Revenue and Market Conditions - The company's revenues are significantly affected by the cyclical nature of the construction and industrial sectors, with a decline in these activities leading to decreased demand for rental equipment [72]. - A substantial portion of revenues is derived from equipment rentals to contractors in the non-residential construction market, making the company vulnerable to fluctuations in construction activity [73]. - Economic conditions, including oil and gas prices, can adversely impact capital investments and maintenance expenditures, further affecting rental demand [73]. - Equipment rental revenues for 2024 reached 3.2billion,anincreaseof113.568 billion, reflecting a 286millionor94.1 billion as of December 31, 2024, which significantly impacts cash flow and profitability [126]. - An increase in interest rates could raise the cost of servicing the company's debt, adversely affecting profitability [131]. - The company may face challenges in refinancing its indebtedness, which could lead to increased costs and operational restrictions [132]. - The company’s ability to incur additional secured indebtedness may be impaired due to the encumbrance of substantially all its assets under its revolving credit facility [129]. Acquisitions and Strategic Transactions - The company is pursuing strategic transactions, including acquisitions and divestitures, to enhance or expand its business operations [115]. - The company completed 9 acquisitions in 2024, adding 28 branches with a net cash outflow of 600million,andopened23newgreenfieldlocations[181].−Anysignificantacquisitionmayrequireadditionalfinancing,whichcouldbedifficulttoobtainduetothecompany′ssubstantialindebtedness[118].−Asignificantdivestiturecouldresultinimmediatelossofrevenuesandearnings,requiringpotentialamendmentstoexistingdebt[119].CybersecurityandITRisks−TherelianceoncentralizedITsystemsincreasesvulnerabilitytocybersecuritythreats,whichcoulddisruptoperationsandharmthecompany′sreputation[81].−TheBoardofDirectorsassumeddirectoversightofthecybersecurityprogramin2024,receivingperiodicupdatesonrisksandincidents[140].−ThecompanyhasestablishedacybersecuritycrisismanagementteamresponsibleforsignificantincidentcommunicationandresolutionupdatestotheBoard[141].−Thecybersecurityprogramincludestechnicalsafeguardssuchasfirewallsandintrusiondetectionsystems,withregularassessmentstoimprovethesemeasures[143].−Thecompanyhasarisk−basedapproachtomanagingcybersecurityriskspresentedbythirdparties,includingvendorsandserviceproviders[145].EnvironmentalandRegulatoryRisks−Climatechangeandregulatoryresponsesmaynegativelyimpactthecompany′soperationsanddemandforservices,requiringpotentialcapitalexpenditurestomeetnewstandards[112].−EnvironmentalliabilitiesaccruedasofDecember31,2024,were0.5 million, which could increase if unforeseen compliance costs arise [111]. Financial Performance and Metrics - Net income for 2024 was 211million,adecreaseof39347 million in 2023 [186]. - Basic earnings per share (EPS) for 2024 was 7.43,downfrom12.18 in 2023, representing a decline of 38.0% [268]. - The effective tax rate increased to 27% in 2024, compared to 22% in 2023, influenced by non-deductible goodwill impairment and changes in stock-based compensation benefits [193]. - Cash generated from operating activities increased by 139millionin2024comparedto2023,totaling1,225 million [198]. - Total assets increased to 7,877millionin2024,comparedto7,061 million in 2023, marking a growth of 11.5% [265].