Auto Rental News
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Hertz Earnings: A Tale of Two Half Quarters

In the U.S., year-to-date February 2020 revenue was up 8% from the same period in 2019 on both higher price and volume. By March 31, revenues had eroded 9.7% for the entire quarter compared to last year.

May 12, 2020
Hertz Earnings: A Tale of Two Half Quarters

All three brands — Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty — contributed to a 2% increase in Total RPD in the first quarter, which partially offset the volume impact to revenue.

Photo via Depositphotos.

2 min to read


Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. reported results yesterday for the first quarter of 2020.

Total revenues of $1.923 for the first quarter represent a 9.7% drop compared to last year’s first quarter of $2.107 billion. Net loss was $356 million, compared to a loss of $147 million in the first quarter of 2019.

Ad Loading...

In the U.S., year-to-date February 2020 revenue for the segment was up 8% from the same period in 2019 on both higher price and volume. Travel bans and shelter-in-place orders throughout the country severely impacted volume in March which drove an 11% decline in transaction days for the quarter.

Utilization dropped to 66% in this quarter from 75% last year. Revenue per day was a bright spot, coming in at $42.35 compared to $42.25 in last year’s quarter. However, revenue per month dropped from $934 to $846 this year.

All three brands — Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty — contributed to a 2% increase in Total RPD in the first quarter, which partially offset the volume impact to revenue.

Depreciation per unit, per month was impacted by residual values on certain vehicle models and lower year-over-year retail sales volume as a result of the COVID-19 shut-down of retail lots.

"We started the year with positive momentum, extending the strong growth trajectory of the past three years, reflecting consistent increases in both price and volume, productivity improvements and best-in-class fleet management," said CEO and President, Kathryn V. Marinello, in a statement.

Ad Loading...

"Yet in just two months, the outbreak of the coronavirus created a major business disruption as global travel demand dropped to almost zero and the U.S. used-car market effectively shut down. We immediately shifted our business priorities to focus on employee and customer safety, expense mitigation and preserving liquidity."

Hertz underwent aggressive cost-cutting measures in the quarter, including shedding a third of its global workforce. The company ended with about $1 billion of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at March 31.

While the company missed lease payments due April 27, it was given a temporary lifeline until May 22 by lenders. While Hertz says it is reviewing options to preserve liquidity, “there can be no assurance that the company will be able to successfully negotiate any relief past May 22.”

More Rental Operations

Richard Lowden gesturing on stage in front of a red curtain at the Gaylord Texan Resort near Dallas.
Rental Operationsby Martin RomjueJune 12, 2026

Rethink The Future To Avert A Race To The Bottom

Rental car operators heard a sobering industry message and a stern challenge at the close of the International Car Rental Show.

Read More →
John Possumato holding microphone while asking a question during a live conference session at the ICRS Show.

DriveItAway, Free2move Plan Shared Fleet Program for Independent Rental Fleet Operators

Vehicles would be placed with participating rental operations to support car renter demand and provide additional fleet capacity.

Read More →
Close-up of a Jeep Wrangler front grille and headlight with text noting Stellantis’ recall of 1.3 million Jeep vehicles worldwide over a potential fire risk tied to power steering wiring.
Fleet Acquisitionby StaffJune 10, 2026

Stellantis Recalls 1.3 Million Jeep Vehicles Worldwide Over Fire Risk

Stellantis is recalling more than 1.3 million Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models worldwide over a fire risk linked to power steering pump wiring.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Franchisee standing with yellow U-Save branded sign in front of the rental car outlet.

Green Motion And U-Save Open Rental Operations In Guatemala

The brands will open their first rental car outlets in the country at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City.

Read More →
An airplane parked at a gate next to large headline and bullet points about study highlights.

U.S. Business Travel Drives $623 Billion+ in Economic Impact as Spending Reaches $538 Billion

The data also underscores the industry’s strong multiplier effect across the U.S. economy, revealing that each dollar invested in business travel in 2024 generated $1.16 in GDP.

Read More →
Green and black bar graphs show May 2025 v. 2026 fleet vehicle sales into commercial, rental, and government fleet sectors.
Fleet Acquisitionby Martin RomjueJune 3, 2026

Rental Fleet Sales Skating Just Above 2025 Levels

The U.S. economy's continued growth and positive business investment are creating a favorable environment for fleet vehicle demand.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Interviewer Martin Romjue and guest Ryan Kerzner on both sides of a title page with large lettering.
Rental Operationsby Martin RomjueJune 3, 2026

Grow Your Rental Business Beyond Cars

Rental fleet operations are facing numerous evolving challenges and opportunities from AI technology to rate and revenue management, to customer service and business growth.

Read More →
An AI-imaging tunnel instantly scans a car for damages at Wenn's location in Lithuania.
Rental OperationsJune 2, 2026

Using AI to Create Clarity, Not Conflict, in Rental Car Damage

Rental companies still need people, policy, judgment, and thoughtful implementation, with operators remaining in control of the customer experience.

Read More →
Close up of a high-tech vehicle console with a remote key.
Rental OperationsJune 1, 2026

Get Ready To Roll: No Stopping Self-Driving Rental Cars

The autonomous mobility technology revolution will move at its own pace, but sooner rather than later.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Two execs hold up a sign with Southwest and CarTrawler logos

Southwest Airlines Selects CarTrawler For Its Car Rental Booking Platform

The platform is designed to allow customers to compare and book rental vehicles more easily during the travel booking process.

Read More →
Ad Loading...