BancBoston Gives Strong Quarter Outlook for Rental Car Group
9 April 1999
BancBoston Robertson Stephens Gives Strong Quarter Outlook for Rental Car GroupSAN FRANCISCO, April 8 -- The following is being issued by BancBoston Robertson Stephens, a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, CRD number 41271: BancBoston Robertson Stephens senior automobile services analyst Jordan Hymowitz today gave a strong quarter outlook for the rental car group, including Hertz (NYSE: HRZ, rated Buy), Avis (NYSE: AVI, rated Buy) and Dollar Thrifty (NYSE: DTG, rated Buy). "Avis, Hertz and Dollar Thrifty should all report excellent earnings. Avis is our favorite rental car stock at current price levels," said Hymowitz. "Budget is slowly moving up prices, leaving only Alamo and National as price laggards. Hertz -- the premier brand -- continues to gain market share." "Critics of rental car stocks claim they should be valued as airlines (10-11 times earnings per share), and that earnings would decline when price increases stopped. However, this quarter, with less than 1 percent price increases, estimates will be substantially in excess of expectations," said Hymowitz. "Thus, the rental car companies' claim that they can attain earnings in various price environments has gained credibility." Clients interested in receiving more information should contact their salesperson at 415-781-9700. BancBoston Robertson Stephens is a leading international investment banking firm focused on growth companies. The firm's 55 equity and high yield research analysts cover more than 600 companies. Additional information is available upon request. The information contained herein is not a complete analysis of every material fact respecting any company, industry or security. Although opinions and estimates expressed herein reflect the current judgment of BancBoston Robertson Stephens, the information upon which such opinions and estimates are based is not necessarily updated on a regular basis; when it is, the date of the change in estimate will be noted. In addition, opinions and estimates are subject to change without notice. This Report contains forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ significantly from the results described in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, those discussed in "Investment Risks." BancBoston Robertson Stephens from time to time performs corporate finance or other services for some companies described herein and may occasionally possess material, nonpublic information regarding such companies. This information is not used in the preparation of the opinions and estimates herein. While the information contained in this Report and the opinions contained herein are based on sources believed to be reliable, BancBoston Robertson Stephens has not independently verified the facts, assumptions and estimates contained in this Report. Accordingly, no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to, and no reliance should be placed on, the fairness, accuracy, completeness or correctness of the information and opinions contained in this Report. BancBoston Robertson Stephens, its managing directors, its affiliates, and/or its employees may have an interest in the securities of the issue(s) described and may make purchases or sales while this report is in circulation. BancBoston Robertson Stephens International Ltd. is regulated by the Securities and Futures Authority in the United Kingdom. This publication is not meant for private customers. The securities discussed herein are not FDIC insured, are not deposits or other obligations or guarantees of BankBoston N.A., and are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of any principal amount invested.