Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (HTZ) saw its stock price plummet 5.09% in pre-market trading on Friday, continuing a downward trend that began in the previous session. The sharp decline comes as investors react to news that the car rental giant is considering a substantial debt increase to cover an impending litigation payment.

According to recent reports, Hertz is contemplating a $500 million debt raise to fund an anticipated legal settlement. While specific details about the litigation remain undisclosed, the market's reaction suggests significant concern about the potential impact on the company's financial health. This move comes at a challenging time for the travel and transportation sectors, which are still navigating the aftermath of the global pandemic.

The market's negative response highlights the unease among investors regarding Hertz's financial strategy and the long-term implications of taking on additional debt. As the company grapples with these financial and legal challenges, stakeholders will be closely monitoring Hertz's ability to manage its debt load and address pending legal obligations while maintaining its competitive position in the car rental market. The stock's continued decline reflects growing uncertainty about the company's financial outlook in light of these developments.