BUZZ-United Rentals: Best day in nearly 4 years after strong results

** United Rentals (NYSE: URI - news) top S&P 500 performer in mid-morning trade as co's quarterly report exceeds expectations

** Stock up 15 pct, on track for biggest one-day pct gain since Oct (HKSE: 3366-OL.HK - news) 2012. Hits highest level since Nov, swings back into the green YTD

** World's largest equipment rental co's profits handily beat estimates, citing strength in its core U.S (Other OTC: UBGXF - news) . markets

** Posts Q2 adj EPS of $2.06 on revenue of $1.421 bln; consensus was $1.82 and $1.4 bln

** UBS (LSE: 0QNR.L - news) bumps PT to $73 (from $71), saying main positives were sequential rental rate improvement in May and June, and higher 2016 guidance; maintains "neutral" rating

** Stifel analysts also cite improved confidence in direction of rental rates in U.S., which they say has been key bear concern for both URI and U.K.-based peer Ashtead (Ashtead operates under brand "Sunbelt" in North America)

** Analyst sentiment on URI's stock neutral. 10 rate "hold" or equivalent, 6 rate it a "buy" or higher, 4 "sell" recommendations; median PT $68, up 9 pct from a mth ago

** URI shares last $80.40. Stock up 11 pct YTD, matching the Dow Jones US Industrial Goods & Services index's 11 pct rise