Services

Why Hertz Is Back on Track

Hertz logo
Hertz Global Holdings Inc.
Hertz Global Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HTZ) has been under the gun of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ever since its inaccurate financial statements came to light, but not anymore. The company announced that it filed its annual report for 2014 that restated results for 2012 and 2013. It also included selected unaudited restated financial information for 2011. With this filing Hertz is now up to date on all of its filings with the SEC.

At the same time, Hertz also announced its progress on the planned separation of its equipment rental business, in conjunction with its capital allocation, cost savings capacity plans and fleet refresh. The cash from the separation will be used to pay down debt and support additional share repurchase programs.

Hertz also reaffirmed its $1 billion share repurchase program.

Finally, the company provided guidance on the 2015 fiscal year. Hertz expects consolidated corporate EBITDA of $1.45 billion to $1.55 billion, net non-fleet capex of $275 million to $296 million, and U.S. fleet capacity growth of 0.5% to 1.5%.

ALSO READ: Merrill Lynch’s Top High-Yielding Telecom Stocks to Buy Now

Hertz President and CEO John Tague commented:

Going forward, we are committed to developing a differentiated customer experience and premium brand position for Hertz that is number one in the industry, while revitalizing Dollar and Thrifty into leading value brands. We aspire to be the best rental car company in the world, recognized for the quality and convenience of our products and services, as well as the value we will create for shareholders.

He continued:

2015 is a transition year for Hertz. We are making important investments in our fleet, systems and service, and adding new talent to complement the existing expertise throughout the Company. In addition, we are taking actions to rationalize the Company’s cost platform, dramatically improve customer satisfaction and reset our capacity. These actions and early results are indicative of the progress we are making across the organization. Our commitment to the Company’s share buyback program is reflective of our confidence in driving operating performance that is sustainable and enables us to return capital to shareholders.

Shares of Hertz closed Thursday down 0.4%, at $16.99 in a 52-week trading range of $16.65 to $31.61. In the after-hours trading session, shares were up 17.7% to $20.00. The stock has a consensus analyst price target of $25.00.

ALSO READ: 10 Cities Where Incomes Are Growing (and Shrinking) Fastest

It’s Your Money, Your Future—Own It (sponsor)

Retirement can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be.

Imagine having an expert in your corner to help you with your financial goals. Someone to help you determine if you’re ahead, behind, or right on track. With SmartAsset, that’s not just a dream—it’s reality. This free tool connects you with pre-screened financial advisors who work in your best interests. It’s quick, it’s easy, so take the leap today and start planning smarter!

Don’t waste another minute; get started right here and help your retirement dreams become a retirement reality.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.

AI Portfolio

Discover Our Top AI Stocks

Our expert who first called NVIDIA in 2009 is predicting 2025 will see a historic AI breakthrough.

You can follow him investing $500,000 of his own money on our top AI stocks for free.