Herc Holdings Q2 2025: Navigating Contradictions in Fleet Strategy, Margins, and EBITDA Expectations

Fleet management and CapEx strategy post-acquisition, impact of fleet repositioning on REBITDA margins, EBITDA expectations and impact of acquisition integration, specialty rental growth strategy, fleet utilization and efficiency targets are the key contradictions discussed in Herc Holdings Inc.'s latest 2025Q2 earnings call.



Revenue and Net Income:
- Herc Holdings reported rental revenue increased by 13.7% in Q2 2025, although adjusted for H&E, it would have been down 2% year-over-year.
- On an adjusted basis, net income was $56 million, despite a net loss of $73 million due to transaction costs and a loss on assets held for sale.
- The decline in H&E's local market revenue by 15% was attributed to workforce disruptions and volume and pricing pressure.

Acquisition and Integration:
- Herc completed the acquisition of H&E Equipment Services, integrating its operations and technology platforms.
- Initial fleet integration and optimization resulted in revenue synergies, such as sales reps securing new business opportunities.
- The integration process includes fleet optimization, specialty equipment additions, and regional sales territory reconfiguration.

Fleet and Capital Management:
- The company spent 9% less on new fleet in Q2 compared to the prior year, focusing on specialty gear.
- Dispositions of used equipment increased by 82%, with realized proceeds of 44% of original equipment cost (OEC).
- The total fleet value is $9.9 billion, with specialty fleet representing 18%, setting the stage for future specialty fleet expansion.

Earnings Outlook and Synergies:
- For 2025, Herc anticipates Equipment Rental revenue of $3.7 billion to $3.9 billion, reflecting cost and revenue synergies.
- They expect to achieve 50% of the $125 million run-rate EBITDA synergy target by year-end.
- The combined entity is capitalized to maintain financial strength and flexibility, with a target leverage ratio of 2x to 3x by calendar year 2027.