Intramotev, the technology company building autonomous railcars, said that former Chief Executive Ray Betler of locomotive manufacturer Wabtec has joined its board as an independent director. Betler worked as an engineer at Westinghouse, where he became the youngest head of engineering and later president and CEO in the company’s 120-year history. He joined Wabtec (NYSE: WAB) in 2008 and was later named chief operating officer, then president and CEO. Ray Betler During his tenure, Betler led Wabtec’s gl ...

Company Overview - Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation (WAB) is a Pennsylvania-based transportation technology company focused on the global rail industry, with a market cap of $42.1 billion [1] - WAB is classified as a "large-cap stock" and is a major supplier of locomotives, rail components, and digital rail technologies, enhancing the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of freight and passenger rail networks [2] Stock Performance - WAB shares have decreased by 7.6% from their 52-week high of $266.27, reached on February 25, but have surged 13% over the past three months, outperforming the Nasdaq Composite's 3.7% decline during the same period [3] - Over the past six months, WAB shares have gained 28%, which is lower than the Nasdaq's 3.1% increase, while over the past 52 weeks, WAB has increased by 39.8%, compared to the Nasdaq's 30.3% rise [6] Financial Performance - WAB's strong financial performance and robust demand in the global rail industry have contributed to its stock outperformance, with solid revenue and earnings growth driven by higher locomotive deliveries and strong demand for rail equipment and modernization solutions [7] - The company has an expanding multiyear order backlog, providing greater visibility into future revenue streams, and has improved operational efficiencies and continued investment in digital rail technologies, enhancing market confidence in its long-term growth prospects [7] Competitive Position - WAB has significantly outperformed its competitor, Trinity Industries, Inc. (TRN), which saw gains of only 4.8% over the past 52 weeks and 7.8% over the past six months [8] - The stock has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" from 13 analysts, with a mean price target of $282.25, indicating a potential 14.7% premium to its current price levels [8]

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies (WAB) appears an attractive pick, as it has been recently upgraded to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). An upward trend in earnings estimates -- one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices -- has triggered this rating change.The sole determinant of the Zacks rating is a company's changing earnings picture. The Zacks Consensus Estimate -- the consensus of EPS estimates from the sell-side analysts covering the stock -- for the current and following years is tracked by the s ...

Core Viewpoint - Growth stocks are appealing due to their potential for above-average financial growth, but identifying strong candidates can be challenging due to inherent volatility and risks [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies (WAB) is currently highlighted as a recommended growth stock based on the Zacks Growth Style Score system, which evaluates a company's growth prospects beyond traditional metrics [2] - WAB has a favorable Growth Score and a top Zacks Rank, indicating strong potential for performance [2] Group 2: Earnings Growth - Historical EPS growth for WAB is 21%, but projected EPS growth for this year is 14.9%, significantly outperforming the industry average of 5.5% [5] Group 3: Asset Utilization - WAB's asset utilization ratio (sales-to-total-assets ratio) is 0.54, indicating that the company generates $0.54 in sales for every dollar in assets, which is higher than the industry average of 0.35, showcasing better efficiency [6] Group 4: Sales Growth - The company's sales are expected to grow by 8.7% this year, compared to the industry average of 0.9%, highlighting strong sales growth potential [7] Group 5: Earnings Estimate Revisions - There has been a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions for WAB, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year increasing by 2.8% over the past month, suggesting favorable near-term stock price movements [8] Group 6: Conclusion - WAB has achieved a Growth Score of B and a Zacks Rank of 2, indicating it is a solid choice for growth investors and a potential outperformer [9][10]

Core Viewpoint - Progress Rail and Wabtec have settled a lawsuit regarding anti-competitive practices following Wabtec's $11 billion acquisition of GE Transportation in 2019, which Progress Rail claimed created a dominant market position in the diesel-electric long-haul freight locomotive sector [1][2]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - Progress Rail alleged that Wabtec engaged in exclusionary tactics, including restricting data flow for compatibility, imposing costs on competitors, and making false statements about Progress Rail's market presence, which harmed competition and consumers [2]. - The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court of Delaware in 2023, where antitrust claims were dismissed in 2025, but breach-of-contract allegations were allowed to proceed [3]. Group 2: Settlement Outcome - The settlement announcement stated that there is no admission of liability from either party, and both companies continue to supply long-haul freight locomotives and cab components to Class I railroads and other customers [3].

Core Insights - Wabtec Corporation (WAB) has announced a 25% increase in its quarterly dividend, reflecting a commitment to enhancing shareholder value and confidence in its business operations [1][4]. Dividend and Shareholder Returns - The quarterly cash dividend has been raised from 25 cents to 31 cents per share, amounting to an annualized dividend of $1.24 [4]. - Wabtec has consistently rewarded shareholders through dividends and share buybacks, with cash dividends totaling $111 million and share repurchases of $473 million in 2022, $409 million in 2023, $1.09 billion in 2024, and $223 million in 2025 [5][10]. Stock Performance - Wabtec's stock has increased by 36% over the past year, outperforming the Zacks Transportation - Equipment and Leasing industry's growth of 22.6% [8]. Financial Outlook - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Wabtec's earnings has been revised upward for the first and second quarters of 2026, indicating positive sentiment among analysts [15]. - Current earnings estimates for Q1 and Q2 of 2026 are $2.52 and $2.62 per share, respectively, with upward revisions of 1.20% and 1.16% over the past 60 days [17]. Valuation Concerns - Wabtec's stock is considered expensive, with a forward 12-month price-to-sales ratio of 3.66X, significantly higher than the industry average of 2.33X [18][19]. - The company's valuation is deemed unattractive, reflected in a Value Score of D [19]. Strategic Initiatives - Wabtec is focusing on new technologies to enhance safety, cost efficiency, and reliability in railroads, which supports the modernization of global rail fleets [12]. - The company is implementing cost-cutting measures and optimizing its product portfolio to improve profitability [13]. - Strong free cash flow generation enables Wabtec to maintain consistent dividend payments and share buybacks, which are expected to boost investor confidence [14][23].

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation (WAB) designs locomotives, propulsion platforms, braking systems, and mission-critical rail components that keep global freight and transit networks moving on schedule. With a market cap of approximately $44.4 billion, it pairs heavy engineering with digital intelligence, turning rail infrastructure into a data-driven, service-backed ecosystem. More News from Barchart Over the past 52 weeks, Wabtec’s shares have ...

Company Overview - Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation (NYSE:WAB) is a leading rail technology and equipment company that provides locomotives, equipment, systems, and services [2][3] - The company has a market capitalization of approximately $43.775 billion [2] Financial Performance - Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation reported $2.97 billion in sales for the fourth quarter of 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 14.8% [4] - The stock closed at $256.06 per share on February 13, 2026, with a one-month return of 11.52% and a twelve-month increase of 36.06% [2] Investment Insights - The Aristotle Small Cap Equity Fund noted that Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation transitioned from a small-cap to a large-cap company, leading to a redeployment of capital into new positions with potential upside [3] - At the end of the third quarter, 62 hedge fund portfolios held shares of Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation, a decrease from 68 in the previous quarter [4]

Financial Performance - Wabtec's net sales for the year ended December 31, 2025, increased by $780 million, or 7.5%, to $11.17 billion compared to 2024[182]. - The Freight Segment contributed $8.036 billion in net sales, while the Transit Segment contributed $3.131 billion in 2025[181]. - Wabtec's gross profit for 2025 was $3.806 billion, with a gross margin improvement to 34.1% from 32.4% in 2024[184]. - The company experienced a net income of $1.183 billion in 2025, an increase from $1.067 billion in 2024[181]. - Freight Segment net sales increased to $8,036 million in 2025, up 7.6% from $7,468 million in 2024, driven by a $613 million increase in goods sales and a $328 million contribution from acquisitions[189][190]. - Gross profit for the Freight Segment rose to $2,835 million, reflecting a 12.4% increase from $2,523 million in 2024, with gross margin improving to 35.2%[189][191]. - Transit Segment net sales reached $3,131 million in 2025, a 7.3% increase from $2,919 million in 2024, supported by strong aftermarket and original equipment manufacturing sales[194][195]. - The Transit Segment's income from operations improved to $422 million, a 24.9% increase from $338 million in 2024, with operating margin rising to 13.5%[194][197]. Operating Expenses and Costs - Operating expenses increased by $256 million, or 14.6%, to $2.013 billion in 2025, primarily due to higher sales volume and acquisition-related costs[185]. - The company incurred $75 million and $65 million in restructuring costs for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively[172]. - Operating expenses for the Freight Segment increased by $167 million, with a notable $134 million attributed to incremental expenses from acquisitions[192][193]. Tax and Financial Obligations - Wabtec's effective income tax rate increased to 25.7% in 2025 from 24.3% in 2024, driven by changes in jurisdictional mix of earnings[188]. - The Company has uncertain tax positions amounting to $29 million, with timing of payments uncertain[231]. - The Company has total contractual obligations and off-balance sheet arrangements amounting to $7,769 million as of December 31, 2025, including $5,567 million in long-term debt[230]. Cash Flow and Liquidity - Cash provided by operating activities was $1,759 million in 2025, a decrease from $1,834 million in 2024, while cash used for investing activities surged to $(2,747) million from $(343) million[198]. - Total available liquidity as of December 31, 2025, is $3,207 million, an increase from $2,556 million in 2024, with cash and cash equivalents at $764 million and a revolving credit facility of $2,000 million[214]. - The Revolving Receivables Program was amended to increase availability from $350 million to up to $450 million, enhancing liquidity management[209]. - The Company has entered into supply chain financing arrangements with third-party financial institutions to enhance vendor payment options and provide added working capital flexibility[212]. Acquisitions and Investments - The company signed $2.2 billion in new locomotive orders in North America during Q4 2025, including $1.3 billion for modernizations and $0.9 billion for new locomotives[169]. - Wabtec acquired Inspection Technologies for approximately $1.788 billion and Frauscher for approximately $792 million in 2025[175]. - The Company announced a definitive agreement to acquire Dellner Couplers for approximately €890 million, which closed on February 10, 2026, funded by cash and borrowings[214]. - The Company entered into foreign exchange contracts for a notional amount of €1,290 million to mitigate foreign currency exposure related to acquisitions, including €690 million for the acquisition of Frauscher[215]. Inventory and Accounting Policies - The company uses the FIFO method for inventory costing, which includes material, labor, and overhead, and recognizes reserves for excess inventory based on estimated usage and demand[242]. - The company may incur write-downs if market value or demand for products decreases, impacting inventory valuation[244]. - Business acquisitions are accounted for under ASC 805, with excess purchase price recognized as goodwill[245]. - Significant assumptions in estimating fair values of acquired intangible assets include revenue growth rates and discount rates, which are subject to future economic conditions[246]. - Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually, with three reporting units identified for evaluation[248]. - Warranty reserves are established as a percentage of sales based on historical experience, with specific reserves for known warranty issues[251]. - The company records estimated liabilities for income taxes based on expected payments in various jurisdictions, with uncertainties in tax obligations[253]. - Revenue is recognized over time for long-term customer agreements, with estimates based on total sales and costs for each contract[257]. Risk Management - The company is exposed to interest rate risk related to variable-rate debt, with limits on amounts borrowed under specific credit agreements[261]. - Foreign currency exchange rate risks are mitigated through foreign currency forward contracts to reduce impacts on operations conducted in non-U.S. dollar currencies[262].

Core Viewpoint - Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp reported better-than-expected earnings for the fourth quarter, indicating strong business performance and effective execution in dynamic markets [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company posted quarterly earnings of $2.10 per share, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of $2.08 per share [1]. - Quarterly sales reached $2.965 billion, exceeding the analyst consensus estimate of $2.864 billion [1]. Future Guidance - For FY2026, the company expects adjusted EPS in the range of $10.05 to $10.45, compared to market estimates of $10.23 [2]. - Sales projections for FY2026 are set between $12.190 billion and $12.490 billion, above estimates of $11.977 billion [2]. Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Keybanc analyst Steve Barger maintained an Overweight rating on Westinghouse Air Brake and raised the price target from $240 to $308 [4]. - Stephens & Co. analyst Brady Lierz also maintained an Overweight rating and increased the price target from $230 to $290 [4]. Stock Performance - Following the earnings announcement, Westinghouse Air Brake shares fell by 0.2% to trade at $253.84 [2].