UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
_______________________________________________________________________________
FORM 10-K
x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 | |
OR | |
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission File Number 001-33139
HERC HOLDINGS INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | 20-3530539 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) | |
27500 Riverview Center Blvd.
Bonita Springs, Florida 34134
(239) 301-1000
(Address, including Zip Code, and telephone number,
including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Name of each exchange on which registered | |
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share | New York Stock Exchange | |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of Securities Act. Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Check one:
Large accelerated filer | x | Accelerated filer | o | Non-accelerated filer | o | Smaller reporting company | o |
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | |||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No x
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2016, the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter, based on the closing price of the stock on the New York Stock Exchange on such date, was $665.9 million.
Indicate the number of shares outstanding as of the latest practicable date:
Class | Shares Outstanding at March 10, 2017 | ||
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share | 28,315,752 | ||
Documents incorporated by reference:
Certain portions, as expressly described in this report, of the Registrant's Proxy Statement for its 2017 annual meeting of stockholders, to be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2016, are incorporated by reference into Part III.
HERC HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX
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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Report includes "forward-looking statements," as that term is defined by the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning our plans, intentions, objectives, goals, strategies, forecasts, future events, future revenue or performance, capital expenditures, financing needs, business trends and other information that is not historical information. When used in this Report, the words "estimates," "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "plans," "intends," "believes," "forecasts," and future or conditional verbs, such as "will," "should," "could" or "may," as well as variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements are so designated. All forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, management's examination of historical operating trends and data, are based upon our current expectations and various assumptions, and apply only as of the date of this Report. Our expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them. However, there can be no assurance that our expectations, beliefs and projections will be achieved.
There are a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those suggested by our forward-looking statements, including those set forth in Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors" in this Report and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by such cautionary statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements that have been made to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
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HERC HOLDING INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
PART I
ITEM l. BUSINESS
Our Company
Herc Holdings Inc. ("we," "us," "our," "Herc Holdings" or "the Company," or as the context requires, "its") is one of the leading equipment rental suppliers with approximately 270 company-owned locations principally in North America. It conducts substantially all of its operations through subsidiaries, including Herc Rentals Inc. ("Herc"). Operations are conducted under the Herc Rentals brand in the United States and under the Hertz Equipment Rental brand in Canada and other international locations.
We have longstanding relationships with many of our customers across diverse end markets, including large and small companies in the construction industry, the industrial sector (such as large industrial manufacturing plants, refineries and petrochemical operations) and other customers in more fragmented industries (such as governmental entities and government contractors, disaster recovery and remediation firms, infrastructure, railroads, utility operators, individual homeowners, entertainment production companies, agricultural producers, special event management firms and facility management firms).
With over 50 years of experience, we are a full-line equipment rental supplier offering a broad portfolio of equipment for rent. Our classic fleet includes aerial, earthmoving, material handling, trucks and trailers, air compressors, compaction and lighting. In addition, our ProSolutionsTM industry-specific solutions-based services support our specialty equipment which includes pumping solutions, power generation, climate control, remediation and studio and production equipment. We also offer a wide range of professional grade tools that target the professional contractor.
In addition to our principal business of equipment rental, we sell used equipment and contractor supplies such as construction consumables, tools, small equipment and safety supplies; provide repair, maintenance and equipment management services to certain of our customers; offer equipment re-rental services and provide on-site support to our customers; and provide ancillary services such as equipment transport, rental protection, cleaning, refueling and labor.
Corporate History
On June 30, 2016, the Company, in its previous form as the holding company of both the existing equipment rental operations as well as the former vehicle rental operations (in its form prior to the Spin-Off, "Hertz Holdings"), completed a spin-off (the “Spin-Off”) of its global vehicle rental business through a dividend to stockholders of all of the issued and outstanding common stock of Hertz Rental Car Holding Company, Inc., which was re-named Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (“New Hertz”). New Hertz is now an independent public company and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HTZ.” New Hertz continues to operate its global vehicle rental business through its operating subsidiaries including The Hertz Corporation ("THC"). The Company changed its name to Herc Holdings Inc. on June 30, 2016 and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HRI.” Following the Spin-Off, the Company continues to operate its global equipment rental business through its operating subsidiaries, including Herc.
For accounting purposes, due to the relative significance of New Hertz to Hertz Holdings, New Hertz was considered the spinnor or divesting entity in the Spin-Off and Herc Holdings was considered the spinnee or divested entity. As a result, despite the legal form of the transaction, New Hertz was the “accounting successor” to Hertz Holdings. Under the accounting rules, the historical financial information of New Hertz is required to reflect the financial information of Hertz Holdings, as if New Hertz spun off Herc Holdings in the Spin-Off. In contrast, the historical financial information of Herc Holdings, including certain information presented in the consolidated financial statements included in this Report, reflects the financial information of the equipment rental business and certain parent legal entities of Herc as historically operated as part of Hertz Holdings, as if Herc Holdings was a stand-alone company for the periods presented.
Herc was incorporated in Delaware in 1965. Since its incorporation and until the Spin-Off, Herc was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hertz Holdings or one of its subsidiaries operating its equipment rental business. Since the Spin-Off, Herc has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of Herc Holdings. Herc Holdings was incorporated in Delaware in 2005 under a previous name. We strategically consider potential acquisitions in order to enhance our organic growth. For example, in 2012, we acquired companies in specialty rental markets, including Cinelease in the motion picture and television production industries and DW Pumps. On October 30, 2015, we sold our operations in France and Spain which included 60 branches in France and two in Spain. Subsequent to the sale of these operations, we generate substantially all of our equipment rental revenue in North America.
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Our Industry
The equipment rental industry serves a diverse group of customers from individuals and small local contractors to large national accounts providing a wide variety of rental equipment including mid-size and heavy equipment, specialty equipment and contractor tools. The equipment rental industry is highly fragmented with few national competitors and many regional and local operators.
Growth of the North American equipment rental industry is driven by a number of factors including economic trends, non-residential construction activity, capital investment in the industrial sector, repair maintenance and overhaul spending, government spending and demand for construction and other rental equipment generally. We believe that companies have increasingly turned to the equipment rental market to manage their capital needs, which allows our customers to operate their businesses without incurring the significant acquisition cost and maintenance expense associated with owning their own equipment fleet. We believe the trend from equipment ownership to rental in the North American construction industry will continue in the near term.
Our Competitive Strengths
Our competitive strengths include the following:
A Market Leader in North America with Significant Scale and Broad Footprint
We believe we are one of the largest equipment rental companies in the North American equipment rental industry, with an estimated 3% market share by revenue and approximately 270 company-owned locations in 41 states in the United States and nine provinces in Canada. Our scale compared to most of our competitors provides us with a number of significant competitive advantages including:
• | the ability to provide premium brands and a comprehensive line of equipment and services, allowing us to be a single-source solution for our customers; |
• | the ability to redeploy equipment across multiple locations to address evolving customer needs; |
• | a geographic footprint that allows us to maintain proximity and local expertise to serve our customers in local markets as well as serve national accounts with geographically dispersed equipment rental needs; |
• | favorable purchasing power or volume discount pricing opportunities on material and equipment; |
• | operational cost efficiencies across our organization, including with respect to purchasing, information technology, back-office support and marketing; |
• | a national sales force with significant expertise across our equipment fleet; and |
• | industry-specific expertise to assist our customers with customized solutions. |
Since the North American equipment rental industry is highly fragmented, with very few national competitors, we believe that the majority of our competitors do not enjoy these same advantages.
Diverse Customer Markets and Expansion into Specialty Rental Markets
We provide equipment rental services to customers in a wide variety of large markets, including residential and commercial construction, general industrial, energy, processing, manufacturing, infrastructure, facility maintenance, government and entertainment production. We believe that diversification of our customer base reduces our exposure to any particular market. In recent years, we have further diversified our rental portfolio by expanding our offerings in niche and specialty markets with the introduction of our ProSolutionsTM industry-specific solutions-based services that support our specialty equipment which includes pumping solutions, power generation, climate control, remediation and studio and production equipment. This more balanced portfolio reduces our reliance on the more seasonal and cyclical construction industry. Our customers in other industries experience business cycles that may vary in intensity and duration from that of the general economy. We believe this diversification also positions us to take advantage of any increase in demand for more specialized rental solutions.
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Established National Accounts Program
Through our national customer relationship program, our sales teams serve as a single point of contact for those customers' equipment rental needs. This enables us to be a full end-to-end solutions provider.
Superior Customer Service
We have a well-established reputation for superior customer service, which has been a competitive differentiator for us throughout our history. Senior management remains focused on maintaining a customer service focused culture. We spend significant time and resources training our personnel to effectively address the needs of our customers. We believe that these initiatives help support our pricing strategy and foster customer loyalty.
Large, Diverse and High-Quality Equipment Fleet
Our equipment fleet represents a significant investment and reflects our commitment to providing an array of rental equipment to our customers in a variety of industries. In recent years, we took steps to diversify our portfolio and increase our exposure to a variety of niche markets that experience business cycles that may vary in intensity and duration from that of the general economy and that we believe will enable us to experience higher levels of growth than the economy in general.
We offer a wide range of equipment from leading, globally-known original equipment manufacturers who we believe provide reliable equipment. We also offer a wide range of professional grade tools that target professional contractors. Our extensive and high-quality rental fleet enables us to serve a diverse customer base that requires large quantities and/or varied types of equipment for rent.
Range of Value-Added Services
We offer a suite of customer-focused services. These services include equipment transport, fleet management and telematics, power solutions, on-site services and customized advice, engineered solutions, re-rental options, and parts and supplies sales. This combination of services is designed to offer comprehensive value-added solutions to our customers that complement and enhance the rental equipment we offer.
Experienced Senior Leadership Team
We have an experienced senior leadership team committed to maintaining operational excellence with an average of approximately 20 years of experience in the equipment rental and heavy equipment industries. Our senior leadership team has extensive knowledge of all aspects of these industries, particularly in North America. The team has developed and rolled out the Herc Way operating model and other systems and procedures for developing and monitoring our branch network in order to foster a high operational standard throughout our locations. Our team is dedicated to providing our customers a quality rental experience and is committed to further improving our performance capabilities.
Disciplined Fleet Management, Procurement and Disposal Process
We manage our equipment rental fleet using a life cycle approach designed to optimize the timing of fleet purchasing, repair and maintenance and disposal, while at the same time satisfying our customers' needs. In particular, we use standardized business systems in our operations to track utilization and facilitate the fluid transfer of our fleet among locations to adjust to local customer demand throughout our entire network. Through continued use and development of our disciplined approach to efficient fleet management, we seek to maximize our utilization and return on investment.
Our Strategy
Our long-term strategy is focused on three operational priorities: expanding and diversifying our revenues through customer- and market-focused initiatives; improving our operational efficiencies through improved fleet life-cycle management and more rigorous processes; and enhancing the customer experience through top-tier products and services and differentiating technologies.
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Expand and Diversify Revenues
Our strategy to achieve ongoing growth will be driven by initiatives that expand our products and services, broaden our customer base, enhance our sales effectiveness, and increase our presence in large urban markets. We are actively working to expand and diversify our equipment rental fleet with a broader mix of equipment that increases the range of customers and market segments we serve. We intend to grow our ProSolutionsTM business which offers specialized equipment and services, including technical expertise and customized solutions, for customers and projects. We will continue to offer a comprehensive equipment rental fleet to maintain our market leadership.
We are continuing to build a highly professional and technology-enabled sales force and to optimize our sales territories to support our revenue-growth objectives. We will continue to improve the effectiveness of our sales team with focused training, strong customer relationship management capabilities, and ongoing technology enhancements.
We plan to expand our footprint in North America, with a focus on increasing the number of branches in major urban markets and continue to reconfigure existing locations with fleet and expertise tailored to local markets. Our footprint expansion will include locations dedicated to our ProSolutionsTM business to better support our growing specialty equipment and services operations. We will continue to pursue initiatives that allow us to drive more volume through existing branches.
We are also increasing our focus on generating revenue from ancillary services as part of our total solutions offering.
Improve Operating Efficiencies
We are focused on generating continuous improvement across our operations, with an emphasis on supplier management, fleet availability, improving margins, and building a strong safety culture. We have reduced the number of suppliers of our equipment rental fleet across all equipment categories, and we will continue to assess our ability to further rationalize our supplier relationships. This will provide us with improved buying power as we negotiate our fleet purchases and lend efficiencies to our services and repair processes. Further, we will concentrate our capital expenditures on premium brands from top-tier suppliers, which we expect will reduce life cycle costs and deliver better end-of-service resale values.
We will maintain our focus on reducing fleet unavailable for rent (FUR) through the ongoing implementation and refinement of our Herc Rentals Operating Model, which is designed to ensure a consistently efficient approach to managing, servicing and repairing our fleet.
As we continue to diversify our fleet, we expect to realize improvement in dollar utilization, which should drive margin expansion. This improvement is expected to occur over time as new fleet is deployed across our operations and our sales organization gains more experience with the new equipment and our customized solutions.
We continue to emphasize our commitment to building a safety culture across our business, including ongoing training and institutionalized programs, to embed safety awareness and behaviors into our daily operations. Our goal is to be equal to or better than the industry average in safety.
Enhance the Customer Experience
We seek to differentiate our business by delivering a superior customer experience through the variety and quality of the equipment we offer, the ease of doing business with us and the added value we offer through services and technologies that improve customers’ productivity and efficiency.
Our focused investment in top-tier brands is intended to meet our customers’ preferences and expectations for reliable, safe, efficient and effective gear. We expect to add more expertise across our team to help our customers achieve the best results for their projects.
We are committed to delivering technology enhancements that enable us to drive improvements in customers’ efficiency and productivity. In developing these technologies, we are focused on meeting customer expectations related to convenience and on-demand access to data and information.
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Our Products and Services
Equipment Rental
We offer a broad array of equipment. Our classic fleet includes aerial, earthmoving, material handling, trucks and trailers, air compressors, compaction and lighting. ProSolutionsTM helps us provide innovative customized rental solutions and supports our specialty equipment, such as pumping solutions, power generation, climate control, remediation and studio and production equipment. We also offer a wide range of professional grade tools that target professional contractors. Our increasing portfolio of specialty equipment expands our capabilities and customer reach. This equipment is available for rent by our customers on a daily, weekly, monthly or yearly basis and we provide a suite of comprehensive services to support, maintain and service the equipment we rent.
We acquire our equipment from a variety of leading, globally known original equipment manufacturers, with which we maintain strong relationships. The equipment is typically new at the time of acquisition and is not subject to any repurchase program. As of December 31, 2016, the average age of our equipment fleet was 48 months.
As of December 31, 2016, our rental fleet consisted of equipment with a total original equipment cost, based on the guidelines of the American Rental Association, of $3.6 billion. The following table provides a breakdown of the composition of our equipment rental fleet based on original equipment cost:
% of Original Equipment Cost | ||||||
December 31, | ||||||
Equipment Type | 2016 | 2015 | ||||
Aerial - Booms | 19.3 | % | 20.3 | % | ||
Material Handling - Telehandlers | 13.5 | % | 13.9 | % | ||
ProSolutionsTM | 13.4 | % | 12.4 | % | ||
Trucks and Trailers | 12.9 | % | 13.8 | % | ||
Earthmoving - Heavy | 10.7 | % | 12.4 | % | ||
Earthmoving - Compact | 7.5 | % | 6.5 | % | ||
Aerial - Scissors and Other | 6.4 | % | 5.7 | % | ||
ProContractor | 4.7 | % | 3.4 | % | ||
Material Handling - Industrial | 3.2 | % | 3.1 | % | ||
Air Compressors | 3.0 | % | 3.1 | % | ||
Compaction | 1.7 | % | 1.6 | % | ||
Lighting | 1.7 | % | 1.7 | % | ||
Other | 2.0 | % | 2.1 | % | ||
Equipment Re-Rental
Many of our customers have significant and varied rental needs for their worksite or project. In the event that a customer has a rental need that is not contained within our diversified fleet or an unexpected request, our experienced staff can provide re-rental options to meet that customer’s needs. In this instance, we will rent a piece of equipment from another company and then provide it to our customer. Our re-rental capabilities help us expand the portfolio of solutions available to our customers, particularly within our national and industrial accounts programs.
Sales of Used Rental Equipment
We routinely sell our used rental equipment in order to manage repair and maintenance costs, as well as the composition and size, of our fleet. We dispose of our used equipment through a variety of channels, including retail sales to customers and other third parties, sales to wholesalers, brokered sales and auctions. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we sold our used rental
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equipment primarily through private sales, sales at auction, and sales to wholesalers, which accounted for approximately 39%, 37% and 24%, respectively, of such sales.
Sales of New Equipment, Parts and Supplies
We also sell new equipment. The types of new equipment that we sell vary by location and include a variety of ProContractorTM tools and supplies, small equipment (such as work lighting, generators, pumps, and compaction equipment and power trowels), safety supplies and expendables. In 2016, we phased out most of our new equipment dealerships to better focus on the rental business.
Service and Support
We provide repair, maintenance and equipment management services to certain of our customers particularly in the industrial sector, including through the sale of parts to customers for use with their equipment. We provide maintenance capabilities for our rental equipment that are available on-site at the customer’s location or within our operations at the customer’s direction. We provide additional support functions through our dedicated in-plant operations, tool trailers and plant management systems, particularly for industrial customers and other customers who request such services. These capabilities are part of our suite of customer services, which are designed to provide our customers with an end-to-end solution for renting, tracking, managing, maintaining and customizing their rental equipment needs online, through our e-SP platform, and with the ongoing support of our sales and project management staff.
We also offer a rental protection plan for many classes of equipment, which for a fee allows our customers to limit the risk of financial loss in the event our equipment is damaged or lost.
Our Customers
We have a wide range of customers across diverse end markets with a large base of local small to mid-size customers as well as customers looking for specialty solutions or equipment. The principal markets we serve, based on our customers’ Standard Industrial Classification (“SIC”) codes, are as follows:
• | Construction – We serve large and small companies in the construction industry, principally in non-residential construction. Our non-residential construction business consists primarily of private sector rentals relating to the construction, maintenance and remodeling of commercial facilities. We believe that key drivers of growth within the construction market include increased levels of construction starts and construction-related loans. Construction customers represented approximately 37% of our equipment rental revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016. |
• | Industrial – We serve industrial customers across a broad range of industries, including refineries and petrochemical operations, industrial manufacturing, power, pulp, paper and wood and other industrial verticals. We believe that key drivers of growth within the industrial market include increased levels of spending on industrial capital, maintenance, repairs and overhaul. Industrial customers represented approximately 20% of our equipment rental revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016. |
• | Other Customers – In addition to the specific markets cited above, we serve a variety of other customers across a diverse range of industries, including governmental entities and government contractors, disaster recovery and remediation firms, infrastructure, railroads, utility operators, individual homeowners, entertainment production companies, agricultural producers, special event management and facility management firms. These customers collectively represented approximately 43% of our equipment rental revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016. |
Serving a wide range of industries enables us to reduce our dependency on a single or limited number of customers and assists in reducing the seasonality of our revenues and the impact from any one market's cycle.
We operate in mid-size and large urban markets which enables us to reduce exposure to any single customer or market, with no single customer making up more than 3% of our equipment rental revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016 or the year ended December 31, 2015.
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Our national account program provides us with longer rental terms for much of our equipment, with many of our larger customers renting equipment from us on a monthly or yearly basis, for use in large, complex projects. These arrangements provide a number of additional benefits, including recurring revenue, attractive credit profiles, improved fleet utilization and enhanced presence in new markets.
Financial Information about Geographic Areas
Our business is primarily focused on North America. For each of the last three fiscal years, revenues from our external customers attributed to the U.S. and all foreign countries in total are set forth below:
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
United States | $ | 1,361.2 | $ | 1,345.8 | $ | 1,309.8 | ||||||
International | 193.6 | 332.4 | 460.6 | |||||||||
Total revenue | $ | 1,554.8 | $ | 1,678.2 | $ | 1,770.4 | ||||||
Our international revenues decreased in 2016 due to the sale of our operations in France and Spain in October 2015 and continuing weakness in the upstream oil and gas markets which negatively impacted our revenues in Canada. See Note 21, "Segment Information" to our notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Report for other financial information by geographic area. Also, see Item 1A "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business" for a description of risks inherent in our international operations.
Sales and Marketing
We market and sell our services through a variety of complementary programs. Through a dedicated sales team, we provide our customers with support services, market and application expertise, and sales offerings. For example, we have sales teams committed to servicing various categories of our customer base, including clients in the construction, industrial, government and entertainment industries. Our product experts oversee the specialty products, providing engineering support and program management services to our clients. Through our national accounts program, the dedicated sales team for each respective program provides our large customers with support across a number of diverse geographic, functional and equipment sectors. Our employee training programs continue to promote these attributes in our sales force. We also provide client support via our sales coordinators, reservation centers and customer contact centers to help customers with their comprehensive needs. Our maintenance service programs are available to clients at our locations and through our field service technicians. Additionally, we provide training programs to our clients that focus on product use and safety.
We advertise our broad range of offerings through industry catalogs, participation and sponsorship of industry events, trade shows, and via the Internet. Additionally, through our website and mobile app, our customers can arrange for the rental of equipment, browse and purchase used equipment, review our service offerings and manage their fleet and overall account with us.
Competition
Competition in the equipment rental industry is intense, often taking the form of aggressive price competition. Other competitive factors include customer loyalty, changes in market penetration, the introduction of new equipment, services and technology by competitors, changes in marketing, product diversity and quality and the ability to supply equipment and services to customers in a timely, predictable manner.
Our competitors in the equipment rental industry range from other large national companies to regional and local businesses. The equipment rental industry is highly fragmented, with many companies operating on a regional or local scale and offering a limited number of products. The number of our competitors operating on a national scale is comparatively much smaller, although they often have significant breadth in the categories of equipment they rent. We believe, based on market and industry data, that we are one of the leading participants in the North American equipment rental industry, with the remainder comprised of a small number of multi-location regional operators and a large number of relatively small, independent businesses serving discrete local markets and specialty rental segments. We generate substantially all of our equipment rental revenue in North America. In North America,
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the other leading national-scale industry participants are United Rentals, Inc., Ashtead Group plc’s Sunbelt Rentals brand and H&E Equipment Services, Inc. Aggreko is a global competitor in the power generation rental markets in which we also participate.
Seasonality
Our business is seasonal, with demand for our rental equipment tending to be lower in the winter months. Our equipment rental business, especially in the construction industry, has historically experienced decreased levels of business from December until late spring and heightened activity during our third and fourth quarters until December. We have the ability to manage certain costs to meet market demand, such as fleet capacity, the most significant portion of our cost structure. For instance, to accommodate increased demand, we increase our available fleet and staff during the second and third quarters of the year. A number of our other major operating costs vary directly with revenues or transaction volumes; however, certain operating expenses, including rent, insurance and administrative overhead, remain fixed and cannot be adjusted for seasonal demand, typically resulting in higher profitability in periods when our revenues are higher, and lower profitability in periods when our revenues are lower. In an effort to reduce the impacts of seasonality, we are focused on expanding our customer base through specialty products that serve different industries with less seasonality and different business cycles. See Item 1A "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business."
Intellectual Property
We own intellectual property, including trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets, that plays an important role in maintaining our competitive position. While no single copyright or trade secret is, in our opinion, of such value to us that our business would be materially affected by the expiration or termination thereof, taken in the aggregate, these intellectual property rights provide meaningful protection for our business. However, we view the name and primary mark "Herc Rentals" and "Herc" as material to our business as a whole. We own a number of secondary trade names and trademarks applicable to certain aspects of our business that we also view as important.
Employees
We have approximately 4,800 employees, with approximately 4,530 persons in our North American operations and 270 persons in our other operations. International employees are covered by a wide variety of union contracts and governmental regulations affecting, among other things, compensation, job retention rights and pensions. As of December 31, 2016, labor contracts covering the terms of employment of approximately 250 employees in the United States and 175 employees in Canada were in effect under approximately 20 active contracts with local unions, affiliated primarily with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the International Union of Operating Engineers. We have experienced no material work stoppage as a result of labor problems during the last ten years, and we believe our labor relations to be good. Nonetheless, we may be unable to negotiate new labor contracts on terms advantageous to us, or without labor interruption. See Item 1A "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business."
In addition to the employees referred to above, we employ a number of temporary workers, and engage outside services, as is customary in the industry, principally for the non-revenue movement of rental equipment between rental locations and the movement of rental equipment to and from customers’ job sites.
Environmental, Health, and Safety Matters and Governmental Regulation
Environmental, Health, and Safety
Our operations are subject to numerous national, state, local and foreign laws and regulations governing environmental protection and occupational health and safety matters. These laws govern such issues as wastewater, storm water, solid and hazardous wastes and materials, air quality and matters of workplace safety. Under these laws and regulations, we may be liable for, among other things, the cost of investigating and remediating contamination at our sites as well as sites to which we sent hazardous wastes for disposal or treatment regardless of fault, as well as fines and penalties for non-compliance. Our operations generally do not raise significant environmental, health, or safety risks, but we use hazardous materials to clean and maintain equipment, dispose of solid and hazardous waste and wastewater from equipment washing, and store and dispense petroleum products from storage tanks at certain of our locations.
Based on the conditions currently known to us, we do not believe that any pending or likely remediation and compliance costs will have a material adverse effect on our business. We cannot be certain, however, as to the potential financial impact on our
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business if new adverse conditions are discovered, or compliance requirements become more stringent. See Item 1A "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business."
Governmental Regulation
Our operations also expose us to a number of other national, state, local and foreign laws and regulations, in addition to legal, regulatory and contractual requirements we face as a government contractor. These laws and regulations address multiple aspects of our operations, such as taxes, consumer rights, privacy, data security and employment matters, and also may impact other areas of our business. There are often different requirements in different jurisdictions. Changes in government regulation of our businesses have the potential to materially alter our business practices or our profitability. Depending on the jurisdiction, those changes may come about through the issuance of new laws and regulations or changes in the interpretation of existing laws and regulations by a court, regulatory body or governmental official. Sometimes those changes may have both a retroactive and prospective effect. This is particularly true when a change is made through reinterpretation of laws or regulations that have been in effect for some time. Moreover, changes in regulation that may seem neutral on their face may have either more or less impact on us than on our competitors, depending on the circumstances. See Item 1A "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business."
Available Company Information
We file annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). You may also access, free of charge, our reports filed with the SEC (for example, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").) through our Internet website (http://ir.hercrentals.com). Reports filed with or furnished to the SEC will be available through our Internet website as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Our committee charters, Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Ethics are also available on our website. From time to time we may amend our Code of Ethics. We intend to disclose, by posting on our website, information about any amendments to our Code of Ethics, as well as information concerning any waiver of the Code of Ethics that may be granted by our Board of Directors in accordance with SEC regulations. The information found on our website is not part of this or any other report filed with or furnished to the SEC. You may also read and copy any documents that we file at the SEC's public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 to obtain further information about the Public Reference Room. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet website (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information about issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including Herc Holdings.
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Investing in or maintaining your investment in Herc Holdings common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider each of the risks and uncertainties set forth below as well as the other information contained in this Report before deciding to invest in our common stock. We have grouped our Risk Factors under captions that we believe describe various categories of potential risk. For the reader’s convenience, we have not duplicated risk factors that could be considered to be included in more than one category. Any of the following risks and uncertainties could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and/or cash flows and the impact could be compounded if multiple risks were to occur. However, the following risks and uncertainties are not the only risks and uncertainties facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or those we currently view to be immaterial also may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and/or cash flows. In the event that any of these risks have such a material adverse effect, the market price of our common stock could decline and you could lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Related to Material Weaknesses in our Internal Control over Financial Reporting and the Restatement of Financial Statements Previously Issued by Hertz Holdings
We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting that may adversely affect our ability to report our financial condition and results of operations in a timely and accurate manner, which may adversely affect investor confidence in us and, as a result, the value of our common stock, and we may identify additional material weaknesses as we continue to assess our processes and controls as a stand-alone company with lower levels of materiality.
Due to the structure of the Spin-Off, even though Herc Holdings is considered the spinnee or divested entity for accounting purposes, we are nevertheless considered to be a “large accelerated filer” and management of Herc Holdings is required to assess and report for the first time on our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on our own risk assessment and lower materiality levels post-Spin-Off. A significant number of business process controls had to be established, documented and tested for the first time. In addition, in making its assessment, management considered certain infrastructure and information technology ("IT") systems that were inherited in connection with the Spin-Off and certain IT and other services that we receive from New Hertz under the transition services agreement ("TSA") entered in connection with the Spin-Off that impact Herc Holdings’ control environment and, therefore, our internal control over financial reporting.
Based on this assessment, management concluded that Herc Holdings did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, because material weaknesses that existed at the time of the Spin-Off were not fully remediated prior to the Spin-Off and because management identified new material weaknesses, as discussed below and as described in more detail under “Controls and Procedures” in Part II, Item 9A of this Report.
A “material weakness” is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. In the course of completing its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, management identified material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting related to:
• | Ineffective design and maintenance of controls over accounting for payroll; |
• | Ineffective design and maintenance of controls over income tax accounts; |
• | Ineffective design and maintenance of controls related to the occurrence of revenue for the rental or sale of revenue earning equipment; |
• | Ineffective design and maintenance of controls to monitor certain IT systems that the Company outsources to New Hertz under the TSA; |
• | Ineffective design and maintenance of controls over IT systems which were not part of the TSA which impact the Company and were relevant to the preparation of our consolidated financial statements; and |
• | material weaknesses inherited from Hertz Holdings that had not been remediated as of December 31, 2016, related to: |
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◦ | insufficient complement of personnel with the appropriate level of knowledge, experience and training commensurate with our external financial reporting requirements under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"); |
◦ | ineffective design and maintenance of controls over the non-fleet procurement process; |
◦ | ineffective design and maintenance of controls over certain accounting estimates, such as the allowance for doubtful accounts; |
◦ | ineffective design and maintenance of controls over the review, approval and documentation of manual journal entries; |
◦ | ineffective design and maintenance of controls in response to the risks of material misstatement; |
◦ | ineffective design and maintenance of controls over certain business processes, including period-end financial reporting process; and |
◦ | ineffective design and maintenance of monitoring controls related to the design and operation of our internal controls. |
There can be no assurance as to when the material weaknesses will be fully remediated. Because the reliability of the internal control process requires repeatable execution, our material weaknesses will not be considered remediated until all remedial controls (including any additional remediation efforts that our senior management may identify as necessary) have been implemented, each applicable control has operated for a sufficient period of time, and management has concluded, through testing, that the controls are operating effectively. Until all identified material weaknesses are remediated, we will not be able to assert that our internal controls are effective. Further, management may identify other material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting.
As a result of our inability to assert that our internal controls are effective and/or of the inability of our independent registered public accounting firm to express an opinion on the effectiveness of our internal controls, we could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which would have a material adverse effect on the price of our common stock and possibly impact our ability to obtain future financing on acceptable terms.
Our efforts to design and implement an effective control environment may not be sufficient to remediate the material weaknesses described above or to prevent future material weaknesses from occurring. The failure to implement or maintain required new or improved controls, or any difficulties we encounter in their implementation, could result in additional material weaknesses or material misstatements in our consolidated financial statements. Any such material misstatement could result in a restatement of our consolidated financial statements, which could lead to, among other things, additional legal, accounting and other expenses; delays in filing required financial disclosures; events of default under the credit agreement governing our asset-based revolving credit facility or the indenture governing our senior notes (or significant payments to amend such agreements); additional or expanded investigations or enforcement actions by the New York Stock Exchange, the SEC or other federal or state government agencies or regulatory authorities; sanctions, fines or penalties; a decline in the prices of our securities; and liabilities arising from stockholder litigation. Any negative publicity resulting from our material weaknesses or any of these potential related issues may have a material adverse effect on our ability to attract and retain customers, employees and vendors. We also may lose assets if we do not maintain adequate internal controls. The foregoing circumstances could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or cash flows.
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We continue to expend significant costs and devote management time and attention and other resources to matters related to our internal control over financial reporting and the restatement of Hertz Holdings’ previously issued financial statements, and our material weaknesses and Hertz Holdings' restatement could expose us to additional risks that could materially adversely affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Because the remediation of the material weaknesses in Hertz Holdings’ internal control over financial reporting was not completed prior to the Spin-Off and because we have identified additional material weaknesses, we have incurred, and will continue to incur, significant time and expense, including consulting, audit, legal and other professional fees, to remediate the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and to establish and implement our own processes, systems and internal controls. In addition, the focus on addressing these issues may distract our management and other key employees from running our business and could adversely affect our ability to execute our strategic plan. For further information regarding Hertz Holdings’ restatement and the identified material weaknesses, please see Part II, Item 9A "Controls and Procedures" of this Report.
We may experience difficulties implementing new information technology ("IT") systems.
We are engaged in a number of IT systems projects, including the migration of our financial system from the New Hertz system to a stand-alone system, the movement of our point of sale system from the New Hertz system to our own and the development and implementation of a new operational system, each of which will continue to require significant investment of human and financial resources. Each of these systems is designed to accurately maintain our books and records and, in the case of the operational system, provide operational information to our management team. In implementing any of these projects, we may experience significant delays, increased costs and other difficulties, as well as challenges in mapping to other systems and establishing sufficient controls. Any significant disruption or deficiency in the design or implementation of the separate financial system or the back office processes in the operational system could adversely affect our ability to process purchase orders, order equipment, track accounts payable, maintain accurate books and records or otherwise operate our business. In addition, any significant disruption or deficiency with respect to the movement and implementation of our point of sale system or other processes or the operational system could adversely affect our ability to rent and deliver equipment, track maintenance records or track accounts receivable. While we have invested substantial resources in planning and project management, significant implementation issues may arise that could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, ability to timely report accurate financial results and our control environment. Further, if we decide to not implement the new operational system for our back office processes, we could need to expense items that were previously capitalized, which could result in a substantial charge in our results of operations.
We could experience disruptions to our control environment in connection with the relocation of our Shared Services Center.
In December 2016, management advised employees that it intended to move our Shared Services Center (the “SSC”) from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Bonita Springs, Florida. The process of moving the SSC is inherently complex and not part of our day-to-day operations. The SSC performs a number of financial services and processes, including a variety of internal controls over financial reporting. This move could cause not only significant disruption to our operations and the temporary diversion of management resources, but also could disrupt our financial and management control systems and resources at a time when we are addressing the material weaknesses that have been identified. In addition, as a result of the relocation, we may fail to retain key employees who possess specific knowledge or expertise necessary for the timely preparation of our financial statements, we may not be able to attract a sufficient number of qualified candidates in Bonita Springs, and the relocation may absorb significant management and key employee attention and resources. As a result, the move of the SSC could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, ability to timely report accurate financial results and our control environment.
The restatement of Hertz Holdings’ previously issued financial results has resulted in government investigations, books and records demands, and private litigation and could result in government enforcement actions and private litigation that could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.
Certain public disclosures made by Hertz Holdings prior to the Spin-Off have resulted in securities class action litigation. In addition, the New York Regional Office of the SEC is investigating the events disclosed in certain of Hertz Holdings' filings with the SEC and a state securities regulator and the United States Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey also requested information regarding the same or similar events. Hertz Holdings expended, and Herc Holdings expects to continue to expend, significant resources investigating the claims underlying and defending this litigation and responding to the demands and
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investigations. Moreover, we could become subject to private litigation or investigations, or one or more government enforcement actions, arising out of the misstatements in Hertz Holdings’ previously issued financial statements. While New Hertz and Herc Holdings have agreed to share any ultimate liability arising from proceedings of this nature pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement entered into in connection with the Spin-Off, we cannot reasonably estimate the potential exposure at this time. Further, although New Hertz will be managing such proceedings pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement, the proceedings may nonetheless require significant time and attention of our management and could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows. For additional discussion of these matters, see Note 14, "Commitments and Contingencies" and Note 20, "Arrangements with New Hertz" to the notes to our consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Report.
Risks Related to the Spin-Off and Our Separation from New Hertz
Herc Holdings has limited operating history as a stand-alone public company, and our historical financial information for periods prior to July 1, 2016 is not necessarily representative of the results that we would have achieved as a separate, publicly traded company, and may not be a reliable indicator of our future results.
Due to the accounting treatment of the Spin-Off, which considers Herc Holdings to be the spinnee or divested entity, our historical financial information included in this Report for periods prior to July 1, 2016 is derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Hertz Holdings. Accordingly, the historical financial information included herein for such periods does not necessarily reflect the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows that we would have achieved as a separate, publicly traded company during those periods or those that we will achieve in the future, primarily as a result of the following factors:
• | Prior to the Spin-Off, our equipment rental business was operated by Hertz Holdings as part of its broader corporate organization, rather than as an independent company. Hertz Holdings or one of its affiliates performed various corporate functions for us, including accounting, corporate affairs, external reporting, human resources, information technology, legal services, risk management, tax administration, treasury, and certain governance functions (including internal audit and compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002). As a result, our historical financial results for periods prior to July 1, 2016 reflect allocations of corporate expenses for these and similar functions. These allocations may be less than the comparable expenses we would have incurred (or may incur in the future) had we operated as a separate public company during such periods. |
• | Prior to the Spin-Off, our equipment rental business was integrated with the vehicle rental business of Hertz Holdings, which is now operated by New Hertz following the Spin-Off. Historically, we shared economies of scale in costs, employees, systems, vendor relationships and customer relationships. The loss of these benefits could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows going forward. |
• | Generally, our working capital requirements and capital for our general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures and acquisitions, were historically satisfied as part of the enterprise-wide cash management policies of Hertz Holdings. Going forward, we may need to obtain additional financing from banks, through public offerings or private placements of debt or equity securities, strategic relationships or other arrangements. The cost of capital for our business may be higher than Hertz Holdings’ cost of capital prior to the Spin-Off. |
The adjustments and allocations we have made in preparing our historical combined financial statements may not fully reflect our operations during periods prior to the Spin-Off as if we had in fact operated as a stand-alone entity. In addition, other significant changes may occur in our cost structure, management, accounting processes, financing, risk profile and business operations as a result of operating as a public company separate from New Hertz.
We and New Hertz have assumed and will share responsibility for certain liabilities in connection with the Spin-Off, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement entered into in connection with the Spin-Off, we assumed, among other things, liabilities associated with our equipment rental business and related assets, whether such liabilities arose prior to or subsequent to the Spin-Off, and have agreed to indemnify New Hertz for any losses arising from such liabilities, as well as any other liabilities we assumed pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement. We also will be responsible for a portion
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(typically 15%) of certain shared liabilities not otherwise specifically allocated to us or New Hertz under the separation and distribution agreement. Although we will be responsible for a portion of these shared liabilities, New Hertz has the authority to manage the defense and resolution of them. The amount of such liabilities could be greater than anticipated and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In addition, New Hertz has assumed, among other things, liabilities associated with its vehicle rental business and related assets, whether such liabilities arose prior to or subsequent to the Spin-Off, and has agreed to indemnify us for any losses arising from such liabilities, as well as any other liabilities it assumed pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement. New Hertz also will be responsible for a portion (typically 85%) of certain shared liabilities not otherwise specifically allocated to New Hertz or us under the separation and distribution agreement. We rely on New Hertz to manage the defense and resolution of these shared liabilities. If New Hertz fails to satisfy its performance and payment obligations under the separation and distribution agreement, including its indemnification obligations, such failure could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
If there is a determination that any portion of the Spin-Off transaction is taxable for U.S. federal income tax purposes, then we and our stockholders could incur significant U.S. federal income tax liabilities.
Hertz Holdings received a favorable private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) to the effect that, subject to the accuracy of and compliance with certain representations, assumptions and covenants, (i) the Spin-Off qualified as a tax-free transaction under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”), and (ii) the internal spin-off transactions (collectively with the Spin-Off, the "Spin-Offs") qualified as tax free under Section 355 of the Code. A private letter ruling from the IRS generally is binding on the IRS. However, the IRS ruling does not rule that the Spin-Offs satisfied every requirement for a tax-free spin-off, and Hertz Holdings relied solely on opinions of its tax advisors to determine that such additional requirements were satisfied. The ruling and the opinions relied on certain facts, assumptions, representations and undertakings from Hertz Holdings and New Hertz regarding the past and future conduct of the companies’ respective businesses and other matters. If any of these facts, assumptions, representations or undertakings are incorrect or not otherwise satisfied, Herc Holdings, its affiliates and its stockholders may not be able to rely on the ruling or the opinions of tax advisors and could be subject to significant tax liabilities. Notwithstanding the private letter ruling and opinions of tax advisors, the IRS could determine on audit that the Spin-Offs and related transactions are taxable if it determines that any of these facts, assumptions, representations or undertakings are not correct or have been violated or if it disagrees with the conclusions in the opinions that are not covered by the private letter ruling, or for other reasons, including as a result of certain significant changes in the stock ownership of Herc Holdings or New Hertz after the Spin-Off. If the Spin-Offs or related transactions are determined to be taxable for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we and, in certain cases, our stockholders could incur significant U.S. federal income tax liabilities, including taxation on the value of the New Hertz common stock in the Spin-Off.
If we take or fail to take actions that cause the Spin-Offs to fail to qualify as tax-free transactions, we could be required to indemnify New Hertz for any resulting taxes and related losses.
Under the tax matters agreement with New Hertz, if either Herc Holdings or New Hertz takes or fails to take any action (or permits any of its affiliates to take or fail to take any action) that causes the Spin-Offs to be taxable, or if there is an acquisition of the equity securities or assets of either party (or equity securities or assets of any member of that party's group) that causes the Spin-Offs to be taxable, that party will be required to indemnify the other party for any resulting taxes and related losses.
If any of the Spin-Offs were taxable to any of the applicable companies, such companies would recognize gain equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the stock distributed over the tax basis in that stock, and Herc Holdings and its affiliates would have to pay tax on that gain. The amount of tax would be substantial, and the party causing the Spin-Off to be taxable may not have sufficient financial resources to operate its business after paying any resulting taxes and related losses.
We could incur significant tax liability if New Hertz fails to pay the tax liabilities attributable to it under the tax matters agreement.
Under U.S. federal income tax laws, Herc Holdings and New Hertz (or certain of its subsidiaries) are jointly and severally liable for Hertz Holdings’ federal income taxes attributable to certain periods prior to or including the 2016 taxable year of Hertz Holdings. Although the tax matters agreement allocates responsibility for tax liabilities between us and New Hertz, if New Hertz fails to pay
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the taxes for which it is responsible under the tax matters agreement, we may be liable for these unpaid liabilities. Certain other jurisdictions may have similar rules.
Our ability to engage in financings, acquisitions and other strategic transactions using equity securities is limited because of the U.S. federal income tax requirements for a tax-free distribution.
Current tax law generally creates a presumption that the Spin-Off would be taxable to us (but not to our stockholders) if either we or New Hertz engages in, or enters into an agreement to engage in, a transaction that would result in a 50% or greater change (by vote or by value) in stock ownership during the two-year period after the June 30, 2016 distribution date, unless it is established that the transaction is not pursuant to a plan or series of transactions related to the Spin-Off.
To preserve the tax-free treatment of the Spin-Off, under the tax matters agreement with New Hertz, each of Herc Holdings and New Hertz is subject to restrictions (including restrictions on share issuances and redemptions, business combinations, sales of assets and similar transactions) that are designed to preserve the tax-free status of the Spin-Off. These restrictions may prevent us from entering into transactions that might be advantageous, such as issuing equity securities to satisfy financing needs or acquiring businesses or assets by issuing equity securities. Many of our competitors are not subject to similar restrictions, and therefore may have a competitive advantage over us in this regard.
The loss of Hertz’s brand and reputation could materially adversely affect our ability to attract and retain customers.
In Canada, where we are involved in litigation regarding the ownership of the name Herc, we operate under the name Hertz Equipment Rental pending the resolution of the litigation. In connection with the Spin-Off, we entered into an intellectual property agreement with New Hertz pursuant to which, among other things, we have been granted a license to continue to use certain intellectual property associated with the Hertz brand, which allows us to, among other things, continue using the name Hertz Equipment Rental outside the U.S. This licensing arrangement will only be effective for a period of four years after the Spin-Off to allow us to transition to our new brand. If we are not able to transition to our Herc name outside the U.S., it may adversely affect our ability to attract and retain customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The Spin-Off may be challenged by creditors as a fraudulent transfer or conveyance.
If, under relevant federal and state fraudulent transfer and conveyance statutes, in a bankruptcy or reorganization case or a lawsuit by or on behalf of unpaid creditors of New Hertz, a court were to find that (i) the Spin-Off and related transactions were undertaken with the intent of hindering, delaying or defrauding current or future creditors of New Hertz, or (ii) at the time that Hertz Holdings undertook the Spin-Off and related transactions, New Hertz was insolvent, or was rendered insolvent, by reason of the completion of the Spin-Off and related transactions, then the court could rescind the Spin-Off or, under certain circumstances, require Herc Holdings to fund liabilities of New Hertz for the benefit of creditors.
The measure of insolvency for purposes of the foregoing considerations will vary depending upon the law of the jurisdiction that is being applied in the relevant legal proceeding. Generally, however, New Hertz would be considered insolvent if, at the time that Hertz Holdings undertook the Spin-Off and related transactions, either:
• | the sum of New Hertz’s debts, including contingent liabilities, was greater than its assets, at a fair valuation; or |
• | the fair saleable value of New Hertz’s assets was less than the amount required to pay the probable liability on its total existing debts and liabilities, including contingent liabilities, as they become absolute and matured. |
We cannot give you any assurance as to what standards a court would use to determine whether New Hertz was solvent at the relevant time, or whether, whatever standard was used, the Spin-Off would be rescinded or other liabilities would be imposed on us on another of the grounds described above. We believe that no basis exists to challenge the Spin-Off as a fraudulent transfer or conveyance under the foregoing standards. However, in reaching such conclusion we have relied upon the advice of Hertz Holdings’ management and its third party advisors whose analysis was based on certain projections and other assumptions. We cannot assure you, however, that a court would reach the same conclusion.
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If the Spin-Off was not a legal dividend, it could be held invalid by a court and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The declaration of the distribution of shares of New Hertz common stock made to effect the Spin-Off is governed by the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”). Under the DGCL, there are certain restrictions on a corporation’s ability to distribute its property, including the shares of the common stock of a subsidiary, as a dividend. Generally, under the DGCL, a dividend may only be paid out of the corporation’s surplus or its net profits. If the Spin-Off is found invalid under the DGCL, a court could seek to have the Spin-Off rescinded. The resulting complications, costs and expenses could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Our Business
Our business is cyclical and a slowdown in economic conditions or adverse changes in the economic factors specific to the industries in which we operate, in particular construction and industrial, could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, cash flows and results of operations.
A substantial portion of our revenues are derived from the rental of equipment in the in the non-residential construction market, and the general industrial market, which includes upstream oil and gas, which are cyclical in nature. For example, a decline in construction or industrial activity could lead to a decrease in the demand for our rental equipment and intensified price competition from other equipment rental industry participants. Similarly, declines in oil or gas prices could lead to a significant slowdown in activity in the oil and gas industry, could negatively affect our rentals to participants in this industry and extend to other markets that we serve. Demand for our rentals is susceptible to market trends in oil and gas prices which have historically been volatile and are likely to continue to be volatile. In 2016, upstream oil and gas markets represented approximately 16.6% of our equipment rental revenue. Worsening of economic conditions, in particular with respect to North American construction and industrial activities or in the oil and gas industry, could have an adverse effect on demand for our products and services within those industries and extend to other markets that we serve, and could therefore adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The following factors, among others, may cause weakness in our markets, either temporarily or long-term:
• | a decrease in anticipated expected levels of infrastructure spending; |
• | a decrease in the expected levels of rental versus ownership of equipment; |
• | the level of supply and demand for oil and natural gas; |
• | government regulations and policies, including the policies of governments regarding exploration for, and production and development of, oil and natural gas reserves or for infrastructure improvements or expansions; |
• | the level of oil production by non-OPEC countries and the available excess production capacity within OPEC; |
• | an increase in the cost of construction materials; |
• | a lack of availability of credit; |
• | an increase in interest rates; and |
• | terrorism or hostilities involving the United States, Canada or the international markets we serve. |
Our business depends on the levels of capital investment and maintenance expenditures by our customers, which in turn are affected by numerous factors, including the level of economic activity in their industries, the state of domestic and global economies, global energy demand, the cyclical nature of their markets, expectations regarding government spending on infrastructure improvements or expansions, their liquidity and the condition of global credit and capital markets.
Our rental equipment is used in a wide variety of large markets, including residential and commercial construction, general industrial, energy, processing, manufacturing, infrastructure, facility maintenance government and entertainment production, many of which are cyclical in nature. The demand for our rental equipment is directly affected by the level of economic activity in these industries, which means that when these industries experience a decline in activity, there is likely a corresponding decline in the demand for our rental equipment. This could materially adversely affect our results of operations. Worsening of economic conditions or not achieving anticipated levels of economic expansion, in particular with respect to North American construction or industrial activities,
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which includes upstream oil and gas, could result in further weakness in our markets and materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Trends in oil and natural gas prices could adversely affect the level of business activity, capital investments and maintenance expenditures of certain of our customers in key markets (outside of upstream oil and gas), as well as customers in the upstream oil and gas markets, and the demand for our services and products.
Prices for oil and natural gas are subject to large fluctuations in response to relatively minor changes in the supply of and demand for oil and natural gas, market uncertainty, and a variety of other factors that are beyond our control. Any prolonged reduction in oil and natural gas prices will depress near-term levels of exploration, development and production activity, and is likely to extend beyond the upstream oil and gas markets and depress business activity in our key markets, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Even the perception of longer-term lower oil and natural gas prices by oil and natural gas companies and related service providers can similarly reduce or defer capital investment or maintenance expenditures by companies in our key markets, as well as in the upstream oil and gas markets.
Additionally, some of our customers may delay capital investment and maintenance even during favorable conditions in their industries or markets.
If we were to experience a significant decrease in orders or an increase in order delays or cancellations that can result from the aforementioned economic conditions or other factors beyond our control, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We may have difficulty obtaining the resources that we need to operate, or our costs to do so could increase significantly, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
As a stand-alone company, we have incurred and will continue to incur significant additional recurring costs to replace certain systems, technology, services and employees that remained with New Hertz. Historically, we have been able to take advantage of the size and purchasing power of the combined Hertz Holdings organization in procuring technology and services, including, among other things, information technology support, credit card processing services, consulting services, employee benefit support and audit services. As a separate public company, we are a smaller company than the former Hertz Holdings, and we may not be able to obtain systems, technology, services and human resources on terms as favorable as those available to us prior to the Spin-Off.
In addition, we have engaged and will continue to engage the services of various consultants and professionals to support our internal resources as we assess, develop and implement our own processes, systems and controls. Due to the scope and complexity of the underlying projects relative to these efforts, the total cost of these services could be materially higher than our estimates, and may extend for a longer period of time than expected.
We also pay fees under a transition services agreement we entered into in connection with the Spin-Off, pursuant to which New Hertz or one of its affiliates provides us with certain corporate services (consisting of IT, tax and human resources services) on a transitional basis. Because the transition services agreement was negotiated in the context of a parent-subsidiary relationship (i.e., between Hertz Holdings and New Hertz prior to the Spin-Off), the terms of the agreement may be less favorable to us than those that would be agreed to by parties bargaining at arm’s length for similar services and the fees charged for the services may be higher than the costs reflected in the allocations in our historical financial results. While such services are being provided to us under the transition services agreement, our operational flexibility to modify or implement changes in such services or the amounts we pay for them will be limited. Further, at the end of the term of the transition services agreement, or earlier if New Hertz fails to perform its obligations thereunder, we may be unable to obtain replacement services on terms as favorable as those contained in the transition services agreement. If we do not have our own adequate systems and business functions in place to replace the services performed by New Hertz under the transition services agreement, or are unable to obtain them from other providers, we may not be able to operate our business effectively.
If we are unable to obtain the resources and services required to operate our business on terms comparable to those available to us prior to the Spin-Off, or if our costs increase significantly due to the above factors or others, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
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We face intense competition, including from our own suppliers, that may lead to downward pricing or an inability to increase prices.
The markets in which we operate are highly competitive. Competitive factors in our industry include increased price competition, the importance of customer loyalty, changes in market penetration, the introduction of new equipment, services and technology by competitors, changes in marketing, product diversity and quality and the ability to supply equipment and services to customers in a timely, predictable manner. Because we do not have multi-year contractual arrangements with many of our customers, these competitive factors could cause our customers to cease renting our equipment and shift suppliers quickly.
The equipment rental market is highly fragmented, and we believe that price is one of the primary competitive factors. The Internet has enabled cost-conscious customers to more easily compare rates available from rental companies. If we try to increase our pricing, our competitors, some of whom may have greater resources and better access to capital or lower fixed operating costs, may seek to compete aggressively on the basis of pricing. In addition, our competitors may reduce prices in order to attempt to gain a competitive advantage, capture market share or compensate for declines in rental activity. To the extent we do not match or remain within a reasonable competitive margin of our competitors’ pricing, our revenues and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. If competitive pressures lead us to match any of our competitors’ downward pricing and we are not able to reduce our operating costs, then our margins, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely impacted.
We face competition from traditional rental companies as well as our own suppliers. We purchase our rental equipment from leading, globally-known original equipment manufacturers. Under our supplier arrangements, the suppliers may appoint additional distributors, elect to sell or rent directly to our customers or unilaterally terminate their arrangements with us at any time without cause. Any such actions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows due to a reduction of, or an inability to increase, our revenues.
Due to seasonality, especially in the construction industry, any occurrence that disrupts rental activity during our peak periods could materially adversely affect our results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.
Significant components of our expenses are fixed in the short-term, including real estate taxes, rent, insurance, utilities, maintenance and other facility-related expenses, the costs of operating our information technology systems and certain staffing costs. Seasonal changes in our revenues do not alter those fixed expenses, typically resulting in higher profitability in periods when our revenues are higher, and lower profitability in periods when our revenues are lower. Our business, especially in the construction industry, has historically experienced lower levels of business from December until late spring and heightened activity during our third and fourth quarter until December. Any occurrence that disrupts rental activity during this period of heightened activity, including adverse weather conditions such as prolonged periods of cold, rain, blizzards, hurricanes or other severe weather patterns, could have a disproportionately adverse effect on our business, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.
Doing business in foreign countries exposes us to a number of additional risks, including complying with foreign and local laws and regulations that may conflict with U.S. laws and those under anticorruption, competition, economic sanctions and anti-boycott regulations, that may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.
We currently operate in a number of foreign countries. Operating in different countries exposes us to varying risks, which include: (i) multiple, and sometimes conflicting, foreign regulatory requirements and laws that are subject to change, including laws relating to taxes, insurance rates, insurance products, consumer privacy, data security, employment matters, cost and fee recovery, and the protection of our trademarks and other intellectual property; (ii) the effect of foreign currency translation risk; (iii) varying tax regimes, including consequences from changes in applicable tax laws; (iv) local ownership or investment requirements, as well as difficulties in obtaining financing in foreign countries for local operations; and (v) political and economic instability, natural calamities, war and terrorism. The failure to comply with international laws could have an adverse effect on us that is disproportionate to the relative size of our foreign operations.
Our international operations are also subject to U.S. and foreign anti-corruption laws and regulations, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA"), economic sanction programs administered by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC") and the anti-boycott regulations administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Office of Antiboycott Compliance. As a result of doing business in foreign countries, we are exposed to a heightened risk of violating these and other laws. As part of our business, we regularly deal with foreign officials for regulatory purposes and may deal with state-owned
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business enterprises, the employees of which are considered foreign officials for purposes of the FCPA. In addition, the provisions of the U.K. Bribery Act of 2010 extend beyond bribery of foreign public officials and are more onerous than the FCPA in a number of other respects. Some of the international locations in which we operate lack a developed legal system and have relatively higher levels of corruption. Economic sanctions programs restrict our business dealings with certain sanctioned countries and other sanctioned individuals and entities. Violations of anti-corruption laws, competition laws and sanctions regulations are punishable by civil penalties, including fines, denial of export privileges, injunctions, asset seizures, debarment (or other loss of business) from government contracts and revocations or restrictions of licenses, as well as criminal fines and imprisonment. We have established policies and procedures designed to assist our compliance with applicable laws and regulations; however, there can be no assurance that they will effectively prevent us from violating these laws and regulations in every transaction in which we may engage. A violation of legal requirements could materially and adversely affect our reputation, business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our non-U.S. operations include joint ventures and other alliances. Additional risks characteristic of these arrangements include the risk of conflicts arising between us and our joint venture partners and the lack of unilateral control of management. We also risk circumstances where our joint venture partner may fail to satisfy its obligations, which could result in increased liabilities to us.
In addition, we are subject to limitations on our ability to repatriate funds to the United States from our operations outside of the United States. These limitations arise from regulations in certain countries that limit our ability to remove funds from or transfer funds to foreign subsidiaries, as well as from tax liabilities that would be incurred in connection with such transfers. The effects of these risks may, individually or in the aggregate, materially adversely affect our results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.
Our success as an independent company will depend on our senior management team, the ability of other new employees to learn their new roles, and our ability to attract and retain key management and other key personnel.
Our ability to execute on our business plan and succeed as an independent company depends upon the contributions of our senior management team, the members of which are relatively new to our organization, as well as other key personnel, such as our dedicated sales force. In preparation for the Spin-Off, we substantially changed our senior management team and replaced many of the other employees performing key functions at our corporate headquarters. In addition, in connection with the transition of Hertz Holdings’ corporate offices from Park Ridge, New Jersey to Bonita Springs, Florida, we have replaced many other employees in key functions. Similarly, we intend to move our Shared Services Center from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Bonita Springs, Florida, which will result in additional employee changes. Because of these personnel changes, we could experience inefficiencies or a lack of business continuity due to the new employees’ lack of historical knowledge and lack of familiarity with the business processes, operating requirements, policies and procedures, and key information technologies and related infrastructure used in our day-to-day operations and financial reporting. We may also experience additional costs as new employees learn their roles and gain necessary experience, in addition to the cost of hiring new individuals in the new location. It is important to our success that these key employees quickly adapt to and excel in their new roles. If they are unable to do so, our business and financial results could be materially adversely affected. Further, if we cannot meet our needs for information technology staff, we may not be able to fulfill our technology initiatives while continuing to provide maintenance on existing systems.
If we were to lose the services of any one or more members of our senior management team or other key personnel, whether due to death, disability, resignation or termination of employment, our ability to successfully implement our business strategy, financial plans, marketing and other objectives could be significantly impaired. In addition, if we are unable to attract qualified employees to perform functions in Bonita Springs, we may not be able to execute our business plan.
Some or all of our deferred tax assets could expire if we experience an “ownership change” as defined in Section 382 of the Code.
An "ownership change" could limit our ability to utilize tax attributes, including net operating losses, capital loss carryovers, excess foreign tax carryforwards, and credit carryforwards, to offset future taxable income. As of December 31, 2016, we had unutilized U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $224.3 million (which begin to expire in 2026). Our ability to use such tax attributes to offset future taxable income and tax liabilities may be significantly limited if we experience an "ownership change" as defined in Section 382(g) of the Code. In general, an ownership change will occur if and when the percentage of Herc Holdings’ ownership (by value) of one or more "5-percent shareholders" (as defined in the Code) has increased by more than 50 percentage points over the lowest percentage of stock owned by such shareholders at any time during the prior three years (calculated
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on a rolling basis). An entity that experiences an ownership change generally should be subject to an annual limitation on its pre-ownership change tax loss carryforward which accumulates each year to the extent that there is any unused limitation from a prior year. The limitation on our ability to utilize tax losses and credit carryforwards arising from an ownership change under Section 382 depends on the value of our equity at the time of any ownership change. If we were to experience an "ownership change,” it is possible that a significant portion of our tax loss carryforwards could expire before we would be able to use them to offset future taxable income. Many states have adopted the federal Section 382 rules and therefore have similar limitations with respect to state tax attributes.
Changes in the legal and regulatory environment that affect our operations, including with respect to taxes, consumer rights, privacy, data security and employment matters, could disrupt our business, increase our expenses or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
We are located in 41 states in the United States and nine provinces in Canada, and also have other international operations. Our operations expose us to a number of national, state, local and foreign laws and regulations, in addition to legal, regulatory and contractual requirements we face as a government contractor. These laws and regulations address multiple aspects of our operations, including taxes, worker safety, consumer rights, privacy, data security and employment matters and also may impact other areas of our business. There are often different requirements in different jurisdictions. Changes in government regulation of our businesses have the potential to materially alter our business practices or our profitability. Depending on the jurisdiction, those changes may come about through the issuance of new laws and regulations or changes in the interpretation of existing laws and regulations by a court, regulatory body or governmental official. Sometimes those changes may have both a retroactive and prospective effect; this is particularly true when a change is made through reinterpretation of laws or regulations that have been in effect for some time. Moreover, changes in regulation that may seem neutral on their face may have either more or less impact on us than on our competitors, depending on the circumstances. Changes in any of these requirements, or any material failure by us to comply with them, could negatively impact our reputation, reduce our business, require significant management time and attention and generally otherwise adversely affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
An impairment of our goodwill or our indefinite-lived intangible assets could have a material adverse non-cash impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
We review our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable and at least annually. Our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets comprised approximately 10% of our total assets as of December 31, 2016. If economic deterioration occurs, we may be required to record charges for goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible asset impairments in the future, which could have a material adverse non-cash impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Other Operational Risks:
Any decline in our relationships with our key national account customers or the amount of equipment they rent from us could materially adversely affect our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Our business depends on our ability to maintain positive relations with our key national account customers, which accounted for 48% of our rental revenue in 2016. Although we have established and maintain significant long-term relationships with these customers, we cannot assure you that all of these relationships will continue at current levels or on current terms. Our contracts with our customers generally do not obligate them to rent equipment from us. Revenue from customers that have accounted for significant revenue in past periods, individually or as a group, may not continue in future periods or, if continued, may not reach or exceed historical levels in any period. Further, if our key customers fail to remain competitive in their respective markets or encounter financial or operational problems, our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows may be materially adversely affected.
Our equipment rental fleet is subject to residual value risk upon disposition, and may not sell at the prices we expect.
The market value of our equipment at the time of its disposition could be less than its estimated residual value or its depreciated value at such time. A number of factors could affect the value received upon disposition of our equipment, including:
• | the market price for similar new equipment; |
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• | the age of the equipment, wear and tear on the equipment relative to its age and the performance of preventive maintenance; |
• | the time of year that it is sold; |
• | the supply of used equipment relative to the demand for used equipment, including as a result of changes in economic conditions or conditions in the markets that we serve; |
• | inventory levels at original equipment manufacturers; and |
• | the existence and capacities of different sales outlets. |
A sale of equipment below its depreciated value could adversely affect our results of operations. Accordingly, decisions to reduce the size of our equipment rental fleet in the event of an economic downturn or to respond to changes in rental demand are subject to the risk of loss based on the residual value of rental equipment.
We may be unable to protect our trade secrets and other intellectual property rights, and our business could be harmed as a result.
We rely on trade secrets to protect our know-how and other proprietary information, including pricing, purchasing, promotional strategies, customer lists and/or supplier lists. However, trade secrets are difficult to protect. While we believe we use reasonable efforts to protect our trade secrets, our employees, consultants, contractors or advisors may unintentionally or willfully disclose our information to competitors. In addition, any confidentiality agreements executed to protect these assets may not be enforceable or provide meaningful protection for our trade secrets or other proprietary information in the event of unauthorized use or disclosure. The effects of these risks may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.
We may fail to respond adequately to changes in technology and customer demands.
In recent years our industry has been characterized by rapid changes in technology and customer demands. For example, industry participants have taken advantage of new technologies to improve fleet efficiency, decrease customer wait times and improve customer satisfaction. Our ability to continually improve our current processes and products in response to changes in technology is essential in maintaining our competitive position and maintaining current levels of customer satisfaction. We may experience technical or other difficulties that could delay or prevent the development, introduction or marketing of new products or enhanced product offerings. The effects of these risks may, individually or in the aggregate, materially adversely affect our results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.
Our business is heavily reliant upon communications networks and centralized IT systems and the concentration of our systems creates or increases risks for us, including the risk of the misuse or theft of information as a result of cyber security breaches or otherwise, which could harm our brand, reputation or competitive position and give rise to material liabilities.
We rely heavily on communication networks and IT systems, including the Internet, to process rental and sales transactions, manage our pricing, manage our equipment fleet, manage our financing arrangements, account for our activities and otherwise conduct our business. Our major IT systems and accounting functions are centralized in a few locations. Any disruption, termination or substandard provision of these services, whether as the result of computer or telecommunications issues (including operational failures, computer viruses or security breaches), localized conditions (such as a power outage, fire or explosion) or events or circumstances of broader geographic impact (such as an earthquake, storm, flood, other natural disaster, epidemic, strike, act of war, civil unrest or terrorist act), could materially adversely affect our business by disrupting normal operations.
We regularly possess, store and handle non-public information about individuals and businesses, including both credit and debit card information and other sensitive and confidential personal information. In addition, our customers regularly transmit confidential information to us via the Internet and through other electronic means. Despite the security measures we currently have in place, our facilities and systems and those of our third-party service providers may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could compromise information security. Unauthorized parties also may attempt to gain access to our systems or facilities, or those of third parties with whom we do business. Many of the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, including viruses, worms and other malicious software programs, are difficult to anticipate until launched against a target and we may be unable to implement adequate preventative measures.
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A compromise of our security systems resulting in unauthorized access to certain personal information about our customers, distributors or employees could adversely affect our corporate reputation as well as our operations, and could result in litigation against us or the imposition of penalties. Security breaches can create system disruptions, shutdowns or unauthorized disclosure of confidential information, which could result in financial damage or loss. Most states have enacted laws requiring companies to notify individuals and often state authorities of data security breaches involving their personal data. These mandatory disclosures regarding a security breach often lead to widespread negative publicity, which would harm our reputation and brand, and may cause our customers and employees to lose confidence in the effectiveness of our data security measures. As a result, a security breach could cause the loss of customers and could also require that we expend significant additional resources related to our information security systems.
In addition, we outsource a significant portion of our information technology services and, under a transition services agreement entered into with New Hertz in connection with the Spin-Off, we are reliant upon New Hertz for continued service with several information technology systems. Therefore, we are also susceptible to disruptions, failures and breaches of the systems maintained by New Hertz and our other outsourced providers, which we do not control. Any disruption, failure, breach or poor performance of any of these systems could lead to lower revenues, increased costs or other material adverse effects on our business and results of operations.
Failure to maintain, upgrade and consolidate our information technology networks could materially adversely affect us.
We continue to upgrade and consolidate our systems, including making changes to legacy systems, replacing legacy systems with successor systems with new functionality, acquiring new systems with new functionality and outsourcing certain information technology services. These types of activities subject us to additional costs and inherent risks associated with outsourcing, replacing and changing these systems, including impairment of our ability to manage our business, potential disruption of our internal control structure, substantial capital expenditures, additional administration and operating expenses, demands on management time, and other risks and costs of delays or difficulties in transitioning to outsourcing alternatives or new systems or of integrating new systems into our current systems. We rely on certain software vendors to maintain and periodically upgrade many of these systems so that they can continue to support our business. Further, the software programs supporting many of our systems were licensed to us by independent software developers. The inability of these developers or us to continue to maintain and upgrade these information systems and software programs would disrupt or reduce the efficiency of our operations if we were unable to convert to alternate systems in an efficient and timely manner.
In addition, costs and potential problems and interruptions associated with the implementation of new or upgraded systems and technology, maintenance or adequate support of existing systems or our outsourcing initiatives could disrupt or reduce the efficiency of our business operations and could have an adverse effect on our operations if not anticipated and appropriately mitigated. Our competitive position may be adversely affected if we are unable to maintain systems that allow us to manage our business in a competitive manner. Additionally, any systems failures could impede our ability to timely collect and report financial results in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
We may face issues with our union employees.
Labor contracts covering the terms of employment of approximately 250 employees in the U.S. and 175 employees in Canada are presently in effect under approximately 20 active contracts with local unions, affiliated primarily with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the International Union of Operating Engineers. These contracts are renegotiated periodically. Failure to negotiate a new labor agreement when required could result in a work stoppage. Although we believe that our labor relations have generally been good, it is possible that we could become subject to additional work rules imposed by agreements with labor unions, or that work stoppages or other labor disturbances could occur in the future. In addition, our non-union workforce has been subject to unionization efforts in the past, and we could be subject to future unionization, which could lead to increases in our operating costs and/or constraints on our operating flexibility.
We are exposed to a variety of claims and losses arising from our operations, and our insurance may not cover all or any portion of such claims.
We are exposed to a variety of claims arising from our operations, including (i) claims by third parties for injury or property damage arising from the operation of our equipment or acts or omissions of our personnel and (ii) workers’ compensation claims. We are currently a defendant in numerous actions and have received numerous claims on which actions have not yet been commenced
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for liability and property damage arising from the operation of equipment rented from us. We also are exposed to risk of loss from damage to our equipment and resulting business interruption. Our responsibility for such claims and losses is increased when we waive the provisions in certain of our rental contracts that hold a renter responsible for damage or loss under an optional loss or damage waiver that we offer. We mitigate our exposure to large liability losses arising from such claims by maintaining general liability, workers' compensation and vehicle liability insurance coverage through unaffiliated carriers in such amounts as we deem adequate in light of the respective hazards, where such insurance is available on commercially reasonable terms. We self-insure against losses associated with other risks not covered by these insurance policies.
Moreover, in the event that insurance coverage does apply, we will bear a portion of the associated losses through the application of deductibles and self-insured retention in the insurance policies. For a company our size, such deductibles or self-insured retention could be substantial. There is also no assurance that insurance policies of these types will be available for purchase or renewal on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, or that the premiums and deductibles under such policies will not substantially increase, including as a result of market conditions in the insurance industry.
If we were to incur one or more liabilities that are significant, individually or in the aggregate, where we are not fully insured, that we self-insure against or that our insurers dispute, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. Even with adequate insurance coverage, we still may experience a significant interruption to our operations as a result of third party claims or other losses arising from our operations.
Environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations and the costs of complying with them, or any change to them impacting our markets, could materially adversely affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Our operations are subject to numerous national, state, provincial and local laws and regulations governing environmental protection and occupational health and safety matters. These laws govern such issues as wastewater, storm water, solid and hazardous wastes and materials, air quality and matters of workplace safety. Under these laws and regulations, regardless of fault we may be liable for, among other things, the cost of investigating and remediating contamination at our sites as well as sites to which we sent hazardous wastes for disposal or treatment, and also fines and penalties for non-compliance. We use hazardous materials to clean and maintain equipment, dispose of solid and hazardous waste and wastewater from equipment washing, and store and dispense petroleum products from storage tanks at certain of our locations. We cannot predict the potential financial impact on our business if new adverse environmental, health, or safety conditions are discovered, or environmental, health, and safety requirements become more stringent. If we are required to incur environmental, health, or safety compliance or remediation costs that are not currently anticipated by us, our financial position, results of operations or cash flows could be materially adversely affected, depending on the magnitude of the cost.
In addition, the U.S. Congress and other legislative and regulatory authorities in the United States and internationally have considered, and likely will continue to consider, numerous measures related to climate change, greenhouse gas emissions and other laws and regulations affecting our end markets, such as oil, gas and other natural resource extraction. Should such laws and regulations become effective, demand for our services could be affected, our fleet and/or other costs could increase and our business could be materially adversely affected.
Decreases in national, state, provincial, local or foreign governmental spending may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and a lack of or delay in additional infrastructure spending may have a material adverse effect on our share price.
Some of our customers provide services to federal, state, provincial, local or foreign government entities and agencies. Often such customers require equipment rental for a variety of projects, including construction or infrastructure improvement or expansion projects. If government entities and agencies reduce spending or allocate future funding in a manner which results in fewer construction or infrastructure improvement or expansion projects, then our customers may no longer require the same amount of equipment rental to complete projects, and they could reduce their business with us. A prolonged decrease in such government spending may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Further, following the recent U.S. elections, many observers expect a significant increase in government spending on infrastructure projects which, if realized, could positively impact our business. However, those projects often require an extended period of time from concept to approval to funding before the project can commence. In addition, it is possible that such spending may be delayed
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significantly or may never be realized. There can be no assurance that such spending will occur or that we will benefit from any increase in spending.
We incur maintenance and repair costs associated with our equipment rental fleet that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows in the event these costs are greater than anticipated.
As our fleet of rental equipment ages, the cost of maintaining such equipment, if not replaced within a certain period of time, and the risk of fleet equipment being out of service, generally increase. As of December 31, 2016, the average age of our rental equipment fleet was approximately 48 months. Determining the optimal age at disposition for our rental equipment is subjective and requires considerable estimates by management. We have made estimates regarding the relationship between the age of our rental equipment, the maintenance and repair costs, the availability of our fleet and the market value of used equipment. It is possible that we may allow the average age of our rental equipment fleet to increase, which would increase our costs for maintenance and repair and likely would negatively impact the market value of such equipment at the time of its disposition. If maintenance and repair costs are higher than estimated or in-service times or market values of used equipment are lower than estimated, our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
Part of our strategy includes pursuing strategic transactions, which could be difficult to identify and implement, and could disrupt our business or change our business profile significantly.
We may opportunistically consider the acquisition of other companies or service lines of other businesses that either complement or expand our existing business, or we may consider the divestiture of some of our businesses. Any acquisitions or divestitures we may seek to consummate will be subject to the negotiation of definitive agreements, satisfactory financing arrangements and applicable governmental approvals and consents, including under applicable antitrust laws, such as the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. We cannot assure you that we will be able to identify suitable transactions and, even if we are able to identify such transactions, that we will be able to consummate any such acquisitions or divestitures on acceptable terms. Any future acquisitions or divestitures we pursue may involve a number of risks, including, some or all of the following:
• | the diversion of management’s attention from our core business; |
• | the disruption of our ongoing business; |
• | inaccurate assessment of undisclosed liabilities; |
• | potential known and unknown liabilities of the acquired or divested businesses and lack of adequate protections or potential related indemnities; |
• | the inability to integrate our acquisitions without substantial costs, delays or other problems; |
• | the loss of key customers or employees of the acquired or divested business; |
• | increasing demands on our operational systems; |
• | the integration of information systems and internal controls; and |
• | possible adverse effects on our reported results of operations or financial position, particularly during the first several reporting periods after an acquisition or divestiture is completed. |
Any acquired entities or assets may not enhance our results of operations. Even if we are able to integrate future acquired businesses with our operations successfully, we cannot assure you that we will realize the cost savings, synergies or revenue enhancements that we anticipate from such integration or that we will realize such benefits within the expected time frame. Any acquisition also may cause us to assume liabilities, record goodwill and other intangible assets that will be subject to impairment testing and potential impairment charges, incur potential restructuring charges and increase working capital and capital expenditure requirements, which may reduce our return on invested capital.
If we were to undertake a substantial acquisition, the acquisition likely would need to be financed in part through additional financing from banks, through public offerings or private placements of debt or equity securities or with other arrangements. We cannot assure you that the necessary acquisition financing would be available to us on acceptable terms if and when required, given our substantial indebtedness and restrictions in the terms of our indebtedness that may limit the additional indebtedness that we may incur or the acquisitions that we may pursue, which may make it difficult or impossible for us to obtain financing for
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acquisitions. If we were to undertake an acquisition by issuing equity securities or equity-linked securities, the acquisition may have a dilutive effect on the interests of the holders of our common stock.
A significant divestiture would, in the short term, result in loss of revenues and possibly earnings, and could require the amendment or refinancing of our outstanding indebtedness or a portion thereof.
Risks Related to Our Substantial Indebtedness
Our substantial level of indebtedness exposes or makes us more vulnerable to a number of risks that could materially adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, liquidity and ability to compete.
As of December 31, 2016, we had total outstanding debt of approximately $2.2 billion, including our outstanding Notes and the amount drawn under our asset-based revolving credit facility. This substantial indebtedness requires us to dedicate a significant portion of our cash flows from operations and investing activities to make payments on our debt, which reduces the amount available for working capital, capital expenditures or other general corporate purposes and which decreases our profitability and cash flow. We cannot assure you that we will maintain financing activities and cash flows sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness. In addition, our indebtedness could materially adversely affect us. For example, it could: (i) make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations to the holders of our outstanding debt securities and to the lenders under our credit facilities, resulting in possible defaults on, and acceleration of, such indebtedness; (ii) be difficult to refinance or borrow additional funds in the future; (iii) increase our vulnerability to, and limit our flexibility to plan for, or react to, general adverse economic and industry conditions, (iv) place us at a competitive disadvantage to our competitors that have proportionately less debt or comparable debt at more favorable interest rates or on better terms; and (v) limit our ability to react to competitive pressures, or make it difficult for us to carry out capital spending that is necessary or important to our growth strategy and our efforts to improve operating margins. There is also a risk that one or more of the financial institutions providing commitments under our revolving credit facilities could fail to fund an extension of credit under any such facility, due to insolvency or otherwise, leaving us with less liquidity than expected. Our ability to manage these risks will depend, among other things, on financial market conditions as well as our financial and operating performance, which, in turn, is subject to a wide range of risks, including those described above under “‒ Risks Related to Our Business.”
If our capital resources (including borrowings under our financing arrangements and access to other refinancing indebtedness) and operating cash flows are not sufficient to pay our obligations as they mature or to fund our liquidity needs, we may be forced, among other things, to do one or more of the following: (i) sell certain of our assets; (ii) reduce the size of our equipment rental fleet; (iii) reduce or delay capital expenditures; (iv) obtain additional equity capital; (v) forgo business opportunities, including acquisitions and joint ventures; or (vi) restructure or refinance all or a portion of our debt before maturity. We cannot assure you that we would be able to accomplish any of these alternatives on a timely basis or on satisfactory terms, if at all. If we cannot refinance or otherwise pay our obligations as they mature and fund our liquidity needs, our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, liquidity, ability to obtain financing and ability to compete could be materially adversely affected.
Substantially all of our consolidated assets secure certain of our indebtedness, which could materially adversely affect our business and holders of our debt and equity.
Substantially all of our consolidated assets, including our equipment rental fleet, are subject to security interests under our financing arrangements. As a result, the lenders under those financing arrangements have a secured claim on such assets in the event of our bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation or reorganization, and we may not have sufficient funds to pay in full, or at all, all of our creditors or make any amount available to holders of our equity. The same is true with respect to structurally senior obligations. In general, all liabilities and other obligations of a subsidiary must be satisfied before the assets of such subsidiary can be made available to the unsecured or junior creditors (or equity holders) of the parent entity.
Because substantially all of our assets are encumbered under financing arrangements, our ability to incur additional secured indebtedness or to sell or dispose of assets to raise capital may be impaired, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial flexibility and liquidity and force us to attempt to incur additional unsecured indebtedness, which may not be available to us.
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An increase in interest rates or in our borrowing margin would increase the cost of servicing our debt and could reduce our profitability.
A significant portion of our indebtedness bears interest at floating rates, which increases our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions (such as economic cycles and credit-related disruptions), including interest rate fluctuations. To the extent we have not hedged against rising interest rates, an increase in the applicable benchmark interest rates would increase our cost of servicing our debt and could reduce our profitability and materially adversely affect our results of operations.
In addition, we may in the future seek to refinance our indebtedness. If interest rates or our borrowing margins increase between the time an existing financing arrangement was consummated and the time such financing arrangement is refinanced, the cost of servicing our debt would increase and our results of operations and liquidity could be materially adversely affected.
Despite our current level of indebtedness, we and our subsidiaries may still be able to incur substantially more debt. This could further exacerbate the risks described above.
We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur significant additional indebtedness in the future. Although the agreements and instruments governing our financing arrangements contain restrictions on our ability to incur additional indebtedness, these restrictions are subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions, and the additional indebtedness that could be incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial. These restrictions also do not prevent us from incurring obligations that do not constitute indebtedness. If new debt or other obligations are added to our current debt and liability levels without a corresponding refinancing or redemption of our existing indebtedness and obligations, the risks related to our substantial indebtedness could increase.
Risks Related to the Securities Markets and Ownership of Our Common Stock
The market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly.
Prior to the Spin-Off, there had been no public market for the common stock of Herc Holdings, as a public company separate from New Hertz, which now operates Hertz Holdings’ vehicle rental business. The market price of Herc Holdings common stock could fluctuate significantly due to a number of factors, including:
• | our quarterly or annual earnings, or those of other companies in our industry; |
• | actual or anticipated fluctuations in our financial position, results of operations, liquidity or cash flows; |
• | ongoing remediation of, and developments regarding, weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting; |
• | the public reaction to our press releases, our other public announcements and our filings with the SEC; |
• | announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions, dispositions, innovations or new programs and services; |
• | comments by institutional investors or media reports regarding our Company, business or industry; |
• | changes in earnings or other financial estimates and recommendations by securities analysts following our stock, research and reports that industry or securities analysts may publish about us or the rental industry or the failure of securities analysts to cover our common stock; |
• | changes in our ability to meet analyst estimates; |
• | purchases or sales of large blocks of our stock by institutional investors; |
• | the operating and stock price performance of other comparable companies; |
• | general economic conditions and fluctuations in the overall market and the markets served by our customers, including oil and gas, non-residential construction and industrial end markets; |
• | anticipated spending by government entities or agencies on infrastructure improvement or expansion projections, or the lack of, delay in or reduction in spending on such projects; and |
• | the trading volume of our common stock. |
26
In addition, the realization of any of the risks described in these “Risk Factors” could have a material and adverse impact on the market price of our common stock in the future and cause the value of your investment to decline. The securities of many companies and the stock market in general have experienced extreme price and volume volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock, regardless of our actual performance. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, stockholders have often instituted securities class action litigation against the company. If we were to be involved in a class action lawsuit, it could divert the attention of senior management, and, if adversely determined, have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The market price of our common stock could decline as a result of the sale or distribution of a large number of shares of our common stock in the market or the perception that a sale or distribution could occur. These factors also could make it more difficult for us to raise funds through future offerings of our common stock.
We are unable to predict whether significant amounts of our common stock will be sold in the open market or the potential negative effects that these sales could have on the price of our common stock. Certain shareholders, most notably affiliates of Carl Icahn and Mario Gabelli, have accumulated significant amounts of our common stock. Sales or distributions of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales or distributions will occur, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and make it difficult for us to raise funds through securities offerings in the future. As of December 31, 2016, there were 28.3 million shares of our common stock outstanding, which are freely transferable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), unless held or acquired by our “affiliates” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. In addition, all shares of our common stock acquired upon exercise of stock options and other equity-based awards granted under stock incentive plans also will be freely tradable under the Securities Act unless acquired by our affiliates. A maximum of 2.2 million shares of common stock are reserved for issuance under our stock incentive plan, some of which have been issued as of the date of this Report.
We also may issue additional common stock for a number of reasons, including to finance our operations and business strategy (including acquisitions), to adjust our ratio of debt to equity, or to provide incentives pursuant to certain executive compensation arrangements. Such future issuances of equity securities, or the expectation that they will occur, could cause the market price for our common stock to decline. The price of our common stock also could be affected by hedging or arbitrage trading activity that may exist or develop involving our common stock.
Provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation and our By-Laws could discourage potential acquisition proposals and could deter or prevent a change in control.
Our Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws contain provisions that are intended to deter coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids and to encourage prospective acquirers to negotiate with our Board of Directors rather than to attempt a hostile takeover. These provisions include:
• | limitations on the right of stockholders to remove directors, although such limitations expire upon the completion of the declassification of our Board of Directors at the 2017 annual meeting of stockholders; |
• | granting to our Board of Directors sole power to set the number of directors and to fill any vacancy on the Board of Directors, whether such vacancy occurs as a result of an increase in the number of directors or otherwise; |
• | the ability of our Board of Directors to designate and issue one or more series of preferred stock without stockholder approval, the terms of which may be determined at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors; |
• | prohibiting our stockholders from acting by written consent; |
• | prohibiting our stockholders from calling special meetings of stockholders; |
• | the absence of cumulative voting; and |
• | advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals and nominations for election to the Board of Directors at stockholder meetings. |
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We believe that these provisions protect our stockholders from coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics by requiring potential acquirers to negotiate with our Board of Directors and by providing our Board of Directors with more time to assess any acquisition proposal. These provisions are not intended to make us immune from takeovers. However, these provisions apply even if the offer may be considered beneficial by some stockholders and could delay or prevent an acquisition that our Board of Directors determines is in our best interests and that of our stockholders. Any or all of the foregoing provisions could limit the price that some investors might be willing to pay for shares of our common stock.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
As of December 31, 2016 we had approximately 270 locations primarily in the United States and Canada, with locations also in China, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. We also operate regional headquarters, sales offices and service facilities in the foregoing countries in support of our equipment rental operations. Our principal executive offices are located at 27500 Riverview Center Blvd., Bonita Springs, Florida, 34134.
As of December 31, 2016, we owned approximately 25% of the locations from which we operate our equipment rental business, with the remainder leased. Those leases are typically triple net leases, where Herc is responsible for the ongoing expenses of the property, including real estate taxes, insurance, and maintenance, in addition to paying rent and utilities.
Our rental locations generally are located in industrial or commercial zones. A growing number of locations have highway or major thoroughfare visibility. The typical location includes a customer reception area, an equipment service area and storage facilities for equipment. Most branches have stand-alone maintenance and fueling facilities and showrooms.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time we are a party to various legal proceedings. Summarized below are the most significant legal proceedings to which we are a party.
In re Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. Securities Litigation - In November 2013, a purported shareholder class action, Pedro Ramirez, Jr. v. Hertz Global Holdings, Inc., et al., was commenced in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey naming Hertz Holdings and certain of its officers as defendants and alleging violations of the federal securities laws. The complaint alleged that Hertz Holdings made material misrepresentations and/or omissions of material fact in its public disclosures during the period from February 25, 2013 through November 4, 2013, in violation of Section 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act, and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. The complaint sought an unspecified amount of monetary damages on behalf of the purported class and an award of costs and expenses, including counsel fees and expert fees. In June 2014, Hertz Holdings responded to the amended complaint by filing a motion to dismiss. After a hearing in October 2014, the court granted Hertz Holdings’ motion to dismiss the complaint. The dismissal was without prejudice and plaintiff was granted leave to file a second amended complaint. In November 2014, plaintiff filed a second amended complaint which shortened the putative class period such that it was not alleged to have commenced until May 18, 2013 and made allegations that were not substantively very different than the allegations in the prior complaint. In early 2015, this case was assigned to a new federal judge in the District of New Jersey, and Hertz Holdings responded to the second amended complaint by filing another motion to dismiss. On July 22, 2015, the court granted Hertz Holdings’ motion to dismiss without prejudice and ordered that plaintiff could file a third amended complaint. In August 2015, plaintiff filed a third amended complaint which included additional allegations, named additional then-current and former officers as defendants and expanded the putative class period such that it was alleged to span from February 14, 2013 to July 16, 2015. In November 2015, Hertz Holdings filed its motion to dismiss. Thereafter, a motion was made by plaintiff to add a new plaintiff, because of challenges to the standing of the first plaintiff. The court granted plaintiffs leave to file a fourth amended complaint to add the new plaintiff, and the new complaint was filed on March 1, 2016. Hertz Holdings and the individual defendants moved to dismiss the fourth amended complaint in its entirety with prejudice on March 24, 2016, and plaintiff filed its opposition to same on May 6, 2016. On June 13, 2016, Hertz Holdings and the individual defendants filed their reply briefs in support of their motions to dismiss. The matter is now fully briefed. The Company believes that it has valid and meritorious defenses and New Hertz, which is responsible for managing this matter, has informed the Company that it intends to vigorously defend against the complaint, but litigation is subject to many uncertainties and the outcome of this matter is not predictable with assurance. It is possible that this matter could be decided unfavorably to the Company. The Company is currently unable to reasonably estimate the range of these possible losses, but they could be material to the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows in any particular reporting period.
Governmental Investigations - In June 2014, Hertz Holdings was advised by the staff of the New York Regional Office of the SEC that it is investigating the events disclosed in certain of Hertz Holdings’ filings with the SEC. In addition, in December 2014 a state securities regulator requested information from Hertz Holdings regarding the same or similar events. Starting in June 2016, Hertz Holdings and New Hertz have had communications with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey regarding the same or similar events. New Hertz is responsible for managing these matters. The investigations and communications generally involve the restatements included in Hertz Holdings’ 2014 Form 10-K and related accounting for prior periods. Among other matters, the restatements included in Hertz Holdings’ 2014 Form 10-K addressed a variety of accounting matters involving THC's former Brazil vehicle rental operations. Hertz
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Holdings identified certain activities by THC's former vehicle rental operations in Brazil that may raise issues under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other federal and local laws. THC has self-reported these issues to appropriate government entities, and these issues continue to be investigated. The Company has and intends to continue to cooperate with all governmental requests related to the foregoing. At this time, the Company is currently unable to predict the outcome of these proceedings and issues or to reasonably estimate the range of possible losses, which could be material.
The information concerning other legal proceedings involving us contained in Note 14, "Commitments and Contingencies" of our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Report is incorporated by reference.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Price of Common Stock
Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol "HRI." On March 10, 2017, there were 1,386 registered holders of our common stock. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales price per share of our common stock as reported by the NYSE:
2016 | High | Low | |||||
3rd Quarter | $ | 37.48 | $ | 29.28 | |||
4th Quarter | $ | 42.95 | $ | 28.66 | |||
Share Repurchase Program
In March 2014, Hertz Holdings announced a $1.0 billion share repurchase program (the "Share Repurchase Program"), which replaced an earlier program. The Share Repurchase Program permits the Company, as the successor to Hertz Holdings, to purchase shares through a variety of methods, including in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, in accordance with applicable securities laws. It does not obligate the Company to make any repurchases at any specific time or in any specific amount. The timing and extent to which the Company repurchases its shares will depend upon, among other things, market conditions, share price, liquidity targets, contractual restrictions and other factors. Share repurchases may be commenced or suspended at any time or from time to time, subject to legal and contractual requirements, without prior notice. During 2015, Hertz Holdings repurchased 2.5 million shares (on a reverse split adjusted basis) at an aggregate purchase price of approximately $604.5 million under the Share Repurchase Program. There were no repurchases during 2016. Repurchases are included in treasury stock in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2016, the approximate dollar value of shares that remains available for purchases under the Share Repurchase Program is $395.9 million.
Dividends
We paid no cash dividends on our common stock in 2016, and we do not expect to pay dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. The agreements governing our indebtedness restrict our ability to pay dividends. See Item 7 "Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources - Dividends," in this Report.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table summarizes the securities authorized for issuance pursuant to our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2016:
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights | Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (1) | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (2) | |||||||
Plan category | (a) | (b) | (c) | ||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | 972,537 | $ | 37.90 | 750,046 | |||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | — | — | — | ||||||
Total | 972,537 | 750,046 | |||||||
(1) | Represents the weighted average exercise price of 529,675 outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2016. The remaining securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights as of December 31, 2016 are restricted stock units and performance stock units, which have no exercise price and have been excluded from the calculation of the weighted average exercise price above. |
(2) | All of the securities remaining available for future issuance are available under our 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan. |
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HERC HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES (Continued)
Recent Performance
The following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return on Herc Holdings common stock from July 1, 2016, the first day of trading for our stock on the NYSE, through December 31, 2016, with the cumulative total returns of the Standard & Poor Small Cap 600 Index and an industry peer group. The industry peer group is comprised of publicly traded companies participating in the equipment rental industry and other relevant companies of comparable size in the broader industry in which we compete. Our industry peer group is comprised of Aggreko plc, Applied Industrial Tech Inc., Ashstead Group plc, Beach Roofing Supply, Inc., Fastenal Company, GATX Corp., H&E Equipment Services, KAR Auction Services Inc., McGrath Rentcorp, Mobile Mini, Inc., Neff Corporation, NOW Inc., Pool Corp., Ritchie Brother Auctioneers Inc., Triton International Ltd., Watsco Inc. and United Rentals, Inc.
The graph assumes that $100 was invested on July 1, 2016 over the indicated time periods and assumes reinvestment of all dividends, if any, paid on the securities. We have not paid any cash dividends and, therefore, the cumulative total return calculation for Herc Holdings is based solely upon stock price appreciation. The stock price performance shown on the graph is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.
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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following tables present selected consolidated financial information and are not necessarily indicative of results of future operations. Additionally, the historical financial information of the Company presented below for periods prior to the Spin-Off is not necessarily indicative of what the Company's financial position or results of operations actually would have been had it operated as a separate, independent company for such periods. The information presented should be read in conjunction with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in this Report in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” to fully understand factors that may affect the comparability of the information presented below. The selected consolidated financial data in this section is not intended to replace the consolidated financial statements.
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
(In millions, except per share data) | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||||||
Statement of Operations Data | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | $ | 1,554.8 | $ | 1,678.2 | $ | 1,770.4 | $ | 1,735.6 | $ | 1,608.3 | ||||||||||
Total expenses(a) | 1,559.7 | 1,521.3 | 1,625.9 | 1,582.5 | 1,519.7 | |||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | (4.9 | ) | 156.9 | 144.5 | 153.1 | 88.6 | ||||||||||||||
Income tax expense | (14.8 | ) | (45.6 | ) | (54.8 | ) | (55.0 | ) | (27.2 | ) | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (19.7 | ) | $ | 111.3 | $ | 89.7 | $ | 98.1 | $ | 61.4 | |||||||||
Earnings (loss) per share: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | (0.70 | ) | $ | 3.69 | $ | 3.00 | $ | 3.48 | $ | 2.19 | |||||||||
Diluted | $ | (0.70 | ) | $ | 3.69 | $ | 2.87 | $ | 3.17 | $ | 2.05 | |||||||||
As of December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
(In millions) | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Data | |||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 11.6 | $ | 15.7 | $ | 18.9 | $ | 15.4 | $ | 23.2 | |||||||||
Total assets | 3,463.3 | 3,397.0 | 3,599.7 | 4,132.1 | 3,710.2 | ||||||||||||||
Total debt(b) | 2,194.3 | 136.7 | 866.1 | 673.5 | 1,072.0 | ||||||||||||||
Total equity(c) | 317.7 | 2,302.0 | 1,693.7 | 1,877.4 | 1,285.0 | ||||||||||||||
(a) | Total expenses were impacted by the gain on the sale of our operations in France and Spain in 2015 of $50.9 million, a long-lived asset impairment charge in 2014 of $9.6 million and losses on extinguishment of debt in 2014 and 2013 of $0.8 million and $39.4 million, respectively. |
(b) | Includes net loans payable to affiliates as of December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012 of $73.2 million, $449.0 million, $226.0 million and $397.7 million, respectively. |
(c) | Total equity was impacted by $2.0 billion of distributions and transfers with THC related to the Spin-Off. |
33
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations ("MD&A") should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in Item 8 of this Report, which include additional information about our accounting policies, practices and the transactions underlying our financial results. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes including reserves for litigation and other contingencies, accounting for income taxes, pension and postretirement benefits, depreciation of revenue earning equipment, the recoverability of long-lived assets, useful lives and impairment of long-lived tangible and intangible assets including goodwill and trade name, valuation of stock-based compensation, reserves for restructuring, allowance for doubtful accounts and other matters arising during the normal course of business. We apply our best judgment, our knowledge of existing facts and circumstances and our knowledge of actions that we may undertake in the future in determining the estimates that will affect our consolidated financial statements. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis using our historical experience, as well as other factors we believe appropriate under the circumstances, such as current economic conditions, and adjust or revise our estimates as circumstances change. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results may differ from these estimates.
THE SPIN-OFF
On June 30, 2016, the Company, in its previous form as the holding company of both the existing equipment rental operations as well as the former vehicle rental operations (in its form prior to the Spin-Off, "Hertz Holdings"), completed a spin-off (the "Spin-Off") of its global vehicle rental business through a dividend to stockholders of all of the issued and outstanding common stock of Hertz Rental Car Holding Company, Inc., which was re-named Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. ("New Hertz"), on a one-for-five basis. New Hertz is now an independent public company and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "HTZ." New Hertz continues to operate its global vehicle rental business through its operating subsidiaries including The Hertz Corporation ("THC"). The Company changed its name to Herc Holdings Inc. on June 30, 2016 and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "HRI." Following the Spin-Off, the Company continues to operate its global equipment rental business through its operating subsidiaries, including Herc.
On June 30, 2016, the Company effected a 1-for-15 reverse stock split. The reverse stock split reduced the number of authorized shares of common stock and preferred stock to 133.3 million and 13.3 million, respectively. All share data and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted for the reverse stock split in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for all periods presented.
For accounting purposes, due to the relative significance of New Hertz to Hertz Holdings, New Hertz was considered the spinnor or divesting entity in the Spin-Off and Herc Holdings was considered the spinnee or divested entity. As a result, despite the legal form of the transaction, New Hertz was the “accounting successor” to Hertz Holdings. Under the accounting rules, the historical financial information of New Hertz is required to reflect the financial information of Hertz Holdings, as if New Hertz spun off Herc Holdings in the Spin-Off. In contrast, the historical financial information of Herc Holdings, including certain information presented in this Report, reflects the financial information of the equipment rental business and certain parent legal entities of Herc as historically operated as part of Hertz Holdings, as if Herc Holdings was a stand-alone company for all periods presented. The historical financial information of the Company presented in the following MD&A for periods prior to the Spin-Off is not necessarily indicative of what the Company's financial position or results of operations actually would have been had it operated as a separate, independent company for the periods presented.
OVERVIEW OF OUR BUSINESS AND OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
We are engaged principally in the business of renting equipment. Ancillary to our principal business of equipment rental, we also sell used rental equipment, sell new equipment and consumables and offer certain service and support to our customers. Our profitability is dependent upon a number of factors including the volume, mix and pricing of rental transactions and the utilization of equipment. Significant changes in the purchase price or residual values of equipment or interest rates can have a significant effect on our profitability depending on our ability to adjust pricing for these changes. Our business requires significant expenditures for equipment, and consequently we require substantial liquidity to finance such expenditures. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources" below.
34
HERC HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
Our revenues primarily are derived from rental and related charges and consist of:
• | Equipment rental (includes all revenue associated with the rental of equipment including ancillary revenue from delivery, rental protection programs and fueling charges); |
• | Sales of revenue earning equipment and sales of new equipment, parts and supplies; and |
• | Service and other revenues (primarily relating to training and labor provided to customers). |
Our expenses primarily consist of:
• | Direct operating expenses (primarily wages and related benefits, facility costs and other costs relating to the operation and rental of revenue earning equipment, such as delivery, maintenance and fuel costs); |
• | Cost of sales of revenue earning equipment, new equipment, parts and supplies; |
• | Depreciation expense and re-rent expense relating to revenue earning equipment; |
• | Selling, general and administrative expenses; and |
• | Interest expense. |
Seasonality
Our business is seasonal, with demand for our rental equipment tending to be lower in the winter months. Our equipment rental business, especially in the construction industry, has historically experienced decreased levels of business from December until late spring and heightened activity during our third and fourth quarters until December. We have the ability to manage certain costs to meet market demand, such as fleet capacity, the most significant portion of our cost structure. For instance, to accommodate increased demand, we increase our available fleet and staff during the second and third quarters of the year. A number of our other major operating costs vary directly with revenues or transaction volumes; however, certain operating expenses, including rent, insurance and administrative overhead, remain fixed and cannot be adjusted for seasonal demand, typically resulting in higher profitability in periods when our revenues are higher, and lower profitability in periods when our revenues are lower. In an effort to reduce the impacts of seasonality, we are focused on expanding our customer base through specialty products that serve different industries with less seasonality and different business cycles.
2016 Operating Highlights
Highlights of our business and financial performance in 2016 and key factors influencing our results include:
• | We successfully separated from the vehicle rental business on June 30, 2016; |
• | We completed two significant financing activities: |
◦ | Issued $610.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.50% senior secured second priority notes due 2022 (the "2022 Notes") and $625.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.75% senior secured second priority notes due 2024 (the "2024 Notes" and, together with the 2022 Notes, the "Notes"); and |
◦ | Closed on a new asset-based revolving credit agreement (the "ABL Credit Facility") that provides for senior secured revolving loans up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $1,750 million. |
• | Equipment rental revenues declined $59.0 million, or 4.2%, during the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to 2015 primarily due to the absence of revenue from our operations in France and Spain that were divested in October 2015, which accounted for $59.6 million of revenue in 2015, and continued weakness in the upstream oil and gas markets; however, equipment rental revenues increased in key markets, defined as markets we currently serve outside of upstream oil and gas, by 8.1% during 2016 as compared to 2015; |
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HERC HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
• | Net capital expenditures for revenue earning equipment were $352.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $448.1 million in 2015; and |
• | Costs associated with the Spin-Off were approximately $49.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to $25.8 million during 2015. |
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, | 2016 vs. 2015 | 2015 vs. 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
($ in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | $ Change | % Change | $ Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||
Equipment rentals | $ | 1,352.7 | $ | 1,411.7 | $ | 1,455.8 | $ | (59.0 | ) | (4.2 | )% | $ | (44.1 | ) | (3.0 | )% | |||||||||
Sales of revenue earning equipment | 122.5 | 161.2 | 198.7 | (38.7 | ) | (24.0 | ) | (37.5 | ) | (18.9 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Sales of new equipment, parts and supplies | 68.2 | 92.1 | 95.4 | (23.9 | ) | (26.0 | ) | (3.3 | ) | (3.5 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Service and other revenues | 11.4 | 13.2 | 20.5 | (1.8 | ) | (13.6 | ) | (7.3 | ) | (35.6 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 1,554.8 | 1,678.2 | 1,770.4 | (123.4 | ) | (7.4 | ) | (92.2 | ) | (5.2 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Direct operating | 651.4 | 711.2 | 716.1 | (59.8 | ) | (8.4 | ) | (4.9 | ) | (0.7 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Depreciation of revenue earning equipment | 350.5 | 343.7 | 340.0 | 6.8 | 2.0 | 3.7 | 1.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Cost of sales of revenue earning equipment | 144.0 | 146.8 | 188.4 | (2.8 | ) | (1.9 | ) | (41.6 | ) | (22.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Cost of sales of new equipment, parts and supplies | 53.0 | 73.0 | 77.5 | (20.0 | ) | (27.4 | ) | (4.5 | ) | (5.8 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 275.0 | 265.5 | 251.4 | 9.5 | 3.6 | 14.1 | 5.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
Restructuring | 4.0 | 4.3 | 5.7 | (0.3 | ) | (7.0 | ) | (1.4 | ) | (24.6 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Impairment | — | — | 9.6 | — | — | (9.6 | ) | (100.0 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | 84.2 | 32.9 | 41.4 | 51.3 | 155.9 | (8.5 | ) | (20.5 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Other income, net | (2.4 | ) | (56.1 | ) | (4.2 | ) | 53.7 | NM | (51.9 | ) | NM | ||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | (4.9 | ) | 156.9 | 144.5 | (161.8 | ) | (103.1 | ) | 12.4 | 8.6 | |||||||||||||||
Income tax expense | (14.8 | ) | (45.6 | ) | (54.8 | ) | 30.8 | (67.5 | ) | 9.2 | (16.8 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (19.7 | ) | $ | 111.3 | $ | 89.7 | $ | (131.0 | ) | (117.7 | )% | $ | 21.6 | 24.1 | % | |||||||||
NM - Not Meaningful
Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2015
Equipment rental revenues decreased $59.0 million, or 4.2%, during the year ended December 31, 2016 when compared with 2015. An increase in key market equipment rental revenue of 8.1% in 2016 and an increase in the average equipment on rent in the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to 2015 partially offset the absence of revenue from our operations in France and Spain that were divested in October 2015, which accounted for $59.6 million of revenue during the year ended December 31, 2015, the $6.6 million negative impact of foreign currency translation and continuing weakness in upstream oil and gas markets. Revenue in upstream oil and gas markets represented 16.6% of equipment rental revenue in 2016, excluding currency effects and was down 25.6% as compared to 2015, as major oil producers reduced spending.
Sales of revenue earning equipment declined $38.7 million, or 24.0%, during the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to 2015. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the level of revenue earning equipment sold decreased as a part of our equipment rotation plan based on an average useful life of approximately seven years, reflecting lower capital expenditures during 2008 and 2009. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2015, there was higher sales activity due to management's initiative that began in the fourth quarter of 2014 to reduce the fleet size in certain markets in accordance with projected customer demand and the declining demand in the upstream oil and gas industry, and also to reduce the fleet unavailable for rent. The corresponding cost of sales of revenue earning equipment as a percent of revenue was 117.6% during 2016 compared to 91.1% in 2015. The loss on sales of revenue earning equipment in 2016 was primarily due to additional sales through the auction channel of equipment used in the upstream oil and gas markets and equipment manufactured by certain suppliers as we reduced the number of brands of equipment we carry in our fleet.
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HERC HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
Sales of new equipment, parts and supplies decreased $23.9 million, or 26.0%, during the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to 2015. The decrease was driven by our implementation of changes in new equipment sales programs, including the elimination of certain equipment dealerships. This decrease is also due to a decline in the volume of sales during 2016 partially due to the decline in spending from our oil and gas customers. The corresponding cost of sales of new equipment, parts and supplies as a percent of revenue was 77.7% for 2016 compared to 79.3% for 2015. The slight decrease was due to the mix of the new equipment sold.
Direct operating expenses decreased $59.8 million, or 8.4%, in the year ended December 31, 2016 when compared to 2015 primarily due to the following:
• | Fleet and related expenses decreased $23.8 million primarily as a result of lower vehicle operating costs of $11.6 million driven by lower external delivery costs due to increased use of internal equipment delivery personnel and reduced deliveries to customers in upstream oil and gas markets based on the decreased demand in those markets. Additionally, fleet and related expenses were lower by $13.6 million in 2016 due to the sale of our operations in France and Spain in 2015. |
• | Personnel related expenses increased $3.8 million as a result of an increase in salary and benefits expense of $20.8 million primarily associated with a reinvestment in branch management to drive operational improvements and additional sales personnel to drive revenue growth, which was partially offset by a decrease in salary and benefits expense of $17.1 million due to the sale of our operations in France and Spain in 2015. |
• | Other direct operating costs decreased $39.8 million due to lower amortization of $32.5 million primarily due to customer list intangibles that became fully amortized at December 31, 2015 and a decrease of $16.0 million due to the sale of our operations in France and Spain in 2015. Partially offsetting the decreases was an increase in facilities expense of $4.7 million. |
Depreciation of revenue earning equipment increased $6.8 million, or 2.0%, in the year ended December 31, 2016 when compared with 2015. This increase was primarily due to a larger fleet size compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 and an increase of $9.4 million related to the reduction in residual values and the planned holding period of certain classes of equipment. The increase was partially offset by the absence of depreciation expense of $17.3 million due to the sale of our operations in France and Spain in 2015.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $9.5 million, or 3.6%, from the prior year. The increase is due to higher information technology costs, professional fees and other costs of $33.1 million, mostly related to the Spin-Off and other stand-alone public company costs. The increase was partially offset by decreases related to the sale of our operations in France and Spain, which accounted for $10.5 million in expense during 2015, a decrease in bad debt expense of $6.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2016 due to improved collection efforts specifically on aged balances, and a reduction of $5.0 million of cost incurred associated with the separation of a senior executive during 2015.
Interest expense, net increased $51.3 million, or 155.9%, from the prior year. The increase is due to interest incurred on the Notes that were issued in June 2016 and borrowings under the new ABL Credit Facility, which was partially offset by decreases in interest on the predecessor asset-based revolving credit facility (the "Predecessor ABL Facility") and loans from THC and its affiliates, which were settled as part of the Spin-Off in June 2016.
Other income was $2.4 million in 2016 as compared to $56.1 million in 2015. During 2015, we recognized a gain on the sale of our France and Spain businesses of $50.9 million. Other income in both periods includes earnings from our joint ventures.
Income tax expense was $14.8 million in 2016 compared to $45.6 million in 2015. The overall decrease was primarily driven by lower operating results in 2016. Income tax expense in 2016 included $9.5 million of state taxes, primarily due to the Spin-Off and $3.2 million of non-deductible items and transactions costs related to the Spin-Off. Income tax expense in 2015 was primarily driven by higher operating income, a portion of which included a non-taxable book gain realized on the sale of operations in France and Spain.
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HERC HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2014
Equipment rental revenues decreased $44.1 million in 2015, or 3.0%, when compared with 2014 and remained flat excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange rates. This was the result of a 2% increase in equipment rental volumes. The increase in volume was driven by new account growth, which is primarily derived from small local contractors and customers in new and expanded business lines as we expand our business across a diverse group of industries. As a result of this new account growth, equipment rental revenue in key markets increased approximately 10% in 2015. This growth was offset by continuing weakness in upstream oil and gas markets. Revenue in upstream oil and gas markets represented 22.5% of equipment rental revenue in 2015, and excluding currency effects was down 24.0% as compared to 2014, as major oil producers reduced spending. Further, the sale of our operations in France and Spain on October 30, 2015 reduced revenue year-over-year. Pricing for 2015 was unchanged year-over-year.
Sales of revenue earning equipment declined during the year ended December 31, 2015 by $37.5 million or 18.9%. There was less revenue earning equipment in the rotation to be sold during 2015 as the average useful life of revenue earning equipment is approximately seven years and there was a decrease in capital expenditures during 2007 and 2008. Additionally, there was higher sales activity during 2014 to reduce the fleet size in certain markets in accordance with projected customer demand and the declining demand in the oil and gas industry, and also to reduce the fleet unavailable for rent. The corresponding cost of sales of revenue earning equipment was 91.1% in 2015 compared to 94.8% in 2014. The higher percentage during 2014 was mainly due to lower margins on the equipment that was sold ahead of the normal rotation due to management's initiative to reduce the fleet size to meet customer demand because of the decline in oil and gas, as well as to reduce fleet unavailable for rent.
Sales of new equipment, parts and supplies decreased $3.3 million, or 3.5%. This decrease is due to a decline in the volume of sales during 2015 partially due to the decline in spending from our oil and gas customers. The cost of sales of new equipment, parts and supplies as a percent of the revenue was 79.3% for 2015 compared to 81.2% for 2014. The slight decrease was due to the mix of the new equipment sold.
Direct operating expenses decreased $4.9 million in 2015, or 0.7%, primarily due to the following:
• | Fleet and related expenses decreased $14.1 million as a result of lower other vehicle operating expense of $5.2 million due to a reduction in outside freight expense, primarily in Canada based on decreased demand from our oil and gas customers in that region. Additionally, delivery and maintenance expenses were lower by $4.2 million primarily due to the sale of our operations in France and Spain in October 2015. |
• | Personnel related expenses increased $6.7 million primarily due to salary and benefits expense of $11.6 million associated with a rise in the headcount for mechanics driven by fleet repairs associated with reducing fleet unavailable for rent. This was partially offset by a decrease in salary expense of $4.9 million due to the sale of our operations in France and Spain in October 2015. |
• | Other direct operating costs increased $2.5 million primarily driven by an increase in rent and facility repair costs of $2.5 million and an increase in re-rent expense of $3.6 million, partially offset by a decrease in field system expense of $1.5 million and restructuring related activities of $1.4 million. |
Depreciation of revenue earning equipment increased $3.7 million, or 1.1%, in 2015 when compared with 2014. The increase was driven by a slightly larger average fleet size as compared to 2014 and an increase of $1.9 million due to the reduction in residual values and the planned holding period of certain classes of equipment.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $14.1 million, or 5.6%, from the prior year primarily resulting from $5.0 million in costs associated with separation of a senior executive during second quarter of 2015 and increased costs related to an increase in sales force personnel in an effort to drive revenue growth and diversify our customer base.
Restructuring expense decreased to $4.3 million for 2015 compared to $5.7 million for 2014, or a decrease of 24.6%. During 2014, there were 11 branch closings resulting in severance and branch closure costs. In 2015, all of the costs were related to headcount reductions and there were no branch closings.
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
Impairment charges of $9.6 million in 2014 relate to revenue earning equipment that was classified as held for sale at the end of 2014. Upon the decision to sell these assets, we determined the fair value and recorded an impairment charge.
Interest expense, net decreased $8.5 million, or 20.5%, from the prior year. The reduction is the result of lower average outstanding debt balances during 2015, principally because no amounts were outstanding under the Predecessor ABL Facility during the last half of 2015.
Other income was $56.1 million in 2015 as compared to $4.2 million in 2014. During 2015, we recognized a gain on the sale of our France and Spain businesses of $50.9 million. Other income in both periods include earnings from our joint ventures.
Income tax expense for 2015 was $45.6 million as compared to $54.8 million in 2014. The change in income taxes in 2015 as compared to 2014 is primarily due to changes in geographic earnings mix offset by changes in valuation allowances for losses in certain non-U.S. jurisdictions where it is not more likely than not that these tax benefits will be realized. Income in 2015 also included a non-taxable book gain realized on the sale of operations in France and Spain.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our primary liquidity needs include the payment of operating expenses, purchases of rental equipment to be used in our operations and servicing of debt. Our primary sources of funding are operating cash flows, cash received from the disposal of equipment and borrowings under our debt arrangements. As of December 31, 2016, we had approximately $2.2 billion of total nominal indebtedness outstanding. We are highly leveraged and a substantial portion of our liquidity needs arise from debt service on our indebtedness and from the funding of our costs of operations and capital expenditures.
Our liquidity as of December 31, 2016 consisted of cash and cash equivalents and unused commitments under our asset-based revolving credit agreement ("ABL Credit Facility"). See "Borrowing Capacity and Availability" below. Our practice is to maintain sufficient liquidity through cash from operations and our ABL Credit Facility, so that our operations are unaffected by adverse financial market conditions. We believe that cash generated from operations and cash received from the disposal of equipment, together with amounts available under the ABL Credit Facility, will be adequate to permit us to meet our obligations over the next twelve months.
On February 28, 2017, pursuant to the terms of the Notes, Herc gave the Notes trustee notice of redemption of $61.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Notes and $62.5 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2024 Notes, which were redeemed on March 10, 2017. Herc drew down on its ABL Credit Facility to fund the redemption.
Sources of Liquidity
During the year ended December 31, 2016 we completed the following financing activities:
• | In connection with the Spin-Off, in June 2016, we issued $610.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2022 Notes and $625.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2024 Notes. The funds were used to: (i) make certain payments in connection with the Spin-Off distribution, including cash transfers to THC and its affiliates, and (ii) pay fees and other transaction expenses in connection therewith. |
• | In connection with the Spin-Off on June 30, 2016, we entered into the ABL Credit Facility that provides for senior secured revolving loans up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $1,750 million (subject to availability under a borrowing base), including revolving loans in an aggregate principal amount of $350 million available to Canadian borrowers and U.S. borrowers. Proceeds of loans under the ABL Credit Facility were used for the Spin-Off and related fees and expenses and will be used for working capital, capital expenditures, business requirements and general corporate purposes. Up to $250 million of the ABL Credit Facility is available for the issuance of letters of credit, subject to certain conditions including issuing lender participation. |
• | Concurrent with the Spin-Off on June 30, 2016, our Predecessor ABL Facility was terminated. All amounts, including unpaid interest, were repaid at the time of termination. |
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HERC HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
Cash Flows
Significant factors driving our liquidity position include cash flows generated from operating activities and capital expenditures. Historically, we have generated and expect to continue to generate positive cash flow from operations.
Prior to the Spin-Off, as a subsidiary of Hertz Holdings, Herc's cash was swept regularly by Hertz Holdings at its discretion. Hertz Holdings also funded Herc's operating and investing activities as needed. Cash flows related to financing activities included changes in Hertz Holdings' investments in Herc. Transfers of cash to and from Hertz Holdings are reflected within additional paid-in capital on our consolidated balance sheets and in financing activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows.
Subsequent to the Spin-Off, we no longer participate in cash management and funding arrangements with New Hertz. Our ability to fund our capital needs will be affected by our ongoing ability to generate cash from operations and access to capital markets.
The following table summarizes the change in cash and cash equivalents for the periods shown (in millions):
Years Ended December 31, | 2016 vs. 2015 | 2015 vs. 2014 | |||||||||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | $ Change | $ Change | |||||||||||||||
Cash provided by (used in): | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating activities | $ | 433.4 | $ | 496.3 | $ | 469.2 | $ | (62.9 | ) | $ | 27.1 | ||||||||
Investing activities | (398.4 | ) | (389.8 | ) | (429.3 | ) | (8.6 | ) | 39.5 | ||||||||||
Financing activities | (38.7 | ) | (105.4 | ) | (34.0 | ) | 66.7 | (71.4 | ) | ||||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes | (0.4 | ) | (4.3 | ) | (2.4 | ) | 3.9 | (1.9 | ) | ||||||||||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents | $ | (4.1 | ) | $ | (3.2 | ) | $ | 3.5 | $ | (0.9 | ) | $ | (6.7 | ) | |||||
Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2015
Operating Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2016, we generated $62.9 million less cash from operating activities compared to 2015. The decrease was primarily related to lower operating results, which included lower revenues, increased costs attributed to information technology and professional fees and higher interest expense, which included a $43.0 million increase in cash paid for interest.
Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities increased slightly by $8.6 million in 2016 as compared to 2015. Our primary use of cash in investing activities is for the acquisition of revenue earning equipment and non-rental capital expenditures, which significantly decreased during 2016 as compared to 2015. We renew our equipment and also manage our fleet of rental equipment in line with customer demand. Changes in our net capital expenditures are described in more detail in the "Capital Expenditures" section below. The slight overall increase in cash used in investing activities in 2016 is primarily due to the $126.4 million of proceeds received from the sale of our France and Spain operations in 2015, which mostly offset the higher level of capital expenditures in 2015.
Financing Activities
Cash used in financing activities decreased $66.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015. Cash used in financing activities primarily represents changes in our various debt arrangements and financing activities with Hertz Holdings, which primarily funded our operations prior to the Spin-Off. Cash used in financing activities in 2016 included financing and transfer activities with Hertz Holdings, including the Spin-Off distribution, totaling $2.1 billion and the payment of $41.5 million in debt issuance costs. Cash provided by financing activities in 2016 included the issuance of $1.2 billion in long-term debt and the net borrowings of $910.0 million on our new ABL Credit Facility. In 2015, cash outflows included net payments of $343.6 million on our Predecessor ABL Facility and a $604.5 million purchase of treasury stock by Hertz Holdings, which was partially offset by net cash inflows of $852.6 million provided by our financing and transfer activities with Hertz Holdings and affiliates. For details of our new debt arrangements, see Note 8, "Debt" to the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Report.
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HERC HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2014
Operating Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2015, we generated $496.3 million in cash from operating activities, an increase of $27.1 million compared to 2014, which is attributed to increased collections on a higher level of sales and accounts receivable outstanding during 2014, which was partially offset by lower revenues and accounts receivable in 2015. The improvement of cash collections on our accounts receivable was due to the implementation of stricter policies on granting credit to customers.
Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities decreased $39.5 million in 2015 as compared to 2014, primarily due to proceeds of $126.4 million received from the sale of our France and Spain operations in 2015, which more than offset the impact of increases in net non-rental capital expenditures and net revenue earning equipment expenditures. Changes in our net capital expenditures are described in more detail in the "Capital Expenditures" section below.
Financing Activities
Cash used in financing activities increased $71.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to 2014, primarily due to a $604.5 million repurchase of treasury stock by Hertz Holdings and net repayments of $343.6 million on our Predecessor ABL Facility. The cash outflows were offset by inflows of $852.6 million related to financing activities with Hertz Holdings, which primarily funded our operations and investing activities.
Capital Expenditures
Our capital expenditures relate largely to purchases of revenue earning equipment, with the remaining portion representing purchases of other property and equipment. The table below sets forth the capital expenditures related to our revenue earning equipment and related disposals for the periods noted (in millions).
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
Revenue earning equipment expenditures | $ | 468.3 | $ | 600.0 | $ | 614.5 | ||||||
Disposals of revenue earning equipment | (115.4 | ) | (151.9 | ) | (179.6 | ) | ||||||
Net revenue earning equipment expenditures | $ | 352.9 | $ | 448.1 | $ | 434.9 | ||||||
Net capital expenditures for revenue earning equipment decreased $95.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to 2015. During 2015, we purchased more revenue earning equipment as part of our strategy to refresh the fleet and invest in higher quality equipment; however, we also sold more equipment in certain markets in order to reduce fleet in those markets impacted by the decline in the upstream oil and gas industry.
Net capital expenditures for revenue earning equipment increased $13.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to 2014. Beginning in 2014 and continuing on into 2015, we reduced the amount of revenue earning equipment purchases as part of our strategy to reduce the size of the fleet due to the decline in the upstream oil and gas industry. The decline in disposal proceeds in 2015 as compared to 2014 was due to less revenue earning equipment in the rotation to be sold during 2015 as there was a decrease in capital expenditures during 2007 and 2008. Additionally, there was higher sales activity during 2014 as there was an effort to reduce the fleet size in certain markets in accordance with projected customer demand due to the forecasted declining demand in the oil and gas industry, and also reduce the fleet unavailable for rent.
In 2017, we expect our net revenue earning equipment capital expenditures to be in the range of $275 million to $325 million.
Borrowing Capacity and Availability
Our ABL Credit Facility provides our borrowing capacity and availability. Creditors under our ABL Credit Facility have a claim on a specific pool of assets as collateral. Our ability to borrow under the ABL Credit Facility is a function of, among other things,
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HERC HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
the value of the assets in the relevant collateral pool. We refer to the amount of debt we can borrow given a certain pool of assets as the "Borrowing Base."
Substantially all of the assets of Herc and certain of its U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries are encumbered in favor of our lenders under our ABL Credit Facility and our Notes. None of such assets are available to satisfy the claims of our general creditors. See Note 8, "Debt" to the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Report for more information.
As of December 31, 2016, the following was available to us (in millions):
Remaining Capacity | Availability Under Borrowing Base Limitation | ||||||
ABL Credit Facility | $ | 817.1 | $ | 817.1 | |||
We refer to "Remaining Capacity" as the maximum principal amount of debt permitted to be outstanding under the ABL Credit Facility (i.e., the amount of debt we could borrow assuming we possessed sufficient assets as collateral) less the principal amount of debt then-outstanding under the facility. We refer to "Availability Under Borrowing Base Limitation" as the lower of Remaining Capacity or the Borrowing Base less the principal amount of debt then-outstanding under the facility (i.e., the amount of debt we could borrow given the collateral we possess at such time).
As of December 31, 2016, the ABL Credit Facility had $227.1 million available under the letter of credit facility sublimit, subject to borrowing base restrictions. As of December 31, 2016, $22.9 million of standby letters of credit were issued and outstanding under the ABL Credit Facility, none of which have been drawn upon.
Covenants
Our ABL Credit Facility and our Notes contain a number of covenants that, among other things, limit or restrict our ability to dispose of assets, incur additional indebtedness, incur guarantee obligations, prepay certain indebtedness, make certain restricted payments (including paying dividends, redeeming stock or making other distributions), create liens, make investments, make acquisitions, engage in mergers, fundamentally change the nature of our business, make capital expenditures, or engage in certain transactions with certain affiliates.
Under the terms of our ABL Credit Facility and our Notes, we are not subject to ongoing financial maintenance covenants; however, under the ABL Credit Facility, failure to maintain certain levels of liquidity will subject us to a contractually specified fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1:1 for the four quarters most recently ended. We are in compliance with our covenants as of December 31, 2016.
At December 31, 2016, Herc Holdings' balance sheet was substantially identical to that of Herc, the borrower, with the exception of the components of shareholders equity. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the statements of operations of Herc Holdings and Herc were substantially identical, except for approximately $3.8 million, $3.8 million and $6.0 million of interest expense to Hertz Holdings that is included in Herc Holdings' statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, but is not included in Herc's statements of operations.
For further information on the terms of our Notes and ABL Credit Facility, see Note 8, "Debt" to the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in this Report. For a discussion of the risks associated with our significant indebtedness, see Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors" contained in this Report.
Dividends
Hertz Holdings did not historically pay dividends on the common stock. Our payment of dividends on our common stock will be determined by our board of directors in its sole discretion and will depend on our business conditions, financial condition, earnings, liquidity and capital requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts available to pay cash dividends are restricted by our debt agreements. As of the date of this Report, we have no plans to pay dividends on our common stock.
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HERC HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The following table details the contractual cash obligations for debt and related interest payable, capital and operating leases, and other purchase obligations as of December 31, 2016 (in millions):
Payments Due by Period | |||||||||||||||||||
Total | 2017 | 2018-2019 | 2020-2021 | After 2021 | |||||||||||||||
Long-term debt obligations | $ | 2,145.0 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 910.0 | $ | 1,235.0 | |||||||||
Interest on debt (a) | 712.4 | 117.6 | 235.2 | 223.5 | 136.1 | ||||||||||||||
Capital lease obligations (b) | 76.3 | 18.3 | 46.1 | 11.9 | — | ||||||||||||||
Operating lease obligations (c) | 136.4 | 29.3 | 47.5 | 23.6 | 36.0 | ||||||||||||||
Purchase obligations and other (d) | 17.4 | 8.7 | 6.9 | 1.6 | 0.2 | ||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 3,087.5 | $ | 173.9 | $ | 335.7 | $ | 1,170.6 | $ | 1,407.3 | |||||||||
(a) | Estimated interest payments have been calculated based on the principal amount of debt and the applicable interest rates as of December 31, 2016. |
(b) | Includes obligations under lease agreements primarily for service vehicles. See Note 12, "Leases" to the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Report. |
(c) | Includes obligations under lease agreements for real estate and office and computer equipment. Such obligations are reflected to the extent of their minimum non-cancelable terms. See Note 12, "Leases" included in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Report. |
(d) | Purchase obligations and other represent agreements to purchase goods or services that are legally binding on us and that specify all significant terms, including fixed or minimum quantities; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. Only the minimum non-cancelable portion of purchase agreements and related cancellation penalties are included as obligations. In the case of contracts that state minimum quantities of goods or services, amounts reflect only the stipulated minimums; all other contracts reflect estimated amounts. Of the total obligations, $0.2 million represents our tax liability for uncertain tax positions. |
The table excludes our pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. See Note 9, "Employee Retirement Benefits" to the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Report.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET COMMITMENTS AND ARRANGEMENTS
As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the following guarantees (including indemnification commitments) were issued and outstanding.
Indemnification Obligations
In the ordinary course of business, we execute contracts involving indemnification obligations customary in the relevant industry and indemnifications related to a specific transaction such as the sale of a business. These indemnification obligations might include claims relating to the following: environmental matters; intellectual property rights; governmental regulations and employment-related matters; customer, supplier and other commercial contractual relationships; and financial matters. Performance under these indemnification obligations would generally be triggered by a breach of terms of the contract or by a third party claim. We regularly evaluate the probability of having to incur costs associated with these indemnification obligations and accrue for expected losses that are probable and estimable. Also see Note 20, "Arrangements with New Hertz" to the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Report.
Contingencies and Environmental Matters
The information concerning the ongoing securities litigation and governmental investigation contained in Part I, Item 3 "Legal Proceedings" of this Report and the information concerning other contingencies, including environmental contingencies and the amount currently held in reserve for environmental matters, contained in Note 14, "Commitments and Contingencies" to the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Report is incorporated herein by reference. The additional information concerning environmental matters included in Part I, Item 1 "Business—Environmental, Health and Safety Matters and Governmental Regulation" of this Report is also incorporated herein by reference.
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HERC HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.
Certain of our accounting policies, as discussed below, involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity in their application and, therefore, represent the critical accounting policies used in the preparation of our financial statements. If different assumptions or conditions were to prevail, the results could be materially different from our reported results. For additional discussion of our critical accounting policies, as well as our significant accounting policies, see Note 2, "Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements" to the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Report.
Revenue Recognition
Equipment rental revenue includes revenues generated from renting equipment to customers and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the length of the rental contract. Also included in equipment rental revenue are fees for equipment delivery and pick-up and fees for our rental protection program which allows customers to limit the risk of financial loss in the event our equipment is damaged or lost. Delivery and pick-up fees are recognized as revenue when the services are performed and fees related to our rental protection program, are recognized over the length of the contract term.
Revenues from the sale of revenue earning equipment, new equipment, parts and supplies are recognized at the time the customer takes possession, when collectability is reasonably assured and when all obligations under the sales contract have been fulfilled. Sales tax amounts collected from customers are recorded on a net basis.
We generally recognize revenue from the sale of new equipment purchased from other companies based on the gross amount billed as we establish our own pricing and retain related inventory risk, are the primary obligor in sales transactions with our customers, and assume the credit risk for amounts billed to our customers.
Service and other revenue is recognized as the services are performed.
Revenue Earning Equipment
Our principal assets are revenue earning equipment, which represented approximately 69.0% and 70.1% of our total assets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Revenue earning equipment consists of equipment utilized in our equipment rental operations. When revenue earning equipment is acquired, we use historical experience, industry residual value guidebooks and the monitoring of market conditions to set depreciation rates. Generally, we estimate the period that we will hold the asset, primarily based on historical measures of the amount of equipment usage and the targeted age of equipment at the time of disposal. We also estimate the residual value of the applicable revenue earning equipment at the expected time of disposal. The residual value for revenue earning equipment is affected by factors which include equipment age and amount of usage. Depreciation is recorded over the estimated holding period. Depreciation rates are reviewed regularly based on management's ongoing assessment of present and estimated future market conditions, their effect on residual values at the time of disposal and the estimated holding periods. Market conditions for used equipment sales also can be affected by external factors such as the economy, natural disasters, fuel prices, the market price for similar new equipment and incentives offered by manufacturers. As a result of this ongoing assessment, we make periodic adjustments to depreciation rates of revenue earning equipment in response to changing market conditions.
Defined Benefit Pension Obligations
Prior to the Spin-Off, we participated in certain THC-sponsored U.S. defined benefit plans covering substantially all U.S. employees, as well as certain non-U.S. defined benefit plans covering eligible non-U.S. employees. For each of these plans, we recorded our portion of the expense and the related obligations which were actuarially determined and the assets were allocated proportionally. In July 2016, we established the Herc Holdings Retirement Plan (the "Plan"). All assets and liabilities under the THC-sponsored plans attributable to current and former employees of the equipment rental business were transferred to the Plan following the
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HERC HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
Spin-Off based on a preliminary allocation that is expected to be finalized during the second quarter of 2017. Additionally, pursuant to various collective bargaining agreements, certain union-represented employees participate in multiemployer pension plans.
Employee pension costs and obligations are dependent on assumptions used by actuaries in calculating such amounts. These assumptions include discount rates, salary growth, long-term return on plan assets, retirement rates, mortality rates and other factors. Actual results that differ from our assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, generally affect our recognized expense in such future periods. While we believe that the assumptions used are appropriate, significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in assumptions would affect our pension costs and obligations. The various employee-related actuarial assumptions (e.g., retirement rates, mortality rates and salary growth) used in determining pension costs and plan liabilities are reviewed periodically by management, assisted by the enrolled actuary, and updated as warranted. The discount rate used to value the pension liabilities and related expenses and the expected rate of return on plan assets are the two most significant assumptions impacting pension expense. The discount rate used is a market based rate as of the valuation date. For the expected return on assets assumption, we use a forward looking rate that is based on the expected return for each asset class (including the value added by active investment management), weighted by the target asset allocation. The past annualized long-term performance of the Plan's assets has generally been in line with the long-term rate of return assumption.
See Note 9, "Employee Retirement Benefits" to the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Report.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
On an annual basis and at interim periods when circumstances require, we test the recoverability of our goodwill. Goodwill impairment is deemed to exist if the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its fair value. We review goodwill for impairment using a two-step process. The first step is to identify any potential impairment by comparing the carrying value of the reporting unit to its fair value. A reporting unit is an operating segment or a business one level below that operating segment (the component level) if discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by segment management. However, components are aggregated as a single reporting unit if they have similar economic characteristics. We estimate the fair value of our reporting unit using a discounted cash flow methodology. In certain instances, we use earnings multiples based on published earnings multiples of comparable entities with similar operations and economic characteristics. The key assumptions used in the discounted cash flow valuation model for impairment testing include discount rates, growth rates, cash flow projections and terminal value rates. Discount rates are set by using the weighted average cost of capital, or "WACC," methodology. The WACC methodology considers market and industry data as well as company specific risk factors for each reporting unit in determining the appropriate discount rates to be used. The discount rate utilized for each reporting unit is indicative of the return an investor would expect to receive for investing in such a business. The cash flows represent management's most recent planning assumptions. These assumptions are based on a combination of industry outlooks, views on general economic conditions, our expected pricing plans and expected future savings generated by our past restructuring activities. Terminal value rate determination follows common methodology of capturing the present value of perpetual cash flow estimates beyond the last projected period assuming a constant WACC and low long-term growth rates. If a potential impairment is identified, the second step is to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount to measure the impairment loss. A significant decline in the projected cash flows or a change in the WACC used to determine fair value could result in a future goodwill impairment charge.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, primarily trademarks, are not amortized but are evaluated annually for impairment and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of this asset may exceed its fair value. If the carrying value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
For 2016, we evaluated the carrying value of our goodwill and our other indefinite-lived intangible assets and concluded that there was no impairment related to such assets. Our impairment analysis as of October 1, 2016 was performed for one reporting unit, worldwide equipment rental, for these consolidated financial statements.
See Note 5, "Goodwill and Intangible Assets" to the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Report.
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HERC HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
Finite-Lived Intangible and Long-Lived Assets
Intangible assets include technology, customer relationships, trade names and other intangibles. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated economic lives of the assets, which range from five to 10 years. Long-lived assets, including intangible assets with finite lives, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Measurement of an impairment loss for long-lived assets that management expects to hold and use is based on the estimated fair value of the asset. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or estimated fair value less costs to sell.
Income Taxes
For 2014, 2015 and the first half of 2016, we are included in the consolidated income tax returns of Hertz Holdings. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates is recognized in the statement of operations in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. Subsequent changes to enacted tax rates and changes to the global mix of earnings will result in changes to the tax rates used to calculate deferred taxes and any related valuation allowances. Provisions are not made for income taxes on undistributed earnings of international subsidiaries that are intended to be indefinitely reinvested outside the United States or are expected to be remitted free of taxes. Future distributions, if any, from these international subsidiaries to the United States or changes in U.S. tax rules may require recording a tax provision on these amounts. We have recorded a deferred tax asset for unutilized net operating loss carryforwards in various tax jurisdictions. The taxing authorities may examine the positions that led to the generation of those net operating losses. If the utilization of any of those losses are disallowed a deferred tax liability may have to be recorded.
See Note 11, "Income Taxes" to the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Report.
Financial Instruments
We are exposed to a variety of market risks, including the effects of changes in interest rates, gasoline and diesel fuel prices and foreign currency exchange rates. We manage exposure to these market risks through regular operating and financing activities and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of financial instruments. Financial instruments are viewed as risk management tools and have not been used for speculative or trading purposes. In addition, financial instruments are entered into with a diversified group of major financial institutions in order to manage our exposure to counterparty nonperformance on such instruments. We account for all financial instruments in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires that they be recorded on the balance sheet as either assets or liabilities measured at their fair value. For financial instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, we designate the hedging instrument, based upon the exposure being hedged, as either a fair value hedge or a cash flow hedge. The effective portion of changes in fair value of financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for cash flow hedges are reclassified into earnings in the same period that the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges is recognized currently in earnings within the same line item as the hedged item, based upon the nature of the hedged item. For financial instruments that are not part of a qualified hedging relationship, the changes in their fair value are recognized currently in earnings.
Stock Based Compensation
For all periods presented prior to the Spin-Off, all stock-based compensation awards held by our employees were granted by Hertz Holdings, under various Hertz Holdings' sponsored plans, based on the common stock of Hertz Holdings. In connection with the Spin-Off, outstanding equity awards were adjusted and converted in accordance with a formula designed to preserve the intrinsic economic value of the original equity awards after taking into account the Spin-Off and the reverse stock split. All stock-based compensation award disclosures are measured in terms of common stock of Herc Holdings. The cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments is based on the grant date fair value of the award. That cost is recognized over the
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HERC HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
period during which the employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award, referred to as the vesting period. In addition to the service vesting condition, the performance stock units had an additional vesting condition which called for the number of units that will be awarded based on achievement of a certain level of corporate EBITDA, or other performance measures as defined in the applicable award agreements, over the applicable measurement period.
We estimated the fair value of options issued at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which includes assumptions related to volatility, expected term, dividend yield and risk-free interest rate. These factors combined with the stock price on the date of grant result in a fixed expense which is recorded on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.
The assumed volatility was calculated based on a blend of peer group volatility and implied volatility as we do not have sufficient stock price data to calculate historical volatility. The assumed dividend yield is zero. The risk-free interest rate is the implied zero-coupon yield for U.S. Treasury securities having a maturity approximately equal to the expected term of the options, as of the grant dates. See Note 10, "Stock-Based Compensation" to the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Report.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
For a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 2, "Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements" to the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Report.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
RISK MANAGEMENT
For a discussion of additional risks arising from our operations, see Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors" included in this Report.
Market Risk
We are exposed to a variety of market risks, including the effects of changes in interest rates (including credit spreads), foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations in fuel prices. We manage our exposure to these market risks through our regular operating and financing activities and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments. Derivative financial instruments are viewed as risk management tools and have not been used for speculative or trading purposes. In addition, derivative financial instruments are entered into with a diversified group of major financial institutions in order to manage our exposure to counterparty nonperformance on such instruments.
Interest Rate Risk
We have assessed our exposure to changes in interest rates by analyzing the sensitivity to our earnings assuming various changes in market interest rates. Assuming a hypothetical increase of one percentage point in interest rates on our ABL Credit Facility and cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2016, our pre-tax earnings would decrease by an estimated $8.8 million over a 12-month period.
From time to time, we may enter into interest rate swap agreements to manage interest rate risk on our mix of fixed and floating rate debt. See Note 16, "Financial Instruments" to the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Report.
Consistent with the terms of certain agreements governing the respective debt obligations, we may decide to hedge a portion of the floating rate interest exposure under the ABL Credit Facility to provide protection in respect of such exposure.
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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK (continued)
Foreign Currency Risk
We have foreign currency exposure to exchange rate fluctuations, primarily with respect to the Canadian dollar, Euro, Chinese yuan and British pound.
We manage our foreign currency risk primarily by incurring, to the extent practicable, operating and financing expenses in the local currency in the countries in which we operate, including making fleet and equipment purchases and borrowing locally.
We also manage exposure to fluctuations in currency risk on cross currency intercompany loans we make to certain of our subsidiaries by entering into foreign currency forward contracts, when possible, which are intended to offset the impact of foreign currency movements on the underlying intercompany loan obligations.
We do not hedge our operating results against currency movement as they are primarily translational in nature. Using foreign currency forward rates as of December 31, 2016, each hypothetical one percentage point change in foreign currency movements would not have a significant impact on our revenue or earnings.
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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors
and Stockholders of
Herc Holdings Inc.
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, statements of comprehensive income (loss), statements of changes in equity and statements of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Herc Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company did not maintain, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) because material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting existed as of that date. The material weaknesses related to 1) the control environment, due to material weaknesses related to 2) an insufficient complement of personnel with an appropriate level of knowledge, experience and training commensurate with the Company’s external financial reporting requirements under U.S. GAAP, and 3) ineffective design and maintenance of controls over the non-fleet procurement process; 4) risk assessment, as the Company did not effectively design and maintain controls in response to the risks of material misstatement; and 5) monitoring controls related to the design and operational effectiveness of internal controls. The control environment material weaknesses contributed to additional material weaknesses as the Company did not design and maintain effective controls over 6) accounting for payroll; 7) certain accounting estimates; 8) the review, approval, and documentation of manual journal entries; 9) accounting for income taxes; and 10) the occurrence of revenue for the rental or sale of revenue earning equipment. The risk assessment material weakness contributed to additional material weaknesses as the Company did not design and maintain effective controls over 11) certain business processes including their period-end financial reporting process; 12) monitoring certain information technology systems that the Company outsources under a Transition Service Agreement (TSA); and 13) information technology systems which were not part of a TSA relevant to the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The material weaknesses referred to above are described in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. We considered these material weaknesses in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2016 consolidated financial statements, and our opinion regarding the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting does not affect our opinion on those consolidated financial statements. The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in management's report referred to above. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit (which was an integrated audit in 2016). We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable
49
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Tampa, Florida
March 15, 2017
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HERC HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except par value)
December 31, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | ||||||
ASSETS | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 11.6 | $ | 15.7 | |||
Restricted cash and cash equivalents | 19.4 | 16.0 | |||||
Receivables, net of allowance of $24.9 and $23.8, respectively | 293.3 | 287.8 | |||||
Taxes receivable | 7.4 | 8.7 | |||||
Inventory | 24.1 | 22.3 | |||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 15.9 | 11.0 | |||||
Total current assets | 371.7 | 361.5 | |||||
Revenue earning equipment, net | 2,390.0 | 2,382.5 | |||||
Property and equipment, net | 272.0 | 246.6 | |||||
Intangible assets, net | 303.9 | 300.5 | |||||
Goodwill | 91.0 | 91.0 | |||||
Other long-term assets | 34.7 | 14.9 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 3,463.3 | $ | 3,397.0 | |||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | |||||||
Current maturities of long-term debt | $ | 15.7 | $ | 10.2 | |||
Loans payable to affiliates | — | 73.2 | |||||
Accounts payable | 139.0 | 109.5 | |||||
Accrued liabilities | 78.2 | 47.8 | |||||
Taxes payable | 10.0 | 41.6 | |||||
Total current liabilities | 242.9 | 282.3 | |||||
Long-term debt | 2,178.6 | 53.3 | |||||
Deferred taxes | 692.1 | 727.3 | |||||
Other long-term liabilities | 32.0 | 32.1 | |||||
Total liabilities | 3,145.6 | 1,095.0 | |||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14) | |||||||
Equity: | |||||||
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 13.3 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding | — | — | |||||
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 133.3 shares authorized, 31.0 and 30.9 shares issued and 28.3 and 28.2 shares outstanding | 0.3 | 0.3 | |||||
Additional paid-in capital | 1,753.3 | 3,734.6 | |||||
Accumulated deficit | (625.2 | ) | (605.5 | ) | |||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (118.7 | ) | (135.4 | ) | |||
Treasury stock, at cost, 2.7 shares and 2.7 shares | (692.0 | ) | (692.0 | ) | |||
Total equity | 317.7 | 2,302.0 | |||||
Total liabilities and equity | $ | 3,463.3 | $ | 3,397.0 | |||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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HERC HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions, except per share data)
Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
Revenues: | |||||||||||
Equipment rentals | $ | 1,352.7 | $ | 1,411.7 | $ | 1,455.8 | |||||
Sales of revenue earning equipment | 122.5 | 161.2 | 198.7 | ||||||||
Sales of new equipment, parts and supplies | 68.2 | 92.1 | 95.4 | ||||||||
Service and other revenues | 11.4 | 13.2 | 20.5 | ||||||||
Total revenues | 1,554.8 | 1,678.2 | 1,770.4 | ||||||||
Expenses: | |||||||||||
Direct operating | 651.4 | 711.2 | 716.1 | ||||||||
Depreciation of revenue earning equipment | 350.5 | 343.7 | 340.0 | ||||||||
Cost of sales of revenue earning equipment | 144.0 | 146.8 | 188.4 | ||||||||
Cost of sales of new equipment, parts and supplies | 53.0 | 73.0 | 77.5 | ||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 275.0 | 265.5 | 251.4 | ||||||||
Restructuring | 4.0 | 4.3 | 5.7 | ||||||||
Impairment | — | — | 9.6 | ||||||||
Interest expense, net | 84.2 | 32.9 | 41.4 | ||||||||
Other income, net | (2.4 | ) | (56.1 | ) | (4.2 | ) | |||||
Total expenses | 1,559.7 | 1,521.3 | 1,625.9 | ||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | (4.9 | ) | 156.9 | 144.5 | |||||||
Income tax expense | (14.8 | ) | (45.6 | ) | (54.8 | ) | |||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (19.7 | ) | $ | 111.3 | $ | 89.7 | ||||
Weighted average shares outstanding: | |||||||||||
Basic | 28.3 | 30.2 | 30.3 | ||||||||
Diluted | 28.3 | 30.2 | 31.6 | ||||||||
Earnings (loss) per share: | |||||||||||
Basic | $ | (0.70 | ) | $ | 3.69 | $ | 3.00 | ||||
Diluted | $ | (0.70 | ) | $ | 3.69 | $ | 2.87 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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HERC HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In millions)
Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (19.7 | ) | $ | 111.3 | $ | 89.7 | ||||
Other comprehensive income (loss): | |||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments | 15.8 | (56.8 | ) | 2.7 | |||||||
Reclassification of foreign currency items to other income (expense) | — | (41.6 | ) | — | |||||||
Pension and postretirement benefit liability adjustments: | |||||||||||
Amortization of net losses (gains), settlement losses and curtailment gains included in net periodic pension cost | 1.4 | 0.5 | (2.3 | ) | |||||||
Pension and postretirement benefit liability adjustments arising during the period | 0.1 | (8.1 | ) | (1.4 | ) | ||||||
Income tax (provision) benefit related to pension and postretirement plans | (0.6 | ) | 2.9 | 1.6 | |||||||
Total other comprehensive income (loss) | 16.7 | (103.1 | ) | 0.6 | |||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) | $ | (3.0 | ) | $ | 8.2 | $ | 90.3 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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HERC HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(In millions)
Common Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Treasury Stock | Total Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at: | Shares | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2013 | 29.7 | $ | 0.3 | $ | 2,804.0 | $ | (806.5 | ) | $ | (32.9 | ) | $ | (87.5 | ) | $ | 1,877.4 | ||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | 89.7 | — | — | 89.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | 0.6 | — | 0.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
Employee stock purchase plan | — | — | 3.9 | — | — | — | 3.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net settlement on vesting of equity awards | 0.1 | — | (16.5 | ) | — | — | — | (16.5 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation charges | — | — | 1.4 | — | — | — | 1.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options | 0.1 | — | 18.0 | — | — | — | 18.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
Common shares issued to directors | — | — | 0.6 | — | — | — | 0.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
Conversion of convertible notes | 0.7 | — | 84.4 | — | — | — | 84.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
Capital contributions from affiliates | — | — | 28.8 | — | — | — | 28.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net transfers to THC | — | — | (394.6 | ) | — | — | — | (394.6 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2014 | 30.6 | 0.3 | 2,530.0 | (716.8 | ) | (32.3 | ) | (87.5 | ) | 1,693.7 | ||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | 111.3 | — | — | 111.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | (103.1 | ) | — | (103.1 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Net settlement on vesting of equity awards | 0.1 | — | (5.0 | ) | — | — | — | (5.0 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation charges | — | — | 2.7 | — | — | — | 2.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||