Dollar Thrifty Q4 Loss Expands
The auto rental company reported a net loss of $30.6 million or $1.45 a share, compared with $2.7 million or 11 cents a share a year ago. Revenue fell marginally to $389.2 million.
Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group Inc. posted a wider fourth quarter loss, hurt by lower consumer demand as well as a softer used car market, the company reports.
The auto rental company said lower demand led to unfavorable pricing and a decline in the use of its vehicles.
Dollar Thrifty reported a net loss of $30.6 million or $1.45 a share, compared with $2.7 million or 11 cents a share a year ago. Excluding items it posted a loss of 88 cents a share.
Revenue fell marginally to $389.2 million.
Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Dollar Thrifty said it expects to report a first-quarter loss, excluding items, due to higher fleet cost increases early in the year. Analysts expect earnings of 1 cent a share for the first quarter.
For 2008, the company forecast a profit $1.00 to $1.50 a share and said it will increase revenue growth during the year through expanding international sales, small business corporate accounts and the number of non-airport locations.
Dollar Thrifty also expects vehicle cost increases to be more challenging in the early part of 2008 as it absorbs recent declines in used car prices.
Analysts expect earnings of $1.12 a share for 2008.
More Rental Operations
The $100,000 Insurance Trap in Exotic Car Rentals
Exotic rental agencies often rely on customers’ personal auto policies to protect six-figure vehicles. But policy language can dramatically change the coverage for vehicles over $100,000 MSRP.
Read More →
The Booking Is Confirmed, But Is Your Customer Ready to Drive?
For international renters, a confirmed reservation doesn’t always mean they’re eligible to drive. Earlier checks can help operators catch documentation and payment issues before the customer reaches the counter.
Read More →
ICRS 2027 Opens Call for Papers
The International Car Rental Show seeks session proposals on the business, operational, and technology issues facing car rental operators. Submissions are due Jan. 15.
Read More →
Turo to Launch Vehicle Delivery Service
Turo Delivered will let travelers search for vehicles that hosts can deliver directly to hotels, homes, airports, train stations, and other locations.
Read More →
Palm Beach Airport Code Change Creates Car Rental Distribution Gap
A test of rental searches under the old PBI and new DJT airport codes returned largely different sets of brands and vehicles, highlighting a potential distribution problem for rental operators.
Read More →
U-Save Continues Dominican Republic Expansion with Launch in Punta Cana
The new franchise location builds on U-Save’s existing Santo Domingo operation and will begin taking reservations for October 2026.
Read More →
When AI Books the Rental Car, Who Controls the Sale?
As AI moves from comparing rental rates to completing transactions, operators need to understand how travelers find, interpret, rank, and ultimately see their offers. (Part 2 of 2.)
Read More →
European Booked Car Rental Rates Fell 5%, Results Varied by Country
Ireland, Cyprus, and the United Kingdom saw steep declines, while booked rates rose in Poland and Hungary.
Read More →
Is It Time to Rethink Rental Categories?
As traditional economy and compact cars disappear from the market, longtime rental operator Mike DeLorenzo asks whether the industry’s familiar vehicle categories still make sense — and what operators need to rethink along with them.
Read More →
Who Owns the Rate? AI Is Creating a New Distribution Problem for Car Rental
Generative Engine Optimization asks whether AI can find a rental company, but operators also need to know whether the agent inspected enough of the market, compared equivalent offers, and presented a rate the traveler can actually book. (Part 1 of 2)
Read More →