HTZ

Hertz's stock price experienced significant volatility in the past six months (April 2026 - October 2026), declining 64.16% from October 2025 to October 2026, with a 52-week range of $1.45 to $8.18. In April 2026, HTZ stock surged 88% due to robust rental demand and rising used vehicle values, supported by the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index and strong consumer demand. Q2 2026 earnings, announced on August 6, 2026, reported a net profit of $64 million and $2.4 billion in revenue (a 9.7% year-over-year increase), beating Wall Street expectations and leading to a 29.49% stock price increase. However, debt concerns and a credit rating cut to CCC+ by S&P in September/October 2026, stemming from over $21 billion of debt and the hiring of PJT Partners to extend maturities, pressured the stock. HTZ has also been identified as a potential short-squeeze candidate due to high short interest. Management changes occurred in March 2024 when Stephen M. Scherr stepped down as CEO and was replaced by Gil West. In June 2026, Hertz announced the pricing of an offering of 37,037,037 shares of common stock and completed the sale of $350 million of Exchangeable Senior First-Lien Secured PIK Notes, which resulted in a significant daily stock move of -38.7%. On October 5, 2026, Thomas Wagner resigned from the board, and Adam Zirkin was appointed, with Knighthead Capital Management, LLC, along with CK Amarillo and Certares Opportunities LLC, reporting beneficial ownership of 50.9% of common shares.