Highlights
-- Revenues for the second quarter of fiscal 2004 grew to $167 million, up
40% from $119 million in the prior year's second quarter, and up
23% from $135 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2004.
-- Net earnings for the quarter were $2.2 million, or $.15 per diluted
share. This compares to a net loss of $1.2 million, or $.09 per
diluted share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2003, and net earnings
of $4.2 million, or $.28 per diluted share for the first quarter of
fiscal 2004.
-- During the quarter, the Company decided to complete the
recapitalization of its European operations with internal funds and to
continue to hold its European investment. Accordingly, European
financial results are included in continuing operations for all periods
presented.
-- New railcar manufacturing backlog in North America and Europe was
10,000 units valued at $560 million at February 29, 2004, compared to
11,500 units valued at $620 million at November 30, 2003. Subsequent
to quarter end, the Company received orders for 1,400 railcars valued
at $110 million.
-- A court-ordered preliminary injunction to halt production of 500 drop
deck center partition cars for Canadian Pacific Railroad was lifted
during the quarter. Further court proceedings have been delayed as the
Company seeks a final settlement of this matter.
-- Greenbrier continued to address industry supply issues during the
quarter. A second railcar truck castings foundry located in Alliance,
Ohio was opened by the Company's unconsolidated joint venture with ACF
Industries and ASF Keystone.
-- During the quarter, Greenbrier also settled its arbitration claim
relating to the acquisition of operations in Germany in 2000.
Greenbrier realized a $6.3 million pre-tax reduction in its purchase
price liabilities associated with the acquisition. The Company also
wrote off the remaining book value of European patents and designs of
$7.5 million pre-tax. Both these items are included in special
charges.
Financial Results; Special Charges; Unusual Items; Start-Up Costs:
The Greenbrier Companies
These results include special charges totaling $1.2 million pre-tax. These charges consist of a $7.5 million write-off of the remaining book value of European patents and designs, partially offset by a $6.3 million reduction in Greenbrier's purchase price liabilities resulting from the settlement of the Company's arbitration claim on its acquisition of operations in Germany.
During the quarter, the Company incurred nearly $1.5 million of pre-tax costs relating to scrap steel surcharges and $1.0 million of pre-tax costs related to the rework of certain defective components supplied by third parties. A substantial portion of these rework costs may be recovered in future periods, as a result of a settlement with the supplier. The quarter was also adversely impacted by weather-related plant shutdowns at TrentonWorks in Canada and Gunderson in Oregon. These issues, coupled with a continued industrywide shortage in the availability of rail castings, resulted in production of nearly 250 railcars being delayed to the third fiscal quarter. As well, nearly 300 cars were produced and leased in the first and second fiscal quarters that are expected to be sold in the third fiscal quarter. These 300 cars are currently included in inventory.
Finally, the financial results of the Company's unconsolidated investment in two rail castings facilities were adversely affected by start-up costs at the Alliance facility and lost production due to temporary equipment issues at the Cicero facility.
Effects of Steel Issues:
William A. Furman, president and chief executive officer, said, "Our backlog stretches into calendar 2005. Greenbrier, like many other machinery manufacturers, is coping with the effects of a volatile steel marketplace. Prices for steel, the primary component of railcars and barges, have risen sharply this year. Steel providers are also charging scrap surcharges. In addition, the price and availability of other railcar components, which are a product of steel, have been adversely affected by steel issues."
"The Company's manufacturing margins were negatively impacted by the steel markets during the quarter, despite supply contracts which covered a large portion of our backlog. The Company was forced by steel market conditions, supplier behavior and scrap surcharges to absorb some cost increases which could not be passed on to customers."
"In January, a senior management team was appointed to manage this issue, with significant positive results. Greenbrier is taking aggressive action to work with suppliers to minimize cost increases and surcharges and, where possible, to pass on higher material costs to customers. Starting in January, new railcar pricing has contained escalation clauses for materials price increases. In addition, the Company is realizing revenue and margin enhancement from equipment trading activities and higher lease rates on our lease fleet, and increased yields from scrap sales from our lease fleet and manufacturing operations. The benefits of these activities will begin to have more material positive effects starting in the Company's third fiscal quarter."
European Recapitalization:
Furman also noted, "During the quarter, the Company decided to complete the recapitalization of Europe with internal funds, as final negotiations with potential investors proved unsatisfactory. Our European operations continue to be profitable. As part of the recapitalization, revolving lines of credit of approximately $19 million and performance guarantees relating to new sale contracts of the European operations will no longer be guaranteed by the Parent."
Cash Flow, Liquidity, Deliveries:
Mark Rittenbaum, senior vice president & treasurer, said, "EBITDA for the first six months of 2004 was $23 million. During the year, cash balances have been reduced by $73 million, principally due to the following: normal fluctuations in working capital, repayments of debt and participation of $27 million, and lease fleet additions of $18 million. Inventory levels are up nearly $25 million from August 31, 2003, due to railcars produced during the first and second fiscal quarter which are expected to be sold in the third fiscal quarter. Unused lines of credit remain at nearly $100 million."
Rittenbaum added, "New railcar deliveries in North America and Europe for the second fiscal quarter were 2,300 units, which brings the six month total to 4,200 units. Deliveries are anticipated to be at higher rates during the second half of the fiscal year, pushing total deliveries for the fiscal year to about 10,000 units."
The Greenbrier Companies (www.gbrx.com), headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon, is a leading supplier of transportation equipment and services to the railroad industry in North America. Greenbrier builds new railroad freight cars in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and repairs and refurbishes freight cars and wheels at thirteen locations across North America. The Company produces rail castings through an unconsolidated joint venture and also manufactures new freight cars through the use of unaffiliated subcontractors. The Company also builds new railroad freight cars and refurbishes freight cars for the European market through its manufacturing operations in Poland and various sub-contractor facilities throughout Europe. At Greenbrier's Portland, Oregon manufacturing facility, it builds ocean-going barges for the maritime industry. Greenbrier owns approximately 12,000 railcars and performs management services for approximately 113,000 railcars.
Except for historical information contained herein, this press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including without limitation, statements as to expectations, beliefs, and future financial performance. These forward-looking statements are dependent on a number of factors, business risks and issues, a change in which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such factors, risks and issues are set forth from time to time under "Forward-Looking Statements," in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Greenbrier's SEC filings and reports. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made. Greenbrier undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made.
The Greenbrier Companies will host a teleconference to discuss second quarter fiscal 2004 results. Teleconference details are as follows:
Wednesday, April 14, 2004
7:30 am Pacific Daylight Time
Real-time Audio Access: ("Newsroom" at http://www.gbrx.com/ )
Please access the site 10 minutes prior to the start time. Following the call, a replay will be available on the same site.
THE GREENBRIER COMPANIES, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, unaudited)
February 29, August 31,
2004 2003
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $4,247 $77,298
Restricted cash 2,467 5,434
Accounts and notes receivable 107,196 80,197
Inventories 129,815 105,652
Investment in direct finance leases 27,150 41,821
Equipment on operating leases 152,740 139,341
Property, plant and equipment 56,406 58,385
Other 22,896 30,820
$502,917 $538,948
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Revolving notes $31,027 $21,317
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 135,492 150,874
Participation 36,351 55,901
Deferred revenue 37,961 39,779
Deferred income taxes 14,504 16,127
Notes payable 106,756 117,989
Subordinated debt 16,220 20,921
Subsidiary shares subject to mandatory
redemption 4,034 4,898
Stockholders' equity 120,572 111,142
$502,917 $538,948
THE GREENBRIER COMPANIES, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share amounts, unaudited)
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
February 29, February 28, February 29, February 28,
2004 2003 2004 2003
Revenue
Manufacturing $148,725 $100,390 $266,028 $221,500
Leasing & services 17,836 18,190 35,732 35,869
166,561 118,580 301,760 257,369
Cost of revenue
Manufacturing 138,993 95,438 243,582 209,271
Leasing & services 10,404 10,961 21,241 22,526
149,397 106,399 264,823 231,797
Margin 17,164 12,181 36,937 25,572
Other costs
Selling and
administrative
expense 10,924 9,553 20,984 19,008
Interest expense 2,604 3,758 5,205 7,692
Special Charges 1,234 -- 1,234 --
14,762 13,311 27,423 26,700
Earnings (loss) before
income taxes, minority
interest and equity in
unconsolidated
subsidiaries 2,402 (1,130) 9,514 (1,128)
Income tax benefit
(expense) 1,309 312 (1,330) 102
Earnings (loss)
before minority
interest and equity
in unconsolidated
subsidiaries 3,711 (818) 8,184 (1,026)
Minority interest -- 18 -- --
Equity in loss of
unconsolidated
subsidiaries (1,474) (437) (1,792) (955)
Net earnings (loss) $2,237 $(1,237) $6,392 $(1,981)
Basic earnings (loss)
per common share $0.15 $(0.09) $0.44 $(0.14)
Diluted earnings (loss)
per common share $0.15 $(0.09) $0.42 $(0.14)
Weighted average common
shares:
Basic 14,517 14,121 14,435 14,121
Diluted 15,178 14,121 15,051 14,121
THE GREENBRIER COMPANIES, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands, unaudited)
Six Months Ended
February 29, February 28,
2004 2003
Cash flows from operating activities
Net earnings (loss) $6,392 $(1,981)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings
(loss) to net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities:
Deferred income taxes (1,623) 1,036
Depreciation and amortization 10,327 9,112
Gain on sales of equipment (190) (333)
Special charges 1,234 --
Other 369 (759)
Decrease (increase) in assets:
Accounts and notes receivable (26,999) (1,888)
Inventories (28,240) 11,208
Other 2,088 1,455
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (9,043) 13,313
Participation (19,550) (6,256)
Deferred revenue (1,564) (24,091)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating
activities (66,799) 816
Cash flows from investing activities
Principal payments received under direct
finance leases 5,227 7,801
Proceeds from sales of equipment 9,922 17,492
Purchase of property and equipment (18,192) (5,539)
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash 2,967 (1)
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture (1,005) --
Net cash (used in) provided by investing
activities (1,081) 19,753
Cash flows from financing activities
Changes in revolving notes 9,710 (829)
Repayments of notes payable (12,477) (15,598)
Repayment of subordinated debt (4,701) (3,938)
Exercise of stock options 3,265 --
Purchase of subsidiary shares subject to
mandatory redemption (968) --
Net cash (used in) provided by financing
activities (5,171) (20,365)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents (73,051) 204
Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of period 77,298 67,596
End of period $4,247 $67,800
THE GREENBRIER COMPANIES, INC.
Supplemental Disclosure
Quarterly Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share amounts, unaudited)
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
November 30, November 30, February 29, February 28,
2003 2002 2004 2003
Revenue
Manufacturing $117,303 $121,110 $148,725 $100,390
Leasing and
Services 17,896 17,679 17,836 18,190
135,199 138,789 166,561 118,580
Cost of revenue
Manufacturing 104,589 113,833 138,993 95,438
Leasing and
Services 10,837 11,565 10,404 10,961
115,426 125,398 149,397 106,399
Margin 19,773 13,391 17,164 12,181
Other costs
Selling and
administrative
expense 10,060 9,455 10,924 9,553
Interest expense 2,601 3,934 2,604 3,758
Special charges -- -- 1,234 --
12,661 13,389 14,762 13,311
Earnings (loss) before
income taxes, minority
interest and equity in
earnings (loss) of
unconsolidated
subsidiaries 7,112 2 2,402 (1,130)
Income tax (expense)
benefit (2,639) (210) 1,309 312
Earnings (loss) before
minority interest and
equity in earnings
(loss) of
unconsolidated
subsidiaries 4,473 (208) 3,711 (818)
Minority interest -- (18) -- 18
Equity in loss of
unconsolidated
subsidiary (318) (517) (1,474) (437)
Net earnings (loss) $4,155 $(743) $2,237 $(1,237)
Basic earnings (loss)
per common share $0.29 $(0.05) $0.15 $(0.09)
Diluted earnings
(loss) per common
share $0.28 $(0.05) $0.15 $(0.09)
Weighted average
common shares
Basic 14,353 14,121 14,517 14,121
Diluted 14,890 14,121 15,178 14,121
THE GREENBRIER COMPANIES, INC.
Supplemental Disclosure
Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to EBITDA
(In thousands, unaudited)
Six Months ended
February 29, February 28,
2004 2003
Net cash (used in) provided by
operating activities $(66,799) $816
Changes in working capital 83,308 6,259
Deferred income taxes 1,623 (1,036)
Gain on sales of equipment 190 333
Special charges (1,234) --
Other (369) 759
Income tax (benefit) expense 1,330 (102)
Interest expense 5,205 7,692
EBITDA $23,254 $14,721
(1) "EBITDA" (earnings from continuing operations before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization) is a useful liquidity measurement tool
commonly used by rail supply companies and Greenbrier. It should not
be considered in isolation or as a substitute for cash flows from
operating activities or cash flow statement data prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
SOURCE: Greenbrier Companies
CONTACT: Mark Rittenbaum of Greenbrier Companies, +1-503-684-7000
Web site: http://www.gbrx.com/