United Rentals, Inc., the world’s largest equipment rental company, announced that it has been added as a component of the S&P 500 Index, effective after the close of trading today.

The S&P 500 is widely recognized as the foremost gauge of large-cap U.S. equity market performance. First published in 1957, it is a market-value weighted index consisting of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity and industry grouping, among other factors. United Rentals has been added as a constituent to the S&P 500® GICS (Global Industry Classification Standard) Trading Companies & Distributors Sub-Industry Index.

Michael J. Kneeland, chief executive officer of United Rentals, said, “Our inclusion in the S&P 500 is a testament to the strength of our growth strategy, the hard work of our employees, and the loyalty of our customers. We are proud that our commitment to value creation has placed us among some of the most respected companies in the world on the S&P 500."

United Rentals, Inc. is the largest equipment rental company in the world. Following the acquisition of National Pump, the company has an integrated network of 876 rental locations in 49 states and 10 Canadian provinces. The company’s approximately 12,200 employees serve construction and industrial customers, utilities, municipalities, homeowners and others. The company offers approximately 3,100 classes of equipment for rent with a total original cost of $7.99 billion. United Rentals is a member of the S&P 500 Index®, the Barron’s 400 Index® and the Russell 2000 Index® and is headquartered in Stamford, Conn.