Herc Holdings(HRI) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, rental revenue increased by 2.8%, while adjusted EBITDA remained flat at $339 million [48] - Equipment rental revenue grew by 4.9% year-over-year, driven by increases in both rate and OEC fleet on rent [49] - Adjusted EBITDA margin was impacted by higher revenue from sales of used equipment, which generate lower margins than rental revenue [51] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Local accounts represented 53% of rental revenue in Q1, down from 55% a year ago, indicating a shift in revenue sources [34] - The company executed a merger agreement to acquire H&E Equipment Services, which will expand scale and geographic coverage [14] - The fleet composition as of March 31, 2025, was valued at$ 6.9 billion, with specialty fleet representing about 24% of the total [39] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industrial spending is projected to reach $503 billion in 2025, with non-residential construction starts estimated to increase by 8% to$ 482 billion [40][41] - The company anticipates capturing 10% to 15% of the megaproject opportunities, with a significant pipeline of projects valued over $2 trillion [44] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on integrating the H&E acquisition while pausing other M&A initiatives [14] - A strategy to increase specialty fleet CapEx is in place to support demand from megaprojects and cross-sell expert solutions [16] - The diversification into new end markets and products has reduced reliance on a single industry, enhancing resilience [45] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the operating landscape is characterized by growth in national accounts driven by large construction projects, while local markets face challenges due to high interest rates [22] - There are no emerging cancellation trends for 2025 projects, and the company remains optimistic about the stability of large national accounts [20] - Management expressed confidence in achieving revenue synergies from the H&E acquisition, targeting 20% in year one and ramping up to 60% in year two [58] Other Important Information - The company generated$ 49 million of free cash flow in Q1, with a current leverage ratio of 2.5 times [53] - A quarterly dividend of $0.70 was declared, representing a 5% increase in the annual dividend to$ 2.80 per share [54] Q&A Session Summary Question: April results and dollar utilization - Management confirmed that dollar utilization improved in March and continued through early April, aligning with expectations for the full year [63] Question: Industry pricing discipline - Management indicated that pricing remains stable and disciplined, despite general cost inflation in the industry [67] Question: Rebuttal margin performance - Management explained that margin decline was influenced by seasonal factors and one less calendar day in February compared to the previous year [72] Question: Local market activity and recession scenarios - Management stated that the current guidance does not embed a recession scenario, focusing instead on growth in infrastructure and mega projects [77] Question: Customer attrition in synergy targets - Management acknowledged a 10% dis-synergy customer churn assumption in their synergy targets, which is slightly above the normal attrition rate [79] Question: Megaprojects supporting growth outlook - Management confirmed that the current pipeline of megaprojects is sufficient to support the 5% growth outlook for the enterprise [88] Question: Core end markets and tariff impacts - Management noted that larger national accounts are experiencing robust demand, while local markets have slowed down, with limited impact from tariffs observed so far [95]