Press Releases

Highlights -- Enhanced performance in North America and Europe improved bottom line results from the same period last year. Loss from continuing operations of $.8 million, or $.05 per share, was realized for the second quarter of fiscal 2003. This compares to a loss from continuing operations of $3.2 million, or $.22 per share, in the second quarter of fiscal 2002. -- Second quarter fiscal 2003 results included costs of $3.2 million pre-tax associated with certain temporary manufacturing inefficiencies and supplier related issues in North America. -- Management forecasts a return to profitability in the second half of the fiscal year and the year as a whole, as the result of higher production rates, improved margins, and operating efficiencies. -- New orders for 1,500 freight cars, with a value of $90 million, were received during the second quarter. -- New railcar manufacturing backlog in North America and Europe rose to 5,800 units valued at $330 million at February 28, 2003, compared to 5,700 units valued at $310 million at November 30, 2002. -- The Company continues to maintain strong liquidity. After debt paydowns of $17 million in the first half of the year, February 28, 2003 cash balances were virtually unchanged from August 31, 2002 at nearly $60 million; unused lines of credit remained at $110 million in North America.