Herc Holdings(HRI) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, rental revenue increased by 13.7% and adjusted EBITDA rose by 12.8% to $406 million [32] - The company recorded a net loss in Q2, which included $73 million of transaction costs related to the H and E acquisition and a $49 million loss on assets held for sale [32] - On an adjusted basis, net income was $56 million [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Excluding Cinelese, Herc legacy branches saw a 4% increase in rental revenue, driven by strong mega project activity and moderated growth in the local market [33] - H and E's rental revenue declined by approximately 15% due to workforce disruptions and limited product offerings [34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Local accounts represented 53% of rental revenue in Q2, down from 56% a year ago, while national accounts remained strong [21] - The company is targeting a revenue split of 60% local and 40% national, which provides growth and resiliency [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The integration of H and E is the primary focus, with plans to pause other M&A initiatives temporarily [17] - The company aims to capitalize on the shift from ownership to rental, particularly in the specialty market, and to repurpose general rental branches into ProSolutions facilities [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that local markets are under pressure due to interest-sensitive commercial construction, while mega project activity remains robust [21] - The company has not experienced cancellations on mega projects, although delays are typical due to design revisions and regulatory reviews [22] Other Important Information - The company expects to generate equipment rental revenue of $3.7 billion to $3.9 billion in 2025, which includes six months of forecasted H and E results [39] - Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be between $1.8 billion and $1.9 billion, implying an adjusted EBITDA margin of 42% to 43% [40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comments on fleet setup and future CapEx - Management indicated that it is early in the integration process and adjustments to the fleet will occur primarily in the latter half of 2025 [44][46] Question: Confidence in stabilizing revenue base post-acquisition - Management confirmed that they have stabilized the revenue base and are seeing synergies occur since the acquisition [50][51] Question: Timing of overseas sales and used market conditions - Management expects approximately $750 million in dispositions in the second half of the year, with the used equipment market stabilizing [54][55] Question: Free cash flow guidance and baseline for next year - Management anticipates free cash flow generation of 10% to 15% off the revenue base, with a pro forma basis suggesting $500 million to $600 million for the year [60] Question: Cost synergies related to headcount - A significant portion of the $125 million in cost synergies is related to headcount reductions, which have been identified and planned [66][68] Question: Revenue synergy from cross-selling specialty products - Early synergy wins are being tracked, with training for the sales team expected to be completed by early 2026 [78] Question: EBITDA outlook and impact of employee turnover - Management indicated that the transition period will require adjustments to the business, including rightsizing the fleet and workforce [96]