United Rentals makes “strong start” to year and ups guidance

United Rentals has raised its guidance for the full year, with revenues now expected in the US$16.9 to $17.4 billion range, up $100 million at both limits.

Its guidance on fleet capital expenditure has also risen, with gross spending for the full year now in the $4.4 to $4.8 billion range (previously $4.3-4.7 billion).

Total revenues were up 7% to $3.98 billion, with EBITDA profit up 5.3% to $1.76 billion.

United Rentals reported a strong start to 2026 in its first quarter results. (Image: United Rentals)

Matthew Flannery, chief executive officer of United Rentals, said, “The increases to our full-year guidance are supported by the momentum we are carrying into our busy season and the growth opportunities our customers see on the horizon, particularly within large projects and key verticals.”

He said the company had made a “strong start” to the year; “We reported first-quarter records in EPS, adjusted EBITDA and revenue, supported by healthy growth and solid execution across both our general rentals and specialty businesses.”

He said United was confident that its “one-stop-shop approach”, coupled with technology and customer service, would help it “outperform the market and generate strong shareholder returns.”

General rentals revenues rose by 6.2% to $2.23 billion, while the specialty division saw a 13.8% rise to $1.19 billion. Gross profit margins for the two segments were, respectively, 33.8% and 41.4%.