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Hertz(HTZ) - 2023 Q4 - Annual Report

Global Operations - As of December 31, 2023, Hertz operated approximately 11,400 rental locations globally across about 160 countries, making it one of the largest vehicle rental companies worldwide[37]. - The Americas RAC segment includes substantial company-operated rental locations primarily in the U.S. and Canada, while the International RAC segment has a majority of locations in Europe[41]. - As of December 31, 2023, Hertz had approximately 1,900 airport rental locations in the Americas RAC segment and approximately 1,500 in the International RAC segment[49]. - The company maintains a substantial network of franchisee locations, with 72% of franchised locations in markets covered by the International RAC segment as of December 31, 2023[41]. Revenue and Financial Performance - Off airport rental revenues comprised 34% of total worldwide vehicle rental revenues in 2023, up from 32% in 2022[47]. - Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members accounted for approximately 33% of worldwide rental transactions for the year ended December 31, 2023[80]. - Franchisee fees comprised approximately 2% of the company's worldwide vehicle rental revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023[96]. - The U.S. vehicle rental industry generated approximately 38.4billioninestimatedannualrevenuesfor2023,withanaverageof2millionvehiclesinoperation[117].Thecompanyoperatedapeakrentalfleetofapproximately467,000vehiclesintheAmericasRACsegmentand124,600vehiclesintheInternationalRACsegmentasofDecember31,2023[101].FleetManagementandVehicleStrategyTheaverageholdingperiodforrentalvehiclessoldintheAmericasRACsegmentwas20months,down2038.4 billion in estimated annual revenues for 2023, with an average of 2 million vehicles in operation[117]. - The company operated a peak rental fleet of approximately 467,000 vehicles in the Americas RAC segment and 124,600 vehicles in the International RAC segment as of December 31, 2023[101]. Fleet Management and Vehicle Strategy - The average holding period for rental vehicles sold in the Americas RAC segment was 20 months, down 20% compared to 2022, while in the International RAC segment it was 16 months, down 11%[102]. - The company’s vehicle repurchase programs limit residual risk and allow for flexibility in fleet size based on market demand[111]. - The company has introduced electric vehicles (EVs) to its fleet, allowing customers to reserve EVs in certain locations[87]. - The majority of vehicles in the fleet are non-program vehicles, exposing the company to increased residual value risk due to declining values[177]. - Recent data indicates a downward trend in used vehicle residual values, with potential further decreases expected in 2024, which could lead to substantial losses on vehicle sales[179]. - The average age of the fleet has increased, leading to higher maintenance costs and lower customer satisfaction scores, which could adversely affect financial performance[186]. Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives - The company is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing sustainability through investments in electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure[136]. - The company has established partnerships with EV manufacturers such as Tesla, Polestar, and General Motors to diversify its fleet of EVs[137]. - The company is installing charging stations across its global operations to support customer adoption of EVs and expand EV infrastructure in local communities[137]. - The company’s world headquarters in Estero, Florida is LEED Gold certified, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable building practices[140]. - The company maintains ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certifications at its Hertz European Service Center in Dublin, Ireland, ensuring adherence to environmental management and employee safety standards[140]. - The company has launched a sustainability disclosure committee in 2023 to oversee sustainability-focused disclosure processes and results[144]. - The company is focused on minimizing water use in its operations, particularly in car washes, to conserve resources[138]. - The company actively engages in recycling efforts, including the recycling of used oils, tires, and batteries, as part of its waste reduction strategy[139]. Challenges and Risks - The company faces challenges in purchasing competitively priced vehicles, which may increase acquisition costs without a corresponding rise in rental rates or residual values[184]. - Disruptions in the global supply chain, exacerbated by geopolitical conflicts and the COVID-19 pandemic, may impact vehicle production volumes and delivery schedules[189]. - The vehicle rental business is sensitive to reductions in business and leisure travel, with lingering effects from the COVID-19 pandemic still affecting demand[195]. - Manufacturer safety recalls could lead to costly repairs and service disruptions, impacting the ability to meet demand[193]. - The company’s financial condition may be adversely affected if manufacturers fail to fulfill obligations under repurchase or guaranteed depreciation programs[192]. - In December 2023, the company decided to significantly reduce the size of its global EV fleet, initiating EV vehicle dispositions expected to occur throughout 2024, resulting in a 245 million incremental net depreciation expense recognized in Q4 2023[208]. - The company faces risks related to the economics of EVs, including depreciation rates, residual values, and financing costs, which could impact the attractiveness of EVs to customers[205]. - The company is exposed to volatility in new EV pricing, which can affect the residual values of EVs in its fleet, and the timeline for building out necessary charging infrastructure[206]. Employee and Labor Relations - The company employs approximately 27,000 persons, with around 21,000 in the U.S. and 6,000 internationally as of December 31, 2023[122]. - The company offers a comprehensive benefits package for employees, including retirement savings plans and health insurance[132]. - The company anticipates renegotiating labor contracts with approximately 45% of its union-represented employees in 2024, which could lead to work stoppages if agreements are not reached[223]. - The company’s ability to attract and retain qualified employees is critical, with competition for talent particularly intense in technology roles essential for strategic initiatives[222]. Cybersecurity and IT Risks - The company has invested in cybersecurity measures to protect its information technology systems, but remains at risk of cyber attacks that could disrupt operations[226]. - The company recognizes that maintaining favorable brand recognition is essential for success, and any decline in brand perception could adversely affect its financial results[220]. - A cyber attack or failure to maintain IT infrastructure could lead to significant harm, including operational disruptions and potential litigation costs[228]. - Customer information, including loyalty account logins, is at risk of being targeted by cyber criminals, which could compromise accounts across multiple merchants[229]. - The company maintains a cyber insurance policy, but there is no assurance that it will cover all costs related to cybersecurity incidents[230]. - The business relies heavily on IT systems managed by third parties, and any significant disruptions could adversely affect operations and financial performance[231]. - Failure to maintain and upgrade IT systems may hinder business growth and lead to increased operational costs and cybersecurity risks[233]. - Misuse or theft of information could damage the company's brand and result in liabilities that negatively impact financial performance[234]. - The company faces risks related to data protection and privacy laws, particularly in the EU and California, which require secure handling of personal information[235].