United Rentals, Stamford, CT, reported sales for the second quarter of $1.2 billion, an increase of 21.5 percent compared to the same period a year earlier. The company reported profit of $83 million, compared to a year-ago loss of $52 million.

General rentals sales increased 19.3 percent during the quarter, to $932 million. Trench safety, power and HVAC sales were $77 million, up 20.3 percent.

For the first six months, sales for United Rentals were $2.3 billion, an increase of 40 percent from the same period in 2012. United Rentals reported profit of $104 million for the first half, compared to a year-ago loss of $39 million.