BUZZ-Ashtead: takes another bruising after weak United Rentals Q2

** Plant hire co Ashtead extends this week's hefty falls & hits levels last seen late October after weak numbers from major US competitor United Rentals (NYSE: URI - news)

** United Rentals reports Q2 revenue of $1.429 bln vs IBES view $1.45 bln, flags adverse impact from drop in oil & gas activity; lowers 2015 guidance

** Ashtead down 4.3%, taking its decline this week to

** BAML double downgrade hit Ashtead on Wednesday (broker had highlighted weaker commentary from United Rentals)

** Jefferies notes United Rentals' greater energy exposure vs Ashtead, retains Ashtead forecasts, reckons co's US division Sunbelt will continue to gain share whilst peers stumble (RM (LSE: RM.L - news) : tricia.wright1.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net)