Biggest changeMANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Years Ended December 31, ($ in millions) 2024 2023 $ Change % Change Equipment rental $ 3,189 $ 2,870 $ 319 11 % Sales of rental equipment 311 346 (35) (10) % Sales of new equipment, parts and supplies 37 38 (1) (3) % Service and other revenue 31 28 3 11 % Total revenues 3,568 3,282 286 9 % Direct operating 1,291 1,139 152 13 % Depreciation of rental equipment 679 643 36 6 % Cost of sales of rental equipment 224 252 (28) (11) % Cost of sales of new equipment, parts and supplies 24 25 (1) (4) % Selling, general and administrative 480 448 32 7 % Non-rental depreciation and amortization 127 112 15 13 % Interest expense, net 260 224 36 16 % Loss on assets held for sale 194 — 194 — % Other expense (income), net (2) (8) 6 (75) % Income before income taxes 291 447 (156) (35) % Income tax provision (80) (100) 20 (20) % Net income $ 211 $ 347 $ (136) (39) % Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2023 Equipment rental revenue increased $319 million, or 11%, during the year ended 2024 primarily due to higher volume of equipment on rent of 9.3% and pricing growth of 3.2% over the same period in the prior year.
Biggest changeRESULTS OF OPERATIONS Years Ended December 31, ($ in millions) 2025 2024 $ Change % Change Equipment rental $ 3,770 $ 3,189 $ 581 18 % Sales of rental equipment 509 311 198 64 % Sales of new equipment, parts and supplies 63 37 26 70 % Service and other revenue 34 31 3 10 % Total revenues 4,376 3,568 808 23 % Direct operating 1,602 1,291 311 24 % Depreciation of rental equipment 856 679 177 26 % Cost of sales of rental equipment 418 224 194 87 % Cost of sales of new equipment, parts and supplies 42 24 18 75 % Selling, general and administrative 564 469 95 20 % Transaction expenses 199 11 188 NM Non-rental depreciation and amortization 224 127 97 76 % Interest expense, net 416 260 156 60 % Loss on assets held for sale 48 194 (146) (75) % Other expense (income), net 6 (2) 8 NM Income before income taxes 1 291 (290) (100) % Income tax provision — (80) 80 100 % Net income $ 1 $ 211 $ (210) (100) % NM - Not meaningful Year Ended December 31, 2025 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2024 Equipment rental revenue increased $581 million, or 18%, during 2025 primarily due to an increase in average OEC on rent, which includes the impact of the June 2025 acquisition of H&E.
In connection with our impairment analysis for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets conducted as of October 1, 2024, we assessed qualitative factors as described above to determine if it is more likely than not that goodwill and indefinite-lived assets may be impaired and concluded that there was no impairment related to such assets at such date.
In connection with our impairment analysis for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets conducted as of October 1, 2025, we assessed qualitative factors as described above to determine if it is more likely than not that goodwill and indefinite-lived assets may be impaired and concluded that there was no impairment related to such assets at such date.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS For a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 2, "Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies" to the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Report. 35 Table of Contents HERC HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS For a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 2, "Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies" to the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Report. 36 Table of Contents HERC HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
As a result of this ongoing assessment, we make periodic adjustments to depreciation rates of rental equipment in response to changing market conditions. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were no material adjustments to our depreciation rates.
As a result of this ongoing assessment, we make periodic adjustments to depreciation rates of rental equipment in response to changing market conditions. During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, there were no material adjustments to our depreciation rates.
The Company will determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position.
We will determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position.
Under the terms of our ABL Credit Facility, our AR 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.
Under the terms of our New ABL Credit Facility, our AR Facility, our Term Loan Facility and our Notes, we are not subject to ongoing financial maintenance covenants; however, under the New 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.
To the extent that the useful lives of all of our rental equipment were to increase or decrease by one year, we estimate that our annual depreciation expense would decrease or increase by approximately $60 million or $75 million, respectively.
To the extent that the useful lives of all of our rental equipment were to increase or decrease by one year, we estimate that our annual depreciation expense would decrease or increase by approximately $75 million or $100 million, respectively.
See Note 11, "Debt" included in Part II, Item 8 "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Report for more information. As of December 31, 2024, $34 million of standby letters of credit were issued and outstanding, none of which have been drawn upon.
See Note 11, "Debt" included in Part II, Item 8 "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Report for more information. As of December 31, 2025, $53 million of standby letters of credit were issued and outstanding, none of which have been drawn upon.
Our practice is to maintain sufficient liquidity through cash from operations, our ABL Credit Facility and our AR Facility to mitigate the impacts of any adverse financial market conditions on our operations.
Our practice is to maintain sufficient liquidity through cash from operations, our New ABL Credit Facility and AR Facility (together, the "Facilities") to mitigate the impacts of any adverse financial market conditions on our operations.
Covenants Our ABL Credit Facility, our AR Facility and our 2027 and 2029 Notes (collectively, the "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.
Covenants Our New ABL Credit Facility, our AR Facility, our Term Loan Facility and our 2029 Notes, our 2030 Notes, our 2031 Notes, our 2033 Notes, and our 2034 Notes (collectively, the "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.
For the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the statements of operations of Herc Holdings and Herc were identical with the exception of interest expense on the debt held at Herc Holdings that is not reflected in the statement of operations of Herc.
For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the statements of operations of Herc Holdings and Herc were identical with the exception of interest expense on the debt held at Herc Holdings that is not reflected in the statement of operations of Herc.
The ABL Credit Facility had $216 million available under the letter of credit facility sublimit, subject to borrowing base restrictions.
The New ABL Credit Facility had $197 million available under the letter of credit facility sublimit, subject to borrowing base restrictions.
As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $4.1 billion of total nominal indebtedness outstanding. Our liquidity as of December 31, 2024 consisted of cash and cash equivalents of $83 million and unused commitments of approximately $1.8 billion under our ABL Credit Facility. See "Borrowing Capacity and Availability" below for further discussion.
As of December 31, 2025, we had approximately $8.1 billion of total nominal indebtedness outstanding. Our liquidity as of December 31, 2025 consisted of cash and cash equivalents of $52 million and unused commitments of approximately $1.9 billion under our New ABL Credit Facility. See "Borrowing Capacity and Availability" below for further discussion.
Subsequent changes to enacted tax rates will result in changes to deferred taxes and any related valuation allowances. We have recorded a deferred tax asset for unutilized net operating loss carryforwards in various tax jurisdictions. The Company has determined not to assert that earnings from foreign operations are permanently reinvested.
Subsequent changes to enacted tax rates will result in changes to deferred taxes and any related valuation allowances. We have recorded a deferred tax asset for unutilized net operating loss carryforwards in various tax jurisdictions. We have determined not to assert that earnings from foreign operations are permanently reinvested. Therefore, we recognize deferred taxes on foreign earnings as appropriate.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded an asset impairment charge related to Cinelease of $129 million as discussed further in Note 8, "Assets Held for Sale." In 2023, there were no asset impairment charges and for the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded asset impairment charges of $3.5 million.
During the year ended December 31, 2025, we recorded an asset impairment charge related to Cinelease of $49 million as discussed further in Note 8, "Assets Held for Sale." In 2024, we recorded an asset impairment charge related to Cinelease of $194 million, and there were no asset impairment charges for the year ended December 31, 2023.
In accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes , the Company recognizes, in its consolidated financial statements, the impact of the Company's tax positions that are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination.
In accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes , we recognize, in its consolidated financial statements, the impact of our tax positions that are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination.
We regularly review our cash positions and our determination of permanent reinvestment of foreign earnings. If we determine that all or a portion of such foreign earnings are repatriated, we may be subject to additional foreign withholding taxes and U.S. state income taxes. Many foreign jurisdictions impose taxes on distributions to other jurisdictions.
If we determine that all or a portion of such foreign earnings are repatriated, we may be subject to additional foreign withholding taxes and U.S. state income taxes. Many foreign jurisdictions impose taxes on distributions to other jurisdictions.
We believe that cash generated from operations and cash received from the disposal of equipment, together with amounts available under the ABL Credit Facility and the AR Facility or other financing arrangements will be sufficient to meet working capital requirements and anticipated capital expenditures, and other strategic uses of cash, if any, and debt payments, if any, over the next twelve months.
We believe that cash generated from operations and cash received from the disposal of equipment, together with amounts available under the Facilities or other financing arrangements will be sufficient to meet working capital requirements, anticipated capital expenditures, payment of dividends, and debt payments, if any, over the next twelve months. 30 Table of Contents HERC HOLDINGS INC.
The effective tax rate during 2024 was 27% compared to 22% in 2023. The rate increase was driven by non-deductible goodwill impairment of $14 million in 2024, a reduction in the benefit related to stock-based compensation of $3 million in 2024 compared to $12 million in 2023, and certain other non-deductible expenses.
The income tax provision was $80 million with an effective tax rate of 27% in 2024. The effective tax rate in 2024 was driven by non-deductible goodwill impairment of $14 million, a benefit of $3 million related to stock-based compensation and certain other non-deductible expenses.
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 32 Table of Contents HERC HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES ITEM 7.
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 further information on the terms of our Notes, ABL Credit Facility and AR Facility see Note 11, "Debt" included in Part II, Item 8 "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Report.
For further information on the terms of our Notes, New ABL Credit Facility, Term Loan Facility and AR Facility see Note 11, "Debt" included in Part II, Item 8 "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Report. For a discussion of the risks associated with our indebtedness, see Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors" contained in this Report.
The following table summarizes the change in cash and cash equivalents for the periods shown (in millions): Years Ended December 31, 2024 2023 $ Change Cash provided by (used in): Operating activities $ 1,225 $ 1,086 $ 139 Investing activities (1,511) (1,581) 70 Financing activities 299 512 (213) Effect of exchange rate changes (1) — (1) Net change in cash and cash equivalents $ 12 $ 17 $ (5) Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2023 Operating Activities During the year ended December 31, 2024, we generated $139 million more cash from operating activities compared with the same period in 2023.
The following table summarizes the change in cash and cash equivalents for the periods shown (in millions): Years Ended December 31, 2025 2024 $ Change Cash provided by (used in): Operating activities $ 1,085 $ 1,225 $ (140) Investing activities (4,944) (1,511) (3,433) Financing activities 3,827 299 3,528 Effect of exchange rate changes 1 (1) 2 Net change in cash and cash equivalents $ (31) $ 12 $ (43) Year Ended December 31, 2025 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2024 Operating Activities During the year ended December 31, 2025, we generated $140 million less cash from operating activities compared with the same period in 2024.
The SPE assets are owned by the SPE and are not available to settle the obligations of the Company or any of its other subsidiaries. Substantially all of the remaining assets of Herc and certain of its U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries are encumbered in favor of our lenders under our ABL Credit Facility.
The accounts receivable and other assets of the SPE are encumbered in favor of the lenders under our AR Facility. The SPE assets are owned by the SPE and are not available to settle the obligations of the Company or any of its other subsidiaries.
Creditors under the Facilities have a claim on specific pools of assets as collateral as identified in each credit agreement. Our ability to borrow under the Facilities is a function of, among other things, the value of the assets in the relevant collateral pool.
Our ability to borrow under the Facilities is a function of, among other things, the value of the assets in the relevant collateral pool.
None of such assets are available to satisfy the claims of our general creditors. See Note 11, "Debt" included in Part II, Item 8 "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Report for more information.
See Note 11, "Debt" included in Part II, Item 8 "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Report for more information.
Rental Equipment Our principal assets are rental equipment, which represented 53.6% and 54.3% of our total assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Rental equipment consists of equipment utilized in our equipment rental operations. When rental equipment is acquired, we use historical experience, industry residual value guidebooks and the monitoring of market conditions to set depreciation rates.
Rental equipment consists of equipment utilized in our equipment rental operations. When rental equipment is acquired, we use historical experience, industry residual value guidebooks and the monitoring of market conditions to set depreciation rates.
Our ongoing assessments of the probable outcomes of the examinations and related tax accruals require judgment and could increase or decrease our effective tax rate as well as impact our operating results.
We are subject to ongoing tax examinations and assessments in various jurisdictions. Accordingly, accruals for tax contingencies are established based on the probable outcomes of such matters. Our ongoing assessments of the probable outcomes of the examinations and related tax accruals require judgment and could increase or decrease our effective tax rate as well as impact our operating results.
Therefore, the Company recognizes deferred taxes on foreign earnings as appropriate. The Company has asserted that future earnings associated with the potential stock sale or liquidation of foreign subsidiaries is permanently reinvested. Accordingly, the Company has not recorded any deferred tax liabilities associated with these book-to-tax differences.
We have asserted that future earnings associated with the potential stock sale or liquidation of foreign subsidiaries is permanently reinvested. Accordingly, we have not recorded any deferred tax liabilities associated with these book-to-tax differences. We regularly review our cash positions and our determination of permanent reinvestment of foreign earnings.
Non-compete agreements, customer relationships and trade names and associated trademarks are valued based on an excess earnings or income approach based on projected cash flows and may be amortized over the useful life if they are determined to be finite-lived intangible assets. As part of an acquisition, the Company will also acquire other assets and assume liabilities.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) names and associated trademarks are valued based on an excess earnings or income approach based on projected cash flows and may be amortized over the useful life if they are determined to be finite-lived intangible assets.
As of December 31, 2024, the appropriate levels of liquidity have been maintained, therefore this financial maintenance covenant is not applicable. At December 31, 2024, Herc Holdings' balance sheet was substantially identical to that of Herc, with the exception of the debt held by Herc Holdings (2029 Notes, 2027 Notes and ABL Credit Facility) and certain components of shareholders equity.
At December 31, 2025, Herc Holdings' balance sheet was substantially identical to that of Herc, with the exception of the debt held by Herc Holdings (Notes, Term Loan Facility and New ABL Credit Facility) and certain components of shareholders equity.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) 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.
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.
The estimated fair values of these intangible assets reflect various assumptions about discount rates, revenue growth rates, operating margins, terminal values, useful lives and other prospective financial information. Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the cost of the acquired entity over the net of the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed.
The intangible assets acquired are non-compete agreements, customer relationships and trade names and associated trademarks. The estimated fair values of these intangible assets reflect various assumptions about discount rates, revenue growth rates, operating margins, terminal values, useful lives and other prospective financial information.
If the carrying value of the reporting unit is greater than its fair value, we recognize an impairment charge for the amount equal to that excess. A significant decline in the 33 Table of Contents HERC HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES ITEM 7.
If the carrying value of the reporting unit is greater than its fair value, we recognize an impairment charge for the amount equal to that excess. 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.
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.
Goodwill impairment is deemed to exist if the carrying value of goodwill of a reporting unit exceeds 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.
Rental equipment is valued utilizing either a cost or market approach, or a combination of these methods, depending on the asset being valued and the availability of market data. The intangible assets that the Company has acquired are non-compete agreements, customer relationships and trade names and associated trademarks.
Long-lived assets (principally rental equipment), goodwill and other intangible assets generally represent the largest components of the acquisitions. Rental equipment is valued utilizing either a cost or market approach, or a combination of these methods, depending on the asset being valued and the availability of market data.
Years Ended December 31, 2024 2023 Rental equipment expenditures $ 1,048 $ 1,320 Disposals of rental equipment (288) (325) Net rental equipment expenditures $ 760 $ 995 Net capital expenditures for rental equipment decreased $235 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, as we optimize our fleet by continuing to strategically invest in growth markets as part of our long-term capital expenditure plans.
Years Ended December 31, 2025 2024 Rental equipment expenditures $ 1,097 $ 1,048 Disposals of rental equipment (448) (288) Net rental equipment expenditures $ 649 $ 760 Net capital expenditures for rental equipment decreased $111 million during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
The past annualized long-term performance of the Plan's assets has generally been in line with the long-term rate of return assumption. Business Combinations The Company has made multiple acquisitions and may continue to make acquisitions in the future. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded based on their respective fair values at the date of acquisition.
Business Combinations We have made multiple acquisitions and may continue to make acquisitions in the future. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded based on their respective fair values at the date of acquisition. Determining the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired is judgmental in nature and can involve the use of significant estimates and assumptions.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Dividends On December 6, 2024, we declared a quarterly dividend of $0.665 per share to record holders as of December 16, 2024, with payment date of December 27, 2024.
Dividends On December 5, 2025, we declared a quarterly dividend of $0.70 per share to record holders as of December 15, 2025, with payment date of December 26, 2025.
Loss on assets held for sale was $194 million during 2024 to adjust the carrying value of Cinelease net assets to its fair value less estimated costs to sell. Income tax provision was $80 million during the year ended 2024 when compared with $100 million for the same period in 2023.
Loss on assets held for sale was $48 million during 2025 to adjust the carrying value of Cinelease net assets to its fair value less estimated costs to sell prior to its divestiture on July 31, 2025. Due to the level of pretax income, the income tax provision and effective tax rate were zero during 2025.
In evaluating whether a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the Company presumes that the position will be examined by the appropriate taxing 34 Table of Contents HERC HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) authority with full knowledge of all relevant information.
In evaluating whether a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we presume that the position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority with full knowledge of all relevant information. Upon determination that a tax position meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, it is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements.
Depreciation of rental equipment increased $36 million, or 6%, during 2024 due to the increase in average fleet size. Non-rental depreciation and amortization increased $15 million, or 13%, primarily due to amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $32 million, or 7%.
Non-rental depreciation and amortization increased $97 million, or 76%, primarily due to amortization of intangible assets related to the H&E and Otay acquisitions and an increase in non-rental asset depreciation resulting from the growth of the business. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $95 million, or 20%.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) In connection with the AR Facility, we sell accounts receivable on an ongoing basis to a wholly-owned special-purpose entity (the "SPE"). The accounts receivable and other assets of the SPE are encumbered in favor of the lenders under our AR Facility.
We refer to the amount of debt we can borrow given a certain pool of assets as the "Borrowing Base." In connection with the AR Facility, we sell accounts receivable on an ongoing basis to a wholly-owned special-purpose entity (the "SPE").
As of December 31, 2024, the following was available to us (in millions): Remaining Capacity Availability Under Borrowing Base Limitation ABL Credit Facility $ 1,845 $ 1,845 AR Facility — — Total $ 1,845 $ 1,845 During the third quarter of 2024, we entered into an amendment to the AR Facility to increase the aggregate commitments from $370 million to $400 million and extend the maturity to August 31, 2025.
As of December 31, 2025, the following was available to us (in millions): Remaining Capacity Availability Under Borrowing Base Limitation New ABL Credit Facility $ 1,900 $ 1,880 AR Facility — — Total $ 1,900 $ 1,880 32 Table of Contents HERC HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES ITEM 7.
These other assets and liabilities typically include, but are not limited to, parts inventory, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other working capital items. Because of their short-term nature, the fair values of these other assets and liabilities generally approximate the book values on the acquired entities' balance sheets.
As part of an acquisition, we will also acquire other assets and assume liabilities. These other assets and liabilities typically include, but are not limited to, parts inventory, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other working capital items.
For additional discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates, as well as our significant accounting policies, see Note 2, "Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies" to the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Report.
For additional discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates, as well as our significant accounting policies, see Note 2, "Basis of 33 Table of Contents HERC HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES ITEM 7.
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 of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value.
Because of their short-term nature, the fair values of these other assets and liabilities generally approximate the book values on the acquired entities' balance sheets. Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets On an annual basis and at interim periods when circumstances require, we test the recoverability of our goodwill.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were 15.1% of equipment rental revenue in 2024 compared to 15.6% in the prior-year period due to continued focus on improving operating leverage while expanding revenues. 28 Table of Contents HERC HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES ITEM 7.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were 15.0% of equipment rental revenue in 2025 compared to 14.7% in the prior-year period.
Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over the estimated economic lives of the assets, which range from five to 14 years. These assets are primarily amortized using the straight-line method, however, certain assets may be amortized using an accelerated method that reflects the economic benefit to us.
These assets are primarily amortized using the straight-line method, however, certain assets may be amortized using an accelerated method that 35 Table of Contents HERC HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) reflects the economic benefit to us.
We have assessed the guidance and performed our analysis using our two reporting units, core equipment rental and Cinelease.
However, components are aggregated as a single reporting unit if they have similar economic characteristics. We have assessed the guidance and performed our analysis using our one reporting unit, equipment rental.
Sales of rental equipment decreased $35 million, or 10%, during the year ended 2024 when compared to the year ended 2023. We continue to sell equipment in line with our fleet rotation planning to improve the equipment mix and manage fleet age.
Sales of rental equipment increased $198 million, or 64%, during 2025 when compared with 2024 as we increased the volume of sales to improve the equipment mix and utilization focusing on acquisition fleet. The margin on sales of rental equipment was 18% in 2025 compared to 28% in 2024.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Interest expense, net increased $36 million, or 16%, during the year ended 2024 when compared with the year ended 2023 due to higher average debt balances primarily to fund acquisition growth and invest in rental equipment.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Direct operating expenses increased $311 million, or 24%. Direct operating expenses were 42.5% of equipment rental revenue in 2025, compared to 40.5% in the prior-year period.
Financing activities primarily represent our changes in debt, which included the issuance of $800 million of senior unsecured notes due 2029 which were used to repay a portion of our ABL Credit Facility, resulting in net repayments of $391 million on our revolving lines of credit and securitization.
During 2025, we issued $3.95 billion in senior unsecured notes, a $750 million term loan facility and borrowed $4.59 billion on our revolving lines of credit and securitization which were used primarily to fund the acquisition of H&E and invest in rental equipment.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Investing Activities Cash used in investing activities decreased $70 million during 2024 when compared with the prior-year period. Our primary use of cash in investing activities is for the acquisition of rental equipment, non-rental capital expenditures and acquisitions.
Our primary use of cash in investing activities in 2025 was for acquisitions, the acquisition of rental equipment, and non-rental capital expenditures. Acquisition expenditures of $4.3 billion were related to the cash portion of the H&E acquisition.