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

plane, palm trees, car rental sign
Rental Operationsby Chris BrownSeptember 15, 2026

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 →
Team members of U-Save's new franchise
Rental Operationsby StaffSeptember 15, 2026

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 →
A traveler searches for rental cars with an AI bot
Rental OperationsSeptember 14, 2026

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 →
Ad Loading...
map of europe and summer car rental rates
Rental OperationsSeptember 11, 2026

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 →
thumbnail of Chris Brown and Mike DeLorenzo with title Time to Rethink Rental Categories?
Rental Operationsby Chris BrownSeptember 8, 2026

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 →
Woman receiving car rental rates on computer from AI agent
Rental OperationsSeptember 1, 2026

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 →
Ad Loading...
map of globe with regional corporate car rental rates
Rental Operationsby StaffAugust 25, 2026

U.S. Business Travel Car Rental Rates Forecast to Rise Up to 2%

Improved fleet supply should limit pricing gains in 2026-27, while insurance, repair costs, and softer residual values continue to pressure rental operations, according to Amex GBT.

Read More →
Sixt H1 financial results
Rental Operationsby StaffAugust 14, 2026

Sixt Revenue Tops $2.4 Billion in First Half of 2026

Sixt’s first-half revenue surpassed $2.4 billion for the first time as demand outpaced fleet growth, lifting utilization and earnings despite weaker consumer sentiment in North America.

Read More →
Bobby Klyce in memoriam image
Rental Operationsby Chris BrownAugust 13, 2026

In Memoriam: Bobby Klyce, Avis Licensee Legend

The longtime Birmingham Avis operator and 2018 Auto Rental News Impact Award recipient was remembered as an advocate for independent licensees and the broader car rental industry.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Vibe coding webinar promo image
Rental Operationsby StaffAugust 12, 2026

How to Build Custom Fleet Tools With AI and Vibe Coding [Webinar]

A new Automotive Fleet webinar explores how fleet managers are using AI and vibe coding to automate routine work and create simple operational tools without traditional programming skills.

Read More →
Ad Loading...