - Loyalty enrollments increased by 11% year-over-year, contributing to a rise in loyalty bookings [16]

Financial Commitments - The company has successfully extended approximately $1.665 billion of commitments under its First Lien Revolving Credit Facility, $2.860 billion under HVF III U.S. Vehicle Variable Funding Notes, and €1.160 billion under European ABS [1][7] - The maturity date for the revolving credit facility has been extended from June 30, 2026, to March 31, 2028, allowing access to up to $2.0 billion until June 30, 2026, and $1.665 billion thereafter [7] - The commitment termination date for HVF III U.S. Vehicle Variable Funding Notes has been extended by one year to May 7, 2027, with a maximum principal amount available of $3.640 billion until April 10, 2026, and $2.860 billion thereafter [7] - The maturity date for €1.160 billion of Class A notes under the European ABS has been extended to April 30, 2027, with remaining commitments of €1.289 billion until March 31, 2026 [7] Strategic Positioning - The extensions of financial commitments are aimed at strengthening the company's financial foundation and enhancing strategic flexibility [1][2] - The company is positioned to continue executing its strategic plan focused on disciplined fleet management, revenue optimization, and rigorous cost control [1][2] - The CEO emphasized that these extensions reflect the confidence lenders have in the company's ability to transform and achieve long-term goals [2] Company Overview - Hertz Global Holdings Inc. is a leading car rental and mobility solutions provider, operating brands such as Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, and Firefly with over 11,000 rental locations in 160 countries [4] - The company also offers used cars for sale through Hertz Car Sales and operates a car-sharing business in Europe [4]