Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
Self-insured Liabilities
Self-insured liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets primarily include public liability, property damage and liability insurance supplement. These represent an estimate for both reported accident claims not yet paid, and claims incurred but not yet reported and are recorded on an undiscounted basis. Reserve requirements are based on actuarially determined estimates using historical claims experience. The adequacy of the liability is monitored quarterly based on evolving accident claim history. If our estimates change or if actual results differ from these assumptions, the amount of the recorded liability is adjusted to reflect these results.
Recoverability of Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
On an annual basis as of October 1, and at interim periods when circumstances require as a result of a triggering event, as defined by Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 350 – Intangibles, Goodwill and Other ("ASC 350"), we test the recoverability of our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets by performing an impairment analysis. An impairment is deemed to exist if the carrying value of goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets exceed their fair value as determined using Level 3 inputs, as described in Part II, Item 8 of this 2025 Annual Report, under the U.S. GAAP fair value hierarchy. The reviews of fair value involve judgment and estimates, including projected revenues, projected cash flows, long-term growth rates, royalty rates and discount rates, which we deem reasonable for this purpose.
For goodwill, we determine the fair value using an income approach based on the discounted cash flows of each reporting unit. A reporting unit is an operating segment or a business one level below that operating segment (the component level) if discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by segment management. Components are aggregated into a single reporting unit when they have similar economic characteristics. We have two reporting units (operating segments): Americas Rental Car and International Rental Car. Key assumptions used in the discounted cash flow valuation model include discount rates, growth rates, cash flow projections, tax rates and terminal value rates. Discount rates are determined based on the reporting unit's weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”). The WACC used in the discounted cash flow model methodology is calculated based upon the fair value of our debt and share price with a debt-to-equity ratio comparable to the vehicle rental car industry as well specific risk factors for each reporting unit. The discount rate utilized for each reporting unit is indicative of the return an investor would expect to receive for investing in such a business. Our cash flow projections represent management's most recent planning assumptions, which are based on a combination of industry outlooks, views on general economic conditions, our expected pricing plans and expected future savings. Terminal value rates are determined using a common methodology of capturing the present value of perpetual cash flow estimates beyond the last projected period assuming a constant WACC and long-term growth rates.
Our indefinite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of the Hertz and Dollar Thrifty tradenames. For tradenames, we determine the fair value using a relief-from-royalty income approach, which utilizes our revenue projections for each asset along with assumptions for royalty rates, tax rates and the WACC.
A significant decline in either projected revenues, projected cash flows or an increase in discount rates, such as the WACC, used to determine fair value could result in an impairment charge. Deterioration in the global economic conditions in the travel industry and the supply chain constraints affecting new vehicle production, our cash flows and our ability to obtain future financing to maintain our fleet or the weighted average cost of capital assumptions may result in an impairment charge to earnings in future periods. We will continue to closely monitor actual results versus our expectations as well as any significant changes in market events or conditions and the resulting impact to our assumptions about future projected cash flows, projected revenues and the weighted average cost of capital. If our expectations of the operating results, both in magnitude or timing, do not materialize, or if our weighted average cost of capital increases, we may be required to record goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges, which could be material.
71
Table of Contents
HERTZ GLOBAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
Income Taxes
Our income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits reflect management’s best estimate of current and future taxes to be paid. We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates are required in the determination of the consolidated income tax expense.
We record net deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets will more likely than not be realized. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets in the jurisdiction from which they arise, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. The assumptions about future taxable income require the use of significant judgment and are consistent with the plans and estimates we are using to manage the underlying businesses.
The calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws and regulations in a multitude of jurisdictions across our global operations. ASC 740 states that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, on the basis of the technical merits.
We record unrecognized tax benefits as liabilities in accordance with ASC 740 and adjust these liabilities in the period in which the uncertain tax position is effectively settled, the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position or when new information becomes available. Because of the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment or a loss of a tax attribute or deduction that is materially different from our current estimate of the unrecognized tax benefits. These differences will be reflected as increases or decreases to income tax expense in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.
On July 4, 2025, the OBBBA was enacted, reinstating full bonus depreciation, allowing interest deductions based on EBITDA, expensing R&D costs and modifying certain international provisions of the Code. As a result, we expect federal cash taxes to decrease in the near term, assuming fleet investments are maintained or increased from current levels. These provisions are also expected to increase deferred tax assets, such as net operating losses, and may necessitate additional valuation allowances depending on future taxable income and loss trends.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 2, "Significant Accounting Policies—Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2025 Annual Report.
72
Table of Contents
HERTZ GLOBAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES