Sunbelt Rentals Announces Fiscal Third Quarter 2026 Results

FORT MILL, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Sunbelt Rentals Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SUNB) (“the company”), a leader in the equipment rental industry, today announced financial results for the fiscal third quarter of 2026 ended January 31, 2026. Following the successful transition of the company’s primary listing to the New York Stock Exchange on March 2, 2026, the company has transitioned to U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) reporting.

Fiscal Third Quarter 2026 Highlights

• Total revenue of $2,637 million with rental revenue growth of 2.6%
• Operating income of $492 million and operating income margin of 18.7%
• Net income of $290 million and earnings per share of $0.69
• Adjusted earnings per share of $0.78
• Adjusted EBITDA of $1,082 million and adjusted EBITDA margin of 41.0%

Fiscal Year-to-date 2026 Highlights

• Net income of $1,099 million and earnings per share of $2.60
• Adjusted earnings per share of $2.98
• Adjusted EBITDA of $3,610 million and adjusted EBITDA margin of 43.0%
• Cash flow from operations of $2,834 million and free cash flow of $1,428 million
• Total returns to shareholders of $1,354 million including $1,047 million of share buybacks and $307 million through dividends
• Narrowing and increasing midpoint of full-year fiscal 2026 outlook for rental revenue growth from 0% - 4% to 2% - 3%

“I want to recognize our team for another quarter of strong execution and their unwavering obsession with safety, and delivering best-in-class solutions for our customers,” said Brendan Horgan, Chief Executive Officer of Sunbelt Rentals. “Rental revenue in the quarter grew 2.6% over last year, marking a sequential improvement over the 1.2% pace experienced in Q2, and adjusted EBITDA was a healthy $1.1 billion. We invested $1.9 billion in rental fleet capex, greenfield expansion, and ten bolt-on acquisitions fiscal year to date and generated a record $1.4 billion free cash flow while returning $1.05 billion to shareholders through share buybacks and another $307 million through dividends.”

“The growth and resilience demonstrated in the quarter was achieved in mixed end markets, with ongoing strength in mega projects and large strategic customer share gains as well as the vast non-construction markets. Local non-residential construction continues to be in a moderate state, although our internal leading indicators continued to trend positive in the quarter further supported by the Dodge Momentum Index.”

“These trends enable us to confidently increase the midpoint of our rental revenue growth range and modestly increase our capital expenditures outlook. This incremental capex will fuel continued growth in our specialty segments, recent mega project wins, and advanced fleet replacement to provide maximum optionality to balance replacement investments while taking advantage of strengthening trends. I am also pleased to confirm the completion of our prior $1.5 billion share buyback program in February, and the commencement of our newly authorized $1.5 billion share buyback program on March 2. We look forward to giving an update on our Sunbelt 4.0 growth strategy and value creation framework at our Investor Day on March 26.”

Fiscal Third Quarter 2026 Results

Total revenue increased 2.7% to $2,637 million compared to $2,567 million in the prior-year period, driven by rental revenue increasing 2.6% to $2,443 million compared, to $2,381 million in the prior-year period. The company estimates that rental revenue would have increased by approximately 4% excluding the reduction in rental revenue resulting from lower hurricane activity compared to the prior year. The increase in the quarter was fueled by strengthening momentum in mega project activity, which counteracted ongoing moderation in local non-residential construction markets.

Operating income was $492 million compared to $532 million in the prior-year period, and operating income margin was 18.7%, compared to 20.7% in the prior-year period. Adjusted operating profit was $539 million, compared to $574 million in the prior-year period, and adjusted operating profit margin was 20.4%, compared to 22.4% in the prior-year period.

Income before provision for income taxes was $394 million compared to $430 million in the prior-year period and reflects non-recurring costs of $12 million associated with the move of the company’s primary listing to the United States and the operational restructuring of the UK business. Adjusted pre-tax profit was $441 million compared, to $467 million in the prior-year period.

Net income was $290 million compared to $325 million in the prior-year period, and earnings per share was $0.69, compared to $0.74 in the prior-year period. Adjusted earnings per share was $0.78, compared to $0.81 in the prior-year period, reflecting the benefit from the ongoing share buyback program.

Adjusted EBITDA was $1,082 million compared to $1,117 million in the prior-year period, and adjusted EBITDA margin was 41.0%, compared to 43.5% in the prior-year period. Consistent with prior quarters this year, the reduction in adjusted EBITDA margin compared to the prior-year period is primarily due to a combination of higher ancillary revenues, higher internal repair and fleet repositioning costs, and investments to support growth.

Return on investment of 14% was relatively consistent compared to the prior-year period of 15%. The reduction is primarily due to lower adjusted operating profit combined with rental fleet inflation.

North America General Tool segment rental revenue of $1,410 million increased 1.6% compared to the prior-year period driven by volume growth. Dollar Utilization of 47% was relatively consistent with the prior-year period of 48%.

North America General Tool segment adjusted operating profit was $414 million compared to $451 million in the prior-year period, and adjusted operating profit margin was 27.1%, compared to 29.9% in the prior-year period. Segment adjusted EBITDA was $767 million, compared to $800 million in the prior-year period, and segment adjusted EBITDA margin was 50.3%, compared to 53.1% in the prior-year period. The margin performance primarily reflects higher costs associated with internal repairs and repositioning of rental fleet to drive utilization improvements.

North America Specialty segment rental revenue of $851 million increased 4.4% compared to the prior-year period, driven by volume improvement. The company estimates that rental revenue would have increased by approximately 7% excluding the reduction in rental revenue resulting from lower hurricane activity compared to the prior year. Dollar Utilization of 74% was relatively consistent to the prior-year period of 73%.

North America Specialty segment adjusted operating profit was $271 million compared to $269 million in the prior-year period, and adjusted operating profit margin was 30.2% compared to 31.5% in the prior-year period. Segment adjusted EBITDA was $407 million compared to $408 million in the prior-year period, and segment adjusted EBITDA margin was 45.4% compared to 47.8% in the prior-year period. The margin performance primarily reflects higher costs associated with internal repairs, repositioning of rental fleet to drive utilization improvements, and lapping strong hurricane-related activity in the prior year.

UK segment rental revenue of $182 million increased 2.2% compared to the prior-year period. Rental revenue growth has benefited from favorable foreign exchange movements, with rental revenue in local currency 4% lower than the prior year. Dollar Utilization of 52% was relatively consistent with the prior-year period of 53%.

UK segment adjusted operating profit was $7 million compared to $10 million in the prior-year period, and adjusted operating profit margin was 3.3% compared to 4.8% in the prior-year period. Segment adjusted EBITDA was $49 million compared to $53 million in the prior-year period, and segment adjusted EBITDA margin was 22.9% compared to 25.6% in the prior-year period. The company’s focus remains on delivering improved operational efficiency and long-term, sustainable returns in the business, while rental rate achievement remains an area of focus.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Highlights

Long-term debt at January 31, 2026 was $7,095 million and the debt to income ratio was 5.4x. Net debt at January 31, 2026, was $7,605 million and net leverage was 1.6x. Availability under the senior secured debt facility was $3,468 million, with an additional $6,512 million of suppressed availability – substantially above the $475 million level at which the company’s entire debt package is covenant-free. The company’s debt facilities are committed for an average of five years at a weighted average cost of approximately 5%.

Capital expenditures year-to-date was $1,783 million gross and $1,470 million net of disposal proceeds. The company’s original cost of rental equipment on January 31, 2026, was $19,152 million, and its average fleet age was 51 months on an original cost basis. Year-to-date, the company invested $162 million, including acquired borrowings on ten bolt-on acquisitions continuing to both expand its footprint and diversify its end markets.

Year-to-date, cash flow from operations was $2,834 million, and after capital expenditures, free cash flow was $1,428 million. In December 2024, the company launched a share buyback program of up to $1.5 billion over 18 months, which completed on February 24, 2026. The company commenced a new share buyback program of $1.5 billion which began on March 2, 2026 and coincided with the move of the primary listing to the New York Stock Exchange.

The company’s current policy is to provide a progressive dividend, which considers both profitability and cash generation, and results in a dividend that is sustainable across the cycle. This resulted in the company’s Board of Directors increasing the interim dividend to $0.375 per share that was paid on February 6, 2026, to shareholders of record on January 9, 2026. The company plans to transition to a quarterly dividend in fiscal 2027.

Full-Year Fiscal 2026 Outlook

The company today announced revised guidance for its full-year fiscal 2026 outlook, including rental revenue growth, gross capital expenditures, and free cash flow.

Rental revenue growth expectations have been updated, with the prior range of 0% to 4% narrowed to 2% to 3%. This reflects current momentum, visibility, and ongoing stability in market conditions including strong performance in mega projects and encouraging leading-indicators across local non-residential construction markets.

The company is raising its gross capital expenditures outlook from $1.8 billion to $2.2 billion to a new range of $2.2 billion to $2.3 billion. This increase reflects expected landings late in the fourth quarter to support recent mega project wins and advanced equipment rental replacement capital expenditures anticipated in the spring of 2026.

As a result of these planned investments, the company now projects free cash flow of approximately $2 billion. Importantly, this free cash flow outlook is now provided in accordance with GAAP, rather than IFRS.

Conference Call Information

Brendan Horgan and Alex Pease will hold a conference call today to discuss the results and outlook at 8:30am ET (12:30pm GMT). The call will be webcast live via the company’s investor relations website at ir.sunbeltrentals.com and a replay will be available via the website shortly after the call concludes. A copy of this announcement and the slide presentation to be used for the call are available on the company’s investor relations website.

About Sunbelt Rentals Holdings, Inc.

Sunbelt Rentals Holdings, Inc. operating primarily as Sunbelt Rentals, is a leading global provider of rental equipment and services based in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Our passionate, customer-centric team of 24,000 employees combines execution-focused resolve with Sunbelt Rentals’ innovative array of rental solutions across a vast network of nearly 1,600 locations and with a fleet of assets exceeding $19 billion. Sunbelt Rentals is committed to delivering unrivaled quality and support for its customers across an increasingly diverse array of industries, project types and end markets, including construction, live events, maintenance and countless emerging applications ranging from small-scale developments to mega projects.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Key Performance Indicators (“KPIs”)

We use the KPIs “dollar utilization” and “fleet on rent,” to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends and make business decisions. These measures are not directly comparable to, and should not be considered a substitute for, financial information presented in accordance with GAAP, and may differ from similarly titled metrics or measures presented by other companies.

Dollar Utilization

We consider “dollar utilization” to be a KPI on a segment basis. Dollar utilization reflects the ratio of rental revenue earned from equipment compared with the original cost of equipment and is calculated as revenue from equipment rentals in each month during the preceding twelve-month period divided by average fleet at original (or “first”) cost measured during such period, in each case on a segment basis. Dollar utilization is influenced by various factors, including the average original equipment cost of our rental fleet, the level of physical utilization of our rental fleet, customer rental rates, ancillary rental revenues, inflation, as well as customer and product mix.

Definitions of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted Operating Profit and Adjusted Operating Profit Margin

We use the non-GAAP measures “adjusted operating profit” and “adjusted operating profit margin” to evaluate the underlying profitability of our core operations. The composition of these measures is not addressed or prescribed by GAAP. We define adjusted operating profit as operating income after other expense, net, and before amortization of acquired intangibles, stock-based compensation expense, net, and restructuring costs, which in the fiscal year ended April 30, 2025 relate to costs associated with the Redomiciliation and U.S. Listing and in the three and nine months ended January 31, 2026 relate to costs associated with the Redomiciliation and U.S. Listing and the operational restructure of the United Kingdom segment. Adjusted operating profit margin is defined as adjusted operating profit divided by total revenues.

Management believes that adjusted operating profit and adjusted operating profit margin provide useful information to management and investors about the Group’s underlying profitability without regard to non-core items that may not be indicative of our main business activities, thus allowing for a more meaningful comparison between our core performance over different periods of time, as well as with those of other similar companies.

Adjusted Pre-tax Profit

We use the non-GAAP measure “adjusted pre-tax profit” to evaluate the underlying profitability of our core operations. The composition of adjusted pre-tax profit is not addressed or prescribed by GAAP. We define adjusted pre-tax profit as net income before provision for income taxes, amortization of acquired intangibles, stock based compensation expense, net and restructuring costs, which in the three and nine months ended January 31, 2025 relate to costs associated with the Redomiciliation and U.S. Listing and in the three and nine months ended January 31, 2026 relate to costs associated with the Redomiciliation and U.S. Listing and the operational restructure of the United Kingdom segment. Adjusted pre-tax profit represents adjusted operating profit after interest expense, net.

Management believes that adjusted pre-tax profit provides useful information to management and investors about the Group’s underlying profitability without regard to non-core items that may not be indicative of our main business activities, thus allowing for a more meaningful comparison between our core performance over different periods of time, as well as with those of other similar companies.

EBITDA, EBITDA Margin, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA margin

We use the non-GAAP measures “EBITDA,” ”EBITDA margin,” “adjusted EBITDA,” and “adjusted EBITDA margin” to evaluate our overall financial performance. The composition of these measures is not addressed or prescribed by GAAP. We define EBITDA as net income before provision for income taxes, interest expense, net, depreciation of rental equipment and non-rental depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA before stock based compensation expense, net and restructuring costs, which in the fiscal year ended April 30, 2025 relate to costs associated with the Redomiciliation and U.S. Listing and in the three and nine months ended January 31, 2026 relate to costs associated with the Redomiciliation and U.S. Listing and the operational restructure of the United Kingdom segment. These items are excluded from adjusted EBITDA to allow investors to make a more meaningful comparison between our core performance over different periods of time, as well as with those of similar companies. EBITDA margin is defined as EBITDA divided by total revenues. Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as adjusted EBITDA divided by total revenues.

Management believes that EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA margin and adjusted EBITDA margin, when viewed with the company’s results under GAAP and the accompanying reconciliations, provide useful information about our operating performance and period-over-period growth, and provide additional information that is useful for evaluating the operating performance of our core business without regard to potential distortions. Additionally, management believes that EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA help investors gain an understanding of the factors and trends affecting our ongoing cash earnings, from which capital investments are made and debt is serviced.

Adjusted Earnings per Share (“Adjusted EPS”)

We use the non-GAAP measure “adjusted EPS” to evaluate the underlying profitability of our core operations. The composition of adjusted EPS is not addressed or prescribed by GAAP. We define adjusted EPS as earnings per share (basic) before amortization of acquired intangibles, stock based compensation expense, net and restructuring costs, which in the three and nine months year ended January 31, 2026 relate to costs associated with the Redomiciliation and U.S. Listing and the operational restructure of the United Kingdom segment and in the three and nine months ended January 31, 2025 relate to costs associated with the Redomiciliation and U.S. Listing, in each case less taxation on adjusting items.

Management believes that adjusted EPS provides useful information to management and investors about the Group’s underlying profitability without regard to non-core items that may not be indicative of our main business activities, thus allowing for a more meaningful comparison between our core performance over different periods of time, as well as with those of similar companies.

Adjusted Net Assets, Adjusted Average Net Assets, and Return on Investment

We use the non-GAAP measures “adjusted net assets,” “adjusted average net assets,” and “return on investment” to provide a measure of how effectively we allocate capital to profitable investments. The composition of these measures is not addressed or prescribed by GAAP. We define adjusted net assets as net assets excluding net debt and tax. Adjusted average net assets is defined as adjusted net assets as of each month-end of the preceding thirteen months divided by thirteen. Return on investment is defined as adjusted operating profit generated during the preceding twelve-month period divided by adjusted average net assets.

Management believes that a measure of return on investment is widely used by investors. By using adjusted operating profit as the profit component, adjusted return on investment focuses on returns from our actual operating assets and profits generated from our main business activities, which management believes allows for a more meaningful comparison of our operating efficiency between different periods of time, as well as with those of similar companies. Management further uses adjusted return on investment when reviewing operating performance to help inform capital allocation decisions within the business. It also represents one of the metrics used in our executive compensation program.

Free Cash Flow

We use the non-GAAP measures “free cash flow” to reflect the cash retained by the Group prior to discretionary expenditure on acquisitions and returns to shareholders. The composition of these measures is not addressed or prescribed by GAAP. We define free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities less net expenditure on rental and non-rental equipment (comprising payments for purchases of equipment less disposal proceeds received in relation to sales of equipment).

Management believes that free cash flow provides useful information to management and investors as an additional liquidity measure because it measures the amount of cash available, after net expenditures on rental and non-rental equipment, for activities such as making discretionary expenditures on acquisitions and providing returns to shareholders.

Net Debt

We use the non-GAAP measure “net debt” to provide an indication of the overall level of our long-term indebtedness. The composition of net debt is not addressed or prescribed by GAAP. We define net debt as total debt less cash balances.

Management believes that net debt is widely used by investors and credit rating agencies and provides useful additional information to management and investors as an indication of the Group’s financial position and ability to meet its financial obligations.

Net Leverage

We use the non-GAAP measure “net leverage” to provide an indication of the strength of the Group’s balance sheet. The composition of net leverage is not addressed or prescribed by GAAP. We define adjusted leverage as net debt divided by adjusted EBITDA generated during the preceding twelve-month period.

Management believes that providing an indication of the strength of the Group’s balance sheet provides useful additional information to management and investors. Management further believes that using adjusted EBITDA as the profit component for adjusted leverage allows for a more meaningful comparison of our financial position between different periods of time, as well as with those of similar companies. Adjusted leverage also forms part of the executive compensation targets of the Group.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, without limitation, statements concerning the conditions of our industry, our operations, our economic performance and our financial condition, including, in particular, statements relating to our business and growth strategy, and the growth and dynamics of the market segments in which we operate. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts, and can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “outlook,” “believe” and other similar expressions. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates.

These forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions by our management that, although we believe to be reasonable, are inherently uncertain and subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: competition from existing and new competitors; the impact of global economic conditions (including inflation, interest rates, supply chain constraints, tariffs, trade wars and sanctions) and geopolitical risks (including risks related to international conflicts) on us, our customers and our suppliers, in the United States and the rest of the world; currency and interest rate fluctuations; seasonality of our business; our ability to attract, hire and retain qualified personnel; our ability to successfully make acquisitions and integrate acquired companies; changes in the rental rates that we can charge for the equipment in our rental fleet or our services; changes in the construction and industrial markets; changes in political, social and economic conditions and local regulations; changes in the attitude of our customers towards renting, as compared with purchasing, equipment; changes in applicable accounting standards or subjective assumptions, estimates and judgments by management related to complex accounting matters; changes in the mix of products offered in our rental fleet, industry capacity or competition; changes in environmental and safety regulations; changes in government spending or government policies; disruptions of established supply channels; the availability, terms and deployment of capital; and costs and availability of energy, and changes in transportation costs.

Further information on the risks that may affect our business is included in filings we make with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including our Registration Statement on Form 10 filed on February 13, 2026, and other filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements made in this press release speak only as of its date, and we undertake no obligation to update them in light of new information or future events, except as required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260312609554/en/

INVESTOR CONTACT
Kevin Powers, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
Kevin.Powers@sunbeltrentals.com

MEDIA CONTACT
H/Advisors Abernathy,
Abigail Ruck / Mallory Griffin
abigail.ruck@h-advisors.global / mallory.griffin@h-advisors.global
(212) 371-5999

Source: Sunbelt Rentals Holdings, Inc.

Released March 12, 2026