Apr. 21, 2025 at 4:04 PM ET6 min read

Why Hertz Faces Major Challenges Ahead?

Tim BohenAvatar
Written by Tim Bohen
Reviewed by Ben Sturgill Fact-checked by Ellis Hobbs

Hertz Global Holdings Inc.’s stocks have been trading down by -4.73 percent amid negative sentiments shrouding the market.

Fast-Paced Developments Impacting Hertz

  • A security breach at Cleo Communications has exposed Hertz customers’ sensitive data, highlighting potential privacy risks and reputation damage.
  • Facing legal disputes with bondholders, Hertz sought consulting firms amid its $6 billion total debt concerns.
  • Bank of America has lowered Hertz’s price target to $2.70, maintaining an underperform rating, indicating a bleak outlook.
  • Rising US auto tariffs could increase used vehicle prices, presenting potential benefits, yet 2025 forecasts still show a projected loss per share.
  • Despite these challenges, Hertz continues efforts to mend its position through identity monitoring services post-security breach.

Candlestick Chart

Live Update At 15:04:34 EST: On Monday, April 21, 2025 Hertz Global Holdings Inc stock [NASDAQ: HTZ] is trending down by -4.73%! Discover the key drivers behind this movement as well as our expert analysis in the detailed breakdown below.

Quick Overview of Hertz’s Recent Earnings Report

As Tim Bohen, lead trainer with StocksToTrade says, “I focus on momentum that’s visible right now. Speculation on future moves is outside my playbook.” In the world of trading, it is crucial to pay attention to the current trends and data that are available, rather than simply forecasting what might happen in the future. This approach allows traders to make informed decisions based on tangible evidence, which can lead to more consistent results.

In the latest earnings report, Hertz has reported declining revenues. With high total debt of $18.4 billion, and significant challenges post-bankruptcy in 2020, the company’s revenues show signs of strain. The total revenue reached $9.05 billion, with negative profitability metrics evident in key ratios like profit margin at -31.63% and ebit margin at -35.8%. Such margins highlight ongoing struggles to achieve profitability. The company’s financial strength is also tested with a total debt-to-equity ratio at 120.31 and leverage at 142.5.

While Hertz’s gross revenue valued at $20.4 billion presents a positive note, operating expenses quickly erode potential profits. Hertz recorded an operating loss, and a negative EBITDA of $511 million, indicating operational inefficiencies. The income statement shows net income from continuing operations at a deficit of $479 million, and depreciation and amortization standing absorbed under heavy investment and operating expenditures.

Analyzing liquidity, Hertz maintains a current ratio of 2.0, suggesting some immediate financial flexibility. A quick ratio at 0.9, however, questions the efficacy of current asset management when faced with liabilities. Given such metrics, and drastically low return on assets at -4.43%, Hertz is clearly grappling with its return on equity and capital, ringing alarm bells for recovery.

Navigating the Complex News Scenarios for Hertz

Cleo Communications Data Breach

The recent data breach at Cleo Communications, a vendor for Hertz, illuminated fragile security measures. The unauthorized entry exposed customers’ personal information, including names and addresses. Immediate response from Hertz saw steps to mitigate fallout through identity monitoring services. Reflecting on past corporate experiences, Hertz demonstrates a reactive posture, fine-tuning its privacy measures to reassure customers – a crucial takeaway considering privacy holds considerable weight in consumer trust.

Legal Struggles with Bondholders

Hertz’s engagement with advisors Ducera Partners and Davis Polk & Wardwell reflects ongoing struggles with legacy debt. Disputes over a $300 million “make-whole” payout to bondholders have placed additional legal and financial stress. In total, a massive $6 billion still clouds the company post-2020 bankruptcy. By engaging expert advisors, Hertz is navigating capital restructuring and still finding room for strategic financial maneuvering, all while safeguarding ongoing operations.

More Breaking News

Auto Tariffs: Boon or Bane?

With the US imposing tariffs on autos, used car prices are climbing, presenting an opportunity for Hertz to recoup some value. However, analysts predict a significant challenge with forecasts projecting further losses per share. This somewhat complicates Hertz’s scenario, although climbing used vehicle prices signal revenue possibilities within asset liquidation.

Analysts’ Bleak Outlook

Previously known for fiscal turbulence, Bank of America’s updated price target reflects ongoing skepticism. Slashing the expected share value indicates distrust in immediate recovery, further supported by their sustained underperform rating. Analysts remain unimpressed, which may instigate shareholder hesitancy, awaiting substantial reform initiatives.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Hertz

Hertz faces a complex landscape, with legal, financial, and operational hurdles intertwined. The data breach at Cleo Communications further complicates attempts at recovery, challenging consumer relationships and trust. Legal battles pressure finances, illustrating a need for admiration under adversity.

Balancing tariff influences with existing losses creates an arduous path for Hertz, as leadership grapples with eroding analyst confidence. In this challenging environment, the wisdom of trading principles becomes relevant. As Tim Bohen, lead trainer with StocksToTrade says, “Success in trading is more about cutting losses quickly than finding winners.” This philosophy underscores the necessity for Hertz to swiftly address setbacks to regain stability. While their strategic moves for debt restructuring offer some hope, the broader market perception remains tinged with caution. Only time will reveal whether these struggles culminate in renewed vigor or further decline. In the coming months, Hertz’s ability to iterate on these challenges will be pivotal in navigating the increasingly volatile economic landscape.

This is stock news, not investment advice. StocksToTrade News delivers real-time stock market updates tailored to highlight the key catalysts driving short-term price movements. Our coverage is designed for active traders and investors who thrive in fast-moving markets, with a focus on volatile sectors like penny stocks, AI stocks, Robinhood stocks and other momentum plays. From earnings reports and FDA approvals to mergers, new contracts, and unusual trading volume, we break down the events that can spark significant price action.

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