Hertz and Other Rental Car Stocks Rise Amid TSA Airport Disruptions
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 4 days ago
0mins
Source: Barron's
- Spring Break Travel Trends: Many spring breakers are opting to drive to their destinations to avoid the crowded airports.
- Avoiding Airport Chaos: The decision to drive is driven by the desire to escape the chaos typically associated with air travel during peak vacation times.
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Analyst Views on HRI
Wall Street analysts forecast HRI stock price to rise
7 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
1 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 100.340
Low
150.00
Averages
175.00
High
200.00
Current: 100.340
Low
150.00
Averages
175.00
High
200.00
About HRI
Herc Holdings Inc. is an equipment rental supplier. It operates through subsidiaries, including Herc Rentals Inc. In addition to its principal business of equipment rental, it sells used equipment and contractor supplies, such as construction consumables, tools, small equipment and safety supplies; provides repair, maintenance, equipment management services and safety training to certain of its customers; offer equipment re-rental services and provides on-site support to its customers; and provide ancillary services, such as equipment transport, rental protection, cleaning, refueling and labor. Its classic fleet includes aerial, earthmoving, material handling, trucks and trailers, air compressors, compaction, and lighting equipment. Its ProSolutions offering includes industry-specific, solutions-based services in tandem with power generation, climate control, remediation and restoration, pumps, and trench shorting equipment as well as its ProContractor professional grade tools.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Hertz Stock Declines as TSA Travel Disruptions May Soon Come to an End
- Market Reaction: Shares of Hertz Global and Clear Secure fell on Friday following a significant executive order from President Donald Trump.
- Executive Order Impact: The order directs the Department of Homeland Security to compensate Transportation and Security Administration employees, indicating a shift in the dynamics affecting travel-related companies.
See More
Hertz and Other Rental Car Stocks Rise Amid TSA Airport Disruptions
- Spring Break Travel Trends: Many spring breakers are opting to drive to their destinations to avoid the crowded airports.
- Avoiding Airport Chaos: The decision to drive is driven by the desire to escape the chaos typically associated with air travel during peak vacation times.
See More
Soviero Asset Management Acquires Stake in Herc Holdings
- New Investment Disclosure: Soviero Asset Management disclosed a new position in Herc Holdings on February 17, 2026, acquiring 38,000 shares valued at approximately $5.64 million, indicating confidence in the company's future prospects.
- Asset Management Proportion: This new stake represents 2.7% of Soviero's reported U.S. equity assets under management as of December 31, 2025, highlighting its strategic diversification within its investment portfolio.
- Company Financial Performance: Herc Holdings reported a total revenue of $4.3 billion and a net income of $1 million for 2023, and despite a 5% decline in share price over the past year, management anticipates adjusted EBITDA of $2 billion to $2.1 billion in 2026, indicating significant growth potential.
- Market Competitive Landscape: As a leading player in the equipment rental industry, Herc Holdings leverages its extensive product offerings and value-added services, facing challenges from integration costs and market volatility, yet future revenue synergies have yet to materialize, necessitating investor caution regarding potential risks.
See More
Herc Holdings Q4 2025 Earnings Call Highlights
- Acquisition Integration Progress: Herc Holdings completed the largest acquisition in industry history in 2025, with CEO Lawrence Silber noting that 80% of branch optimization is finished, expected to enhance the company's competitive position in the market.
- Strong Financial Performance: Equipment rental revenue increased approximately 24% year-over-year in Q4, with adjusted EBITDA rising 19%, driven by the H&E acquisition and strong specialty solutions sales, indicating sustained profitability improvements.
- Future Growth Outlook: CFO Humphrey projected rental revenue growth of 13% to 17% for 2026, alongside expected cost synergies of $125 million, reflecting the company's confidence in future performance and effective strategic planning.
- Capital Expenditure Plans: The company plans to invest approximately $950 million in gross CapEx at the midpoint for 2026, with lower disposal levels leading to an estimated net CapEx of $650 million, further supporting business expansion and market share growth.
See More
Herc Holdings Q4 Earnings Beat Expectations
- Earnings Performance: Herc Holdings reported a Q4 non-GAAP EPS of $2.07, exceeding expectations by $0.20, indicating strong profitability despite overall revenue falling short of projections.
- Revenue Growth Drivers: The company achieved $1.21 billion in revenue for Q4, a 27.2% year-over-year increase primarily driven by a 24% rise in equipment rental revenue, although sales missed expectations, highlighting market demand volatility.
- Declining Utilization Rates: Dollar utilization in Q4 was 37.5%, down from 40.6% in the prior year, primarily due to lower utilization of the acquired fleet, reflecting challenges in optimizing the asset mix.
- Optimistic Future Outlook: Herc anticipates 2026 equipment rental revenue between $4.275 billion and $4.4 billion, with adjusted EBITDA projected at $2.0 billion to $2.1 billion, demonstrating confidence in future growth despite ongoing capital expenditure considerations.
See More
Herc Holdings Reports 2025 Financial Results and Strategic Outlook
- Successful Acquisition Integration: Herc Holdings completed the largest acquisition in the industry in 2025, successfully integrating two high-quality equipment rental operators, which is expected to create significant long-term strategic and financial value, enhancing market competitiveness.
- Strong Financial Performance: In 2025, the company's equipment rental revenue reached approximately $4.376 billion, a significant increase from $3.568 billion in 2024, demonstrating robust performance and growth potential in the market.
- Optimistic 2026 Outlook: The company anticipates 2026 equipment rental revenue to range between $4.275 billion and $4.4 billion, with adjusted EBITDA projected at $2 billion to $2.1 billion, indicating continued leverage of scale-driven benefits and industry-leading technology for above-market growth.
- Capital Expenditure Plans: Herc Holdings plans to allocate $500 million to $800 million for net rental equipment capital expenditures in 2026, further solidifying its market leadership through investments in new equipment and optimization of existing assets.
See More
Hertz Stock Declines as TSA Travel Disruptions May Soon Come to an End
- Market Reaction: Shares of Hertz Global and Clear Secure fell on Friday following a significant executive order from President Donald Trump.
- Executive Order Impact: The order directs the Department of Homeland Security to compensate Transportation and Security Administration employees, indicating a shift in the dynamics affecting travel-related companies.
See More
Hertz and Other Rental Car Stocks Rise Amid TSA Airport Disruptions
- Spring Break Travel Trends: Many spring breakers are opting to drive to their destinations to avoid the crowded airports.
- Avoiding Airport Chaos: The decision to drive is driven by the desire to escape the chaos typically associated with air travel during peak vacation times.
See More
Soviero Asset Management Acquires Stake in Herc Holdings
- New Investment Disclosure: Soviero Asset Management disclosed a new position in Herc Holdings on February 17, 2026, acquiring 38,000 shares valued at approximately $5.64 million, indicating confidence in the company's future prospects.
- Asset Management Proportion: This new stake represents 2.7% of Soviero's reported U.S. equity assets under management as of December 31, 2025, highlighting its strategic diversification within its investment portfolio.
- Company Financial Performance: Herc Holdings reported a total revenue of $4.3 billion and a net income of $1 million for 2023, and despite a 5% decline in share price over the past year, management anticipates adjusted EBITDA of $2 billion to $2.1 billion in 2026, indicating significant growth potential.
- Market Competitive Landscape: As a leading player in the equipment rental industry, Herc Holdings leverages its extensive product offerings and value-added services, facing challenges from integration costs and market volatility, yet future revenue synergies have yet to materialize, necessitating investor caution regarding potential risks.
See More
Herc Holdings Q4 2025 Earnings Call Highlights
- Acquisition Integration Progress: Herc Holdings completed the largest acquisition in industry history in 2025, with CEO Lawrence Silber noting that 80% of branch optimization is finished, expected to enhance the company's competitive position in the market.
- Strong Financial Performance: Equipment rental revenue increased approximately 24% year-over-year in Q4, with adjusted EBITDA rising 19%, driven by the H&E acquisition and strong specialty solutions sales, indicating sustained profitability improvements.
- Future Growth Outlook: CFO Humphrey projected rental revenue growth of 13% to 17% for 2026, alongside expected cost synergies of $125 million, reflecting the company's confidence in future performance and effective strategic planning.
- Capital Expenditure Plans: The company plans to invest approximately $950 million in gross CapEx at the midpoint for 2026, with lower disposal levels leading to an estimated net CapEx of $650 million, further supporting business expansion and market share growth.
See More
Herc Holdings Q4 Earnings Beat Expectations
- Earnings Performance: Herc Holdings reported a Q4 non-GAAP EPS of $2.07, exceeding expectations by $0.20, indicating strong profitability despite overall revenue falling short of projections.
- Revenue Growth Drivers: The company achieved $1.21 billion in revenue for Q4, a 27.2% year-over-year increase primarily driven by a 24% rise in equipment rental revenue, although sales missed expectations, highlighting market demand volatility.
- Declining Utilization Rates: Dollar utilization in Q4 was 37.5%, down from 40.6% in the prior year, primarily due to lower utilization of the acquired fleet, reflecting challenges in optimizing the asset mix.
- Optimistic Future Outlook: Herc anticipates 2026 equipment rental revenue between $4.275 billion and $4.4 billion, with adjusted EBITDA projected at $2.0 billion to $2.1 billion, demonstrating confidence in future growth despite ongoing capital expenditure considerations.
See More
Herc Holdings Reports 2025 Financial Results and Strategic Outlook
- Successful Acquisition Integration: Herc Holdings completed the largest acquisition in the industry in 2025, successfully integrating two high-quality equipment rental operators, which is expected to create significant long-term strategic and financial value, enhancing market competitiveness.
- Strong Financial Performance: In 2025, the company's equipment rental revenue reached approximately $4.376 billion, a significant increase from $3.568 billion in 2024, demonstrating robust performance and growth potential in the market.
- Optimistic 2026 Outlook: The company anticipates 2026 equipment rental revenue to range between $4.275 billion and $4.4 billion, with adjusted EBITDA projected at $2 billion to $2.1 billion, indicating continued leverage of scale-driven benefits and industry-leading technology for above-market growth.
- Capital Expenditure Plans: Herc Holdings plans to allocate $500 million to $800 million for net rental equipment capital expenditures in 2026, further solidifying its market leadership through investments in new equipment and optimization of existing assets.
See More
