Herc Holdings Reports 2019 Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2019 Results and Announces Full Year Guidance for 2020

• Equipment rental revenue increased 2.1% to $457.0 million in the fourth quarter, and rose 2.6% to $1,701.8 million for the full year
• Total revenues were $540.1 million in the fourth quarter, and $1,999.0 million for the full year
• Pricing improved by 3.3% in the fourth quarter and 4.0% for the full year
• Net income increased to $35.1 million, or $1.20 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter and $47.5 million, or $1.63 per diluted share, for the full year
• Adjusted EBITDA increased 8.1% to $214.4 million in the fourth quarter, and 8.2% to $741.0 million for the full year
• Net cash provided by operating activities increased 13.7% to $635.6 million in 2019
• Free cash flow improved nearly $180 million to $172.0 million in 2019
• Initiated 2020 adjusted EBITDA guidance range of $760 million to $790 million

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Herc Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HRI) (“Herc Holdings” or the “Company”) today reported financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2019. Equipment rental revenue was $457.0 million and total revenues were $540.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, compared to $447.7 million and $543.7 million, respectively, for the same period last year. The Company reported net income of $35.1 million, or $1.20 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2019, compared to $33.3 million, or $1.16 per diluted share, in the same 2018 period. Fourth quarter 2019 adjusted net income was $38.9 million, or $1.33 per diluted share, compared to $33.4 million, or $1.16 per diluted share, in 2018. See page A-5 for a description of the items excluded in calculating adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share.

“We generated $172.0 million in free cash flow in 2019, a positive swing of nearly $180 million from last year,” said Larry Silber, president and chief executive officer. “Our strategic initiatives continue to deliver strong year-over-year pricing and we achieved major improvements in operating efficiency and dollar utilization in the fourth quarter and full year. We focused on quality of earnings throughout the year, and fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA margin rose 320 basis points to 39.7%, the highest fourth quarter margin we have achieved since the spin-off in 2016. ”

“Our disciplined capital management initiatives reduced our net leverage ratio significantly in three-and-half years, to just 2.8x as of December 31, 2019. Targeted branch openings, controlled fleet additions, and self-help initiatives are expected to drive future profitability. Leading economic indicators continue to suggest positive momentum in our end markets and support our favorable outlook.”

Equipment rental revenue increased 2.1%, average fleet at original equipment cost (OEC) was up 0.7% and overall pricing improved 3.3% in the fourth quarter of 2019, over the prior-year period. Adjusted EBITDA increased 8.1% to $214.4 million in the fourth quarter compared to $198.4 million in the comparable 2018 period. See page A-4 for a description of the items excluded in calculating adjusted EBITDA.

Net cash provided by operating activities increased 13.7% to $635.6 million in 2019 compared to $559.1 million in the prior year. Free cash flow rose to $172 million in 2019 compared to negative cash flow of $7.9 million in 2018. See page A-6 for a reconciliation from net cash provided by operating activities and free cash flow.

Fourth Quarter Highlights

• Equipment rental revenue in the fourth quarter of 2019 increased 2.1% to $457.0 million compared to $447.7 million in the prior-year quarter. Strong year-over-year improvements in pricing was partially offset by lower volume.

• Total revenues decreased 0.7% to $540.1 million in the fourth quarter compared to $543.7 million in 2018. The $3.6 million decline was related to a planned reduction of $9.6 million in sales of rental equipment, and $3.0 million reduction in sales of new equipment, parts and supplies compared to the prior year. Those reductions were partially offset by an increase in equipment rental revenue of $9.3 million.

• Pricing increased 3.3% in the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, the 15th consecutive quarter of year-over-year improvement.

• Dollar utilization increased 80 basis points to 40.5% in the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to the prior-year period, reflecting improved pricing and customer and fleet mix diversification.

• Direct operating expenses (DOE) decreased 2.2% to $195.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to $200.3 million in the prior-year period. The $4.5 million decrease was primarily related to lower transportation, insurance and personnel-related expenses, offset by an increase in facilities and maintenance costs.

• Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) decreased 10.1% to $73.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to $81.9 million in the prior-year period. The $8.3 million decline was primarily attributed to the reduction in spin-off costs, bad debt, and professional fees, partially offsetting an increase in personnel and personnel-related expenses.

• Interest expense in the fourth quarter of 2019 decreased to $27.1 million compared to $34.0 million in the prior-year period. The decrease was primarily related to lower interest expense related to the refinancing of the Company’s Notes and ABL Credit Facility during the third quarter of 2019.

• The provision for income taxes in the fourth quarter was $18.1 million compared to $5.0 million in the previous year, which included a $6.0 million tax benefit related to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“2017 Tax Act”).

• Net income increased 5.4% to $35.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to $33.3 million in the prior-year period. Adjusted net income was $38.9 million compared to $33.4 million in the prior-year quarter.

• Adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter of 2019 increased 8.1% to $214.4 million compared to $198.4 million in the prior-year period. The increase was primarily due to strong equipment rental revenue pricing and lower DOE and SG&A, partially offset by losses on the sale of rental equipment. Adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 39.7% in the fourth quarter of 2019, compared with 36.5% in the prior-year quarter.

Full Year 2019 Highlights

• Equipment rental revenue in the year increased 2.6% to $1,701.8 million compared to $1,658.3 million in 2018. The $43.5 million increase was primarily related to improvement in pricing and increases in transportation revenue, partially offset by strategic reductions in re-rent revenue and lower volume.

• Total revenues increased 1.1% to $1,999.0 million in 2019 compared to $1,976.7 million in 2018. The $22.3 million year-over-year increase was related to the increase in equipment rental revenue, partially offset by lower planned sales of rental equipment of $13.4 million, and lower sales of new equipment, parts and supplies, and service and other revenue.

• Pricing increased 4.0% in the year compared to the same period last year.

• Direct operating expenses decreased $14.1 million to $771.1 million compared to $785.2 million in the prior-year period. The 1.8% decline was primarily due to initiatives to reduce expenses, particularly in re-rent, maintenance, and transportation. The savings were partially offset by increases in new facilities costs, personnel and personnel-related expenses.

• SG&A decreased $16.5 million to $294.8 million in the year compared to $311.3 million in the prior-year period. The 5.3% year-over-year decline resulted primarily from the reduction in spin-off related expenses and lower professional fees, partially offset by higher personnel-related expenses.

• 2019 results included restructuring expense of $7.7 million associated with the closures of underperforming branches.

• Interest expense increased to $173.5 million in the year compared to the prior year’s $137.0 million, primarily due to $53.6 million of debt extinguishment costs related to the refinancing of the Notes and ABL Credit Facility in 2019. Last year’s results also included a $5.4 million expense related to the partial redemption of the Company’s Notes. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in interest expense due to lower interest rates related to the Notes and ABL Credit Facility.

• The provision for income taxes increased to $16.1 million for the year, compared with the previous year’s $0.3 million tax benefit, which included a $20.8 million tax benefit related to the 2017 Tax Act.

• Net income was $47.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to $69.1 million in the comparable prior-year period. Adjusted net income for the year was $91.6 million in 2019, compared to $67.8 million in 2018.

• Adjusted EBITDA in the year increased 8.2% to $741.0 million compared to $684.8 million in the prior year. The increase was primarily due to strong equipment rental revenue pricing and lower SG&A and DOE. Adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 37.1% compared with 34.6% in 2018.

Capital Expenditures – Fleet

• The Company reported net fleet capital expenditures of $414.2 million in the year of 2019. Gross fleet capital expenditures were $638.4 million, and proceeds from disposals were $224.2 million. See page A-5 for the calculation of net fleet capital expenditures.

• As of December 31, 2019, the Company’s total fleet was approximately $3.82 billion at OEC.

• Average fleet at OEC increased 0.7% in the fourth quarter of 2019 and 0.4% in the year compared to the prior-year periods.

• Average fleet age improved to approximately 45 months as of December 31, 2019, compared to approximately 46 months as of December 31, 2018.

Improved Free Cash Flow and Net Leverage

• The Company generated $172.0 million in free cash flow for the full year 2019, compared with negative free cash flow of $7.9 million in 2018.
• Net leverage was reduced to 2.8x in 2019 – a decline from the 3.1x at the end of 2018.

2020 Guidance

“We expect adjusted EBITDA in 2020 to grow between approximately 3% to 7% over 2019, ” said Mr. Silber. “We plan a moderate increase in net fleet capital expenditures in 2020 over last year to improve our mix with modest fleet growth. We also expect to continue to generate substantial positive free cash flow this year, which will be primarily used to reduce net leverage,” he added.

The Company does not provide forward-looking guidance for certain financial measures on a GAAP basis because certain items contained in the GAAP measures, which may be significant, cannot be reasonably estimated, such as restructuring and restructuring related charges, and gains and losses from asset sales.

Earnings Call and Webcast Information

Herc Holdings’ fourth quarter 2019 earnings webcast will be held today at 8:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time. Interested U.S. parties may call +1-800-309-1256 and international participants should call 1-786-789-4796, using the access code: 606318. Please dial in at least 10 minutes before the call start time to ensure that you are connected to the call and to register your name and company.

Those who wish to listen to the live conference call and view the accompanying presentation slides should visit the Events and Presentations tab of the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at IR.HercRentals.com. The press release and presentation slides for the call will be posted to this section of the website prior to the call.

A replay of the conference call will be available via webcast on the company website at IR.HercRentals.com, where it will be archived for 90 days after the call. A telephonic replay will be available for one week. To listen to the archived call by telephone, U.S. participants should dial +1-888-203-1112 and international participants 1-719-457-0820 and enter the conference ID number: 3326878.

About Herc Holdings Inc.

Herc Holdings Inc., which operates through its Herc Rentals Inc. subsidiary, is one of the leading equipment rental suppliers with approximately 275 locations in North America. With over 50 years of experience, we are a full-line equipment rental supplier offering a broad portfolio of equipment for rent. Our classic fleet includes aerial, earthmoving, material handling, trucks and trailers, air compressors, compaction and lighting. Our equipment rental business is supported by ProSolutions^R, our industry-specific solutions-based services, which includes power generation, climate control, remediation and restoration, and studio and production equipment, and our ProContractor professional grade tools. Our product offerings and services are aimed at helping customers work more efficiently, effectively and safely. The Company has approximately 5,100 employees who equip our customers and communities to build a brighter future. Herc Holdings’ 2019 total revenues were approximately $2.0 billion. All references to “Herc Holdings” or the “Company” in this press release refer to Herc Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated. For more information on Herc Holdings and its products and services, visit: www.HercRentals.com.

Certain Additional Information

In this release we refer to the following operating measures:

• Dollar utilization: calculated by dividing rental revenue by the average OEC of the equipment fleet for the relevant time period, based on the guidelines of the American Rental Association (ARA).

• OEC: original equipment cost based on the guidelines of the ARA, which is calculated as the cost of the asset at the time it was first purchased plus additional capitalized refurbishment costs (with the basis of refurbished assets reset at the refurbishment date).

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements as that term is defined by the federal securities laws, including statements concerning our business plans and strategy; projected profitability, performance or cash flows, future capital expenditures; anticipated financing needs, business trends and other information that is not historical information. Forward looking statements are generally identified by the words “estimates,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” “forecasts,” and future or conditional verbs, such as “will,” “should,” “could” or “may,” as well as variations of such words or similar expressions. All forward-looking statements are based upon our current expectations and various assumptions and, there can be no assurance that our current expectations will be achieved. They are subject to future events, risks and uncertainties – many of which are beyond our control – as well as potentially inaccurate assumptions, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information on the risks that may affect our business is included in filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including our most recent annual report Form 10-K, subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and in our other SEC filings. We undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements that have been made to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Information Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to results calculated according to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), the Company has provided certain information in this release that is not calculated according to GAAP (“non-GAAP”), such as EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per diluted common share and free cash flow. Management uses these non-GAAP measures to evaluate operating performance and period-over-period performance of our core business without regard to potential distortions, and believes that investors will likewise find these non-GAAP measures useful in evaluating the Company’s performance. These measures are frequently used by security analysts, institutional investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in our industry. Non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for our reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP and, as calculated, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. For the definitions of these terms, further information about management’s use of these measures as well as a reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures, please see the supplemental schedules that accompany this release.

(See Accompanying Tables)

HERC HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULES

EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA RECONCILIATIONS

Unaudited

(In millions)

EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA – EBITDA represents the sum of net income (loss), provision (benefit) for income taxes, interest expense, net, depreciation of rental equipment and non-rental depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA plus the sum of merger and acquisition related costs, restructuring and restructuring related charges, spin-off costs, non-cash stock-based compensation charges, loss on extinguishment of debt (which is included in interest expense, net), impairment charges, gain (loss) on the disposal of a business and certain other items. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA do not purport to be alternatives to net income as an indicator of operating performance. Additionally, neither measure purports to be an alternative to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity, as they do not consider certain cash requirements such as interest payments and tax payments.

Adjusted EBITDA Margin – Adjusted EBITDA Margin, calculated by dividing Adjusted EBITDA by Total Revenues, is a commonly used profitability ratio.

Contacts

Paul Dickard
Vice President, Communications

pdickard@hercrentals.com
239-301-1214

Elizabeth Higashi, CFA
Vice President, Investor Relations

ehigashi@hercrentals.com
239-301-1024

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