Hertz Reports Strong Third Quarter 2013

PARK RIDGE, N.J., Nov. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HTZ) (with its subsidiaries, the "Company" or "we") reported third quarter 2013 worldwide revenues of $3.1 billion, an increase of 22.0% year-over-year.  U.S. car rental revenues for the quarter increased 32.6% year-over-year to $1,765.5 million, primarily due to Dollar Thrifty, which was acquired on November 19, 2012, partially offset by the divestiture of Advantage.  International car rental revenues for the quarter increased 9.7% year-over-year to $768.6 million.  Revenues from worldwide equipment rental for the third quarter were $401.8 million, up 10.7% year-over-year.   

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Third quarter 2013 adjusted pre-tax income was $519.5 million, versus adjusted pre-tax income of $424.8 million in the same period in 2012, and pre-tax income, on a GAAP basis, was $328.3 million versus $368.9 million in the third quarter of 2012.  Corporate EBITDA for the third quarter of 2013 was $740.8 million, an increase of 22.0% from the same period in 2012. 

Third quarter 2013 adjusted net income⁽¹⁾ was $337.7 million, versus $280.3 million in the same period of 2012, resulting in adjusted diluted earnings per share for the quarter of $0.73, compared to $0.63 for the third quarter of 2012.  Third quarter 2013 net income attributable to Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries' common stockholders, on a GAAP basis, was $214.7 million or $0.47 per share on a diluted basis, compared to $242.9 million or $0.55 per share on a diluted basis for the third quarter of 2012.

"Our ninth consecutive quarter of record adjusted pre-tax income, which increased 22.3% year-over-year in the third quarter, was driven by solid revenue growth in four key businesses: U.S. off-airport car rental, Dollar Thrifty, Donlen and worldwide equipment rental," said Mark P. Frissora, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  "In U.S. car rental, we were especially pleased to report stronger pricing in spite of carrying excess fleet due to lower-than-anticipated volume," he added.  

Net cash provided by operating activities year to date was $2,851.6 million, compared to $2,131.2 million in the same period last year, an increase of $720.4 million.  The increase was primarily due to an increase in net income before depreciation and amortization.  Free cash flow⁽¹⁾ for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 increased by $301.8 million compared to the same period last year. The year over year improvement in free cash flow was primarily driven by strong earnings growth and improved working capital performance somewhat offset by an incremental $104.6 million in net investments related to car rental and equipment rental fleet growth and increased non fleet capital expenditures. The Company ended the third quarter of 2013 with total debt of $17.1 billion and net corporate debt⁽¹⁾ of $6.3 billion, compared with total debt of $15.4 billion and net corporate debt of $5.9 billion as of December 31, 2012.

In August 2013, we entered into privately negotiated agreements with certain holders of approximately $390 million in aggregate principal amount of our Convertible Senior Notes providing for the conversion of Convertible Senior Notes which resulted in a total charge of $39 million in the third quarter and the issuance of 47.1 million shares.

Effective this quarter, we changed our segment reporting to the following new segments: U.S. car rental (which includes our U.S. airport and off-airport businesses), international car rental (which includes Canada, Europe, Latin and South America, Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand), worldwide equipment rental and all other operations (which includes Donlen together with other business activities, such as our third party claim management services).  Previously, U.S. car rental, international car rental and Donlen were included in our worldwide car rental segment.  With the acquisition of Dollar Thrifty and the growth of our U.S. operations, we believe our current presentation of segments provide more insight into our worldwide car rental business.  Our third quarter results present our new segments with the comparable 2012 period revised as well.

U.S. CAR RENTAL

U.S. car rental revenues were $1,765.5 million for the third quarter of 2013, an increase of 32.6% from the prior year period. The Company achieved record transaction days for the quarter which increased 28.4% over the third quarter of 2012 largely due to the acquisition of Dollar Thrifty, partially offset by the Advantage divestiture. U.S. off-airport total revenues for the third quarter increased 11.1% year-over-year.  U.S car rental total RPD for the quarter increased 2.0% from the prior year period. 

U.S. car rental adjusted pre-tax income for the third quarter of 2013 was $391.8 million, an increase of $74.8 million from $317.0 million in the prior year period.  The result was driven by stronger volumes and pricing including the impact of the Dollar Thrifty acquisition, lower net depreciation per vehicle and lower interest expense as a percent of revenues.  As a result, U.S. car rental achieved an adjusted pre-tax margin⁽¹⁾ of 22.2% for the quarter, versus 23.8% in the prior year period.

The U.S. average number of Company-operated cars for the third quarter of 2013 was 493,400, an increase of 33.9% over the prior year period, largely due to the acquisition of Dollar Thrifty.

ADVANTAGE RENT-A-CAR

As of September 30, 2013, Simply Wheelz, LLC, or "Simply Wheelz," the owner and operator of Hertz's divested Advantage brand, had not made payments due under concession and joint use agreements due to Hertz.  Simply Wheelz also did not make the sublease payments due to Hertz on October 1, 2013 or November 1, 2013. Simply Wheelz's parent Franchise Services of North America, Inc., or "FSNA," called us in early October to inform us that they were having liquidity issues and requested that Hertz delay seeking collection of all outstanding amounts owed to Hertz and agree to renegotiate certain aspects of existing commercial arrangements between the parties, including the financial terms on which Hertz is subleasing vehicles to them. 

We evaluated their request and suggested a number of changes that would be acceptable to Hertz.  However, after extensive discussions with respect to a potential restructuring of those commercial arrangements, we determined that it was not in Hertz's best interests to make the requested changes and were unable to agree on a suitable alternative. On November 2, 2013, we terminated the applicable sublease contracts, and we continue evaluating our alternatives in light of the sublease termination. 

We currently estimate our total exposure to FSNA's liquidity issues to be between $50 and $70 million.  We recorded a reserve in the third quarter of $4 million covering those amounts due but not paid as of September 30, 2013 and an aggregate impairment charge of $40 million to cover our expected loss on the sale, including transportation and auction fees, of the vehicles subleased to Simply Wheelz. The remaining $6-$26 million of exposure relates to professional fees, non-payment by FSNA of interest, sublease and other payments due Hertz which may fluctuate depending on when the vehicles are returned and sold.

INTERNATIONAL CAR RENTAL

International car rental revenues were $768.6 million for the third quarter of 2013, an increase of 9.7% from the prior year period. The Company achieved record transaction days for the quarter which increased 5.5% over the third quarter of 2012 largely due to strong performance across Europe. International rental car total RPD for the quarter increased 2.9% from the prior year period. 

International car rental adjusted pre-tax income for the third quarter of 2013 was $129.4 million, an increase of $30.0 million from $99.4 million in the prior year period.  The result was driven by stronger volumes and pricing, lower net depreciation per vehicle and lower interest expense as a percentage of revenues.  As a result, international car rental achieved an adjusted pre-tax margin⁽¹⁾ of 16.8% for the quarter, versus 14.2% in the prior year period.

The international average number of Company-operated cars for the third quarter of 2013 was 187,900, an increase of 3.5% over the prior year period.

WORLDWIDE EQUIPMENT RENTAL

Worldwide equipment rental revenues were $401.8 million for the third quarter of 2013, a 10.7% increase from the prior year period. The primary drivers of the increase were stronger equipment rental volumes, up 14.9%, and a 2.9% increase in pricing. Volume increased on strong industrial and improving construction performance.

Adjusted pre-tax income for worldwide equipment rental for the third quarter of 2013 was $87.5 million, an improvement of $11.3 million from $76.2 million in the prior year period, primarily attributable to the effects of increased volume, improved pricing and cost management initiatives including improved time and dollar utilization.  Worldwide equipment rental achieved an adjusted pre-tax margin of 21.8% and a Corporate EBITDA margin⁽¹⁾ of 45.5% for the quarter.

ALL OTHER OPERATIONS

Our all other operations segment revenues were $133.5 million for the third quarter of 2013, an increase of 9.7% from the prior year period, primarily due to increased revenues from our Donlen operations.

Adjusted pre-tax income for our all other operations segment for the third quarter 2013 was $14.0 million which achieved an adjusted pre-tax margin of 10.5%.

SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM

The Company's board of directors has approved a share repurchase program that authorizes the Company to purchase up to $300 million of the Company's common stock.  The share repurchase program permits the Company to purchase shares through a variety of methods, including in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, in accordance with applicable securities laws. It does not obligate the Company to make any repurchases at any specific time or situation. The timing and extent to which the Company repurchases its shares will depend upon, among other things, market conditions, share price, liquidity targets and other factors. Share repurchases may be commenced or suspended at any time or from time to time without prior notice.

OUTLOOK

The Company confirms its revised guidance which it issued on September 26, 2013.  In 2013, the Company expects to generate worldwide revenues in the range of $10,800 million - $10,900 million, Corporate EBITDA in the range of $2,120 million - $2,190 million, adjusted pre-tax income in the range of $1,200 million - $1,270 million, adjusted net income in the range of $780 million - $830 million and adjusted diluted earnings per share in the range of $1.68 - $1.78. 

The Company noted it is experiencing improving U.S. airport volume in its Hertz brand, after the conclusion of the U.S. government shutdown in mid-October.  The Company continues to be affected by the carryover effect of lower fleet efficiency and wholesale losses due to the need to sell vehicles ahead of its planned rotation schedule.  The Company currently has an unusually high number of vehicles grounded due to safety recalls, which also impacts fourth quarter fleet efficiency.  The Company expects to repair the recalled vehicles by mid-November.  Additionally, the Company expects to achieve its full year 2013 financial targets for the integration of the Dollar and Thrifty brands with Hertz.  The Company's European profit improvement program remains on track in the fourth quarter.

RESULTS OF THE HERTZ CORPORATION

The Company's operating subsidiary, The Hertz Corporation ("Hertz"), posted the same revenues for the third quarter of 2013 as the Company.  Hertz's third quarter 2013 pre-tax income was $374.0 million versus the Company's pre-tax income of $328.3 million.  The difference between Hertz's and the Company's results is primarily due to additional interest expense recognized by the Company on its 5.25% Convertible Senior Notes issued in May and September 2009 and debt extinguishment costs related to the early conversion of a portion of our Convertible Senior Notes during the third quarter of 2013.

CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION

The Company's third quarter 2013 earnings conference call will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. (EST). To access the conference call live, dial (800) 288-8975 in the U.S. and 612-332-0335 for international callers using the passcode: 305114 or listen via webcast at www.hertz.com/investorrelations. The conference call will be available for replay one hour following the conclusion of the call until November 18, 2013 by calling 800-475-6701 in the U.S. or 320-365-3844 for international callers with the passcode: 305114.   The press release and related tables containing the reconciliations of non-GAAP measures will be available on our website, www.hertz.com/investorrelations.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Hertz is the largest worldwide airport general use car rental brand, operating from approximately 11,200 corporate and licensee locations in approximately 150 countries in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East and New Zealand.  Hertz is the largest airport general use car rental brand, operating from approximately 9,770 corporate and licensee locations in approximately 150 countries. Our Dollar and Thrifty brands have approximately 1,410 corporate and franchise locations in approximately 80 countries. Hertz is the number one airport car rental brand in the U.S. and at 120 major airports in Europe.  Hertz is an inaugural member of Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards Hall of Fame and was recently named, for the thirteenth time, by the magazine's readers as the Best Car Rental Agency. Hertz was also voted the Best Overall Car Rental Company in Zagat's 2012/13 U.S. Car Rental Survey, earning top honors in 14 additional categories, and the Company swept the global awards for Best Rewards Program and Best Overall Benefits from FlyerTalk.com. Product and service initiatives such as Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, NeverLost®, and unique cars and SUVs offered through the Company's Adrenaline, Prestige and Green Traveler Collections, also set Hertz apart from the competition. Additionally, Hertz owns the vehicle leasing and fleet management leader Donlen Corporation and operates the Hertz On Demand car sharing business. The Company also owns a leading North American equipment rental business, Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation, which includes Hertz Entertainment Services.

CAUTIONARY NOTE CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this press release and in related comments by our management include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Examples of forward-looking statements include information concerning the Company's outlook, anticipated revenues and results of operations, as well as any other statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. These forward-looking statements often include words such as "believe," "expect," "project," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate," "seek," "will," "may," "would," "should," "could," "forecasts" or similar expressions. These statements are based on certain assumptions that the Company has made in light of its experience in the industry as well as its perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors that the Company believes are appropriate in these circumstances. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results, and our actual results could differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of important factors, both positive and negative.

Among other items, such factors could include: our ability to integrate the car rental operations of Dollar Thrifty and realize operational efficiencies from the acquisition; the risk that expected synergies, cost savings from the Dollar Thrifty acquisition may not be fully realized or realized within the expected time frame; the operational and profitability impact of the Advantage divestiture and the divestiture of the airport locations that we agreed to undertake in order to secure regulatory approval for the Dollar Thrifty acquisition; levels of travel demand, particularly with respect to airline passenger traffic in the United States and in global markets; our ability to collect amounts owed by Simply Wheelz, LLC. and uncertainty of our future commercial arrangements with Franchise Services of North America and its subsidiary Simply Wheelz, LLC.; the impact of pending and future U.S. governmental action to address budget deficits through reductions in spending and similar austerity measures, which could materially adversely affect unemployment rates and consumer spending levels; significant changes in the competitive environment, including as a result of industry consolidation, and the effect of competition in our markets, including on our pricing policies or use of incentives; occurrences that disrupt rental activity during our peak periods; our ability to achieve cost savings and efficiencies and realize opportunities to increase productivity and profitability; an increase in our fleet costs as a result of an increase in the cost of new vehicles and/or a decrease in the price at which we dispose of used vehicles either in the used vehicle market or under repurchase or guaranteed depreciation programs our ability to accurately estimate future levels of rental activity and adjust the size and mix of our fleet accordingly; our ability to maintain sufficient liquidity and the availability to us of additional or continued sources of financing for our revenue earning equipment and to refinance our existing indebtedness; safety recalls by the manufacturers of our vehicles and equipment; a major disruption in our communication or centralized information networks; financial instability of the manufacturers of our vehicles and equipment; any impact on us from the actions of our licensees, franchisees, dealers and independent contractors; our ability to maintain profitability during adverse economic cycles and unfavorable external events (including war, terrorist acts, natural disasters and epidemic disease); shortages of fuel and increases or volatility in fuel costs; our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions and complete dispositions; our ability to maintain favorable brand recognition; costs and risks associated with litigation; risks related to our indebtedness, including our substantial amount of debt, our ability to incur substantially more debt and increases in interest rates or in our borrowing margins; our ability to meet the financial and other covenants contained in our Senior Credit Facilities, our outstanding unsecured Senior Notes and certain asset-backed and asset-based arrangements; changes in accounting principles, or their application or interpretation, and our ability to make accurate estimates and the assumptions underlying the estimates, which could have an effect on earnings; changes in the existing, or the adoption of new laws, regulations, policies or other activities of governments, agencies and similar organizations where such actions may affect our operations, the cost thereof or applicable tax rates; changes to our senior management team; the effect of tangible and intangible asset impairment charges; the impact of our derivative instruments, which can be affected by fluctuations in interest rates and commodity prices; and our exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.  Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K.

The Company therefore cautions you against relying on these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on the Company's behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. All such statements speak only as of the date made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.