United Rentals’ Q2 2025 Report: What Can Equipment Industry Learn From

We have always been saying that the equipment industry can be anything but predictable. No one can really say exactly what is going to happen after a month. 

Can you predict this with precision?

Well, United Rentals has recently released its Q2 report of 2025, which has a lot of potential for the equipment industry to take lessons from. 

With revenue rising to $3.94 billion, up 5% from last year, and a solid $622 million profit, it’s clear that the infrastructure and industrial sectors are still driving strong demand—even as residential and commercial construction slows in some areas.

Is it enough to draw attention? Well, it’s not. There is much more that has grabbed the attention of industry people.

United Rentals not only maintained its full-year forecast, but also increased its stock buyback program by $400 million, bringing the total to $1.9 billion for 2025. That is not a defensive move by a company. It is a bet on long-term resilience.

How did they manage to keep the growth steady?

According to United Rentals CEO Matthew Flannery, much of this momentum is due to industrial growth and federal infrastructure funding. With megaprojects underway and more on the way thanks to the IIJA and CHIPS Act, rental demand for heavy equipment has remained strong, even as rising interest rates and inflation continue to put pressure on the broader economy.

Nonresidential construction is also keeping things afloat. Consider highways, utilities, public transportation improvements, and airport upgrades. This is where the big machines come into play—graders, pavers, and excavators for sale—and United Rentals is clearly benefiting from staying on top of that pulse.

Is it a good sign for used equipment buyers?

For used equipment buyers, this data means more than just corporate profits. It represents a snapshot of how strong the real demand for equipment is. 

When companies like United Rentals spend billions on new fleets and stock buybacks, it indicates that equipment is not idle. It’s out on the job, making money. And that tells us one thing: the market for used machines is still competitive and evolving.

In fact, as OEM lead times lengthen and brand-new machines become more difficult to finance, more contractors and builders are turning to dependable used equipment to complete the job without the lengthy wait or high cost. 

What else can be learned from this report?

However, not everything is sunshine and steel beams. While United Rentals’ earnings are strong, profit margins have fallen slightly year on year, from $636 million to $622 million. That is subtle, but it reflects rising costs for fuel, wages, maintenance, and interest rates.

It also indicates that rental companies are walking a fine line. They are increasing fleet size and upgrading technology, but they are also managing tighter operating margins. That can provide an opportunity for small- to medium-sized contractors to purchase rather than rent, especially if they find well-maintained used equipment.

Does this report really matter?

Here’s the thing: quarterly earnings don’t just reveal how one company is doing. They serve as a weather report for the entire industry. United Rentals’ performance provides insight into which industries are expanding, where machines are being deployed, and what buyers are prioritizing right now.

The report explains:

The infrastructure is still hot.

Industrial construction is rapidly increasing.

Rental demand remains steady.

Used equipment offers a significant value proposition.

And for anyone debating whether to invest in a machine now or wait it out, this quarter makes a compelling case for acting sooner rather than later.

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