An electric scissor lift in the inventory of United Rentals

The self-proclaimed world's largest equipment rental company has recorded a rebound, largely in non-residential construction, with its revenue from aerial work platforms climbing about 7%.

Stamford-based United Rentals Inc reports profit of USD94 million on total sales of USD1.399 billion for the second quarter ended 30 June versus the comparable 2013 period's profit of USD83 million on sales of USD1.206 billion.

Equipment rentals accounted for USD1.18 billion in the recent period - up from USD1.01 billion in the 2013 first quarter. Key end-users include the construction and industrial sectors, utilities, municipalities and home-owners.

"Our strong performance in the quarter reflects significantly more equipment on rent at better margins than a year ago, resulting in a new high-water mark for second quarter EBITDA margin," says Michael Kneeland, chief executive officer. "The rebound in non-residential construction is continuing to drive up demand, particularly in the energy and commercial sectors."

United Rentals employs about 12,400 staff and operates a network of 883 rental locations in 49 US states and 10 Canadian provinces. The firm offers about 3,400 classes of equipment for rent with a total original cost of USD8.42 billion. Time utilisation was 66.4% for the six months ended 30 June.

United Rentals was named in June to the 2014 Fortune magazine list of the 500 largest US companies, ranked by revenue. United Rentals generated 2013 sales of USD4.955 billion.

On 1 April for USD780 million, United Rentals acquired certain assets of National Pump & Compressor Ltd, Canadian Pump and Compressor Ltd, GulfCo Industrial Equipment LP and LD Services LLC, collectively the second largest specialty pump rental company in North America.