Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenues for Q1 2025 totaled $96.3 million with deliveries of 710 railcars, compared to $161.1 million and 1,223 railcars in Q1 2024, reflecting planned lower production [16] - Gross margin expanded to 14.9%, up 780 basis points year over year, nearly doubling from the same period last year [6][16] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $7.3 million, an increase from $6.1 million in Q1 2024, driven by favorable product mix and operational efficiencies [17] - Adjusted net income for Q1 2025 was $1.6 million or $0.05 per diluted share, compared to $1.4 million or a loss of $0.10 per share in the same quarter last year [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company booked 1,250 new railcar orders valued at approximately $141 million in Q1 2025, representing 25% of all new railcars ordered in the quarter [13] - The backlog increased to 3,337 railcars valued at approximately $318 million, marking a near 20% sequential increase from year-end [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - FreightCar America expanded its addressable market share from 8% to 27% over the last twelve months, becoming the fastest growing railcar manufacturer in North America [8] - Total industry orders over the trailing twelve months were around 24,000 units, approximately 15,000 units below historical replacement levels, indicating pent-up demand [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining operational flexibility and the ability to manufacture large-scale complex fabrications tailored to customer needs [5] - The strategic advantages include operating from a purpose-built facility that reduces supply chain delays and aligns with USMCA guidelines, providing a competitive edge [9] - The company anticipates industry-wide deliveries will pick up momentum throughout the remainder of the year, supported by a robust backlog [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains cautiously optimistic about railcar equipment demand over the next 24 months, supported by consistent rail traffic levels and ongoing railcar replacement cycles [10] - The company reaffirmed its full-year 2025 guidance, expecting deliveries of between 4,500 to 4,900 railcars and revenue of $530 million to $590 million [11] Other Important Information - The company generated $12.8 million in operating cash flow, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of positive cash flow from operations [18] - Capital expenditures for Q1 totaled $300,000, with expectations for full-year capital expenditures in the range of $5 million to $6 million [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Which segments of your product suite are driving sales growth? - Management indicated that orders are being received across all segments, including covered hoppers and open-top hoppers, with a healthy mix allowing for multiple product lines to be utilized [23][24] Question: What are your considerations for putting a fifth production line into service? - Management stated that a fifth line could be activated in under 90 days with less than a million dollars of CapEx, contingent on sustained customer demand exceeding 5,200 units per year [26][27] Question: Can you differentiate your order flow from the broader industry? - Management noted that while there is some hesitancy in the industry, their order intake was the highest in 15 years, indicating strong demand for their products [38][42] Question: What is the expected quarterly delivery cadence for the rest of the year? - Management expects a step-up in Q2 deliveries, with significant increases anticipated in Q3 and Q4 to meet guidance [49][50] Question: Can you provide insight on gross margins and product mix? - Management explained that gross margins have expanded due to a favorable product mix, with no boxcars in the current pipeline, which typically have lower margins [52][60] Question: What is the timeline for the tank car retrofit program? - Management indicated that shipments for the tank car retrofit program are expected to start in the first half of 2026, with preparations ongoing [63][64]