London, Feb 16, 2026, 09:01 GMT — Regular session
- Ashtead slipped roughly 0.6% early in London trading.
- Company locked in March 12 for Sunbelt Rentals Holdings’ Q3 numbers, and repeated that the holding-company transition lands on Feb 27.
- Buybacks are drawing attention again, with FTSE index adjustments also looming before the March 2 launch in New York.
Ashtead Group slipped 0.6% to 5,202 pence as of 0900 GMT, with the equipment rental company announcing its upcoming quarterly results date while it prepares for a U.S. relisting. (Investing)
Timing’s key here. Investors are watching Ashtead’s planned switch to a New York primary listing—and the index reshuffle that’s baked into the process. When a heavyweight like this shifts its listing, index-trackers and those who follow their moves typically ramp up activity.
Ashtead confirmed Sunbelt Rentals Holdings Inc will roll out its third-quarter numbers for the period ended Jan. 31 on March 12, with a webcast set for 12:30 GMT. The group stood by its plan for Sunbelt Rentals Holdings to take over as holding company on Feb. 27, and said shares will debut on the New York Stock Exchange on March 2 under the ticker “SUNB”, while the company maintains a secondary London listing. Ashtead also pointed out a non-material balance-sheet misclassification involving $549.2 million in 1.500% senior notes maturing in August 2026, clarifying this doesn’t affect net assets, profit, or cash flow. (Investegate)
It’s not a hefty number for a company of this scale, but the timing is tricky. Ashtead is busy tidying up its books just as it pivots its main focus toward the U.S. market.
Ashtead disclosed it picked up 83,688 shares for its own treasury on Feb. 13, paying an average 5,203.0065 pence apiece as it continues working through its buyback program, which can reach up to $1.5 billion. The shares won’t be canceled right away. (Investegate)
FTSE Russell said Ashtead Group’s last trading day is set for Feb. 27 under the proposed plan, with removal from the FTSE UK Index Series scheduled when markets open on March 2. The index provider noted that new entrants for fixed indices like the FTSE 100 are usually revealed ahead of time, giving two trading days’ notice.
So there’s more going on here than just the earnings angle. Certain investors are also bracing for liquidity to move between London and New York, and watching for ripple effects on passive flows when the stock exits UK benchmarks.
Still, there’s no guarantee the path will be smooth. Legal or regulatory hurdles could easily push the schedule back, and more tweaks to accounting—even with no effect on profit—could unsettle sentiment, especially now, with investors scrutinizing governance and disclosure before the upcoming listing.
Ashtead’s reputation centers on Sunbelt Rentals, its North American arm, squaring off against United Rentals and Herc Holdings. The March 12 results will serve as a pulse-check for construction and industrial demand, not just a routine look at listing details.
