The Greenbrier panies(US:GBX)2025-07-01 22:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net earnings for Q3 2025 were $60.1 million or $1.86 per share, showing an increase both sequentially and year-over-year [5] - Revenue reached $843 million, improving by 11% sequentially [22] - Aggregate gross margin remained robust at 18%, marking the seventh consecutive quarter at or above the mid-teens long-term target [5][22] - Return on invested capital (ROIC) was 12.9%, within the target range of 10% to 14% [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company delivered 5,600 new railcars in Q3, with a manufacturing gross margin of 13.6% remaining steady from Q2 [13] - Recurring revenue from leasing and fleet management reached nearly $165 million over the last four quarters, representing nearly 50% growth from two years ago [14] - Fleet utilization remained high at 98%, with modest growth in the leased fleet [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global new railcar backlog stood at nearly 19,000 units, providing strong visibility in new railcar markets [18] - In Europe, railcar orders are driven by necessity, but activity is expected to be muted until economic conditions improve [19] - Demand in Brazil is modestly increasing as customers complete infrastructure investments [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on doubling recurring revenues by fiscal 2028 and has renewed two bank facilities totaling $850 million [8] - Strategic initiatives include European footprint rationalization and North American insourcing projects, expected to yield annual savings of at least $10 million [6][7] - The company aims to maintain a disciplined approach to growing its lease fleet, ensuring predictable revenue and cash flow [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about market conditions in the medium to long term, anticipating a strong finish to the fiscal year [12] - The company is well-positioned to navigate various market conditions and capitalize on opportunities as liquidity is at its highest level since 2023 [9][11] - Management noted that the aging North American railcar fleet is a key driver for steady growth in the railcar maintenance market [18] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately $22 million of shares during the quarter, reflecting confidence in its long-term strategy [12] - The tax rate for the quarter was 23%, better than expected due to the strengthening Mexican peso [24] - The company updated its guidance, raising aggregate gross margin percent and operating margin percent for the remainder of fiscal 2025 [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on interest and FX line items - Management expects interest expense to be in the 22% to 25% range for the quarter, with FX having a significant impact [31][32] Question: Production rates and order levels - Management has been adjusting production rates based on market demand and has a strong backlog of 19,000 cars, indicating future demand [38][40] Question: Confidence in order levels given low backlog - Management expressed confidence in converting demand into orders once trade policies stabilize, with several catalysts expected to drive demand [49][51] Question: Mix of deliveries and leased cars - The company is becoming more active in the used car market to balance its leasing business and is committed to growing the leasing fleet [58]