RB Global (RBA) just wrapped up Q1 2026 earnings season with investors watching its recent run of quarterly numbers, capped by Q4 2025 revenue of US$1.2b and basic EPS of US$0.53 alongside trailing 12 month EPS of US$2.06 on US$4.6b of revenue. Over the last six reported quarters, the company has seen quarterly revenue range from US$981.8m to US$1.2b, while basic EPS has moved between US$0.36 and US$0.59. This gives investors a clear view of how the earnings engine has been tracking into the latest print. With trailing net profit margins at 8.3% and a long record of earnings expansion, the focus now is on whether profitability can hold or improve from here.

See our full analysis for RB Global.

With the headline numbers on the table, the next step is to see how this earnings profile lines up against the widely shared narratives about RB Global, and where the story investors tell themselves might need an update.

Five year EPS growth at 16.9% vs latest 2.5%

• Over the last five years, earnings grew 16.9% per year, while the most recent trailing 12 month earnings growth is 2.5%, so the current pace sits well below the longer term trend.
• What stands out for the bullish view is that this slower 2.5% earnings growth is being weighed against bullish expectations for earnings to reach US$944.2 million and EPS of US$5.09 by around 2029, even though trailing EPS is US$2.06 on US$4.6b of revenue and net margins are 8.3%.
  • Bullish analysts point to revenue growth assumptions of 10.3% a year and margin expansion from 8.3% to 15.3%, yet the latest margin figure of 8.3% and modest recent earnings growth show the business is currently much closer to the starting point of that range than the end state.
  • This gap between a 2.5% trailing earnings growth rate and double digit bullish assumptions is where you, as a shareholder, need to decide how comfortable you are with the difference between what has happened and what those forecasts are implying.

Bulls argue this earnings base could still support much higher profits if volume, margins, and digitization all play out as expected, and they map that into a detailed upside scenario in the 🐂 RB Global Bull Case.

8.3% margin edges down while bears focus on disruption

• Net profit margin sits at 8.3% on the latest trailing 12 month numbers, slightly below the 8.7% level a year earlier, even as trailing revenue growth is 8.8% per year.
• Bears highlight that this 8.3% margin leaves the company exposed if digital only rivals pressure fees or if demand for traditional equipment softens, and they contrast that with bearish forecasts that still assume margins could rise to 15.2% alongside earnings of US$930.8 million by around 2029.
  • The cautious narrative calls out threats from purely digital auction platforms and peer to peer marketplaces, yet current trailing revenue of US$4.6b and earnings of US$382.2 million show the existing model is still generating sizeable profit, just not expanding margins over the last year.
  • At the same time, the bearish case leans on industry shifts like decarbonization and automation reducing traditional equipment turnover, which would matter more if the 8.3% margin and 2.5% recent earnings growth were to compress further rather than hold around current levels.

Skeptics warn that if digital competitors and changing equipment demand start to bite harder, the current 8.3% margin could be difficult to sustain, and they unpack those downside risks in the 🐻 RB Global Bear Case.

P/E of 51.9x vs 127.73 target and DCF fair value

• The stock trades on a P/E of 51.9x, well above the 32x peer average and 21.5x US Commercial Services industry level, while the DCF fair value in the data is US$204.25 compared with a current share price of US$106.53 and an analyst price target of US$127.73.
• Consensus narrative suggests that technology investment, global expansion and higher margin services could justify paying up for the stock, but the tension is clear when you compare a 51.9x P/E and 8.8% trailing revenue growth with a DCF fair value almost twice the current price and analyst expectations that earnings could reach US$913.2 million with margins rising to 16.1%.
  • On one side, reported earnings are described as high quality and five year earnings growth of 16.9% per year provides a foundation for those consensus growth assumptions of 8.6% annual revenue growth and margin expansion from 8.5% to 16.1%.
  • On the other, the most recent 2.5% earnings growth and 8.3% margin remind you that the business is not yet operating at those targeted profitability levels, which is important context when you see a P/E multiple that is higher than peers and the broader industry.

Next Steps

To see how these results tie into long-term growth, risks, and valuation, check out the full range of community narratives for RB Global on Simply Wall St. Add the company to your watchlist or portfolio so you'll be alerted when the story evolves.

The mix of bullish forecasts and cautious questions in this article is only a starting point, so use the data to pressure test your own stance and move quickly from headline impressions to your own conclusion by weighing the 3 key rewards.

See What Else Is Out There

RB Global is carrying a P/E of 51.9x against more modest recent earnings growth of 2.5% and an 8.3% net margin, which puts real pressure on the valuation story.

If that rich multiple and modest recent earnings lift make you uneasy, it is worth comparing this profile with stocks on the 51 high quality undervalued stocks to see where earnings power and price are more closely aligned.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.