Hertz(US:HTZ)2025-05-13 14:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $1.8 billion, with adjusted EBITDA showing a loss of $325 million, an improvement from a loss of $567 million in the prior year, resulting in a 9% margin improvement year over year [33] - Depreciation per unit (DPU) for the quarter was $353, a 45% decrease year over year, with expectations to drop below $300 in Q2 2025 [35][36] - Direct operating expenses (DOE) per day decreased by 4% quarter over quarter and 1% year over year on a volume-adjusted basis [36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fleet was down 8% year over year, with a focus on tighter fleet management to capitalize on strong residual values [24][44] - Retail car sales achieved record performance, positively impacting depreciation per unit [18] - The company is prioritizing retail as the primary car selling channel, enhancing net margins through better management of reconditioning costs [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Overall demand remains solid, particularly in leisure segments, while corporate and government segments are experiencing moderation [27][64] - The average selling price through the retail channel strengthened in March, indicating a positive trend in the retail market [18] - The MMR Rental Car Index for April was up 8%, reflecting rising residual values in the wholesale market [58] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on disciplined fleet management, revenue optimization, and rigorous cost management as part of its transformation strategy [9][22] - The strategy includes a shift towards a younger fleet, with over 70% of the core U.S. RAC fleet now 12 months old or newer [11] - The company aims to leverage technology partnerships to enhance fleet management and customer experience [20][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges potential macroeconomic headwinds but remains confident in the company's ability to navigate uncertainties [15][22] - The company expects to achieve a full-year EBITDA margin in the low single digits, with a target of over $1 billion in EBITDA by 2026 [45][46] - Management is optimistic about the future, citing strong demand in leisure and the potential for rising residual values [48] Other Important Information - The company amended its revolving credit facility, extending the maturity date and maintaining access to $2 billion until June 2026 [38] - The company is pursuing various transactions to optimize liquidity, including an ATM equity offering to start deleveraging [42][41] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the fleet situation and residual values? - Management indicated that while there was temporary overfleeing at the local market level, overall fleet management remains tight, with a focus on optimizing pricing and utilization [54][55] - Residual values are rising, with retail sales skewed towards higher residuals, and the wholesale market showing quick increases [58] Question: How is demand geographically and what is the impact of seasonality? - Demand is moderating in corporate and government segments, but leisure bookings are up year over year, with normal seasonal demand expected as summer approaches [64] Question: What are the fleet activities in April and May? - The company continues to take deliveries throughout the year, with a focus on model year 2025 vehicles and maintaining flexibility in fleet management [68] Question: How do you balance cost-cutting with revenue generation? - Management emphasized the importance of customer experience alongside cost control, noting improvements in Net Promoter Scores and the use of technology to enhance service [75][78] Question: What is the outlook for depreciation and fleet value? - The company expects DPU to remain below $300, with rising residual values contributing positively to fleet economics [101][103]