htz-20231231
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
_______________________________________________________________________________
FORM 10-K
☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31 , 2023
OR
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from __________ to __________
Commission File Number Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter,
Principal Executive Office Address, Zip Code and Telephone Number State of Incorporation I.R.S. Employer Identification No.
001-37665 HERTZ GLOBAL HOLDINGS, INC Delaware 61-1770902
8501 Williams Road, Estero, Florida 33928
(239) 301-7000
001-07541 THE HERTZ CORPORATION Delaware 13-1938568
8501 Williams Road, Estero, Florida 33928
(239) 301-7000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. Common Stock Par value $0.01 per share HTZ The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. Warrants to purchase Common Stock Each exercisable for one share of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. common stock at an exercise price of $13.80 per share, subject to adjustment HTZWW The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
The Hertz Corporation None None None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. None
The Hertz Corporation None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. Yes x No o
The Hertz Corporation Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. Yes o No x
The Hertz Corporation 1 Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. Yes x No o
The Hertz Corporation Yes o No x
1 (Note: As a voluntary filer, The Hertz Corporation is not subject to the filing requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. The Hertz Corporation has filed all reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months as if it was subject to such filing requirements.)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. Yes x No o
The Hertz Corporation Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer", "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company ☐ Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by checkmark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
The Hertz Corporation Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer x
Smaller reporting company ☐ Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by checkmark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. x
The Hertz Corporation x
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.
Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. ☐
The Hertz Corporation ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).
Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. ☐
The Hertz Corporation ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. Yes ☐ No x
The Hertz Corporation Yes ☐ No x
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. as of June 30, 2023, the last business day of the most recently completed second fiscal quarter, based on the closing price of the stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on such date was $ 2.4 billion. There is no market for The Hertz Corporation's common stock.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. Yes x No ☐
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrants' classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class Shares Outstanding as of February 7, 2024
Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share 305,296,256
The Hertz Corporation (1)
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share 100
(1) (100% owned by
Rental Car Intermediate Holdings, LLC)
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. Information required by Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 of Part III of this Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.'s definitive proxy statement for its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. intends to file such proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after its fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
The Hertz Corporation None
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HERTZ GLOBAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
i
EXPLANATORY NOTE
iv
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND SUMMARY OF RISK FACTORS
v
PART I
ITEM 1.
BUSINESS
1
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
20
ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
39
ITEM 1C.
CYBERSECURITY
39
ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES
41
ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
41
ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
41
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANTS
42
PART II
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
44
ITEM 6.
[RESERVED]
46
ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
46
ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
71
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
73
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
149
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
149
ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
150
ITEM 9C.
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
150
PART III
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
151
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
151
ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
152
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
152
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
152
PART IV
ITEM 15.
EXHIBIT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
154
EXHIBIT INDEX
155
SIGNATURES
163
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HERTZ GLOBAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Unless the context otherwise requires in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, we use the following defined terms:
(i) "2023 Annual Report" or "Combined Form 10-K" means this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which combines the annual reports on Form 10-K for each of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. and The Hertz Corporation into a single filing;
(ii) "2021 Rights Offering" means the Company's rights offering providing for the issuance of common stock in reorganized Hertz Global by Hertz Global's former equity holders, holders of the Company's Senior Notes and lenders under the Alternative Letter of Credit Facility and certain equity commitment parties pursuant to their obligations under an equity purchase and commitment agreement;
(iii) "All other operations" means our former All Other Operations reportable segment which was no longer deemed a reportable segment in the second quarter of 2021 resulting from the sale of our Donlen subsidiary on March 30, 2021;
(iv) "Americas RAC" means our rental car reportable segment established in the second quarter of 2021 consisting of the countries and regions of the U.S., Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean;
(v) "Apollo" means Apollo Capital Management L.P. and its affiliates;
(vi) "Bankruptcy Code" means Title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. §§ 101-1532;
(vii) "Bankruptcy Court" means the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware;
(viii) "Board" means board of directors;
(ix) "Chapter 11" means chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code;
(x) "Chapter 11 Cases" means the Chapter 11 cases jointly administered in the Bankruptcy Court under the caption In re The Hertz Corporation, et al., Case No. 20-11218 (MFW) ;
(xi) "the Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;
(xii) "the Company", "we", "our" and "us" mean Hertz Global and Hertz interchangeably;
(xiii) "company-operated" rental locations are those through which we, or an agent of ours, rent vehicles that we own or lease;
(xiv) "concessions" mean licensing or permitting agreements or arrangements granting us the right to conduct our vehicle rental business at airports;
(xv) "COVID-19" means the coronavirus disease declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020;
(xvi) "the Debtors" means Hertz Global, Hertz and their direct and indirect subsidiaries in the U.S. and Canada that filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 in the Bankruptcy Court on May 22, 2020;
(xvii) "Donlen Sale" means the sale of substantially all assets and certain liabilities of the Company's Donlen subsidiary;
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(xviii) "Dollar Thrifty" means Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc., a consolidated subsidiary of the Company;
(xix) "Effective Date" means June 30, 2021, the date on which the Plan of Reorganization became effective and the Company emerged from Chapter 11;
(xx) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934;
(xxi) "ESG" means environmental, social and governance;
(xxii) "FASB" means the Financial Accounting Standards Board;
(xxiii) "First Lien Credit Agreement" means the credit agreement reorganized Hertz entered into on the Effective Date as further described in Note 6, "Debt," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report;
(xxiv) "First Lien Credit Facilities" means the First Lien RCF and Term Loans, collectively, provided for under the First Lien Credit Agreement as further described in Note 6, "Debt," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report;
(xxv) "First Lien RCF" means the senior secured revolving credit facility in an initial aggregate committed amount of $1.3 billion as further described in Note 6, "Debt," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report;
(xxvi) "Hertz Gold Plus Rewards" means our customer loyalty program and our global expedited rental program;
(xxvii) "Hertz" means The Hertz Corporation, its consolidated subsidiaries and VIEs, our primary operating company and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Rental Car Intermediate Holdings, LLC, which is wholly owned by Hertz Holdings;
(xxviii) "Hertz Global" means Hertz Global Holdings, Inc., our top-level holding company, its consolidated subsidiaries and VIEs, including The Hertz Corporation;
(xxix) "Hertz Ultimate Choice" is an offering at select airport locations in the U.S. that allows customers to choose their vehicle from a range of makes, models and colors available within the zone indicated on their reservation;
(xxx) "Hertz Holdings" refers to Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. excluding its subsidiaries and VIEs;
(xxxi) "HVF III" refers to Hertz Vehicle Financing III LLC, a wholly-owned, special-purpose and bankruptcy-remote subsidiary of Hertz;
(xxxii) "International RAC" means our international rental car reportable segment, which, effective in the second quarter of 2021, no longer includes Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean ;
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(xxxiii) “non-program vehicles” means vehicles not purchased under repurchase or guaranteed depreciation programs and thus for which we are exposed to residual risk;
(xxxiv) "Plan of Reorganization" means the solicitation version of the First Modified Third Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of the Debtors (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified in accordance with its terms);
(xxxv) "Plan Sponsors" means collectively Apollo, Knighthead Capital Management, LLC and its affiliates and Certares Opportunities LLC and its affiliates;
(xxxvi) "program vehicles" means vehicles purchased under repurchase or guaranteed depreciation programs with vehicle manufacturers;
(xxxvii) "Public Warrants" means 30-year public warrants as further described in Note 17, "Public Warrants - Hertz Global," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report;
(xxxviii) "replacement renters" means renters who need vehicles while their vehicle is being repaired or is temporarily unavailable for other reasons;
(xxxix) "SEC" means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission;
(xl) "Series A Preferred Stock" means Hertz Global preferred stock that was issued in connection with the Plan of Reorganization, and subsequently repurchased and retired by Hertz Global in December 2021;
(xli) "Term Loans" means the Term B Loan and Term C Loan, collectively, as further described in Note 6, "Debt," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report;
(xlii) "Ride Share Partners" means certain ride share companies with whom we have entered into commercial arrangements to provide rental vehicles to their drivers;
(xliii) "U.S." means the United States of America;
(xliv) "U.S. GAAP" means accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S.;
(xlv) "VIE" means variable interest entity; and
(xlvi) "vehicles” means cars, vans, crossovers and light trucks.
We have proprietary rights to a number of trademarks used in this 2023 Annual Report that are important to our business, including, without limitation, Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and Hertz Ultimate Choice. Solely for convenience, we have omitted the ® and ™ trademark designations for trademarks named in this 2023 Annual Report, but references should not be construed as any indicator that their respective owners will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, their rights thereto.
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
COMBINED FORM 10-K
This 2023 Annual Report combines the annual reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 of Hertz Global and Hertz.
Hertz Global owns all shares of the common stock of Hertz through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Rental Car Intermediate Holdings, LLC.
Management operates Hertz Global and Hertz as one enterprise. The management of Hertz Global consists of the same members as the management of Hertz. These individuals are officers of Hertz Global and Hertz and employees of Hertz. The members of Hertz's Board are all executive officers of Hertz Global.
We believe combining the annual reports on Form 10-K of Hertz Global and Hertz into this single report results in the following benefits:
• enhancing investors' understanding of Hertz Global and Hertz by enabling investors to view the business as a whole in the same manner as management views and operates the business;
• eliminating duplicative disclosure and providing a more streamlined and readable presentation since a substantial portion of the disclosures apply to both Hertz Global and Hertz; and
• creating time and cost efficiencies through the preparation of one combined annual report instead of two separate annual reports.
Hertz, generally through its subsidiaries, holds all of the revenue earning vehicles, property, plant and equipment and all other assets, including the ownership interests in consolidated and unconsolidated VIEs, of the business. Hertz conducts the operations of the business and is structured as a corporation with no publicly traded equity. Except to the extent that net proceeds from security issuances by Hertz Global and cash exercises of Hertz Global Public Warrants, are contributed to Hertz, Hertz generates its required capital through its operations or financing activities, including the incurrence of indebtedness.
Hertz Global does not conduct business itself, other than issuing public equity or debt obligations or receiving proceeds from cash exercises of Public Warrants from time to time, and incurring expenses required to operate as a public company.
Differences between the financial statements of Hertz Global and Hertz are generally limited to the activity described above and the remaining assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of Hertz Global and Hertz are the same on their respective financial statements.
Although Hertz is generally the entity that enters into contracts, holds assets and incurs debt, Hertz Global consolidates Hertz for financial statement purposes, and therefore, disclosures that relate to activities of Hertz also generally apply to Hertz Global. In the sections that combine disclosures of Hertz Global and Hertz, this report refers to actions as being actions of the Company, or Hertz Global. When appropriate, Hertz Global and Hertz are named specifically for their individual disclosures and any significant differences between the operations and results of Hertz Global and Hertz are separately disclosed and explained.
This report also includes separate Exhibit 31 and 32 certifications for each of Hertz Global and Hertz in order to establish that the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of each entity have made the requisite certifications and that Hertz Global and Hertz are compliant with Rule 13a-15 or Rule 15d-15 of the Exchange Act and 18 U.S.C. §1350.
This Combined Form 10-K is separately filed by Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. and The Hertz Corporation. Each registrant hereto is filing on its own behalf all of the information contained in this 2023 Annual Report that relates to such registrant. Each registrant hereto is not filing any information that does not relate to such registrant, and therefore makes no representation as to any such information.
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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND SUMMARY OF RISK FACTORS
Certain statements contained or incorporated by reference in this 2023 Annual Report include "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "project," "potential," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate," "seek," "will," "may," "would," "should," "could," "forecasts," "guidance" or similar expressions, and include information concerning our liquidity, our results of operations, our business strategies, the business environment and other information. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions that we have made in light of our experience in the industry as well as our perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but you should understand that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future 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.
Important factors that could affect our actual results and cause them to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements include, among other things, those that may be disclosed from time to time in subsequent reports filed with or furnished to the SEC, those described under Item 1A,"Risk Factors," set forth in this 2023 Annual Report, and the following, which also summarizes the principal risks of our business:
• mix of program and non-program vehicles in our fleet, which can lead to increased exposure to residual value risk upon disposition;
• the potential for residual values associated with non-program vehicles in our fleet to decline, including suddenly or unexpectedly, or fail to follow historical seasonal patterns;
• our ability to purchase adequate supplies of competitively priced vehicles at a reasonable cost in order to efficiently service rental demand, including upon any disruptions in the global supply chain;
• our ability to effectively dispose of vehicles, at the times and through the channels, that maximize our returns;
• the age of our fleet, and its impact on vehicle carrying costs, customer service scores, as well as on our ability to sell vehicles at acceptable prices and times;
• whether a manufacturer of our program vehicle fulfills its repurchase obligations;
• the frequency or extent of manufacturer safety recalls;
• levels of travel demand, particularly business and leisure travel in the U.S. and in global markets;
• seasonality and other occurrences that disrupt rental activity during our peak periods, including in critical geographies;
• our ability to accurately estimate future levels of rental activity and adjust the number, location and mix of vehicles used in our rental operations accordingly;
• our ability to implement our business strategy or strategic transactions, including our ability to implement plans to support a large-scale electric vehicle fleet and to play a central role in the modern mobility ecosystem;
• our ability to adequately respond to changes in technology impacting the mobility industry;
• significant changes in the competitive environment and the effect of competition in our markets on rental volume and pricing;
• our reliance on third-party distribution channels and related prices, commission structures and transaction volumes;
• our ability to offer services for a favorable customer experience, and to retain and develop customer loyalty and market share;
• our ability to maintain our network of leases and vehicle rental concessions at airports and other key locations in the U.S. and internationally;
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS AND SUMMARY OF RISK FACTORS (Continued)
• our ability to maintain favorable brand recognition and a coordinated branding and portfolio strategy;
• our ability to attract and retain effective frontline employees, senior management and other key employees;
• our ability to effectively manage our union relations and labor agreement negotiations;
• our ability to manage and respond to cybersecurity threats and cyber attacks on our information technology systems, or those of our third-party providers;
• our ability, and that of our key third-party partners, to prevent the misuse or theft of information we possess, including as a result of cyber attacks and other security threats;
• our ability to maintain, upgrade and consolidate our information technology systems;
• our ability to comply with current and future laws and regulations in the U.S. and internationally regarding data protection, data security and privacy risks;
• risks associated with operating in many different countries, including the risk of a violation or alleged violation of applicable anti-corruption or anti-bribery laws and our ability to repatriate cash from non-U.S. affiliates without adverse tax consequences;
• risks relating to tax laws, including those that affect our ability to recapture accelerated tax depreciation and expensing, as well as any adverse determinations or rulings by tax authorities;
• our ability to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards;
• our exposure to uninsured liabilities relating to personal injury, death and property damage, or otherwise, including material litigation;
• the potential for adverse changes in laws, regulations, policies or other activities of governments, agencies and similar organizations, including those related to environmental matters, optional insurance products or policies, franchising and licensing matters, the ability to pass-through rental car related expenses, or taxes, among others, that affect our operations, our costs or applicable tax rates;
• our ability to recover our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets when performing impairment analysis;
• the potential for changes in management's best estimates and assessments;
• our ability to maintain an effective compliance program;
• the availability of earnings and funds from our subsidiaries;
• our ability to comply, and the cost and burden of complying, with ESG regulations or expectations of stakeholders, and otherwise achieve our corporate responsibility goals;
• the availability of additional or continued sources of financing at acceptable rates for our revenue earning vehicles and to refinance our existing indebtedness;
• the extent to which our consolidated assets secure our outstanding indebtedness;
• volatility in our share price, our ownership structure and certain provisions of our charter documents could negatively affect the market price of our common stock;
• our ability to implement an effective business continuity plan to protect the business in exigent circumstances;
• our ability to effectively maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting; and
• our ability to execute strategic transactions.
You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements.
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS AND SUMMARY OF RISK FACTORS (Continued)
All such statements speak only as of the date of this 2023 Annual Report and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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HERTZ GLOBAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
OUR COMPANY
Hertz Holdings was incorporated in Delaware in 2015 to serve as the top-level holding company for Rental Car Intermediate Holdings, LLC, which wholly owns Hertz, Hertz Global's primary operating company. Hertz was incorporated in Delaware in 1967 and is a successor to corporations that have been engaged in the vehicle rental and leasing business since 1918.
We are engaged principally in the business of renting vehicles primarily through our Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty brands. As of December 31, 2023, we operated our vehicle rental business globally from approximately 11,400 company-operated and franchisee locations across approximately 160 countries and jurisdictions, including the U.S., Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America, the Middle East and New Zealand. We are one of the largest worldwide vehicle rental companies and our Hertz brand name is among the most recognized globally. We have an extensive network of airport and off airport rental locations in the U.S. and major European markets.
Our Strategy
Our strategy is focused on excellence in execution of our rental operations, presenting distinct product offerings through each of our brands, building on our leadership in ride share and selling vehicles from the fleet directly to consumers. Our core assets, capabilities and partnerships underpin this strategy and are positioning us at the center of the modern mobility ecosystem. We intend to continue building on our brand strength, global network and global fleet management expertise, combining those efforts with new investments in technology, electrification, shared mobility and a digital-first customer experience. We believe our key fleet management capabilities will allow us to diversify and profitably grow in new areas of the mobility sector.
OUR BUSINESS SEGMENTS
The Company has identified two reportable segments, which are consistent with its operating segments, as follows:
• Americas RAC - Rental of vehicles, as well as sales of vehicles and value-added services, in the U.S., Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. We maintain a substantial network of company-operated rental locations in this segment and we have franchisees and partners that operate rental locations under our brands; and
• International RAC - Rental of vehicles, as well as sales of vehicles and value-added services, in locations other than the U.S., Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. We maintain a substantial network of company-operated rental locations, a majority of which are in Europe, and we have franchisees and partners that operate rental locations under our brands. As of December 31, 2023, 72% of our franchised locations were in markets covered by our International RAC segment.
In addition to the two reportable segments, we have corporate operations. We assess performance and allocate resources based upon the financial information for our operating segments.
For further financial information on our segments, see (i) Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations and Selected Operating Data by Segment" and (ii) Note 18, "Segment Information," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report.
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HERTZ GLOBAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
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ITEM 1. BUSINESS (Continued)
Americas RAC and International RAC Segments
Our Brands
Our Americas RAC and International RAC vehicle rental businesses are primarily operated through our three largest brands — Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty. We offer multiple brands to provide customers a full range of rental services at different price points, levels of service, offerings and products. These brands generally maintain separate rental locations (e.g., separate airport counters), and use distinct reservation, marketing and other customer contact activities. We achieve synergies across our brands by, among other things, utilizing a single fleet and fleet management team and, where applicable, combined vehicle maintenance, vehicle cleaning and back office functions.
Our top tier brand, Hertz, is one of the most recognized brands in the world. It offers premium customer service, as evidenced by the numerous published best-in-class vehicle rental awards that the brand has been awarded over time, both in the U.S. and internationally. The Hertz brand's tagline of "Hertz. Let's Go!” expresses our commitment to quality, seamless travel and customer service. The Hertz brand provides customers with several innovative offerings, such as Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, Hertz Ultimate Choice and access to vehicles offered through our electric vehicle ("EV") fleet and specialty collections. The Hertz brand seeks to maintain its position as a premier provider of vehicle rental services through an intense focus on service, loyalty, quality and product innovation.
Our smart value brand, Dollar, is marketed as a smart choice for financially focused travelers looking for a dependable car at a price they can afford. The Dollar brand’s core focus is serving family, leisure and small business travelers through the airport vehicle rental channel. Dollar’s tagline of “We never forget whose dollar it is” expresses the brand’s mission of providing a reliable rental experience at a price that works. Dollar operates primarily through company-operated locations in the U.S. and Canada.
Our deep value brand, Thrifty, competes as a cost-conscious offering for travelers seeking to find a good deal. The Thrifty brand’s core focus is serving leisure travelers through the airport vehicle rental channel. Thrifty’s tagline of “The Absolute Best Car for Your Money” expresses the brand’s focus on being the rental brand that puts the customer in control of where to splurge and where to save. Thrifty operates primarily through company-operated locations in the U.S. and Canada.
Operations
Locations
We operate our brands at both airport and off airport locations that utilize common vehicle fleets, are supervised by common country, regional and local area management, use many common systems and rely on common vehicle maintenance and administrative centers. Additionally, our airport and off airport locations utilize common marketing activities and have many of the same customers. We regard both types of locations as aspects of a single, unitary, vehicle rental business. Off airport revenues comprised 34% and 32% of our worldwide vehicle rental revenues in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our Americas RAC vehicle rental operations have company-operated locations primarily in the U.S. and Canada. Our International RAC vehicle rental operations have company-operated locations in Australia, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Slovakia, Spain and the United Kingdom.
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Airport
As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately 1,900 airport rental locations in our Americas RAC segment and approximately 1,500 airport rental locations in our International RAC segment. We believe that our extensive global network of locations contributes to our success by providing consistency of our service, cost control, Vehicle Utilization, competitive pricing and our ability to offer one-way rentals.
For our airport company-operated rental locations, we are dependent on, and have obtained, concessions or similar leasing agreements or arrangements, that grant us the right to conduct a vehicle rental business at the respective airport. Our concessions were obtained from the airports' operators, which are typically governmental bodies or authorities, following either negotiation or bidding for the right to operate a vehicle rental business. The terms of an airport concession typically require us to pay the airport's operator concession fees based upon a specified percentage of the revenues we generate at the airport, subject to a minimum annual guarantee. Under most concessions, we are required to pay fixed rent for terminal counters or other leased properties and facilities. Most concessions are for a fixed length of time, while others create operating rights and payment obligations that are terminable at any time.
The terms of our concessions typically do not forbid us from seeking, and in most instances actually explicitly permit us to seek, reimbursement from customers for concession fees we pay; however, in certain jurisdictions the law limits or forbids our ability to do so. Where we are permitted to seek such reimbursement, it is our general practice to do so. Certain of our concession agreements may require the consent of the airport's operator in connection with material changes in our ownership. A growing number of larger airports are building, or assessing the feasibility of, consolidated airport vehicle rental facilities to alleviate congestion at the airport. These consolidated rental facilities provide a more common customer experience and may eliminate certain competitive advantages among the brands as competitors operate out of one centralized facility for both customer rental and return operations, share consolidated busing operations and maintain image standards mandated by the airports. The costs associated with the development of these consolidated facilities are typically funded through the collection of customer facility charges, which are required to be collected by rental car companies from their customers.
Off Airport
As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately 3,300 off airport locations in our Americas RAC segment and approximately 4,700 off airport rental locations in our International RAC segment. Our off airport rental customers include people who prefer to rent vehicles closer to their home or place of work for business or leisure purposes, as well as those needing to travel to or from airports. Our off airport customers also include people who have been referred by, or whose rental costs are being wholly or partially reimbursed by, insurance companies following accidents in which their vehicles were damaged, those expecting to lease vehicles that are not yet available from their leasing companies and replacement renters. In addition, our off airport customers include drivers for our Ride Share Partners, which is further described in “Ride Share Rentals” below.
When compared to our airport rental locations, an off airport rental location typically uses a smaller rental facility with fewer employees, conducts pick-up and delivery services and serves replacement renters using specialized systems and processes. On average, off airport locations generate fewer transactions per period than airport locations.
Our off airport locations offer the following benefits:
• Providing customers a more convenient and geographically extensive network of rental locations, thereby creating revenue opportunities from replacement renters, non-airline travel renters and airline travelers with local rental needs;
• Providing us a more balanced revenue mix by reducing our reliance on air travel and therefore reducing our exposure to external events that may disrupt airline travel trends;
• Contributing to higher Vehicle Utilization as a result of the longer average rental periods associated with off airport business, compared to those of airport rentals;
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• Creating efficiencies in vehicle and labor demand planning, as replacement rental volume is less seasonal than that of other business and leisure rentals; and
• Creating cross-selling opportunities for us to promote off airport rentals among frequent airport Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program renters and, conversely, to promote airport rentals to off airport renters.
Customers and Business Mix
We conduct various sales and marketing programs to attract and retain customers. Our sales force calls on companies, government agencies and other organizations whose employees and associates need to rent vehicles for business or official purposes. Our sales force also calls on organizations such as insurance and leasing companies, automobile repair companies and vehicle dealers whose customers need replacement rentals. In addition, our sales force works with membership associations, tour operators, travel companies, ride share companies and other groups whose members, participants and customers rent vehicles for either business or leisure purposes.
We also market directly to individual renters. We advertise our vehicle rental offerings through traditional media channels, partner publications (e.g., affinity clubs, airline and hotel partners) and direct mail. We also rely on digital marketing and, for the Hertz brand, we are increasingly seeking to expand access to and use of our Hertz mobile app.
In addition to advertising, we conduct other forms of marketing and promotion, including travel industry business partnerships and press and public relations activities.
We categorize our vehicle rental business based on the general purpose (business or leisure) and type of location (airport or off airport) from which customers rent from us. The following charts set forth the percentages of rental revenues and rental transactions in our Americas RAC and International RAC segments based on these categories.
VEHICLE RENTALS BY CUSTOMER
Year Ended December 31, 2023
Americas RAC
Business
Leisure
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International RAC
Business
Leisure
Customers who rent from us for “business” purposes include those who require vehicles in connection with commercial activities, including drivers for our Ride Share Partners, the activities of governments and other organizations or for temporary vehicle replacement purposes (i.e., replacement rentals). Most business customers rent vehicles from us on terms that we have negotiated with their employers or other entities with which they are associated, and those terms can differ from the terms on which we rent vehicles to the general public.
Customers who rent from us for “leisure” purposes include individual travelers booking vacation rentals and people renting to meet other personal needs (other than replacement rentals). Leisure rentals are generally longer in duration and generate more revenue per transaction than business rentals. Leisure rentals also include rentals by customers of U.S. and international tour operators, which are usually a part of tour packages that can include air travel and hotel accommodations.
VEHICLE RENTALS BY LOCATION
Year Ended December 31, 2023
Americas RAC
Airport
Off airport
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International RAC
Airport
Off airport
Demand for airport rentals is generally correlated with airline travel patterns, and transaction volumes generally follow global airline passenger traffic ("enplanement") and Gross Domestic Product ("GDP") trends. Customers often make reservations for airport rentals when they book their flight plans, which make our relationships with travel agents, associations and other participants in the broader travel industry (e.g., airlines and hotels) a key competitive strategy in generating consistent and recurring revenue streams.
Off airport rentals include insurance replacements, and we have agreements with the referring insurers establishing the relevant rental terms, including the arrangements made for billing and payment.
Customer Service Offerings
We offer customers a wide range of services to differentiate ourselves from the competition and increase and diversify our revenue.
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Program
At our major airport rental locations and certain smaller airport and off airport locations, customers participating in our Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program are able to rent vehicles in an expedited manner. Participants in our Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program often bypass the rental counter entirely and proceed directly to their vehicle upon arrival at our facility. They are also eligible to earn Hertz Gold Plus Rewards points that may be redeemed for free rental days or converted to awards of other companies' loyalty programs.
Hertz's Gold Plus Rewards program offers three elite membership tiers that provide more frequent renters the opportunity to earn additional reward points and vehicle upgrades. When Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members make a reservation for a midsize car or above, they have access to exclusive vehicles based on their membership tier via our Hertz Ultimate Choice program which allows customers to choose their vehicle from a range of makes, models and colors available within the zone indicated on their reservation. Alternatively, they may upgrade at the pick-up location for a fee by choosing a vehicle from a premium upgrade zone. As of December 31, 2023, the Hertz Ultimate Choice program was offered at approximately 60 U.S. and Canada airport locations.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, rentals by Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members accounted for approximately 33% of our worldwide rental transactions. We believe the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program provides us with a significant competitive advantage, particularly among frequent travelers, and we have targeted such travelers for participation in the program.
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Other Customer Service Offerings
We offer electronic rental agreements and returns for our Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty U.S. customers. Simplifying the rental transaction saves customers time and provides greater convenience through access to digitally available rental contracts. We also offer Mobile Gold Alerts, a service available to participating Hertz Gold Plus Rewards customers, through which a text message and/or email with the vehicle information and location is sent approximately 30 minutes prior to arrival, providing a renter the option to choose another vehicle. We offer Hertz e-Return, which allows customers to drop off their vehicle and go without the need to visit the rental counter. Customers can also use cashless toll lanes with our PlatePass offering where the license plate acts as a transponder.
Ride Share Rentals
We have partnered with certain ride share companies to offer vehicle rentals to their drivers in select cities in North America and Europe. This program enables us to rent vehicles on a longer-term basis than traditional business rentals and is a component of our strategy to be an active participant in the future of mobility. Using vehicles for ride share rentals also results in an increased supply of higher mileage, and thus more economical, used vehicles for our vehicle disposition programs discussed below.
Drivers for our Ride Share Partners reserve vehicles online through Ride Share Partner websites and applications and pick up vehicles from select locations. Ride share drivers can extend the vehicle rental on a recurring basis.
Rates, Fees and Value-Added Services
We rent a wide variety of makes and models of vehicles. We rent vehicles on an hourly (in select international markets), daily, weekend, weekly, monthly or multi-month basis, with rental charges computed on a limited or unlimited mileage rate, or on a time rate plus a mileage charge. Our rates vary by brand and at different locations depending on local market conditions and other competitive and cost factors, such as vehicle supply and overall demand. While vehicles are usually returned to the locations from which they are rented, we also allow one-way rentals from and to certain locations.
We also generate revenues from reimbursements by customers of airport concession fees, unless the law limits or forbids us from doing so, and of vehicle licensing costs, fueling and electric charging, and charges for value-added services such as supplemental equipment (e.g., child seats and ski racks), loss or collision damage waiver, theft protection, liability and personal accident/effects insurance coverage, premium emergency roadside service and satellite radio.
Reservations
We price and accept reservations for our vehicles through each of our brands. Reservations are generally for a class of vehicles, such as compact, midsize or sport utility vehicle. Our introduction of EVs to the fleet in certain cities has enabled us to also provide the opportunity for customers in those locations to reserve an EV versus an internal-combustion engine vehicle. Additionally, certain reservations within our EV fleet can be made for specific makes and models.
We distribute pricing and content and accept reservations through multiple channels. Direct reservations are accepted at Hertz.com, Dollar.com and Thrifty.com, each of which has global and local versions in multiple languages. Hertz.com offers a range of products, prices and additional services, as well as Hertz Gold Plus Rewards benefits, serving both company-operated and franchise locations. In addition to our websites, direct reservations are enabled via our Hertz and Dollar smartphone apps, which include additional connected products and services.
Customers may also seek reservations via travel agents or third-party travel websites. In many of those cases, the travel agent or website utilizes an Application Programming Interface connection to Hertz or a third-party operated
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computerized reservation system, also known as a Global Distribution System, to contact us and make the reservation.
In our major markets, including the U.S. and all other countries with company-operated locations, customers may also reserve vehicles for rental from us and our franchisees through local, national or toll-free telephone calls to our reservations center, directly through our rental locations or, in the case of insurance replacement rentals, through proprietary automated systems serving the insurance industry.
Franchisees
In certain U.S. and international markets, we have found it efficient to issue licenses under franchise arrangements to independent operators who are engaged in the vehicle rental business. Franchisees rent vehicles that they own or lease and may provide related services to customers, primarily under our Hertz, Dollar or Thrifty brands. In many markets, franchisees operate franchises for multiple brands.
Franchisees generally pay an initial license fee, royalties based on a percentage of their revenues as well as other fees, and in return are provided the use of the applicable brand name, certain operational support and training, reservations through our reservation channels, including access to reservations from corporate contracts and other services. Additionally, in countries with both corporate and franchised operations, franchisees may utilize our vehicles, and we may utilize their vehicles, to support one-way business within the country. Franchisee arrangements enable us to offer expanded national and international service and a broader one-way rental program. In addition to vehicle rental, certain international franchisees engage in vehicle leasing and the rental of chauffeur-driven vehicles, camper vans and motorcycles.
The ability to transfer a franchisee license is limited and requires our consent. Franchise licenses are generally terminable by us only for cause or after a fixed term. All of these agreements also include a company right of first refusal should a franchisee receive a bona fide offer to sell the license or its business. Franchisees in the U.S. typically may terminate without cause only on prior notice, generally 180 days. In certain international jurisdictions, franchisees typically do not have early termination rights absent cause. We continue to issue new licenses and, from time to time, re-acquire franchised businesses or sell company-operated locations to franchisees.
Franchise operations, including fleet acquisition, are financed independently by the franchisees and we do not have an investment interest in the franchisees. Fees from franchisees, including initial franchise fees, generally support a portion of our brand awareness program costs, reservations system, sales and marketing efforts and certain other services and comprised approximately 2% of our worldwide vehicle rental revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Seasonality
Our vehicle rental operations are a seasonal business with decreased levels of business in the winter months and heightened activity during the spring and summer months ("our peak season") for the majority of countries where we generate our revenues. To accommodate increased demand, we typically increase our available fleet and staff in the second and third quarters of the year to add a significant number of part-time and seasonal workers. A number of our other major operating costs, including airport concession fees, commissions and vehicle liability expenses, are directly related to revenues or transaction volumes and thus also increase in the second and third quarters. Certain operating expenses, including real estate taxes, rent, insurance, utilities, facility maintenance and other facility-related expenses, the costs of operating our information technology systems and minimum staffing costs, remain fixed and therefore do not vary based on seasonal demand.
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The following chart presents the proportionate contribution of each quarter to full year revenue for each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 . As discussed above, our peak season historically has been the second and third quarters of the year.
Fleet
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we operated a peak rental fleet in our Americas RAC and International RAC segments of approximately 467,000 vehicles and 124,600 vehicles, respectively. Purchases of vehicles are financed by active and ongoing global borrowing programs and through cash from operations. The vehicles purchased are either program vehicles or non-program vehicles. We periodically review the efficiencies of an optimal mix between program and non-program vehicles in our fleet and adjust the ratio of program and non-program vehicles as needed based on availability, vehicle economics and contract negotiations.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, our approximate average holding period for rental vehicles sold was 20 months in our Americas RAC segment, down 20% compared to 2022 due in part to our decision to sell newer vehicles instead of older vehicles due to residual values. In our International RAC segment, our approximate average holding period for rental vehicles sold was 16 months, down 11% compared to 2022 due in part to increased program vehicle dispositions.
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Our fleet composition is as follows:
Fleet Composition by Vehicle Manufacturer*
As of December 31, 2023
Americas RAC International RAC *
* Vehicle manufacturers Daimler AG (Mercedes Benz and Smart), Renault, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Volvo and Rover Group together comprise another 15% of the International RAC fleet and are included as "Other" in the overall and International RAC charts above.
We maintain vehicle maintenance centers which provide maintenance for our fleet, many of which include sophisticated vehicle diagnostic and repair equipment, and are accepted by automobile manufacturers, as eligible, to perform warranty work. Collision damage and major repairs are generally performed by independent contractors.
Vehicle Repurchase Programs
Program vehicles are purchased under repurchase or guaranteed depreciation programs with vehicle manufacturers wherein the manufacturers agree to repurchase vehicles at a specified price or guarantee the
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depreciation rate on the vehicles during established repurchase periods, subject to, among other things, certain vehicle condition, mileage and holding period requirements. Repurchase prices under repurchase programs are based on the original cost less a set daily depreciation amount. These repurchase and guaranteed depreciation programs limit our residual risk with respect to vehicles purchased under the programs and allow us to reduce the variability of depreciation expense for each vehicle, however, typically the acquisition cost is higher. Program vehicles generally provide us with flexibility to increase or reduce the size of our fleet based on market demand. When we increase the percentage of program vehicles, the average age of our fleet decreases since the average holding period for program vehicles is shorter than for non-program vehicles.
Program vehicles as a percentage of all vehicles purchased within our Americas RAC and International RAC segments during the last three fiscal years were as follows:
Other Vehicle Disposition Channels
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the vehicles sold in our U.S. and international vehicle rental operations that were not repurchased by manufacturers were sold through a variety of channels, including dealer direct wholesale channels, direct sales to third parties, retail channels and auction. We use multiple channels to provide greater flexibility and the opportunity for improved returns.
Our company-operated retail sales channel, Hertz Car Sales, consists of a network of company-operated vehicle sales locations throughout the U.S. dedicated to the sale of vehicles from our rental fleet. Vehicles disposed of through our retail outlets provide for ancillary vehicle sales revenue, such as warranty, financing and aftermarket products.
Competition
Competition among vehicle rental industry participants is intense and is primarily based on vehicle availability and quality, price, service, reliability, rental locations, product innovation and competition from online travel agents and vehicle rental brokers. We believe that the strength of the Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty brands, our extensive worldwide network of vehicle rental operations and our commitment to innovation, including our EV initiatives, provide us with a strong competitive advantage. Our principal vehicle rental industry competitors are Avis Budget Group, Inc., which currently operates the Avis, Budget, ZipCar and Payless brands; Enterprise Holdings, which operates the Enterprise
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Rent-A-Car Company, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands; and SIXT. We also compete with local and regional vehicle rental companies, ride share companies and peer-to-peer car sharing marketplaces.
Geographic Markets
U.S.
The U.S. represented approximately $38.4 billion in estimated annual industry revenues for 2023. The average number of vehicles in the U.S. vehicle rental industry in 2023 was approximately two million vehicles. U.S. industry Revenue Per Unit Per Month in 2023 was approximately $1,412.
Europe
Europe represented approximately $19.3 billion in estimated annual industry revenues for 2023. Europe has generally demonstrated a lower historical reliance on air travel because the European off airport vehicle rental market has been significantly more developed than in the U.S. Within Europe, the largest markets in which we do business are France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. Throughout Europe, we do business through company-operated rental locations and through our franchisees or partners.
Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific represented approximately $21.7 billion in estimated annual industry revenues for 2023. Within this region, the largest markets in which we do business are Australia, China, Japan and New Zealand. In each of these countries we do business through company-operated rental locations and through our franchisees or partners.
Middle East and Africa
The Middle East and Africa represented approximately $3.5 billion in estimated annual industry revenues for 2023. Within these regions, the largest markets in which we do business are South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. In each of these countries we do business through our franchisees.
Latin America
Latin America represented approximately $5.1 billion in estimated annual industry revenues for 2023. Within Latin America, the largest markets in which we do business are Argentina, Mexico and Panama. In each of these countries, we do business through our franchisees or partners.
EMPLOYEES AND HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
As of December 31, 2023, we employed approximately 27,000 persons, consisting of approximately 21,000 persons in the U.S. and approximately 6,000 persons internationally.
Certain employees outside the U.S. are covered by a wide variety of union contracts and governmental regulations affecting, among other things, compensation, job retention rights and pensions. Labor contracts covering the terms of employment of 26% of our workforce in the U.S. (including those in the U.S. territories) are presently in effect with local unions, affiliated primarily with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and other plans. Labor contracts covering 45% of these employees will expire during 2024. We have had no material work stoppage as a result of labor problems during the last ten years, and we believe our labor relations to be good.
In addition to the employees referred to above, we engage outside services, as is customary in the industry, principally for the non-revenue movement of rental vehicles between rental locations.
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Human Capital Management
Our people are our greatest asset. We believe that to continue to evolve as a business, and achieve our strategic goals, we must attract and retain the right talent. We therefore strive to have a constant focus on, and remain attentive to, matters concerning our employees.
Our human capital management strategy begins with our Board and senior management. Our Board and Board committees periodically review our employee programs and initiatives, and oversee our approach to attracting, retaining and developing talent. Our Board reviews key senior management compensation and benefit programs. Senior management uses various tools to strive to ensure its human capital management strategies are delivering intended results, such as seeking feedback from our employees.
Our focus on talent retention requires that we invest in our employees' professional development as well as their physical, emotional and financial well-being. We regularly assess our benefits and program offerings to provide a compelling and comprehensive portfolio, which currently includes the following in the U.S. (specific offerings vary for employees represented by labor unions):
• competitive salaries and wages;
• retirement savings with a 401(k) Plan and an employer match, up to a certain percentage;
• comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental and vision plans for employees and their dependents;
• employer provided life insurance;
• no-cost employee assistance program, providing confidential counseling to help employees and their families dealing with hardships;
• paid parental leave;
• adoption benefits;
• free health screenings and programs for tobacco cessation, weight management and wellness coaching;
• employee referral incentive program;
• employee and family rental car and Hertz Car Sales discounts;
• employee training, professional development, education and tuition aid programs;
• employee relief fund that provides immediate, short-term financial assistance to employees through employee contributions and company match to assist employees dealing with natural disasters;
• training and development opportunities; and
• employee resource groups.
Outside of the U.S., we are committed to offering similar comprehensive programs that leverage the best of global benefits tailored by country to reflect local practices and culture. We evaluate our total benefits and programs annually and use feedback from employees to make thoughtful changes to ensure our programs continue to meet the needs of employees.
We are also committed to an inclusive workplace around the globe that champions equality, values different backgrounds and celebrates individuality. We believe the varied perspectives, experiences, skills and talents of our employees represent a significant part of our culture, as well as our success and reputation as a company.
As a global business, we have a firm commitment to equal opportunity, non-discrimination and anti-harassment. In addition, we strive to adhere to all relevant laws and mandatory reporting requirements. We are proud to have a diverse workforce around the world, and are committed to a journey that gives growth and opportunities throughout our organization. We embrace and encourage our employees' differences in age, race, religion, disability, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and other characteristics that make our employees unique.
At every level, we are committed to developing policies, practices and ways of working that support diversity and inclusion and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels respected and heard.
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CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY
We recognize our influence and are committed to do the right thing, the right way, every time for our employees and customers, as well as our communities and our planet. Delivering on this responsibility is a never-ending journey and one that we are proud to be on. We are committed to managing our businesses ethically and responsibly as we believe doing so enables us to realize the continuous improvement, sustainable innovation and enhanced business performance that are critical to our success.
The Environment
We are committed to understanding and addressing the impact of our operations and broader value chain on the environment and our communities through sustainable business practices, strategic decision-making, community partnerships and smart investments in future technologies, and to be a leader in the modern mobility landscape.
Climate Performance
We recognize the importance of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions as both a climate and business imperative. We are committed to our goal of being at the center of the modern mobility ecosystem and believe our investments in EVs and charging infrastructure will contribute towards our goal of enhancing the sustainability of our operations.
Fuel Efficient Fleet
As a critical connector between drivers, vehicles and technology, we have entered into relationships around EVs and technology. We offer a diverse fleet of EVs through agreements with a variety of EV manufactures, such as Tesla, Polestar and General Motors. We are also investing in EV infrastructure across our global operations by installing charging stations throughout our network to power our fleet and support customer adoption of EVs and supporting EV infrastructure expansion in several of the communities in which we operate through initiatives such as Hertz Electrifies and collaborations such as bp pulse. We have partnerships with certain ride share companies to provide EVs to drivers using their networks.
Water
We work to integrate environmental sustainability across our operations, including in our car washes. Car washes are the primary source of our water use, and we are focused on minimizing our demand on municipal water systems. We are committed to reviewing our procedures to prioritize water conservation from system efficiency upgrades in water stressed regions where we operate.
Waste Reduction and Recycling
Resource conservation and waste reduction is a component of our commitment to environmental sustainability across our global footprint. Recycling efforts include, but are not limited to, recycling used oils and solvents, tires, batteries, information technology equipment and general mixed materials.
Facilities and Construction
We seek to maximize energy and water efficiency at our facilities and rely on renewable energy at a number of locations. We incorporate sustainable design and construction practices based on Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ("LEED") standards. LEED is administered by the U.S. Green Building Council and is the most widely used and respected green building rating system. Our world headquarters in Estero, Florida is LEED Gold ® certified, and we have locations in St. Louis, Charlotte, Denver, Dulles and Newark airports that are also LEED certified. In addition to LEED, ISO 14001 sets environmental management standards and certifies facilities to those standards, while ISO 45001 addresses employee safety and workplace risks. Our Hertz European Service Center in Dublin, Ireland has achieved and maintains ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certifications. Both LEED and ISO
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standards enhance the health and comfort of building occupants, improve overall building performance and deliver cost savings.
In addition to incorporating leading standards into our buildings, we also strive to include on-site renewables consisting of solar photovoltaic systems at certain locations, which decreases our carbon footprint while lowering utility costs.
Our People and Communities
Our employees help drive our progress, innovation and success. We strive to empower our employees so they can build trust with our customers and the communities we serve around the world. As discussed above, attracting and retaining top talent is more than a measure of our business success; it is a measure of who we are and what we value. We also are committed to making a positive difference in the communities where we work, live and serve through our charitable giving and volunteer programs.
Our Business
Governance
We are committed to ensuring appropriate oversight and accountability of our corporate responsibility initiatives and our Board and senior management are directly engaged in this effort. Our Board's Governance Committee oversees this work and receives regular reports from management on our corporate responsibility efforts. In 2023, we launched a sustainability disclosure committee, comprised of senior leaders from a cross-functional spectrum, which is responsible for overseeing our sustainability-focused disclosure processes, resources and results.
Ethics
We seek to operate in compliance with all applicable laws and maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct. Integrity is essential to every aspect of our business, both in policy and practice. Our Standards of Business Conduct outline specific practices to identify acceptable and unacceptable behavior for employees, officers and directors and helps promote our culture of acting ethically and doing the right thing in our operations around the world. Our Standards of Business Conduct also outline our policies and guidelines to help our employees navigate a variety of situations in relationships with each other and our stakeholders.
Supplier Diversity
We recognize that supporting diversity goes beyond our internal policies and practices, and we seek to build sustainable relationships with suppliers who integrate diversity into their own hiring processes and supply chain. Through our Supplier Diversity Program, we are committed to the equal and fair treatment of all suppliers. We aim to provide minority-owned, woman-owned and other socially or economically disadvantaged small businesses who perform at high levels the opportunity to compete to deliver products and services that support our brands.
As a long-standing member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, we actively seek to do business with suppliers who are certified by such councils that recognize women and minorities.
Through these efforts, we seek to emphasize a supplier representation that reflects the customers and communities we serve. We believe that leveraging the global diversity of our workforce and supplier relations will enable us to address the local needs of the communities in which we live and work around the world.
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INSURANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT
In addition to managing risk associated with our business, rental car operations introduce several industry-specific generally insurable risks:
• legal liability arising from the operation of our vehicles (i.e., vehicle liability);
• legal liability to members of the public and employees from other causes (i.e., general liability/workers' compensation); and
• risk of property damage and/or business interruption and/or increased cost of operating as a consequence of property damage.
In many cases we self-insure for these risks or insure risks through wholly-owned insurance subsidiaries. We mitigate our exposure to large liability losses by maintaining excess insurance coverage, subject to deductibles and caps, through unaffiliated carriers. For certain of our international operations, we maintain some liability insurance coverage with unaffiliated carriers.
In addition, we offer customers optional liability insurance and other products providing insurance coverage, which create additional risk exposures for us. Our risk of property damage is also increased when we waive the provisions in our rental contracts that hold a renter responsible for damage or loss under an optional loss or damage waiver that we offer. We bear these and other risks, except to the extent the risks are transferred through insurance or contractual arrangements.
Third-Party Liability
In our U.S. operations, we are required by applicable financial responsibility laws to maintain insurance against legal liability for bodily injury, death or property damage to third parties arising from the operation of our vehicles, sometimes called “vehicle liability,” in stipulated amounts. In most jurisdictions, we satisfy those requirements by qualifying as a self-insurer, a process that typically involves governmental filings and demonstration of financial responsibility, which sometimes requires the posting of a bond or other security. In the remaining jurisdictions, we obtain an insurance policy from an unaffiliated insurance carrier and indemnify the carrier for any amounts paid under the policy. The regulatory method for protecting against such vehicle liability should be considered in the context of the Graves Amendment, as we generally bear limited economic responsibility for U.S. vehicle liability attributable to the negligence of our drivers, except to the extent that we successfully transfer such liability to others through insurance or contractual arrangements.
For our vehicle rental operations in Europe, we have established a wholly-owned insurance subsidiary, Probus Insurance Company Europe DAC (“Probus”), a direct writer of insurance domiciled in Ireland. In certain European countries with company-operated locations, we have purchased from Probus the vehicle liability insurance required by law. In other European countries, this coverage is purchased from unaffiliated carriers. Accordingly, as with our U.S. operations, we bear economic responsibility for vehicle liability in our European vehicle rental operations, except to the extent that we transfer such liability to others through insurance or contractual arrangements. For our international operations outside of Europe, we maintain some form of vehicle liability insurance coverage with unaffiliated carriers. The nature of such coverage and our economic responsibility for covered losses varies considerably. Nonetheless, we believe the amounts and nature of the coverage we obtain is adequate in light of the respective potential hazards.
In our U.S. and international operations, periodically in the course of our business, we become legally responsible to members of the public for bodily injury, death or property damage arising from causes other than the operation of our vehicles, sometimes known as “general liability.” As with vehicle liability, we bear economic responsibility for general liability losses, except to the extent we transfer such losses to others through insurance or contractual arrangements. In addition, to mitigate these exposures, we maintain excess liability insurance coverage with unaffiliated insurance carriers.
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In our U.S. vehicle rental operations, we offer an optional liability insurance product, Liability Insurance Supplement (“LIS”), that provides vehicle liability insurance coverage substantially higher than state minimum levels to the renter and other authorized operators of a rented vehicle. LIS coverage is primarily provided under excess liability insurance policies issued by an unaffiliated insurance carrier, the risks under which are reinsured with a wholly-owned subsidiary, HIRE Bermuda Limited. Our offering of LIS coverage in our U.S. vehicle rental operations is conducted pursuant to limited licenses or exemptions under state laws governing the licensing of insurance producers.
Provisions on our books for self-insured public liability and property damage vehicle liability losses are made by charges to expense based upon evaluations of estimated ultimate liabilities on reported and unreported claims.
Damage to Our Property
We bear the risk of damage to our property, unless such risk is transferred through insurance or contractual arrangements.
To mitigate our risk of large, single-site property damage losses globally, we maintain property insurance with unaffiliated insurance carriers in such amounts as we deem adequate in light of the respective hazards, where such insurance is available on commercially reasonable terms.
Our rental contracts typically provide that the renter is responsible for damage to or loss (including loss through theft) of rented vehicles. We generally offer an optional rental product, known in various countries as “loss damage waiver,” “collision damage waiver” or “theft protection,” under which we waive or limit our right to make a claim for such damage or loss.
Collision damage costs and the costs of stolen or unaccounted-for vehicles, along with other damage to our property, are charged to expense as incurred.
Other Risks
To manage other risks associated with our businesses, or to comply with applicable law, we purchase other types of insurance carried by business organizations, such as workers' compensation and employer's liability, commercial crime and fidelity, performance bonds, directors' and officers' liability insurance, terrorism insurance and cybersecurity insurance, all from unaffiliated insurance companies in amounts we deem to be adequate in light of the respective hazards, where such coverage is obtainable on commercially reasonable terms.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
We are subject to numerous types of governmental controls, including those relating to prices and advertising, privacy and data protection, currency controls, labor matters, credit and charge card operations, insurance, environmental protection, used vehicle sales and licensing.
Dealings with Customers
In the U.S., vehicle rental transactions are generally subject to Article 2A of the Uniform Commercial Code, which governs leases of tangible personal property. Vehicle rental is also specifically regulated in more than half of the states of the U.S. and many other international jurisdictions. The subjects of these regulations include the methods by which we advertise, the methods used to quote and charge prices, the consequences of failing to honor reservations, the terms on which we deal with vehicle loss or damage (including the protections we provide to renters purchasing loss or damage waivers) and the terms and method of sale of the optional insurance coverage that we offer. Some states (including California, Nevada and New York) regulate the price at which we may sell loss or damage waivers, and many state insurance regulators have authority over the prices and terms of the optional insurance coverage we offer. See “Insurance and Risk Management—Damage to Our Property” above for further discussion regarding the loss or damage waivers and optional insurance coverages that we offer renters. In
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addition, various consumer protection laws and regulations may generally apply to our business operations. Internationally, regulatory regimes vary greatly by jurisdiction and include increasing scrutiny from consumer law regulators in Europe and a stronger focus on corporate compliance, but the regimes do not generally prevent us from dealing with customers in a manner similar to that employed in the U.S.
Both in the U.S. and internationally, we are subject to increasing regulation relating to customer privacy and data protection. In general, we are required to disclose our data collection and processing practices as well as our use and sharing of data that we collect from or about renters. In doing so, we are obligated to take reasonable steps to protect customer data while it is in our possession and comply with individual privacy right requests. Our failure to do so could subject us to substantial legal liability, require us to bear significant remediation costs or seriously damage our reputation.
Changes in Government Regulations
Changes in government regulation of our businesses have the potential to materially alter our business practices or our profitability. Depending on the jurisdiction, those changes may come about through new legislation, the passage of new laws and regulations or changes in the interpretation of existing laws, regulations and treaties by a court, regulatory body or governmental official. Those changes may have prospective and/or retroactive effect, particularly when a change is made through reinterpretation of laws or regulations that have been in effect for some time. Moreover, changes in regulation that may seem neutral on their face could have a more significant effect on us than on our competitors, depending on the circumstances. Several U.S. states historically required “bundled pricing” by rental vehicle companies but those same states subsequently enacted statutory exceptions to allow for the separate pass-through of certain fees (e.g., airport concession fees, customer facility charges and vehicle licensing fees) with proper disclosure. In addition, the Canadian Competition Bureau has interpreted Canadian consumer law to prohibit “drip pricing” such that base rate advertising is not allowed and the first price that consumers view on the websites of rental vehicle companies must reflect the bundled price for the proposed rental. Recent or potential changes in laws or regulations that may affect us relate to insurance intermediaries, customer privacy, like-kind exchange programs, data security and rate regulation and our retail vehicle sales operations.
In addition, our operations, as well as those of our competitors, could also be affected by any limitation in the fuel or energy supply or by any imposition of mandatory allocation or rationing regulations. We are not aware of any current proposal to impose such a regime in the U.S. or internationally. Such a regime could, however, be quickly imposed if there was a serious disruption in supply for any reason, including an act of war, terrorist incident or other problem affecting petroleum or energy supply, petroleum refining, or energy distribution or pricing.
Environmental
We are subject to extensive federal, state, local and foreign environmental and safety laws, regulations, directives, rules and ordinances concerning, among other things, the operation and maintenance of vehicles; the ownership and operation of tanks for the storage of petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel fuel and oil; and the generation, storage, transportation and disposal of waste materials, including oil, vehicle wash sludge and waste water.
When applicable, we estimate and accrue for certain environmental costs, such as to study potential environmental conditions at sites deemed to require investigation or clean-up activities and for costs to implement remediation actions, including ongoing maintenance, as required. Based on information currently available, we believe that the ultimate resolution of existing environmental remediation actions and our compliance in general with environmental laws and regulations will not have a material effect on our operating results or financial condition. However, it is difficult to predict with certainty the potential impact of future compliance efforts and environmental remedial actions and thus future costs associated with such matters may exceed the amount of the estimated accrued amount.
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AVAILABLE INFORMATION
You may access, free of charge, Hertz Global and Hertz's reports filed with or furnished to the SEC (including the Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports) directly through the SEC's website (www.sec.gov) or indirectly through our website (www.hertz.com). Reports filed with or furnished to the SEC will be available as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed with or furnished to the SEC. The information found on our website is not part of this 2023 Annual Report or any other report filed with or furnished to the SEC.
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Our business is subject to a number of significant risks and uncertainties, and should be carefully considered along with all of the information in this 2023 Annual Report. We believe that the following information identifies the material risks and uncertainties most likely to affect Hertz Global and Hertz; however, these are not the only risks and uncertainties that we encounter in our operations. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows in future periods. In such a case, you may lose all or part of your investment in Hertz Global's common stock or The Hertz Corporation's debt securities. You should carefully consider each of the following risks and uncertainties. You should not interpret the disclosure of any risk factor to imply that the risk has not already materialized. Any of the following risks and uncertainties could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results or cash flow in future periods.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR FLEET
The mix of program and non-program vehicles in our fleet, as well as declining values of our non-program vehicles, can subject us to an increased residual value risk.
We use program and non-program vehicles in our fleet. With program vehicles, vehicle manufacturers agree to repurchase the vehicles at a specified price or guarantee the depreciation rate on the vehicles during a specified time period. Using program vehicles in our fleet can often alleviate our residual value risk because of the terms of our agreements with the vehicle manufacturer for repurchases and guaranteed depreciation on those vehicles. Additionally, program vehicles provide flexibility because we may be able to sell certain program vehicles shortly after having acquired them at a higher value than what we could for a similar non-program vehicle at that time, which is useful in managing demand for vehicles. These benefits diminish when there are fewer program vehicles in our fleet, which has generally been the case in recent years.
The significant majority of vehicles in our fleet are non-program vehicles. Overall, the percentage of non-program fleet that we hold exposes us to residual value risk. Decreases in residual values of our non-program vehicles, or the failure of residual values to follow historical patterns, could result in a substantial loss on the sale of such vehicles, or accelerated depreciation while we own the vehicles. Each of these outcomes can materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.
Forward estimates on vehicle residual values have recently declined, subjecting us to greater risk of losses on vehicle sales, increased depreciation or challenges in meeting collateral requirements in our fleet financing facilities.
Recent data for used vehicles has shown a sudden downward trend in residual values. This data has also suggested that prices in the used vehicle market could decrease further in 2024. A further reduction in residual values for non-program vehicles in our fleet, or the failure of residual values to improve, could cause us to hold vehicles longer, sustain a substantial loss on the sale for such vehicles or require us to depreciate those vehicles at a more accelerated rate than currently anticipated while we own them.
If the market value of the vehicles in our fleet is reduced or our ability to sell vehicles in the used vehicle marketplace were to become severely limited, we may have difficulty meeting collateral requirements under our asset-backed and asset-based financing arrangements, requiring us to either reduce the outstanding principal amount of debt or provide more collateral (in the form of cash, vehicles and/or certain other contractual rights) to the creditors under any such affected arrangement.
If we sustain substantial losses on sale of vehicles, depreciation is accelerated, or our access to or the terms of our asset-backed and asset-based debt financing are adversely affected, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.
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We may be unable to purchase adequate supplies of competitively priced vehicles or the cost of the vehicles we purchase may increase significantly without a compensating increase in vehicle rental rates or residual values.
Our vehicle purchase strategies have historically been and may in the future be affected by commercial, economic, market and other conditions, including a reduction of supply from auto manufacturers and any rebates or other incentives offered by them for our purchases. Purchases of vehicles from manufacturers are generally made pursuant to master agreement or framework agreements and are generally subject to potential delay or cancellation by manufacturers. Although we work with manufacturers on a continuous basis to gain a mutual understanding of their supply of, and our demand for, vehicles, the process by which we normally purchase vehicles does not always guarantee the availability of the desired vehicles on a timely basis, or provide us with remedies for any unavailability. Used vehicle supply and pricing can be impacted by the same factors relevant to the available supply and pricing of new vehicles, or the new vehicle market itself. Consequently, there is no guarantee that we can purchase a sufficient number of vehicles, whether new or used, at competitive prices and on competitive terms and conditions, or that we would be able to compensate for increased acquisition costs through vehicle rental rates or residual values. In addition, if we are unable to purchase new vehicles at competitive prices to refresh our fleet, increased maintenance costs in relation to our existing fleet may adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.
We may not be able to effectively dispose of non-program vehicles, at the times or through the channels, that we desire.
The significant majority of vehicles in our fleet are non-program vehicles. We sell our non-program vehicles through a variety of channels, including auction, dealer direct wholesale, direct sales to third parties and retail in an effort to maximize sale prices and have access to an array of sales channels to dispose of vehicles in a timely manner. However, there are many factors that can affect the market for used vehicles. Vehicle purchases are typically discretionary for consumers and the market for used vehicles is subject to many economic factors, such as demand, consumer interests, inventory levels, pricing of new car models, interest rates, fuel costs, tariffs and other general economic conditions. Any combination of these factors can make it more difficult for us to successfully dispose of vehicles and optimize our fleet mix. Similarly, combinations of these factors may make our retail sales channels less capable of providing stable or desirable vehicle prices compared to the wholesale disposition channels. If we are unable to sell vehicles at our preferred times and through our preferred channels, it may adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.
Our vehicle carrying costs, customer service scores and ability to dispose of vehicles at acceptable prices and times may be negatively impacted if we lengthen the age of our fleet.
In recent years, the average age of our fleet has become longer and the percentage of pre-owned vehicles in our fleet has grown, both as a result of a variety of factors, including COVID-19 related supply chain challenges, greater customer acceptance of higher mileage vehicles, our strategic revenue initiatives (such as ride share and reinvigoration of our value brands), and choices that we make in light of residual value dynamics at any given time. However, aged vehicles present additional risks to our operations, including the risk of higher maintenance costs while in the fleet and lower customer satisfaction scores. In addition, it may be more difficult for us to sell a highly aged vehicle at reasonable prices, or through our preferred retail channels, or at the time that we prefer. Our inability to rotate aged vehicles for newer vehicles may have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.
Our business, results of operations and financial condition are dependent on the efficient operation of a complex global supply chain. Disruption in that supply chain may adversely affect our ability to service demand, or do so efficiently.
Our supply chain, particularly with respect to access to new vehicles, is complex and reliant on raw goods and finished materials that are obtained from or manufactured by many different market participants, both within and
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outside the U.S. In addition to lingering impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, the global automotive supply chain has been negatively impacted by the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Governments in the U.S., United Kingdom, and European Union have each imposed export controls on certain products and financial and economic sanctions on certain industry sectors and parties in Russia. Shortages in materials and increased costs for transportation, energy, and raw materials, particularly with respect to raw materials extracted from, or components produced in, Russia and/or Ukraine, which are important to the vehicle manufacturing industry, including the production of EV batteries, can impact vehicle production volumes, delivery schedules and costs. In addition, the global supply chain can be impacted by logistics provider capacity issues, inflationary pressures, increased freight costs, depleted inventory levels, labor shortages and demand peaks. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, various automotive manufacturers have been forced to delay or stall new vehicle production in recent years, which caused limitations in supply and delays in us receiving new vehicles. These conditions may continue, or other global and regional supply chain disruptions may in the future cause similar issues. Consequently, there is no guarantee that we will be able to purchase a sufficient number of new vehicles at competitive prices and on competitive terms and conditions to fulfill demand or to do so efficiently.
The failure of a manufacturer of our program vehicles to fulfill its obligations under a repurchase or guaranteed depreciation program could expose us to losses on those program vehicles.
If any manufacturer of our program vehicles does not fulfill its obligations under its repurchase or guaranteed depreciation agreement with us, whether due to default, reorganization, bankruptcy or otherwise, then we would have to dispose of those program vehicles without receiving the benefits of the associated repurchase programs. In addition, we could be left with a substantial unpaid claim against the manufacturer with respect to program vehicles that were sold back to the manufacturer but not paid for, or that were sold for less than their agreed repurchase price or guaranteed value.
The failure by a manufacturer to pay such amounts could cause a credit enhancement deficiency under our asset-backed and asset-based financing arrangements, requiring us to either reduce the outstanding principal amount of debt or provide more collateral (in the form of cash, vehicles and/or certain other contractual rights) to the creditors under any such affected arrangement.
If one or more manufacturers were to adversely modify or eliminate repurchase or guaranteed depreciation programs in the future, our access to and the terms of our asset-backed and asset-based debt financing could be adversely affected, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.
Manufacturer safety recalls could require costly and time-consuming repairs to our fleet.
The Raechel and Jacqueline Houck Safe Rental Car Act of 2015 prohibits us from renting or selling vehicles with open federal safety recalls and requires us to repair or address these recalls. If a large number of vehicles are the subject of a recall at one time, or if needed replacement parts or skilled labor are not in adequate supply, we may not be able to service all of our available demand for a significant period of time. The potential impact of a recall may be particularly severe if it impacts a model that comprises a significant proportion of our fleet, or parts that are common across numerous model types. These types of disruptions could jeopardize our ability to fulfill existing contractual commitments or satisfy demand for our vehicles and could also result in the loss of business to competitors whose fleets are not similarly impacted. Depending on the severity of any recall, it could materially adversely affect, among other things, our revenues, create customer service problems, present liability claims, reduce the residual value of the recalled vehicles and harm our general reputation.
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RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS
Our vehicle rental business is particularly sensitive to reductions in the levels of business and leisure travel.
The vehicle rental industry is particularly affected by changes in the demand for business and leisure travel, especially with respect to levels of airline passenger traffic. Reductions in levels of air travel, whether caused by general economic conditions including inflation, higher airfare costs or other events such as work stoppages, military conflicts, terrorist incidents, civil unrest, cybersecurity incidents, natural disasters, epidemic or pandemic diseases, government shutdowns, recessions or other economic or labor market downturns, or the response of governments to any of these events, could have a material adverse effect on the demand for vehicle rentals overall and for our rental vehicles in particular.
For example, business and leisure travel were significantly adversely affected in all global markets by the COVID-19 pandemic and the unprecedented measures taken by governments and businesses in response resulted in a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows. Some categories of travel, such as business travel, have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. Resurgence of the COVID-19 virus or variants thereof, or other global or regional health crises, could have similar impacts.
Similarly, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant increase in the use of conferencing and collaboration technology for business, as well as greater shifts to remote work and essential-only travel. A continuation of these trends could result in a prolonged decrease in demand for business-related travel, which could materially and adversely affect demand for our rental vehicles for business travel over the long-term.
In addition to being impacted by broad-based travel trends, our results of operations and financial condition are impacted by more local trends. We derive significant revenues from key leisure destinations, including California, Florida, Hawaii, New York and Texas in the U.S. and major cities in Europe. Travel to leisure destinations is dependent upon the ability and willingness of consumers to travel on vacation, which in turn is impacted by a variety of factors, including weather and climate-related events, geopolitical dynamics in a location and the effect of economic cycles on consumers’ discretionary travel. Uncertainty in overall consumer sentiment in the current economic environment, coupled with military conflicts, such as between Russia and Ukraine, may adversely affect leisure travel to certain key markets, and thus have a negative impact on our business.
Our business is highly seasonal and any occurrence that disrupts rental activity during our peak periods could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.
The second and third quarters of the year have historically been the strongest quarters for our vehicle rental business due to increased levels of leisure travel during the summer months in the geographies where we generate most of our revenue. We seek to manage seasonal increases in demand by increasing our available fleet and staff during peak periods, but we may not always be successful in doing so. Any circumstance, occurrence or situation that disrupts rental activity during our peak periods, or our inability to effectively meet heightened demand in those periods, could have a materially adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.
We may be unable to accurately estimate future levels of rental activity and adjust the number, location and mix of vehicles used in our rental operations accordingly.
Vehicle costs typically represent our largest expense and vehicle purchases are often made weeks or months in advance of the expected use of the vehicle. Accordingly, our business is dependent upon the ability of our management to accurately estimate future levels of rental activity and consumer preferences with respect to the mix of vehicles used in our rental operations and the location of those vehicles. If we are unable to purchase a sufficient number of vehicles, or the right types of vehicles, to meet consumer demand, we may lose revenue or market share to our competitors. If we purchase too many vehicles, our Vehicle Utilization could be adversely affected and we may not be able to dispose of excess vehicles in a timely and cost-effective manner. If our fleet management
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systems are unable to accurately estimate future levels of rental activity and determine the appropriate mix of vehicles to purchase and maintain in our rental operations, the results may be obsolescence and excessive aging of fleet, the inability to sell fleet at adequate prices, sub-optimal fleet size and utilization, increased fleet costs, lower customer satisfaction, lost or missing fleet assets, reduced margins and cash flows and other unfavorable consequences, which may materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.
Our EV strategy may not be as successful as we anticipate.
We have an EV strategy focused on electrification and advancing mobility. There are a number of risks associated with our EV strategy, including but not limited to the following:
• Volatility in the pricing of new EVs by manufacturers, which can impact the residual values of EVs in our fleet;
• The timeline for the build out of the charging infrastructure that is needed to fully support an increase in EVs generally for the public, our ability to facilitate access to that infrastructure for our customers, and our ability to develop our own charging infrastructure;
• Demand for EVs, which may be impacted by customer sentiment regarding EVs overall, including with respect to the reliability and safety of EVs and access to charging infrastructure;
• The frequency of damage and collision to EVs, which may be impacted by lack of familiarity by drivers;
• Our ability to successfully deploy EVs to ride share drivers;
• Costs associated with maintaining or repairing EVs and related infrastructure, which may remain elevated until the market for labor and parts for EV and EV infrastructure repair and maintenance matures;
• Our ability to secure adequate EV supply within the time frame we, and our customers, expect;
• Our ability to attract, retain and train talent that is capable of managing an EV fleet;
• Risks related to the battery cells on which EVs depend, including the safety of such products and the associated need to maintain and significantly grow access to battery cells and raw materials;
• Risks related to the data connectivity and the technology upon which the success of these initiatives will rely, such as risks of unauthorized access to modify or use such technology; and
• Possible competition from other vehicle rental providers or mobility industry participants that may implement similar strategies and the possibility that our EV initiatives are not as successful with our consumer base as anticipated.
Moreover, although we are sourcing EVs from a growing number of manufacturers, in the near term, we remain exposed to a number of risks related to the potential concentration of EV makes and models in our fleet, including the risk that a malfunction, recall or lack of availability of replacement parts or skilled labor for a particular EV make and model could have an outsized impact on our ability to offer EVs, or that demand from our customers for the particular EVs we acquire may be lower than we anticipate.
We generally believe that demand for EVs by ride share drivers is a growth opportunity, and that, as a result, ride share rentals are a key element of our electrification strategy and also subject to the factors described above. Furthermore, the success of our ride share rentals are dependent on continuation of our partnerships with key ride share companies, and any disruption or termination of those partnerships could materially adversely affect ride share rentals and our overall EV strategy.
In addition, the success of our strategic initiatives related to EVs depends, in part, on the economics ultimately associated with EVs, including depreciation rates and residual values of EVs and the cost of financing EVs, which will impact the attractiveness of our EVs to us and our customers. These economics are evolving due to the developing nature of the EV market. Outcomes associated with these economic factors could materially impact the success of such initiatives.
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS (Continued)
In December 2023, we made the decision to significantly reduce the size of our global EV fleet and initiated EV vehicle dispositions, which are expected to take place over the course of 2024. Our decision to reduce our EV fleet resulted in the recognition, during the fourth quarter of 2023, of $245 million of incremental net depreciation expense related to the sale. While we expect that this action will better balance supply against expected demand of EVs, position us to eliminate a disproportionate number of lower margin rentals and reduce collision and damage expense associated with EVs, as well as ultimately improve our financial results, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to execute EV dispositions so that the expected benefits of this action will materialize.
If we do not adequately address potential risks related to EVs, our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows may be adversely impacted and our ability to pursue our EV initiatives could be compromised.
We may fail to adequately respond to changes in technology that are impacting the mobility industry.
The mobility industry has recently been characterized by rapid changes in technology innovation and deployment to address evolving customer demands, improve operational efficiency and disrupt competitive dynamics. Examples include technology solutions designed to: address increasing customer expectations, improve vehicle maintenance and utilization and enable traditional and non-traditional competitors to introduce transportation offerings, consumption models and vehicle platforms, including EVs and autonomous vehicles and other potentially disruptive technologies. Our ability to continually improve our technology platforms, processes and products in this environment is essential to maintain a competitive position in customer satisfaction, market share and cost structure.
Due to natural complexity in technology innovation, potentially high costs of certain initiatives, and the competition for talent in the technology space, we may experience technical or other difficulties that could delay or prevent the development, introduction or marketing of new products or enhanced product offerings. These challenges related to emerging technology may result in loss of competitive differentiation, margin erosion, declining market share, inability to achieve our strategic initiatives, inefficient or outdated service delivery platforms, inability to attract or retain key talent and other unfavorable consequences that may materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.
We face intense competition that may lead to downward pricing or an inability to increase prices.
We believe that price is one of the primary competitive factors in the vehicle rental market and various factors beyond our control may prevent us from pricing our offerings at a level that we believe is appropriate for the quality and service we offer, or that is necessary to fund reinvestments in innovative offerings for customers. Technology has enabled cost-conscious customers, including business travelers, to compare rates available from rental companies more easily, and for competitors to monitor our pricing decisions in real time. Our competitors, some of whom may have greater resources and better access to capital than us, may seek to reduce prices in order to, among other things, attempt to gain a competitive advantage, capture share in a particular geography or class of rental, or compensate for declines in rental activity.
Additionally, pricing in the vehicle rental industry is impacted by the supply of vehicles available for rent. Any significant fluctuations in the supply of rental vehicles available in the market due to unexpected changes in demand, supply chain disruptions, residual value declines or actions taken by our competitors could require us to make changes to our pricing. Our ability to compete effectively depends, in part, on our ability to maintain a competitive and agile cost structure. If we cannot maintain our costs at a competitive level and with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, then our business could be materially adversely affected.
We also compete with non-traditional companies for vehicle rental market share, including auto manufacturers, ride-hailing and car sharing companies and other competitors in the mobility industry. To the extent we do not react appropriately to our competition or optimize our revenue and pricing strategies to react to the actions of these competitors, we may experience sub-optimal pricing, sub-optimal asset utilization, poor customer satisfaction, lost revenue and other unfavorable consequences which may materially adversely affect our revenues and results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS (Continued)
We rely on third-party distribution channels for a significant amount of our revenues and adverse changes in our access to, prominence within, cost to participate in, or volume delivered pursuant to these distribution channels could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Third-party distribution channels account for a significant amount of our vehicle rental reservations. These third-party distribution channels include traditional and online travel agencies, third-party internet sites, airlines and hotel companies, marketing partners such as credit card companies and membership organizations and global distribution systems that allow travel agents, travel service providers and customers to connect directly to our reservations systems. Loss of access to or prominence within any of these channels, changes in pricing or commission structures or other terms within these channels, or a reduction in transaction volume through these channels could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations, liquidity and cash flows, particularly if our customers are unable to access our reservation systems through alternate channels.
If our customers develop loyalty to internet travel intermediaries rather than our brands, our business and revenues could be adversely affected.
Certain internet travel intermediaries, such as online travel agencies and third-party internet sites, use generic indicators of the type of vehicle (such as “standard” or “compact”) at the expense of brand identification. In addition, some intermediaries have launched their own loyalty programs to develop loyalties to their reservation system rather than to our brands. If the volume of sales made through internet travel intermediaries increases significantly and consumers develop stronger loyalties to these intermediaries than to our brands, or if our market share suffers due to lower levels of customer loyalty, our business and our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows could be adversely affected.
Our commercial off airport leases and airport concession agreements expose us to numerous risks that could cause our financial results to suffer.
We maintain a substantial network of vehicle rental locations at off airport and airport locations in the U.S. and internationally. If we are unable to continue operating these facilities at their current locations due to the termination of leases or the termination of vehicle rental concessions at airports, which comprise a majority of our revenues, our operating results could be adversely affected. These leases and concession agreements typically include minimum payment obligations that are required even if our volume significantly declines, which could increase our costs as a percentage of revenues. In addition, if the costs of these leases and/or concession agreements increase and we are unable to increase our pricing structure to offset the increased costs, our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows could be adversely affected.
Maintaining favorable brand recognition is essential to our success, and failure to do so could materially adversely affect our business.
Our business is heavily dependent upon the favorable brand recognition that our “Hertz”, “Dollar” and “Thrifty” brand names have in the markets in which they participate. Factors affecting brand recognition are often outside our control, and our efforts to maintain or enhance favorable brand recognition, such as marketing and advertising campaigns, may not have their desired effects. Negative claims or publicity regarding, among other things, our Company or our operations, offerings, practices, or customer service may damage our brands or reputation, even if such claims are untrue. In addition, although our licensing partners are subject to contractual requirements to protect our brands, it may be difficult to monitor or enforce such requirements, particularly in foreign jurisdictions, and various laws may limit our ability to enforce the terms of these agreements or to terminate the agreements. Any decline in perceived favorable recognition of our brands or damage to our reputation could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS (Continued)
RISK RELATED TO OUR EMPLOYEES
The ability to attract and retain front-line employees and senior management is critical to the success of our business.
The success of our business depends on our ability to hire and retain front-line employees, senior management and other key personnel in sufficient numbers and with the necessary skills to meet demand. We develop and maintain a talent management strategy that defines current and future talent requirements (e.g., experience, skills, location requirements, timing, etc.) based on our strategic direction, actively conduct talent reviews and succession planning to be prepared if executives, managers or other key personnel resign, retire or their service is otherwise interrupted, and we strive to maintain competitive compensation and benefits, employee development and retention programs and build an inclusive culture. Competition for qualified employees is intense, particularly with respect to technology roles that are critical to our strategic and IT initiatives. Changing employee expectations about remote work and workplace flexibility complicate our employee recruiting, retention and talent management strategies. In addition, recent inflationary trends overall have driven market pressure for increased wages, and declines in our share price have impacted the retention value of existing equity awards. If we do not succeed in building and maintaining our talent pipeline through attracting and retaining qualified personnel, particularly at the management level, our ability to execute our business plan may be adversely affected, which could harm our operating results or financial condition. In addition, we may find it difficult to hire and retain a sufficient number of qualified front-line employees to meet demand at certain locations. Overall, the failure of our talent management strategies could result in inadequate staffing levels, declines in customer satisfaction, an inability to execute our business plan, eroding employee morale and productivity, an increase in operating expenses or an inability to achieve internal control, regulatory or other compliance-related requirements.
We may face issues with our union-represented employees.
Active labor contracts covering the terms of employment for the Company's union-represented employees in the U.S. are presently in effect, many of which cover employees at our larger airport locations, primarily with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the International Association of Machinists. These contracts are renegotiated periodically, and we anticipate renegotiating labor contracts with approximately 45% of these employees in 2024. Failure to negotiate a new labor agreement when required could result in a work stoppage. Although we believe that our labor relations have generally been good, it is possible that we could become subject to additional work rules imposed by agreements with labor unions, or that contract extensions, work stoppages or other labor disturbances could occur in the future. In addition, our non-union-represented workforce has been subject to unionization efforts in the past, and we could be subject to future unionization, which could lead to increases in our operating costs and/or constraints on our operating flexibility.
RISKS RELATED TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, CYBERSECURITY AND PRIVACY
Cybersecurity threats continue to increase in frequency and sophistication, and a successful cybersecurity attack could interrupt or disrupt our information technology systems, or those of our third-party service providers, which could, among other things, disrupt our business, force us to incur costs or cause reputational harm.
We encounter continuous risk of exposure to cyber attacks and other security threats to our information networks and systems, as well as those of our third-party service providers, and the information stored on those networks and systems. Cyber attacks are increasing in their frequency, sophistication and intensity, have become increasingly difficult to detect, and may be exacerbated at any time by escalation of geopolitical tensions. Cyber attacks vary in their form and can include the deployment of harmful malware or ransomware, denial-of-services attacks, and other attacks, which are intended to affect business continuity and threaten the availability, confidentiality and integrity of our information. Cyber attacks can also include fraud, phishing or other social engineering attempts or other methods to cause confidential information, payments or other data to be transmitted to an unintended recipient. Cyber threat actors also attempt to exploit vulnerabilities through software that is commonly used by companies in cloud-based services, programs and bundled software. Like many other companies, we detect attempts by threat
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS (Continued)
actors to gain access to our systems and networks on a frequent basis, and the frequency of such attempts could increase in the future. At this time, we do not have any indication that any cybersecurity incidents have had a material effect on our business, operations or financial condition. We have invested in the protection of data and information technology, and actively work to enhance our business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities; however, there can be no assurance that our efforts will be successful.
We monitor our obligations under and compliance with global laws requiring information security safeguards and notification in the event of a security breach. We respond to security threats by utilizing procedures that provide for controls on detecting and addressing cybersecurity threats and communicating information to senior personnel and security representatives that we retain. We have also taken steps to assess cybersecurity at third parties, including service providers, licensees and franchisees, that handle, possess, process and store our material information. We require these third parties to maintain certain security controls. However, because of the rapidly changing nature and sophistication of security threats, which can be difficult to detect, there can be no guarantee that our controls, policies and procedures have or will detect or prevent all of these threats, and we cannot predict the full impact of any past or future incident.
A cyber attack of our information or systems, or any failure by us or our third-party service providers to effectively address, enforce and maintain our information technology infrastructure and cybersecurity requirements may result in substantial harm to our business and financial condition, including major disruptions to business operations, loss of intellectual property, release of confidential information, malicious corruption of data or systems, costs related to remediation or the payment of ransom, and litigation including individual claims or consumer class actions, administrative, and civil or criminal investigations or actions, regulatory intervention and sanctions or fines, investigation and remediation costs and possible prolonged negative publicity.
Our customers’ information, including their loyalty account login information, can be a target for cyber criminals. Given customers may share common credentials across multiple sites, a compromise of one site can provide cyber criminals the means to compromise customer accounts of other merchants and any customer information contained therein.
Although we maintain a cyber insurance policy, there is no guarantee that such coverage will be sufficient to address costs, liabilities and damages we may incur in connection with a cybersecurity incident or that such coverage will continue to be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all.
Our business is heavily reliant upon information technology systems, some of which are managed, hosted, provided or used by third parties, including cloud-based service providers, and any significant failures or disruptions to these systems could adversely impact our business.
Our ability to, among other things, accept reservations, process rental and sales transactions, manage our pricing, manage our revenue earning vehicles, manage our financing arrangements, account for our activities and otherwise conduct our business depends on the performance and availability of our networks and systems, as well as those of third-party cloud-based providers and other service providers. We have experienced, and from time to time in the future may experience, a failure or interruption that results in the unavailability of certain information systems. Additionally, our major information technology systems, reservations and accounting functions are centralized in a few locations worldwide. Any disruption, termination or substandard provision of services, including by third-party cloud providers or other service providers, whether as the result of localized conditions (e.g., fire or explosion), failure of our systems to function as designed, as the result of a cybersecurity incident or as the result of events or circumstances of broader geographic impact (e.g., earthquake, storm, flood, epidemic, strike, act of war, civil unrest or terrorist act), could materially adversely affect our business by disrupting normal reservations, customer service, accounting and technology functions; interfering with our ability to manage our vehicles; delaying or disrupting rental and sales processes; adversely affecting our ability to comply with our financing arrangements; and otherwise impacting our ability to manage our business. These events could, individually or in the aggregate, lead to lower revenues, increased costs or other adverse effects on our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows, and reputational harm, any of which may be material.
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If we fail to maintain, upgrade and consolidate our information technology systems, our business could be adversely affected.
In the ordinary course of our business, we evaluate, upgrade and consolidate our information technology systems, including by making changes to legacy systems, replacing legacy systems with successor systems with new functionality, outsourcing certain systems, and acquiring new systems with new functionality. We deploy significant capital expenditures in connection with these activities. If we fail to maintain effective technology enablement and processes, we may be unable to support business growth expectations, and such failure could result in excessive overhead costs, high rates of transaction failures and rework, detrimental impact to customers, cybersecurity threats or incidents, excessive write-offs, service quality issues, declining employee morale, loss of key talent and other unfavorable consequences. If we fail to effectively implement system upgrades, system changes or our outsourcing plans, we may negatively impact our ability to manage our business, disrupt our internal control structure, incur additional administration and operating expenses, place undue demands on management time, and experience other negative impacts associated with delays or difficulties in transitioning to new systems. Although we have made progress to reduce the number of aged systems, such risks are elevated when legacy systems and infrastructure updates are delayed or otherwise not made on a timely basis, which can result in a heightened security risk. In addition, the implementation of our technology initiatives and systems, including updates to legacy systems, may cause disruptions in our business operations by severely degrading performance or a complete loss of service and have an adverse effect on our business and operations if not anticipated and appropriately mitigated.
The misuse or theft of information we possess, including as a result of cybersecurity attacks, could harm our brand, reputation or competitive position and give rise to liabilities which may materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.
In the normal course of business, we regularly collect, process and store information about millions of individuals and businesses, including both payment card information and other sensitive and confidential personal information. In addition, our customers regularly transmit personal information and other sensitive and confidential information to us via the internet and through other electronic means. Despite the security measures and compliance programs we currently maintain and monitor, our facilities, vehicles and systems and those of our third-party service providers may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could unexpectedly compromise information security. Unauthorized parties may also attempt to gain access to our facilities or systems, or those of third parties with whom we do business, through fraud, misrepresentation, or other forms of deception or attack. We and our service providers may not anticipate or prevent all types of attempts to obtain unauthorized access, and techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to systems change frequently. For example, i n recent years, many companies have been subject to high-profile security breaches that involved sophisticated and targeted attacks on the company’s infrastructure and the compromise of non-public sensitive and confidential information. These attacks were often not recognized or detected until after the disclosure of sensitive information notwithstanding the preventive and anticipative measures the companies had maintained. Although we evaluate our security throughout our business and make appropriate changes to our operating processes, improve our defenses and implement security measures designed to safeguard our systems and data, our efforts may not meet the ever evolving level of sophistication of the attacks or our measures may not be sufficient to maintain the confidentiality, security, or availability of the data we collect, store, and use to operate our business. Additionally, any failure to manage information privacy in compliance with applicable laws, whether as a result of our own error or the error or malfeasance of others, could result in significant regulatory fines and sanctions, litigation, prolonged negative publicity, data breaches, declining customer confidence, loss of key customers, employee liability, and other unfavorable consequences.
We may face particular data protection, data security and privacy risks in connection with the European Union's Global Data Protection Regulation, the California Consumer Privacy Act and other privacy laws and regulations.
Our business requires the secure processing and storage of personal information relating to our customers, employees, business partners and others. Strict data privacy laws regulating the collection, transmission, storage and use of employee data and consumers’ personal information are continuously evolving in the European Union,
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS (Continued)
U.S. and other jurisdictions in which we operate. In particular, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (the “GDPR”) imposes compliance obligations for the collection, use, retention, security, processing, transfer and deletion of personally identifiable information of individuals. In addition, countries such as the United Kingdom have implemented the GDPR through their own legislation, for example, the UK Data Protection Act of 2018. Privacy laws in the U.S. include the California Consumer Privacy Act (the “CCPA”), as amended, as well as other similar state privacy laws, which expand the definition of personal information and may grant, among other things, individual rights to access and delete personal information, and the right to opt out of the sale of personal information. These laws and regulations can also impose significant forfeitures and penalties for noncompliance and afford private rights of action to individuals under certain circumstances.
We actively monitor compliance with data protection and privacy-related laws and other regulations, including pending legislation, in the jurisdictions we operate; however, these laws are developing rapidly and may create inconsistent or conflicting requirements. Changes in the legal and regulatory environments in the areas of customer and employee privacy, data security, and cross-border data flows could have a material adverse effect on our business, primarily through the regulation of our marketing and transaction processing activities, the limitation on the types of information that we may collect, process and retain, the resulting costs of complying with such legal and regulatory requirements and potential monetary forfeitures and penalties for noncompliance, which could be significant. Such regulations also may increase our compliance and administrative burden significantly and require us to invest resources and management attention in order to update our information technology systems to meet new requirements. Any failure to manage data privacy in compliance with applicable laws and regulations could result in significant regulatory fines and sanctions, litigation, prolonged negative publicity, data breaches, declining customer confidence, loss of key customers, employee liability, and other unfavorable consequences.
RISKS RELATED TO LEGAL, REGULATORY AND TAX MATTERS
Our foreign operations expose us to risks that may materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.
We generate a portion of our revenue outside the U.S., and operating in many different countries exposes us to varying risks, which include: (i) multiple, and sometimes conflicting, foreign regulatory requirements and laws that are subject to change and are often much different than the domestic laws in the U.S., including laws relating to taxes, automobile-related liability, insurance rates, insurance products, consumer privacy, data security, employment matters, cost and fee recovery, and the protection of our trademarks and other intellectual property; (ii) the effect of foreign currency translation risk, as well as limitations on our ability to repatriate income; (iii) varying tax regimes, including consequences from changes in applicable tax laws and our ability to repatriate cash from non-U.S. affiliates without adverse tax consequences; (iv) local ownership or investment requirements, as well as difficulties in obtaining financing in foreign countries for local operations; (v) changes in the proportion of revenue between countries with varying tax rates or imposition of global minimum tax rates; and (vi) political and economic instability, natural calamities, civil unrest, war, terrorism and other hostilities.
The effects of these risks may, individually or in the aggregate, materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.
The disposition of revenue earning vehicles may result in taxable income, which might not be fully offset by the taxable expense associated with newly purchased revenue earning vehicles.
We are permitted under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”) to expense, in the year of acquisition, 100% of the acquisition costs for vehicles purchased during the years 2017 through 2022. The TCJA reduces the expensing percentage ratably by 20% each year between 2023 and 2027. This reduction could result in tax depreciation and expensing of newly purchased vehicles that are significantly less than the tax cost associated with the disposition of vehicles. In addition, vehicles purchased using certain financing arrangements are not eligible for this accelerated depreciation election. If we choose to purchase vehicles using such financing arrangements, or if our existing financing arrangements are deemed not to qualify under the Code, our ability to claim accelerated expensing would be limited.
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS (Continued)
Further, a material and extended reduction in vehicle purchases by our U.S. vehicle rental business, for any reason, would similarly limit the amount of tax expense available to offset the tax cost associated with the disposition of vehicles.
Any of the foregoing developments could result in the requirement for us to make future material cash tax payments on the disposition of revenue earning vehicles, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.
Our ability to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) may be limited as a result of ownership change under Section 382 of the Code.
In general, Section 382 of the Code provides an annual limitation with respect to the ability of a corporation to utilize its NOLs and other tax attributes, as well as certain built-in-losses ("BILs"), against future taxable income in the event of a change in ownership. Limitations imposed on our ability to use NOLs, other tax attributes and BILs to offset future taxable income may cause U.S. federal income taxes to be paid earlier than otherwise would be paid if such limitations were not in effect and could cause such NOLs and other tax attributes to expire unused. Similar rules and limitations may apply for state and foreign income tax purposes. If we experience an ownership change, it is possible that a significant portion of our tax attributes could be limited for use to offset future taxable income.
We face risks related to liabilities and insurance.
Our businesses expose us to claims for personal injury, death and property damage resulting from the use of the vehicles rented or sold by us, and for employment-related injury claims by our employees. We are currently a defendant in numerous actions and have received numerous claims for which actions have not yet been commenced for public liability and property damage arising from the operation of motor vehicles rented from us. There can be no assurance that we will not be exposed to uninsured liability at levels in excess of our historical levels, that liabilities in respect of existing or future claims will not exceed the level of our insurance or reserves, that we will have sufficient capital available to pay any uninsured claims or that insurance with unaffiliated carriers will continue to be available to us on economically reasonable terms or at all. See Item 1, “Business - Insurance and Risk Management” and Note 14, "Contingencies and Off-Balance Sheet Commitments," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report.
In addition to litigation associated with our ongoing operations, we are a defendant in certain litigation related to our Chapter 11 Cases, including the case adversary proceeding captioned Wells Fargo Bank, National Association v. The Hertz Corporation, et. al. See Note 14, "Contingencies and Off-Balance Sheet Commitments," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report. We cannot predict the ultimate outcome or timing of this litigation, however, in light of the amount potentially at issue in the case, an adverse ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, followed by entry of an order of judgment, could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, particularly in the period in which an adverse judgment is entered.
Environmental laws and regulations and the costs of complying with them, or any liability or obligation imposed under them, could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.
We are subject to federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations in connection with our operations, including with respect to the ownership and operation of tanks for the storage of petroleum products, such as gasoline, diesel fuel and motor and used oils. We cannot guarantee that the tanks will remain free from leaks or that the use of these tanks will not result in significant spills or leakage. If a leak or a spill occurs, it is possible that the costs to investigate and remediate resulting impacts, as well as any associated fines, could be significant. Historically, we have indemnified property owners for the costs associated with remediating certain hazardous substance storage, recycling or disposal sites and, in some instances, for natural resource damages. Compliance with existing or future environmental laws and regulations may require material expenditures by us or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS (Continued)
cash flows. See Item 1, ‘‘Business—Government Regulation and Environmental Matters’’ in this 2023 Annual Report.
The U.S. Congress and other legislative and regulatory authorities in the U.S. and internationally have considered, and will likely continue to consider, and passed numerous measures related to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, such as the European Commission's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive ("CSRD"), the SEC's proposed climate disclosure requirements, the Climate Corporate Data and Accountability Act (“CCDAA”) and the Climate-Related Financial Risk Act (together with the CCDAA, the “California Climate Laws”). Should rules establishing limitations on greenhouse gas emissions or rules imposing fees on entities deemed to be responsible for greenhouse gas emissions become effective, demand for our services could be affected, our vehicle and compliance, and/or other, costs could increase, and our business could be adversely affected.
Changes in the legal and regulatory environment that affect our operations could disrupt our business, increase our expenses or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.
We are subject to a wide variety of U.S. and international laws and regulations and changes in the level of government regulation of our business that have the potential to materially alter our business practices and materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows. Those changes may occur through new laws and regulations or changes in the interpretation of existing laws and regulations.
For example, any new, or change in existing, U.S. law and regulation with respect to optional insurance products or policies could increase our costs of compliance or make it uneconomical to offer such products. For further discussion regarding how changes in the regulation of insurance intermediaries may affect us, see Item 1, ‘‘Business—Insurance and Risk Management’’ in this 2023 Annual Report. If customers decline to purchase supplemental liability insurance products from us as a result of any changes in these laws or otherwise, our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
Also, we derive revenue through rental activities of our brands under franchise and license arrangements. These arrangements are subject to various international, federal and state laws and regulations that impose limitations on our interactions with our counterparties. In addition, the used-vehicle sale industry, including our network of company-operated retail vehicle sales locations, is subject to a wide range of federal, state and local laws and regulations, such as those relating to motor vehicle sales, retail installment sales and related finance and insurance matters, advertising, licensing, consumer protection and consumer privacy. Changes in the laws and regulations that impact our franchising and licensing agreements or our used-vehicle sales operation could adversely affect our results.
In most jurisdictions where we operate, we pass-through various expenses, including the recovery of vehicle licensing costs and airport concession fees, to our rental customers as separate charges. We believe that our expense pass-throughs, where imposed, are properly disclosed and are lawful. However, in the event of incorrect calculations or disclosures with respect to expense pass-throughs, or a successful challenge to the methodology we have used for determining our expense pass-through treatment, we could be subject to fines or other liabilities. In addition, we may in the future be subject to potential legislative, regulatory or administrative changes or actions which could limit, restrict or prohibit our ability to separately state, charge and recover vehicle licensing costs and airport concession fees.
Certain proposed or enacted laws and regulations with respect to the banking and finance industries, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (including risk retention requirements) and amendments to the SEC's rules relating to asset-backed securities, could restrict our access to certain financing arrangements and increase our financing costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.
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We are subject to many different forms of taxation in various jurisdictions throughout the world, which could lead to disagreements with tax authorities regarding the application of tax laws.
We are subject to many forms of taxation in the jurisdictions throughout the world in which we operate, including, but not limited to, income tax, withholding tax, indirect tax, and payroll-related taxes. Tax law and administration are extremely complex and often require us to make subjective determinations. For example, in accordance with Section 482 of the Code and the OECD guidelines, we have established transfer pricing policies to govern our intercompany operations. Implementing transfer pricing policies can be extremely complex. Tax authorities could disagree with our policies, which disagreements could result in lengthy legal disputes and, ultimately, the payment of substantial funds to government authorities, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.
An impairment of our goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets could have a material impact to our results of operations.
On an annual basis as of October 1, and at interim periods when circumstances require as a result of a triggering event, we test the recoverability of our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets by performing an impairment analysis. The reviews of fair value involve judgment and estimates, including projected revenues, projected cash flows, long-term growth rates, royalty rates and discount rates. A significant decline in any of the items used to determine fair value, as well as other triggering events, could result in a material impairment charge. For details of our annual impairment testing, see Note 5, "Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report.
Changes in management’s estimates and assumptions could have a material impact to our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.
In preparing our periodic reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including our financial statements, our management is required under applicable rules and regulations to make estimates and assumptions as of a specified date. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and experience as of that date and are subject to substantial risk and uncertainty. Materially different results may occur as circumstances change and additional information becomes known. Areas requiring significant estimates and assumptions by management include depreciation for revenue earning vehicles; accruals for estimated liabilities, including public liability, property damage and litigation reserves; the recoverability of our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets; and income taxes. Changes in estimates or assumptions or the information underlying the assumptions, such as changes in our business or fleet plans or the market for used vehicles, or general market conditions, could affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities or expenses.
Our global business requires a compliance program to promote organizational adherence to applicable laws and regulations, and if the compliance program does not operate as designed, it can increase numerous risks to the Company.
We have a compliance program that promotes a culture of ethical behavior and adherence to applicable laws and regulations. The program is designed to: (i) identify applicable anti-bribery requirements (e.g., laws limiting commercial bribery and corruption); (ii) identify applicable antitrust requirements (e.g., laws to prevent price fixing, contract rigging, market or customer allocations, etc.); (iii) interpret the application of such requirements; (iv) educate target audiences; and (v) provide independent, ongoing compliance monitoring.
Operating in many different countries increases the risk of a violation, or alleged violation, of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the United Kingdom Bribery Act, other applicable anti-corruption laws and regulations, the economic sanctions programs administered by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control and the anti-boycott regulations administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Office of Anti-Boycott Compliance. The failure of our compliance program to operate as designed can result in a failure to comply with applicable laws, which could result in significant penalties or otherwise harm the Company’s reputation and business. There can be no guarantee that all of our employees, contractors and agents will comply with the
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Company’s policies that mandate compliance with these laws. Violations of these laws could result in legal and regulatory sanctions, increased litigation and fines, prolonged negative publicity, diminished investor confidence, declining employee morale and other unfavorable consequences, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.
Hertz Holdings is a holding company with no operations of its own and depends on its subsidiaries for cash.
The operations of Hertz Holdings are conducted nearly entirely through its subsidiaries and its ability to generate cash to meet its debt service obligations or to pay dividends on its common stock is dependent on the earnings and the receipt of funds from its subsidiaries via return of paid-in capital, dividends or intercompany loans. However, none of the subsidiaries of Hertz Holdings are obligated to make funds available to Hertz Holdings for the payment of dividends or the service of its debt. In addition, certain states' laws and the terms of certain of our debt agreements significantly restrict, or prohibit, the ability of Hertz and its subsidiaries to pay dividends, make loans or otherwise transfer assets to Hertz Holdings, including state laws that require dividends to be paid only from surplus. If Hertz Holdings does not receive cash from its subsidiaries, then Hertz Holdings' financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
Failure to meet ESG expectations or standards or achieve our corporate responsibility goals could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
There has been an increased focus from stakeholders and activists on the environmental, social and governance performance of companies, including environmental stewardship (e.g., climate, sustainability and water use); diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; sourcing and supply chain activities; human capital and rights records; and overall corporate governance profile. This has resulted in expanding and increasingly complex expectations related to reporting, diligence, and disclosure on ESG topics, as well as pressure to modify product offerings and business practices to drive change on these issues. These developments and other rapidly changing laws, regulations, policies and related interpretations, as well as increased enforcement actions by various governmental and regulatory agencies, may alter the environment in which we do business.
As the nature, scope and complexity of ESG reporting, diligence and disclosure requirements expand, including compliance with the European Commission’s CSRD, the SEC’s proposed disclosure requirements and the California Climate Laws regarding, among other matters, greenhouse gas emissions, we may have to undertake additional costs to control, assess and report on ESG metrics. Identifying, monitoring, quantifying, aggregating and disclosing the associated data and information relating to such issues can require significant investments of time and resources, both initially and as the requirements evolve over time, and may increase the ongoing costs of compliance, which could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, such data and information may be unreliable particularly when obtained from third parties.
Given our commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen, we actively monitor and manage ESG trends through various initiatives, which we may refine or expand further in the future, and we could be criticized for the scope or nature of our corporate responsibility goals, or for any revisions to our goals. Our failure or perceived failure to achieve our goals, maintain practices that align with stakeholder expectations for “best practices,” or comply with new ESG expectations and regulatory requirements could harm our reputation, adversely impact our ability to attract and retain customers and talent, and expose us to increased scrutiny from a range of stakeholders. Our reputation also may be harmed by the perceptions that our stakeholders have about our action or inaction on ESG-related issues. Damage to our reputation may reduce demand for our products and services and thus have an adverse effect on our future financial results.
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RISKS RELATED TO OUR INDEBTEDNESS
Our indebtedness exposes us to various risks, which could impair our financial condition.
As of December 31, 2023, we had total indebtedness of approximately $15.7 billion, including $12.2 billion of vehicle related debt and $3.4 billion of non-vehicle related debt. A portion of our indebtedness bears interest at variable rates, which exposes us to risks inherent in interest rate fluctuations and higher interest expenses in the event of continued increases in interest rates. See Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in this 2023 Annual Report for additional information related to interest rate risk.
Our ability to satisfy and manage our debt obligations depends on our ability to generate cash flow and on overall financial market conditions. Factors driving the overall condition of the financial markets are beyond our control. Furthermore, if we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to service our debt obligations and meet our other cash needs, we may experience limited access or be unable to access financial markets for additional capital and may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell or curtail assets or operations, or seek to restructure or refinance our indebtedness. If we must reduce or delay investment or sell or curtail our assets or operations, it may negatively affect our ability to generate revenue. Additionally, there can be no assurance that we would be able to borrow additional amounts or refinance our current indebtedness to fund working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, execution of our business strategy or acquisitions and other purposes on favorable terms.
Our reliance on asset-backed and asset-based financing arrangements to purchase vehicles subjects us to a number of risks, many of which are beyond our control.
We rely significantly on asset-backed and asset-based financing to purchase vehicles. If we are unable to refinance or replace our existing asset-backed and asset-based financing or continue to finance new vehicle acquisitions through asset-backed or asset-based financing on favorable terms, on a timely basis, or at all, then our costs of financing could increase significantly and have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, interest costs, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations, including, more broadly, the financial performance of the company.
Our asset-backed and asset-based financing capacity could be decreased, our financing costs and interest rates could be increased, or our future access to the financial markets could be limited, as a result of risks and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, including: (i) the acceptance by and/or demand from credit markets of the structures and structural risks associated with our asset-backed and asset-based financing arrangements; (ii) the credit ratings provided by credit rating agencies for our asset-backed indebtedness; (iii) third parties requiring changes in the terms and structure of our asset-backed or asset-based financing arrangements, including increased credit enhancement or required cash collateral and/or other liquid reserves; (iv) the insolvency or deterioration of the financial condition of one or more of our principal vehicle manufacturers; (v) changes in laws or regulations that negatively affect any of our asset-backed or asset-based financing arrangements; or (vi) the overall credit condition of The Hertz Corporation.
Our asset-backed and certain asset-based vehicle financing facilities include credit enhancement provisions that require us to provide cash or additional vehicle collateral in the event the estimated market values for the vehicles used as collateral decrease below net book values. As a result, reductions in the estimated market value of vehicles used as collateral could adversely affect our liquidity, cash flow, and, ultimately, the profitability of our company, or otherwise require us to use cash intended for other purposes as collateral, and potentially lead to decreased borrowing base availability. Similarly, if the demand for used vehicles were to decline, resulting in sales of vehicles below the net book value required by our asset-backed and certain asset-based financings, we may have difficulty meeting the minimum required collateral levels resulting in a contractual obligation to add additional collateral in the form of cash or additional vehicles to the under collateralized asset-backed and/or certain asset-based financing. In the event that we cannot post additional collateral, the principal under our asset-backed and certain asset-based financing arrangements may be required to be repaid sooner than anticipated with vehicle disposition proceeds and lease payments we make to our special-purpose financing subsidiaries. If that event were to occur (or any other
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS (Continued)
liquidation events), the holders of our asset-backed and certain asset-based debt may have the ability to exercise their right to, directly or indirectly, foreclose on and sell vehicles to generate proceeds sufficient to repay such debt.
Failure by us to have proper financing and debt management processes in place may result in cash shortfalls and liquidity problems, the need to seek emergency financing at high interest rates, violations of debt covenants, and an inability to execute strategic initiatives. These outcomes could negatively affect our liquidity and ability to maintain sufficient levels of revenue earning vehicles to meet customer demands, and could trigger cross-defaults under certain of our other financing arrangements.
Substantially all of our consolidated assets secure certain of our outstanding indebtedness, which could materially adversely affect our debt and equity holders and our business.
Substantially all of our consolidated assets are subject to security interests or are otherwise encumbered for the benefit of our creditors. The bulk of our consolidated assets consists of our revenue earning vehicles and certain related vehicle assets and are subject to security interests or are otherwise encumbered for the benefit of our asset-backed and asset-based financing arrangements. Substantially all of our remaining consolidated assets are encumbered by and pledged to our senior creditors as collateral for certain of our senior debt obligations. As a result of substantially all of our assets being encumbered for the benefit of certain creditors, our various secured creditors have liquidation priorities ahead of other stakeholders of our business.
Because substantially all of our assets are encumbered under financing arrangements, our ability to incur additional secured indebtedness or to sell or dispose of assets to raise capital may be impaired or contractually limited under our existing financings, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial flexibility and force us to attempt to incur additional unsecured indebtedness, which may not be available to us or may not be available to us at favorable rates and terms.
We may not be able to deduct certain business interest expenses, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and liquidity.
The TCJA, which was temporarily modified by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, imposed significant limitations on the deductibility of business interest expense under Section 163(j). These limitations could result in additional material cash tax payments that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and liquidity. Furthermore, in the event our debt instruments were to be recharacterized as equity for tax purposes, the Company would not be entitled to deduct the payments as interest and could be assessed withholding taxes on payments to certain lenders, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and liquidity.
RISKS RELATED TO OWNERSHIP OF OUR COMMON STOCK
We cannot guarantee that our share repurchase program will be fully consummated or that it will enhance long-term stockholder value. Share repurchases could also increase the volatility of our stock and could diminish our liquidity.
Our Board has authorized a share repurchase program that does not have an expiration date. The program does not obligate us to repurchase any specific dollar amount or to acquire any specific number of shares of our common stock. We cannot guarantee that the program will be fully consummated or that it will enhance long-term stockholder value. Furthermore, share repurchases could affect the market price of our common stock or increase its volatility and decrease our cash balances and/or our liquidity. Beginning in 2023, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 imposed a non-deductible 1% excise tax on the fair market value of share repurchases that exceed $1 million in a taxable year, which will increase the cost of our share repurchase program.
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS (Continued)
The share price of our common stock may be volatile.
Numerous factors, including many that are outside of our control, may have a significant impact on the market price of our common stock. These risks include those described or referred to in this “Risk Factors” section and in the other documents incorporated herein by reference as well as, among other things:
• our operating and financial performance and prospects;
• our successful execution of our business strategy, including with respect to successful deployment of our EV strategy;
• sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market, or the perception in the market that the holders of a large number of shares of common stock intend to sell;
• our ability to repay our debt;
• our access to financial and capital markets to refinance our debt or replace the existing credit facilities;
• investor perceptions of us and the industry and markets in which we operate;
• our dividend policy;
• future sales of equity or equity-related securities;
• announcements and actions filed by third parties of significant claims or proceedings against us;
• issuances of new or updated research reports by security or industry analysts, or those analysts not publishing or ceasing to publish reports about us, our industry or our market;
• changes in, or results that vary from, earnings estimates or buy/sell recommendations by analysts; and
• general financial, domestic, economic and other market conditions.
In addition, stock markets experience significant price and volume fluctuations from time to time that are not related to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may have material adverse effect on the share price of our common stock.
Anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents and under Delaware law, as well as ownership of a significant percentage of our common stock by the Plan Sponsors, could make an acquisition of us more difficult, limit attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management and may negatively affect the market price of our common stock.
Provisions in the Hertz Holdings Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control or changes in our management, including, generally, provisions that:
• do not provide cumulative voting in the election of directors, which limits the ability of minority stockholders to elect director candidates;
• provide for a classified Board with three-year staggered terms, which could delay the ability of stockholders to change the membership of a majority of the Board;
• allow for removal of directors only for cause;
• allow only the Board to fill a vacancy created by the expansion of the Board or the resignation, death, retirement, disqualification or removal of a director;
• require advance notice for stockholder proposals to be brought before a meeting of stockholders, including proposed nominations of persons for election to the Board;
• only allow stockholder action to be taken at an annual or special meeting;
• limit the ability of stockholders to call a special meeting; and
• authorize blank check preferred stock.
These provisions may make it more difficult for stockholders to replace members of our Board, which is responsible for appointing the members of our management. In addition, we have elected not to be governed by Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "DGCL"), which generally prohibits a Delaware
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS (Continued)
corporation from engaging in any of a broad range of business combinations with a stockholder owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock, unless the stockholder has held the stock for a period of at least three years.
The significant ownership interests held by our Plan Sponsors, which we believe as of December 31, 2023, exceeded 50% of our outstanding common stock (without taking into account the dilutive impact of outstanding Public Warrants) means that the Plan Sponsors have the ability to control matters requiring stockholder approval, such as director elections, amendments to the Hertz Holdings Certificate of Incorporation and significant corporate transactions. With respect to such matters, the Plan Sponsors’ interests may not align with those of other stockholders or they may take actions that other stockholders do not view as beneficial. This could delay or prevent a change of control transaction or discourage a potential acquirer from pursuing such a transaction, which transaction might have otherwise been of benefit to the other stockholders. The Plan Sponsors’ ownership may also adversely affect the trading price for our common stock if potential investors perceive disadvantages in investing in a company with controlling stockholders.
The choice of forum provision in our Certificate of Incorporation could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or agents.
Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that, unless we consent in writing to an alternative forum, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (the “Court of Chancery”) is the sole and exclusive forum for any stockholder to bring any state law claim for: (1) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; (2) any action asserting a claim of a breach of fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer, employee, or agent of the Company to us or to our stockholders; (3) any action asserting a claim against us arising pursuant to the DGCL, our Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws; (4) any action or proceeding as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery; and (5) any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. In addition, the choice of forum provision provides that, unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, claims brought under the Securities Act must be brought exclusively in the federal district courts of the United States. The choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or agents, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and agents. Alternatively, if a court were to find the choice of forum provision contained in our Certificate of Incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business and financial condition.
GENERAL RISK FACTORS
A business continuity plan is necessary for our global business, and the failure of such plan may materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.
We have a business continuity management plan designed to: (i) identify key assets, operations and underlying threats; (ii) define and assess relevant threats (e.g., natural disasters, pandemics, civil unrest, terrorism, etc.) on business operations; (iii) develop and maintain disaster recovery strategies and business resumption plans to minimize the impact of both known and unknown threats; and (iv) test the adequacy of our action plans. If our business continuity management plan fails to operate as intended, we may experience significant business disruptions, release of confidential information, malicious corruption of data, regulatory intervention and sanctions, prolonged negative publicity, litigation and liabilities, product and service quality failures, irreparable harm to customer relationships and other unfavorable consequences which may materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.
Our results of operations and share price could be adversely affected if we are unable to maintain effective internal controls.
The accuracy of our financial reporting is dependent on the effectiveness of our internal controls. We are required to provide a report from management to our shareholders on our internal control over financial reporting that includes an assessment of the effectiveness of these controls. Internal control over financial reporting has inherent
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS (Continued)
limitations, including human error, the possibility that controls could be circumvented or become inadequate because of changed conditions, and fraud. Because of these inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting might not prevent or detect all misstatements or fraud. If we cannot maintain and execute adequate internal control over financial reporting or implement required new or improved controls that provide reasonable assurance of the reliability of the financial reporting and preparation of our financial statements for external use, we could suffer harm to our reputation, incur incremental compliance costs, fail to meet our public reporting requirements on a timely basis, be unable to properly report on our business and our results of operations, or be required to restate our financial statements, and our results of operations, our share price and our ability to obtain new business could be materially adversely affected.
We may pursue strategic transactions, including acquisitions and divestitures, which could be difficult to implement, disrupt our business or change our business profile significantly.
Any future strategic acquisition or disposition of assets or a business could involve numerous risks, including: (i) potential disruption of our ongoing business and distraction of management; (ii) difficulty integrating the acquired business or segregating assets and operations to be disposed of; (iii) exposure to unknown, contingent or other liabilities, including litigation arising in connection with the acquisition or disposition or against any business we may acquire; (iv) changing our business profile in ways that could have unintended negative consequences; and (v) the failure to achieve anticipated synergies. If we enter into significant strategic transactions, the related accounting charges may affect our financial condition and results of operations, particularly in the case of an acquisition. The financing of any significant acquisition may result in changes in our capital structure, including the incurrence of additional indebtedness. A material disposition could require the amendment or refinancing of our outstanding indebtedness or a portion thereof.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY
Risk Management and Strategy
Hertz maintains an enterprise-wide risk management ("ERM") process to identify, assess and monitor risks that are or may become material to our business. Our ERM process includes participation by senior management, other leaders, and employees across the business in surveys and discussions about the risk environment. An ERM committee meets regularly to discuss the Company’s top risks. Through our ERM process, we have identified cybersecurity as among the material risks in our business. To address this risk, we take a broad approach.
As an overarching matter, our Global Information Security and Compliance ("GISC") program drives initiatives to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our information systems and data. Our GISC program includes procedures that are specifically designed to detect and address cybersecurity threats. Our GISC program helps to ensure that we are:
• monitoring and tracking events on our network to appropriately respond;
• coordinating between the information security and physical security teams to identify and respond to threats;
• implementing appropriate tools to help in the protection of our data and information technology;
• monitoring government and industry sources for news of potential threats;
• maintaining policies and procedures to address data security and privacy topics, such as password management; and
• providing cybersecurity awareness training for employees.
Our GISC program also addresses business continuity planning, given the potential impact on business continuity of a cyber event. A cornerstone of our business continuity effort is our cyber incident response plan. The cyber incident
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ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY (Continued)
response plan provides a dynamic and flexible framework for responding to cybersecurity incidents. In addition to the cyber incident response plan, individual functions and Hertz locations maintain business continuity plans that identify critical business services, establish recovery objectives and create methods for implementing the plan in the event of business interruption due to a cyber or other event. Among the business continuity plans in place at the Company is a plan applicable to our data centers.
Given the dynamic nature of the cyber threat environment, we engage third-party assessors, consultants and others from time to time to assist us with assessing, enhancing, implementing, and monitoring our cybersecurity risk-management programs. We review the results of the assessments of these third parties and determine whether to adjust our cybersecurity policies and processes based thereon.
We also have a privacy and data security program, which covers the collection, transfer, storage and use of customer data. We take steps to prevent and detect cybersecurity threats to protect our information and systems, and in turn, protect our customers’ privacy.
Additionally, we have taken steps to address cybersecurity threats at third parties, including service providers, licensees and franchisees, that handle, possess, process and store our material information. We require these the third parties to maintain certain security controls and assess their compliance with these requirements.
We also monitor attempts by third parties to gain access to our systems and networks. At this time, we do not have any indication that any such prior attempts have had a material effect on our business, operations or financial condition. However, there can be no assurance that our cybersecurity efforts will always be successful, and it is possible that cybersecurity threats could have a material effect on our business, operations or financial condition in the future. See “Risks Related to Information Technology, Cybersecurity and Privacy” in Item 1A, "Risk Factors” of this 2023 Annual Report.
Governance
Our Board oversees material risks facing the Company. For some categories of risk, the Board has empowered a committee to provide more focused oversight. In the case of cybersecurity and technology risk more broadly, the Board’s Audit Committee has that responsibility.
The Audit Committee is informed of risks from cybersecurity threats through regular reports from management and, from time to time, third parties. The Audit Committee also receives regular reports on how management identifies, assesses, and manages cybersecurity and broader technology risks. The Audit Committee reviews these reports and discusses them with management.
The Audit Committee provides a regular report to the full Board on key aspects of management’s presentations on cybersecurity and broader technology risks. All members of the Board have access to written cybersecurity reports that are provided to the Audit Committee. Audit Committee conversations on cybersecurity topics are open to any member of the Board.
While our Board and Audit Committee oversee risk, our senior leadership is responsible for identifying, assessing, and managing our exposure to risk, including risks from cybersecurity threats. Direct accountability of our cybersecurity program is housed within our Information Technology organization, which is led by our Chief Information Officer. Reporting to our Chief Information Officer is the individual who provides day-to-day oversight of our cybersecurity program and champions its ongoing evolution, our Chief Information Security Officer (“CISO”). Our CISO is responsible for assessing and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats, including monitoring the prevention, detection, mitigation and remediation of cybersecurity threats. The CISO oversees direct reports and leverages a multi-disciplinary team that regularly communicates with respect to our prevention, detection, mitigation and remediation of cybersecurity threats and incidents. The team consists of individuals that represent various organizations and departments across the Company who have knowledge, skills and expertise to respond to a cybersecurity incident. Our CISO coordinates with the Company’s disclosure teams relating to potentially material cybersecurity incidents, attends the Company’s disclosure committee meetings, and regularly discusses with the
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ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY (Continued)
Audit Committee the effectiveness of the Company’s technology security, capabilities for disaster recovery, data protection, cyber threat detection and cyber incident response and management of technology-related compliance risks.
Tim Langley-Hawthorne is our CIO and has served in this role since October 2021. Mr. Langley-Hawthorne has 11 years of experience in senior technology roles with cybersecurity responsibilities. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Langley-Hawthorne served as the Chief Information Officer at Hitachi Vantara, a hi-tech subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd. Prior to Hitachi, Mr. Langley-Hawthorne held various executive technology and operations positions at Western Union, as well as various IT, consulting and commercial roles at Information Services Group, Electronic Data Systems, and IBM Australia. Mr. Langley-Hawthorne holds an Executive MBA from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Melbourne, Australia.
We are currently completing the search for a new CISO, following the voluntary departure of the incumbent CISO. An accomplished information technology leader with 29 years of experience in the field and 20 months of experience with the Company is currently serving in the role on an interim basis.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We operate vehicle rental locations at or near airports and in central business districts and suburban areas of major cities in the U.S. The states of California, Florida, Hawaii, New York and Texas account for approximately 30% of our Americas RAC segment rental locations. We also operate vehicle rental operations internationally, where Australia, France, Germany, Italy and Spain account for approximately 30% of our International RAC segment rental locations.
We own approximately 5% of the locations from which we operate our vehicle rental businesses and in some cases own real property that we lease to franchisees or other third parties. The remaining locations from which we operate our vehicle rental businesses are leased or operated under concessions from governmental authorities and private entities. Our leases and concession agreements typically require minimum lease payments or minimum concession fees and often require us to pay or reimburse operating expenses, pay additional lease payments above guaranteed minimums, which are based on a percentage of revenues or sales at the relevant premises, or to do both.
We own our worldwide headquarters facility in Estero, Florida. We also own one facility in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at which reservations for our vehicle rental operations are processed, global information technology systems are serviced and certain finance and accounting functions are performed. Additionally, we have a 999-year lease for a reservation and financial center near Dublin, Ireland, at which we have centralized our European vehicle rental reservation, customer relations, accounting and human resource functions and we also lease a European headquarters office in Uxbridge, England.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
For a description of certain pending legal proceedings, see Note 14, "Contingencies and Off-Balance Sheet Commitments," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
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INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The table below sets forth, as of February 7, 2024, the names, ages, number of years employed by the Company and positions of our executive officers.
Name Age Number of Years Employed Position
Stephen M. Scherr 59 1 Chief Executive Officer
Alexandra D. Brooks 53 3 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Colleen R. Batcheler 50 1 Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Justin R. Keppy 51 — Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Eric J. Leef 50 3 Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
Kelly Galloway 39 9 Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
Mr. Scherr has served as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Company's Board since February 2022. Mr. Scherr was appointed Chairperson of the Board in January 2023. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Scherr spent nearly three decades at Goldman Sachs, leading a range of strategic and operational functions. He most recently served as Chief Financial Officer of Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. ("Goldman Sachs"), a global investment banking, securities and investment management firm, from 2018 through 2021, and CEO of Goldman Sachs Bank USA and Head of the Consumer & Commercial Bank Division from 2016 to 2018. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs, Mr. Scherr practiced law.
Ms. Brooks has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since July 2023. She previously served as Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer of the Company from October 2020 to July 2023 and as Senior Vice President, Internal Audit from June 2020 to October 2020. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Brooks was the Vice President, Internal Audit at Aptiv PLC (“Aptiv”), a global technology company, beginning May 2015. Before joining Aptiv, Ms. Brooks was the Chief Financial Officer for Champion Windows and Home Exteriors, a home improvement company, from 2013 to 2015. Prior to that, Ms. Brooks was in a variety of leadership roles at the General Electric Company, a multinational conglomerate, including Global Controller for the Aviation segment, Executive Technical Advisor to the Corporate Audit Staff, and Global Controller for the Plastics division. Ms. Brooks also worked at the General Motors Company in a variety of finance and accounting roles. She began her career with PricewaterhouseCoopers, a professional services firm, and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Ms. Batcheler has served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company since May 2022. Ms. Batcheler has more than 15 years of experience as a general counsel and senior leader of publicly-traded companies, and more than 20 years of experience practicing law. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Batcheler served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Conagra Brands, Inc. ("Conagra"), one of North America's leading branded food companies, from September 2009 to April 2022. Prior to that, she served in other senior management roles at Conagra since June 2006. Prior to joining Conagra, Ms. Batcheler served as Vice President and Corporate Secretary at Albertson's, Inc., Associate Counsel with The Cleveland Clinic Foundation and as an Associate with the law firm of Jones Day. Ms. Batcheler also has been a member of the board of directors of Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc., and its Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee since May 2023.
Mr. Keppy has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company since November 2023. He previously served as President, North America Residential & Light Commercial HVAC, for Carrier Global Corporation ("Carrier"), a leader in sustainable healthy buildings, HVAC, commercial and transport refrigeration solutions, since March 2020. Prior to that, Mr. Keppy was Carrier’s Vice President & General Manager, Truck Trailer Americas, within its Refrigeration segment, since November 2019. Prior to joining Carrier, Mr. Keppy served as Vice President, North America JIT for Lear Corporation, a leader in automotive technology, from June 2019 to November 2019, and as Vice President at Collins Aerospace, a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry, created through a merger of UTC Aerospace and Rockwell Collins’ aerospace business, from December 2018 to June 2019. Before the merger, Mr. Keppy served in a variety of
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INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (Continued)
leadership roles within UTC Aerospace Systems since August 2012, including serving as President, Sensors & Integrated Systems from July 2014 to December 2018.
Mr. Leef has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer of the Company since February 2021 and previously served as Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer beginning September 2020. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Leef served as Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer at Atria Senior Living, a provider of independent, assisted living and memory care options, from October 2019 to July 2020. Prior to that, Mr. Leef served as Executive Director, HR Client Support for GE and GE Appliances, a Haier Company that manufacturers appliances, from 2013 to September 2019 and held various other HR roles for GE Appliances since 2003.
Ms. Galloway has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of the Company since July 2023. She previously served as Senior Vice President and Controller from August 2020 to July 2023, as Vice President and Controller from August 2019 to August 2020, as Assistant Corporate Controller from August 2018 to August 2019, and in other accounting-related roles from September 2014 to August 2018. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Galloway held roles at Kforce and PricewaterhouseCoopers, both professional services firms, and is a Certified Public Accountant.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
HERTZ GLOBAL
Hertz Holdings' common stock and Public Warrants trade on The Nasdaq Global Select Market ("Nasdaq") under the symbols "HTZ" and "HTZWW," respectively. As of February 7, 2024, there were 863 holders of record of Hertz Holdings' common stock.
Hertz Holdings paid no cash dividends on its common stock in 2023 or 2022, and it does not expect to pay dividends on its common stock for the foreseeable future.
Since Hertz Holdings does not conduct business itself, any dividends on, and repurchases of, its common stock must be funded using dividends or amounts borrowed from Hertz or independent borrowings. The credit agreements governing Hertz's First Lien Credit Facilities and the indenture governing Hertz's Senior Notes Due 2026 and Senior Notes Due 2029 provide conditions that limit when Hertz can make dividends and certain other restricted payments, including restrictions for distributions to Hertz Holdings used to pay dividends on Hertz Holdings' common stock.
Repurchases of Equity Securities
Share Repurchase Programs for Common Stock
In November 2021, Hertz Global's independent Audit Committee recommended, and its Board approved, a share repurchase program that authorized the repurchase of up to $2.0 billion worth of shares of Hertz Global's outstanding common stock (the "2021 Share Repurchase Program"), which was announced on November 29, 2021. In 2022, the Company completed the 2021 Share Repurchase Program by repurchasing 80,677,021 shares of Hertz Global's common stock during the first half of 2022 at an average share price of $19.74 for an aggregate purchase price of $1.6 billion. Under the completed 2021 Share Repurchase Program, a total of 97,783,047 shares of Hertz Global common stock were repurchased for an aggregate purchase price of $2.0 billion.
In June 2022, Hertz Global's independent Audit Committee recommended, and its Board approved, a new share repurchase program (the "2022 Share Repurchase Program") that authorized additional repurchases of up to an incremental $2.0 billion worth of shares of Hertz Global's outstanding common stock.The 2022 Share Repurchase Program, announced on June 15, 2022, has no initial time limit, does not obligate Hertz Global to acquire any particular amount of common stock and can be discontinued at any time. As of December 31, 2023, approximately $874 million remains available under the 2022 Share Repurchase Program.
Between inception and December 31, 2023, a total of 66,684,169 shares of Hertz Global's common stock were repurchased in open-market transactions under the 2022 Share Repurchase Program at an average share price of $16.88 for an aggregate purchase price of $1.1 billion. There were no share repurchases after December 31, 2023 through the date of the filing of this 2023 Annual Report.
Any future repurchases will be made at the discretion of Hertz Global's management through a variety of methods, such as open-market transactions (including pre-set trading plans pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act), privately negotiated transactions, accelerated share repurchases, and other transactions in accordance with applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance as to the timing or number of any share repurchases.
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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES (Continued)
The following table provides a breakdown of our equity security repurchases during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023.
(a)
Total number of shares purchased (b)
Average price paid per share (c)
Total number of shares purchased as part of the publicly announced plan or program (d)
Maximum number (or approximate dollar value) of shares that may yet be purchased under the publicly announced plan or program
(In thousands, except share data)
Common Stock
October 1 – October 31, 2023 1,649,589 $ 10.50 1,649,589 $ 897,958
November 1 – November 30, 2023 2,367,562 $ 8.64 2,367,562 $ 877,500
December 1 – December 31, 2023 339,369 $ 9.00 339,369 $ 874,445
Total 4,356,520 $ 9.37 4,356,520 $ 874,445
Performance Graph
The graph that follows compares the cumulative total stockholder return on Hertz Holdings common stock with the Russell 1000 Index and the Morningstar Rental & Leasing Services Industry Group. The Russell 1000 Index is included because it is comprised of the 1,000 largest publicly traded issuers. The Morningstar Rental & Leasing Services Industry Group is a published, market capitalization-weighted index representing stocks of companies, including Hertz Holdings, that rent or lease various durable goods to the commercial and consumer market including vehicles and trucks, medical and industrial equipment, appliances, tools and other miscellaneous goods. The results are based on an assumed $100 invested on November 9, 2021 (the first day of trading pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1), at the market close, through December 31, 2023. Share price performance presented below is not necessarily indicative of future results.
COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN AMONG HERTZ GLOBAL HOLDINGS, INC.,
RUSSELL 1000 INDEX AND MORNINGSTAR RENTAL & LEASING SERVICES INDUSTRY GROUP
ASSUMES DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT
HERTZ
There is no established public trading market for the common stock of Hertz. Rental Car Intermediate Holdings, LLC, which is wholly-owned by Hertz Holdings, owns all of the outstanding common stock of Hertz.
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HERTZ GLOBAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES (Continued)
Hertz paid dividends to Hertz Holdings of $321 million and $2.5 billion in 2023 and 2022, respectively, to help fund common stock repurchases, as further disclosed in Note 16, "Equity and Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share – Hertz Global" in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report. The credit agreements governing Hertz's First Lien Credit Facilities provide conditions that limit when Hertz can make dividends and certain other restricted payments, including restrictions for distributions to Hertz Holdings used to pay dividends on Hertz Holdings' common stock.
ITEM 6. [RESERVED]
Not applicable.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. is a holding company and its principal, wholly-owned subsidiary is The Hertz Corporation. Hertz Global consolidates Hertz for financial statement purposes, and Hertz comprises approximately the entire balance of Hertz Global’s assets, liabilities and operating cash flows. In addition, Hertz’s operating revenues and operating expenses comprise nearly 100% of Hertz Global’s revenues and operating expenses. As such, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") that follows herein is for Hertz and also applies to Hertz Global in all material respects, unless otherwise noted. Differences between the operations and results of Hertz and Hertz Global are separately disclosed and explained. We sometimes use the words “we,” “our,” “us,” and the “Company” in this MD&A for disclosures that relate to all of Hertz and Hertz Global.
The statements in this MD&A regarding industry outlook, our expectations regarding the performance of our business and the other non-historical statements are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties described in Item 1A, "Risk Factors.” The following MD&A provides information that we believe to be relevant to an understanding of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. Our actual results may differ materially from those contained in or implied by any forward-looking statements. You should read the following MD&A together with the sections entitled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Summary of Risk Factors,” Item 1A, "Risk Factors,” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report.
In this MD&A, we refer to the following non-GAAP measure and key metrics:
• Adjusted Corporate EBITDA – important non-GAAP measure to management because it allows management to assess the operational performance of our business, exclusive of certain items, and allows management to assess the performance of the entire business on the same basis as the segment measure of profitability. Management believes that it is important to investors for the same reasons it is important to management and because it allows investors to assess our operational performance on the same basis that management uses internally. Adjusted EBITDA, the segment measure of profitability and accordingly a GAAP measure, is calculated exclusive of certain items which are largely consistent with those used in the calculation of Adjusted Corporate EBITDA.
• Vehicle Utilization – important key metric to management and investors as it is the measurement of the proportion of our vehicles that are being used to generate revenues relative to rentable fleet capacity. Higher Vehicle Utilization means more vehicles are being utilized to generate revenues.
• Depreciation Per Unit Per Month – important key metric to management and investors as depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges is one of our largest expenses for the vehicle rental business and is driven by the number of vehicles, expected residual values at the expected time of disposal and expected hold period of the vehicles. Depreciation Per Unit Per Month is reflective of how we are managing the costs of our vehicles and facilitates a comparison with other participants in the vehicle rental industry.
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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)
• Total Revenue Per Transaction Day ("Total RPD," also referred to as "pricing") – important key metric to management and investors as it represents a measurement of the changes in underlying pricing in the vehicle rental business and encompasses the elements in vehicle rental pricing that management has the ability to control.
• Total Revenue Per Unit Per Month ("Total RPU") – important key metric to management and investors as it provides a measure of revenue productivity relative to the number of vehicles in our rental fleet whether owned or leased ("Average Rentable Vehicles"). Average Rentable Vehicles excludes vehicles for sale on our retail lots or actively in the process of being sold through other disposition channels .
• Transaction Days – important key metric to management and investors as it represents the number of revenue generating days ("volume"). It is used as a component to measure Total RPD and Vehicle Utilization. Transaction Days represent the total number of 24-hour periods, with any partial period counted as one Transaction Day, that vehicles were on rent (the period between when a rental contract is opened and closed) in a given period. Thus, it is possible for a vehicle to attain more than one Transaction Day in a 24-hour period.
Our non-GAAP measure and key metrics should not be considered in isolation and should not be considered superior to, or a substitute for, financial measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The above non-GAAP measure and key metrics are defined, and the non-GAAP measure is reconciled to its most comparable U.S. GAAP measure, in the "Footnotes to the Results of Operations and Selected Operating Data by Segment Tables" section of this MD&A.
OVERVIEW OF OUR BUSINESS AND OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
Our Business
We are engaged principally in the business of renting vehicles primarily through our Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty brands. Our profitability is primarily a function of the volume, mix and pricing of rental transactions and the utilization of vehicles, the related ownership cost of vehicles and other operating costs. Significant changes in the purchase price or residual values of vehicles or interest rates can have a significant effect on our profitability depending on our ability to adjust pricing for these changes. We continue to balance our mix of EVs, non-program vehicles and program vehicles based on market conditions, including residual values. Our business requires significant expenditures for vehicles, and as such, we require substantial liquidity to finance such expenditures.
Our strategy is focused on excellence in execution of our rental operations, presenting distinct product offerings through each of our brands, building on our leadership in ride share and selling vehicles from the fleet directly to consumers.
Our revenues are primarily derived from rental and related charges and consist of worldwide vehicle rental revenues from all company-operated vehicle rental operations and charges to customers for the reimbursement of costs incurred relating to airport concession fees and vehicle license fees, the fueling and electric charging of vehicles and revenues associated with value-added services, including the sale of loss or collision damage waivers, theft protection, liability and personal accident/effects insurance coverage, premium emergency roadside service and other products and fees. Also included are collections from customers for vehicle damages, ancillary revenues associated with retail vehicle sales and certain royalty fees from our franchisees (such fees are approximately 2% of total revenues each period).
Our expenses primarily consist of:
• Direct vehicle and operating expense ("DOE"), primarily wages and related benefits; commissions and concession fees paid to airport authorities, travel agents and others; facility, self-insurance and reservation costs; and other costs relating to the operation and rental of revenue earning vehicles, such as damage, maintenance and fuel costs;
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
• Depreciation expense and lease charges, net relating to revenue earning vehicles, including gains and losses and related costs associated with the disposal of vehicles;
• Depreciation and amortization expense relating to non-vehicle assets;
• Selling, general and administrative expense ("SG&A"), which includes advertising costs and administrative personnel costs, along with costs for information technology and business transformation programs; and
• Interest expense, net.
To accommodate increased demand, we seek to increase our available fleet and staff. As demand declines, we seek to reduce fleet and staff accordingly. As a result, we strive to maintain a flexible workforce, with a significant number of part-time and seasonal workers. A number of our other major operating costs, including airport concession fees, commissions and vehicle liability expenses, are directly related to revenues or transaction volumes. Certain operating expenses, including real estate taxes, rent, insurance, utilities, maintenance and other facility-related expenses, and minimum staffing costs, remain fixed and cannot be adjusted for demand.
Our Reportable Segments
We have identified two reportable segments, which are consistent with our operating segments and organized based on the products and services provided and the geographic areas in which business is conducted, as follows:
• Americas RAC - Rental of vehicles, as well as sales of value-added services, in the U.S., Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean; and
• International RAC - Rental of vehicles, as well as sales of value-added services, in locations other than the U.S., Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.
In the second quarter of 2021, as a result of the Donlen Sale, as further disclosed in Note 3, "Divestitures," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report, the All Other Operations reportable segment, which was primarily comprised of the Donlen business, was no longer deemed to be a reportable segment.
In addition to the above reportable segments, we have corporate operations. We assess performance and allocate resources based upon the financial information for our operating segments.
Revenue Earning Vehicles
Revenue earning vehicles used in our rental and leasing operations are recorded at cost, net of related discounts and incentives from manufacturers. Holding periods typically range from six to sixty-six months. Also included in revenue earning vehicles are vehicles placed on our retail lots for sale or actively in the process of being sold through other disposition channels.
Program vehicles are purchased under repurchase or guaranteed depreciation programs with vehicle manufacturers wherein the manufacturers agree to repurchase vehicles at a specified price or guarantee the depreciation rate on the vehicles during established repurchase periods, subject to, among other things, certain vehicle condition, mileage and holding period requirements. Guaranteed depreciation programs guarantee the residual value of the program vehicle upon sale, subject to, among other things, certain vehicle condition, mileage and holding period requirements. Program vehicles generally provide us with flexibility to increase or reduce the size of our fleet based on market demand. Historically, when we have increased the percentage of program vehicles, the average age of our fleet has decreased, since the average holding period for program vehicles has historically been shorter than that for non-program vehicles.
When a revenue earning vehicle is acquired outside of a vehicle repurchase program, which is the case for the majority of our fleet at December 31, 2023, we estimate the period that we will hold the asset, primarily based on historical measures of the amount of rental activity (e.g., automobile mileage). We also estimate the residual value of the applicable revenue earning vehicles at the expected time of disposal, considering factors such as make, model and options, age, physical condition, mileage, sale location, time of the year, channel disposition (e.g.,
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
auction, retail, dealer direct), historical sales experience for similar vehicles, third-party expectations of resale value and market conditions. The vehicle is depreciated using a rate based on these estimates. Depreciation rates are reviewed on a quarterly basis based on management's ongoing assessment of present and estimated future market conditions, their effect on residual values at the expected time of disposal and any changes to the estimated holding period of the vehicle. Differences between actual residual values (i.e., the ultimate sales price) and those estimated in our financial statements result in an adjustment to depreciation upon disposition of the vehicle. Our depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges also includes costs associated with the disposal of vehicles and rents paid for vehicles leased.
We dispose of our non-program vehicles via auction, dealer direct wholesale channels, direct sales to third parties and retail channels. Non-program vehicles disposed of through our retail locations allow us the opportunity for ancillary revenue, such as warranty, financing and title fees. We periodically review and adjust the mix between program and non-program vehicles in our fleet based on contract negotiations and the economic environment pertaining to our industry in an effort to optimize the mix of vehicles. The use of program vehicles reduces the volatility associated with residual value estimation.
Chapter 11 and Emergence
On May 22, 2020, as a result of the impact from the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Debtors filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court. On June 10, 2021, the Plan of Reorganization was confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court and on June 30, 2021, the Plan of Reorganization became effective and the Debtors emerged from Chapter 11.
2023 Operating Overview
In December 2023, we identified a group of EVs (the "EV Disposal Group") that we desired to sell in response to management's determination that the supply of EVs exceeded customer demand, elevated EV damage and collision costs and a decline in EV residual values. As a result, the EV Disposal Group, included in our Americas RAC segment, has been classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2023. The carrying values of the vehicles included in the EV Disposal Group were written down to fair value less costs to sell and resulted in a write-down of $245 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. See Note 4, "Revenue Earning Vehicles" in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report for further details.
The following charts provide the period-over-period change for several key factors influencing our results for each of the years ended December 31, 2023 , 2022 and 2021.
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
(1) Includes impact of foreign currency exchange at average rates ("fx").
(2) Results shown are in constant currency as of December 31, 2022.
(3) The percentages shown in this chart reflect Vehicle Utilization versus period-over-period change.
For more information on the above, see the discussion of our results on a consolidated basis and by segment that follows herein. In this MD&A, certain amounts in the following tables are denoted in millions. Amounts, such as percentages, are calculated from the underlying numbers in thousands, and as a result, may not agree to the amount when calculated from the tables in millions. Discussions regarding our results of operations, liquidity and capital resources for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 are included within this MD&A. Discussions of our results of operations, liquidity and capital resources for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021 can be found under Part II, Item 7 of our 2022 Form 10-K, which is available on the SEC's website (www.sec.gov) or indirectly through our website (www.hertz.com).
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HERTZ GLOBAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - HERTZ
Years Ended December 31, Percent Increase/(Decrease)
($ In millions) 2023 2022 2021 2023 vs. 2022 2022 vs. 2021
Total revenues $ 9,371 $ 8,685 $ 7,336 8% 18%
Direct vehicle and operating expenses 5,455 4,808 3,920 13 23
Depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges, net 2,039 701 497 NM 41
Non-vehicle depreciation and amortization 149 142 196 4 (27)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
962 959 688 — 39
Interest expense, net:
Vehicle
555 159 284 NM (44)
Non-vehicle
238 169 185 41 (9)
Interest expense, net 793 328 469 NM (30)
Other (income) expense, net
12 2 (21) NM NM
Reorganization items, net — — 513 — (100)
Gain on sale of non vehicle assets (162) — — — —
(Gain) from the sale of a business — — (400) — (100)
Income (loss) before income taxes 123 1,745 1,474 (93) 18
Income tax (provision) benefit
329 (390) (318) NM 23
Net income (loss) 452 1,355 1,156 (67) 17
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
— — 1 — (100)
Net income (loss) attributable to Hertz
$ 452 $ 1,355 $ 1,157 (67) 17
Adjusted Corporate EBITDA (a)
$ 561 $ 2,305 $ 2,130 (76) 8
The footnote in the table above is shown in the "Footnotes to the Results of Operations and Selected Operating Data by Segment Tables" section of this MD&A.
NM - Not meaningful
Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2022
Total revenues increased $686 million in 2023 compared to 2022 driven primarily by higher volume. Americas RAC increased $443 million and International RAC increased $244 million, including a favorable $22 million fx impact in 2023.
DOE increased $646 million in 2023 compared to 2022, with increases of $502 million and $152 million in our Americas RAC and International RAC segments, respectively. DOE in our Americas RAC segment increased due primarily to higher volume-driven costs as well as higher collision and damage costs, particularly within the EV fleet, partially offset by cost saving initiatives in 2023. DOE in our International RAC segment, which included a favorable $11 million fx impact in 2023, increased primarily due to increased volume. The completion of the sale of the EV Disposal Group is expected to have a positive impact on DOE in our Americas RAC segment in 2024, particularly later in the year as sales are completed.
Depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges, net increased $1.3 billion in 2023 compared to 2022, of which $1.2 billion is attributed to our Americas RAC segment. The increase in our Americas RAC segment was due to several factors, primarily (i) reduced per unit gains on vehicle dispositions, (ii) an increase in Average Vehicles and (iii) a lower volume of vehicle dispositions. The increase in Americas RAC was partially offset by longer vehicle holding periods. Additionally, depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges, net increased
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
compared to 2022 due to the $245 million write-down of the carrying values of the EV Disposal Group resulting from its classification as held for sale in December 2023. Depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges, net in our International RAC segment increased $116 million in 2023 compared to 2022 due primarily to higher vehicle acquisition costs, an increase in Average Vehicles and reduced per unit gains on vehicle dispositions, partially offset by a higher volume of vehicle dispositions in 2023. Depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges, net in our Americas RAC segment is expected to be impacted in 2024 by several factors: (i) lower per unit depreciation that will be incurred on the EV Disposal Group, (ii) a larger average fleet compared to that held in 2023, (iii) the intended sale of older vehicles during 2024 and (iv) an uncertain residual environment.
Non-vehicle depreciation and amortization increased $6 million in 2023 compared to 2022, primarily in our Americas RAC segment, and primarily due to incremental depreciation on completed location refurbishment projects and accelerated amortization on certain software assets.
SG&A in 2023 was essentially flat compared to 2022 with a decrease of $194 million of cost associated with our corporate operations, offset by increases of $150 million and $47 million in our Americas RAC and International RAC segments, respectively. The decrease in cost associated with our corporate operations was due primarily to lower non-cash stock-based compensation costs, intercompany royalty assessment fees received from our International RAC segment, reduced bankruptcy claims and lower incentive compensation. SG&A in our Americas RAC segment increased as a result of increased IT and personnel costs and higher advertising spend. SG&A in our International RAC segment increased due primarily to intercompany royalty assessment fees paid to our corporate operations, partially offset by decreased incentive compensation and a reduction in litigation reserves.
Vehicle interest expense, net increased $396 million in 2023 compared to 2022 due primarily to higher average interest rates, which in part reflects reduced unrealized gains on interest caps in 2023, and higher debt levels resulting primarily by increased fleet levels. The impact of higher interest rates and debt levels primarily impacted our Americas RAC segment as a result of higher benchmark rates on the HVF III 2021-A Notes and the issuance of the HVF III Series 2023 Notes. Vehicle interest expense, net was also impacted by the unwind of certain of its interest rate caps in the first quarter of 2023 resulting in the realization of $88 million of previously unrealized gains, partially offset by a $98 million realized gain.
Non-vehicle interest expense, net increased $69 million in 2023 compared to 2022 due primarily to higher benchmark rates and higher debt levels resulting from the issuance of a new term loan in 2023, partially offset by interest income due to higher market rates.
Other expense increased $10 million in 2023 compared to 2022 due primarily to an increase in net periodic pension costs resulting from higher interest costs.
The effective tax rate in 2023 and 2022 was (268)% and 22%, respectively. We recorded a tax benefit of $329 million and a tax provision of $390 million for 2023 and 2022, respectively. The change in tax provision in 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily driven by lower pre-tax income in 2023, benefits from EV credits generated in 2023 and the release of valuation allowances in 2023 primarily related to the characterization of the loss on the restructuring of European operations.
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - HERTZ GLOBAL
The above discussion for Hertz also applies to Hertz Global.
Hertz Global had income of $163 million and $704 million from the change in fair value of Public Warrants that was incremental to Hertz for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND SELECTED OPERATING DATA BY SEGMENT
Americas RAC
As of December 31, 2023, our Americas RAC operations had a total of approximately 5,200 company-operated and franchisee locations, comprised of 1,900 airport and 3,300 off airport locations.
Results of operations and our discussion and analysis for our Americas RAC segment were as follows:
Years Ended December 31, Percent Increase/(Decrease)
($ In millions, except as noted) 2023 2022 2021 2023 vs. 2022 2022 vs. 2021
Total revenues $ 7,722 $ 7,280 $ 6,215 6% 17%
Depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges, net $ 1,775 $ 553 $ 343 NM 61
Direct vehicle and operating expenses $ 4,582 $ 4,080 $ 3,302 12 24
Direct vehicle and operating expenses as a percentage of total revenues
59 % 56 % 53 %
Non-vehicle depreciation and amortization $ 125 $ 114 $ 166 10 (31)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
$ 501 $ 351 $ 282 43 25
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenues
6 % 5 % 5 %
Vehicle interest expense
$ 456 $ 140 $ 213 NM (34)
Reorganization items, net $ — $ — $ 80 — (100)
Adjusted EBITDA
$ 585 $ 2,292 $ 2,173 (74) 5
Transaction Days (in thousands) (b)
125,215 111,759 100,085 12 12
Average Vehicles (in whole units) (c)
446,219 411,047 355,647 9 16
Average Rentable Vehicles (in whole units) (c)
422,485 385,234 345,306 10 12
Vehicle Utilization (c)
81 % 79 % 79 %
Total RPD (in dollars) (d)
$ 61.65 $ 65.03 $ 61.99 (5) 5
Total RPU Per Month (in whole dollars) (e)
$ 1,523 $ 1,572 $ 1,497 (3) 5
Depreciation Per Unit Per Month (in whole dollars) (f)
$ 332 $ 112 $ 81 NM 39
Percentage of program vehicles as of period end
1 % 1 % 0.4 %
Footnotes to the table above are shown in the "Footnotes to the Results of Operations and Selected Operating Data by Segment Tables" section of this MD&A.
NM - Not meaningful
Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2022
Total revenues for Americas RAC increased $443 million in 2023 compared to 2022 due primarily to higher volume, with an increase in Transaction Days, partially offset by lower pricing. The increase in Transaction Days was driven primarily by volume increases in most leisure categories, in light of sustained travel demand, along with volume increases among our ride share customers. Volume at our airport locations increased 12% compared to 2022. Airport revenues comprised 68% of total revenues for the segment in 2023 consistent with 2022. Total RPD declined from previously elevated post-COVID levels. Revenues in Americas RAC were also impacted by an unfavorable $11 million fx impact in 2023.
Depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges, net for Americas RAC increased $1.2 billion in 2023 compared to 2022 due primarily to (i) reduced per unit gains on vehicle dispositions, (ii) an increase in Average
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
Vehicles and (iii) a lower volume of vehicle dispositions, partially offset by longer vehicle holding periods. Additionally, depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges, net increased due to the $245 million write-down of the carrying value of EV Disposal Group resulting from its classification as held for sale in December 2023. The increase in Average Vehicles was driven in part by decisions, primarily during the fourth quarter of 2023, to delay planned fleet sales in light of an unfavorable used vehicle market. We expect depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges, net in our Americas RAC segment to be impacted in 2024 by several factors: (i) lower per unit depreciation that will be incurred on the EV Disposal Group, (ii) a larger average fleet compared to that held in 2023, (iii) the intended sale of older vehicles during 2024 and (iv) an uncertain residual environment.
DOE for Americas RAC increased $502 million in 2023 compared to 2022 due primarily to higher volume-related costs and higher collision and damage costs, particularly for the EV fleet, partially offset by cost saving initiatives in 2023. Americas RAC DOE was also impacted by an unfavorable $7 million fx impact in 2023. We expect the completion of the sale of the EV Disposal Group to have a positive impact on DOE in our Americas RAC segment in 2024, particularly later in the year as sales are completed.
Non-vehicle depreciation and amortization for Americas RAC increased $11 million in 2023 compared to 2022 resulting primarily from incremental depreciation on completed location refurbishment projects and accelerated amortization on certain software assets.
SG&A for Americas RAC increased $150 million in 2023 compared to 2022 due primarily to increased IT and personnel costs and higher advertising spend.
Vehicle interest expense for Americas RAC increased $316 million in 2023 compared to 2022 due primarily to higher average interest rates, which in part reflects reduced unrealized gains on interest caps in 2023, and higher debt levels resulting primarily by increased fleet levels. The impact of higher interest rates and higher debt levels were a result of higher benchmark rates on the HVF III 2021-A Notes and higher average interest rates and higher debt levels from the issuance of the HVF III Series 2023 Notes. Vehicle interest expense, net in our Americas RAC segment was also impacted by the unwind of certain of its interest rate caps in the first quarter of 2023 resulting in the realization of $88 million of previously unrealized gains, partially offset by a $98 million realized gain.
International RAC
As of December 31, 2023, our International RAC operations had approximately 6,200 company-operated and franchisee locations, comprised of 1,500 airport and 4,700 off airport locations in approximately 110 countries and jurisdictions, including Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and New Zealand.
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
Results of operations and our discussion and analysis for our International RAC segment were as follows:
Years Ended December 31, Percent Increase/(Decrease)
($ In millions, except as noted) 2023 2022 2021 2023 vs. 2022 2022 vs. 2021
Total revenues $ 1,649 $ 1,405 $ 985 17% 43%
Depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges, net $ 264 $ 148 $ 154 78 (4)
Direct vehicle and operating expenses $ 880 $ 728 $ 606 21 20
Direct vehicle and operating expenses as a percentage of total revenues
53 % 52 % 61 %
Non-vehicle depreciation and amortization $ 11 $ 13 $ 16 (9) (19)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
$ 227 $ 180 $ 136 26 33
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenues
14 % 13 % 14 %
Vehicle interest expense
$ 99 $ 19 $ 59 NM (69)
Reorganization items, net $ — $ — $ 12 — (100)
Adjusted EBITDA
$ 302 $ 350 $ 90 (14) NM
Transaction Days (in thousands) (b)
28,974 25,101 20,488 15 23
Average Vehicles (in whole units) (c)
106,240 94,999 77,643 12 22
Average Rentable Vehicles (in whole units) (c)
104,173 93,564 76,190 11 23
Vehicle Utilization (c)
76 % 73 % 74 %
Total RPD (in dollars) (d)
$ 56.19 $ 56.14 $ 43.24 — 30
Total RPU Per Month (in whole dollars) (e)
$ 1,302 $ 1,255 $ 969 4 30
Depreciation Per Unit Per Month (in whole dollars) (f)
$ 203 $ 130 $ 149 56 (13)
Percentage of program vehicles as of period end
18 % 29 % 32 %
Footnotes to the table above are shown in the "Footnotes to the Results of Operations and Selected Operating Data by Segment Tables" section of this MD&A.
NM - Not meaningful
Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2022
Total revenues for International RAC increased $244 million in 2023 compared to 2022 due to higher volume. Transaction Days increased 15% driven primarily by higher volume in most leisure and business categories due to increased travel demand. Total RPD in 2023 was consistent with 2022. International RAC revenues were also impacted by a favorable $22 million fx impact in 2023.
Depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges, net for International RAC increased $116 million in 2023 compared to 2022 due primarily to higher vehicle acquisition costs, an increase in Average Vehicles and reduced per unit gains on vehicle dispositions, partially offset by a higher volume of vehicle dispositions in 2023. Depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges, net was also impacted by a favorable $10 million fx impact in 2023. Average Vehicles for International RAC increased in 2023 due in part to increased travel demand.
DOE for International RAC increased $152 million in 2023 compared to 2022 due primarily to higher volume, partially offset by a favorable $11 million fx impact in 2023.
SG&A for International RAC increased $47 million in 2023 compared to 2022 due primarily to increased intercompany royalty assessment fees paid to our corporate operations, partially offset by decreased incentive compensation and a reduction in litigation reserves.
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
Vehicle interest expense for International RAC increased $81 million in 2023 compared to 2022 due primarily to higher interest rates and higher debt levels.
Footnotes to the Results of Operations and Selected Operating Data by Segment Tables
(a) Adjusted Corporate EBITDA is calculated as net income (loss) attributable to Hertz or Hertz Global, adjusted for income taxes; non-vehicle depreciation and amortization; non-vehicle debt interest, net; vehicle debt-related charges; restructuring and restructuring related charges; unrealized (gains) losses from financial instruments; gain on sale of non-vehicle capital assets; change in fair value of Public Warrants and certain other miscellaneous items. When evaluating our operating performance, investors should not consider Adjusted Corporate EBITDA in isolation of, or as a substitute for, measures of our financial performance determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The reconciliations to the most comparable consolidated U.S. GAAP measure are presented below :
HERTZ
Years Ended December 31,
(In millions) 2023 2022 2021
Net income (loss) attributable to Hertz $ 452 $ 1,355 $ 1,157
Adjustments:
Income tax provision (benefit) (329) 390 318
Non-vehicle depreciation and amortization 149 142 196
Non-vehicle debt interest, net (1)
238 169 185
Vehicle debt-related charges (2)
42 35 72
Restructuring and restructuring related charges (3)
17 45 76
Reorganization items, net (4)
— — 513
Pre-reorganization and non-debtor financing charges (5)
— — 42
Gain from the Donlen Sale (6)
— — (400)
Unrealized (gains) losses on financial instruments (7)
117 (111) (4)
Gain on sale of non-vehicle capital assets (8)
(162) — —
Litigation settlements (9)
— 168 —
Other items (10)
37 112 (25)
Adjusted Corporate EBITDA $ 561 $ 2,305 $ 2,130
HERTZ GLOBAL
Years Ended December 31,
(In millions) 2023 2022 2021
Net income (loss) attributable to Hertz Global $ 616 $ 2,059 $ 366
Adjustments:
Income tax provision (benefit) (330) 390 318
Non-vehicle depreciation and amortization 149 142 196
Non-vehicle debt interest, net (1)
238 169 185
Vehicle debt-related charges (2)
42 35 72
Restructuring and restructuring related charges (3)
17 45 76
Reorganization items, net (4)
— — 677
Pre-reorganization and non-debtor financing charges (5)
— — 42
Gain from the Donlen Sale (6)
— — (400)
Unrealized (gains) losses on financial instruments (7)
117 (111) (4)
Gain on sale of non-vehicle capital assets (8)
(162) — —
Litigation settlements (9)
— 168 —
Change in fair value of Public Warrants (11)
(163) (704) 627
Other items (10)
37 112 (25)
Adjusted Corporate EBITDA $ 561 $ 2,305 $ 2,130
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
(1) In 2021, includes $8 million of loss on extinguishment of debt associated with the payoff and termination of the HIL Credit Agreement recorded in the second quarter.
(2) Represents vehicle debt-related charges relating to the amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discounts and premiums.
(3) Represents charges incurred under restructuring actions as defined in U.S. GAAP, excluding impairments and asset write-downs. Also includes restructuring related charges such as incremental costs incurred directly supporting business transformation initiatives.
(4) Represents charges associated with the filing of and the emergence from the Chapter 11 Cases, as described in Note 19, "Reorganization Items, Net," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report.
(5) Represents charges incurred prior to the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases comprised of preparation charges for the reorganization, such as professional fees. Also included certain non-debtor financing and professional fee charges.
(6) Represents the net gain from the sale of our Donlen business on March 30, 2021 recorded in Corporate as disclosed in Note 3, "Divestitures," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report.
(7) Represents unrealized (gains) losses on derivative financial instruments. See Note 11, "Financial Instruments," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report.
(8) Represents the gain on sale of certain non-vehicle capital assets sold in March 2023. See Note 3, "Divestitures," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report.
(9) Represents payments made for the settlement of certain claims related to alleged false arrests. See Note 14, "Contingencies and Off-Balance Sheet Commitments," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report.
(10) Represents miscellaneous items. For 2023, primarily includes certain IT-related costs, charges for certain storm-related vehicle damages and certain professional fees and charges related to the settlement of bankruptcy claims, partially offset by a loss recovery settlement. For 2022, primarily includes certain bankruptcy claims, certain professional fees and charges related to the settlement of bankruptcy claims and certain non-cash stock-based compensation charges. For 2021, primarily includes $100 million associated with the suspension of depreciation during the first quarter for the Donlen business while classified as held for sale, partially offset by $17 million for certain professional fees, $14 million of charges related to the settlement of bankruptcy claims, charges for a multiemployer pension plan withdrawal liability and letter of credit fees.
(11) Represents the change in fair value during the reporting period for Hertz Global's outstanding Public Warrants, as disclosed in Note 12, "Fair Value Measurements," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report.
(b) Transaction Days represents the total number of 24-hour periods, with any partial period counted as one Transaction Day, that vehicles were on rent (the period between when a rental contract is opened and closed) in a given period. Thus, it is possible for a vehicle to attain more than one Transaction Day in a 24-hour period.
(c) Vehicle Utilization is calculated by dividing total Transaction Days by Available Car Days. Available Car Days represents Average Rentable Vehicles multiplied by the number of days in a given period. Average Rentable Vehicles excludes vehicles for sale on our retail lots or actively in the process of being sold through other disposition channels and is determined using a simple average of such vehicles at the beginning and end of a given peri od.
Americas RAC International RAC
Years Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021 2023 2022 2021
Transaction Days (in thousands) 125,215 111,759 100,085 28,974 25,101 20,488
Average Rentable Vehicles (in whole units) 422,485 385,234 345,306 104,173 93,564 76,190
Number of days in period (in whole units) 365 365 365 365 365 365
Available Car Days (in thousands) 154,272 140,647 126,159 38,061 34,179 27,837
Vehicle Utilization 81 % 79 % 79 % 76 % 73 % 74 %
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
(d) Total RPD is calculated as revenues with all periods adjusted to eliminate the effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates ("Total Revenues - adjusted for foreign currency"), divided by the total number of Transaction Days. Our management believes eliminating the effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is useful in analyzing underlying trends. The calculation of Total RPD is shown below:
Americas RAC International RAC
Years Ended December 31,
($ in millions, except as noted) 2023 2022 2021 2023 2022 2021
Revenues $ 7,722 $ 7,280 $ 6,215 $ 1,649 $ 1,405 $ 985
Foreign currency adjustment (1)
(3) (12) (11) (21) 4 (99)
Total Revenues-adjusted for foreign currency $ 7,719 $ 7,268 $ 6,204 $ 1,628 $ 1,409 $ 886
Transaction Days (in thousands) 125,215 111,759 100,085 28,974 25,101 20,488
Total RPD (in dollars) $ 61.65 $ 65.03 $ 61.99 $ 56.19 $ 56.14 $ 43.24
(1) Based on December 31, 2022 foreign currency exchange rates for all periods presented.
(e) Total RPU Per Month is calculated as Total Revenues - adjusted for foreign currency divided by the Average Rentable Vehicles in each period and then divided by the number of months in the period reported.
Americas RAC International RAC
Years Ended December 31,
($ in millions, except as noted) 2023 2022 2021 2023 2022 2021
Total Revenues-adjusted for foreign currency $ 7,719 $ 7,268 $ 6,204 $ 1,628 $ 1,409 $ 886
Average Rentable Vehicles (in whole units) 422,485 385,234 345,306 104,173 93,564 76,190
Total revenue per unit (in whole dollars) $ 18,271 $ 18,867 $ 17,968 $ 15,627 $ 15,062 $ 11,628
Number of months in period (in whole units) 12 12 12 12 12 12
Total RPU Per Month (in whole dollars) $ 1,523 $ 1,572 $ 1,497 $ 1,302 $ 1,255 $ 969
(f) Depreciation Per Unit Per Month represents the amount of average depreciation expense and lease charges, per vehicle per month and is calculated as depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges, net, with all periods adjusted to eliminate the effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, divided by the Average Vehicles in each period, which is determined using a simple average of the number of vehicles at the beginning and end of a period, and then dividing by the number of months in the period reported. Our management believes eliminating the effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is useful in analyzing underlying trends. The calculation of Depreciation Per Unit Per Month is shown below:
Americas RAC International RAC
Years Ended December 31,
($ in millions, except as noted) 2023 2022 2021 2023 2022 2021
Depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges, net $ 1,775 $ 553 $ 343 $ 264 $ 148 $ 154
Foreign currency adjustment (1)
1 1 1 (5) — (15)
Adjusted depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges
$ 1,776 $ 554 $ 344 $ 259 $ 148 $ 139
Average Vehicles (in whole units) 446,219 411,047 355,647 106,240 94,999 77,643
Adjusted depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges divided by Average Vehicles (in whole dollars)
$ 3,981 $ 1,347 $ 967 $ 2,434 $ 1,556 $ 1,784
Number of months in period (in whole units) 12 12 12 12 12 12
Depreciation Per Unit Per Month (in whole dollars) $ 332 $ 112 $ 81 $ 203 $ 130 $ 149
(1) Based on December 31, 2022 foreign currency exchange rates for all periods presented.
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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)
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our U.S. and international operations are funded by cash provided by operating activities and by extensive financing arrangements in the U.S. and internationally.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
As of December 31, 2023, we had $764 million of cash and cash equivalents and $442 million of restricted cash and cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2023, $328 million of cash and cash equivalents and $129 million of restricted cash and cash equivalents were held by our subsidiaries outside of the U.S. We continue to assert non-permanent reinvestment of foreign earnings that give rise to excess cash, provided such cash can be remitted in a tax efficient manner.
We believe that cash and cash equivalents generated by our operations and cash received on the disposal of vehicles, including disposal of the EV Disposal Group, together with amounts available under various liquidity facilities and refinancing options available to us in the capital markets, will be sufficient to fund our operating activities and obligations for the next twelve months and for the foreseeable future thereafter.
Cash Flows - Hertz
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, Hertz had cash and cash equivalents of $764 million and $943 million, respectively, and restricted cash and cash equivalents of $442 million and $475 million, respectively. The following table summarizes the net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents for the periods shown:
Years Ended December 31, 2023 vs. 2022 2022 vs. 2021
(In millions) 2023 2022 2021 $ Change $ Change
Cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities $ 2,471 $ 2,538 $ 1,806 $ (67) $ 732
Investing activities (4,024) (4,233) (3,544) 209 (689)
Financing activities 1,316 488 2,872 828 (2,384)
Effect of exchange rate changes 25 (25) (34) 50 9
Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents $ (212) $ (1,232) $ 1,100 $ 1,020 $ (2,332)
Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2022
In 2023, cash flows from operating activities decreased by $67 million year over year due primarily to a $169 million change in working capital accounts, partially offset by a $102 million change in net income, as adjusted for non-cash and non-operating items. Cash flows from working capital accounts decreased due primarily to a reduction in accrued liabilities due in part to incentive payments in 2023, the payment of bankruptcy claims in 2022 and a reduction in customer loyalty program accruals resulting in part from a change in program terms during 2023. Additionally, cash flows from working capital accounts decreased due to lower value added tax payables arising from intercompany fleet transfers in 2022.
Our primary investing activities relate to the acquisition and disposal of revenue earning vehicles. During 2023, there was a $209 million decrease in cash used in investing activities compared to 2022 driven by $162 million of net proceeds received in 2023 due to the sale of certain non-vehicle capital assets as disclosed in Note 3, "Divestitures," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report. Cash used in investing activities also decreased in 2023 due to an $82 million decrease in revenue earning vehicles expenditures, net, primarily associated with our Americas RAC segment, due in part from decreased vehicle acquisitions in 2023. We expect that in 2024, cash
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
used in investing activities in our Americas RAC segment will increase compared to 2023 as we increase acquisitions of new vehicles and dispose of vehicles with lower expected residual values.
Net financing cash inflows were $1.3 billion in 2023 compared to $488 million in 2022. The $828 million increase in cash inflows was due primarily to a $2.2 billion reduction in dividends paid by Hertz to Hertz Holdings due to reduced share repurchases in 2023, and an increase of $492 million in net proceeds from non-vehicle debt resulting primarily from the issuance of a new term loan in 2023. The increase in net financing cash inflows in 2023 was partially offset by a decrease of $1.8 billion in net proceeds from vehicle debt as a result of less issuances in 2023 compared to 2022.
Cash Flows - Hertz Global
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, Hertz Global had cash and cash equivalents of $764 million and $943 million, respectively, and restricted cash and cash equivalents of $442 million and $475 million, respectively. The following table summarizes the net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents for Hertz Global for the periods shown:
Years Ended December 31, 2023 vs. 2022 2022 vs. 2021
(In millions) 2023 2022 2021 $ Change $ Change
Cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities $ 2,474 $ 2,538 $ 1,806 $ (64) $ 732
Investing activities (4,024) (4,233) (3,544) 209 (689)
Financing activities 1,313 487 2,845 826 (2,358)
Effect of exchange rate changes 25 (25) (34) 50 9
Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents $ (212) $ (1,233) $ 1,073 $ 1,021 $ (2,306)
Fluctuations in operating, investing and financing cash flows from period to period were due to the same factors as those disclosed for Hertz above, with the exception of any cash inflows or outflows related to the issuance or repurchase of our common stock and the exercise of Public Warrants. See Note 16, "Equity and Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share – Hertz Global," and Note 17, "Public Warrants - Hertz Global," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report.
Share Repurchase Programs for Common Stock
In November 2021, Hertz Global's independent Audit Committee recommended, and its Board approved, the 2021 Share Repurchase Program, which was announced on November 29, 2021. In 2022, the Company completed the 2021 Share Repurchase Program by repurchasing 80,677,021 shares of Hertz Global's common stock during the first half of 2022 at an average share price of $19.74 for an aggregate purchase price of $1.6 billion. Under the completed 2021 Share Repurchase Program, a total of 97,783,047 shares of Hertz Global common stock were repurchased for an aggregate purchase price of $2.0 billion.
In June 2022, Hertz Global's independent Audit Committee recommended, and its Board approved, the 2022 Share Repurchase Program that authorized additional repurchases of up to an incremental $2.0 billion worth of shares of Hertz Global's outstanding common stock. The 2022 Share Repurchase Program, announced on June 15, 2022, has no initial time limit, does not obligate Hertz Global to acquire any particular amount of common stock and can be discontinued at any time. As of December 31, 2023, approximately $874 million remains available under the 2022 Share Repurchase Program.
Between inception and December 31, 2022, a total of 47,303,009 shares of Hertz Global's common stock were repurchased in open-market transactions under the 2022 Share Repurchase Program at an average share price of $17.64 for an aggregate purchase price of $835 million. During the year ended December 31, 2023, a total of 19,381,160 shares of Hertz Global's common stock were repurchased in open-market transactions at an average
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
share price of $15.01 for an aggregate purchase price of $291 million. Since inception of the 2022 Share Repurchase program a total of 66,684,169 shares of Hertz Global's common stock have been repurchased in open-market transactions at an average share price of $16.88 for an aggregate purchase price of $1.1 billion. There were no share repurchases after December 31, 2023 through the date of the filing of this 2023 Annual Report.
Common shares repurchased are included in treasury stock in the accompanying Hertz Global consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report.
Any future repurchases will be made at the discretion of management through a variety of methods, such as open-market transactions (including pre-set trading plans pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act), privately negotiated transactions, accelerated share repurchases, and other transactions in accordance with applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance as to the timing or number of shares of any repurchases.
Public Warrants
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, 48,965 and 245,959 Public Warrants were exercised, of which 31,034 and 60,661 were cashless exercises and 17,931 and 185,298 were exercised for $13.80 per share, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, a cumulative 6,335,204 Public Warrants have been exercised since their original issuance in June 2021. The outstanding warrants are exercisable through June 30, 2051. As of December 31, 2023, the exercise price remains $13.80.
Debt Financing
Refer to Note 6, "Debt," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report for information on our outstanding debt obligations and our borrowing capacity and availability under our revolving credit facilities as of December 31, 2023.
Cash paid for interest on vehicle debt during 2023 and 2022 was $469 million and $204 million, respectively. The $265 million increase in cash paid for vehicle debt interest is due primarily to higher interest rates and higher debt levels resulting primarily from the issuances of the HVF III Series 2023 Notes. Cash paid for interest on non-vehicle debt during 2023 and 2022 was $252 million and $168 million, respectively. The $84 million increase in non-vehicle debt interest is primarily due to higher interest rates and outstanding borrowings on the First Lien RCF during 2023.
A substantial portion of our liquidity requirements arise from servicing our indebtedness, funding our operations, including purchases of revenue earning vehicles, and funding non-vehicle capital expenditures. We expect to maintain heightened levels of indebtedness into 2024 as we expect to dispose of more aged vehicles and purchase newer vehicles. For a discussion of the risks associated with our high leverage, see Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in this 2023 Annual Report.
Our available corporate liquidity, which excludes unused commitments under our vehicle debt, was as follows:
(In millions) As of December 31, 2023 As of December 31, 2022
Cash and cash equivalents $ 764 $ 943
Availability under the First Lien RCF 1,266 1,514
Corporate liquidity $ 2,030 $ 2,457
Non-vehicle Debt
Approximately $20 million of our outstanding non-vehicle debt is scheduled to mature during the twelve months following the issuance of this 2023 Annual Report. We have reviewed our debt facilities for non-vehicle debt and determined that it is probable that we will be able, and have the intent, to refinance these facilities at such times as we determine appropriate prior to maturity.
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
Significant financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2023 for our non-vehicle debt were as follows:
In March 2023, the aggregate committed amount under the First Lien RCF was increased from $1.9 billion to $2.0 billion.
In May 2023, the First Lien Credit Agreement was amended to change the benchmark interest rate on the Term Loans from the London Inter-Bank Benchmark Offered Rate ("USD LIBOR") to the term Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") in connection with the cessation of USD LIBOR.
In November 2023, Hertz entered into an incremental term loan ("Incremental Term B Loan") in an aggregate principal amount of $500 million.
Letters of Credit
As of December 31, 2023, there were outstanding standby letters of credit totaling $995 million comprised primarily of $734 million issued under the First Lien RCF and $245 million issued under the Term C Loan. As of December 31, 2023, there is no remaining capacity to issue letters of credit under the Term C Loan. Such letters of credit have been issued primarily to provide credit enhancement for our asset-backed securitization facilities and to support our insurance programs, as well as to support our vehicle rental concessions and leaseholds. As of December 31, 2023, none of the issued letters of credit have been drawn upon.
Vehicle Debt
Significant financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2023 for our vehicle debt were as follows:
Americas RAC
Approximately $2.3 billion of the outstanding vehicle debt in our Americas RAC segment is scheduled to mature during the twelve months following the issuance of this 2023 Annual Report. We have reviewed our debt facilities and determined that it is probable that we will be able, and have the intent, to refinance these facilities at such times as we determine appropriate prior to maturity.
HVF III U.S. ABS Program
The following HVF III Series 2023 Fixed Rate Rental Car Asset Backed Notes (collectively, the "HVF III Series 2023 Notes") were issued during the year ended December 31, 2023:
• HVF III Series 2023-1 Notes, issued in March 2023, in an aggregate principal amount of $500 million in four classes (Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D). At the time of issuance, Hertz, an affiliate of HVF III, purchased the Class D Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $40 million, which were subsequently sold to third parties in September 2023 as discussed below.
• HVF III Series 2023-2 Notes, issued in March 2023, in an aggregate principal amount of $300 million.
• HVF III Series 2023-3 Notes and Series 2023-4 Notes, issued in August 2023, in aggregate principal amounts of $500 million, respectively.
There is subordination within each of the preceding series based on class.
At the time of each respective issuance, proceeds from the issuance of the HVF III Series 2023 Notes were used primarily to repay amounts outstanding on the Series 2021-A Notes, with any remaining funds used for the purchase or refinancing of certain eligible vehicles.
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
During initial issuance of the HVF III Series 2022-2, Series 2022-5 and Series 2023-1 Class D Notes (the "Class D Notes"), Hertz, an affiliate of HVF III, purchased the Class D Notes. In September 2023, Hertz sold the Class D Notes to third parties.
(In millions) Aggregate Principal Amount
HVF III Series 2022-2 Class D Notes $ 98
HVF III Series 2022-5 Class D Notes 47
HVF III Series 2023-1 Class D Notes 40
Total $ 185
The HVF III Series 2021-A Notes were amended in June 2023 to increase the maximum principal amount that may be outstanding from $3.9 billion to $4.1 billion and to extend the maturity dates of the Series 2021-A Class A Notes and Class B Notes to June 2025 and August 2025, respectively.
Repurchase Facilities
As of December 31, 2023, there were no repurchase transactions outstanding under the Repurchase Facilities.
Hertz Canadian Securitization
The Hertz Canadian Securitization was amended in June 2023 to provide for aggregate maximum borrowings of CAD$475 million and to extend the maturity date to June 2025.
International RAC
Approximately $90 million of the outstanding vehicle debt in our International RAC segment is scheduled to mature during the twelve months following the issuance of this 2023 Annual Report. We have reviewed our debt facilities and determined that it is probable that we will be able, and have the intent, to refinance these facilities at such times as we determine appropriate prior to maturity.
European ABS
The European ABS was amended in September 2023 to (i) increase the aggregate maximum borrowings to €1.2 billion, (ii) extend the maturity date to March 2026 and (iii) amend certain other provisions to provide for further operating flexibility.
New Zealand RCF
The New Zealand RCF was amended in August 2023 to provide for aggregate maximum borrowings of NZD$120 million and to extend the maturity date to June 2025.
Australian Securitization
The Australian Securitization was amended in June 2023 to provide for aggregate maximum borrowings of AUD$340 million and to extend the maturity date to June 2025.
U.K. Financing Facility
The U.K. Financing Facility was amended in June 2023 to provide for aggregate maximum borrowings of £135 million and to extend the maturity date to November 2024.
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
Covenants
The First Lien Credit Agreement requires us to comply with the following financial covenant: a ratio of First Lien debt to Consolidated EBITDA, as defined in our First Lien Credit Agreement which may be materially different than Adjusted Corporate EBITDA presented in this 2023 Annual Report, (the "First Lien Ratio") of less than or equal to 3.00 to 1.00 in the first and last quarters of the calendar year and 3.50 to 1.00 in the second and third quarters of the calendar year. As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with the First Lien Ratio.
In addition to the financial covenant, the First Lien Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative covenants including, among other things, the delivery of quarterly and annual financial statements and compliance certificates, and covenants related to conduct of business, maintenance of property and insurance, compliance with environmental laws and the granting of security interests for the benefit of the secured parties under that agreement on after-acquired real property, fixtures and future subsidiaries. The First Lien Credit Agreement also contains customary negative covenants, including, among other things, the incurrence of liens, indebtedness, asset dispositions and restricted payments.
As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all covenants in the First Lien Credit Agreement.
Vehicle Financing Risks
Our program vehicles are subject to repurchase by vehicle manufacturers under contractual repurchase or guaranteed depreciation programs. Under these programs, vehicle manufacturers agree to repurchase vehicles at a specified price or guarantee the depreciation rate on the vehicles during a specified time period, typically subject to certain vehicle condition and mileage requirements. We use values derived from this specified price or guaranteed depreciation rate to calculate financing capacity under certain asset-backed and asset-based financing arrangements.
In the event of a bankruptcy of a vehicle manufacturer, our liquidity could be impacted by several factors including reductions in fleet residual values and the risk that we would be unable to collect outstanding receivables due to us from such bankrupt manufacturer. In addition, the program vehicles manufactured by any such company would need to be removed from our financing facilities or re-designated as non-program vehicles, which would require us to furnish additional credit enhancement associated with these program vehicles.
Substantially all of our revenue earning vehicles and certain related assets are owned by special purpose entities or are encumbered in favor of the lenders under the various credit facilities, other secured financings and asset-backed securities programs. None of the value of such assets (including the assets owned by Hertz Vehicle Financing III LLC and various international subsidiaries that facilitate our international securitizations) will be available to satisfy the claims of unsecured creditors unless the secured creditors are paid in full.
We rely significantly on asset-backed and asset-based financing arrangements to purchase vehicles for our U.S. and international vehicle rental fleets. For further information concerning our asset-backed financing programs and our indebtedness, see Note 6, "Debt," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report. For a discussion of the risks associated with our reliance on asset-backed and asset-based financing and the significant amount of indebtedness, see Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in this 2023 Annual Report.
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
Capital Expenditures
Revenue Earning Vehicles Expenditures and Disposals
The table below sets forth our revenue earning vehicles expenditures and related disposal proceeds for the annual periods shown:
Cash inflow (cash outflow) Revenue Earning Vehicles
(In millions) Capital
Expenditures Disposal
Proceeds Net Capital Proceeds (Expenditures)
2023 $ (9,514) $ 5,498 $ (4,016)
2022 (10,596) 6,498 (4,098)
2021 (7,154) 2,818 (4,336)
The table below sets forth expenditures for revenue earning vehicles, net of disposal proceeds, by segment:
Cash inflow (cash outflow) Years Ended December 31, 2023 vs. 2022 2022 vs. 2021
($ in millions) 2023 2022 2021 $ Change % Change $ Change % Change
Americas RAC $ (3,412) $ (3,470) $ (3,763) $ 58 (2) $ 293 (8)
International RAC (604) (628) (489) 24 (4) (139) 28
All other operations — — (84) — — 84 (100)
Total $ (4,016) $ (4,098) $ (4,336) $ 82 (2) $ 238 (5)
NM - Not meaningful
Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2022
In 2023, revenue earning vehicle expenditures decreased approximately $1.1 billion, or 10%, compared to 2022, primarily in our Americas RAC segment, resulting from decreased vehicle acquisitions in 2023 as we held vehicles longer. Revenue earning vehicle disposal proceeds decreased approximately $1.0 billion, or 15%, in 2023 compared to 2022, primarily in our Americas RAC segment, driven by reduced per unit gains recognized on lower volume of vehicle dispositions. In 2024, we expect revenue earning vehicles expenditures, net to increase as we increase acquisitions of new vehicles and dispose of vehicles with lower expected residual values.
Non-Vehicle Capital Asset Expenditures and Disposals
The table below sets forth our non-vehicle capital asset expenditures, and related disposal proceeds from non-vehicle capital assets disposed of or to be disposed of for the annual periods shown:
Cash inflow (cash outflow) Non-Vehicle Capital Assets
(In millions) Capital
Expenditures Disposal
Proceeds Net Capital
Expenditures
2023 $ (188) $ 181 $ (7)
2022 (150) 12 (138)
2021 (71) 16 (55)
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
The table below sets forth non-vehicle capital asset expenditures, net of disposal proceeds, by segment:
Cash inflow (cash outflow) Years Ended December 31, 2023 vs. 2022 2022 vs. 2021
($ in millions) 2023 2022 2021 $ Change % Change $ Change % Change
Americas RAC $ 52 $ (114) $ (35) $ 166 NM $ (79) NM
International RAC (19) (10) (8) (9) 90 (2) 25
All other operations — — (1) — — 1 (100)
Corporate (40) (14) (11) (26) NM (3) 27
Total $ (7) $ (138) $ (55) $ 131 (95) $ (83) NM
NM - Not meaningful
Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2022
In 2023, proceeds for non-vehicle capital assets increased by $169 million compared to 2022, driven by our Americas RAC segment, resulting primarily from the sale of certain non-vehicle capital assets as disclosed in Note 3, "Divestitures," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report. In 2023, expenditures for non-vehicle capital assets increased $38 million compared to 2022, primarily in our corporate operations, driven in part by IT-related and EV charging infrastructure expenses.
CONTRACTUAL AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS
The following table details our material cash requirements for our contractual and other obligations as of December 31, 2023:
Payments Due by Period
(In millions) Total 2024 2025 to 2026 2027 to 2028 After 2028
Vehicles:
Debt obligation $ 12,314 $ 2,322 $ 7,888 $ 1,854 $ 250
Interest on debt (1)
1,132 509 511 109 3
Non-Vehicle:
Debt obligation 3,515 20 536 1,959 1,000
Interest on debt (1)
1,080 269 463 302 46
Minimum fixed obligations for operating leases 3,475 554 827 559 1,535
Commitments to purchase vehicles (2)
6,672 6,672 — — —
Purchase obligations and other (3)
243 92 85 23 43
Total $ 28,431 $ 10,438 $ 10,310 $ 4,806 $ 2,877
(1) Amounts represent the estimated commitment fees and interest payments based on the principal amounts, minimum non-cancelable maturity dates and interest rates on the debt as of December 31, 2023. See Note 6, "Debt," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report for further details.
(2) Represents fleet purchases where contracts have been signed or are pending with committed orders under the terms of such agreements. We expect purchases under these agreements will be financed primarily through the issuance of vehicle debt. These purchases are subject to vehicle manufacturers satisfying their performance commitments under such agreements.
(3) Represents agreements to purchase goods or services that are legally binding on us and that specify all significant terms, including fixed or minimum quantities; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction, as well as liabilities for uncertain tax positions and other liabilities, and excludes any obligations to employees. Only the minimum non-cancelable portion of purchase agreements and related cancellation penalties are included as obligations. In the case of contracts that state minimum quantities of goods or services, amounts reflect only the stipulated minimums; all other contracts reflect estimated amounts. Purchase obligations include $29 million representing our tax liability for uncertain tax positions and related net accrued interest and penalties.
The table excludes pension and other postretirement benefit obligations as disclosed in Note 7, "Employee Retirement Benefits," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report.
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
OFF-BALANCE SHEET COMMITMENTS AND ARRANGEMENTS
Indemnification Obligations
In the ordinary course of business, we execute contracts involving indemnification obligations customary in the relevant industry and indemnifications specific to a transaction such as the sale of a business. These indemnification obligations might include claims relating to the following: environmental matters; intellectual property rights; governmental regulations and employment-related matters; customer, supplier and other commercial contractual relationships and financial matters. Performance under these indemnification obligations would generally be triggered by a breach of terms of the contract or by a third-party claim. We regularly evaluate the probability of having to incur costs associated with these indemnification obligations and have accrued for expected losses that are probable and estimable.
Environmental
We have indemnified various parties for the costs associated with remediating numerous hazardous substance storage, recycling or disposal sites in many states and, in some instances, for natural resource damages. The amount of any such expenses or related natural resource damages for which we may be held responsible could be substantial. The probable expenses that we expect to incur for such matters have been accrued, and those expenses are reflected in our consolidated financial statements within accrued liabilities. Amounts accrued represent the estimated cost to study potential environmental issues at sites deemed to require investigation or clean-up activities, and the estimated cost to implement remediation actions, including on-going maintenance, as required. Initial cost estimates are based on historical experience at similar sites and are refined over time on the basis of in-depth studies of the sites. For many sites, the remediation costs and other damages for which we ultimately may be responsible cannot be reasonably estimated because of uncertainties with respect to factors such as our connection to the site, the materials there, the involvement of other potentially responsible parties, the application of laws and other standards or regulations, site conditions, and the nature and scope of investigations, studies, and remediation to be undertaken (including the technologies to be required and the extent, duration, and success of remediation).
EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Pension
We sponsor defined benefit pension plans worldwide. Pension obligations give rise to expenses that are dependent on assumptions discussed in Note 7, "Employee Retirement Benefits," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report.
Our 2023 worldwide net periodic pension expense included in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $11 million compared to $7 million in 2022 resulting primarily from increased interest costs, partially offset by reduced settlements.
The funded status (i.e., the dollar amount by which the projected benefit obligations exceeded the market value of pension plan assets) of the Hertz Retirement Plan, as defined in Note 7, "Employee Retirement Benefits," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report, increased in December 31, 2023 compared with December 31, 2022 due primarily to an increase in the value of plan assets. We did not contribute to the Hertz Retirement Plan during 2023, and we do not anticipate contributing to the Hertz Retirement Plan during 2024. For the international plans, we anticipate contributing approximately $4 million during 2024. The level of 2024 and future contributions will vary and is dependent on a number of factors including investment returns, interest rate fluctuations, plan demographics, funding regulations and the results of the final actuarial valuation.
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.
The following accounting policies involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity in their application, unless otherwise noted below, and therefore, represent the critical accounting policies used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. If different assumptions or conditions were to prevail, the results could be materially different from our reported results. For additional discussion of our critical accounting policies, as well as our significant accounting policies, see Note 2, "Significant Accounting Policies," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report.
Revenue Earning Vehicles
Our principal assets are revenue earning vehicles, which represented approximately 60% of our total assets as of December 31, 2023. Revenue earning vehicles consist of vehicles utilized in our vehicle rental operations. For the year ended December 31, 2023, 12% of the vehicles purchased for our combined U.S. and International vehicle rental fleets were vehicles purchased under repurchase or guaranteed depreciation programs with vehicle manufacturers, or program vehicles.
For program vehicles, the manufacturers agree to repurchase vehicles at a specified price or guarantee the depreciation rate on the vehicles during established repurchase periods, subject to, among other things, certain vehicle condition, mileage and holding period requirements. Vehicle repurchase programs guarantee on an aggregate basis the residual value of the program vehicle upon sale according to certain parameters which include the holding period, mileage and condition of the vehicles. Since the contractual arrangement reduces or eliminates estimation uncertainty, we do not consider the depreciation of program vehicles to be part of our critical accounting policies or estimates.
For all other vehicles, depreciation is recorded over the estimated holding period based on projected residual values at the time of disposal. Generally, when revenue earning vehicles are acquired outside of a vehicle repurchase program (i.e., non-program vehicles), we estimate the period that we will hold the asset, primarily based on historical measures of the amount of rental activity (e.g., automobile mileage) and the targeted age of vehicles at the time of disposal. We also estimate the residual value of the applicable revenue earning vehicles at the expected time of disposal, which is affected by many factors including make, model and options, age, physical condition, mileage, sale location and time of the year. Market conditions for used vehicle sales can also be affected by external factors such as the economy, natural disasters, fuel prices, new and used vehicle supply levels, and incentives offered by manufacturers of new vehicles. Depreciation rates are reviewed on a quarterly basis based on management's ongoing assessment of present and estimated future market conditions, their effect on residual values at the expected time of disposal and the estimated holding periods, which may result in periodic adjustments to the depreciation rates recognized in the period of change and future periods. Upon disposal of revenue earning vehicles, any difference between the net proceeds received and the net book value results in a gain or loss and is recorded as an adjustment to depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges in the accompanying statements of operations.
Changes in estimated residual values or holding periods could cause a material change in our estimates of non-program depreciation expense.
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
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
on rental volume and actuarial evaluations of historical accident claim experience and trends, as well as future projections of ultimate losses, expenses and administrative costs. The adequacy of the liability is monitored quarterly based on evolving accident claim history and insurance related state legislation changes. 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 under the 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. We believe our valuation techniques and assumptions are 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 estimated 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.
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 United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates are required in the determination of the consolidated income tax expense.
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
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 judgement occurs.
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 2023 Annual Report.
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
RISK MANAGEMENT
For a discussion of additional risks arising from our operations, including vehicle liability, general liability and property damage insurable risks, see “Item 1—Business—Risk Management” included in this 2023 Annual Report.
MARKET RISKS
We are exposed to a variety of market risks, including the effects of changes in interest rates (including credit spreads), foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations in fuel prices. We manage our exposure to these market risks through our regular operating and financing activities and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments. Derivative financial instruments are viewed as risk management tools and have not been used for speculative or trading purposes. Although the instruments utilized involve varying degrees of credit, market and interest risk, we contract with multiple counterparties to mitigate concentrations of risk and the counterparties to the agreements are expected to perform fully under the terms of the agreements. We monitor counterparty credit risk, including lenders, on a regular basis, but cannot be certain that all risks will be discerned or that our risk management policies and procedures will always be effective.
Interest Rate Risk
We have a significant amount of indebtedness with a mix of fixed and variable rates of interest. Floating rate debt carries interest based generally on Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"), Euro inter-bank offer rate ("EURIBOR") or their equivalents for local currencies or bank conduit commercial paper rates plus an applicable margin. Increase in interest rates could therefore significantly increase the associated interest payments that we are required to make on this debt. See Note 6, "Debt," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report.
We have assessed our exposure to changes in interest rates by analyzing the sensitivity to our operating results assuming various changes in market interest rates. Assuming a hypothetical increase of one percentage point in interest rates on our debt portfolio, cash equivalents and investments as of December 31, 2023, our pre-tax operating results would decrease by an estimated $52 million over a twelve-month period.
From time to time, we enter into interest rate swap and/or interest rate cap agreements to manage interest rate risk and our mix of fixed and floating rate debt. See Note 11, "Financial Instruments," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We have exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations worldwide and primarily with respect to the Euro, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar and British pound resulting from intercompany transactions and other cross currency obligations. We do not hedge our operating results against currency movement as they are primarily translational in nature. Assuming a hypothetical change of one percentage point to the foreign currency exchange rates on our intercompany loan balance as of December 31, 2023, our pre-tax operating results would increase (decrease) by approximately $6 million. Additionally, each one percentage point change in foreign currency movements is estimated to impact our Adjusted Corporate EBITDA by an estimated $3 million over a twelve-month period.
We manage our foreign currency exchange risk primarily by incurring, to the extent practicable, operating and financing expenses in the local currency in the countries in which we operate. We may also purchase foreign currency exchange rate derivative financial instruments to manage exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchanges rates. See Note 11, "Financial Instruments," in Part II, Item 8 of this 2023 Annual Report.
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK (Continued)
Fuel Risks
We purchase unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel at prevailing market rates. We are subject to price exposure related to the fluctuations in the price of fuel. We anticipate that fuel risk will remain a market risk for the foreseeable future. We have determined that a 10% hypothetical change in the price of fuel will not have a material impact on our operating results.
Inflationary Risks
The increased cost of vehicles, higher staffing costs and increased interest expenses are the primary inflationary factors affecting us. Many of our other operating expenses are also expected to fluctuate in connection with inflation, such as health care costs, vehicle fueling prices and electric charging costs. Management does not expect that the effect of inflation on our overall operating costs will be greater for us than for our competitors.
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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Index
Page
Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 42 )
74
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 202 3 and December 31, 202 2
82
Consolidated Statements of Operations for Years Ended December 31, 202 3 , 202 2 and 202 1
83
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for Years Ended December 31, 202 3 , 202 2 and 202 1
84
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Mezzanine Equity and Stockholders' Equity for Years Ended December 31, 202 3 , 202 2 and 202 1
85
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for Years Ended December 31, 202 3 , 202 2 and 202 1
86
The Hertz Corporation and Subsidiaries
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 42 )
78
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 202 3 and December 31, 202 2
88
Consolidated Statements of Operations for Years Ended December 31, 202 3 , 202 2 and 202 1
89
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for Years Ended December 31, 202 3 , 202 2 and 202 1
90
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Equity (Deficit) for Years Ended December 31, 202 3 , 202 2 and 202 1
91
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for Years Ended December 31, 202 3 , 202 2 and 202 1
92
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1
Background
94
Note 2
Significant Accounting Policies
94
Note 3
Divestitures
101
Note 4
Revenue Earning Vehicles
102
Note 5
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net
102
Note 6
Debt
105
Note 7
Employee Retirement Benefits
114
Note 8
Stock-Based Compensation
120
Note 9
Leases
123
Note 1 0
Income Tax (Provision) Benefit
125
Note 1 1
Financial Instruments
129
Note 1 2
Fair Value Measurements
131
Note 1 3
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
132
Note 1 4
Contingencies and Off-Balance Sheet Commitments
133
Note 1 5
Related Party Transactions
135
Note 1 6
Equity and Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share – Hertz Global
135
Note 17
Public Warrants - Hertz Global
137
Note 18
Segment Information
138
Note 19
Reorganization Items, Net
143
Schedule I
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.
144
Schedule II
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
148
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HERTZ GLOBAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations , comprehensive income (loss), changes in mezzanine equity and stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes and financial statement schedules listed in the Index at Item 15(a) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 12, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
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Calculation of Non-Program Depreciation on Revenue Earning Vehicles in the Americas Rental Car (“RAC”) Segment
Description of the Matter For the year ended December 31, 2023, total depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges, net in the Americas RAC segment was $1,775 million. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, depreciation rates are reviewed on a quarterly basis based on management’s ongoing assessment of present and estimated future market conditions, the effect of these conditions on residual values at the expected time of disposal and the estimated holding period for revenue earning vehicles. The Company’s revenue earning vehicles are comprised of vehicles that are subject to and are not subject to vehicle repurchase programs (“program vehicles” and “non-program vehicles,” respectively). For program vehicles, the manufacturers guarantee the depreciation rate during established repurchase or auction periods, versus non-program vehicles where the Company estimates the period that the Company will hold the asset and the residual value of the vehicle at the expected time of disposal.
Auditing the Company’s calculation of depreciation for non-program vehicles related to the Americas RAC segment was complex due to the significant estimation uncertainty and management judgment to determine the estimated residual values at the expected time of disposal. The significant estimation uncertainty was primarily due to management’s assumptions related to market conditions and their effect on estimated residual values. Additionally, auditing the calculation of depreciation was challenging due to the volume of data inputs utilized in management’s calculation and their assessment of significant assumptions, including historical sales data and estimated residual values from multiple sources, including third-party sources, at varying levels of disaggregation along with additional data specific to the Company’s current revenue earning vehicles.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of internal controls over the Company’s measurement of depreciation expense for non-program vehicles related to the Americas RAC segment. For example, we tested controls over management’s quarterly review of the depreciation rates, which included their procedures to validate the completeness and accuracy of the data used in the calculation and their assessment of significant assumptions, specifically the estimated residual values of non-program vehicles related to the Americas RAC segment.
To test the depreciation calculation for non-program vehicles, our audit procedures included, among others, testing the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data by comparing historical sales data and vehicle information used in the calculation or in the assessment of significant assumptions (e.g., make, model, trim) to external sources and the Company’s records. We evaluated the reasonableness of other significant assumptions, such as resale market conditions, to assess the reasonableness of the residual value estimates made by management. We searched for contrary evidence associated with the significant assumptions and judgments made by management.
Valuation of Self-insured Liabilities – Public Liability, Property Damage, and Liability Insurance Supplement related to the Americas Rental Car (“RAC”) operations
Description of the Matter As disclosed in Notes 2 and 14 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s self-insured liabilities primarily include public liability, property damage, and liability insurance supplement. The Company records liabilities for these matters based on rental volume and actuarial evaluations of historical accident claim experience and trends, as well as future projections of ultimate losses, expenses and administrative costs. The liabilities include estimates for both reported accident claims not yet paid and claims incurred but not yet reported and are recorded on an undiscounted basis. The estimated self-insured liabilities as of December 31, 2023 were $336 million related to the Americas RAC operations. The adequacy of the liabilities is monitored quarterly based on evolving accident claim history and insurance related state legislation changes. If the Company’s estimates change or if actual results differ from these assumptions, the amount of the recorded liabilities are adjusted to reflect these results.
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Auditing the public liability, property damage, and liability insurance supplement components of the self-insured liabilities reserves related to the Americas RAC operations is complex and required the involvement of our actuarial specialists due to the significant valuation uncertainty associated with the use of actuarial methods. In addition, the public liability, property damage, and liability insurance supplement self-insured liabilities reserve estimates are sensitive to management’s assumptions related to actuarial evaluations of historical claim experience and trends and future projections of ultimate losses used in the computation of these self-insured liabilities.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of internal controls over the Company’s public liability, property damage, and liability insurance supplement self-insured liabilities estimation process related to the Americas RAC operations. For example, we tested controls over management’s review of the methods, models, and the assumptions outlined above that are used in these self-insured liabilities calculations and the completeness and accuracy of the data underlying these self-insured liabilities.
To test the valuation of the public liability, property damage, and liability insurance supplement self-insured liabilities reserves related to the Americas RAC operations, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, involving our internal actuarial specialists to assist us in developing an independent range and evaluating the methods used by management and the reasonableness of assumptions used in their models (e.g., actuarial evaluations of historical claim experience and future projections of ultimate losses). We compared the Company's reserve to estimates of the liability developed by our actuarial specialists based on the underlying claims data and independently selected assumptions.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2019.
Tampa, Florida
February 12, 2024
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HERTZ GLOBAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in mezzanine equity and stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes and financial statement schedules listed in the Index at Item 15(a) and our report dated February 12, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Tampa, Florida
February 12, 2024
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholder and the Board of Directors of The Hertz Corporation
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Hertz Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations , comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholder’s equity (deficit) and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 12, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Calculation of Non-Program Depreciation on Revenue Earning Vehicles in the Americas Rental Car (“RAC”) Segment
Description of the Matter For the year ended December 31, 2023, total depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges, net in the Americas RAC segment was $1,775 million. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, depreciation rates are reviewed on a quarterly basis based on management’s ongoing assessment of present and estimated future market conditions, the effect of these conditions on residual values at the expected time of disposal and the estimated holding period for revenue earning vehicles. The Company’s revenue earning vehicles are comprised of vehicles that are subject to and are not subject to vehicle repurchase programs (“program vehicles” and “non-program vehicles,” respectively). For program vehicles, the manufacturers guarantee the depreciation rate during established repurchase or auction periods, versus non-program vehicles where the Company estimates the period that the Company will hold the asset and the residual value of the vehicle at the expected time of disposal.
Auditing the Company’s calculation of depreciation for non-program vehicles related to the Americas RAC segment was complex due to the significant estimation uncertainty and management judgment to determine the estimated residual values at the expected time of disposal. The significant estimation uncertainty was primarily due to management’s assumptions related to market conditions and their effect on estimated residual values. Additionally, auditing the calculation of depreciation was challenging due to the volume of data inputs utilized in management’s calculation and their assessment of significant assumptions, including historical sales data and estimated residual values from multiple sources, including third-party sources, at varying levels of disaggregation along with additional data specific to the Company’s current revenue earning vehicles.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of internal controls over the Company’s measurement of depreciation expense for non-program vehicles related to the Americas RAC segment. For example, we tested controls over management’s quarterly review of the depreciation rates, which included their procedures to validate the completeness and accuracy of the data used in the calculation and their assessment of significant assumptions, specifically the estimated residual values of non-program vehicles related to the Americas RAC segment.
To test the depreciation calculation for non-program vehicles, our audit procedures included, among others, testing the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data by comparing historical sales data and vehicle information used in the calculation or in the assessment of significant assumptions (e.g., make, model, trim) to external sources and the Company’s records. We evaluated the reasonableness of other significant assumptions, such as resale market conditions, to assess the reasonableness of the residual value estimates made by management. We searched for contrary evidence associated with the significant assumptions and judgments made by management.
Valuation of Self-insured Liabilities – Public Liability, Property Damage, and Liability Insurance Supplement related to the Americas Rental Car (“RAC”) operations
Description of the Matter As disclosed in Notes 2 and 14 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s self-insured liabilities primarily include public liability, property damage, and liability insurance supplement. The Company records liabilities for these matters based on rental volume and actuarial evaluations of historical accident claim experience and trends, as well as future projections of ultimate losses, expenses and administrative costs. The liabilities include estimates for both reported accident claims not yet paid and claims incurred but not yet reported and are recorded on an undiscounted basis. The estimated self-insured liabilities as of December 31, 2023 were $336 million related to the Americas RAC operations. The adequacy of the liabilities is monitored quarterly based on evolving accident claim history and insurance related state legislation changes. If the Company’s estimates change or if actual results differ from these assumptions, the amount of the recorded liabilities are adjusted to reflect these results.
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Auditing the public liability, property damage, and liability insurance supplement components of the self-insured liabilities reserves related to the Americas RAC operations is complex and required the involvement of our actuarial specialists due to the significant valuation uncertainty associated with the use of actuarial methods. In addition, the public liability, property damage, and liability insurance supplement self-insured liabilities reserve estimates are sensitive to management’s assumptions related to actuarial evaluations of historical claim experience and trends and future projections of ultimate losses used in the computation of these self-insured liabilities.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of internal controls over the Company’s public liability, property damage, and liability insurance supplement self-insured liabilities estimation process related to the Americas RAC operations. For example, we tested controls over management’s review of the methods, models, and the assumptions outlined above that are used in these self-insured liabilities calculations and the completeness and accuracy of the data underlying these self-insured liabilities.
To test the valuation of the public liability, property damage, and liability insurance supplement self-insured liabilities reserves related to the Americas RAC operations, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, involving our internal actuarial specialists to assist us in developing an independent range and evaluating the methods used by management and the reasonableness of assumptions used in their models (e.g., actuarial evaluations of historical claim experience and future projections of ultimate losses). We compared the Company's reserve to estimates of the liability developed by our actuarial specialists based on the underlying claims data and independently selected assumptions.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2019.
Tampa, Florida
February 12, 2024
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholder and the Board of Directors of The Hertz Corporation
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited The Hertz Corporation and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, The Hertz Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholder’s equity (deficit) and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) and our report dated February 12, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Tampa, Florida
February 12, 2024
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HERTZ GLOBAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except par value and share data)
December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 764 $ 943
Restricted cash and cash equivalents:
Vehicle 152 180
Non-vehicle 290 295
Total restricted cash and cash equivalents 442 475
Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents 1,206 1,418
Receivables:
Vehicle 211 111
Non-vehicle, net of allowance of $ 47 and $ 45 , respectively
980 863
Total receivables, net 1,191 974
Prepaid expenses and other assets 726 1,155
Revenue earning vehicles:
Vehicles 16,806 14,281
Less: accumulated depreciation ( 2,155 ) ( 1,786 )
Total revenue earning vehicles, net 14,651 12,495
Property and equipment, net 671 637
Operating lease right-of-use assets 2,253 1,887
Intangible assets, net 2,863 2,887
Goodwill 1,044 1,044
Total assets (1)
$ 24,605 $ 22,497
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable:
Vehicle $ 191 $ 79
Non-vehicle 510 578
Total accounts payable 701 657
Accrued liabilities 860 911
Accrued taxes, net 157 170
Debt:
Vehicle 12,242 10,886
Non-vehicle 3,449 2,977
Total debt 15,691 13,863
Public Warrants 453 617
Operating lease liabilities 2,142 1,802
Self-insured liabilities 471 472
Deferred income taxes, net 1,038 1,360
Total liabilities (1)
21,513 19,852
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $ 0.01 par value, no shares issued and outstanding
— —
Common stock, $ 0.01 par value, 479,990,286 and 478,914,062 shares issued, respectively, and 305,178,242 and 323,483,178 shares outstanding, respectively
5 5
Treasury stock, at cost, 174,812,044 and 155,430,884 common shares, respectively
( 3,430 ) ( 3,136 )
Additional paid-in capital 6,405 6,326
Retained earnings (Accumulated deficit) 360 ( 256 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ( 248 ) ( 294 )
Total stockholders' equity 3,092 2,645
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 24,605 $ 22,497
(1) Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.'s consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 include total assets of variable interest entities ("VIEs") of $ 1.7 billion and $ 1.3 billion, respectively, which can only be used to settle obligations of the VIEs. Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.'s consolidated total liabilities as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 include total liabilities of VIEs of $ 1.7 billion and $ 1.3 billion, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. See "Pledges Related to Vehicle Financing" in Note 6, "Debt," for further information.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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HERTZ GLOBAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions, except per share data)
Years Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Revenues $ 9,371 $ 8,685 $ 7,336
Expenses:
Direct vehicle and operating 5,455 4,808 3,920
Depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges, net 2,039 701 497
Non-vehicle depreciation and amortization 149 142 196
Selling, general and administrative 962 959 688
Interest expense, net:
Vehicle 555 159 284
Non-vehicle 238 169 185
Interest expense, net 793 328 469
Other (income) expense, net 12 2 ( 21 )
Reorganization items, net — — 677
(Gain) from the sale of a business — — ( 400 )
(Gain) on sale of non-vehicle capital assets ( 162 ) — —
Change in fair value of Public Warrants ( 163 ) ( 704 ) 627
Total expenses 9,085 6,236 6,653
Income (loss) before income taxes 286 2,449 683
Income tax (provision) benefit
330 ( 390 ) ( 318 )
Net income (loss) 616 2,059 365
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
— — 1
Net income (loss) attributable to Hertz Global 616 2,059 366
Series A Preferred Stock deemed dividends — — ( 450 )
Net income (loss) available to Hertz Global common stockholders $ 616 $ 2,059 $ ( 84 )
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic 313 379 315
Diluted 326 403 315
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic $ 1.97 $ 5.43 $ ( 0.27 )
Diluted $ 1.39 $ 3.36 $ ( 0.27 )
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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HERTZ GLOBAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In millions)
Years Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Net income (loss) $ 616 $ 2,059 $ 365
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments
49 ( 76 ) ( 36 )
Net gain (loss) on pension and postretirement benefit plans ( 5 ) ( 17 ) 25
Reclassification from other comprehensive income (loss) to other (income) expense for amortization of actuarial net losses 4 7 15
Total other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes 48 ( 86 ) 4
Income tax (provision) benefit related to pension and postretirement benefit plans ( 1 ) 7 ( 3 )
Income tax (provision) benefit related to reclassified amounts of net periodic costs on pension and postretirement benefit plans ( 1 ) ( 1 ) ( 3 )
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
46 ( 80 ) ( 2 )
Total comprehensive income (loss) 662 1,979 363
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 1
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Hertz Global
$ 662 $ 1,979 $ 364
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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HERTZ GLOBAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN MEZZANINE EQUITY AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In millions)
Mezzanine Equity Retained Earnings (Accumulated
Deficit) Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss) Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Hertz Global
Preferred Stock Shares Preferred Stock Amount Common Stock Shares Common Stock Amount Additional
Paid-In Capital Treasury Stock Shares Treasury Stock Amount Non-
controlling Interests Total Stockholders' Equity
Balance as of:
December 31, 2020 — — 156 $ 2 $ 3,047 $ ( 2,681 ) $ ( 212 ) 2 $ ( 100 ) $ 56 $ 37 $ 93
Net income (loss) — — — — — 366 — — — 366 ( 1 ) 365
Other comprehensive income (loss) — — — — — — ( 2 ) — — ( 2 ) — ( 2 )
Stock-based compensation charges — — — — 10 — — — — 10 — 10
Cancellation of stock-based awards — — — — ( 10 ) — — — — ( 10 ) — ( 10 )
Cancellation of common and treasury shares in exchange for new common shares — — ( 142 ) ( 2 ) ( 98 ) — — ( 2 ) 100 — — —
Distributions to common stockholders — — — — ( 239 ) — — — — ( 239 ) — ( 239 )
Contributions from Plan Sponsors — — 277 3 2,778 — — — — 2,781 — 2,781
2021 Rights Offering, net — — 181 2 1,800 — — — — 1,802 — 1,802
Public Warrant issuance — — — — ( 800 ) — — — — ( 800 ) — ( 800 )
Preferred stock issuance, net 2 1,433 — — — — — — — 1,433 — 1,433
Repurchase of preferred stock, net ( 2 ) ( 1,433 ) — — ( 450 ) — — — — ( 1,883 ) — ( 1,883 )
Public Warrant exercises — — 5 — 180 — — — — 180 — 180
Nasdaq listing and share repurchases (1)
— — ( 27 ) — ( 9 ) — — 27 ( 708 ) ( 717 ) — ( 717 )
Distributions to noncontrolling interests (2)
— — — — — — — — — — ( 36 ) ( 36 )
December 31, 2021 — — 450 5 6,209 ( 2,315 ) ( 214 ) 27 ( 708 ) 2,977 — 2,977
Net income (loss) — — — — — 2,059 — — — 2,059 — 2,059
Other comprehensive income (loss) — — — — — — ( 80 ) — — ( 80 ) — ( 80 )
Stock-based compensation charges — — — — 131 — — — — 131 — 131
Net settlement on vesting of restricted stock — — — — ( 20 ) — — — — ( 20 ) — ( 20 )
Public Warrant exercises — — — — 6 — — — — 6 — 6
Shares repurchases (3)
— — ( 127 ) — — — — 128 ( 2,428 ) ( 2,428 ) — ( 2,428 )
December 31, 2022 — — 323 5 6,326 ( 256 ) ( 294 ) 155 ( 3,136 ) 2,645 — 2,645
Net income (loss) — — — — — 616 — — — 616 — 616
Other comprehensive income (loss) — — — — — — 46 — — 46 — 46
Stock-based compensation charges — — — — 87 — — — — 87 — 87
Net settlement on vesting of restricted stock — — 1 — ( 9 ) — — — — ( 9 ) — ( 9 )
Public Warrant exercises — — — — 1 — — — — 1 — 1
Shares repurchases (3)
— — ( 19 ) — — — — 20 ( 294 ) ( 294 ) — ( 294 )
December 31, 2023 — $ — 305 $ 5 $ 6,405 $ 360 $ ( 248 ) 175 $ ( 3,430 ) $ 3,092 — $ 3,092
(1) See also "Share Repurchase Programs for Common Stock" in Note 16, "Equity and Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share – Hertz Global."
(2) Effective October 31, 2021, the 767 lease agreement was terminated. See Note 3, "Divestitures."
(3) The amounts presented herein may be rounded to agree to amounts in the consolidated balance sheet. Also see "Share Repurchase Programs for Common Stock" in Note 16, "Equity and Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share – Hertz Global. "
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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HERTZ GLOBAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
Years Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) $ 616 $ 2,059 $ 365
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and reserves for revenue earning vehicles, net 2,422 809 600
Depreciation and amortization, non-vehicle 149 142 196
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount (premium) 61 53 122
Loss on extinguishment of debt — — 8
Stock-based compensation charges 87 130 10
Provision for receivables allowance 93 57 125
Deferred income taxes, net ( 380 ) 301 270
Reorganization items, net — — 314
(Gain) loss from the sale of a business — — ( 400 )
(Gain) loss on sale of non-vehicle capital assets ( 162 ) ( 5 ) ( 8 )
Change in fair value of Public Warrants ( 163 ) ( 704 ) 627
Changes in financial instruments 117 ( 111 ) ( 4 )
Other 5 11 ( 1 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Non-vehicle receivables ( 216 ) ( 264 ) ( 210 )
Prepaid expenses and other assets ( 39 ) ( 126 ) ( 20 )
Operating lease right-of-use assets 365 280 274
Non-vehicle accounts payable ( 48 ) 43 ( 70 )
Accrued liabilities ( 39 ) 80 ( 108 )
Accrued taxes, net 3 73 24
Operating lease liabilities ( 391 ) ( 309 ) ( 291 )
Self-insured liabilities ( 6 ) 19 ( 17 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 2,474 2,538 1,806
Cash flows from investing activities:
Revenue earning vehicles expenditures ( 9,514 ) ( 10,596 ) ( 7,154 )
Proceeds from disposal of revenue earning vehicles 5,498 6,498 2,818
Non-vehicle capital asset expenditures ( 188 ) ( 150 ) ( 71 )
Proceeds from disposal of non-vehicle capital assets 181 12 16
Collateral payments — — ( 303 )
Collateral returned in exchange for letters of credit — 19 280
Return of (investment in) equity investments ( 1 ) ( 16 ) —
Proceeds from the sale of a business, net of cash sold — — 871
Other — — ( 1 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities ( 4,024 ) ( 4,233 ) ( 3,544 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of vehicle debt 6,043 9,672 14,323
Repayments of vehicle debt ( 4,837 ) ( 6,639 ) ( 12,607 )
Proceeds from issuance of non-vehicle debt 2,490 — 4,644
Repayments of non-vehicle debt ( 2,018 ) ( 20 ) ( 6,352 )
Payment of financing costs ( 41 ) ( 48 ) ( 185 )
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HERTZ GLOBAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(In millions)
Years Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Proceeds from Plan Sponsors — — 2,781
Early redemption premium payment — — ( 85 )
Proceeds from exercises of Public Warrants — 3 77
Proceeds from the issuance of preferred stock, net — — 1,433
Distributions to common stockholders — — ( 239 )
Contributions from (distributions to) noncontrolling interests — — ( 38 )
Proceeds from 2021 Rights Offering, net — — 1,639
Share repurchases ( 315 ) ( 2,461 ) ( 654 )
Repurchase of preferred stock — — ( 1,883 )
Other ( 9 ) ( 20 ) ( 9 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 1,313 487 2,845
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents 25 ( 25 ) ( 34 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents during the period ( 212 ) ( 1,233 ) 1,073
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period (1)
1,418 2,651 1,578
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 1,206 $ 1,418 $ 2,651
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest, net of amounts capitalized:
Vehicle $ 469 $ 204 $ 257
Non-vehicle 252 168 198
Income taxes, net of refunds 33 78 40
Operating lease liabilities 547 454 472
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash information:
Purchases of revenue earning vehicles included in accounts payable, net of incentives $ 171 $ 53 $ 27
Sales of revenue earning vehicles included in vehicle receivables 191 85 33
Purchases of non-vehicle capital assets included in accounts payable 16 23 24
Revenue earning vehicles and non-vehicle capital assets acquired through finance leases 69 15 79
Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities 721 614 177
Public Warrants issuance — — 800
Public Warrant exercises — 3 103
Backstop equity issuance — — 164
Accrual for purchases of treasury shares — 21 54
(1) Amounts include cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents which were held for sale as of December 31, 2020, prior to the completion of the Donlen Sale in the first quarter of 2021, as disclosed in Note 3, "Divestitures."
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except par value and share data)
December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 764 $ 943
Restricted cash and cash equivalents:
Vehicle 152 180
Non-vehicle 290 295
Total restricted cash and cash equivalents 442 475
Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents 1,206 1,418
Receivables:
Vehicle 211 111
Non-vehicle, net of allowance of $ 47 and $ 45 , respectively
980 863
Total receivables, net 1,191 974
Prepaid expenses and other assets 725 1,154
Revenue earning vehicles:
Vehicles 16,806 14,281
Less: accumulated depreciation ( 2,155 ) ( 1,786 )
Total revenue earning vehicles, net 14,651 12,495
Property and equipment, net 671 637
Operating lease right-of-use assets 2,253 1,887
Intangible assets, net 2,863 2,887
Goodwill 1,044 1,044
Total assets (1)
$ 24,604 $ 22,496
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Accounts payable:
Vehicle $ 191 $ 79
Non-vehicle 510 578
Total accounts payable 701 657
Accrued liabilities 860 890
Accrued taxes, net 155 170
Debt:
Vehicle 12,242 10,886
Non-vehicle 3,449 2,977
Total debt 15,691 13,863
Operating lease liabilities 2,142 1,802
Self-insured liabilities 471 472
Deferred income taxes, net 1,041 1,363
Total liabilities (1)
21,061 19,217
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholder's equity:
Common stock, $ 0.01 par value, 3,000 shares authorized and 100 shares issued and outstanding
— —
Additional paid-in capital 4,610 4,844
Retained earnings (Accumulated deficit) ( 819 ) ( 1,271 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ( 248 ) ( 294 )
Total stockholder's equity 3,543 3,279
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity $ 24,604 $ 22,496
(1) The Hertz Corporation's consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 include total assets of VIEs of $ 1.7 billion and $ 1.3 billion, respectively, which can only be used to settle obligations of the VIEs. The Hertz Corporation's consolidated total liabilities as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 include total liabilities of VIEs of $ 1.7 billion and $ 1.3 billion, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to The Hertz Corporation. See "Pledges Related to Vehicle Financing" in Note 6, "Debt," for further information.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions)
Years Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Revenues $ 9,371 $ 8,685 $ 7,336
Expenses:
Direct vehicle and operating 5,455 4,808 3,920
Depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges, net 2,039 701 497
Non-vehicle depreciation and amortization 149 142 196
Selling, general and administrative 962 959 688
Interest expense, net:
Vehicle 555 159 284
Non-vehicle 238 169 185
Interest expense, net 793 328 469
Other (income) expense, net 12 2 ( 21 )
Reorganization items, net — — 513
(Gain) from the sale of a business — — ( 400 )
(Gain) on sale of non-vehicle capital assets ( 162 ) — —
Total expenses 9,248 6,940 5,862
Income (loss) before income taxes 123 1,745 1,474
Income tax (provision) benefit
329 ( 390 ) ( 318 )
Net income (loss) 452 1,355 1,156
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
— — 1
Net income (loss) attributable to Hertz
$ 452 $ 1,355 $ 1,157
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In millions)
Years Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Net income (loss) $ 452 $ 1,355 $ 1,156
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments
49 ( 76 ) ( 36 )
Net gain (loss) on pension and postretirement benefit plans ( 5 ) ( 17 ) 25
Reclassification from other comprehensive income (loss) to other (income) expense for amortization of actuarial net losses 4 7 15
Total other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes 48 ( 86 ) 4
Income tax (provision) benefit related to pension and postretirement benefit plans ( 1 ) 7 ( 3 )
Income tax (provision) benefit related to reclassified amounts of net periodic costs on pension and postretirement benefit plans ( 1 ) ( 1 ) ( 3 )
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
46 ( 80 ) ( 2 )
Total comprehensive income (loss) 498 1,275 1,154
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 1
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Hertz $ 498 $ 1,275 $ 1,155
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(In millions, except for share data)
Common Stock Shares Common Stock Amount Additional
Paid-In Capital Accumulated
Deficit Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss) Stockholder's Equity (Deficit) Attributable to Hertz Noncontrolling Interests Total Stockholder's Equity (Deficit)
Balance as of:
December 31, 2020 100 $ — $ 3,953 $ ( 3,783 ) $ ( 212 ) $ ( 42 ) $ 37 $ ( 5 )
Net income (loss) — — — 1,157 — 1,157 ( 1 ) 1,156
Other comprehensive income (loss) — — — — ( 2 ) ( 2 ) — ( 2 )
Non-cash distribution — — 65 — — 65 — 65
Stock-based compensation charges — — 10 — — 10 — 10
Cancellation of stock-based awards — — ( 10 ) — — ( 10 ) — ( 10 )
Contributions from Hertz Holdings — — 5,642 — — 5,642 — 5,642
Dividends to Hertz Holdings — — ( 2,470 ) — — ( 2,470 ) — ( 2,470 )
Distributions to noncontrolling interests (1)
— — — — — — ( 36 ) ( 36 )
December 31, 2021 100 — 7,190 ( 2,626 ) ( 214 ) 4,350 — 4,350
Net income (loss) — — — 1,355 — 1,355 — 1,355
Other comprehensive income (loss) — — — — ( 80 ) ( 80 ) — ( 80 )
Stock-based compensation charges — — 131 — — 131 — 131
Dividends paid to Hertz Holdings (2)
— — ( 2,477 ) — — ( 2,477 ) — ( 2,477 )
December 31, 2022 100 — 4,844 ( 1,271 ) ( 294 ) 3,279 — 3,279
Net income (loss) — — — 452 — 452 — 452
Other comprehensive income (loss) — — — — 46 46 — 46
Stock-based compensation charges — — 87 — — 87 — 87
Dividends paid to Hertz Holdings (2)
— — ( 321 ) — — ( 321 ) — ( 321 )
December 31, 2023 100 $ — $ 4,610 $ ( 819 ) $ ( 248 ) $ 3,543 $ — $ 3,543
(1) Effective October 31, 2021, the 767 lease agreement was terminated. See Note 3, "Divestitures."
(2) See "Share Repurchase Programs for Common Stock" in Note 16, "Equity and Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share – Hertz Global," for additional information.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
Years Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) $ 452 $ 1,355 $ 1,156
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and reserves for revenue earning vehicles, net 2,422 809 600
Depreciation and amortization, non-vehicle 149 142 196
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount (premium) 61 53 122
Loss on extinguishment of debt — — 8
Stock-based compensation charges 87 130 10
Provision for receivables allowance 93 57 125
Deferred income taxes, net ( 380 ) 301 270
Reorganization items, net — — 150
(Gain) loss from the sale of a business — — ( 400 )
(Gain) loss on sale of non-vehicle capital assets ( 162 ) ( 5 ) ( 8 )
Changes in financial instruments 117 ( 111 ) ( 4 )
Other 5 11 ( 1 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Non-vehicle receivables ( 216 ) ( 264 ) ( 210 )
Prepaid expenses and other assets ( 39 ) ( 126 ) ( 20 )
Operating lease right-of-use assets 365 280 274
Non-vehicle accounts payable ( 48 ) 43 ( 70 )
Accrued liabilities ( 39 ) 80 ( 108 )
Accrued taxes, net 1 73 24
Operating lease liabilities ( 391 ) ( 309 ) ( 291 )
Self-insured liabilities ( 6 ) 19 ( 17 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 2,471 2,538 1,806
Cash flows from investing activities:
Revenue earning vehicles expenditures ( 9,514 ) ( 10,596 ) ( 7,154 )
Proceeds from disposal of revenue earning vehicles 5,498 6,498 2,818
Non-vehicle capital asset expenditures ( 188 ) ( 150 ) ( 71 )
Proceeds from disposal of non-vehicle capital assets 181 12 16
Collateral payments — — ( 303 )
Collateral returned in exchange for letters of credit — 19 280
Proceeds from the sale of a business, net of cash sold — — 871
Return of (investment in) equity investments ( 1 ) ( 16 ) —
Other — — ( 1 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities ( 4,024 ) ( 4,233 ) ( 3,544 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of vehicle debt 6,043 9,672 14,323
Repayments of vehicle debt ( 4,837 ) ( 6,639 ) ( 12,607 )
Proceeds from issuance of non-vehicle debt 2,490 — 4,644
Repayments of non-vehicle debt ( 2,018 ) ( 20 ) ( 6,352 )
Payment of financing costs ( 41 ) ( 48 ) ( 185 )
Early redemption premium payment — — ( 85 )
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(In millions)
Years Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Contributions from (distributions to) noncontrolling interests — — ( 38 )
Dividends paid to Hertz Holdings ( 321 ) ( 2,477 ) ( 2,470 )
Contributions from Hertz Holdings — — 5,642
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 1,316 488 2,872
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents 25 ( 25 ) ( 34 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents during the period ( 212 ) ( 1,232 ) 1,100
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period (1)
1,418 2,650 1,550
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 1,206 $ 1,418 $ 2,650
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest, net of amounts capitalized:
Vehicle $ 469 $ 204 $ 257
Non-vehicle 252 168 198
Income taxes, net of refunds 33 78 40
Operating lease liabilities 547 454 472
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash information:
Purchases of revenue earning vehicles included in accounts payable, net of incentives $ 171 $ 53 $ 27
Sales of revenue earning vehicles included in vehicle receivables 191 85 33
Purchases of non-vehicle capital assets included in accounts payable 16 23 24
Revenue earning vehicles and non-vehicle capital assets acquired through finance leases 69 15 79
Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities 721 614 177
Non-cash capital contribution from Hertz Holdings — — 65
(1) Amounts include cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents which were held for sale as of December 31, 2020, prior to the completion of the Donlen Sale in the first quarter of 2021, as disclosed in Note 3, "Divestitures."
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1— Background
Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. was incorporated in Delaware in 2015 to serve as the top-level holding company for Rental Car Intermediate Holdings, LLC, which wholly owns The Hertz Corporation , Hertz Global's primary operating company. Hertz was incorporated in Delaware in 1967 and is a successor to corporations that have been engaged in the vehicle rental and leasing business since 1918. Hertz operates its vehicle rental business globally primarily through the Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty brands from company-operated and franchisee locations in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America, the Middle East and New Zealand. The Company also sells vehicles through Hertz Car Sales.
Going Concern
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern and contemplate the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business.
Note 2— Significant Accounting Policies
Accounting Principles
The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements of Hertz Global include the accounts of Hertz Global, its wholly-owned and majority owned U.S. and international subsidiaries, and its VIEs, as applicable. The consolidated financial statements of Hertz include the accounts of Hertz, its wholly-owned and majority-owned U.S. and international subsidiaries, and its VIEs, as applicable. The Company consolidates a VIE when it is deemed the primary beneficiary of the VIE. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates and Assumptions
The use of estimates and assumptions as determined by management is required in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP. These estimates are based on management’s evaluation of historical trends and other information available when the consolidated financial statements are prepared and may affect the amounts reported and related footnote disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Significant estimates inherent in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include depreciation of revenue earning vehicles, accounting for income taxes and related uncertain tax positions, self-insured liabilities and useful lives and impairment of long-lived tangible and indefinite-lived intangible assets including goodwill. Other estimates inherent in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include reserves for litigation and other contingencies, pension costs and the valuation of stock-based compensation, among others.
Revenue Earning Vehicles
Revenue earning vehicles are stated at cost, net of related discounts and incentives from manufacturers. Holding periods typically range from six to sixty-six months . Generally, when revenue earning vehicles are acquired outside of a vehicle repurchase program (non-program), the Company estimates the period that the Company will hold the asset, primarily based on historical measures of the amount of rental activity (e.g., automobile mileage). The Company also estimates the residual value of the applicable revenue earning vehicles at the expected time of disposal, taking into consideration factors such as make, model and options, age, physical condition, mileage, sale location, time of the year and market conditions. Depreciation is recorded over the estimated holding period. Depreciation rates are reviewed on a quarterly basis based on management's ongoing assessment of present and
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
estimated future market conditions, their effect on residual values at the expected time of disposal and the estimated holding periods. Gains and losses on the sale of vehicles, including the costs associated with disposals, are included in depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
For program vehicles, the manufacturers agree to repurchase the vehicles at a specified price or guarantee the depreciation rate on the vehicles during established repurchase or auction periods, subject to, among other things, certain vehicle condition, mileage and holding period requirements. Vehicle repurchase programs guarantee on an aggregate basis the residual value of the program vehicle upon sale according to certain parameters which include the holding period, mileage and condition of the vehicles.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, the Company determines deferred tax assets and liabilities on the basis of the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities by using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
The Company recognizes deferred tax assets to the extent that the Company believes that these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, carryback potential if permitted under the tax law, and results of recent operations.
The Company records uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740 on the basis of a two-step process in which (1) the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the Company recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits on the income tax expense line in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included in the related tax liability line in the accompany consolidated balance sheets.
The Company has elected to record tax on global intangible low-tax income (“GILTI”) on a current basis. GILTI is a U.S. tax on certain earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are subject to foreign tax below a certain threshold.
Self-insured Liabilities
Self-insured liabilities in the accompanying 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 rental volume and actuarial evaluations of historical accident claim experience and trends, as well as future projections of ultimate losses, expenses and administrative costs. The adequacy of the liability is monitored quarterly based on evolving accident claim history and insurance related state legislation changes. If the Company's 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
The Company tests the recoverability of its goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets by performing an impairment analysis on an annual basis, as of October 1, and at interim periods when circumstances require as a result of a triggering event.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
A goodwill impairment charge is calculated as the amount by which a reporting unit's carrying amount exceeds its fair value. For goodwill, fair value is determined 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. The Company has identified two reporting units (operating segments): Americas RAC and International RAC. The fair values of the reporting units are estimated using the net present value of discounted cash flows generated by each reporting unit and incorporate various assumptions related to discount rates, growth rates, cash flow projections, tax rates and terminal value rates specific to the reporting unit to which they are applied. Discount rates are determined based on the reporting unit's WACC. The Company’s discounted cash flow projections are based upon reasonable and appropriate assumptions about the underlying business activities of the Company’s reporting units.
In the impairment analysis for an indefinite-lived intangible asset, the Company compares the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value and recognizes an impairment charge whenever the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value. The estimated fair value for a tradename utilizes a relief-from-royalty income approach, which includes the Company’s revenue projections for each asset, along with assumptions for royalty rates, tax rates and WACC.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes two types of revenue: (i) lease revenue; and (ii) revenue from contracts with customers.
The Company reports revenues for taxes or non-concession fees collected from customers on behalf of governmental authorities on a net basis.
Vehicle Rental and Rental Related Revenues
The Company recognizes revenue from its vehicle rental operations when persuasive evidence of a contract exists, the performance obligations have been satisfied, the transaction price is fixed or determinable and collection is reasonably assured. Performance obligations associated with vehicle rental transactions are satisfied over the rental period, except for the portion associated with loyalty points, as further described below. Rental periods are short term in nature. Performance obligations associated with rental related activities, such as charges to the customer for the fueling and electric charging of vehicles and value-added services such as loss damage waivers, insurance products, navigation units, supplemental equipment and other consumables, are also satisfied over the rental period. Revenue from charges that are charged to the customer, such as gasoline, vehicle licensing and airport concession fees, is recorded on a gross basis with a corresponding charge to direct vehicle and operating expense. The Company recognizes revenue related to collections from customers for vehicle damages. Sales commissions paid to third parties are generally expensed when incurred due to the short-term nature of the related transaction on which the commission was earned and are recorded within DOE. Payments are due from customers at the completion of the rental, except for customers with negotiated payment terms, generally net 30 days or less, which are invoiced and remain as accounts receivable until collected.
Loyalty Programs - The Company offers loyalty programs, primarily Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, wherein customers are eligible to earn loyalty points that are redeemable for free rental days or can be converted to loyalty points for redemption of products and services under loyalty programs of other companies. Each transaction that generates loyalty points results in the deferral of revenue equivalent to the retail value at the date the points are earned. The associated revenue is recognized when the customer redeems the loyalty points at some point in the future. The retail value of loyalty points is estimated based on the current retail value measured as of the date the loyalty points are earned, less an estimated amount representing loyalty points that are not expected to be redeemed (“breakage”). Breakage is reviewed on a quarterly basis and includes significant assumptions such as historical breakage trends and internal Company forecasts.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Customer Rebates - The Company has business customers that rent vehicles based on terms that have been negotiated through contracts with their employers, or other entities with which they are associated (“commercial contracts”), which can differ substantially from the terms on which the Company rents vehicles to the general public. Some of the commercial contracts contain provisions which allow for rebates to the entity based on achieving a specific rental volume threshold. Rebates are treated as lease incentives and are recognized as a reduction of revenue at the time of the rental based on the rebate expected to be earned by the entity.
Licensee Revenue
The Company has franchise agreements which allow an independent entity to rent their vehicles under the Company’s brands, primarily Hertz, Dollar or Thrifty, for a franchise fee. Franchise fees are earned over time for the duration of the franchise agreement and are typically based on the larger of a minimum payment or an amount representing a percentage of net sales of the franchised business. Franchise fees that relate to a future contract term, such as initial fees or renewal fees, are deferred and recognized over the term of the franchise agreement.
Ancillary Retail Vehicle Sales Revenue
Ancillary retail vehicle sales represent revenues generated from the sale of warranty contracts, financing and title fees, and other ancillary services associated with vehicles disposed of at the Company’s retail outlets. These revenues are recorded at the point in time when the Company sells the product or provides the service to the customer. These revenues exclude the sale price of the vehicle, which is a component of the gain or loss on the disposition and is included in depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Contract Balances
The Company recognizes receivables and liabilities resulting from its contracts with customers. Contract receivables primarily consist of receivables from customers for vehicle rentals. Contract liabilities primarily consist of obligations to customers for prepaid vehicle rentals and related to the Company’s points-based loyalty programs.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less. The Company's cash and cash equivalents are invested in various investment grade institutional money market funds, and bank money market and interest-bearing accounts.
Restricted cash and cash equivalents include cash and cash equivalents that are not readily available for use in the Company's operating activities. Restricted cash and cash equivalents are primarily comprised of proceeds from the disposition of vehicles pledged under the terms of vehicle debt financing arrangements and are restricted for the purchase of revenue earning vehicles and other specified uses under the vehicle debt facilities, cash utilized as credit enhancement under those arrangements, proceeds from the Term Loan C which are utilized to collateralize letters of credit, and certain cash accounts supporting regulatory reserve requirements related to the Company's self-insurance. These funds are primarily held in demand deposit and money market accounts or in highly rated money market funds with investments primarily in government and corporate obligations.
Deposits held at financial institutions may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions with reputable credit and therefore bear minimal credit risk. The Company limits exposure relating to financial instruments by diversifying the financial instruments among various counterparties, which consist of major financial institutions.
Receivables, Net of Allowance
Receivables are stated net of allowances and primarily represent credit extended to vehicle manufacturers, customers that satisfy defined credit criteria, and amounts due from customers resulting from damage to rental
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
vehicles. The estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the Company's future expected losses and its judgement as to the likelihood of ultimate payment. Actual receivables are written-off against the allowance for doubtful accounts when the Company determines the balance will not be collected. Estimates for future credit memos are based on historical experience and are reflected as reductions to revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Property and Equipment, Net
The Company's property and equipment, net consisted of the following:
(In millions) December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
Land, buildings and leasehold improvements $ 1,014 $ 990
Service vehicles, equipment and furniture and fixtures 430 392
Less: accumulated depreciation ( 773 ) ( 745 )
Total property and equipment, net $ 671 $ 637
Land is stated at cost and reviewed for impairment as further disclosed below in "Long-lived Assets, Including Finite-lived Intangible Assets."
Property and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated utilizing the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Estimated useful lives are as follows:
Buildings 1 to 50 years
Furniture and fixtures 1 to 5 years
Service vehicles and equipment 1 to 25 years
Leasehold improvements The lesser of the economic life or the lease term
Depreciation expense for property and equipment, net for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $ 101 million, $ 97 million and $ 108 million, respectively.
The Company follows the practice of expensing maintenance and repair costs for service vehicles, furniture and fixtures, and equipment, including the cost of minor replacements.
Long-lived Assets, Including Finite-lived Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible assets include concession agreements, technology, customer relationships and other intangibles. Long-lived assets and intangible assets with finite lives, including technology-related intangibles, are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated economic lives of the assets, which range from one to forty years and two to fifteen years , respectively. Long-lived assets and intangible assets with finite lives are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Measurement of an impairment loss for long-lived assets that management expects to hold and use is based on the estimated fair value of the asset. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying value or estimated fair value less costs to sell.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant date fair value of the award. That cost is to be recognized over the period during which the employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. Forfeitures are accounted for when they occur. The Company has estimated the fair value of options issued at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
pricing model, which includes assumptions related to volatility, expected term, dividend yield and risk-free interest rate.
The Company accounts for restricted stock unit ("RSU") and performance stock unit ("PSU") awards when granted as equity classified awards. For RSUs the expense is based on the grant-date fair value of the stock and the number of shares that vest, recognized over the service period. For any PSUs and performance share awards ("PSAs") granted, the expense is based on the grant-date fair value of the stock, recognized over a service period depending upon the applicable performance condition. For any PSUs and PSAs, the Company re-assesses the probability of achieving the applicable performance condition quarterly and adjusts the recognition of expense accordingly. The Company includes the excess tax benefit within income tax expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations when realized.
Fair Value Measurements
U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal market or, if none exists, the most advantageous market, for the specific asset or liability at the measurement date (referred to as the "exit price"). Fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based upon assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability, including consideration of nonperformance risk.
The Company assesses the inputs used to measure fair value using the three-tier hierarchy promulgated under U.S. GAAP. This hierarchy indicates the extent to which inputs used in measuring fair value are observable in the market.
Level 1: Inputs that reflect quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that are observable.
Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or model-derived valuations in which significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.
Level 3: Inputs that are unobservable to the extent that observable inputs are not available for the asset or liability at the measurement date and include management's judgment about assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
Financial Instruments
The Company is exposed to a variety of market risks, including the effects of changes in interest rates, gasoline and diesel fuel prices and foreign currency exchange rates. The Company manages exposure to these market risks through regular operating and financing activities and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments. Financial instruments are viewed as risk management tools and have not been used for speculative or trading purposes. In addition, financial instruments are entered into with a diversified group of major financial institutions in order to manage the Company's exposure to counterparty nonperformance on such instruments. The Company measures all financial instruments at their fair value and does not offset the derivative assets and liabilities in its accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As the Company does not have financial instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, the changes in their fair value are recognized currently in the Company's operating results.
Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions
Assets and liabilities of international subsidiaries whose functional currency is the local currency are translated at the rate of exchange in effect on the balance sheet date; income and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates throughout the year. The related translation adjustments are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Foreign currency exchange rate
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
gains and losses resulting from transactions are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Advertising
Advertising production costs are deferred and expensed when the advertising first takes place. Advertising communication costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs are reflected as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 were $ 285 million, $ 262 million and $ 195 million, respectively.
Divestitures
The Company classifies long-lived assets and liabilities to be disposed of as held for sale in the period in which they are available for immediate sale in their present condition and the sale is probable and expected to be completed within one year. The Company initially measures assets and liabilities held for sale at the lower of their carrying value or fair value less costs to sell and assesses their fair value quarterly until disposed. When the divestiture represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on the Company's operations and financial results, the disposal is presented as a discontinued operation.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Not Yet Adopted as of December 31, 2023
Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative
In October 2023, the FASB issued guidance that amends certain disclosure and presentation requirements related to the statement of cash flows, accounting changes and error corrections, earnings per share, interim reporting, commitments, debt, equity, derivatives, transfers and services and various industry specific guidance. For entities subject to the SEC’s existing disclosure requirements, the effective date for each amendment will be the date on which the SEC’s removal of that related disclosure from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K becomes effective. However, if by June 30, 2027, the SEC has not removed the existing disclosure requirements, the amendments will not become effective. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is in the process of assessing the overall impact of adopting this guidance on its disclosures.
Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures
In November 2023, the FASB issued guidance that modifies segment reporting disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2024 using a retrospective transition method. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of determining the timing of the adoption and assessing the overall impact of adopting this guidance on its disclosures.
Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures
In December 2023, the FASB issued guidance to enhance income tax disclosures related to, among other items, rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of determining the timing of the adoption and assessing the overall impact of adopting this guidance on its disclosures.
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Note 3— Divestitures
Sales of Non-vehicle Capital Assets
In 2019, the Company substantially completed the sale of certain non-vehicle capital assets constituting real property, in an eminent domain proceeding, in its Americas RAC segment. In 2023, the Company received additional cash from the sale upon final resolution of the eminent domain proceeding and recognized an additional $ 29 million pre-tax gain on the sale, which is included in (gain) on sale of non-vehicle capital assets in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023.
In 2023, the Company sold and leased back its Los Angeles, California airport location in its Americas RAC segment. The transaction qualified for sale-leaseback accounting. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain of $ 133 million based on the difference in the sale amount of $ 143 million less $ 9 million net book value of assets sold and $ 1 million in selling costs, which is included in (gain) on sale of non-vehicle capital assets in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023. The leaseback is classified as an operating lease with a term of 36 months.
Donlen Sale
On March 30, 2021, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of its Donlen subsidiary. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recognized a pre-tax gain in its corporate operations of $ 400 million, net of the impact of foreign currency adjustments, based on the difference in cash proceeds received of $ 891 million less $ 543 million net book value of assets sold plus a $ 53 million receivable in connection with the sale where cash proceeds were received in September 2021.
Termination of 767 Auto Leasing Agreement
In January 2018, Hertz entered into a Master Motor Vehicle Lease and Management Agreement (the “767 Lease Agreement”) pursuant to which Hertz granted 767 Auto Leasing LLC (“767”) the option to acquire certain vehicles from Hertz at rates aligned with the rates at which Hertz sold vehicles to third parties where 767’s payment obligations were guaranteed by American Entertainment Properties Corp. ("AEPC"). The 767 Lease Agreement was terminated effective October 31, 2021.
Prior to the termination of the 767 Lease Agreement, the Company determined that it was the primary beneficiary of 767 due to its power to direct the activities of 767 that most significantly impacted 767's economic performance and the Company's obligation to absorb 25 % of 767's gains/losses and, accordingly, 767 was consolidated by the Company as a VIE.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, 767 distributed $ 38 million to AEPC along with the return of certain vehicles, and there were no cash contributions from AEPC to 767.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note 4— Revenue Earning Vehicles
The components of revenue earning vehicles, net are as follows:
December 31,
(In millions) 2023 2022
Revenue earning vehicles $ 16,164 $ 13,654
Less accumulated depreciation ( 2,155 ) ( 1,649 )
14,009 12,005
Revenue earning vehicles held for sale, net (1)
642 490
Revenue earning vehicles, net $ 14,651 $ 12,495
(1) Represents the carrying amount of vehicles classified as held for sale as of the respective balance sheet date, including the EV Disposal Group as disclosed below.
Depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges, net includes the following:
Years ended December 31,
(In millions) 2023 2022 2021
Depreciation of revenue earning vehicles $ 1,853 $ 1,806 $ 963
(Gain) loss on disposal of revenue earning vehicles (1)
157 ( 1,125 ) ( 502 )
Rents paid for vehicles leased 29 20 36
Depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges, net $ 2,039 $ 701 $ 497
(1) Includes the write-down to fair value for vehicles classified as held for sale, including the EV Disposal Group as disclosed below, for the year ended December 31, 2023.
In December 2023, the Company identified the EV Disposal Group it desired to sell to in response to management's determination that the supply of EVs exceed customer demand, elevated EV damage and collision costs and a decline in EV residual values. As a result, the EV Disposal Group, included in the Company's Americas RAC segment, has been classified as held for sale with an aggregate carrying value of $ 542 million and is included in revenue earning vehicles, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2023. The carrying values of the vehicles included in the EV Disposal Group were written down to fair value less costs to sell and resulted in a write-down of $ 245 million, which is included in depreciation of revenue earning vehicles and lease charges, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company expects to complete the sale of the EV Disposal Group, primarily through its standard disposition channels, within the next 12 months.
Note 5— Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net
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 ASC 350 - Intangibles, Goodwill and Other ("Topic 350"), the Company tests the recoverability of its 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 under the U.S. GAAP fair value hierarchy. The reviews of fair value involve judgment and estimates, including projected revenues, long-term growth rates, royalty rates and discount rates. The Company believes that its valuation techniques and assumptions are reasonable for this purpose.
The Company performed the goodwill impairment analyses using the income approach, a measurement using level 3 inputs under the U.S. GAAP fair value hierarchy. In performing the impairment analyses, the weighted-average cost of capital used in the discounted cash flow model was calculated based upon the fair value of the Company's debt and share price with a debt-to-equity ratio comparable to the vehicle rental car industry. This present value model requires management to estimate future cash flows and forecasted EBITDA margins and
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capital investments of each reporting unit. The assumptions the Company used to estimate future cash flows and EBITDA margins are consistent with the assumptions that the reporting units use for internal planning purposes, which the Company believes would be generally consistent with that of a market participant. The discount rate used for each reporting unit ranged from 13.0 % to 14.0 %. Each of the Company's reporting units had a fair value that exceeded its respective carrying value, the lowest of which was greater than 25 %.
The Company performed the intangible impairment analyses for indefinite-lived intangible assets using the relief-from-royalty income approach, a measurement using level 3 inputs under the U.S. GAAP fair value hierarchy. The Company considered consistent factors as described above related to goodwill in addition to royalty rates. The assumptions the Company uses to estimate royalty rates are consistent with the assumptions that the reporting units use for internal planning purposes, which the Company believes would be generally consistent with that of a market participant. The discount rate used for each indefinite-lived intangible ranged from 13.0 % to 14.5 %. All indefinite-lived intangibles were noted to have fair values that exceeded their carrying values, the lowest of which was greater than 25 %.
Goodwill
The following summarizes the changes in the Company's goodwill by segment:
(In millions) Americas RAC segment International RAC segment Total
Balance as of January 1, 2023
Goodwill $ 1,028 $ 236 $ 1,264
Accumulated impairment losses
— ( 220 ) ( 220 )
1,028 16 1,044
Goodwill disposal and other changes during the period — — —
— — —
Balance as of December 31, 2023
Goodwill 1,028 236 1,264
Accumulated impairment losses — ( 220 ) ( 220 )
$ 1,028 $ 16 $ 1,044
(In millions) Americas RAC segment International RAC segment Total
Balance as of January 1, 2022
Goodwill $ 1,029 $ 236 $ 1,265
Accumulated impairment losses
— ( 220 ) ( 220 )
1,029 16 1,045
Goodwill disposal and other changes during the period ( 1 ) — ( 1 )
( 1 ) — ( 1 )
Balance as of December 31, 2022
Goodwill 1,028 236 1,264
Accumulated impairment losses — ( 220 ) ( 220 )
$ 1,028 $ 16 $ 1,044
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Intangible Assets, Net
Intangible assets, net, consists of the following major classes:
December 31, 2023
(In millions) Gross
Carrying
Amount Accumulated
Amortization Net
Carrying
Value
Amortizable intangible assets:
Customer-related $ 269 $ ( 269 ) $ —
Concession rights 407 ( 406 ) 1
Technology-related intangibles 342 ( 300 ) 42
Other (1)
38 ( 36 ) 2
Total 1,056 ( 1,011 ) 45
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Tradenames (2)
2,794 — 2,794
Other (3)
24 — 24
Total 2,818 — 2,818
Total intangible assets, net $ 3,874 $ ( 1,011 ) $ 2,863
December 31, 2022
(In millions) Gross
Carrying
Amount Accumulated
Amortization Net
Carrying
Value
Amortizable intangible assets:
Customer-related $ 269 $ ( 269 ) $ —
Concession rights 407 ( 405 ) 2
Technology-related intangibles 378 ( 312 ) 66
Other (1)
43 ( 42 ) 1
Total 1,097 ( 1,028 ) 69
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Tradenames (2)
2,794 — 2,794
Other (3)
24 — 24
Total 2,818 — 2,818
Total intangible assets, net $ 3,915 $ ( 1,028 ) $ 2,887
(1) Other amortizable intangible assets primarily include reacquired franchise rights.
(2) As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, $ 2.2 billion was recorded in the Company's Americas RAC segment and $ 600 million in the Company's International RAC segment.
(3) Other indefinite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of reacquired franchise rights.
Years Ended December 31,
(In millions) 2023 2022 2021
Amortization of intangible assets $ 48 $ 45 $ 88
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The following table summarizes the Company's expected amortization expense based on its amortizable intangible assets as of December 31, 2023:
(In millions)
2024 $ 21
2025 18
2026 5
2027 —
2028 —
After 2028 1
Total expected amortization expense $ 45
Note 6— Debt
The Company's debt, including its available credit facilities, consists of the following ($ in millions) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Facility Weighted-Average Interest Rate as of December 31, 2023
Fixed or
Floating
Interest
Rate Maturity December 31,
2023 December 31,
2022
Non-Vehicle Debt
First Lien RCF N/A Floating 6/2026 $ — $ —
Term B Loan 8.69 % Floating 6/2028 1,268 1,281
Incremental Term B Loan 9.09 % Floating 6/2028 500 —
Term C Loan 8.69 % Floating 6/2028 245 245
Senior Notes Due 2026 4.63 % Fixed 12/2026 500 500
Senior Notes Due 2029 5.00 % Fixed 12/2029 1,000 1,000
Other Non-Vehicle Debt (1)
5.71 % Fixed Various 2 9
Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs and Net (Discount) Premium
( 66 ) ( 58 )
Total Non-Vehicle Debt 3,449 2,977
Vehicle Debt
HVF III U.S. ABS Program
HVF III U.S. Vehicle Variable Funding Notes
HVF III Series 2021-A Class A (2)
6.99 % Floating 6/2025 1,492 2,363
HVF III Series 2021-A Class B (2)
9.44 % Fixed 8/2025 188 188
1,680 2,551
HVF III U.S. Vehicle Medium Term Notes
HVF III Series 2021-1 (2)
1.66 % Fixed 12/2024 2,000 2,000
HVF III Series 2021-2 (2)
2.12 % Fixed 12/2026 2,000 2,000
HVF III Series 2022-1 (2)
2.44 % Fixed 6/2025 750 750
HVF III Series 2022-2 (2)
2.78 % Fixed 6/2027 750 652
HVF III Series 2022-3 (2)
3.89 % Fixed 3/2024 192 383
HVF III Series 2022-4 (2)
4.22 % Fixed 9/2025 667 667
HVF III Series 2022-5 (2)
4.39 % Fixed 9/2027 364 317
HVF III Series 2023-1 (2)
6.17 % Fixed 6/2026 500 —
HVF III Series 2023-2 (2)
6.30 % Fixed 9/2028 300 —
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Facility Weighted-Average Interest Rate as of December 31, 2023
Fixed or
Floating
Interest
Rate Maturity December 31,
2023 December 31,
2022
HVF III Series 2023-3 (2)
6.46 % Fixed 2/2027 500 —
HVF III Series 2023-4 (2)
6.66 % Fixed 3/2029 500 —
8,523 6,769
Vehicle Debt - Other
Repurchase Facility N/A Fixed N/A — 86
European ABS (2)
5.80 % Floating 3/2026 1,205 811
Hertz Canadian Securitization (2)
6.95 % Floating 6/2025 350 283
Australian Securitization (2)
5.95 % Floating 6/2025 203 168
New Zealand RCF 8.47 % Floating 6/2025 70 54
U.K. Financing Facility 7.85 % Floating 1/2024-9/2027 173 101
Other Vehicle Debt (3)
5.17 % Floating 1/2024-11/2027 110 125
2,111 1,628
Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs and Net (Discount) Premium ( 72 ) ( 62 )
Total Vehicle Debt 12,242 10,
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