GATX (GATX) vs United Rentals (URI)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
United Rentals (URI) has outperformed GATX (GATX) over the past year, gaining 5.6% versus a loss of 6.4%. Over five years, URI leads with a +197.0% price change compared with +69.9% for GATX. United Rentals is the larger company by market cap ($65.36 billion vs $5.75 billion), about 11.4 times the size, while GATX is growing revenue faster (+9.8% vs +4.9%).
On valuation, GATX trades at a lower forward P/E (14.5x vs 18.3x for United Rentals). GATX offers the higher dividend yield (1.56% vs 0.72%). GATX converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 19.2% versus 15.5%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | GATX | URI |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $162.78 | $1,050.15 |
| Market cap | $5.75B | $65.36B |
| 1-day change | -0.34% | +1.23% |
| YTD return | -4.02% | +29.76% |
| 1-year return | -6.43% | +5.61% |
| 5-year return | +69.93% | +196.97% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 16.12 | 25.25 |
| Forward P/E | 14.47 | 18.30 |
| EPS (TTM) | $10.10 | $41.59 |
| Dividend yield | 1.56% | 0.72% |
| Annual dividend | $2.54 | $7.52 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $1.74B | $16.10B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +9.77% | +4.91% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $333.30M | $2.49B |
| Gross margin | — | 38.16% |
| Operating margin | — | 24.68% |
| Net margin | 19.15% | 15.49% |
| 52-week high | $205.56 | $1,179.18 |
| 52-week low | $150.42 | $701.59 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -20.81% | -10.94% |
| Analyst consensus | none | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +34.84% | +20.55% |
| Average volume | 225.34K | 471.82K |
| Shares outstanding | 35.31M | 62.24M |
| Employees | 2,371 | 28,500 |
| Sector | Industrials | Consumer Discretionary |
| Industry | Rental & Leasing Services | Diversified Commercial Services |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- United Rentals is about 11.4 times larger than GATX by market value ($65.36B vs $5.75B).
- URI has outperformed GATX by 12.0 percentage points over the past year.
- United Rentals trades at a higher earnings multiple (25.3x vs 16.1x trailing P/E).
- The two companies sit in different sectors: GATX in Industrials and United Rentals in Consumer Discretionary.
About GATX
GATX stock →GATX Corporation, together its subsidiaries, operates as railcar leasing company in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and India. It operates through three segments: Rail North America, Rail International, and Engine Leasing.
Industrials · Rental & Leasing Services · 2,371 employees
About United Rentals
URI stock →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.
Consumer Discretionary · Diversified Commercial Services · 28,500 employees
GATX vs URI FAQ
Which is bigger, GATX or United Rentals?
United Rentals (URI) is larger, with a market capitalization of $65.36B compared with $5.75B for GATX (GATX).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, GATX or URI?
URI returned +5.61% over the past 12 months, compared with -6.43% for GATX (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, GATX or URI?
GATX has the lower trailing P/E at 16.1, versus 25.3 for URI. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, GATX or United Rentals?
GATX has the higher yield at 1.56%, compared with 0.72% for United Rentals.
Are GATX and United Rentals in the same industry?
No. GATX is in the Industrials sector, while United Rentals is in Consumer Discretionary.