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Avis Budget Sinks After Q1 Loss Deepens Post-Squeeze Selloff

The slide signals a shift from mechanics to fundamentals.

Overview

  • Shares fell as much as 19% in early trading Wednesday after Avis reported a GAAP loss of $8.01 per share that missed forecasts.
  • Revenue rose to $2.53 billion and beat estimates, yet the larger loss kept pressure on a stock already in retreat.
  • The share price has now dropped more than 70% from its April 21 peak after an intraday high near $847 earlier that week.
  • The surge and reversal traced to aggressive call-option buying against a tight float, with filings showing Pentwater Capital built a large stake and exercised calls to sell shares.
  • Management cited $80 million in adjusted free cash flow, $915 million in liquidity, and better pricing and vehicle use, though a prior $518 million EV fleet impairment underscores ongoing financial strain.