United Rentals expands use of customer AI tools as companies continue to embrace growing technology Stamford-based equipment rental company United Rentals has launched a new artificial intelligence-powered digital assistant designed to help customers identify equipment for construction and industrial projects. The tool, called Equipment Agent, allows users to describe project needs in plain language and receive recommendations for equipment rentals. The system can also compare equipment types and provide specifications such as capacity, reach, terrain limits, and required accessories. The company said the assistant connects users to product pages on its website where equipment can be reserved. In late December, United Rentals also announced the launch of a Manual Assist AI web application to deliver diagnostics and immediate access to equipment manufacturer manuals to its service teams. The moves come as more companies integrate AI tools directly into their products and services. Earlier this month, Norwalk-based financial data and analytics firm FactSet created a chief AI officer position to oversee the expansion of artificial intelligence across its software platform and client offerings. United Rentals said the Equipment Agent draws on customer inquiries and internal equipment expertise. The company operates more than 1,600 rental locations in North America and serves construction, industrial, and municipal customers. The expansion of AI tools reflects a broader trend in industries adopting technology to enhance efficiency and customer experience. The company emphasized that the AI tools are part of its strategy to meet evolving customer demands and streamline operations.#north_america #united_rentals #equipment_agent #manual_assist #factset
Berkshire Hathaway resumes share buybacks, CEO Greg Abel invests $15 million in company stock Berkshire Hathaway announced on Thursday that it has restarted its share repurchase program for the first time since 2024, with the company beginning to buy back its Class A and Class B shares. Separately, new CEO Greg Abel disclosed that he personally purchased $15 million worth of Berkshire stock, an amount equivalent to his after-tax annual salary. Abel, who took over as CEO in January following the retirement of Warren Buffett, emphasized that he would continue using his full salary to invest in Berkshire shares annually. The company’s policy allows for stock buybacks when the CEO, in consultation with the chairman, Warren Buffett, believes the repurchase price is below the company’s intrinsic value. Abel confirmed he discussed the decision with Buffett, stating that the timing and valuation were key factors in the move. Berkshire’s decision to resume buybacks came amid a challenging year for the company. Shares have declined 3% so far in 2025 and 10% from their record high in May. The stock faced additional pressure earlier this week after the firm reported a nearly 30% drop in fourth-quarter operating earnings, largely due to underperformance in its insurance division. Investors had been calling for the company to deploy its $373.3 billion cash reserves more actively since the last buyback in the second quarter of 2024. The announcement led to a 1% rise in Berkshire B shares during early trading on Thursday. Abel highlighted the importance of transparency with shareholders, noting that the move was intended to signal alignment with investors during the leadership transition.#berkshire_hathaway #factset #warren_buffett #greg_abel #berkshire_b_shares
