Hertz 2008 Annual Report Download - page 107

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
decrease in the ineffectiveness of our HVF swaps of $8.7 million, partly offset by a decrease in interest
income of $16.5 million and the effects of foreign currency translation of approximately $5.0 million.
Impairment charges represent non-cash impairment charges incurred during the fourth quarter of 2008
relating to our goodwill, other intangible assets and property and equipment. See Notes 1 and 2 to the
Notes to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report under the caption
‘‘Item 8—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.’’
Adjusted Pre-Tax Income
Adjusted pre-tax income for our car rental segment of $289.1 million decreased 52.2% from
$605.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. The decrease was primarily due to lower RPD, the
decrease in car rental transaction days worldwide, higher fleet related costs, increases in other operating
costs and lower net proceeds received in excess of book value on the disposal of used vehicles.
Adjustments to our car rental segment income before income taxes and minority interest on a GAAP
basis for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, totaled $674.4 million and $136.4 million,
respectively. See footnote c to the table under ‘‘Results of Operations’’ for a summary and description of
these adjustments. Adjusted pre-tax income for our car rental segment as a percent of its revenues
decreased from 8.7% in 2007 to 4.2% in 2008.
Adjusted pre-tax income for our equipment rental segment of $272.0 million decreased 27.2% from
$373.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. The decrease was primarily due a decrease in
volume and pricing, higher fleet related costs and lower net proceeds received in excess of book value
on the disposal of used equipment. Adjustments to our equipment rental segment income before
income taxes and minority interest on a GAAP basis for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007,
totaled $901.3 million and $65.3 million, respectively. See footnote c to the table under ‘‘Results of
Operations’’ for a summary and description of these adjustments. Adjusted pre-tax income for our
equipment rental segment as a percent of its revenues decreased from 21.3% in 2007 to 16.4% in 2008.
The ratio of adjusted pre-tax income to revenues for our two segments reflects the different
environments in which they operate. Our infrastructure costs are higher within our car rental segment
due to the number and type of locations in which it operates and the corresponding headcount. Within
our equipment rental segment, our revenue earning equipment generates lower depreciation expense
due to its longer estimated useful life.
(Provision) Benefit for Taxes on Income, Minority Interest and Net Income (Loss)
Years Ended
December 31,
2008 2007 $ Change % Change
Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest . . . $(1,382.8) $ 386.8 $(1,769.6) (457.5)%
(Provision) benefit for taxes on income ................ 196.9 (102.6) 299.5 291.9%
Minority interest ................................ (20.8) (19.7) (1.1) (5.6)%
Net income (loss) ............................... $(1,206.7) $ 264.5 $(1,471.2) (556.1)%
The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2008 decreased to 14.2% from 26.5% in the year
ended December 31, 2007. The (provision) benefit for taxes on income decreased 291.9%, primarily due
to tax benefits associated with an increase in the valuation allowance for losses in certain non-U.S.
jurisdictions and the recording of a valuation allowance on certain U.S. deferred tax assets where
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