Hertz 2008 Annual Report Download - page 151

HERTZ GLOBAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
by external factors such as the economy, natural disasters, fuel prices and incentives offered by
manufacturers of new cars. These key factors are considered when estimating future residual values and
assessing depreciation rates. As a result of this ongoing assessment, we make periodic adjustments to
depreciation rates of revenue earning equipment in response to changed market conditions. Upon
disposal of revenue earning equipment, depreciation expense is adjusted for the difference between the
net proceeds received and the remaining net book value.
Environmental Liabilities
The use of automobiles and other vehicles is subject to various governmental controls designed to limit
environmental damage, including that caused by emissions and noise. Generally, these controls are met
by the manufacturer, except in the case of occasional equipment failure requiring repair by us. To comply
with environmental regulations, measures are taken at certain locations to reduce the loss of vapor
during the fueling process and to maintain, upgrade and replace underground fuel storage tanks. We
also incur and provide for expenses for the cleanup of petroleum discharges and other alleged violations
of environmental laws arising from the disposition of waste products. We do not believe that we will be
required to make any material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities or to make any
other material expenditures to meet the requirements of governmental authorities in this area. Liabilities
for these expenditures are recorded at undiscounted amounts when it is probable that obligations have
been incurred and the amounts can be reasonably estimated.
Public Liability and Property Damage
The obligation for public liability and property damage on self-insured U.S. and international vehicles
and equipment represents an estimate for both reported accident claims not yet paid, and claims
incurred but not yet reported. The related liabilities are recorded on a non-discounted basis. Reserve
requirements are based on actuarial evaluations of historical accident claim experience and trends, as
well as future projections of ultimate losses, expenses, premiums and administrative costs. The
adequacy of the liability is regularly monitored based on evolving accident claim history and insurance
related state legislation changes. If our estimates change or if actual results differ from these
assumptions, the amount of the recorded liability is adjusted to reflect these results.
Pensions
Our employee pension costs and obligations are dependent on our 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.
Foreign Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities of international subsidiaries are translated at the rate of exchange in effect on the
balance sheet date; income and expenses are translated at the average rate of exchange prevailing
during the year. The related translation adjustments are reflected in ‘‘Accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss)’’ in the stockholders’ equity section of our consolidated balance sheet. As of
December 31, 2008 and 2007, the accumulated foreign currency translation gain was $54.5 million and
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