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~~YEARS~~UNITED INSTATES SECURITIES ~~BUSINESS~~AND ATEXCHANGE ACQUISITION ACQUIRED BUSINESS PRODUCTS GEOGRAPHIC FOCUS DATE DATE ACQUIRED ----------------- -------- ---------------- ----------- ------------- Industrial Hoist Services Pneumatic and electric hoists National 16 January 1997 Aerial Platforms Aerial work platforms AtlantaCOMMISSION Washington, Georgia 15 February 1997 Lone Star Rentals General equipment Gulf Coast 17 March 1997 BAT Rentals General equipment Las Vegas, Nevada 37 April 1997 Sprintank Liquid and specialized storage tanks Gulf Coast 9 July 1997 Equipco Rentals & Sales General equipment Western Virginia 21 July 1997 Genpower Pump and Equipment Pumps Gulf Coast 15 January 1998 Eagle Scaffolding Scaffolding Las Vegas, Nevada 6 January 1998 Grand Hi-Reach Aerial work platforms Grand Rapids, Michigan 14 February 1998 Work Safe Supply Highway safety equipment Michigan 20 February 1998 Dragon Rentals Liquid storage tanks Gulf Coast 7 March 1998 Cormier Equipment Company General equipment East Coast 15 March 1998 Albany Ladder Aerial work platforms Northeast 67 March 1998 Falconite Equipment, IncD. Aerial work platforms and cranes Mid-South and Gulf Coast 44 July 1998 R & R Rentals Cranes Gulf Coast 16 July 1998 Traffic Signing and Marking Highway safety equipment Wisconsin 20 August 1998 Shaughnessy Crane Service, Inc. Aerial work platforms and cranes Northeast 84 September 1998 Rebel Studio Rentals Aerial work platforms California 5 October 1998 Barricade & Light Rental, Inc. Highway safety equipment Arizona 25 March 1999 Mayer-Hammant Pumps and compressors Gulf Coast 30 March 1999 Wellesley Crane Service Cranes Northeast 29 March 1999 Advanced Warnings, Inc. Highway safety equipment Oklahoma 16 April 1999 The Mike Madrid Company Inc., Latshaw Traffic Services, Inc., and Madrid Leasing Corp. Highway safety equipment Indiana 16 April 1999 The Illinois operations of S&R Equipment Co. Aerial work platforms and cranes Mid-South and Gulf Coast 9 May 1999 Elite Rentals Earth-moving equipment Gulf Coast 2 June 1999 Gould & Associates, Inc. Pumps Southeast 11 July 1999 The Plank Company, LP Trench safety equipment Gulf Coast and West Coast 39 August 1999 Interstate Traffic Control, Inc. and Rich-Lite, Inc. Highway safety equipment Southeast 18 August 1999 American Tool Rental Corp. General equipment East Coast 12 August 1999 Management Technology America, Ltd. Management information systems National 14 August 1999 Alternate Construction Controls, Inc. Highway safety equipment Illinois 12 September 1999 L and C ~~Flashing Barricades, Inc~~. ~~Highway safety equipment East Coast 36 September 1999~~20549

YEARS IN BUSINESS AT ACQUISITION ACQUIRED BUSINESS PRODUCTS GEOGRAPHIC FOCUS DATE DATE ACQUIRED ----------------- -------- ---------------- ----------- ------------- Safety Light Sales & Leasing, Inc. of Texas Highway safety equipment Gulf Coast 31 October 1999 Tropical Ladder and Lifts, Inc. General equipment Florida FORM 10 ~~October 1999 ABC Barricade, Inc. General equipment Florida 8 October 1999 Cantel, Inc. Trench safety equipment Northwest 14 November 1999 Tri~~-State Signing, Inc. Highway safety equipment Iowa 11 November 1999 Cassidy & Lee, Inc. Earth-moving equipment Northeast 40 March 2000 Road Light, Inc. and Interstate Sign, Inc. Highway safety equipment East Coast 26 March 2000 Laser Products, Inc. Trench safety equipment Georgia 25 June 2000 St. Clair Equipment Company Aerial work platforms Gulf Coast 40 August 2000K

FISCAL QUARTER HIGH LOW -------------- -------- -------- 1999: First quarter........................................... $12.50 $8.88 Second quarter.......................................... $12.88 $9.06 Third quarter........................................... $12.50 $7.50 Fourth quarter.......................................... $12.13 $5.38 2000: First quarter........................................... $ 7.25 $5.88 Second quarter.......................................... $ 7.25 $5.00 Third quarter........................................... $ 6.00 $4.38 Fourth quarter.......................................... $ 4.88 $1.75

(Mark One)
/x/		ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15() OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002
/ /		TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15() OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition period from to
Commission File Number: 001-14163

~~2000~~National ~~1999~~Equipment ~~1998 1997 1996 ---------- ---------- -------- -------- -------- (IN THOUSANDS) OPERATING DATA FOR FISCAL PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31: Total revenues.............................................. $ 623~~Services,~~836 $ 473,194 $225,248 $ 41,288 $ -- Operating income (loss)~~ Inc.~~.................................... 103,448 95,003 49,937 6,187~~ (~~336)~~Exact ~~Income~~Name ~~(loss)~~of ~~before~~Registrant ~~income~~as ~~taxes~~Specified ~~and~~in ~~extraordinary~~its ~~item.... 19,659 35,536 23,581 1,923 (332~~Charter) BALANCE SHEET DATA AS OF DECEMBER 31: Rental equipment, net....................................... $ 616,212 $ 559,762 $378,254 $ 46,801 $ -- Intangible assets, net...................................... 365,819 383,074 218,959 27,937 -- Total assets................................................ 1,248,936 1,219,614 720,483 131,137 216 Total long term obligations and senior redeemable convertible preferred stock............................... 967,869 952,007 513,836 98,782 -- Total stockholders' equity.................................. 149,432 151,478 136,866 26,473 106

YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, 2000 1999 1998 ------------ ------------ ------------ Rental revenues......................................... 75.4% 72.2% 73.7% New equipment sales..................................... 8.8 8.9 5.9 Rental equipment sales.................................. 4.3 6.2 5.9 Parts sales, service and other revenues................. 11.5 12.7 14.5 ----- ----- ----- Total revenues.......................................... 100.0 100.0 100.0 Cost of revenues........................................ 58.1 55.1 54.4 ----- ----- ----- Gross profit............................................ 41.9 44.9 45.6 Selling, general and administrative expenses............ 20.8 20.8 20.0 Non-rental depreciation and amortization................ 4.5 4.0 3.5 ----- ----- ----- Operating income........................................ 16.6 20.1 22.1 Other income, net....................................... (0.1) (0.1) (0.2) Interest expense, net................................... 13.5 12.7 11.9 ----- ----- ----- Income before income taxes and extraordinary item....... 3.2 7.5 10.4 Income tax expense...................................... 1.4 3.0 4.4 ----- ----- ----- Income before extraordinary item........................ 1.8 4.5 6.0 Extraordinary item...................................... -- -- 0.6 ----- ----- ----- Net income.............................................. 1.8% 4.5% 5.4% ===== ===== =====

Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		36-4087016 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1603 Orrington Avenue, Suite 1600 Evanston, Illinois 60201 (Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (847) 733-1000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, registered on the New York Stock Exchange.
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None.

~~DECEMBER~~ Indicate ~~31,~~by ~~-----------------------~~check ~~2000~~mark ~~1999~~whether ~~----------~~the ~~----------~~registrant: ~~ASSETS~~(1) has ~~Cash~~filed ~~and~~all ~~cash~~reports ~~equivalents.................................~~required $to ~~3,162~~be $filed ~~33,530~~by ~~Accounts~~Section 13 ~~receivable,~~or ~~net~~15(d) of ~~allowance~~the Securities ~~for~~Exchange ~~doubtful~~Act ~~accounts~~ of ~~$5,484~~1934 ~~and~~during ~~$5,425,~~the ~~respectively.............~~preceding 138,459 113,136 Inventory, net............................................ 33,267 37,016 Rental equipment, net..................................... 616,212 559,762 Property and equipment, net............................... 62,784 60,249 Intangible assets, net.................................... 365,819 383,074 Loan origination costs, net............................... 9,109 11,720 Deferred income taxes, net................................ 4,644 4,238 Prepaid expenses and other assets......................... 15,480 16,889 ---------- ---------- Total assets............................................ $1,248,936 $1,219,614 ========== ========== LIABILITIES Cash overdraft............................................ $ 3,237 $ -- Accounts payable.......................................... 38,867 45,764 Accrued interest.......................................... 12~~,544~~ months ~~6,353~~(or ~~Deferred~~for ~~income~~such ~~taxes,~~shorter ~~net................................~~period ~~49,872~~that ~~40,444~~the ~~Accrued~~registrant ~~expenses~~was ~~and~~required ~~other~~to ~~liabilities....................~~file ~~27,115~~such 23,568 Debt...................................................... 872,072 856,710 ---------- ---------- 1,003,707 972,839 ---------- ---------- Senior redeemable convertible preferred stock............. 95,797 95,297 Commitments and contingencies............................. -- -- STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000 shares authorized, 24,170 and 24,123 shares issued, respectively........... 241 241 Additional paid-in capital................................ 123,887 123,606 Retained earnings......................................... 44,468 33,959 Stock subscriptions receivable............................ (102reports) ~~(102) Treasury stock at cost~~, ~~3,019 shares~~ and ~~905 shares, respectively............................................~~ (~~19,062~~2) has ~~(6,226)~~been ~~----------~~subject ~~----------~~to ~~Total~~such ~~stockholders'~~filing requirements ~~equity..............................~~for ~~149,432~~the ~~151,478~~past ~~---------- ---------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity~~90 days.~~.............~~ ý ~~$1,248,936 $1,219,614 ========== ==========~~

~~FOR~~ Indicate by ~~THE~~check ~~YEAR~~mark ~~ENDED~~if ~~DECEMBER~~disclosure 31, --------------------------------- 2000 1999 1998 --------- --------- --------- REVENUES Rental revenues........................................... $470,211 $341,535 $165,902 New equipment sales....................................... 54,810 42,319 26,523 Rental equipment sales.................................... 27,068 29,143 13,365 Parts sales, service and other revenues................... 71,747 60,197 19,458 -------- -------- -------- Total revenues.......................................... 623,836 473,194 225,248 -------- -------- -------- COST OF REVENUES Rental equipment depreciation............................. 91,568 65,098 29,422 Cost of ~~new~~delinquent ~~equipment~~filers ~~sales...............................~~pursuant ~~41,439~~to ~~32,105~~Item 405 ~~20,276 Cost~~ of ~~rental equipment sales............................ 17,221 19,221 8,462 Other operating expenses.................................. 212,430 144,376 64,295~~ Regulation S-~~-------~~K ~~--------~~is ~~--------~~not ~~Total~~contained ~~cost of revenues.................................. 362~~herein,~~658~~ ~~260,800 122,455 -------- -------- -------- Gross profit................................................ 261,178 212,394 102,793 Selling, general~~ and ~~administrative~~will ~~expenses................~~not ~~129,686~~be 98contained,~~530~~ ~~45,001~~to ~~Non-rental~~the depreciation and amortization.................... 28,044 18,861 7,855 -------- -------- -------- Operating income............................................ 103,448 95,003 49,937 Other income, net........................................... (393) (689) (389) Interest expense, net....................................... 84,182 60,156 26,745 -------- -------- -------- Income before income taxes and extraordinary item........... 19,659 35,536 23,581 Income tax expense.......................................... 8,650 14,443 9,904 -------- -------- -------- Income before extraordinary item............................ 11,009 21,093 13,677 Extraordinary item--extinguishment best of ~~debt,~~the ~~net~~registrant's ~~of taxes.... -- -- 1~~knowledge,~~424~~ ~~--------~~in ~~--------~~definitive ~~--------~~proxy ~~Net~~or ~~income..................................................~~information $statements ~~11,009~~incorporated $by ~~21,093~~reference $in ~~12,253~~Part III ======== ======== ======== Basic earnings per common share: Earnings before extraordinary item........................ $ 0.50 $ 0.89 $ 0.73 Extraordinary item........................................ -- -- 0.07 -------- -------- -------- Net earnings............................................ $ 0.50 $ 0.89 $ 0.66 ======== ======== ======== Average number of ~~common~~this shares used in basic calculation... 21,221 23,327 18,625 Diluted earnings per common share: Earnings before extraordinary item........................ $ 0.36 $ 0.72 $ 0.68 Extraordinary item........................................ Form 10--K --or ~~0.07~~any ~~--------~~amendment ~~--------~~to this Form 10-~~------- Net earnings~~K.~~...........................................~~ o ~~$ 0.36 $ 0.72 $ 0.61 ======== ======== ======== Average number of common shares used in diluted calculation............................................... 29,368 29,495 20,311~~

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, --------------------------------- 2000 1999 1998 --------- --------- --------- OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income................................................ $ 11,009 $ 21,093 $ 12,253 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided Indicate by ~~operating~~check ~~activities:~~mark ~~Depreciation~~whether ~~and~~the ~~amortization.........................~~registrant ~~122,553~~is ~~82,434~~an ~~42,671~~accelerated ~~Gain~~filer ~~on sale of equipment.............................~~ (~~9,754)~~as ~~(9,868)~~defined (4,967) Extraordinary loss on extinguishment of long-term debt................................................ -- -- 1,424 Deferred income taxes................................. 9,022 14,443 6,985 Bad debt provision.................................... 51 2,835 2,336 Changes in ~~operating~~Exchange ~~assets~~Act and liabilities, net of acquisitions: Accounts receivable............................... (23,565) (28,618) (15,052) Inventory......................................... 4,744 (10,297) (5,230) Prepaid expenses and other assets................. (4,362) (7,446) (16,788) Accounts payable.................................. (7,022) 5,397 921 Accrued expenses and other liabilities............ 9,079 240 3,253 Rule 12b--------- --------- --------- Net cash provided by operating activities......... 111,755 70,213 27,806 --------- --------- --------- INVESTING ACTIVITIES Acquisitions, net of cash received........................ (14,307) (278,411) (401,445) Cash received in connection with business combination..... 18,000 -- -- Purchases of rental equipment............................. (159,985) (196,801) (144,656) Proceeds from sale of rental equipment.................... 27,068 29,143 13,365 Purchases of property and equipment....................... (20,682) (24,448) (14,346) Proceeds from sale of property and equipment.............. 2~~,244 1,800 3,682 --------- --------- --------- Net cash used in investing activities............. (147,662~~) ~~(468,717) (543,400) --------- --------- --------- FINANCING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from long-term debt~~.~~.............................~~ o 106,000 530,359 572,295 Payments on long-term debt................................ (90,638) (184,410) (178,213) Cash overdraft............................................ 3,237 -- 6,331 Net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock............. -- 95,000 -- Net proceeds from sales of common stock................... -- 42 90,404 Repurchase of treasury stock.............................. (12,836) (6,226) -- Payments of loan origination costs........................ (224) (3,075) (10,561) --------- --------- --------- Net cash provided by financing activities......... 5,539 431,690 480,256 --------- --------- --------- Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents........ (30,368) 33,186 (35,338) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period............ 33,530 344 35,682 --------- --------- --------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.................. $ 3,162 $ 33,530 $ 344 ========= ========= ========= SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION Cash paid for interest.................................... $ 76,785 $ 54,295 $ 24,638 Cash paid for income taxes................................ 1,058 1,714 1,001

COMMON STOCK --------------------------------------------------------------- ADDITIONAL COMMON CLASS A CLASS B PAID-IN RETAINED STOCK SHARES SHARES CAPITAL EARNINGS ------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ---------- -------- Balance at December 31, 1997........................ -- $ -- 25 $ 1 90 $ 1 $ 25,663 $ 910 Issuance (cancellation) As of ~~common stock................ 24~~April 9,~~122~~ ~~241 (25) (1) (90) (1) 97~~2003,~~901~~ --the ~~Net~~aggregate ~~income....................~~market --value ~~-- -- -- -- -- -- 12,253 ------ ---- ------ ---- ------ ---- -------- ------- Balance at December 31, 1998........................ 24,122 241 -- -- -- -- 123,564 13,163 Issuance~~ of ~~common~~the ~~stock......~~voting ~~1 -- -- -- -- -- 42 -- Accretion of preferred~~ stock~~.......................~~ --held --by non--affiliates ~~-- -- -- -- (297) Repurchase~~ of ~~treasury~~National ~~shares,~~Equipment ~~905 shares.................. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Net income.................... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 21~~Services,~~093 ------ ---- ------ ---- ------ ---- -------- ------- Balance at December 31, 1999~~ Inc.~~.......................~~ ~~24,123~~was ~~241~~approximately -- -- -- -- 123,606 33,959 Issuance of common stock...... 47 -- -- -- -- -- 281 -- Accretion of preferred stock....................... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- (500) Repurchase of treasury shares, 2,114 shares................ -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Net income.................... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 11,009 ------ ---- ------ ---- ------ ---- -------- ------- Balance at December 31, 2000........................ 24,170 $~~241 -- $ -- -- $ -- $123~~871,887 $44,468 ====== ==== ====== ==== ====== ==== ======== ======= STOCK SUBSCRIP- TOTAL TIONS TREASURY STOCKHOLDERS' RECEIVABLE STOCK EQUITY ---------- -------- ------------- Balance at December 31, 1997071.~~.......................~~ $(102) $ -- $ 26,473 Issuance (cancellation) of common stock................ -- -- 98,140 Net income.................... -- -- 12,253 ----- -------- -------- Balance at December 31, 1998........................ (102) -- 136,866 Issuance of common stock...... -- -- 42 Accretion of preferred stock....................... -- -- (297) Repurchase of treasury shares, 905 shares.................. -- (6,226) (6,226) Net income.................... -- -- 21,093 ----- -------- -------- Balance at December 31, 1999........................ (102) (6,226) 151,478 Issuance of common stock...... -- -- 281 Accretion of preferred stock....................... -- -- (500) Repurchase of treasury shares, 2,114 shares................ -- (12,836) (12,836) Net income.................... -- -- 11,009 ----- -------- -------- Balance at December 31, 2000........................ $(102) $(19,062) $149,432 ===== ======== ========

~~2000~~ As of ~~1999 1998 -------- -------- -------- Net income............................................. $11~~April 9,~~009~~ ~~$21~~2003,~~093~~ ~~$12,253~~there ~~Less~~were accretion on preferred stock...................... (500) (297) -- ------- ------- ------- Basic income available to common stockholders.......... $10,509 $20,796 $12,253 Plus interest on the Shaughnessy 8% convertible junior subordinated promissory note (the "Convertible Note"), net of tax................................... -- 348 202 ------- ------- ------- Diluted income available to common stockholders........ $10,509 $21,~~144 $12~~151,~~455 ======= ======= ======= Basic weighted average~~ 163 shares~~..........................~~ ~~21,221~~of ~~23,327~~Common ~~18,625~~Stock ~~Effect~~ of ~~dilutive~~National ~~securities~~Equipment ~~Unvested stock....................................... 455 715 1~~Services,~~147 Convertible Note~~ Inc.~~.................................... -- 859 539 Convertible preferred stock.......................... 7~~,~~692~~ ~~4,594~~par --value ~~------- ------- ------- Diluted weighted average shares........................ 29,368 29,495 20,311 ------- ------- ------- Basic earnings per share...............................~~ $ 0.5001 ~~$ 0.89 $ 0.66 Diluted earnings~~ per share~~.............................~~, 0outstanding.36 ~~0.72 0.61~~

~~PURCHASE~~Documents ~~ACQUISITION~~Incorporated ~~DATE~~by COMPANY LOCATION PRICE ---------------- ------- -------- -------- March 7, 2000 Cassidy & Lee, Inc. Canton, MA $9,200 March 7, 2000 Road Light, Inc. and Interstate Sign, Inc. Providence, RI 2,000 June 21, 2000 Laser Products, Inc. Atlanta, GA 2,000 August 31, 2000 St. Clair Equipment Company Houston, TX 2,300Reference:

~~2000~~ Part III ~~1999~~incorporates ~~-----------~~by ~~-----------~~reference ~~(UNAUDITED)~~certain ~~(UNAUDITED)~~information ~~Revenues..............................................~~to ~~$625,429~~be ~~$568,258~~included ~~Operating~~in ~~income......................................~~Registrant's ~~104,611~~Proxy ~~110,778~~Statement ~~Net~~relating ~~income............................................~~to ~~9,771~~its ~~14,199~~2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

~~2000~~Index ~~1999~~to ~~----------- ----------- (UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED) Pro forma net earnings per share~~Exhibits: Basic............................................... $ 0.44 $ 0.65 Diluted............................................. 0.32 0.47 Pro forma weighted average shares outstanding: Basic............................................... 21,221 20,961 Diluted............................................. 29,368 29,368

~~2000~~ Located ~~1999~~on ~~--------~~pages 52 ~~--------~~through ~~New~~56 ~~equipment.............................................~~of ~~$11,812~~this ~~$16,703 Used equipment~~report.~~...........................................~~ 4,801 3,503 Contractor supplies....................................... 4,910 8,577 Parts..................................................... 13,860 10,491 Reserves for excess and obsolete inventory................ (2,116) (2,258) ------- ------- $33,267 $37,016 ======= =======

~~2000~~ ~~1999~~ -------- -------- Land.................................................... $ 3,397 $ 4,449 Buildings and improvements.............................. 10,658 9,983 Vehicles................................................ 46,530 37,830 Machinery and equipment................................. 10,854 7,125 Computers, furniture and fixtures....................... 12,306 9,142 Leasehold improvements.................................. 6,597 5,155 Accumulated depreciation................................ (27,558) (13,435) -------- -------- $ 62,784 $ 60,249 ======== ======== PART I

~~2000~~ ~~1999 -------- -------- Goodwill~~ ITEM 1................................................ $382,742 $388,462 Non-compete agreements.................................. 8,873 8,690 Accumulated amortization................................ (25,796) (14,078) -------- -------- $365,819 $383,074 ======== ======== BUSINESS

2000 1999 -------- -------- Accrued salaries and benefits............................. $10,045 $ 7,695 Accrued taxes............................................. 4,856 4,423 Liabilities to former owners of acquired businesses....... 1,424 4,002 Other..................................................... 10,790 7,448 ------- ------- $27,115 $23,568 ======= =======General

~~2000~~ National ~~1999~~Equipment ~~--------~~Services, Inc. ~~--------~~(the ~~Revolving~~"Company") ~~credit~~is ~~facility~~a ~~loan,~~leading ~~interest~~participant atin the ~~federal~~highly ~~funds~~fragmented ~~rate~~$25 billion ~~plus~~equipment 0rental industry.~~5%,~~ orThrough its ~~prime~~42 ~~rate~~businesses ~~plus~~acquired 1%since January 1997, or the ~~eurodollar~~Company ~~rate~~rents ~~plus~~general ~~2.25%,~~and ~~due~~specialty noequipment ~~later~~to ~~than~~industrial ~~July~~and ~~17,~~construction ~~2003~~end users.~~........................................~~ ~~$497,000~~The ~~$479,000~~Company ~~Term~~rents ~~loan,~~over ~~interest~~750 atdifferent ~~the~~types ~~federal~~of machinery ~~funds~~and ~~rate~~equipment ~~plus~~and ~~0.5%,~~distributes ornew ~~prime~~equipment ~~rate~~for ~~plus~~nationally ~~1%,~~recognized ororiginal ~~the~~equipment ~~eurodollar rate plus 2~~manufacturers.~~25%,~~ ~~due~~The noCompany ~~later~~also ~~than~~sells ~~July~~used ~~17,~~equipment ~~2003................~~as ~~100,000~~well ~~100,000~~as ~~Senior~~complementary ~~Subordinated Notes~~parts, ~~Series~~supplies Band merchandise and D,provides ~~interest~~repair atand ~~10%~~maintenance ~~payable~~services ~~semi-annually~~to onits ~~May~~customers. 30The ~~and~~Company ~~November~~is 30geographically diversified, ~~due~~with nomore ~~later~~ than ~~November~~180 ~~30,~~locations ~~2004...................~~and ~~271,861~~is ~~271,066~~a ~~Capital~~leading ~~lease~~competitor ~~obligations...............................~~in ~~3,211~~each ~~6,644~~of ~~--------~~the ~~--------~~geographic markets ~~$872,072~~it ~~$856,710~~serves. ~~======== ========~~

~~WEIGHTED-AVERAGE~~ Management believes ~~NUMBER~~the OFCompany ~~EXERCISE~~offers ~~PRICE~~one ~~EXERCISE~~of ~~PRICE~~the ~~PER~~most ~~SHARES~~modern ~~PER~~and ~~SHARE~~well-maintained ~~SHARE~~fleets ~~---------~~of ~~---------------~~general ~~------------------~~and ~~SHARES~~specialty ~~UNDER~~equipment ~~OPTION:~~in ~~Granted........................~~each ~~909~~of $its 13markets.50 ~~$13.50~~The ~~-----~~average ~~---------------~~age ~~------~~of ~~December~~the Company's ~~31,~~equipment ~~1998..................~~fleet ~~909~~is $approximately ~~13.50~~four ~~$13~~years.50 ~~Granted........................~~General ~~1,095~~industrial ~~$8.81~~and toconstruction ~~$13.50~~equipment $includes ~~9.85~~aerial ~~-----~~work ~~---------------~~platforms, ~~------~~air ~~December 31~~compressors, ~~1999.................. 2~~cranes,~~004~~ ~~$8.81~~earth-moving toequipment ~~$13.50~~and ~~$11.78~~rough ~~Granted~~terrain forklifts.~~.......................~~ ~~593~~Specialty ~~$2.25~~equipment toincludes $electric ~~6.00~~and $pneumatic ~~5.97~~hoists, ~~Forfeited......................~~hydraulic ~~(148)~~and ~~$6.00 to $13.50 $12.11~~ truck-~~----~~mounted ~~---------------~~cranes, ~~------~~liquid ~~December~~storage 31tanks, ~~2000..................~~pumps ~~2,449~~and ~~$2.25~~highway tosafety ~~$13~~equipment.50 ~~$10.35 ===== =============== ======~~

~~2000~~ The Company ~~1999~~is ~~1998~~led ~~--------~~by ~~--------~~an ~~--------~~experienced ~~Net~~management ~~income~~team. The professionals who manage the Company's local operations average more than 15 years of experience in the equipment rental industry and have extensive knowledge of and relationships in their local markets. The Company also benefits from the financial expertise of GTCR Golder Rauner and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., established investment firms.~~...................................~~ $Golder, 9Thoma,~~924~~ ~~$20~~Cressey,~~776~~ ~~$11~~Rauner Fund V,~~687~~ L.P., ~~Basic~~an ~~earnings~~affiliate ~~per~~of ~~share~~GTCR Golder Rauner, and The 1818 Fund III, L.P.~~.......................~~, ~~0.44~~an ~~0.88~~affiliate 0of Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.63, ~~Diluted~~are ~~earnings~~the ~~per~~Company's ~~share.......................~~principal ~~0.32~~equity 0investors.71 ~~0.58~~

~~2000~~Recent 1999 1998 -------- -------- -------- Risk-free interest rate........................... 6.00% 6.02% 5.47% Expected life..................................... 5 years 5 years 5 years Expected volatility............................... 70% 33% 33% Expected dividend yield........................... 0 0 0Events

~~2000~~ The ~~1999~~Company's ~~1998~~financial ~~--------~~performance ~~--------~~has ~~--------~~been ~~Federal~~negatively ~~income~~affected ~~taxes~~over atthe ~~35%........................~~last ~~$6,881~~two ~~$12,438~~years ~~$8,253~~due ~~State~~to ~~income~~lower ~~taxes~~activity levels in the economy, ~~net~~decreasing ofrental ~~federal~~rates ~~benefit~~and higher operating costs. The resulting decrease in earnings combined with existing cash needs for working capital significantly affected the Company's cash flows from operations in 2002.~~.......~~ ~~775~~In ~~708~~response 1to this environment,~~053~~ ~~Goodwill...........................................~~management 1initiated several actions during 2002 including actions to reduce its operating expenses through personnel reductions and consolidations of branch and support operations,~~000~~ as ~~980~~well ~~418~~as ~~Other~~asset sales to reduce its debt, including the sale of the Trench Shoring business.~~.............................................~~ ~~(6)~~Although ~~317~~these ~~180~~actions ~~------~~resulted ~~-------~~in ~~------~~reduced ~~$8,650~~debt levels from 2001 to 2002 of approximately $14105.7 million,~~443~~ $9the Company's liquidity is strained. Additionally,~~904~~ ~~======~~a ~~=======~~significant ~~======~~portion of the Company's debt matures in 2003.

~~2000~~ During January, ~~1999~~2003, ~~1998~~the ~~--------~~Company ~~--------~~notified ~~--------~~the ~~Current~~senior ~~income~~bank ~~tax~~lenders ~~expense:~~("Senior ~~Federal..........................................~~Lenders") $under --its $Amended --and $2Restated Credit Agreement dated as of August 6,~~465~~ ~~State............................................~~2003, --as --amended ~~454~~(the "credit ~~------~~facility"), ~~-------~~that ~~------~~it ~~Total~~was ~~current~~in ~~income~~default ~~tax~~under ~~expense~~the credit facility.~~............~~ --As --of 2December 31,~~919~~ ~~------~~2002, ~~-------~~the ~~------~~Company ~~Deferred~~and ~~income~~the ~~tax~~Senior ~~expense:~~Lenders ~~Federal~~entered into Amendment No.~~.........................................~~ 8 7to the credit facility ("Amendment No. 8"),~~875~~ 13which,~~735~~ 6among other things,~~002~~ ~~State~~amended the definition of "Borrowing Base.~~...........................................~~" ~~775~~As ~~708~~of ~~983~~January 23, ~~------~~2003, ~~-------~~the ~~------~~Company ~~Total~~and ~~deferred~~the ~~income~~Senior ~~tax~~Lenders ~~expense............~~entered ~~8,650~~into ~~14,443~~an 6agreement (the "Forbearance Agreement"),~~985~~ ~~------~~pursuant ~~-------~~to ~~------~~which ~~Total~~the ~~income~~Senior ~~tax~~Lenders ~~expense~~agreed to a forbearance period during which they agreed not to exercise certain remedies available to them as a result of the existing defaults under the Company's credit facility.~~....................~~ ~~$8,650~~The ~~$14,443~~initial ~~$9,904~~forbearance ~~======~~period ~~=======~~ended ~~======~~on March 14, 2003.

~~2000~~ As of ~~1999 --------- -------- Allowances for doubtful accounts....................... $ 2~~March 14,~~099~~ ~~$ 2~~2003,~~118~~ ~~Inventory..............................................~~the ~~812~~Company ~~867~~and ~~Minimum~~the ~~tax~~Senior ~~credits....................................~~Lenders ~~1,851~~entered ~~2,652~~into ~~Net~~the ~~operating~~Second ~~losses...................................~~Forbearance ~~69,087~~Agreement ~~35,614~~and ~~Non-compete~~Amendment ~~agreements~~No.~~................................~~ 9 ~~1,414~~to ~~961~~the ~~Accrued~~credit ~~compensation...................................~~facility ~~1,292~~(the ~~873~~"Second ~~Other.................................................. 508 449 --------- -------- Deferred income tax asset.......................... $ 77~~Forbearance Agreement"),~~063~~ $which ~~43,534~~extended ~~=========~~the ~~========~~forbearance ~~Goodwill~~period.~~..............................................~~ ~~(8,473)~~The ~~(4,509)~~forbearance ~~Depreciation........................................... (113~~period,~~617)~~ ~~(75,116)~~which ~~Other..................................................~~is ~~(201)~~currently ~~(115)~~scheduled ~~---------~~to ~~--------~~end ~~Deferred~~on ~~income tax liability...................... $(122~~May 14,~~291)~~ ~~$(79,740) ========= ========~~

2000 ---------------------------------------------------- 1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER ANNUAL -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Revenues.................. $134,298 $158,712 $167,513 $163,313 $623,836 Gross Profit.............. 53,335 67,965 72,605 67,273 261,178 Net income................ (1~~,821) 5,836 5,761 1,233 11,009 Basic earnings per common share................... $ (0.09) $ 0.27 $ 0.27 $ 0.05 $ 0.50 Diluted earnings per common share............ (0.09) 0.20 0.20 0.04 0.36~~

~~1999~~ 2003, ~~----------------------------------------------------~~will ~~1ST~~end ~~2ND~~sooner ~~3RD~~upon ~~4TH~~the ~~QUARTER~~occurrence ~~QUARTER~~of ~~QUARTER~~certain ~~QUARTER~~events, ~~ANNUAL~~such ~~--------~~as ~~--------~~an ~~--------~~event ~~--------~~of ~~--------~~default ~~Revenues..................~~under $the ~~87,532~~credit ~~$109,843~~facility ~~$132,104~~(other ~~$143,715~~than ~~$473~~an Acknowledged Event of Default (as defined)),~~194~~ ~~Gross~~or ~~profit~~in the event the Company fails to complete certain actions leading to a financial restructuring.~~.............~~ ~~35,238~~Under ~~47,864~~the ~~62,146~~terms ~~67,146~~of ~~212~~the Second Forbearance Agreement,~~394~~ ~~Net~~the ~~income~~likelihood is remote that the Company would be able access any additional funds from its credit. The Company is currently in discussions with its Senior Lenders about the possible terms of a financial restructuring. The Company is also in discussions with an Ad Hoc Committee representing holders ("Noteholders") of the Company's outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes due 2004.~~.............~~ ~~788~~The ~~5,955~~significant ~~9,227~~terms 5and conditions of a financial restructuring being negotiated include negotiations about: extension of debt maturities and repayment schedules,~~123~~ 21debt forgiveness,~~093~~ ~~Basic~~conversion ~~earnings~~of ~~per~~debt ~~common~~to ~~share...................~~equity $or ~~0.03~~other equity-like $instruments, ~~0.25~~additional $equity ~~0.39~~investments, $further ~~0.22~~asset $sales, ~~0.89~~interest ~~Diluted~~rates ~~earnings~~and ~~per~~other ~~common~~yield ~~share............~~matters, ~~0.03~~as ~~0.22~~well ~~0.29~~as ~~0.16~~the 0covenants associated with the renegotiated capital instruments.72

~~COLUMN~~ The next Ascheduled ~~COLUMN~~interest Bpayment ~~COLUMN~~due Con ~~COLUMN~~the DSenior ~~COLUMN~~Subordinated ENotes ~~--------~~is ~~----------~~on ~~---------------------------~~May 31, ~~----------~~2003. ~~-----------~~Under ~~ADDITIONS~~the ~~---------------------------~~credit ~~(1)~~facility, ~~(2)~~the ~~BALANCE~~Senior ATLenders ~~CHARGED~~have TOthe ~~CHARGED~~ability TOto ~~BEGINNING~~issue ~~COST~~a ~~AND~~notice ~~OTHER~~to the ~~ACCOUNTS~~Company ~~BALANCE~~preventing ATthe ~~DESCRIPTION~~Company OFfrom ~~YEAR~~paying ~~EXPENSES~~such --DESCRIBE*interest ~~WRITE-OFFS~~if ~~END~~the OFCompany ~~YEAR~~is ~~-----------~~in ~~----------~~default ~~----------~~under ~~--------------~~the ~~----------~~credit ~~-----------~~facility. ~~2000:~~The ~~Allowance~~failure ~~for~~by ~~doubtful~~the ~~accounts........~~Company ~~$5,425~~to ~~$4,541~~pay ~~$161~~interest ~~$4,643~~on ~~$5,484~~the ~~Reserve~~Senior ~~for~~Subordinated ~~obsolete~~Notes ~~inventory.........~~when due 2which,~~258~~ ~~906~~if ~~675~~not ~~1,723~~cured 2within 30 days,~~116~~ ~~1999:~~would ~~Allowance~~be ~~for~~an ~~doubtful~~event ~~accounts~~of default under the Senior Subordinated Notes.~~.......~~ ~~2,590~~In ~~2,866~~the ~~398~~event ~~429~~the ~~5,425~~Company ~~Reserve~~is ~~for~~unable ~~obsolete~~to ~~inventory.........~~reach ~~1,161~~agreement ~~975~~with ~~308~~the ~~186~~Senior 2Lenders and Noteholders on acceptable terms and conditions,~~258~~ ~~1998:~~the ~~Allowance~~Company ~~for~~would ~~doubtful~~be ~~accounts........~~forced ~~254~~to ~~1,940~~seek ~~829~~to ~~433~~reorganize ~~2,590~~its ~~Reserve~~business ~~for~~under ~~obsolete~~Chapter ~~inventory.........~~11 ~~490~~of ~~619~~the ~~313~~U.S. ~~261~~bankruptcy ~~1,161~~laws.

~~SIGNATURE~~ While management ~~CAPACITY~~continues ~~---------~~to ~~--------~~execute /the Company's/ ~~KEVIN~~cost P.savings ~~RODGERS~~initiatives ~~President~~and to manage its working capital, ~~Chief~~there ~~Executive~~are ~~Officer~~no ~~and~~assurances ~~-------------------------------------------~~that ~~Director~~these, ~~Kevin~~or P.future, ~~Rodgers~~efforts ~~(Principal~~will ~~Executive~~be ~~Officer)~~successful in /improving the Company's/ ~~DENNIS~~financial Jperformance or liquidity. ~~O'CONNOR~~Management ~~Chief~~is ~~Financial~~also ~~Officer~~unable ~~(Principal~~to ~~Financial~~predict ~~-------------------------------------------~~the ~~Officer~~timing ~~and~~or ~~Principal~~outcome ~~Accounting~~of ~~Officer)~~the ~~Dennis~~negotiations Jdiscussed above. ~~O'Connor~~Until ~~/s/~~such ~~CARL~~time D.as ~~THOMA~~the ~~Chairman~~negotiations ofare completed or the ~~Board~~Company ~~-------------------------------------------~~seeks ~~Carl~~to D.reorganize ~~Thoma~~its ~~/s/~~business ~~WILLIAM~~under CChapter 11 of the U.S. ~~KESSINGER~~bankruptcy ~~Director~~laws, ~~-------------------------------------------~~which ~~William~~could C.happen ~~Kessinger~~as ~~/s/~~soon ~~JOHN~~as L.the ~~GROVE~~second ~~Director~~quarter, ~~-------------------------------------------~~it ~~John~~is L.not ~~Grove~~possible /to estimate the effect on the Company's/ ~~RONALD~~recorded STvalues of its assets and liabilities. ~~CLAIR~~There ~~Director~~is ~~-------------------------------------------~~a ~~Ronald~~high Stlikelihood these adjustments will be material to the financial statements, but no adjustments have been made as of December 31, 2002 due to the uncertainty associated with future events and resulting accounting consequences. ~~Clair~~The /deterioration of the Company's/ ~~LAWRENCE~~financial C.performance ~~TUCKER~~and ~~Director~~resulting ~~-------------------------------------------~~defaults under ~~Lawrence~~the Ccredit facility also raise substantial doubt about the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern. ~~Tucker~~

~~EXHIBIT~~Acquired NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT REFERENCE ------ ----------------------- --------- 3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company. (1) 3.2 Restated By-laws of the Company. (1) 4.1(i) Indenture dated November 25, 1997, by and among the Company, the subsidiary guarantors named therein and Harris Savings and Trust Company, as trustee. (2) 4.1(ii) Supplemental Indenture dated April 1, 1998, by and among NES East Acquisition Corp.; NES Michigan Acquisition Corp.; Albany Ladder Company, Inc. and Harris Savings and Trust Company, as trustee. (2) 4.1(iii) Supplemental Indenture dated July 23, 1998, by and among Falconite, Inc.; Carl's Mid South Rent-All Center Incorporated; Falconite Aviation, Inc.; Falconite Equipment, Inc.; Falconite Rebuild Center, Inc.; McCurry & Falconite Equipment Co., Inc.; M&M Properties, Inc. and Harris Savings and Trust Company, as trustee. (2) 4.1(iv) Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 9, 1999, by and between Barricade & Light Rental, Inc.; Mayer-Hammant Equipment, L.L.C.; Wellesley Crane Service Co., Inc. and Harris Savings and Trust Company, as trustee. (7) 4.2 Forms of Series B 10% Senior Subordinated Notes (contained in Exhibit 4.1(i) as Exhibit A thereto). (2) 4.3 Form of Subsidiary Guarantee relating to Series B Senior Subordinated Notes (contained in Exhibit 4.1[I] as Exhibit D thereto). (2) 4.4 Registration Rights Agreement dated as of November 25, 1997, among the Company; Aerial Platforms, Inc.; NES Acquisition Corp.; BAT Acquisition Corp.; MST Enterprises, Inc. and the initial purchasers named therein. (2) 4.5 Purchase Agreement dated as of November 20, 1997, among the Company; Aerial Platforms, Inc.; NES Acquisition Corp.; BAT Acquisition Corp.; MST Enterprises, Inc. and the initial purchasers named therein. (2) 4.6(i) Credit Agreement dated as of July 17, 1998, by and among the Company, as Borrower, NES Acquisition Corp.; BAT Acquisition Corp.; NES East Acquisition Corp.; NES Michigan Acquisition Corp.; Albany Ladder Company, Inc.; Falconite, Inc.; Falconite Equipment, Inc.; M&M Properties, Inc.; Carl's Mid South Rent-All Center Incorporated; Falconite Rebuild Center, Inc.; Falconite Aviation, Inc. and McCurry & Falconite Equipment Co., Inc., as Guarantors, certain financial institutions, as Lenders, and First Union National Bank, as Lender and Agent. (2) 4.6(ii) Syndication Amendment and Assignment dated as of August 7, 1998, by and among the Company, as Borrower, NES Acquisition Corp.; BAT Acquisition Corp.; NES East Acquisition Corp.; NES Michigan Acquisition Corp.; Albany Ladder Company, Inc.; Falconite, Inc.; Falconite Equipment, Inc., M&M Properties, Inc.; Carl's Mid South Rent-All Center Incorporated; Falconite Rebuild Center, Inc.; Falconite Aviation, Inc. and McCurry & Falconite Equipment Co., Inc., as Guarantors, certain financial institutions, as Lenders, and First Union National Bank, as Lender and Agent. (2)Businesses

Acquired Business	Products	Geographic Focus	Years in Business at Acquisition Date	Date Acquired
Industrial Hoist Services	Pneumatic and electric hoists	National	16	January 1997
Aerial Platforms	Aerial work platforms	Atlanta, Georgia	15	February 1997
Lone Star Rentals	General equipment	Gulf Coast	17	March 1997
BAT Rentals	General equipment	Las Vegas, Nevada	37	April 1997
Sprintank	Liquid and specialized storage tanks	Gulf Coast	9	July 1997
Equipco Rentals & Sales	General equipment	Western Virginia	21	July 1997
Genpower Pump and Equipment	Pumps	Gulf Coast	15	January 1998
Eagle Scaffolding	Scaffolding	Las Vegas, Nevada	6	January 1998
Grand Hi-Reach	Aerial work platforms	Grand Rapids, Michigan	14	February 1998
Work Safe Supply	Highway safety equipment	Michigan	20	February 1998

Dragon Rentals	Liquid storage tanks	Gulf Coast	7	March 1998
Cormier Equipment Company	General equipment	East Coast	15	March 1998
Albany Ladder	Aerial work platforms	Northeast	67	March 1998
Falconite Equipment, Inc.	Aerial work platforms and cranes	Mid-South and Gulf Coast	44	July 1998
R & R Rentals	Cranes	Gulf Coast	16	July 1998
Traffic Signing and Marking	Highway safety equipment	Wisconsin	20	August 1998
Shaughnessy Crane Service, Inc.	Aerial work platforms and cranes	Northeast	84	September 1998
Rebel Studio Rentals	Aerial work platforms	California	5	October 1998
Barricade & Light Rental, Inc.	Highway safety equipment	Arizona	25	March 1999
Mayer-Hammant	Pumps and compressors	Gulf Coast	30	March 1999
Wellesley Crane Service	Cranes	Northeast	29	March 1999
Advanced Warnings, Inc.	Highway safety equipment	Oklahoma	16	April 1999
The Mike Madrid Company Inc., Latshaw Traffic Services, Inc., and Madrid Leasing Corp.	Highway safety equipment	Indiana	16	April 1999
The Illinois operations of S&R Equipment Co.	Aerial work platforms and cranes	Mid-South and Gulf Coast	9	May 1999
Elite Rentals	Earth-moving equipment	Gulf Coast	2	June 1999
Gould & Associates, Inc.	Pumps	Southeast	11	July 1999
The Plank Company, LP	Trench safety equipment	Gulf Coast and West Coast	39	August 1999
Interstate Traffic Control, Inc. and Rich-Lite, Inc.	Highway safety equipment	Southeast	18	August 1999
American Tool Rental Corp.	General equipment	East Coast	12	August 1999
Management Technology America, Ltd.	Management information systems	National	14	August 1999
Alternate Construction Controls, Inc.	Highway safety equipment	Illinois	12	September 1999
L and C Flashing Barricades, Inc.	Highway safety equipment	East Coast	36	September 1999
Safety Light Sales & Leasing, Inc. of Texas	Highway safety equipment	Gulf Coast	31	October 1999
Tropical Ladder and Lifts, Inc.	General equipment	Florida	10	October 1999
ABC Barricade, Inc.	General equipment	Florida	8	October 1999
Cantel, Inc.	Trench safety equipment	Northwest	14	November 1999
Tri-State Signing, Inc.	Highway safety equipment	Iowa	11	November 1999
Cassidy & Lee, Inc.	Earth-moving equipment	Northeast	40	March 2000
Road Light, Inc. and Interstate Sign, Inc.	Highway safety equipment	East Coast	26	March 2000
Laser Products, Inc.	Trench safety equipment	Georgia	25	June 2000
St. Clair Equipment Company	Aerial work platforms	Gulf Coast	40	August 2000
Brambles Equipment Services, Inc.	General equipment	Midwest	12	December 2001

Products and Services

The Company is primarily involved in the business of renting equipment to industrial and construction end users. In addition, to more fully serve its customers and leverage its fixed costs, the Company sells complementary parts, merchandise and rental equipment, acts as a distributor of new equipment on behalf

of original equipment manufacturers and services the equipment it sells. Refer to Note 20 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements of the Company later in this report for financial information about segments.

Equipment Rental and Service. The Company rents a broad selection of general equipment, ranging from large equipment, such as aerial work platforms, air compressors, generators, earth-moving equipment and rough terrain forklifts, to smaller equipment and hand tools. The Company's specialty equipment available for rent includes electric and pneumatic hoists, hydraulic and truck-mounted cranes, liquid storage tanks, pumps and highway safety equipment. The Company is the leading renter of industrial hoists in the United States and the leading renter of portable storage tanks to the chemical and petrochemical industries in the Gulf Coast region. The Company's rental contracts range from one-day rental contracts for small subcontractors to multi-year contracts for certain industrial customers, with an overall average rental period of approximately thirty-five days. The mix of rental equipment at each of the Company's locations is a function of the demands of the local customer base and the focus of that business. At December 31, 2002, the original equipment cost of the Company's rental fleet was in excess of $800 million, and the average age of its rental fleet was approximately four years. The Company also provides repair and maintenance services in connection with the equipment it sells as a complement to its core business.

Sales of New Equipment. The Company sells new equipment to end users from certain original equipment manufacturers including JLG Industries, Genie Industries, OmniQuip, Manitowoc, Gehl, Broderson, Ingersoll-Rand, Miller Electric, SkyJack, Tadano, Avant Garde, Multiquip and Wacker. The Company believes the volume of equipment it buys creates significant purchasing power with suppliers, which generally leads to favorable prices and terms for equipment the Company purchases for its rental fleet and sells as new equipment. The Company's ability to sell new equipment offers flexibility to its customers, and the Company believes this enhances its customer relations.

Sales of Rental Equipment. The Company routinely sells rental equipment to adjust the size and composition of its rental fleet to changing market conditions and as part of its ongoing commitment to maintain a high quality fleet. The Company can receive favorable sales prices for its rental equipment due to its rigorous preventive maintenance program and its practice of selling rental equipment before it becomes irreparable or obsolete. Senior management works with local managers to optimize the timing of sales of rental equipment by taking into account maintenance costs, rental demand patterns and resale prices. The Company sells rental equipment to its existing rental customers, as well as to domestic and international used-equipment buyers.

Sales of Parts and Merchandise. The Company also sells a wide range of parts and merchandise, including saw blades, drill bits, shovels, goggles, hard hats and other safety gear as a complement to its core equipment rental business. The Company believes these sales enable the Company to attract and retain customers by offering the convenience of "one-stop shopping." These revenues are reflected as "Other revenues" in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income.

Customers

Management estimates the Company currently has more than 70,000 active customers, ranging from "Fortune 500" companies to small contractors. During 2002, no single customer accounted for more than 2% of the Company's total revenues, while the top five customers represented less than 5% of total revenues. Customers look to the Company as a comprehensive source of rental equipment because of the convenience of renting as well as the high costs associated with equipment ownership. The Company's primary customer base can be classified into the following categories: 1) industrial, including manufacturers, petrochemical facilities, chemical companies, paper mills and public utilities and 2) commercial and non-residential construction, repair and renovation, including contractors. In addition

to maintaining its historically strong relationship with local customers, the Company services a variety of larger national and multi-regional accounts.

Industrial. The Company's industrial customers, many of whom operate 24 hours per day, use the Company to outsource their equipment requirements, which reduces the capital investment and minimizes the ongoing maintenance, repair and storage costs associated with equipment ownership. In addition, the Company's specialty products, such as hoists and tanks, are tailored to meet the needs of industrial end users. Industrial customers accounted for 26% of the Company's total revenues during 2002.

Construction. The Company's construction customers include "Fortune 500" companies, national and regional contractors and subcontractors involved in construction projects such as 1) chemical plants and other manufacturing facilities, 2) roads, bridges and highways, 3) schools, hospitals and airports and 4) residential developments and apartment buildings. Construction customers accounted for 67% of the Company's total revenues during 2002.

Management Information Systems

The Company has made significant investments in its information systems. These information systems integrate customer and equipment tracking programs that allow the sales force to use the Internet to track customer requirements, while coordinating with inside sales and logistics personnel to ensure customer demands are met on a timely basis. These systems also provide real-time equipment rental data, which allows management to monitor asset utilization, rental rates, repairs and maintenance and inventory levels by region, location, equipment classification and individual rental item.

Operations

The Company's equipment rental yards typically include 1) a customer service center and showroom displaying selected rental equipment, new equipment offered for sale and related merchandise, 2) an equipment service area, and 3) equipment storage facilities. Rental centers are staffed by a variety of personnel, including managers, assistant managers, sales representatives, administrative support, truck drivers, yard personnel and mechanics. The rental center employees' knowledge of the equipment enables them to recommend the best equipment for a customer's particular application.

Sales

The Company offers rental equipment and related services primarily through its sales force of more than 400 employees. The sales force at each rental center is knowledgeable about all of the services and products provided there. Sales managers and representatives regularly call on contractors' job sites and industrial facilities in their sales territories, often assisting customers in planning for their equipment requirements. The Company also provides its sales force with extensive training, including frequent in-house training by supplier representatives, covering the operating features and maintenance requirements of its equipment. Members of the Company's sales force generally are compensated through commissions on all equipment rentals and sales they generate.

Seasonality

The Company's revenues and operating results are expected to fluctuate due to the seasonal nature of the industry in which the Company operates, with rental activity tending to be lower in the winter.

Purchasing and Suppliers

Management believes that the Company's size enables it to purchase equipment directly from manufacturers at favorable prices. The Company has developed strong relationships with many leading original equipment manufacturers, including JLG Industries, Genie Industries, OmniQuip, Manitowoc,

John Deere, Ford, Broderson, Ingersoll-Rand, Miller Electric, SkyJack, Tadano, Komatsu, Multiquip, Wacker and Mitsui. No single supplier accounted for more than 13% of the Company's total purchases during 2002 and management believes there are comparable alternative suppliers for the purchases made from significant suppliers. The Company believes it could readily replace any of its suppliers if necessary.

Competition

The equipment rental industry is highly fragmented and competitive. Numerous competitors serve many of the markets in which the Company operates. These competitors range from national and multi-regional operators, such as United Rentals, Inc., RSC and Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation (an affiliate of Ford Motor Company), to small, independent businesses with a limited number of locations. Management believes that participants in the equipment rental industry compete on the basis of availability and quality of equipment, service, delivery time and price. Geographic territories for competition usually are limited to 50 to 75 miles, due to servicing requirements and equipment transportation costs. In general, management believes that national and multi-regional operators, such as the Company, enjoy substantial competitive advantages over small, independent rental businesses, which do not have the financial resources to maintain the comprehensive rental equipment fleet and high level of maintenance and service that the Company offers.

Employees

At December 31, 2002, the Company had a total of approximately 2,900 employees, approximately 530 of which are represented by unions. Management believes that its relationship with its employees is good. The Company is committed to, and has realized significant benefits from, its formal employee training programs. Management believes that this investment in training and safety awareness programs for employees is a competitive advantage that positions the Company to be responsive to customer needs.

Governmental and Environmental Regulation

The Company's facilities are subject to federal, state and local environmental requirements relating to discharges to air, water and land; the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous waste; and the cleanup of properties affected by hazardous substances. Certain environmental laws impose substantial penalties for noncompliance, and others, such as the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, as amended ("CERCLA"), impose strict, retroactive, joint and several liability for releases of hazardous substances.

Based on environmental assessments conducted in connection with the Company's acquisitions, the Company believes that its facilities are in substantial compliance with environmental requirements, and that the Company has no material liabilities arising under environmental requirements. However, some risk of environmental liability is inherent in the nature of the Company's business, and in the future the Company may incur material costs to meet current or more stringent compliance, cleanup or other obligations under environmental laws.

The Company dispenses petroleum products from storage tanks located at some of its locations. Although the Company is not aware of any leaks or spills involving its tank systems, there can be no assurance that these systems have been or will at all times remain free from leaks, or that the use of these tanks has not resulted or will not result in spills or other releases. Management does not believe that the presence or operation of these tanks will have a material adverse effect on the Company's operating results or financial position.

The Company uses hazardous substances, such as solvents, to clean and maintain its rental equipment fleet, and generates wastes, such as used motor oil, radiator fluid and solvents, which are stored on site and disposed of at off-site locations. Although the Company is not aware of any material issues regarding its use of hazardous substances, under various environmental laws, including CERCLA, the Company could

be liable for contamination at sites where hazardous substances used in its operations have been disposed of or otherwise released.

Management does not expect that compliance with environmental laws will have a material adverse effect on the Company's operating results, financial condition or competitive position to date. The Company does not expect to incur material expenditures for environmental upgrades or controls in this or the succeeding year.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

At December 31, 2002, the Company operated 181 locations in the following 37 states and Canada: Alabama (10), Arizona (5), Arkansas (4), California (1), Colorado (1), Connecticut (1), Florida (6), Georgia (7), Illinois (5), Indiana (7), Iowa (4), Kansas (1), Kentucky (6), Louisiana (5), Maine (5), Maryland (1), Massachusetts (8), Michigan (12), Minnesota (1), Mississippi (3), Missouri (3), Nevada (3), New Hampshire (1), New Jersey (1), New York (8), North Carolina (3), Ohio (5), Oklahoma (3), Oregon (1), Pennsylvania (3), Rhode Island (2), Tennessee (8), Texas (28), Vermont (1), Virginia (2), West Virginia (3), Wisconsin (10) and Canada (3). The Company's properties typically include an outside storage yard and a small building containing a maintenance center, offices and, in certain locations, a retail showroom. The Company owns 16 of its equipment rental locations and leases the other 165, as well as its approximately 7,000 square foot headquarters space in Evanston, Illinois. The net book value of owned facilities was approximately $12 million at December 31, 2002, and the average annual lease expense per leased facility was approximately $78,000 in 2002. Management believes that none of the Company's leased facilities, individually, is material to its operations, and that all of these leases can be readily replaced at similar terms. The Company's ownership interests in each of these properties collateralized borrowings under its credit facility.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, the Company has been and is involved in various legal proceedings, all of which management believes are routine in nature and incidental to the conduct of its business. Although the Company's ultimate legal and financial liability resulting from any of these proceedings cannot be estimated with certainty, the Company, after examining these matters, believes the likelihood that an adverse ruling in any of these proceedings would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations is remote.

On April 10, 2003, the Company received a so called "Wells Notice" from the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") arising out of the SEC's inquiry into the Company's previous revisions to its 2000 and 2001 financial statements announced in the Company's April 2002 10-K. The SEC stated that it intends to recommend that a cease-and-desist proceeding against the Company be initiated, alleging that the Company violated Sections 13(a), 13(b)(2)(A) and 13(b)(2)(B) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act") and Rules 12b-20, 13a-1 and 13a-13 of the Exchange Act. The Company has been cooperating in the SEC's inquiry, which is continuing.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2002.

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE COMPANY'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

As of April 9, 2003, there were 35 holders of record of the Company's common stock. The Company has never paid any dividends on its common stock and does not expect to pay any dividends on its common stock in the foreseeable future. Dividend payments are restricted under the terms of the Company's credit facility and indentures.

From the Company's initial public stock offering in July 1998 through October 2002, the Company's common stock was traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NSV." The table below lists the high and low sales price information for the common stock, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange, during each quarter of the Company's last two years. Subsequent to October 2002, the Company's common stock has been traded over-the-counter under the symbol "NEQS."

Quarter		High		Low
2001:
	First quarter	$	4.00	$	2.06
	Second quarter	$	4.00	$	2.60
	Third quarter	$	2.85	$	1.85
	Fourth quarter	$	2.25	$	1.15
2002:
	First quarter	$	3.65	$	2.00
	Second quarter	$	3.50	$	1.50
	Third quarter	$	1.90	$	0.60
	Fourth quarter	$	0.80	$	0.15

Equity Compensation Plan Information

		(a)			(c)
		Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights			Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
			(b)
			Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
Plan catagory
	Equity compensation plans approved by security holders	2,537	$	7.65	1,924

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The data presented below on the Company should be read in conjunction with Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

During the periods presented below, the Company completed 42 business acquisitions that were accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The accounts of the businesses acquired in these transactions are included in the Company's results of operations from their respective acquisition dates. In addition, the Company disposed of one operation in 2002. The accounts of this business have been reclassified to discontinued operations in all periods presented below. Since the Company's historical operating results for the periods presented below were significantly affected by acquisitions, the Company believes that its results of operations for the years presented are not directly comparable. See Note 5 of the

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company later in this report for pro forma financial information.

	2002			2001			2000		1999		1998
	(in thousands except per share data)
Operating data for the year ended December 31(a):
Total revenues	$	621,334		$	555,298		$	576,201	$	455,589	$	225,248
Operating income		4,604			21,452			86,480		87,644		49,937
(Loss) income from continuing operations		(65,545	)		(31,136	)		5,354		18,250		13,677
Basic (loss) earnings per share from continuing operations		(3.12	)		(1.51	)		0.23		0.77		0.73
Diluted (loss) earnings per share from continuing operations		(3.12	)		(1.51	)		0.17		0.62		0.68
Balance sheet data as of December 31(a):
Rental equipment, net	$	492,775		$	572,931		$	585,209	$	539,645	$	378,254
Intangible assets, net(c)		139,978			296,609			302,091		321,736		218,959
Total assets(b)		862,622			1,202,331			1,238,623		1,215,578		720,483
Total long term obligations and senior redeemable convertible preferred stock		860,072			965,312			966,608		950,041		513,836
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)		(87,212	)		100,331			142,839		149,841		136,866

(a): See pages 9 through 17 of Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
(b): See Note 5 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements regarding discontinued operations.
(c): See Note 3 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements regarding intangible assets.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of the Company's results of operations and its financial condition and liquidity should be read in conjunction with Item 1, Business, Item 6, Selected Financial Data and Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. All dollar amounts presented are in thousands.

General

The Company was founded in June 1996 to acquire and integrate businesses that focus on the rental of general and specialty equipment to industrial and construction end users. Since January 1997, the Company has acquired 42 businesses and disposed of one business in separate transactions. All acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The results of operations of the businesses acquired are included in the Company's financial statements only from their respective dates of acquisition. The results of operations of the disposition have been reclassified as discontinued operations.

The Company derives its revenues from four sources: 1) equipment rental and service, 2) new equipment sales, 3) rental equipment sales and 4) sales of complementary parts and merchandise. The Company's primary source of revenue is the rental and service of equipment to industrial and construction end users. The growth of rental revenues depends on several factors, including demand for rental equipment, the amount and quality of equipment available for rent, rental rates and general economic conditions. Revenues generated from the sale of new equipment are affected by price and general economic conditions. Revenues generated from the sale of used rental equipment are affected by price, general economic conditions and the Company's fleet management program. Revenues from the sale of complementary parts and services are primarily affected by equipment rental and sales volume.

Cost of revenues consists primarily of rental equipment depreciation, the cost of rental and service revenue, the cost of new equipment, the net book value of rental equipment sold and other direct operating costs. Given the varied, and in some cases specialized, nature of its rental equipment, the Company uses a range of periods over which it depreciates its equipment on a straight-line basis. On average, the Company depreciates its equipment over an estimated useful life of eight to nine years with 0% to 20% salvage value.

Critical Accounting Policies

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which requires our management to make estimates and general assumptions about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain. We have summarized our significant accounting policies in Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements. Of these accounting policies, we believe the following may involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts—At December 31, 2002, we had an allowance for doubtful accounts totaling $5,477 which we have established in the event that we are unable to collect certain receivables. This allowance represents our best estimate of the total receivables recorded as of December 31, 2002 that we will be unable to collect. Future general events, such as changes in the economy, and specific events, such as changes in the economic condition of our customers, could significantly impact our ability to collect on these receivables, and therefore, cause us to change our allowance estimate.

Useful Lives and Estimated Salvage Value of Rental Equipment and Property and Equipment.—At December 31, 2002, we had $492,775 of net rental equipment and $45,803 of net property and equipment recorded on our balance sheet. Rental equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method over five to fifteen years, and a salvage value ranging between 0% and 20% is used. Property and equipment is depreciated over three to thirty years, depending on the type of asset. Our depreciable lives are based on our estimates of the useful lives of the respective assets. Salvage value is based on our estimates of the minimum recoverable value we expect at the end of the asset's depreciable life. These estimates may require adjustment based on changing circumstances in the marketplace. Changes to these estimates could result in us having to recognize an increase to or decrease in depreciation expense.

Goodwill—At December 31, 2002, we had approximately $139,978 of goodwill and non-compete agreements related to acquisitions recorded on our balance sheet. Effective January 1, 2002, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). Under this standard, goodwill is no longer amortized but subject to annual impairment test on a reporting unit level. Our non-compete agreements will continue to be amortized over their estimated useful lives.

We completed our initial impairment analysis in the second quarter of 2002 and recorded a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $155,102 ($129,505, net of tax benefit), as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle retroactive to January 1, 2002, on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. We did not have any goodwill impairment subsequent to the initial analysis.

We evaluate the recoverability of goodwill by estimating the future discounted cash flows of the operating segments to which the goodwill relates. The rate used in determining discounted cash flows is a rate corresponding to our cost of capital, risk adjusted where necessary. Estimated cash flows are then determined by disaggregating our business segments to a reporting level for which meaningful identifiable cash flows can be determined. When estimated future discounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the net assets (tangible and identifiable intangibles) and related goodwill, impairment losses of goodwill are charged to operations. Impairment losses, limited to the carrying value of goodwill, represent the excess of the sum of the carrying value of the net assets (tangible and identifiable intangible) and goodwill over the discounted cash flows of the business being evaluated. In determining the estimated future cash flows, we consider current and projected future levels of income as well as business trends, prospects and market and economic conditions.

Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Asset—At December 31, 2002, we provided a full valuation allowance of $28,787 on the net deferred tax asset. Realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent upon generating sufficient future taxable income in the periods in which the assets reverse or the benefits expire.

Contractual Commitments

The following table summarizes our obligations and commitments to make future payments under certain contracts, including debt obligations, capitalized leases and operating leases at December 31, 2002.

		Payments Due By Year
Contractual Obligations		Payments Due By Year
Contractual Obligations		2003		2004		2005		2006		2007		Thereafter		Total
Debt Principal (including revolver)		$	486,856	$	273,450	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	760,306
Capital Leases			1,167		1,020		423		255		97		8		2,970
Operating Leases			20,707		17,673		11,077		7,602		4,972		15,037		77,068

	Total	$	508,730	$	292,143	$	11,500	$	7,857	$	5,069	$	15,045	$	840,344

In addition, the Company will be required to make interest payments, the amount of which will depend upon outstanding debt and applicable interest rates.

Results of Operations

The following table shows information from the Company's consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of total revenues.

	Year Ended December 31, 2002		Year Ended December 31, 2001		Year Ended December 31, 2000
Rental and service revenues	82.7	%	83.8	%	83.8	%
New equipment sales	6.7		8.0		8.4
Rental equipment sales	6.3		4.7		3.9
Other revenues	4.3		3.5		3.9

Total revenues	100.0		100.0		100.0
Cost of revenues	72.8		68.4		60.3

Gross profit	27.2		31.6		39.7
Selling, general and administrative expenses	24.9		23.0		20.4
Non-rental depreciation and amortization	1.6		4.7		4.3

Operating income	0.7		3.9		15.0
Other income, net	0.3		0.0		0.1
Interest expense, net	11.5		12.3		13.3

(Loss) income before income taxes	(10.5	)	(8.4	)	1.8
Income tax (benefit) expense	—		(2.8	)	0.9

(Loss) income from continuing operations	(10.5	)	(5.6	)	0.9
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	(0.6	)	—		0.1
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax	0.8		—		—
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of tax	(20.8	)	—		—
Net (loss) income	(31.1	%)	(5.6	%)	1.0	%

The Company's historical consolidated financial statements included herein cover the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000. Comparisons of the Company's results are significantly impacted by the fact that the Company completed one and four acquisitions at different times during 2001 and 2000, respectively. The results of operations of the businesses acquired in these acquisitions are included in the Company's financial statements only from their respective dates of acquisition.

Year Ended December 31, 2002, Compared With the Year Ended December 31, 2001

Revenues. Total revenues increased from $555,298 in 2001 to $621,334 in 2002. A $48,471 increase in rental and service revenues was primarily the result of the operations acquired in conjunction with the Company's acquisition of the North American equipment rental business of Brambles U.S.A. and Brambles Canada ("Brambles"), partially offset by a slower economy. Rental equipment sales were up $13,002 as the result of a variety of fleet management techniques utilized during the year, including fleet auctions and vendor trade packages, in an effort to improve the overall quality of the Company's fleet. A $2,621 decline in new equipment sales from 2001 to 2002 was more than offset by a $7,184 increase in other revenues, primarily related to increased parts sales as a result of the Brambles acquisition.

Revenues in the General Rental and Other operations increased significantly from $446,261 in 2001 to $518,480 in 2002. As noted above, this increase was primarily the result of the operations acquired in conjunction with the Brambles transaction at the end of 2001, offset slightly by general pressure on pricing. Rental and service revenues increased 14% from 2001 to 2002.

Revenues in the Traffic Safety segment declined $6,183 or 5.7% from $109,037 in 2001 to $102,854 in 2002. This decrease is primarily the result of increased rental rate pressure due to the less favorable economic conditions experienced in 2002 as compared to the prior year.

Gross Profit. Gross profit declined from $175,660 in 2001 to $169,291 in 2002. Gross margin decreased from 31.6% to 27.2% during these respective periods primarily due to the continued decline in rental rates, as well as a 2% decline in margins earned on fleet and equipment sales in 2002 in connection with the fleet management initiatives discussed above. Additionally, the write-down of off-brand and impaired fleet negatively impacted the Company's operating expenses by $6,333 in 2002.

Gross profit for the General Rental and Other operations decreased slightly from $143,490 in 2001 to $144,240 in 2002. Gross margins declined from 32.2% in 2001 to 27.8% in 2002. Again, this decline is the primarily the result of increased rate pressure and the asset write-downs discussed above.

Gross profit for the Traffic Safety operations decreased slightly from $32,170 for 2001 as compared to $25,051 for 2002. Gross margins declined from 29.5% in 2001 to 24.3% in 2002 as a result of increased pressure on rental rates.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased from $128,037 in 2001 to $155,021 in 2002. This increase is primarily the result of the additional infrastructure acquired in conjunction with the Brambles transaction. Additionally, the Company recorded a $3,769 charge associated with severance and lease termination costs incurred as a result of restructuring initiatives undertaken during the fourth quarter of 2002. As a percentage of revenue, these costs increased from 23.0% to 24.9% in the respective periods.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the General Rental and Other operations increased from $109,584 in 2001 to $138,293 in 2002. As discussed above, this increase is primarily the result of the additional infrastructure associated with the Brambles acquisition, as well as the restructuring charge taken in the fourth quarter.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Traffic Safety operations decreased from $18,453 in 2001 to $16,728 in 2002 or 16.9% and 16.3% of total revenues for these respective periods. This decrease is attributable to the implementation of various cost-savings initiatives implemented during 2002.

Non-rental Depreciation and Amortization. Non-rental depreciation and amortization decreased significantly from $26,171 in 2001 to $9,666 in 2002. This decrease is primarily the result of the Company's adoption of SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," in 2002, under which no amortization expense of goodwill is recorded.

Operating Income. As a result of the performance described above, operating income declined from $21,452 in 2001 to $4,604 in 2002 and approximated 0.7% of total revenues in 2002. Operating income (loss) for the General Rental and Other operations declined from $11,704 in 2001 to $(3,072) in 2002, and operating income within the Traffic Safety segment declined from $9,748 to $7,676 during these respective periods.

Interest Expense, net. Interest expense, net increased from $68,306 in 2001 to $71,742 in 2002. This increase is the result of higher average debt balances associated with continuing operations during the year, partially offset by lower interest rates on the Company's variable debt.

Loss from Discontinued Operations. On June 30, 2002, the Company sold its underground trench shoring business. In accordance with SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," the financial condition and results of operations of this business are reflected herein as discontinued operations.

Gain on Disposal of Discontinued Operations. The gain on the disposal of discontinued operations reflects the gain recognized in conjunction with the sale of the underground trench shoring business discussed above.

Cumulative Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle. The cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle reflects the charge recognized in conjunction with the adoption of SFAS No. 142, effective January 1, 2002.

Income Tax Expense (Benefit). The Company did not provide any current or deferred income tax provision or benefit during 2002 because it has recently experienced significant operating losses. Prior to June 30, 2002, the Company was in a net deferred tax liability position. At June 30, 2002 the Company, as a result of adopting SFAS No. 142, was in a net deferred tax asset position. At that time, it was determined that a full valuation allowance against the net deferred tax asset should be recorded and no additional net deferred tax assets were recorded.

Year Ended December 31, 2001, Compared With the Year Ended December 31, 2000

Revenues. Total revenues declined slightly from $576,201 in 2000 to $555,298 in 2001. A $17,706 decline in rental and service revenues and a $3,634 decline in new equipment sales from 2000 to 2001 were partially offset by a $3,539 increase in rental equipment sales. Decreased demand in the general rental sector prompted the Company to discount rental rates and promote the sale of otherwise under-utilized fleet.

Revenues in the General Rental and Other operations declined from $467,739 in 2000 to $446,261 in 2001. As noted above, decreased demand within this segment prompted the Company to discount rental rates and promote the sale of otherwise under-utilized fleet. Rental equipment sales increased 15.5% from $22,292 in 2000 to $25,755.

Revenues in the Traffic Safety segment increased from $108,462 in 2000 to $109,037 in 2001. This increase is primarily attributable to the inclusion in 2001 of a full year of results of operations related to businesses acquired in 2000.

Gross Profit. Gross profit declined from $228,620 in 2000 to $175,660 in 2001. Gross margin decreased from 39.7% to 31.6% during these respective periods primarily due to the decline in rental rates, increased direct costs and the shift in revenue mix from the more profitable rental revenue to the less profitable sale of rental equipment. Also, the write-down of off-brand fleet negatively impacted the Company's operating expenses in 2001 by $3,183.

Gross profit for the General Rental and Other operations declined from $194,538 in 2000 to $143,490 in 2001. Both the shift in revenue mix from the more profitable rental revenue to the less profitable sale of

rental equipment and the write-down of off-brand fleet negatively impacted the Company's operating expenses in this segment during 2001.

Gross profit for the Traffic Safety operations remained relatively flat at $34,082 for 2000 as compared to $32,170 for 2001. Gross margins declined from 31.4% in 2000 to 29.5% in 2001 as a result of increased pressure on rental rates.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased from $117,408 in 2000 to $128,037 in 2001. A portion of this increase is attributable to the $1,700 reserve for branch closures recorded in conjunction with the acquisition of Brambles. In addition, the Company incurred a $4,900 increase in bad debt expense in connection with general economic conditions. The remainder of the increase is the result of the inclusion in 2001 of a full year of expenses related to businesses acquired in 2000. As a percentage of total revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses increased from 20.4% in 2000 to 23.0% in 2001.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the General Rental and Other operations increased from $100,357 in 2000 to $109,584 in 2001. This increase is attributable to the branch closure reserve and the increase in bad debt expense discussed above.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Traffic Safety operations increased from $17,051 in 2000 to $18,453 in 2001 or 15.7% and 16.9% of total revenues for these respective periods. This increase is attributable to the inclusion in 2001 of a full year of expenses related to businesses acquired in 2000.

Non-rental Depreciation and Amortization. Non-rental depreciation and amortization increased slightly from $24,732 in 2000 to $26,171 in 2001. This increase was due primarily to the inclusion of a full year of depreciation and amortization expense related to the businesses acquired in 2000. As a percentage of total revenues, non-rental depreciation and amortization remained a relatively constant 4.3% and 4.7% in 2000 and 2001, respectively.

Operating Income. As a result of the performance described above, operating income declined from $86,480 in 2000 to $21,452 in 2001 and approximated 3.9% of total revenues in 2001. Operating income for the General Rental and Other operations declined from $73,938 in 2000 to $11,704 in 2001, and operating income within the Traffic Safety segment declined from $12,542 to $9,748 during these respective periods.

Interest Expense, net. Interest expense, net decreased from $76,430 in 2000 to $68,306 in 2001 due to the repayment during 2001 of approximately $102,000 in debt drawn on the Company's revolving credit line.

Income from Discontinued Operations. As discussed above, the results of operations from the Company's underground trench shoring business are reflected herein as discontinued operations.

Income Tax Expense (Benefit). The Company incurred an income tax benefit of ($15,614) in 2001 as compared to the $5,011 of expense recognized in 2000. The Company's effective tax rate decreased from 48% in 2000 to 33% in 2001.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company's primary capital requirements are for purchasing new rental equipment. The Company's other capital expenditures include buying vehicles used for delivery and maintenance and for purchasing property and equipment. The Company purchases rental equipment throughout the year to replace equipment that has been sold as well as to maintain adequate levels of equipment to meet existing and new customer needs. Rental fleet purchases for the Company were $61,255, $15,172 and $147,556 in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The Company's expenditures for rental fleet are expected to be approximately $50,000 in 2003. The Company's principal sources of cash are cash generated from

operations. Prior to the Company's default under its credit facility, the Company also utilized borrowings available under its credit facility.

For the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, the Company's net cash provided by operations was $47,123, $100,569 and $112,515, respectively. The decrease in 2002 is primarily the result of a decline in earnings as compared to 2001. For the same three years, the Company's net cash provided by (used in) investing activities was $81,192, ($92,616) and ($147,342), respectively. Net cash used in investing activities consists primarily of expenditures for new acquisitions and purchases of rental equipment and other property, plant and equipment. In 2002, the Company received $108,890 of proceeds from the sale of its trench shoring business. Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities was ($117,330) in 2002, ($6,916) in 2001 and $5,333 in 2000. Net cash provided by financing activities consists primarily of borrowings, net of repayments, under the Company's credit facility. The proceeds received from the sale of the trench shoring business were used to repay debt in 2002.

The Company's credit facility provides for a $70,000 term loan and a revolving credit facility up to a maximum of $480,000 (subject to availability based on certain financial tests including a borrowing base) to meet acquisition needs, as well as seasonal working capital and general corporate requirements. As of December 31, 2002, $486,856 was outstanding under the credit facility. Based upon the available borrowing base (which is based on the book value of the Company's inventory and accounts receivable and the appraised value of the Company's rental equipment) at December 31, 2002, the Company did not have any additional availability on the revolving Credit Facility loan. The available borrowing base is recomputed monthly. In the event that the book value of the Company's inventory or accounts receivable or the appraised value of the Company's rental equipment declines without a corresponding increase in one of the other categories, the available borrowing base will be reduced accordingly. As a result of the significant reduction in the available borrowing base, the Company's liquidity has been adversely affected, including its ability to pay interest on the Series B Notes and the Series D Notes when due. A failure to pay such interest when due which continues for thirty days would result in a default under the indentures governing the Series B Notes and the Series D Notes, which would have a material adverse effect on the Company.

The credit facility contains certain covenants that require the Company to, among other things, satisfy certain financial tests relating to 1) the ratio of senior debt to EBITDA, 2) minimum interest coverage ratio and 3) the ratio of funded debt to EBITDA. The credit facility also contains various other covenants that restrict the Company's ability to, among other things, 1) incur additional indebtedness, 2) permit liens to attach to its assets, 3) pay dividends or make other restricted payments on its common stock and certain other securities and 4) make acquisitions unless certain financial conditions are satisfied. As of December 31, 2002, the Company was in default under the financial covenants governing the credit facility. As of January 23, 2003, the Company and the lenders under the credit facility entered in a forbearance agreement with an initial expiration of March 14, 2003. As of March 14, 2003, the Company and the lenders under the credit facility entered into a second forbearance agreement which extended the forbearance period until May 14, 2003, subject to earlier expiration upon the occurrence of certain circumstances.

During 1997, the Company issued $100,000 of Senior Subordinated Notes due 2004 (the "Series A Notes") at a discount netting proceeds of $99,000. During 1998, the Company completed its exchange of $100,000 of Senior Subordinated Notes due 2004, Series B (the "Series B Notes"), which have been registered for public trading, for the Series A Notes.

Also during 1998, the Company issued $125,000 of Senior Subordinated Notes due 2004, Series C (the "Series C Notes") at a discount netting proceeds of $122,000. During 1999, the Company issued $50,000 of additional Series C Notes, at a discount netting proceeds of $49,000. Later during 1999, the Company completed its exchange of $175,000 of Senior Subordinated Notes due 2004, Series D (the "Series D Notes"), which have been registered for public trading, for the Series C Notes.

The Company accretes the original issue discount of the Series B Notes and the Series D Notes over the term of the notes using the effective interest rate method. The indentures for the Series B and Series D Notes contain a number of covenants that, among other things, set certain limitations on the granting of liens, asset sales, additional indebtedness, transactions with affiliates, restricted payments, investments, issuances of stock and payment of dividends. The Company is currently in compliance with all such covenants under the indentures. Under the credit facility, the Senior Lenders have the ability to issue a notice to the Company preventing the Company from paying such interest if the Company is in default under the credit facility. The failure by the Company to pay interest on the Series B Notes and Series D Notes when due which is not cured within thirty days would be an event of default under the Series B Notes and Series D Notes.

As a result of the covenant defaults and issues with the borrowing base, the Company does not believe that it has sufficient liquidity and capital resources to finance its operations and pursue its business strategy. The Company will need to refinance its credit facility and its Series B Notes and Series D Notes since the Credit Facility becomes due and payable in July 2003 and its Series B Notes and Series D Notes become due and payable in November 2004. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to raise the necessary capital on favorable terms, which could have a material effect on the Company's future financial condition and results of operations and may require the Company to seek to reorganize its business under Chapter 11 of the U.S. bankruptcy laws. As a result, there is substantial doubt about the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern.

As a result of the Company's financial condition, certain suppliers have requested alternate payment provisions. To date, such alternate payment provisions have not had a significant negative impact on the Company's liquidity.

General Economic Conditions, Inflation, and Seasonality

The Company's operating results may be adversely affected by changes in general economic conditions, including changes in construction and industrial activity or increases in interest rates, or by adverse weather conditions that may temporarily decrease construction and industrial activity in a particular geographic area. Although the Company cannot accurately anticipate the effect of inflation on its operations, management believes this has not had a material impact on the Company's results of operations and is not likely to in the foreseeable future. The Company's revenues and operating results are expected to fluctuate due to the seasonal nature of the industry in which the Company operates, with rental activity tending to be lower in the winter.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 145, "Recession of FASB Statements No. 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13 and Technical Corrections." This Statement rescinds SFAS No. 4 "Reporting Gains and Losses from Extinguishment of Debt," and an amendment to that Statement, SFAS No. 64, "Extinguishment of Debt Made to Satisfy Sinking-Fund Requirements." This Statement amends SFAS No. 13, "Accounting for Leases," to eliminate an inconsistency between the required accounting for sale-leaseback transactions and the required accounting for certain lease modifications that have economic effects that are similar to sale-leaseback transactions. The Statement also amends other existing authoritative pronouncements to make various technical corrections, clarify meanings, or describe their applicability under changed conditions. The provisions of this Statement related to the recission of SFAS No. 4 are effective beginning in 2003. All other provisions are effective after May 15, 2002. As discussed in the Recent Events section above, it is possible the Company will restructure its debt. If a restructuring should occur, the related gain will be accounted for pursuant to SFAS No.145. It is not possible to estimate the impact of this new pronouncement given the uncertainties surrounding the potential outcomes of any such restructuring.

On July 30, 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 146 (SFAS 146), "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities." SFAS 146 requires companies to recognize costs associated with exit or disposal activities when they are incurred rather than as of the date of a commitment to an exit or disposal plan. Examples of costs covered by SAFS 146 included lease termination costs and certain employee severance costs that are associated with a restructuring, discontinued operation, plant closing or other exit or disposal activity. SFAS 146 also supercedes, in its entirety, previous accounting guidance that was provided by Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Terminations Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)." SFAS 146 is effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. The Company will apply the provisions of SFAS 146 prospectively to exit or disposal activities beginning in 2003.

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transistion and Disclosure". This standard provides alternative methods of transition to the fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation under SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," but does not require the Company to use the fair value method. This standard also amends certain disclosure requirements related to stock-based employee compensation. The Company adopted the disclosure portion of this standard as of December 31, 2002 and such adoption is reflected in Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company later in this report.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company's credit facility provides the Company with a $70,000 term loan and permits the Company to borrow up to an additional $480,000 of revolving loans provided that certain conditions and financial tests are met, subject to a borrowing base. Borrowings under the credit facility bear interest, at the Company's option, at a specified base rate or Eurodollar rate plus the applicable borrowing margin. Under the Second Forebearance Agreement, the Company is limited in its ability to utilize the Eurodollar rate. At April 9, 2003, the Company had total borrowings under the credit facility of $486,856, $86,856 of which was subject to interest rate risk. Each 100 basis point increase in interest rates on the variable rate debt would decrease pretax earnings by approximately $869.

The Company may, from time to time, use interest rate swap contracts to hedge the impact of interest rate fluctuations on certain variable rate debt. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Effective April 18, 2001 the Company entered into an interest rate swap contract, which fixes the interest rate at 4.71% on $400,000 of variable rate debt through April 17, 2003. The interest differential is paid or received on a monthly basis and recognized currently as a component of interest expense. The counterparty to the swap is a major financial institution and management believes that the risk of incurring credit losses is remote.

Forward-Looking Statements

Note: This report contains forward-looking statements as encouraged by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this document, other than historical information, are forward-looking statements. These statements represent management's current judgment on what the future holds. A variety of factors could cause business conditions and the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expected by the Company or expressed in the Company's forward-looking statements. These factors include, without limitation, the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses; changes in market price or market demand; loss of business from customers; unanticipated expenses; changes in financial markets; and other factors discussed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The Company's consolidated financial statements are listed in Part IV, Item 15, of this report and begin on page 21.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES

None.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

Information regarding the Company's directors and executive officers is set forth in the Company's 2003 Proxy Statement, under the captions "ELECTION OF DIRECTORS" and "MANAGEMENT." This information is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information on the cash compensation of the executive officers, compensation available under employee benefit plans, employee benefit plans and compensation of directors is included in the Company's 2003 Proxy Statement under the caption "MANAGEMENT" and "EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION." This information is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

Information about security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management appears in the Company's 2003 Proxy Statement under the caption "SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT." This information is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions can be found in the Company's 2003 Proxy Statement under the caption "CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS." This information is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Explanation of disclosure controls and procedures—After evaluating the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c) as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"), the Company's chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were adequate and effective to ensure that material information relating to the Company and its subsidiaries would be made known to them by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report was being prepared.

Changes in internal controls—There were no significant changes in the Company's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect the Company's disclosure controls and procedures subsequent to the Evaluation Date, nor were there any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in such disclosure controls and procedures requiring corrective actions. As a result, no corrective actions were taken.

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)

The following documents are filed as part of this report:

1.: The Consolidated Financial Statements set forth on pages 21 through 47.

Report of Independent Accountants

Consolidated Financial Statements:

Consolidated Balance Sheets, December 31, 2002 and 2001

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income, for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit), for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2.: The Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule, set forth on page 48.

Schedule II. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or the corresponding notes.

3.: The exhibits listed in the Index to Exhibits set forth on pages 52 through 56.

(b): Reports on Form 8-K filed during the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2002.

The Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 16, 2002, to report the approval of an amendment to the existing credit facility.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
of National Equipment Services, Inc.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) on page 20 present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of National Equipment Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") at December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) on page 20 presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations, is in default of its senior credit facility and lacks the ability to repay obligations coming due July 2003 which raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

As discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for goodwill and intangible assets during 2002.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chicago, Illinois
April 15, 2003

NATIONAL EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2002 and 2001

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

			December 31,
			2002			2001
Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	15,184		$	4,199
	Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $5,477 and $5,844, respectively			123,094			102,144
	Inventory, net			18,186			26,785
	Rental equipment, net			492,775			572,931
	Property and equipment, net			45,803			56,032
	Intangible assets, net			139,978			296,609
	Loan origination costs, net			6,791			10,548
	Deferred income taxes, net			—			10,066
	Prepaid expenses and other assets			19,662			11,369
	Assets associated with discontinued operations			1,149			111,648

		Total assets	$	862,622		$	1,202,331

Liabilities
	Book overdraft		$	490		$	8,040
	Trade accounts payable			28,965			22,824
	Accrued interest			8,592			7,847
	Deferred income taxes, net			—			35,662
	Accrued expenses and other liabilities			50,747			58,942
	Debt			763,276			869,015
	Liabilities associated with discontinued operations			968			3,373

		Total liabilities		853,038			1,005,703

	Senior redeemable convertible preferred stock			96,796			96,297
	Commitments and contingencies			—			—
Stockholders' equity (deficit)
	Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000 shares authorized, 24,170 shares issued			241			241
	Additional paid-in capital			123,887			123,887
	Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)			(187,589	)		6,468
	Stock subscriptions receivable			(80	)		(102	)
	Treasury stock at cost, 3,019 shares			(19,062	)		(19,062	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(4,609	)		(11,101	)

		Total stockholders' equity (deficit)		(87,212	)		100,331

		Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)	$	862,622		$	1,202,331

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

NATIONAL EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
For the Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

			For the Year Ended December 31,
			2002			2001			2000
Revenues
	Rental and service revenues		$	513,545		$	465,074		$	482,780
	New equipment sales			41,897			44,518			48,152
	Rental equipment sales			39,162			26,160			22,621
	Other revenues			26,730			19,546			22,648

		Total revenues		621,334			555,298			576,201

Cost of revenues
	Rental equipment depreciation			119,731			99,779			87,096
	Cost of rental and service revenues			235,162			202,074			183,213
	Cost of new equipment sales			35,779			35,335			36,722
	Cost of rental equipment sales			30,129			20,486			18,517
	Other cost of revenues			31,242			21,964			22,033

		Total cost of revenues		452,043			379,638			347,581

Gross profit				169,291			175,660			228,620
Selling, general and administrative expenses				155,021			128,037			117,408
Non-rental depreciation and amortization				9,666			26,171			24,732

Operating income				4,604			21,452			86,480
Other income, net				1,593			104			315
Interest expense, net				71,742			68,306			76,430

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes				(65,545	)		(46,750	)		10,365
Income tax (benefit) expense				—			(15,614	)		5,011

(Loss) income from continuing operations				(65,545	)		(31,136	)		5,354

Discontinued operations:
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax			(3,409	)		229			699
	Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax			4,902			—			—

(Loss) income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle				(64,052	)		(30,907	)		6,053
	Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of tax			(129,505	)		—			—

Net (loss) income			$	(193,557	)	$	(30,907	)	$	6,053
	Other comprehensive income (loss)			6,492			(11,101	)		—

Comprehensive (loss) income			$	(187,065	)	$	(42,008	)	$	6,053

Basic (loss) earnings per common share:
	Continuing operations		$	(3.12	)	$	(1.51	)	$	0.23
	Discontinued operations			0.08			0.01			0.03
	Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle			(6.14	)		—			—

Net (loss) earnings			$	(9.18	)	$	(1.50	)	$	0.26

Diluted (loss) earnings per common share:
	Continuing operations		$	(3.12	)	$	(1.51	)	$	0.17
	Discontinued operations			0.08			0.01			0.02
	Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle			(6.14	)		—			—

Net (loss) earnings			$	(9.18	)	$	(1.50	)	$	0.19

Weighted average shares outstanding:
	Basic calculation			21,143			20,956			21,221
	Diluted calculation			21,143			20,956			29,368

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

NATIONAL EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

(Amounts in thousands)

				For the Year Ended December 31,
				2002			2001			2000
Cash flows from operating activities
	Net (loss) income			$	(193,557	)	$	(30,907	)	$	6,053
	Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
		Depreciation and amortization			122,654			122,767			108,668
		Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle			129,505			—			—
		Amortization of deferred finance costs and debt discount			7,871			3,648			3,739
		Gain on sale of equipment			(9,783	)		(4,850	)		(3,978	)
		Gain on sale of discontinued operations			(4,902	)		—			—
		Deferred income taxes			—			(15,521	)		5,932
		Writedown of long-lived assets			6,743			3,183			3,160
		Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
			Trade accounts receivable		(20,950	)		23,288			(16,331	)
			Inventory		8,599			7,118			5,335
			Prepaid expenses and other assets		(8,271	)		(1,395	)		(3,480	)
			Trade accounts payable		6,141			(17,430	)		(8,570	)
			Accrued expenses and other liabilities		(1,033	)		7,245			5,839

		Net cash flows provided by continuing operating activities		$	43,017		$	97,146		$	106,367
		Net cash flows provided by discontinued operating activities			4,106			3,423			6,148

		Net cash flows provided by operating activities		$	47,123		$	100,569		$	112,515

Cash flows from investing activities
	Acquisitions, net of cash received				—			(92,359	)		(14,307	)
	Proceeds received from sale of discontinued operations				108,890			—			—
	Cash received in connection with business combination				—			—			18,000
	Purchases of rental equipment				(61,255	)		(15,172	)		(147,556	)
	Proceeds from sale of rental equipment				39,162			26,160			22,621
	Purchases of property and equipment				(7,688	)		(9,939	)		(11,444	)
	Proceeds from sale of property and equipment				2,083			1,922			2,210

	Net cash flows provided by (used in) continuing investing activities			$	81,192		$	(89,388	)	$	(130,476	)
	Net cash flows used in discontinued investing activities				—			(3,228	)	$	(16,866	)

		Net cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities		$	81,192		$	(92,616	)	$	(147,342	)

Cash flows from financing activities
	Proceeds from long-term debt				52,200			157,001			106,000
	Payments on long-term debt				(158,659	)		(162,819	)		(90,728	)
	Repurchase of treasury stock				—			—			(12,836	)
	Payments of loan origination costs				(3,321	)		(4,293	)		(224	)
	Book overdraft				(7,550	)		3,195			3,121

		Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		$	(117,330	)	$	(6,916	)	$	5,333

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents					10,985			1,037			(29,494	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period				$	4,199		$	3,162		$	32,656

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period				$	15,184		$	4,199		$	3,162

Supplemental cash flow information
	Cash paid for interest			$	66,167		$	77,085		$	76,785
	Cash paid for income taxes				932			1,919			1,058

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

NATIONAL EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
For the Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

	Common Stock																				Accumulated Other Compre- hensive Loss
	Common Stock											Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)			Stock Subscrip- tions Receivable									Total Stockholders' Equity (Defitic)
	Common Stock			Class A Shares			Class B Shares			Additional Paid-In Capital		Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)			Stock Subscrip- tions Receivable			Treasury Stock						Total Stockholders' Equity (Defitic)
Balance at December 31, 1999	24,123	$	241	—	$	—	—	$	—	$	123,606	$	32,322		$	(102	)	$	(6,226	)	$	—		$	149,841
Issuance of common stock	47		—	—		—	—		—		281		—			—			—			—			281
Accretion of preferred stock	—		—	—		—	—		—		—		(500	)		—			—			—			(500	)
Repurchase of treasury shares, 2,114 shares	—		—	—		—	—		—		—		—			—			(12,836	)		—			(12,836	)
Net income	—		—	—		—	—		—		—		6,053			—			—			—			6,053

Balance at December 31, 2000	24,170		241	—		—	—		—		123,887		37,875			(102	)		(19,062	)		—			142,839
Accretion of preferred stock	—		—	—		—	—		—		—		(500	)		—			—			—			(500	)
Net change in fair value of derivative instrument	—		—	—		—	—		—		—		—			—			—			(11,101	)		(11,101	)
Net loss	—		—	—		—	—		—		—		(30,907	)		—			—			—			(30,907	)

Balance at December 31, 2001	24,170		241	—		—	—		—		123,887		6,468			(102	)		(19,062	)		(11,101	)		100,331
Accretion of preferred stock	—		—	—		—	—		—		—		(500	)		—			—			—			(500	)
Payments received	—		—	—		—	—		—		—		—			22			—			—			22
Net change in fair value of derivative instrument	—		—	—		—	—		—		—		—			—			—			6,492			6,492
Net loss	—		—	—		—	—		—		—		(193,557	)		—			—			—			(193,557	)

Balance at December 31, 2002	24,170	$	241	—	$	—	—	$	—	$	123,887	$	(187,589	)	$	(80	)	$	(19,062	)	$	(4,609	)	$	(87,212	)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

NATIONAL EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

1. Organization and Basis of Presentation

National Equipment Services, Inc. (the "Company") is principally a holding company and was organized on June 4, 1996 (date of inception) under the laws of Delaware. The Company conducts its operations through its wholly owned subsidiaries acquired or formed since the date of inception. The Company owns and operates equipment rental, sales and service facilities primarily located throughout the United States of America. The Company rents various types of equipment to a diverse customer base, including construction, automotive and other industrial users. The Company also sells new equipment and used equipment out of its rental fleet, sells related parts and provides other services. The nature of the Company's business is such that short-term obligations are met typically by cash flow generated from long-term assets. Consequently, consistent with industry practice, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are presented on an unclassified basis.

The consolidated financial statements include accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

2. Going Concern

The Company's financial performance has been negatively affected over the last two years due to lower activity levels in the economy, decreasing rental rates and higher operating costs. The resulting decrease in earnings combined with existing cash needs for working capital significantly affected the Company's cash flows from operations in 2002. In response to this environment, management initiated several actions during 2002 including actions to reduce its operating expenses through personnel reductions and consolidations of branch and support operations, as well as asset sales to reduce its debt, including the sale of the Trench Shoring business. Although these actions resulted in reduced debt levels from 2001 to 2002 of approximately $105.7 million, the Company's liquidity is strained. Additionally, a significant portion of the Company's debt matures in 2003.

During January, 2003, the Company notified the senior bank lenders ("Senior Lenders") under its Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of August 6, 2003, as amended (the "credit facility"), that it was in default under the credit facility. As of December 31, 2002, the Company and the Senior Lenders entered into Amendment No. 8 to the credit facility ("Amendment No. 8"), which, among other things, amended the definition of "Borrowing Base." As of January 23, 2003, the Company and the Senior Lenders entered into an agreement (the "Forbearance Agreement"), pursuant to which the Senior Lenders agreed to a forbearance period during which they agreed not to exercise certain remedies available to them as a result of the existing defaults under the Company's credit facility. The initial forbearance period ended on March 14, 2003.

As of March 14, 2003, the Company and the Senior Lenders entered into the Second Forbearance Agreement and Amendment No. 9 to the credit facility (the "Second Forbearance Agreement"), which extended the forbearance period. The forbearance period, which is currently scheduled to end on May 14, 2003, will end sooner upon the occurrence of certain events, such as an event of default under the credit facility (other than an Acknowledged Event of Default (as defined)), or in the event the Company fails to complete certain actions leading to a financial restructuring. Under the terms of the Second Forbearance Agreement, the likelihood is remote that the Company would be able access any additional funds from its credit. The Company is currently in discussions with its Senior Lenders about the possible terms of a financial restructuring. The Company is also in discussions with an Ad Hoc Committee representing

holders ("Noteholders") of the Company's outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes due 2004. The significant terms and conditions of a financial restructuring being negotiated include negotiations about: extension of debt maturities and repayment schedules, debt forgiveness, conversion of debt to equity or other equity-like instruments, additional equity investments, further asset sales, interest rates and other yield matters, as well as the covenants associated with the renegotiated capital instruments.

The next scheduled interest payment due on the Senior Subordinated Notes is on May 31, 2003. Under the credit facility, the Senior Lenders have the ability to issue a notice to the Company preventing the Company from paying such interest if the Company is in default under the credit facility. The failure by the Company to pay interest on the Senior Subordinated Notes when due which, if not cured within 30 days, would be an event of default under the Senior Subordinated Notes. In the event the Company is unable to reach agreement with the Senior Lenders and Noteholders on acceptable terms and conditions, the Company would be forced to seek to reorganize its business under Chapter 11 of the U.S. bankruptcy laws.

While management continues to execute the Company's cost savings initiatives and to manage its working capital, there are no assurances that these, or future, efforts will be successful in improving the Company's financial performance or liquidity. Management is also unable to predict the timing or outcome of the negotiations discussed above. Until such time as the negotiations are completed or the Company seeks to reorganize its business under Chapter 11 of the U.S. bankruptcy laws, which could happen as soon as the second quarter, it is not possible to estimate the effect on the Company's recorded values of its assets and liabilities. There is a high likelihood these adjustments will be material to the financial statements, but no adjustments have been made as of December 31, 2002 due to the uncertainty associated with future events and resulting accounting consequences. The deterioration of the Company's financial performance and resulting defaults under the credit facility also raise substantial doubt about the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern.

3. Significant Accounting Policies

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Trade Accounts Receivable

Trade accounts receivable represents amounts due from customers on rental and service contracts and equipment sales. Allowances for doubtful accounts are estimated at each balance sheet date and bad debt expense totaled $6,004, $10,226 and $5,360 for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

Inventory

Inventory primarily consists of new and used equipment held for sale, supplies, and spare parts held for sale and internal maintenance. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method or the weighted average cost method. Reserves for excess and obsolete inventory are estimated at each balance sheet date and expense associated with these reserves totaled $5,784, $3,350 and $906 for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

Rental Equipment

Rental equipment is recorded at cost. Depreciation for rental equipment is computed using the straight-line method over five to fifteen year useful lives, with 0% to 20% salvage values. Accumulated depreciation on rental equipment was $303,096 and $228,673 at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. When rental equipment is sold, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts. Proceeds from the sale and the related net book value of the equipment are recognized in the period of disposal and reported as revenue from rental equipment sales and cost of rental equipment sales in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

Rental equipment depreciation expense aggregated $119,731, $99,779 and $87,096 for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

Ordinary repairs and maintenance costs are charged to operations as incurred.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:

Buildings and improvements		30 years
Vehicles		3-5 years
Machinery and equipment		5-7 years
Computers, furniture and fixtures		3-7 years
Leasehold improvements		Over the shorter of lease term or estimated useful life

When property and equipment are disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts, and any gains or losses are included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income as other income (loss).

Ordinary repairs and maintenance costs are charged to operations as incurred.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

In accordance with our adoption in 2002 of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets," a long-lived asset or asset group is tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. When such events occur, the Company compares the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group to the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group. If this comparison indicates that there is an impairment, the amount of the impairment is typically calculated using the discounted expected future cash flows. The discount rate applied to these cash flows is based on the Company's weighted-average cost of capital, which represents the blended after-tax costs of debt and equity.

The Company recognized impairments of $6,743 and $3,183, related to rental fleet and buildings in 2002 and 2001, respectively, which are appropriately included as depreciation expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

Intangible Assets

Goodwill consists of the capitalized excess cost over acquired net assets. In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," that superseded APB Opinion No. 17, Intangible Assets. SFAS No. 142 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. Under this standard, goodwill is no longer amortized but subject to annual impairment test on a reporting unit level.

The Company completed its initial impairment analysis in the second quarter of 2002 and recorded a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $155,102 ($129,505, net of tax benefit), as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle retroactive to January 1, 2002, on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. See Note 8 for further discussion regarding the adoption of the SFAS No. 142.

The Company evaluates the recoverability of goodwill by estimating the future discounted cash flows of the operating segments to which the goodwill relates. The rate used in determining discounted cash flows is a rate corresponding to the Company's cost of capital, risk adjusted where necessary. Estimated cash flows are then determined by disaggregating the Company's business segments to a reporting level for which meaningful identifiable cash flows can be determined. When estimated future discounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the net assets (tangible and identifiable intangibles) and related goodwill, impairment losses of goodwill are charged to operations. Impairment losses, limited to the carrying value of goodwill, represent the excess of the sum of the carrying value of the net assets (tangible and identifiable intangible) and goodwill over the discounted cash flows of the business being evaluated. In determining the estimated future cash flows, the Company considers current and projected future levels of income as well as business trends, prospects and market and economic conditions.

Loan Origination Costs

Loan origination costs primarily consist of $14,011 related to the Senior Credit Facility and $9,193 related to the Senior Subordinated Notes, all of which are stated at cost and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest rate method over the life of the related debt. Accumulated amortization related to loan origination costs aggregated $17,063 and $9,828 at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

Income Taxes

Provisions are made to record deferred income taxes in recognition of items reported differently for financial reporting purposes than for federal and state income tax purposes. The Company records deferred income taxes using the liability method in accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes."

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, inventory, trade accounts payable and accrued expenses and other liabilities approximate fair value due to the immediate to short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The carrying value of the revolving credit facility loan and term loan approximates fair value as the interest rate is reset every thirty to ninety days to reflect current market rates. The Company's interest rate swap is recorded at fair value (Note 13). The fair value of the Senior Subordinated Notes was $96,250 and $233,750 based on the December 31, 2002 and 2001 monthly closing bids in the over-the-counter markets,

respectively. It is not practical to estimate the fair value of the senior redeemable convertible preferred stock as the security is not actively traded and has numerous unique features as described in Note 11.

Hedging Instruments

SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," and its related amendment, SFAS No. 138, "Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities" (collectively referred to as "SFAS No. 133") require that all derivative financial instruments be recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at their fair value as either assets or liabilities. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded each period in income or accumulated other comprehensive loss, depending on whether a derivative is designated and effective as part of a hedge transaction and, if it is, the type of hedge transaction. Gains and losses on derivative instruments reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss are included in income in the periods in which income is affected by the hedged item.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable from construction and industrial customers. Concentration of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable is limited due to the large number of customers and the Company's geographic dispersion. The Company performs credit evaluations of its customers' financial condition and generally does not require collateral on trade accounts receivable. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts on its trade accounts receivable based upon expected collectibility.

Insurance

The Company is insured for general liability, automobile liability, workers' compensation, and group medical claims up to a specified claim and aggregate amounts (subject to deductibles of $500 per incident for general and automobile liability). Insured losses subject to this deductible are accrued based upon the aggregate liability for reported claims incurred and an estimated liability for claims incurred but not reported. These liabilities are not discounted.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for its stock-based employee compensation plan, which is described more fully in Note 14, under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related interpretations. In accordance with the intrinsic value method, no compensation expense is recognized for the Company's stock option plan. Had compensation expense been determined based on the fair value at the assumed grant date for

awards under this plan consistent with the method of SFAS No. 123, the Company's net (loss) income and net (loss) earnings per share would have been as follows for the years ended December 31:

	2002			2001			2000
Net (Loss) income, as reported	$	(193,557	)	$	(30,907	)	$	6,053
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under the fair value method, net of tax		200			1,200			1,086

Pro forma net (loss) income		(193,757	)		(32,107	)		4,967

Basic (loss) earnings per share, as reported		(9.18	)		(1.50	)		0.26
Pro forma basic (loss) earnings per share		(9.19	)		(1.56	)		0.21
Diluted (loss) earnings per share, as reported		(9.18	)		(1.50	)		0.19
Pro forma diluted (loss) earnings per share		(9.19	)		(1.56	)		0.15

The determination of compensation expense for the pro forma information was based upon the estimated fair value of the options granted on the date of their grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model at the following weighted average assumptions by grant year:

	2002		2001		2000
Risk-free interest rate	2.54	%	4.98	%	6.00	%
Expected life	8 years		5 years		5 years
Expected volatility	84	%	76	%	70	%
Expected dividend yield	—		—		—

The weighted average fair value of options granted was $0.63, $1.67 and $3.90 in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The number of options exercisable was 6, 532 and 456 at December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates relate to useful lives and recoverability of long-lived assets, residual values of rental equipment and reserves and allowances for trade accounts receivable and inventory. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues from equipment rentals are recognized ratably over the contract term. For construction-related contracts, which comprise approximately 5% of total revenues, revenues are recognized based on the percentage of work completed. Revenues from equipment and part sales are recognized at the point of delivery. Unbilled revenues at December 31, 2002 and 2001 were $20,987 and $23,484, respectively.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of revenues in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications of prior year consolidated financial statement amounts have been made to conform to the current year presentation.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 145, "Recession of FASB Statements No. 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13 and Technical Corrections." This Statement rescinds SFAS No. 4 "Reporting Gains and Losses from Extinguishment of Debt," and an amendment to that Statement, SFAS No. 64, "Extinguishment of Debt Made to Satisfy Sinking-Fund Requirements." This Statement amends SFAS No. 13, "Accounting for Leases," to eliminate an inconsistency between the required accounting for sale-leaseback transactions and the required accounting for certain lease modifications that have economic effects that are similar to sale-leaseback transactions. The Statement also amends other existing authoritative pronouncements to make various technical corrections, clarify meanings, or describe their applicability under changed conditions. The provisions of this Statement related to the recission of SFAS No. 4 are effective beginning in 2003. All other provisions are effective after May 15, 2002. As discussed in Note 2, it is possible the Company will restructure its debt. If a restructuring should occur, the related gain will be accounted for pursuant to SFAS No. 145. It is not possible to estimate the impact of this new pronouncement given the uncertainties surrounding the potential outcomes of any such restructuring.

4. (Loss) Earnings Per Share

	2002			2001			2000
(Loss) income from continuing operations	$	(65,545	)	$	(31,136	)	$	5,354
Less accretion on preferred stock		(500	)		(500	)		(500	)

(Loss) income from continuing operations available to common stockholders	$	(66,045	)	$	(31,636	)	$	4,854

Weighted average shares		21,143			20,956			21,221
Unvested stock		—			—			455
Convertible preferred stock		—			—			7,692

Diluted weighted average shares		21,143			20,956			29,368

Basic (loss) earnings per share from continuing operations	$	(3.12	)	$	(1.51	)	$	0.23
Diluted (loss) earnings per share from continuing operations	$	(3.12	)	$	(1.51	)		0.17

The effect of dilutive securities in 2002 and 2001 is omitted from the computation of diluted (loss) earnings per share because inclusion would be anti-dilutive by reducing the loss per share. At December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, stock options totaling approximately 2,537, 2,836 and 2,449, respectively, and for December 31, 2002 and 2001 convertible preferred stock shares of 7,692 in each year, were excluded from the computation of the diluted (loss) earnings per share because the exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares.

5. Acquisitions and Dispositions

On June 30, 2002, the Company sold its underground trench shoring business. The proceeds of $108,890 from the sale were used to repay existing indebtedness under the Credit Facility. In accordance with SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," the financial condition and results of operations of this business are reflected herein as discontinued operations and prior periods have been restated. Components of amounts reflected in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income and balance sheets are presented in the following table.

	2002			2001		2000
Total revenues	$	23,962		$	55,450	$	47,634
Operating income		260			7,942		8,922
Other income, net		22			134		78
Interest expense, net		3,691			7,754		7,752
Income tax expense		—			93		549

(Loss) income from discontinued operations	$	(3,409	)	$	229	$	699

	2002			2001
Net Assets of Discontinued Operations
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	22
Accounts receivable, net		1,149			14,290
Inventory, net		—			2,378
Rental equipment, net		—			27,550
Property and equipment, net		—			4,567
Intangible assets, net		—			62,445
Prepaid expenses and other assets		—			396
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(968	)		(3,373	)

Net assets of discontinued operations	$	181		$	108,275

In 2001, the Company purchased Brambles Equipment Services, Inc. ("BESI"), an equipment rental company based in Taylor, Michigan, for a total purchase price of $95,359. The purchase price was allocated as follows:

Rental equipment	$	97,525
Property and equipment		7,443
Inventory		4,703
Intangibles and other assets		6,121
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(12,433	)
Integration reserve		(8,000	)

	$	95,359

The Company allocated $63,533 of the excess of the fair value of net assets acquired over the consideration paid to the long-lived assets.

In 2000, the Company completed the acquisition of four companies with a total purchase price of $15,500. Effective April 1, 2000, the Company completed an exchange of certain assets and liabilities and all of the stock of its subsidiary, Safety Lights & Leasing, Inc., for certain assets and liabilities and all of the stock of Texoma, Inc., a rental equipment company, and approximately $18,000 in cash. This transaction was accounted for as a fair value transaction and no gain or loss was recognized.

These transactions have been accounted for by the purchase method of accounting and are included in the Company's results of operations from the closing date of each respective acquisition. The purchase prices were allocated based on the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

The following unaudited consolidated financial information represents the pro forma results of operations as if the 2002 disposition and the 2001 and 2000 acquisitions had been completed on January 1, 2000, after giving effect to certain adjustments including increased depreciation of property and equipment, interest expense for acquisition debt and amortization of related intangibles. These pro forma results and (loss) earnings per share have been prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved had these transactions been completed as of January 1, 2000, nor are the results indicative of the Company's future results of operations.

		2001			2000
		(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)
Revenues		$	723,098		$	767,002
Operating income			35,252			107,880
Net (loss) income			(26,436	)		14,654
Pro forma (loss) earnings per share:
	Basic	$	(1.28	)	$	0.67
	Diluted		(1.28	)		0.48
Pro forma weighted average shares outstanding:
	Basic		20,956			21,221
	Diluted		20,956			29,368

6. Inventory

Inventory, net consists of the following at December 31:

	2002			2001
New equipment	$	4,007		$	5,288
Used equipment		1,136			4,512
Supplies		4,735			4,495
Parts		13,732			17,166

		23,610			31,461
Less: Reserves for excess and obsolete inventory		(5,424	)		(4,676	)

	$	18,186		$	26,785

7. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, net consists of the following at December 31:

	2002			2001
Land	$	3,393		$	3,628
Buildings and improvements		13,262			13,545
Vehicles		45,395			45,137
Machinery and equipment		11,954			11,693
Computers, furniture and fixtures		17,237			15,290
Leasehold improvements		7,244			6,304

		98,485			95,597
Less: Accumulated depreciation		(52,682	)		(39,565	)

	$	45,803		$	56,032

Property and equipment depreciation expense aggregated $8,137, $16,098 and $14,608 for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

8. Intangible Assets

The Company's intangible asset balance at December 31, 2002 consists of $138,115 of goodwill subject to annual impairment tests under SFAS No. 142 and $1,863 of non-compete agreements recorded at a cost of $9,596 and amortized on a straight-line basis over five years. Accumulated amortization on these agreements was $7,733 at December 31, 2002, and amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 were $1,529, $1,603 and $1,739, respectively. Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2004 and 2005 is estimated to be $1,129, $624 and $82, respectively.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2002 are as follows:

	Traffic		General
	Safety		Rental			Total
Balance as of December 31, 2001, including goodwill of discontinued operation	$	39,645	$	315,743		$	355,388
Impairment loss as a result of the adoption of SFAS 142		—		(155,102	)		(155,102	)
Goodwill disposed of related to sale of trench shoring		—		(62,171	)		(62,171	)

Balance as of December 31, 2002	$	39,645	$	98,470		$	138,115

The effect of adopting SFAS 142 on net (loss) income and diluted (loss) earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 is as follows:

		2001			2000
Reported (loss) income from continuing operations		$	(31,136	)	$	5,354
Plus: goodwill amortization, net of tax			5,674			4,696

Adjusted (loss) income from continuing operations		$	(25,462	)	$	10,050

Reported net (loss) income		$	(30,907	)	$	6,053
Plus: goodwill amortization, net of tax			5,674			4,696

Adjusted net (loss) income		$	(25,233	)	$	10,749

Diluted (loss) earnings per share:
	Reported (loss) income from continuing operations	$	(1.51	)	$	0.17
	Goodwill amortization		0.27			0.16

	Adjusted (loss) income from continuing operations	$	(1.24	)	$	0.33

	Reported net (loss) income	$	(1.50	)	$	0.19
	Goodwill amortization		0.27			0.16

	Adjusted net (loss) income	$	(1.23	)	$	0.35

9. Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

Accrued expenses and other liabilities consists of the following at December 31:

	2002		2001
Interest rate swap payable	$	4,609	$	11,101
Integration and restructuring reserves (Note 21)		6,450		9,700
Accrued compensation and benefits		10,853		14,314
Accrued insurance reserves		8,885		5,941
Accrued property and sales taxes		8,385		4,578
Liabilities to former owners of acquired businesses		—		3,311
Other		11,565		9,997

	$	50,747	$	58,942

10. Debt and Liquidity

Debt consists of the following at December 31:

	2002		2001
Revolving credit facility loan, interest at prime rate plus 1.75% or the eurodollar rate plus 3%, due July 17, 2003	$	416,856	$	492,000
Term loan, interest at prime rate plus 1.75% or the eurodollar rate plus 3%, due July 17, 2003		70,000		100,000
Senior Subordinated Notes, Series B and D, interest at 10% payable semi-annually on May 30 and November 30, due November 30, 2004		273,450		272,656
Capital lease obligations		2,970		4,359

	$	763,276	$	869,015

During 1997, the Company entered into a credit facility agreement with First Union Commercial Corporation (as amended, the "Old Credit Facility"). The Old Credit Facility provided for a secured revolving line of credit of $140,000.

During 1998, the Company entered into a new credit facility with First Union National Bank, as the agent, and certain other financial institutions (as amended, the "Credit Facility"). This provided for a secured credit facility, including a term loan of $100,000 and a revolving credit facility loan of $300,000. Proceeds from the Credit Facility were used to repay approximately $59,513 of indebtedness under the Company's Old Credit Facility. During 1999, the Company amended its Credit Facility to increase the available borrowings from $400,000 up to a maximum amount of $750,000. In 2001, the Company amended its Credit Facility to decrease the maximum available borrowings to $650,000. In 2002, the Company amended its credit facility to decrease the maximum available borrowings to $550,000. Based upon the available borrowing base at December 31, 2001, the Company did not have any additional availability on the revolving credit facility loan. The Credit Facility is collateralized by substantially all of the Company's assets.

The Company accretes the original issue discount of the Senior Subordinated Notes due 2004, Series B (the "Series B Notes") and the Senior Subordinated Notes due 2004, Series D (the "Series D Notes") over the term of the notes using the effective interest rate method.

The Company is a holding company with no independent operations, and the Company's assets (excluding the intercompany receivables and common stock of its subsidiaries) are insignificant. All of the Company's subsidiaries make full, unconditional, joint and several guarantees of the Series B Notes and the Series D Notes, and all of these subsidiaries are directly or indirectly wholly-owned by the Company. There are no restrictions on the Company's ability to obtain funds from its subsidiaries by dividend or loan.

The separate financial statements of each of these wholly-owned subsidiaries are not presented as management believes that separate financial statements and other disclosures concerning these subsidiaries are not individually meaningful for presentation or material to investors. In addition, the Company has pledged the stock of each of its subsidiaries as further security for the Company's obligations under the Credit Facility. The Company's weighted average interest rate was 8.4% in 2002 and 8.9% in both 2001 and 2000.

The Company's debt, including capital lease obligations matures as follows:

2003	$	488,023
2004		274,470
2005		423
2006		255
2007		97
Thereafter		8

	$	763,276

Accumulated amortization on capital leases as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 was $1,389 and $817, respectively.

11. Senior Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock

During 1999, the Company issued 100 shares of Senior Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A (the "Preferred Shares") for proceeds of approximately $100,000, less a 5% facility fee. Each Preferred Share is convertible at the option of the holder into a number of shares of the Company's Common Stock equal to $1,000 divided by the conversion price (the "Conversion Price") then in effect. The Conversion Price is $13, subject to adjustment based upon (i) certain issuances of Common Stock at a price per share below the then current Conversion Price and (ii) standard anti-dilution adjustments. Each Preferred Share is convertible at the option of the Company into a number of shares of Common Stock equal to $1,000 divided by the then current Conversion Price if at any time after one year from the issue date of the Preferred Shares the average closing market price of the Common Stock over a sixty consecutive trading day period equals or exceeds $20 per share. Each holder of Preferred Shares is entitled

to vote with the Company's Common Stock on an as-if converted basis. The $5,000 facility fee is being accreted over the life of the Preferred Stock as a reduction of stockholders' equity.

Each holder of Preferred Shares is entitled to receive dividends and other distributions on parity with each holder of Common Stock in an amount equal to the dividends per share payable on the number of shares of Common Stock into which such Preferred Shares would be convertible on the record date. On April 30, 2009, the Company will be obligated to redeem all of the shares of Preferred Stock then outstanding, at a price per share equal to $1,000 plus an amount per share equal to all declared and unpaid dividends thereon.

If a change of control occurs, the Company will within five business days thereafter offer to purchase from each holder of Preferred Shares all outstanding Preferred Shares then held by such holder at a purchase price equal to the greater of (i) the amount, if any, that each holder of Preferred Shares would be entitled to receive per share of Common Stock in connection with the change of control if such holder had converted its Preferred Shares and (ii) $20 in cash per share of Common Stock assuming such holder had converted its Preferred Shares. If a liquidation or winding-up of the Company (other than a change of control) occurs, no distribution will be made to the holders of shares of any class of junior stock (including Common Stock) unless, prior thereto, the holders of Preferred Shares have received an amount per Preferred Share equal to the greater of (i) $1,000 plus all declared and unpaid dividends and (ii) the proceeds in liquidation that the holders of Preferred Shares would have received in respect of all shares of Common Stock issuable to such holders upon conversion.

12. Treasury Stock

Repurchases of Common Stock are authorized by the Company's Board of Directors. Currently repurchases of common stock are not permitted as outlined in the covenants to the Credit Facility (Note 10).

13. Financial Instruments

Derivative financial instruments are used by the Company principally to reduce exposures to market risks resulting from fluctuations in interest rates by creating offsetting exposures. The Company is not a party to leveraged derivatives. For a derivative to qualify as a hedge at inception and throughout the hedged period, the Company formally documents the nature and relationships between the hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk-management objectives, strategies for undertaking the various hedge transactions and method of assessing hedge effectiveness. Financial instruments qualifying for hedge accounting must maintain a specified level of effectiveness between the hedging instrument and the item being hedged, both at inception and throughout the hedged period.

Effective April 18, 2001, the Company entered into an interest rate swap contract, which fixes the interest rate at 4.71% on $400,000 of variable rate debt through April 17, 2003. The Company's interest rate swap is a cash flow hedge. For the interest rate swap, the net amounts paid or received and net amounts accrued through the end of the accounting period are included in interest expense. Unrealized gains or losses on the interest rate swap contract are not recognized in income, but rather changes in the fair value of the swap are recorded in other comprehensive income, and in the consolidated balance sheet as a component of accrued expenses and other liabilities. Gains or losses on any contracts terminated early are deferred and amortized to income over the remaining average life of the terminated contract. During the year ended December 31, 2002, there was no ineffectiveness relating to the cash flow hedge.

14. Stock Option Plan

During 1998, the Company established a plan in which options to purchase shares of Common Stock can be granted to directors, officers and key employees of the Company, and other individuals. Up to 4,461 shares of Common Stock may be issued under this plan. Granted options under the plan vest over five years from the grant date and expire ten years from the grant date. A summary of options activity for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 is as follows:

		Number of Shares		Exercise Price per Share		Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share
Shares under Option:
December 31, 1999		2,004		$	8.81 to $13.50	$	11.78
	Granted	593			2.25 to 6.00		5.97
	Forfeited	(148	)		6.00 to 13.50		12.11

December 31, 2000		2,449			2.25 to 13.50		10.35
	Granted	593			1.79 to 2.90		2.56
	Forfeited	(206	)		2.90 to 13.50		9.28

December 31, 2001		2,836			1.79 to 13.50		8.80
	Granted	513			0.30 to 5.00		1.80
	Forfeited	(812	)		2.90 to 13.50		7.97

December 31, 2002		2,537			0.30 to 13.50	$	7.65

A summary of outstanding and exercisable stock options as of December 31, 2002, is as follows:

	Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices	Number of Shares	Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Number of Shares	Weighted-Average Exercise Price
$0.30 to $2.90	876	9.1	$	1.78	—	$	—
3.00 to 5.00	107	9.7		4.88	—		—
6.00 to 8.8125	374	7.1		6.00	—		—
10.875 to 13.50	1,180	6.0		12.78	—		—
	2,537	7.4	$	7.65	—	$	—

15. Income Taxes

The provision (benefit) for income taxes on income (loss) from continuing operations differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes as a result of the following:

	2002			2001			2000
Federal income taxes at 35%	$	(22,941	)	$	(16,363	)	$	3,628
State income taxes, net of federal benefit		(2,261	)		(953	)		501
Goodwill		—			1,090			1,000
Other		1,611			612			(118	)
Valuation allowance		23,591			—			—

	$	—		$	(15,614	)	$	5,011

The tax benefit on the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle results in a tax rate less than the expected tax rate due to the write-off of goodwill not deductible for tax purposes.

Income tax (benefit) expense included in comprehensive income was as follows:

			2002			2001			2000
Current income tax expense:
	Federal		$	—		$	—		$	—
	State			—			—			—

		Total current income tax expense		—			—			—

Deferred income tax (benefit) expense:
	Federal			(23,299	)		(13,999	)		5,059
	State			(2,297	)		(1,521	)		501

		Total deferred income tax (benefit) expense		(25,596	)		(15,520	)		5,560

		Total income tax (benefit) expense	$	(25,596	)	$	(15,520	)	$	5,560

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed based on temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using the enacted marginal income tax rate in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred income tax expenses or benefits are based on the changes in the deferred tax assets or liabilities from period to period.

Deferred income taxes have been provided for the temporary differences between the financial statement and the income tax bases of the Company's assets and liabilities as follows:

		2002			2001
Trade accounts receivable and inventory		$	7,527		$	7,323
Non-compete agreements			2,162			1,754
Accrued expenses			4,242			3,346
Minimum tax credits			1,744			1,851
Net operating losses			106,119			93,506
Goodwill			15,107			—
Other			5,279			1,389
Valuation allowance			(28,787	)		—

	Deferred income tax asset	$	113,393		$	109,169

Goodwill		$	—		$	(11,598	)
Depreciation			(113,393	)		(122,198	)
Other			—			(969	)

	Deferred income tax liability	$	(113,393	)	$	(134,765	)

Realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent upon generating sufficient future taxable income in the periods in which the assets reverse or the benefits expire. The Company has provided a full valuation allowance on the net deferred tax asset, consisting primarily of net operating loss, because of uncertainty regarding its realizability. The Company's net operating loss carryforward of approximately $275,936 expires principally in 2012 through 2022.

16. Lease Commitments

The Company leases certain rental fleet equipment, facilities, office equipment and vehicles under operating leases, some of which contain renewal options. Future minimum rental commitments under operating leases consists of the following at December 31, 2002:

2003	$	20,707
2004		17,673
2005		11,077
2006		7,602
2007		4,972
Thereafter		15,037

	$	77,068

Rent expense was $31,252, $24,242 and $18,529 for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

17. Contingencies

The Company is party to legal proceedings and potential claims arising in the ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of these matters will have no material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

18. Employee Benefit Plans

The Company sponsors a profit sharing and 401(k) plan (the "Plan") in which employees over twenty-one years of age with greater than one-half year of service are eligible, as defined by the Plan. Under the Plan, the Company makes a discretionary contribution to a trust based on each eligible employee's base annual wages. In addition, eligible employees can defer up to 15% of their salary with a partially matching contribution by the Company of 50% of the first 5% of the employee contribution. The employer contributions vest over a five-year period. Contributions by the Company to the Plan were $1,940, $4,068 and $3,840 for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

19. Related Party Transactions

Stock subscriptions receivable of $80 and $102 as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively, represent notes due from officers of the Company related to purchases of Common Stock and is collateralized by the purchased shares. Interest on the notes accrues at 8.3% and is payable in full at maturity on January 6, 2007 or upon termination of employment. All stock subscriptions receivable were repaid in full during the first quarter of 2003.

The Company incurred expenses of $2,767, $3,015 and $2,067 for rent under certain lease obligations to former owners, members of management and their affiliates during the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

During 2000, the Company acquired St. Clair Equipment Company for $2,300 from one of the Company's directors.

20. Segment Information

All operations are managed at the branch level. Allocations of capital and investment decisions are made by senior management on a regional basis. The Company's significant operating segments include Traffic Safety, East, Southwest and Central. The Company has two reporting segments, Traffic Safety, and General Rental and Other. The Traffic Safety operations have different contractual, regulatory and capital requirements than the General Rental operations. The accounting policies for these segments are the same as those described in Note 3. Intersegment revenues are not material. The net operating earnings (losses) of the segments include interest expense (income). The Company has no single customer that represents greater than 10% of the Company's consolidated revenues. Identifiable assets are those used in the Company's operations in each segment.

The following table presents the information for the reported segments for the years ending December 31:

	Traffic Safety		General Rental and Other			Discontinued Operations		Consolidated
2002
Rental and service revenues	$	93,995	$	419,550		$	—	$	513,545
New equipment sales		6,067		35,830			—		41,897
Rental equipment sales		288		38,874			—		39,162
Other revenues		2,504		24,226			—		26,730
Total revenues		102,854		518,480			—		621,334
Operating income (loss)		7,676		(3,072	)		—		4,604
Net income (loss)(a)		524		(195,574	)		1,493		(193,557	)
Identifiable assets		103,371		758,102			1,149		862,622
Depreciation and amortization		11,764		117,633			—		129,397
Capital expenditures		5,278		63,665			—		68,943
2001
Rental and service revenues	$	97,003	$	368,071		$	—	$	465,074
New equipment sales		7,988		36,530			—		44,518
Rental equipment sales		405		25,755			—		26,160
Other revenues		3,641		15,905			—		19,546
Total revenues		109,037		446,261			—		555,298
Operating income		9,748		11,704			—		21,452
Net income (loss)		1,741		(32,877	)		229		(30,907	)
Identifiable assets		111,656		979,027			111,648		1,202,331
Depreciation and amortization		13,426		112,524			—		125,950
Capital expenditures		5,014		20,097			8,222		33,333
2000
Rental and service revenues	$	94,760	$	388,020		$	—	$	482,780
New equipment sales		7,995		40,157			—		48,152
Rental equipment sales		329		22,292			—		22,621
Other revenues		5,378		17,270			—		22,648
Total revenues		108,462		467,739			—		576,201
Operating income		12,542		73,938			—		86,480
Net income (loss)		2,056		3,298			699		6,053
Identifiable assets		122,632		999,092			116,899		1,238,623
Depreciation and amortization		13,151		98,677			—		111,828
Capital expenditures		15,412		143,588			19,717		178,717

(a): Net income (loss) amount for General Rental and Other operations includes a $129,505 goodwill impairment charge recorded as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle charge, in accordance with SFAS No. 142.

21. Restructuring and Impairment Charges

During the fourth quarter of 2002, the Company recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge of $3,769, which was recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. The restructuring activites included the elimination of administrative personnel and closure of 8 branch locations. This charge consisted primarily of severance and lease termination costs. The charge includes costs associated with the termination of more than 300 people, of which 180 were completed by December 31, 2002. The remaining terminations will occur during 2003. As of December 31, 2002, the Company has essentially completed these restructuring activities, with the balance of the reserve of approximately $2,394 related to outstanding lease commitments.

During the fourth quarter of 2001, the Company recorded a non-recurring pre-tax restructuring charge of $1,700 related to the acquisition of BESI. This charge consists primarily of a reserve for lease termination and severance costs. More than 200 branch and administrative employees have been terminated in conjunction with this restructuring. The Company also established a reserve of $8,000, which was recorded against goodwill, related to the closure of certain BESI locations in conjunction with the purchase accounting for the acquisition (Note 5).

The Company has essentially completed these restructuring activities, with the balance of the reserve of $4,056 related to outstanding lease commitments.

22. Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Selected quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 is as follows:

		2002
		1st Quarter			2nd Quarter			3rd Quarter			4th Quarter			Annual
Revenues		$	138,451		$	161,649		$	171,452		$	149,782		$	621,334
Gross profit			38,324			51,093			48,125			31,749			169,291
(Loss) income from continuing operations			(14,878	)		(4,289	)		(9,541	)		(36,837	)		(65,545	)
Discontinued operations			(1,631	)		5,202			—			(2,078	)		1,493
Change in accounting principle			(129,505	)		—			—			—			(129,505	)
Net (loss) income			(146,014	)		913		$	(9,541	)	$	(38,915	)	$	(193,557	)
Basic (loss) earnings per common share:
	Continuing operations	$	(0.70	)	$	(0.21	)	$	(0.46	)	$	(1.75	)	$	(3.12	)
	Discontinued operations		(0.08	)		0.25			—			(0.09	)		0.08
	Change in accounting principle		(6.14	)		—			—			—			(6.14	)
Net (loss) earnings per common share		$	(6.92	)	$	0.04		$	(0.46	)	$	(1.84	)	$	(9.18	)
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share:
	Continuing operations	$	(0.70	)	$	(0.21	)	$	(0.46	)	$	(1.75	)	$	(3.12	)
	Discontinued operations		(0.08	)		0.25			—			(0.09	)		0.08
	Change in account principle		(6.14	)		—			—			—			(6.14	)
Net (loss) earnings per common share		$	(6.92	)	$	0.04		$	(0.46	)	$	(1.84	)	$	(9.18	)

		2001
		1st Quarter			2nd Quarter			3rd Quarter			4th Quarter			Annual
Revenues		$	127,491		$	150,759		$	148,045		$	129,003		$	555,298
Gross profit			40,854			52,035			51,864			30,907			175,660
(Loss) income from continuing operations			(7,269	)		(1,148	)		(112	)		(22,607	)		(31,136	)
Discontinued operations			(1,034	)		(126	)		769			620			229
Net (loss) income		$	(8,303	)	$	(1,274	)	$	657		$	(21,987	)	$	(30,907	)
Basic (loss) earnings per common share:
	Continuing Operations	$	(0.35	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(1.09	)	$	(1.51	)
	Discontinued Operations		(0.05	)		(0.01	)		0.04			0.03			0.01
Net (loss) earnings per common share		$	(0.40	)	$	(0.07	)	$	0.03		$	(1.06	)	$	(1.50	)
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share:
	Continuing Operations	$	(0.35	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(1.09	)	$	(1.51	)
	Discontinued Operations		(0.05	)		(0.01	)		0.04			0.03			0.01
Net (loss) earnings per common share		$	(0.40	)	$	(0.07	)	$	0.03		$	(1.06	)	$	(1.50	)

As discussed in Notes 3 and 21, the Company incurred restructuring and impairment charges in the fourth quarter of both 2002 and 2001.

23. Recent Developments

NATIONAL EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves

(Amounts in thousands)

Column A	Column B		Column C				Column D		Column E
			Additions
Description	Balance at beginning of year		(1) Charged to cost and expenses		(2) Charged to other accounts —describe*		Write-offs		Balance at end of year
2002:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	5,844	$	6,004	$	—	$	6,371	$	5,477
Reserve for obsolete inventory		4,676		5,784		—		5,036		5,424
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance		—		28,787		—		—		28,787
2001:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	4,944	$	10,226	$	—	$	9,326	$	5,844
Reserve for obsolete inventory		1,816		3,350		1,865		2,355		4,676
2000:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	4,830	$	5,360	$	646	$	5,892	$	4,944
Reserve for obsolete inventory		1,739		906		314		1,143		1,816

*: The amounts in Column C(2) are additions to the reserve related to the acquisition of one and four businesses in 2001 and 2000, respectively.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, National Equipment Services, Inc. has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Evanston, State of Illinois, on April 15, 2003.

	NATIONAL EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC.
	By:		/s/ MICHAEL D. MILLIGAN Michael D. Milligan Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed on April 15, 2003, by the following persons in the capacities indicated:

Signature		Capacity

/s/ JOSEPH M. GULLION Joseph M. Gullion		President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ MICHAEL D. MILLIGAN Michael D. Milligan		Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ CARL D. THOMA Carl D. Thoma		Chairman of the Board
/s/ JOHN MOLNER John Molner		Director
/s/ RONALD ST. CLAIR Ronald St. Clair		Director
/s/ DANIEL TIMM Daniel Timm		Director

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Joseph M. Gullion, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of National Equipment Services, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

c) presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date: April 15, 2003

/s/ JOSEPH M. GULLION

Joseph M. Gullion
Chief Executive Officer

I, Michael D. Milligan, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of National Equipment Services, Inc.;

b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

c) presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

Date: April 15, 2003

/s/ MICHAEL D. MILLIGAN

Michael D. Milligan
Chief Financial Officer

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number	Description of Document	Reference
3.1	Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.	(1	)
3.2	Restated By-laws of the Company.	(1	)
4.1(i)	Indenture dated November 25, 1997, by and among the Company, the subsidiary guarantors named therein and Harris Savings and Trust Company, as trustee.	(2	)
4.1(ii)	Supplemental Indenture dated April 1, 1998, by and among NES East Acquisition Corp.; NES Michigan Acquisition Corp.; Albany Ladder Company, Inc. and Harris Savings and Trust Company, as trustee.	(2	)
4.1(iii)	Supplemental Indenture dated July 23, 1998, by and among Falconite, Inc.; Carl's Mid South Rent-All Center Incorporated; Falconite Aviation, Inc.; Falconite Equipment, Inc.; Falconite Rebuild Center, Inc.; McCurry & Falconite Equipment Co., Inc.; M&M Properties, Inc. and Harris Savings and Trust Company, as trustee.	(2	)
4.1(iv)	Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 9, 1999, by and between Barricade & Light Rental, Inc.; Mayer-Hammant Equipment, L.L.C.; Wellesley Crane Service Co., Inc. and Harris Savings and Trust Company, as trustee.	(7	)
4.2	Forms of Series B 10% Senior Subordinated Notes (contained in Exhibit 4.1(i) as Exhibit A thereto).	(2	)
4.3	Form of Subsidiary Guarantee relating to Series B Senior Subordinated Notes (contained in Exhibit 4.1[i] as Exhibit D thereto).	(2	)
4.4	Registration Rights Agreement dated as of November 25, 1997, among the Company; Aerial Platforms, Inc.; NES Acquisition Corp.; BAT Acquisition Corp.; MST Enterprises, Inc. and the initial purchasers named therein.	(2	)
4.5	Purchase Agreement dated as of November 20, 1997, among the Company; Aerial Platforms, Inc.; NES Acquisition Corp.; BAT Acquisition Corp.; MST Enterprises, Inc. and the initial purchasers named therein.	(2	)
4.6	Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of August 6, 1999 and amended as of October 16, 2002 among National Equipment Services, Inc., as Borrower, and Certain Subsidiaries of the Borrower From Time to Time Party Hereto, as Guarantors, The Several Lenders from Time to Time Party Hereto and First Union National Bank, as Agent.	(13	)
4.7	Pledge Agreement dated as of July 17, 1998, by and among the Company; NES Acquisition Corp.; BAT Acquisition Corp.; NES East Acquisition Corp.; NES Michigan Acquisition Corp.; Albany Ladder Company, Inc.; Falconite, Inc.; Falconite Equipment, Inc.; M&M Properties, Inc.; Carl's Mid South Rent-All Center Incorporated; Falconite Rebuild Center, Inc.; Falconite Aviation, Inc.; McCurry & Falconite Equipment Co., Inc. and First Union National Bank, as Agent.	(2	)

4.8	Security Agreement dated as of July 17, 1998, among the Company; NES Acquisition Corp.; BAT Acquisition Corp.; NES East Acquisition Corp.; NES Michigan Acquisition Corp.; Albany Ladder Company, Inc.; Falconite, Inc.; Falconite Equipment, Inc.; M&M Properties, Inc.; Carl's Mid South Rent-All Center Incorporated; Falconite Rebuild Center, Inc.; Falconite Aviation, Inc.; McCurry & Falconite Equipment Co., Inc. and First Union National Bank, as Agent.	(2	)
4.9	Junior Subordinated Convertible Promissory Note, dated September 17, 1998, in the principal amount of $15,000,000.	(3	)
4.10(i)	Indenture dated December 11, 1998, by and among the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and Harris Savings and Trust Company, as trustee.	(4	)
4.10(ii)	Supplemental indenture dated as of April 9, 1999, by and between Barricade & Light Rental, Inc.; Mayer-Hammant Equipment, L.L.C.; Wellesley Crane Service Co., Inc. and Harris Savings and Trust Company, as trustee.	(7	)
4.11	Forms of Series C and Series D 10% Senior Subordinated Notes (contained in Exhibit 4.10 as Exhibit A thereto).	(4	)
4.12	Form of Subsidiary Guarantee relating to Series C and Series D 10% Senior Subordinated Notes (contained in Exhibit 4.10 as Exhibit D thereto).	(4	)
4.13	Registration Rights Agreement dated as of December 11, 1998, among the Company; Albany Ladder Company, Inc.; BAT Acquisition Corp.; Carl's Mid South Rent-All Center Incorporated; Falconite Aviation, Inc.; Falconite Equipment, Inc.; Falconite, Inc.; Falconite Rebuild Center, Inc.; McCurry & Falconite Equipment Co., Inc.; M&M Properties, Inc.; NES Acquisition Corp.; NES East Acquisition Corp.; NES Michigan Acquisition Corp.; Rebel Studio Rentals, Inc.; Shaughnessy Crane Service, Inc. and the initial purchasers named therein.	(4	)
4.14	Purchase Agreement dated as of December 8, 1998, among the Company; Albany Ladder Company, Inc.; BAT Acquisition Corp.; Carl's Mid South Rent-All Center Incorporated; Falconite Aviation, Inc.; Falconite Equipment, Inc.; Falconite, Inc.; Falconite Rebuild Center, Inc.; McCurry & Falconite Equipment Co., Inc.; M&M Properties, Inc.; NES Acquisition Corp.; NES East Acquisition Corp.; NES Michigan Acquisition Corp.; Rebel Studio Rentals, Inc.; Shaughnessy Crane Service, Inc. and the initial purchasers named therein.	(4	)
4.15	Registration Rights Agreement dated as of January 8, 1999, among the Company; Albany Ladder Company, Inc.; BAT Acquisition Corp.; Carl's Mid South Rent-All Center Incorporated; Falconite Aviation, Inc.; Falconite Equipment, Inc.; Falconite, Inc.; Falconite Rebuild Center, Inc.; McCurry & Falconite Equipment Co., Inc.; M&M Properties, Inc.; NES Acquisition Corp.; NES East Acquisition Corp.; NES Michigan Acquisition Corp.; Rebel Studio Rentals, Inc.; Shaughnessy Crane Service, Inc. and the initial purchasers named therein.	(4	)

4.16	Purchase Agreement dated as of January 5, 1999, among the Company; Albany Ladder Company, Inc.; BAT Acquisition Corp.; Carl's Mid South Rent-All Center Incorporated; Falconite Aviation, Inc.; Falconite Equipment, Inc.; Falconite, Inc.; Falconite Rebuild Center, Inc.; McCurry & Falconite Equipment Co., Inc.; M&M Properties, Inc.; NES Acquisition Corp.; NES East Acquisition Corp.; NES Michigan Acquisition Corp.; Rebel Studio Rentals, Inc.; Shaughnessy Crane Service, Inc. and the initial purchasers named therein.	(4	)
10.1	Purchase Agreement dated as of June 4, 1996, between the Company and Golder, Thoma, Cressey, Rauner Fund IV, L.P.	(2	)
10.2(i)	Stockholders Agreement dated as of June 4, 1996, by and between the Company; Golder, Thoma, Cressey, Rauner Fund IV, L.P. and certain Executives named therein.	(2	)
10.2(ii)	Amendment No. 1 to Stockholders Agreement dated December 31, 1996, by and among the Company; Golder, Thoma, Cressey, Rauner Fund IV, L.P. and certain Executives named therein.	(2	)
10.3(i)	Registration Agreement dated as of June 4, 1996, between the Company; Golder, Thoma, Cressey, Rauner Fund IV, L.P. and certain Executives named therein.	(2	)
10.3(ii)	Amendment No. 1 to Registration Agreement dated as of December 31, 1996, by and among the Company; Golder, Thoma, Cressey, Rauner Fund IV, L.P. and certain Executives named therein.	(2	)
10.3(iii)	Amendment No. 2 to Registration Agreement dated as of July 24, 1998, by and among the Company; Golder, Thoma, Cressey, Rauner Fund IV, L.P. and R & R Rentals, Inc.	(2	)
10.3(iv)	Amendment No. 3 to Registration Agreement dated as of May 14, 1999, by and among National Equipment Services, Inc.; Golder, Thoma, Cressey, Rauner Fund IV, L.P.; The 1818 Fund III, L.P.; Co-Investment Partners, L.P.; Erie Indemnity Company; Erie Insurance Exchange; Aquila Limited Partnership; GTR Associates V, Corp., and certain Executives and other persons named therein.	(7	)
10.4(i)	Senior Management Agreement dated as of June 4, 1996, between the Company and Kevin Rodgers.*	(2	)
10.4(ii)	Amendment No. 1 to Senior Management Agreement dated December 31, 1996, between the Company and Kevin Rodgers.*	(2	)
10.5(i)	Senior Management Agreement dated as of June 4, 1996, between the Company and Paul Ingersoll.*	(2	)
10.5(ii)	Amendment No. 1 to Senior Management Agreement dated December 31, 1996, between the Company and Paul Ingersoll.*	(2	)
10.6	Senior Management Agreement dated as of December 31, 1996, between the Company and Dennis O'Connor.*	(2	)
10.7	Executive Stock Pledge Agreement dated as of June 4, 1996, between the Company and Kevin Rodgers.	(2	)
10.8	Executive Stock Pledge Agreement dated as of June 4, 1996, between the Company and Paul Ingersoll.	(2	)

10.9	Executive Stock Pledge Agreement dated as of December 31, 1996, between the Company and Dennis O'Connor.	(2	)
10.10	Promissory Note dated as of January 6, 1997, by Kevin Rodgers in favor of the Company in the principal amount of $63,232.	(2	)
10.11	Promissory Note dated as of January 6, 1997, by Paul Ingersoll in favor of the Company in the principal amount of $9,880.	(2	)
10.12	Promissory Note dated as of January 6, 1997, by Dennis O'Connor in favor of the Company in the principal amount of $19,760.	(2	)
10.13	Securities Transfer Agreement dated as of December 31, 1996, by and among the Company; Golder, Thoma, Cressey, Rauner Fund IV, L.P.; Golder, Thoma, Cressey, Rauner Fund V, L.P.; Kevin Rodgers; Paul Ingersoll and Dennis O'Connor.	(2	)
10.14	Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of April 1, 1998, by and among the Company; Falconite, Inc. and the stockholders of Falconite, Inc.	(2	)
10.15	First Amendment and Restatement of the National Equipment Services, Inc. 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan.	(11	)
10.16	Form of Underwriting Agreement among the Company; Salomon Smith Barney; Smith Barney, Inc.; William Blair & Company, L.L.C.; Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation; Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation and NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC.	(1	)
10.17	Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of September 1, 1998, by and among the Company; Shaughnessy Crane Service, Inc. and the stockholders of Shaughnessy Crane Service, Inc.	(3	)
10.18	Employment Letter Agreement dated September 10, 1998, by and between the Company and James W. O'Neil.	(5	)
10.19	Stock Purchase Agreement dated April 27, 1999, by and among National Equipment Services, Inc.; The 1818 Fund III, L.P.; Co-Investment Partners, L.P.; Erie Indemnity Company; Erie Insurance Exchange and Aquila Limited Partnership.	(6	)
10.20	Purchase Agreement dated July 31, 1999, by and among The Plank Companies, L.P.; The Plank Companies, Inc.; Plank Management, Inc.; Michael J. Plank and NES Shoring Acquisition, Inc.	(8	)
10.21	Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2001, by and among National Equipment Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation, NES Equipment Rental, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, NES Equipment Services Corporation, an Illinois corporation, Brambles Equipment Services Holding, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Brambles U.S.A., Inc. a Delaware corporation, and Brambles Canada Inc., an Ontario corporation.	(10	)
10.22	Employment Letter Agreement dated November 1, 2001, by and between the Company and Stephen A. Shaughnessy.	(11	)
10.23	Employment Letter Agreement dated December 26, 2001, by and between the Company and Michael D. Milligan.	(11	)

10.24	Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2002, by and among National Equipment Services, Inc., NES Companies, L.P. and United Rentals (North America), Inc.	(12	)
10.25	Employment Letter Agreement dated September 23, 2002, by and between the Company and Joseph M. Gullion.	(14	)
11.1	Statement RE Computation of Per Share Earnings. Not required because the relevant computations can be determined clearly from the material contained in the financial statements included herein.
21.1	Subsidiaries of the Company.
23.1	Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
99.1	Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
99.2	Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

*: Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
(1): Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-49223).
(2): Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-43553).
(3): Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 17, 1998 (File No. 001-14163).
(4): Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-71829).
(5): Incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 1998 (File No. 001-14163).
(6): Incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 1999 (File No. 001-14163).
(7): Incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1999 (File No. 001-14163).
(8): Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 2, 1999 (File No. 001-14163).
(9): Incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 1999 (File No. 001-14163).
(10): Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 2, 2002 (File No. 001-14163).
(11): Incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K dated April 16, 2002 (File No. 001-14163).
(12): Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 2, 2002 (File No. 001-14163).
(13): Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 16, 2002 (File No. 001-14163).
(14): Incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2002 (File No. 001-14163).

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