Herc Rentals posted $1,072 million in second quarter 2026 rental revenue compared to $870 million in second quarter 2025 rental revenue, a 23.2-percent year-over-year increase. Total second quarter 2026 revenue was $1,204 million compared to $1,002 million a year ago, a 20.2-percent hike. Sales of rental equipment improved from $106 million to $110 million, a 3.8-percent increase, while sales of new equipment dropped from $17 million to $12 million, a 29.4-percent decline.

For the first six months of 2026, equipment rental revenue reached $2,053 million, compared to $1,609 million for the first six months of 2025, a 27.6-percent increase. Total revenue for the first half of 2026 was $2,343 million compared to $1,863 million in the first half of 2025, a 25.8-percent leap.

The strong increase numbers were benefited by a larger fleet size after the H&E acquisition as well as an increase in mega projects and revenue synergies.

Dollar utilization was 39.3 percent in the second quarter, up from 38.3 percent in the previous year period because of an increase in fleet efficiency and a favorable shift in mix to higher-return fleet on rent year-over-year.

Dollar utilization was 39.3% in the second quarter up from 38.3% in the prior-year period, due to the increase in fleet efficiency and a favorable shift in mix to higher-return fleet on rent year-over year.

Direct operating expenses were $491 million, or 45.8 percent of equipment rental revenue, compared to $379 million, or 43.6 percent, in the prior-year period. Operating expenses as a percent of equipment rental revenue were elevated during the period primarily related to the impact of the H&E acquisition and related greenfields that take more time to mature, as well as increased transportation and fuel expenses as a result of macroeconomic headwinds.

Second quarter turning point

“After successfully completing the H&E integration in the first quarter, the second quarter marked an important turning point for Herc Rentals, with our key metrics improving on a combined, comparable basis, both sequentially and year-over-year,” said Larry Silber, CEO. “Revenue synergies and cost synergies are tracking to plan. And while fuel inflation was a macroeconomic headwind in the quarter, we are taking additional actions to mitigate its impact. Importantly, disciplined fleet management drove positive fleet efficiency, supported by increased rental activity.

“Our growth continues to be led by national accounts, fueled by robust mega project activity and a higher mix of specialty equipment rentals. The H&E acquisition was well-timed, adding the scale, fleet capacity, talent and branch density to expand our role on large, complex projects and capture a greater share of this accelerating demand. The momentum across multi-year projects gives us strong line of sight into the second half of the year. To support this expanding pipeline, we are raising our full-year financial guidance and increasing net fleet capital expenditures to serve customer demand. Team Herc’s hard work positions us to capitalize on these high-growth opportunities, strengthen customer relationships and continue delivering value for shareholders.”