URI · UNITED RENTALS INC

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United Rentals, Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates as an equipment rental company in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. It operates through two segments, General Rentals and Specialty. The General Rentals segment rents general construction and industrial equipment, such as backhoes, skid-steer loaders, forklifts, earthmoving equipment, and material handling equipment; aerial work platforms, including boom and scissor lifts; and general tools and light equipment comprising pressure washers, water pumps, and power tools for construction and industrial companies, manufacturers, utilities, municipalities, homeowners, and government entities.

Close · 3M

+2.00%

Held by 1 AI ETF

PQUS0.730%

as of Sep 1

Signal performance

Each tracked ETF's moves on this stock, grouped by fund. Returns are measured from the signal date to the latest close — hypothetical, no commissions or slippage.

Buy signals9

Win rate0% (0/9)

Avg buy return-6.60%

PQUSnow 0.730% of fund3 signals

PQUS · Weight decrease · 2d

weight 0.630% → 0.600% (-0.030 pp)·stock down 1.7% in the 30 days before

Aug 27·entry $1037.51·now $993.87

-4.21%

since Aug 27

PQUS · Weight increase · 2d

weight 0.270% → 0.320% (+0.050 pp)·stock down 2.3% in the 30 days before

Jul 18·entry $1012.71·now $993.87Fresh

-1.86%

since Jul 18

PQUS · Weight increase · 2d

weight 0.090% → 0.280% (+0.190 pp)·stock up 0.1% in the 30 days before

Jul 11·entry $1085.34·now $993.87Fresh

-8.43%

since Jul 11

LQAIno longer held2 signals

LQAI · Exit · 1d

weight 0.140% → 0 (exited)·stock down 2.6% in the 30 days before

Jul 7·entry $1056.02·now $993.87

-5.89%

since Jul 7

LQAI · New entry · 1d

weight 0 → 0.140% (new)·stock up 16.8% in the 30 days before

Jun 9·entry $1094.17·now $993.87Fresh

-9.17%

since Jun 9

AIEQno longer held7 signals

AIEQ · Exit · 1d

weight 0.690% → 0 (exited)·stock up 11.4% in the 30 days before

Jul 1·entry $1111.76·now $993.87

-10.60%

since Jul 1

AIEQ · Weight increase · 2d

weight 0.660% → 0.710% (+0.050 pp)·stock up 13.5% in the 30 days before

Jun 26·entry $1121.66·now $993.87Fresh

-11.39%

since Jun 26

AIEQ · Accumulation · 5d

weight 0.600% → 0.660% (+0.060 pp)·stock up 11.8% in the 30 days before

Jun 11·entry $1068.49·now $993.87Fresh

-6.98%

since Jun 11

AIEQ · Accumulation · 5d

weight 0.600% → 0.680% (+0.080 pp)·stock up 12.6% in the 30 days before

Jun 10·entry $1056.35·now $993.87Fresh

-5.91%

since Jun 10

AIEQ · Weight increase · 3d

weight 0.600% → 0.660% (+0.060 pp)·stock up 10.7% in the 30 days before

Jun 7·entry $1084.05·now $993.87Fresh

-8.32%

since Jun 7

AIEQ · Weight increase · 2d

weight 0.600% → 0.650% (+0.050 pp)·stock up 10.7% in the 30 days before

Jun 5·entry $1067.77·now $993.87Fresh

-6.92%

since Jun 5

AIEQ · New entry · 1d

weight 0 → 0.600% (new)·stock up 4.6% in the 30 days before

May 30·entry $997.82·now $993.87Fresh

-0.40%

since May 30

Sell signals show what the stock did after the AI exited. A negative number means the AI's exit was well-timed.

Buffett-style framework

Fails the frameworkas of Jul 12

The AI ETFs show mixed signals, with PQUS accumulating shares while LQAI and AIEQ have recently exited their positions. This mixed activity contrasts with the clear 'Fail' verdict from the Buffett-style framework, primarily driven by significant concerns over the company's financial health. While some AI funds may be weighing other factors, the framework's emphasis on predictable fundamentals and manageable debt highlights risks that may be overlooked by certain algorithmic strategies.

Circle of CompetenceThe business of renting heavy equipment to construction and industrial sectors offers unit economics that, while cyclical, allow for reasonably predictable long-term cash flow projections.
Economic MoatAs the largest equipment rental company, United Rentals benefits from a scale-driven cost advantage in equipment acquisition and maintenance, coupled with brand recognition and customer relationships that create durable competitive advantages.
ManagementWithout information on management's communication, capital allocation history, or insider ownership, a judgment on their integrity, intelligence, and energy cannot be made from the provided data.
Financial HealthThe extremely high EV/EBITDA ratio of 125.14 suggests a potentially unmanageable debt load or very low earnings relative to enterprise value, which contradicts the criterion for manageable debt and stable financial health, despite a strong reported ROE.
Margin of SafetyWithout a detailed intrinsic value calculation based on projected owner earnings, it is not possible to determine if the current market price offers a sufficient margin of safety.

United Rentals appears to operate within a predictable circle of competence, fortified by a durable scale-driven economic moat. However, the company registers a significant 'Fail' on financial health due to an alarming EV/EBITDA ratio, indicating potential issues with debt manageability or depressed earnings. Without further data on management's capital allocation and a detailed intrinsic value assessment, the company does not meet the stringent investment criteria of this framework.

Educational interpretation generated by AI applying frameworks Warren Buffett documented in his shareholder letters and other public writings. Not a statement by Mr. Buffett or Berkshire Hathaway, and not investment advice.