Let’s dig into the relative performance of SiteOne (NYSE:SITE) and its peers as we unravel the now-completed Q4 specialty equipment distributors earnings season.

Historically, specialty equipment distributors have boasted deep selection and expertise in sometimes narrow areas like single-use packaging or unique lighting equipment. Additionally, the industry has evolved to include more automated industrial equipment and machinery over the last decade, driving efficiencies and enabling valuable data collection. Specialty equipment distributors whose offerings keep up with these trends can take share in a still-fragmented market, but like the broader industrials sector, this space is at the whim of economic cycles that impact the capital spending and manufacturing propelling industry volumes.

The 8 specialty equipment distributors stocks we track reported a slower Q4. As a group, revenues missed analysts’ consensus estimates by 0.8% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was in line.

Amidst this news, share prices of the companies have had a rough stretch. On average, they are down 5.4% since the latest earnings results.

SiteOne (NYSE:SITE)

Known for distributing John Deere tractors and LESCO turf care products, SiteOne Landscape Supply (NYSE:SITE) provides landscaping products and services to professionals, including irrigation, lighting, and nursery supplies.

SiteOne reported revenues of $1.01 billion, up 5% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 1.3%. Overall, it was a strong quarter for the company with a solid beat of analysts’ EPS estimates and an impressive beat of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates.

“We were pleased to finish a challenging year in 2024 on a more positive note, achieving 1% Organic Daily Sales growth in the fourth quarter against the headwind of 3% deflation. Throughout the year, we made significant progress on our strategic initiatives and acquisition integrations, which positions us well for positive sales growth, SG&A leverage, and EBITDA margin expansion in 2025,” said Doug Black, SiteOne’s Chairman and CEO.

The stock is down 7.2% since reporting and currently trades at $123.76.

Is now the time to buy SiteOne? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free .

Best Q4: United Rentals (NYSE:URI)

Owning the largest rental fleet in the world, United Rentals (NYSE:URI) provides equipment rental and related services to construction, industrial, and infrastructure industries.

United Rentals reported revenues of $4.10 billion, up 9.8% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 3.9%. The business had a strong quarter with an impressive beat of analysts’ organic revenue and adjusted operating income estimates.