United Rentals Inc. (NYSE: URI), Stamford, CT, reported sales for 2014 were $5.6 billion, a 14.7 percent increase from 2013. Rental revenue increased 14.8 percent to $4.8 billion. Profit was $540 million, up 39.5 percent from year-ago profit of $387 million.
For the fourth quarter, sales were $1.5 billion, up 16.8 percent over the same period a year ago. Rental revenue increased 16.5 percent year-over-year to $1.3 billion. Profit was $194 million, up 38.6 percent from year-ago profit of $140 million.
"While we expect to see a drag in some trade areas from the slowdown in upstream oil, our exposure is greatly limited by our size, agility and diversification," said CEO Michael Kneeland. "Furthermore, we believe that low oil prices will be a boon to many sectors we serve, spurring demand in manufacturing and other markets hungry for our fleet."
