Auto Rental News
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Zipcar Ups Revenue, Profits Flat in Q2

Zipcar reports a second quarter revenue increase of $61.6 million compared to $46.0 million in the prior year period. Zipcar reports adjusted EBITDA of $2.3 million compared to $0.3 million in the prior year period; US GAAP net loss of $5.6 million compared to a loss of $5.2 million in the prior year period.

by Staff
August 10, 2011
4 min to read


CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Zipcar, Inc. reportes results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2011.

Highlights for the Quarter:

Ad Loading...
  • Revenue increased 34% to $61.6 million compared to $46.0 million in the prior year period; revenue increased 28% year over year excluding the U.K. Streetcar operations acquired in April 2010

  • Total members grew 29% from the prior year period to approximately 605,000

  • Revenue from Established Markets increased 25% from the prior year period, with 37% growth in income before tax

  • Usage revenue per vehicle per day increased to $65 from $59 in the prior year period

  • Adjusted EBITDA of $2.3 million compared to $0.3 million in the prior year period; US GAAP net loss of $5.6 million compared to a loss of $5.2 million in the prior year period

  • Completed initial public offering and significantly reduced outstanding debt

  • Renewed asset backed financing facility on favorable terms

  • Launched into Providence, Rhode Island and Sacramento, California

"Our strong second quarter performance underscores the business momentum we have established based on solid execution and the benefits associated with our first mover advantage," said Scott Griffith, Chairman and CEO. "Our commitment to a superior member experience and continued innovation such as the launch of our new Android app during the quarter has helped to stimulate increased activity across the network. Once we complete the integration of Streetcar, which remains on track, we intend to build on our U.K. presence by expanding into new markets in continental Europe."

Summary Results

For the 2011 second quarter, revenue increased 34% to $61.6 million compared to $46.0 million in the prior year period. Excluding Streetcar, revenue increased 28% compared to the prior year period. Usage revenue represented $53.3 million in the second quarter of 2011, compared to $40.8 million in the prior year period with fee revenue representing the balance of total revenue. Revenue growth in the 2011 second quarter versus the prior year period resulted primarily from increased membership, and, to a lesser extent, the acquisition of Streetcar as well as relatively modest price increases implemented to offset higher fuel costs.  Total membership during the quarter increased 29% from the prior year period to approximately 605,000 at quarter end.  Revenue for Zipcar's Established Markets - Boston, New York, Washington, D.C. and San Francisco - grew 25% to $34.4 million compared to $27.6 million in the prior year period primarily due to new member additions. Income before tax for the Established Markets increased 37% to $7.5 million from $5.4 million last year.

US GAAP net loss in the second quarter of 2011 was $5.6 million, or $(0.17) per basic and diluted share, compared to a loss of $5.2 million, or $(0.95) per basic and diluted share, in the prior year period during which the outstanding share count was substantially lower.

Ad Loading...

Non-GAAP Results

Adjusted EBITDA for the 2011 second quarter was $2.3 million compared to $0.3 million in the prior year period.  The improvement in Adjusted EBITDA relates to higher revenue and improved operating leverage. See the reconciliation between US GAAP net loss and Adjusted EBITDA provided below.

Ed Goldfinger, Chief Financial Officer, commented, "Our results for the quarter show strong growth, solid progress in Adjusted EBITDA and improvements across our key operating metrics. Our financial condition has also improved significantly from a combination of the proceeds we received in the initial public offering, a reduction in high cost debt and the renewal of our asset backed financing facility on more favorable terms."

Outlook

Following Zipcar's strong second quarter performance, the Company is increasing its 2011 outlook. For the third quarter, Zipcar expects revenue in the range of $67 million to $69 million.  Adjusted EBITDA for the period is expected to range from $3.5 million to $4.5 million and US GAAP net loss is expected to range from $1.5 million to break-even. Full year 2011 revenue is now expected in the range of $240 million to $244 million. Full year 2011 Adjusted EBITDA is now expected to range from $8 million to $10 million and US GAAP net loss is expected to range from $11 million to $14 million. Average share counts are expected to be between 39 million and 40 million for the third and fourth quarters. Common stock equivalents of approximately 3.5 million to 4.5 million shares would be included in the average share count in any period during which the Company records positive US GAAP net income.

More Rental Operations

A tech collage of electronic devices against a computer chip blueprint map.
Rental OperationsMay 1, 2026

Why Car Rental Can No Longer Run On Workarounds

The shift from branch-based software to connected operations is turning rental technology into strategic infrastructure.

Read More →
A tech collage of electronic devices against a computer chip blueprint map.
Rental OperationsMay 1, 2026

Why Car Rental Can No Longer Run On Workarounds

The shift from branch-based software to connected operations is turning rental technology into strategic infrastructure.

Read More →
A black Audi SUV superimposed on a historic scene from downtown Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Carwiz Sets Up Rental Operations In Central Asia

The global franchise operation reaches a first in its rental fleet portfolio with new service in Uzbekistan.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A raging brushfire in the countryside.
Rental Operationsby Martin RomjueApril 30, 2026

Where Rental Fleets Must Adjust To Shifting Catastrophe Risks

West Coast disasters pose unique challenges and liabilities for rental fleet operators, who are advised to take steps tailored to their specific situations.

Read More →
ARN Industry Newsmakers thumbnail page with ARN and ICRS logos and shots of Nick DiPrima and Martin Romjue
Rental Operationsby Martin RomjueApril 27, 2026

Using AI To Find Rental Car Damage

Angry car renters are storming social media, the mainstream media, and online ratings platforms to complain about charges they claim are either unfounded or excessive.

Read More →
Photo of CEO Krešimir Dobrilović against a gray modernist crooked-tile mural display.

Carwiz Opens Car Rental Service In Panama

A Carwiz partner in Puerto Rico is taking on the Panama franchise with operations in the nation's largest airport.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A world map with Flexways logo and new locations headline.

Flexways Opens 10 Locations Among Franchise, Affiliate Rental Networks

The integrated business model combines each operator’s local expertise with international standards to boost sales.

Read More →
Photo of a suitcase, passport, and smartphone.

Traveler Customer Satisfaction Up This Year Data Study Shows

The study looks at customer analytics to size up performance in car rentals, rideshare, airlines, lodging, and OTAs.

Read More →
A rental car between two placards showing a symbolic revenue increase from $300 to $1600.

New Consulting Company Ready To Boost Point-of-Sale Revenue

Revcuity, an outgrowth of Frontline Performance Group, aims to help clients capture more revenue moments with face-to-face customers, including in the car rental space.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Martin Romjue stands at conference stage podium close to a dangling, glistening chandelier.
Rental Operationsby StaffApril 15, 2026

Meet The (Semi-New) ARN Editor

Martin Romjue has been editing and reporting for ARN since 2023 and fully transitioned to the role of chairman of the International Car Rental Show in 2026.

Read More →
Ad Loading...