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

Clean on Paper: Red Flags in Exotic Car Rental Verification
A suspicious $45,000 Lamborghini booking reveals the strengths and limitations of renter verification, from forged insurance documents to coverage gaps and unauthorized drivers. (Part 2 of 3)
Read More →
Turo and Tesla Take the Next Step Toward Autonomous Car Rentals
The partnership brings Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) technology into the rental experience, offering a glimpse of how increasingly automated vehicles could change car rental.
Read More →
How Rental Operators Can Navigate Personalized Pricing Rules
As regulators scrutinize the use of customer data in pricing, rental operators need to know whether they can explain why one renter pays more than another.
Read More →
Direct, Broker or Hybrid? How Travel Retailers Source Rental Cars
As travel retailers weigh direct supplier relationships against third-party distribution, rental operators need to understand how those decisions affect their business.
Read More →
How Did This Independent Rental Operator Grow to 170 Vehicles in 4 Years?
With 170 vehicles across three Kentucky locations, Joel Price relies on an overseas team to handle reservations, payments, and after-hours customer service. It's one part of an unconventional approach to growing an independent rental operation.
Read More →
What Does It Take to Succeed in B2B Rentals?
The fundamentals may be familiar to daily car rental operators, but project-based truck rentals put different demands on the fleet and the business.
Read More →
NPR Builds on International Partnerships to Grow Rental Bookings
With Ana Laborde supporting broker development, NPR Auto Group is tailoring distribution strategies, rate packages, and partnerships to grow international reservations across its three brands.
Read More →
Advantage, Sixt Place Among Top Five in Annual Satisfaction Study
While Enterprise and National retain the top spots in JD Power’s 2026 rankings, the latest customer satisfaction results suggest renters can find competitive service beyond the biggest car rental names.
Read More →
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 →
