Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenues for Q2 2025 totaled $118.6 million, down from $147.4 million in Q2 2024, with deliveries of 939 railcars compared to 1,159 railcars a year ago [15][19] - Gross profit for Q2 2025 was $17.8 million with a gross margin of 15%, compared to a gross profit of $18.4 million and a gross margin of 12.5% in Q2 2024 [15][19] - Adjusted net income for Q2 2025 was $3.8 million or $0.11 per share, compared to $3.5 million or $0.10 per share in the same quarter last year [18][19] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $10 million, down from $12.1 million in Q2 2024, but adjusted EBITDA margin expanded by 20 basis points [17][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company secured 1,226 new orders in Q2 2025, valued at $107 million, contributing to a backlog of 3,624 units, up approximately 300 units from the prior quarter [7][12] - The backlog reflects a higher proportion of rebuild and conversion work, indicating strong demand for these services [8][12] - The aftermarket sales increased by almost 61%, while railcar sales fell about 26% compared to the prior year [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The industry forecast for new railcar deliveries has been revised downward for 2025, with total industry deliveries expected to fall below the previously anticipated 40,000 units per year average [9][14] - The company expects overall industry annual demand to fall within the 35,000 to 40,000 range due to over 160,000 railcars projected to reach their mandated retirement in the next four and a half years [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is investing in a tank car retrofit program to enhance manufacturing capabilities and vertical integration, expected to contribute an additional $6 million of EBITDA over the next two years [10][20] - The company aims to maintain a diversified order book and prioritize margin performance and manufacturing flexibility to navigate the moderating demand environment [14][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to capture market share and respond to evolving customer needs despite a challenging industry backdrop [9][10] - The company anticipates a steady increase in order volume in the second half of the year, supported by a healthy backlog and ongoing inquiries [12][63] Other Important Information - The company generated $8.5 million in operating cash flow, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of positive cash flow from operations [19][21] - Capital expenditures for Q2 totaled $600,000, with expectations for full-year capital expenditures in the range of $9 million to $10 million [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of productive capacity on railcar sales and expectations for Q3 and Q4 - Management clarified that production was higher than shipments in Q2 due to timing, and they expect higher deliveries in Q3 and Q4 [24][27] Question: Manufacturing segment gross margins and future expectations - Management indicated that current margins are influenced by product mix and operational productivity, with expectations for similar margins in the second half of the year [29][50] Question: Tank car retrofit program and its impact on revenue and margin - Management confirmed that the tank car retrofit program is expected to add $6 million in EBITDA over two years, with production starting in mid-2026 [36][57] Question: Effects of mergers among Class 1 rail carriers - Management noted that while it is too early to determine specific impacts, improvements in productivity and customer service in the rail industry would benefit builders [39][40] Question: Potential demand for coal-related railcars - Management acknowledged increased inquiries for extending the life of existing coal railcars, but noted it is too early to predict new car builds [44][45] Question: Long-term gross margin expectations - Management stated that gross margins are dependent on product mix and operational productivity, with no immediate concerns for a decline from current levels [48][51] Question: Tank car conversion pipeline and customer conversations - Management highlighted ongoing discussions with customers regarding conversions and new car orders, preparing for increased demand as deadlines approach [56][58]