UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
☒
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
for the quarterly period ended May 31, 2024
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
for the transition period from ______ to ______
Commission File No. 1-13146
THE GREENBRIER COMPANIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Oregon
93-0816972
(State of Incorporation)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
One Centerpointe Drive, Suite 200, Lake Oswego, OR
97035
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(503) 684-7000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock without par value
GBX
New York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☐ No ☒
The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, without par value, outstanding on July 1, 2024 was 31,130,943 shares.
FORM 10-Q
Table of Contents
Page
Forward-Looking Statements
3
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
5
Item 1.
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
6
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
7
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity
8
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
9
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
10
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
25
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
45
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
47
Legal Proceedings
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 5.
Other Information
Item 6.
Exhibits
48
Signatures
49
2
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this report, concerning our plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, future performance, financing needs, plans or intentions relating to business trends and other information referred to under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" are forward-looking statements. We use words such “affect,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “backlog,” “be,” “believe,” “can,” “contingent,” “conclude,” “continue,” “could,” “due to,” “estimate,” “expect,” “future,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “ongoing,” “opinion,” “optimize,” “plan,” “potential,” “schedule,” “trend,” “realize,” “result,” “seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance.
Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs and on currently available operating, financial and market information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond our control. Our expectations and beliefs are expressed in good faith and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them. However, there can be no assurance that our expectations or beliefs will result or be achieved and actual future results and trends may differ materially from what is expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements.
There are a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this report. Such risks, uncertainties and important factors include but are not limited to the following:
There may be other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including the risks, uncertainties and factors described in more detail in Part I Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K which are incorporated herein by reference. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made in this report in the context of these risks, uncertainties and factors. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s opinions only as of the date hereof. Except as otherwise required by law, we do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
4
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(In millions, except number of shares which are reflected in thousands, unaudited)
May 31,2024
August 31,2023
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
271.6
281.7
Restricted cash
20.2
21.0
Accounts receivable, net
488.5
529.9
Income tax receivable
20.0
42.2
Inventories
812.4
823.6
Leased railcars for syndication
155.3
187.4
Equipment on operating leases, net
1,226.9
1,000.0
Property, plant and equipment, net
648.3
619.2
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates
90.3
88.7
Intangibles and other assets, net
254.3
255.8
Goodwill
128.0
128.9
4,115.8
3,978.4
Liabilities and Equity
Revolving notes
348.4
297.1
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
652.9
743.5
Deferred income taxes
82.9
114.1
Deferred revenue
74.0
46.2
Notes payable, net
1,413.9
1,311.7
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
Contingently redeemable noncontrolling interest
56.3
55.6
Equity:
Greenbrier
Preferred stock - without par value; 25,000 shares authorized; none outstanding
—
Common stock - without par value; 50,000 shares authorized; 31,131 and 30,880 shares outstanding at May 31, 2024 and August 31, 2023
Additional paid-in capital
370.2
364.4
Retained earnings
966.9
897.5
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(8.0
)
(7.3
Total equity – Greenbrier
1,329.1
1,254.6
Noncontrolling interest
158.3
155.6
Total equity
1,487.4
1,410.2
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
(In millions, except number of shares which are reflected in thousands and per share amounts, unaudited)
Three months endedMay 31,
Nine months endedMay 31,
2024
2023
Revenue
Manufacturing
685.1
870.2
2,096.8
2,485.3
Maintenance Services
69.9
122.9
228.9
306.4
Leasing & Management Services
65.2
45.0
166.0
134.9
820.2
1,038.1
2,491.7
2,926.6
Cost of revenue
610.5
786.5
1,867.6
2,292.2
61.7
109.8
202.5
279.0
24.2
13.7
54.3
41.0
696.4
910.0
2,124.4
2,612.2
Margin
123.8
128.1
367.3
314.4
Selling and administrative expense
59.3
63.3
179.2
175.7
Net gain on disposition of equipment
(7.8
(2.3
(12.6
(15.2
Asset impairment, disposal, and exit costs
16.4
40.6
Earnings from operations
72.3
50.7
200.7
113.3
Other costs
Interest and foreign exchange
24.7
22.8
72.5
64.0
Earnings before income tax and earnings from unconsolidated affiliates
47.6
27.9
128.2
49.3
Income tax expense
(10.7
(3.6
(30.0
(11.7
Earnings before earnings from unconsolidated affiliates
36.9
24.3
98.2
37.6
Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates
3.7
2.4
9.2
8.6
Net earnings
26.7
107.4
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest
(6.7
(5.4
(8.9
(8.5
Net earnings attributable to Greenbrier
33.9
21.3
98.5
37.7
Basic earnings per common share
1.09
0.67
3.17
1.17
Diluted earnings per common share
1.06
0.64
3.05
1.13
Weighted average common shares:
Basic
31,131
31,757
31,091
32,346
Diluted
32,021
33,571
32,456
33,344
(In millions, unaudited)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Translation adjustment
(1.3
6.0
(3.1
16.9
Reclassification of derivative financial instruments recognized in net earnings1
(4.2
(2.7
(4.8
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments2
6.4
(5.2
13.5
9.8
Other (net of tax effect)
0.6
0.1
0.9
(1.9
(0.7
22.0
Comprehensive income
41.5
24.8
106.7
68.2
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Comprehensive income attributable to Greenbrier
34.8
19.4
97.8
59.7
1 Net of tax effect of $1.2 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023, respectively, and $3.1 million and $2.2 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023, respectively.
2 Net of tax effect of $(1.7 million) and $(1.2 million) for the three months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023, respectively, and $(3.5 million) and $(8.0 million) for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023, respectively.
(In millions, except per share amounts, unaudited)
Attributable to Greenbrier
Common Stock Shares
Additional Paid-in Capital
Retained Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Total Equity - Greenbrier
Noncontrolling Interest
Total Equity
Contingently Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Balance August 31, 2023
30.9
8.2
0.7
Other comprehensive loss, net
Noncontrolling interest adjustments
1.7
Joint venture partner distribution declared
(7.2
Restricted stock awards (net of cancellations)
0.2
14.5
Unamortized restricted stock
(19.6
Stock based compensation expense
12.2
Repurchase of stock
Cash dividends ($0.90 per share)
(29.1
Balance May 31, 2024
31.1
Balance February 29, 2024
366.1
942.7
1,299.9
154.6
1,454.5
56.0
40.3
0.3
Other comprehensive income, net
(2.8
0.4
(0.4
4.1
Cash dividends ($0.30 per share)
(9.7
Balance August 31, 2022
32.6
424.8
897.7
(45.6
1,276.9
152.2
1,429.1
27.7
8.4
46.1
(7.9
(26.3
(34.2
(1.6
(35.8
26.3
(10.9
8.9
(11.1
8.8
(1.7
(49.4
Cash dividends ($0.81 per share)
(26.9
Balance May 31, 2023
374.1
882.2
(23.6
1,232.7
148.1
1,380.8
54.1
Balance February 28, 2023
32.3
403.0
896.0
(21.7
1,277.3
144.6
1,421.9
27.5
5.1
26.4
(25.9
(2.0
(0.1
2.9
(1.2
(32.0
Cash dividends ($0.27 per share)
(8.8
Cash flows from operating activities
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
(33.1
(18.4
Depreciation and amortization
82.3
79.8
2.8
Other
3.1
Decrease (increase) in assets:
43.3
(16.1
22.2
10.0
(80.7
(29.8
(57.3
Other assets
(42.9
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
(94.2
8.3
27.1
32.5
Net cash provided by operating activities
138.4
1.2
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sales of assets
67.9
76.3
Capital expenditures
(324.7
(253.9
Investments in and advances to / repayments from unconsolidated affiliates
(3.5
Cash distribution from unconsolidated affiliates and other
2.5
6.3
Net cash used in investing activities
(254.3
(174.8
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in revolving notes with maturities of 90 days or less
19.0
(11.5
Proceeds from revolving notes with maturities longer than 90 days
176.9
220.0
Repayments of revolving notes with maturities longer than 90 days
(145.8
(230.0
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable
180.5
75.0
Repayments of notes payable
(78.9
(27.1
Debt issuance costs
(0.2
(48.0
Dividends
(26.7
Cash distribution to joint venture partner
(8.4
Tax payments for net share settlement of restricted stock
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
106.1
(59.2
Effect of exchange rate changes
(1.1
15.2
Decrease in Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash
(217.6
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
Beginning of period
302.7
559.1
End of period
291.8
341.5
Balance sheet reconciliation
321.4
20.1
Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash as presented above
Cash paid during the period for
Interest
65.9
57.1
Income taxes paid, net
Non-cash activity
Transfers between Leased railcars for syndication and Inventories and Equipment on operating leases, net
66.8
40.0
Capital expenditures accrued in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
15.7
3.2
Change in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities associated with dividends declared
Change in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities associated with cash distributions to joint venture partner
Repurchase of stock accrued in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
1.4
(Unaudited)
Note 1 – Interim Financial Statements
The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Greenbrier or the Company) as of May 31, 2024 and for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023 have been prepared to reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, operating results and cash flows for the periods indicated. All references to years refer to the fiscal years ended August 31st unless otherwise noted. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year ending August 31, 2024.
Certain notes and other information have been condensed or omitted from the interim financial statements presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Therefore, these unaudited financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2023.
Management Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (GAAP) requires judgment on the part of management to arrive at estimates and assumptions on matters that are inherently uncertain. These estimates may affect the amount of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities within the financial statements. Estimates and assumptions are periodically evaluated and may be adjusted in future periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Share Repurchase Program – The Board of Directors has authorized the Company to repurchase in aggregate up to $100.0 million of the Company’s common stock. The program may be modified, suspended, or discontinued at any time without prior notice and currently has an expiration date of January 31, 2025. Under the share repurchase program, shares of common stock may be purchased from time to time on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of purchases is based upon market conditions, securities law limitations and other factors.
During the nine months ended May 31, 2024, the Company purchased a total of 38 thousand shares for $1.3 million. There were no share repurchases during the three months ended May 31, 2024. As of May 31, 2024, the amount remaining for repurchase under the share repurchase program was $45.1 million. During the three and nine months ended May 31, 2023, the Company purchased a total of 1.2 million and 1.7 million shares for $32.0 million and $49.4 million, respectively.
Reclassifications - Certain immaterial reclassifications have been made to the accompanying prior year Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements to conform to the current year presentation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (ASU 2023-07), which requires disclosure of incremental segment information on an annual and interim basis, primarily through enhanced disclosures of significant segment expenses. ASU 2023-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 and requires retrospective application to all periods presented upon adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2023-07 will have on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (ASU 2023-09), which requires disclosure of incremental income tax information within the rate reconciliation and expanded disclosures of income taxes paid, among other disclosure requirements. ASU 2023-09 is
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2023-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
Note 2 – Revenue Recognition
Contract balances
Contract assets primarily consist of work completed for railcar maintenance but not billed at the reporting date. Contract liabilities primarily consist of customer prepayments for new railcars and other management-type services, for which the Company has not yet satisfied the related performance obligations.
The contract balances are as follows:
(in millions)
Balance sheet classification
$ change
Contract assets
Accounts Receivable
4.3
4.2
10.9
7.0
3.9
Contract liabilities (1)
26.6
(1) Contract liabilities balance includes deferred revenue within the scope of Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).
For the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024, the Company recognized $4.2 million and $17.6 million of revenue that was included in Contract liabilities as of August 31, 2023.
Performance obligations
As of May 31, 2024, the Company has entered into contracts with customers for which revenue has not yet been recognized. The following table outlines estimated revenue related to performance obligations wholly or partially unsatisfied, that the Company anticipates will be recognized in future periods.
Revenue type:
Manufacturing – Railcar sales
2,889.4
Manufacturing – Sustainable conversions
50.4
Management services
132.6
13.2
Based on current production and delivery schedules and existing contracts, approximately $2.2 billion of Railcar sales are expected to be recognized through 2025 while the remaining amount is expected to be recognized through 2027.
Sustainable conversions represent orders to modernize existing railcars and are expected to be recognized in 2024.
Management services includes management and maintenance service contracts of which approximately 54% are expected to be performed through 2028 and the remaining amount through 2037.
Note 3 – Inventories
The following table summarizes the Company’s Inventories balance:
Manufacturing supplies and raw materials
604.5
638.2
Work-in-process
143.9
138.2
Finished goods
70.0
64.4
Excess and obsolete adjustment
(6.0
(17.2
11
Note 4 – Intangibles and Other Assets, net
The following table summarizes the Company’s identifiable Intangibles and other assets, net balance:
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Customer relationships
87.5
Accumulated amortization
(71.4
(69.1
Other intangibles
41.8
43.0
(25.0
(22.3
32.9
39.1
Intangible assets not subject to amortization
2.3
Prepaid and other assets
56.9
56.4
Operating lease right-of-use assets
67.7
70.6
Nonqualified savings plan investments
53.7
47.7
Debt issuance costs, net
5.6
Assets held for sale
Deferred tax assets
34.9
33.1
Note 5 – Goodwill
The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test during the third quarter. The Company utilized the qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its respective carrying value. This qualitative assessment may include, but is not limited to, reviewing factors such as macroeconomic considerations and industry indicators, financial performance, and cost estimates associated with a particular reporting unit. If, based on a review of qualitative factors, it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, a quantitative impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. Based on the qualitative assessment, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of each reporting unit with goodwill exceeded its respective carrying value and a quantitative impairment test was not necessary; therefore, the Company concluded that goodwill was not impaired.
As of May 31, 2024, the goodwill balance was $128.0 million of which $85.4 million related to the Manufacturing segment and $42.6 million related to the Maintenance Services segment. The Manufacturing segment includes the North America Manufacturing reporting unit with a goodwill balance of $56.3 million and the Europe Manufacturing reporting unit with a goodwill balance of $29.1 million.
Note 6 – Revolving Notes
Senior secured credit facilities aggregated to $1.4 billion as of May 31, 2024. The Company had an aggregate of $333.7 million available to draw down under credit facilities as of May 31, 2024. This amount consists of $223.7 million available on the North American credit facility, $39.0 million on the European credit facilities and $71.0 million on the Mexican credit facilities.
Nonrecourse credit facilities
GBX Leasing – As of May 31, 2024, a $550.0 million nonrecourse warehouse credit facility existed to support the operations of GBX Leasing. Advances under this facility bear interest at the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 1.85% plus 0.11% as a SOFR adjustment. Interest rate swap agreements cover approximately 99% of the outstanding balance to swap the floating interest rate to a fixed rate. The warehouse credit facility converts to a term loan in August 2025 and matures in August 2027.
Other credit facilities
North America – As of May 31, 2024, a $600.0 million revolving line of credit, maturing August 2026, secured by substantially all the Company’s U.S. assets not otherwise pledged as security for term loans or the warehouse credit facility, existed to provide working capital and interim financing of equipment, principally for the Company’s U.S.
12
and Mexican operations. Advances under this North American credit facility bear interest at SOFR plus 1.50% plus 0.10% as a SOFR adjustment or Prime plus 0.50% depending on the type of borrowing. Available borrowings under the credit facility are generally based on defined levels of eligible inventory, receivables, property, plant and equipment and leased equipment, as well as total debt to consolidated capitalization and fixed charges coverage ratios.
Europe – As of May 31, 2024, lines of credit totaling $76.4 million secured by certain of the Company’s European assets, with variable rates that range from Warsaw Interbank Offered Rate (WIBOR) plus 1.10% to WIBOR plus 1.45% and Euro Interbank Offered Rate (EURIBOR) plus 1.90%, were available for working capital needs of the Company’s European manufacturing operations. The European lines of credit include $32.5 million which is guaranteed by the Company. European credit facilities are regularly renewed. Currently, these European credit facilities have maturities that range from July 2024 through November 2025.
Mexico – As of May 31, 2024, the Company’s Mexican railcar manufacturing operations had lines of credit totaling $196.0 million for working capital needs, $96.0 million of which the Company and its joint venture partner have each guaranteed 50%. Advances under these facilities bear interest at variable rates that range from SOFR plus 2.22% to SOFR plus 4.25%. The Mexican credit facilities have maturities that range from February 2025 through January 2027.
Revolving notes consisted of the following balances:
Nonrecourse credit facility balances
GBX Leasing
146.0
139.9
Other credit facility balances
North America
Europe
37.4
47.2
Mexico
125.0
110.0
Total Revolving notes
Outstanding commitments under the North American credit facility included letters of credit which totaled $5.9 million and $4.9 million as of May 31, 2024 and August 31, 2023, respectively.
Note 7 – Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Trade payables
314.1
396.8
Accrued payroll and related liabilities
152.9
158.6
Accrued liabilities and other
91.2
87.3
Operating lease liabilities
68.9
72.2
Accrued warranty
21.5
25.6
Income taxes payable
3.0
Note 8 – Warranty Accruals
Warranty accruals are included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Warranty accrual activity consisted of the following:
Balance at beginning of period
23.0
24.5
24.0
Charged to cost of revenue, net
2.7
7.4
5.7
Payments
(11.9
(4.6
Currency translation effect
Balance at end of period
25.4
13
Note 9 – Notes Payable, net
(In millions)
Leasing nonrecourse term loans
798.9
640.2
Senior term debt
255.4
266.4
2.875% Convertible senior notes, due 2028
373.8
2.875% Convertible senior notes, due 2024
Other notes payable
3.4
1.8
1,431.5
1,329.9
Debt discount and issuance costs
(17.6
(18.2
Leasing nonrecourse term loans include:
The Company's 2.875% Convertible senior notes, due 2024 (2024 Convertible Notes), matured on February 1, 2024. The outstanding principal balance of $47.7 million plus accrued interest was settled in cash on the maturity date to retire the 2024 Convertible Notes.
Terms and conditions, including recourse and nonrecourse provisions and scheduled maturities, and other long-term debt are described in Note 13 of our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Asset-backed term notes
GBX Leasing 2022-1 LLC (GBXL I) was formed as a wholly owned special purpose entity of GBX Leasing to securitize the leasing assets of GBX Leasing. On November 20, 2023, GBXL I (Issuer) issued $178.5 million of term notes secured by a portfolio of railcars and associated operating leases and other assets, acquired and owned by GBXL I (the 2023 GBXL Notes). Issued debt of GBXL I as of May 31, 2024 includes the $323.3 million GBXL I Series 2022-1 Notes, as described in Note 3 of our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and the 2023 GBXL Notes, collectively the GBXL Notes. GBX Leasing used the net proceeds received from the issuance of the term notes to pay down the GBX Leasing warehouse credit facility.
The 2023 GBXL Notes include $158.9 million of GBXL I Series 2023-1 Class A Secured Railcar Equipment Notes (2023 Class A Notes) and $19.6 million of GBXL I Series 2023-1 Class B Secured Railcar Equipment Notes (2023 Class B Notes). The 2023 GBXL Notes bear interest at fixed rates of 6.42% and 7.28% for the 2023 Class A Notes and 2023 Class B Notes, respectively. The Company incurred $2.2 million in debt issuance costs, which will be amortized to interest expense through the expected repayment period. The 2023 GBXL Notes are payable monthly, with a legal maturity date of November 20, 2053 and an anticipated repayment date of November 20, 2030. While the legal maturity date is in 2053, the cash flows generated from the railcar assets will pay down the 2023 GBXL Notes in line with the agreement, which based on expected cash flow payments, would result in repayment in advance of the legal maturity date. If the principal amount of the 2023 GBXL Notes has not been repaid in full by the anticipated repayment date, then the Issuer will also be required to pay additional interest to the holders at a rate equal to 4.00% per annum.
The GBXL Notes are obligations of the Issuer only and are nonrecourse to Greenbrier. The GBXL Notes are subject to a Master Indenture between the Issuer and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee, as supplemented by the Series 2022-1 Supplement dated February 9, 2022 and the Series 2023-1 Supplement dated November 20, 2023. The GBXL Notes may be subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of certain events of default.
14
The following table summarizes the Issuer's net carrying amount of the debt and related assets.
6.7
640.5
388.9
Liabilities
468.1
302.1
Note 10 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax effect as appropriate, consisted of the following:
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
Balance, August 31, 2023
27.0
(32.1
(2.2
Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassifications
11.0
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Balance, May 31, 2024
28.8
(35.2
The amounts reclassified out of Accumulated other comprehensive loss into the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, with financial statement caption, were as follows:
Financial Statement Caption
(Gain) loss on derivative financial instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts
(0.5
Revenue and Cost of revenue
Interest rate swap contracts
(4.3
(3.4
(3.9
(12.8
(6.8
(14.8
(7.0
2.2
15
Note 11 – Earnings Per Share
The shares used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share are reconciled as follows:
(In thousands)
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding
Dilutive effect of 2.875% convertible notes due 2024 (1)
822
461
Dilutive effect of 2.875% convertible notes due 2028 (2)
Dilutive effect of restricted stock units (3)
890
992
904
998
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding
(1) The dilutive effect of the 2.875% Convertible notes due 2024 was excluded for the nine months ended May 31, 2023 as they were considered anti-dilutive under the “if converted” method as further discussed below. These notes were retired on February 1, 2024.
(2) The dilutive effect of the 2.875% Convertible notes due 2028 was excluded for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023 as the average stock price was less than the applicable conversion price and therefore was considered anti-dilutive. As these notes require cash settlement for the principal, only a premium is potentially dilutive under the "if converted" method as further discussed below.
(3) Restricted stock units and restricted stock units subject to performance criteria, for which actual levels of performance above target have been achieved, are included in weighted average diluted common shares outstanding when the Company is in a net earnings position.
Basic earnings per common share (EPS) is computed by dividing Net earnings attributable to Greenbrier by weighted average basic common shares outstanding.
For the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023, diluted EPS was calculated using the more dilutive of two methods. The first method includes the dilutive effect, using the treasury stock method, associated with restricted stock units and performance based restricted stock units subject to performance criteria, for which actual levels of performance above target have been achieved. The second method supplements the first by also including the “if converted” effect of the 2.875% Convertible notes due 2024 during the periods in which they were outstanding and shares underlying the 2.875% Convertible notes due 2028, when there is a conversion premium. Under the “if converted” method, debt issuance and interest costs, both net of tax, associated with the convertible notes due 2024 are added back to net earnings and the share count is increased by the shares underlying the convertible notes.
(in millions, except number of shares which are reflected in thousands, and per share amounts)
Basic earnings per share
Add back:
Interest and debt issuance costs on the 2.875% convertible notes due 2024, net of tax
n/a
0.5
Earnings before interest and debt issuance costs on the 2.875% convertible notes due 2024
21.6
99.0
Diluted earnings per share
(1)
(1) Diluted earnings per share was calculated as follows:
16
Note 12 – Derivative Instruments
Foreign operations give rise to market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts with established financial institutions are utilized to hedge a portion of that risk. Interest rate swap agreements are used to reduce the impact of changes in interest rates on certain current and probable future debt. The Company’s foreign currency forward exchange contracts and interest rate swap agreements are designated as cash flow hedges, and therefore the effective portion of unrealized gains and losses is recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income.
At May 31, 2024 exchange rates, notional amounts of forward exchange contracts for the purchase of Polish Zlotys and the sale of Euros; and the purchase of Mexican Pesos and the sale of U.S. Dollars aggregated to $126.9 million. The fair value of the contracts is included on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as Accounts payable and accrued liabilities when in a loss position, or as Accounts receivable, net when in a gain position. As the contracts mature at various dates through March 2027, any such gain or loss remaining will be recognized in manufacturing revenue or cost of revenue along with the related transactions. In the event that the underlying transaction does not occur or does not occur in the period designated at the inception of the hedge, the amount classified in accumulated other comprehensive loss would be reclassified to the results of operations in Interest and foreign exchange at the time of occurrence. At May 31, 2024 exchange rates, approximately $2.8 million would be reclassified to revenue or cost of revenue in the next year.
At May 31, 2024, interest rate swap agreements maturing from June 2024 through January 2032 had notional amounts that aggregated to $659.7 million. The fair value of the contracts is included on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities when in a loss position, or in Accounts receivable, net when in a gain position. As interest expense on the underlying debt is recognized, amounts corresponding to the interest rate swap are reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss and charged or credited to interest expense. At May 31, 2024 interest rates, approximately $13.9 million of gain would be reclassified to reduce interest expense in the next year.
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
Asset Derivatives
Liability Derivatives
Balance sheet location
Fair Value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Foreign forward exchange contracts
5.4
40.2
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statements of Income
Three months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Location of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives
Gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives three months ended
May 31,2023
Foreign forward exchange contract
17
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives three months ended May 31,
Location of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income three months ended May 31,
Location of gain (loss) on derivatives (amount excluded from effectiveness testing)
Gain (loss) recognized on derivatives (amount excluded from effectiveness testing) three months ended May 31,
6.9
8.1
0.8
The following table presents the amounts in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income in which the effects of the cash flow hedges are recorded and the effects of the cash flow hedge activity on these line items for the three months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023:
Total
Amount of gain (loss) on cash flow hedge activity
Nine months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023
Gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives nine months ended May 31,
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives nine months ended May 31,
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income nine months ended May 31,
Gain (loss) recognized on derivatives (amount excluded from effectiveness testing) nine months ended May 31,
3.8
4.7
1.9
(0.9
1.1
12.9
11.8
12.8
6.8
17.0
18.2
14.8
2.6
18
The following table presents the amounts in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income in which the effects of the cash flow hedges are recorded and the effects of the cash flow hedge activity on these line items for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023:
Note 13 – Segment Information
The Company operates in three reportable segments: Manufacturing; Maintenance Services; and Leasing & Management Services.
Performance is evaluated based on Earnings (loss) from operations. Corporate includes selling and administrative costs not directly related to goods and services and certain costs that are intertwined among segments due to our integrated business model. The Company does not allocate Interest and foreign exchange or Income tax expense for either external or internal reporting purposes. Intersegment sales and transfers are valued as if the sales or transfers were to third parties. Related revenue and margin are eliminated in consolidation and therefore are not included in consolidated results in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
The information in the following table is derived directly from the segments’ internal financial reports used for corporate management purposes.
For the three months ended May 31, 2024:
Earnings (loss) from operations
External
Intersegment
70.8
755.9
54.2
11.9
66.1
86.8
5.9
65.4
40.5
Eliminations
(87.9
Corporate
(28.3
For the nine months ended May 31, 2024:
190.8
2,287.6
167.3
20.3
187.6
35.2
264.1
21.1
166.7
100.0
100.1
(226.7
(20.4
(87.7
19
For the three months ended May 31, 2023:
73.3
943.5
44.1
7.9
52.0
133.9
45.3
25.9
(84.6
(30.3
For the nine months ended May 31, 2023:
214.6
2,699.9
20.7
108.0
25.7
332.1
23.3
1.0
135.9
82.2
(241.3
(20.8
(79.5
Total assets
1,812.5
1,847.0
286.7
294.4
1,669.1
1,458.1
Unallocated, including cash
347.5
378.9
Reconciliation of Earnings from operations to Earnings before income tax and earnings from unconsolidated affiliates:
Note 14 – Leases
Lessor
Equipment on operating leases is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $83.6 million and $68.0 million as of May 31, 2024 and August 31, 2023, respectively. Depreciation expense was $8.6 million and $24.8 million for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024, respectively and $6.9 million and $19.7 million for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2023, respectively. In addition, certain railcar equipment leased-in by the Company on operating leases is subleased to customers under non-cancelable operating leases with lease terms ranging from one to approximately twelve years. Operating lease rental revenues included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024 was $30.4 million and $88.5 million, respectively, which included $4.5 million and $15.0 million, respectively, of revenue as a result of daily, monthly or car hire utilization arrangements. Operating lease rental revenues included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2023 was $23.1 million and $66.5 million, respectively, which included $4.0 million and $13.7 million, respectively, of revenue as a result of daily, monthly or car hire utilization arrangements.
20
Aggregate minimum future amounts receivable under all non-cancelable operating leases and subleases at May 31, 2024, will mature as follows:
Remaining three months of 2024
2025
97.6
2026
88.4
2027
78.7
2028
60.6
Thereafter
124.0
476.4
Lessee
The Company leases railcars, real estate, and certain equipment under operating and, to a lesser extent, finance lease arrangements. As of and for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023, finance leases were not a material component of the Company's lease portfolio. The Company’s real estate and equipment leases have remaining lease terms ranging from less than one year to 74 years, with some including options to extend up to 7 years. The Company recognizes a lease liability and corresponding right-of-use (ROU) asset based on the present value of lease payments. To determine the present value of lease payments, as most of its leases do not provide a readily determinable implicit rate, the Company’s incremental borrowing rate is used to discount the lease payments based on information available at each lease commencement date. The Company gives consideration to its recent debt issuances as well as publicly available data for instruments with similar characteristics when estimating its incremental borrowing rate.
The components of operating lease costs were as follows:
Operating lease expense
9.3
Short-term lease expense
2.0
7.3
6.1
5.8
17.6
16.6
Aggregate minimum future amounts payable under operating leases having initial or remaining non-cancelable terms at May 31, 2024, will mature as follows:
14.4
10.7
23.9
Total lease payments
76.1
Less: Imputed interest
Total lease obligations
The table below presents additional information related to the Company’s leases:
Weighted average remaining lease term (years):
Operating leases
10.6
Weighted average discount rate:
%
21
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases were as follows:
Nine Months Ended May 31, 2024
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases
ROU assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities
Note 15 – Commitments and Contingencies
Portland Harbor Superfund Site
The Company’s former Portland, Oregon manufacturing facility (the Portland Property) is located adjacent to the Willamette River. In December 2000, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified portions of the Willamette River bed known as the Portland Harbor, including the portion fronting the Company’s manufacturing facility, as a federal "National Priority List" or "Superfund" site due to sediment contamination (the Portland Harbor Site). The Company and more than 140 other parties have received a "General Notice" of potential liability from the EPA relating to the Portland Harbor Site. The letter advised the Company that it may be liable for the costs of investigation and remediation (which liability may be joint and several with other potentially responsible parties) as well as for natural resource damages resulting from releases of hazardous substances to the site. Ten private and public entities, including the Company (the Lower Willamette Group or LWG), signed an Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) to perform a remedial investigation/feasibility study (RI/FS) of the Portland Harbor Site under EPA oversight, and several additional entities did not sign such consent, but nevertheless contributed financially to the effort. The EPA-mandated RI/FS was produced by the LWG and cost over $110 million during a 17-year period. The Company bore a percentage of the total costs incurred by the LWG in connection with the investigation. The Company’s aggregate expenditure during the 17-year period was not material. Some or all of any such outlay may be recoverable from other responsible parties. The EPA issued its Record of Decision (ROD) for the Portland Harbor Site on January 6, 2017 and accordingly on October 26, 2017, the AOC was terminated.
Separate from the process described above, which focused on the type of remediation to be performed at the Portland Harbor Site and the schedule for such remediation, 96 parties, including the State of Oregon and the federal government, are participating in a non-judicial, mediated allocation process to try to allocate costs associated with remediation of the Portland Harbor Site. The Company will continue to participate in the allocation process. Approximately 110 additional parties signed tolling agreements related to such allocations. On April 23, 2009, the Company and the other AOC signatories filed suit against 69 other parties due to a possible limitations period for some such claims; Arkema Inc. et al v. A & C Foundry Products, Inc. et al, U.S. District Court, District of Oregon, Case #3:09-cv-453-PK. All but 12 of these parties elected to sign tolling agreements and be dismissed without prejudice, and the case has been stayed by the court until January 14, 2025.
The EPA's January 6, 2017 ROD identifies a clean-up remedy that the EPA estimates will take 13 years of active remediation, followed by 30 years of monitoring with an estimated undiscounted cost of $1.7 billion. The EPA typically expects its cost estimates to be accurate within a range of -30% to +50%, but this ROD states that changes in costs are likely to occur. The EPA has identified several Sediment Decision Units within the ROD cleanup area. One of the units, RM9W, includes the nearshore area of the river sediments offshore of the Portland Property as well as downstream of the facility. It also includes a portion of the Portland Property's riverbank. The ROD does not break down total remediation costs by Sediment Decision Unit. The EPA requested that potentially responsible parties enter AOCs during 2019 agreeing to conduct remedial design studies. Some parties have signed AOCs, including one party with respect to RM9W which includes the area offshore of the Portland Property. The Company has not signed an AOC in connection with remedial design, but is assisting in funding a portion of the RM9W remedial design.
The ROD does not address responsibility for the costs of clean-up, nor does it allocate such costs among the potentially responsible parties. Responsibility for funding and implementing the EPA's selected cleanup remedy will be determined at an unspecified later date. Based on the investigation to date, the Company believes that it did not contribute in any material way to contaminants of concern in the river sediments or the damage of natural resources in the Portland Harbor Site and that the damage in the area of the Portland Harbor Site adjacent to the Portland Property precedes the Company’s ownership of the Portland Property. Because these environmental investigations are still underway, sufficient information is currently not available to determine the Company’s liability, if any, for the cost
22
of any required remediation or restoration of the Portland Harbor Site or to estimate a range of potential loss. Based on the results of the pending investigations and future assessments of natural resource damages, the Company may be required to incur costs associated with additional phases of investigation or remedial action, and may be liable for damages to natural resources.
On January 30, 2017 the Confederated Tribes and Bands of Yakama Nation sued 33 parties including the Company as well as the federal government and the State of Oregon for costs it incurred in assessing alleged natural resource damages to the Columbia River from contaminants deposited in Portland Harbor. Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation v. Air Liquide America Corp., et al., U.S. Court for the District of Oregon Case No. 3i17-CV-00164-SB. The complaint does not specify the amount of damages the plaintiff will seek. The case has been stayed until January 14, 2025.
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Regulation of Portland Property
The Company entered into a Voluntary Cleanup Agreement with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in which the Company agreed to conduct an investigation of whether, and to what extent, past or present operations at the Portland Property may have released hazardous substances into the environment. The Company has also signed an Order on Consent with the DEQ to finalize the investigation of potential onsite sources of contamination that may have a release pathway to the Willamette River. The Company’s aggregate expenditure has not been material, however it could incur significant expenses for remediation. Some or all of any such outlay may be recoverable from other responsible parties.
Sale of Portland Property
The Company sold the Portland Property in May 2023, but remains potentially liable with respect to the above matters. Any of these matters could adversely affect the Company's business and Consolidated Financial Statements. However, any contamination or exacerbation of contamination that occurs after the sale of the property will be the liability of the current and future owners and operators of the Portland Property.
Other Litigation, Commitments and Contingencies
From time to time, the Company is involved as a defendant in litigation in the ordinary course of business, the outcomes of which cannot be predicted with certainty. While the ultimate outcome of such legal proceedings cannot be determined at this time, the Company believes that the resolution of pending litigation will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
As of May 31, 2024, the Company had outstanding letters of credit aggregating to $5.9 million associated with performance guarantees, facility leases and workers compensation insurance.
Note 16 – Fair Value Measures
Certain assets and liabilities are reported at fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis. Fair value, for this disclosure, is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants, under a three-tier fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
Level 1 - observable inputs such as unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments;
Level 2 - inputs, other than the quoted market prices in active markets for similar instruments, which are observable, either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3 - unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data available, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
23
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of May 31, 2024 were:
Level 1
Level 2 (1)
Level 3
Assets:
Derivative financial instruments
40.4
Cash equivalents
52.4
146.5
Liabilities:
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of August 31, 2023 were:
37.9
51.2
136.8
98.9
Note 17 – Related Party Transactions
The Company has a 41.9% interest in Axis, LLC (Axis), a joint venture. The Company purchased $2.1 million and $6.9 million of railcar components from Axis for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024, respectively and $2.2 million and $6.7 million for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2023, respectively.
24
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Executive Summary
We operate in three reportable segments: Manufacturing; Maintenance Services; and Leasing & Management Services. Our segments are operationally integrated. The Manufacturing segment, which currently operates from facilities in the U.S., Mexico, Poland, and Romania, produces freight railcars, tank cars, intermodal railcars and automotive railcar products. The Maintenance Services segment performs wheel and axle servicing, railcar maintenance and produces a variety of parts for the rail industry in North America. The Leasing & Management Services segment owns approximately 15,200 railcars as of May 31, 2024. We also provide management services for railroads, shippers, carriers, institutional investors and other leasing and transportation companies in North America.
Management identifies the following trends which continue to impact our business and our results for the nine months ended May 31, 2024. Overall, demand in the marketplace is steady for our products and services. Supply chain challenges, rail service congestion, inflation, high interest rates, and labor shortages continue to impact our business. Despite this operating environment, we accomplished the following during the nine months ended May 31, 2024:
We believe our results highlight our continued focus on our strategic plan and we remain focused on increasing recurring revenue, expanding our aggregate gross margin, and raising our return on invested capital. Recurring revenue is defined as Leasing & Management Services revenue excluding the impact of syndication transactions.
Our backlog remains strong with railcar deliveries into 2027. Our railcar backlog was 29,400 units with an estimated value of $3.7 billion as of May 31, 2024. Our backlog includes nearly $740 million of railcars intended for syndication which are supported by lease agreements with external customers and may be syndicated to third parties or held in our lease fleet depending on a variety of factors. Approximately 2% of backlog units and estimated backlog value as of May 31, 2024 was associated with our Brazilian manufacturing operations which is accounted for under the equity method.
Our backlog of railcar units is not necessarily indicative of future results of operations. Certain orders in backlog are subject to customary documentation and completion of terms. Customers may attempt to cancel or modify orders in backlog. Historically, little variation has been experienced between the quantity ordered and the quantity actually delivered, though the timing of deliveries may be modified from time to time.
As described in Part I Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2023 the items described above may have a material negative impact on our business, liquidity, results of operations and stock price. Beyond these general observations, we are unable to predict when, how, or with what magnitude these items will impact our business.
Three Months Ended May 31, 2024 Compared to the Three Months Ended May 31, 2023
Overview
Revenue, Cost of revenue, Margin and Earnings from operations (operating profit or loss) presented below, include amounts from external parties and exclude intersegment activity that is eliminated in consolidation.
(in millions, except per share amounts)
Revenue:
Cost of revenue:
Margin:
74.6
83.7
13.1
31.3
Selling and administrative
Performance for our segments is evaluated based on operating profit or loss. Corporate includes selling and administrative costs not directly related to goods and services and certain costs that are intertwined among segments due to our integrated business model. Management does not allocate Interest and foreign exchange or Income tax expense for either external or internal reporting purposes.
Operating profit (loss):
26
Consolidated Results
Increase(Decrease)
% Change
(217.9
(21.0
%)
(213.6
(23.5
Margin (%)
15.1
12.3
*
12.6
59.2
* Not meaningful
Through our integrated business model, we provide a broad range of custom products and services in each of our segments, which have various selling prices and margins. The demand for and mix of products and services delivered changes from period to period, which causes fluctuations in our results of operations.
The 21.0% decrease in Revenue for the three months ended May 31, 2024 as compared to the three months ended May 31, 2023 was primarily due to a 21.3% decrease in Manufacturing revenue and 43.1% decrease in Maintenance Services revenue. The decrease in Manufacturing revenue was primarily attributed to a 21.9% decrease in railcar deliveries during the three months ended May 31, 2024. The decrease in Maintenance Services revenue was primarily due to 27.6% lower volumes in our wheels business and a change in product mix during the three months ended May 31, 2024.
The 23.5% decrease in Cost of revenue for the three months ended May 31, 2024 as compared to the three months ended May 31, 2023 was primarily due to a 22.4% decrease in Manufacturing cost of revenue and a 43.8% decrease in Maintenance Services cost of revenue. The decrease in Manufacturing cost of revenue was primarily attributed to a 21.9% decrease in railcar deliveries during the three months ended May 31, 2024. The decrease in Maintenance Services cost of revenue was primarily due to operating at lower volumes and a change in product mix during the three months ended May 31, 2024.
Margin as a percentage of revenue was 15.1% and 12.3% for the three months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023, respectively. Margin as a percentage of revenue was positively impacted by favorable product mix within our Manufacturing segment during the three months ended May 31, 2024. This was partially offset by a 6.7% decrease in Leasing & Management Services margin as a percentage of revenue for the three months ended May 31, 2024 from higher sales of railcars that we purchased from third parties which have lower margin percentages.
The $12.6 million increase in Net earnings attributable to Greenbrier for the three months ended May 31, 2024 as compared to the three months ended May 31, 2023 was primarily due to:
These were partially offset by the following:
27
Manufacturing Segment
(In millions, except railcar deliveries)
(185.1
(21.3
(176.0
(22.4
9.6
1.3
Operating profit ($)
10.1
22.9
Operating profit (%)
Deliveries
5,000
6,400
(1,400
(21.9
Our Manufacturing segment primarily generates revenue from manufacturing a wide range of freight railcars and from the conversion of existing railcars through our facilities in North America and Europe.
Manufacturing Revenue decreased $185.1 million or 21.3% for the three months ended May 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended May 31, 2023. The decrease in Revenue was primarily attributed to a 21.9% decrease in railcar deliveries during the three months ended May 31, 2024.
Manufacturing Cost of revenue decreased $176.0 million or 22.4% for the three months ended May 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended May 31, 2023. The decrease in Cost of revenue was primarily attributed to a 21.9% decrease in railcar deliveries during the three months ended May 31, 2024.
Manufacturing Margin as a percentage of revenue increased 1.3% for the three months ended May 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended May 31, 2023. The increase in margin percentage for the three months ended May 31, 2024 was primarily attributed to favorable product mix during the three months ended May 31, 2024.
Manufacturing Operating profit increased $10.1 million for the three months ended May 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended May 31, 2023. The increase in operating profit was primarily attributed to the prior year including a $14.3 million loss on the sale of Gunderson Marine during the three months ended May 31, 2023. This was partially offset by $9.1 million decrease in Margin attributed to a 21.9% decrease in railcar deliveries during the three months ended May 31, 2024.
28
Maintenance Services Segment
(53.0
(43.1
(48.1
(43.8
11.7
(5.1
(46.4
9.0
Our Maintenance Services segment primarily generates revenue from railcar component manufacturing and servicing and from providing railcar maintenance services.
Maintenance Services Revenue decreased $53.0 million or 43.1% for the three months ended May 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended May 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily attributed to 27.6% lower volumes in our wheels business and a change in product mix during the three months ended May 31, 2024.
Maintenance Services Cost of revenue decreased $48.1 million or 43.8% for the three months ended May 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended May 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to operating at lower volumes and a change in product mix during the three months ended May 31, 2024.
Maintenance Services Margin as a percentage of revenue increased 1.1% for the three months ended May 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended May 31, 2023. The increase in margin percentage was primarily attributed to the a change in product mix during the three months ended May 31, 2024.
Maintenance Services Operating profit decreased $5.1 million for the three months ended May 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended May 31, 2023. The decrease in Operating profit was primarily attributed to operating at lower volumes during the three months ended May 31, 2024.
29
Leasing & Management Services Segment
44.9
10.5
76.6
62.9
69.6
14.6
62.1
57.6
4.5
Our Leasing & Management Services segment generates revenue from leasing railcars from our lease fleet, providing various management services, syndication revenue associated with leases attached to new railcar sales, interim rent on leased railcars for syndication and the sale of railcars purchased from third parties with the intent to resell.
Leasing & Management Services Revenue increased $20.2 million or 44.9% for the three months ended May 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended May 31, 2023. The increase was primarily attributed to a $8.9 million increase in the sale of railcars which we had purchased from third parties with the intent to resell and an increase of $5.3 million in rents associated with a larger fleet and improved lease rates during the three months ended May 31, 2024.
Leasing & Management Services Cost of revenue increased $10.5 million or 76.6% for the three months ended May 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended May 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to higher costs from an increase in the volume of railcars sold that we purchased from third parties and a larger fleet during the three months ended May 31, 2024.
Leasing & Management Services Margin as a percentage of revenue decreased 6.7% for the three months ended May 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended May 31, 2023. Margin as a percentage of revenue for the three months ended May 31, 2024 was negatively impacted by higher sales of railcars that we purchased from third parties which have lower margin percentages.
Leasing & Management Services Operating profit increased $14.6 million for the three months ended May 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended May 31, 2023. The increase was primarily attributed to higher rents associated with a larger fleet and improved lease rates and $5.0 million higher Net gain on disposition of equipment during the three months ended May 31, 2024.
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Selling and Administrative Expense
(4.0
(6.3
Selling and administrative expense was $59.3 million or 7.2% of Revenue for the three months ended May 31, 2024 compared to $63.3 million or 6.1% of Revenue for the prior comparable period. The $4.0 million decrease was primarily attributed to lower short-term incentive compensation for the three months ended May 31, 2024 as a result of timing of financial performance when compared to the prior year.
Net Gain on Disposition of Equipment
Net gain on disposition of equipment typically includes the sale of assets from our lease fleet (Equipment on operating leases, net) and disposition of property, plant and equipment. Assets are periodically sold in the normal course of business in order to optimize our fleet and to manage risk and liquidity.
Net gain on disposition of equipment was $7.8 million for the three months ended May 31, 2024 compared to $2.3 million for the prior comparable period. The increase in Net gain on disposition of equipment was primarily attributed to higher sales of assets from our lease fleet during the three months ended May 31, 2024.
Asset Impairment, Disposal and Exit Costs
The three months ended May 31, 2023 included a loss on the sale of Gunderson Marine of $14.3 million and $2.1 million of severance costs related to ceasing rail production at the Gunderson Facility.
Interest and Foreign Exchange
Interest and foreign exchange expense was composed of the following:
Interest and foreign exchange:
Interest and other expense
23.4
Foreign exchange loss
(1.5
The $1.9 million increase in Interest and foreign exchange expense for the three months ended May 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended May 31, 2023 was primarily attributed to an increase in interest expense from higher borrowings.
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Income Tax
For the three months ended May 31, 2024, we had Income tax expense of $10.7 million on pre-tax income of $47.6 million for an effective tax rate of 22.5%. The effective tax rate primarily benefited from net favorable adjustments related to our foreign subsidiaries and U.S. tax credits.
For the three months ended May 31, 2023, we had Income tax expense of $3.6 million on a pre-tax income of $27.9 million for an effective tax rate of 12.9%. Tax expense included net favorable discrete items primarily related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates for our U.S. Dollar denominated foreign operations.
The provision for income taxes during interim quarterly reporting periods is based on our estimates of the effective tax rates for the full fiscal year and may be positively or negatively impacted by adjustments that are required to be reported in the quarter. The effective tax rate can fluctuate year-to-year due to changes in the mix of foreign and domestic pre-tax earnings. It can also fluctuate with changes in the proportion of pre-tax earnings attributable to our Mexican railcar manufacturing joint venture. The joint venture is treated as a partnership for tax purposes and, as a result, the partnership’s entire pre-tax earnings are included in earnings before income taxes and earnings from unconsolidated affiliates, whereas only our 50% share of the tax is included in Income tax expense.
Earnings From Unconsolidated Affiliates
Through unconsolidated affiliates we produce rail and industrial components and have an ownership stake in a railcar manufacturer in Brazil. We record the results from these unconsolidated affiliates on an after-tax basis.
Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates were $3.7 million and $2.4 million for the three months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023, respectively. The increase was primarily related to $2.4 million in higher earnings at our Brazil operations for the three months ended May 31, 2024.
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest was $6.7 million for the three months ended May 31, 2024 compared to $5.4 million for the three months ended May 31, 2023. Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest primarily represents our joint venture partner's share in the results of operations of our Mexican railcar manufacturing joint ventures, adjusted for intercompany sales, and our European partner’s share of the results of our European operations.
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Nine Months Ended May 31, 2024 Compared to the Nine Months Ended May 31, 2023
229.2
193.1
27.4
111.7
93.9
Earnings before income taxes and earnings from unconsolidated affiliates
33
(434.9
(14.9
(487.8
(18.7
14.7
4.0
60.8
161.3
The 14.9% decrease in Revenue for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 as compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2023 was primarily due to a 15.6% decrease in Manufacturing revenue. The decrease in Manufacturing revenue was primarily attributed to a 14.4% decrease in railcar deliveries during the nine months ended May 31, 2024.
The 18.7% decrease in Cost of revenue for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 as compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2023 was primarily due to a 18.5% decrease in Manufacturing cost of revenue. The decrease in Manufacturing cost of revenue was primarily attributed to a 14.4% decrease in railcar deliveries during the nine months ended May 31, 2024.
Margin as a percentage of revenue was 14.7% and 10.7% for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023, respectively. Margin as a percentage of revenue was positively impacted by an increase in Manufacturing margin from 7.8% to 10.9% primarily attributed to operating efficiencies and favorable product mix during the nine months ended May 31, 2024.
The $60.8 million increase in Net earnings attributable to Greenbrier for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 as compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2023 was primarily due to the following:
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(388.5
(15.6
(424.6
(18.5
7.8
80.0
91.6
8.0
3.5
15,500
18,100
(2,600
(14.4
Our Manufacturing segment primarily generates revenue from manufacturing a wide range of freight railcars and from the conversion of existing or in-service railcars through our facilities in North America and Europe.
Manufacturing Revenue decreased $388.5 million or 15.6% for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2023. The decrease in Revenue was primarily attributed to a 14.4% decrease in railcar deliveries during the nine months ended May 31, 2024.
Manufacturing Cost of revenue decreased $424.6 million or 18.5% for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2023. The decrease in Cost of revenue was primarily attributed to a 14.4% decrease in the volume of railcar deliveries and favorable product mix during the nine months ended May 31, 2024.
Manufacturing Margin as a percentage of revenue increased 3.1% for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2023. The increase in margin percentage for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 was primarily attributed to operating efficiencies and favorable product mix during the nine months ended May 31, 2024.
Manufacturing Operating profit increased $80.0 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2023. The increase in Operating profit was attributed to an increase in Margin during the nine months ended May 31, 2024 as well as the prior year including $40.6 million of charges related to the sale and closure of our Gunderson Facility during the nine months ended May 31, 2023.
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(77.5
(25.3
(76.5
(27.4
11.5
(9.4
7.6
1.6
Maintenance Services Revenue decreased $77.5 million or 25.3% for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily attributed to 22.7% lower volumes in our wheels business due to lower demand and a change in product mix despite a higher average selling price during the nine months ended May 31, 2024.
Maintenance Services Cost of revenue decreased $76.5 million or 27.4% for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to operating at lower volumes and a change in product mix during the nine months ended May 31, 2024.
Maintenance Services Margin as a percentage of revenue increased 2.6% for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2023. The increase in margin percentage was primarily attributed to change in product mix and favorable pricing during the nine months ended May 31, 2024.
Maintenance Services Operating profit decreased $2.2 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2023. The decrease in Operating profit was primarily attributed to operating at lower volumes during the nine months ended May 31, 2024.
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23.1
13.3
32.4
67.3
17.8
21.7
60.2
60.9
Leasing & Management Services Revenue increased $31.1 million or 23.1% for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2023. The increase was primarily attributed to an increase of $14.9 million in rents associated with a larger fleet and improved lease rates, an $8.9 million increase in the sale of railcars which we had purchased from third parties with the intent to resell and $7.0 million higher interim rent on leased railcars for syndication during the nine months ended May 31, 2024.
Leasing & Management Services Cost of revenue increased $13.3 million or 32.4% for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to higher costs from an increase in the volume of railcars sold that we purchased from third parties and a larger fleet and during the nine months ended May 31, 2024.
Leasing & Management Services Margin as a percentage of revenue decreased 2.3% for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2023. Margin as a percentage of revenue for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 was negatively impacted by higher sales of railcars that we purchased from third parties which have lower margin percentages.
Leasing & Management Services Operating profit increased $17.8 million or 21.7% for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2023. The increase was primarily attributed to higher rents from a larger fleet and improved lease rates during the nine months ended May 31, 2024.
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Selling and administrative expense was $179.2 million or 7.2% of Revenue for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 compared to $175.7 million or 6.0% of Revenue for the prior comparable period. The $3.5 million increase was primarily attributed to an increase in employee related costs including higher long-term incentive compensation during the nine months ended May 31, 2024.
Net gain on disposition of equipment was $12.6 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 compared to a gain of $15.2 million for the prior comparable period. The decrease in Net gain on disposition of equipment was primarily attributed to fewer sales of assets from our lease fleet during the nine months ended May 31, 2024.
The nine months ended May 31, 2023 included an impairment of long-lived assets of $24.2 million related to our change in the future use of our Gunderson Facility, loss on the sale of Gunderson Marine of $14.3 million and $2.1 million of severance associated with ceasing rail production at the Gunderson Facility.
69.2
58.7
3.3
5.3
8.5
The $8.5 million increase in Interest and foreign exchange expense for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2023 was primarily attributed to an increase in interest expense from higher borrowings and interest rates.
For the nine months ended May 31, 2024, we had Income tax expense of $30.0 million on pre-tax income of $128.2 million for an effective tax rate of 23.4%. The effective tax rate benefited from net favorable discrete items related to U.S. tax credits and changes in foreign currency exchange rates for our U.S. Dollar denominated foreign operations.
For the nine months ended May 31, 2023, we had Income tax expense of $11.7 million on pre-tax income of $49.3 million for an effective tax rate of 23.7%. Tax expense included net favorable discrete items primarily related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates for our U.S. Dollar denominated foreign operations.
The provision for income taxes during interim quarterly reporting periods is based on our estimates of the effective tax rates for the full fiscal year and may be positively or negatively impacted by adjustments that are required to be reported in the quarter. The effective tax rate can fluctuate year-to-year due to changes in the mix of foreign and
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domestic pre-tax earnings. It can also fluctuate with changes in the proportion of pre-tax earnings attributable to our Mexican railcar manufacturing joint venture. The joint venture is treated as a partnership for tax purposes and, as a result, the partnership’s entire pre-tax earnings are included in earnings before income taxes and earnings from unconsolidated affiliates, whereas only our 50% share of the tax is included in Income tax expense.
Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates were $9.2 million and $8.6 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023, respectively. The increase was primarily related to $4.4 million higher earnings at our Brazil operations during the nine months ended May 31, 2024. This was partially offset by a $3.7 million lower earnings related to a temporarily idle facility during the nine months ended May 31, 2024.
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest was $8.9 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 compared to $8.5 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2023. Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest primarily represents our joint venture partner's share in the results of operations of our Mexican railcar manufacturing joint ventures, adjusted for intercompany sales, and our European partner’s share of the results of our European operations.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
We have been financed through cash generated from operations and borrowings. At May 31, 2024 Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash were $291.8 million, a decrease of $10.9 million from $302.7 million at August 31, 2023.
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
The $137.2 million increase in cash from operating activities for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2023 was primarily due to a $61.2 million increase in Net earnings and $56.2 million net change in working capital.
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities primarily related to capital expenditures net of proceeds from the sale of assets and investment activity with our unconsolidated affiliates. Proceeds from the sale of assets primarily relate to fleet sales in our Leasing & Management Services segment. The $79.5 million increase in cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 was primarily attributable to a $70.8 million increase in capital expenditures compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2023.
Capital expenditures:
241.1
205.4
7.5
Total capital expenditures (gross)
324.7
253.9
(67.9
(76.3
Total capital expenditures (net of proceeds)
256.8
177.6
Capital expenditures primarily relate to additions to our lease fleet and on-going investments into the safety and productivity of our facilities. Proceeds from the sale of assets primarily relate to sales of railcars from our lease fleet within Leasing & Management Services. Assets from our lease fleet are periodically sold in the normal course of business to accommodate customer demand and to manage risk and liquidity. Proceeds from sales of assets are expected to be approximately $75 million for 2024.
Gross capital expenditures for 2024 are expected to be approximately $280 million for Leasing & Management Services, approximately $150 million for Manufacturing and approximately $15 million for Maintenance Services. Capital expenditures for 2024 primarily relate to additions to our lease fleet reflecting our leasing strategy and continued investments into the safety and productivity of our facilities.
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
The $165.3 million increase in cash flow from financing activities for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2023 was primarily attributed to a $71.6 million increase in net proceeds from revolving notes and $53.7 million higher proceeds from the issuance of notes payable, net of repayments. During the nine months ended May 31, 2024 we issued $178.5 million of asset backed securities and used proceeds to pay down $139.9 million of our GBX Leasing warehouse facility. We also drew $146.9 million on the GBX Leasing warehouse facility to grow the fleet. In February 2024, we paid $47.7 million to retire our 2024 Convertible Notes.
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Dividend & Share Repurchase Program
A quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share was declared on July 2, 2024.
The Board of Directors has authorized our company to repurchase shares of our common stock. The share repurchase program has an expiration date of January 31, 2025. Under the share repurchase program, shares of common stock may be purchased from time to time on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of purchases is based upon market conditions, securities law limitations and other factors. The program may be modified, suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice. The share repurchase program does not obligate us to acquire any specific number of shares in any period.
During the nine months ended May 31, 2024, we purchased a total of 38 thousand shares for $1.3 million. As of May 31, 2024, the amount remaining for repurchase under the share repurchase program was $45.1 million. During the nine months ended May 31, 2023, we purchased a total of 1.7 million shares for $49.4 million.
Cash, Borrowing Availability and Credit Facilities
As of May 31, 2024, we had $271.6 million in Cash and cash equivalents and $333.7 million in available borrowings. The available balance to draw under committed credit facilities includes $223.7 million on the North American credit facility, $39.0 million on the European credit facilities and $71.0 million on the Mexican credit facilities.
Senior secured credit facilities aggregated to $1.4 billion as of May 31, 2024 which consisted of the following components:
GBX Leasing – As of May 31, 2024, a $550.0 million non-recourse warehouse credit facility existed to support the operations of GBX Leasing. Advances under this facility bear interest at SOFR plus 1.85% plus 0.11% as a SOFR adjustment. Interest rate swap agreements cover approximately 99% of the outstanding balance to swap the floating interest rate to a fixed rate. The warehouse credit facility converts to a term loan in August 2025 and matures in August 2027.
North America – As of May 31, 2024, a $600.0 million revolving line of credit, maturing August 2026, secured by substantially all our U.S. assets not otherwise pledged as security for term loans or the warehouse credit facility, existed to provide working capital and interim financing of equipment, principally for our U.S. and Mexican operations. Advances under this North American credit facility bear interest at SOFR plus 1.50% plus 0.10% as a SOFR adjustment or Prime plus 0.50% depending on the type of borrowing. Available borrowings under the credit facility are generally based on defined levels of eligible inventory, receivables, property, plant and equipment and leased equipment, as well as total debt to consolidated capitalization and fixed charges coverage ratios.
Europe – As of May 31, 2024, lines of credit totaling $76.4 million secured by certain of our European assets, with variable rates that range from WIBOR plus 1.10% to WIBOR plus 1.45% and EURIBOR plus 1.90%, were available for working capital needs of our European manufacturing operations. The European lines of credit include $32.5 million which is guaranteed by us. European credit facilities are regularly renewed. Currently, these European credit facilities have maturities that range from July 2024 through November 2025.
Mexico – As of May 31, 2024, our Mexican railcar manufacturing operations had lines of credit totaling $196.0 million for working capital needs, $96.0 of which we and our joint venture partner have each guaranteed 50%. Advances under these facilities bear interest at variable rates that range from SOFR plus 2.22% to SOFR plus 4.25%. The Mexican credit facilities have maturities that range from February 2025 through January 2027.
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Credit facility balances:
The revolving and operating lines of credit, along with notes payable, contain covenants with respect to us and our various subsidiaries, the most restrictive of which, among other things, limit our ability to: incur additional indebtedness or guarantees; pay dividends or repurchase stock; enter into financing leases; create liens; sell assets; engage in transactions with affiliates, including joint ventures and non U.S. subsidiaries, including but not limited to loans, advances, equity investments and guarantees; enter into mergers, consolidations or sales of substantially all our assets; and enter into new lines of business. The covenants also require certain maximum ratios of debt to total capitalization and minimum levels of fixed charges (interest plus rent) coverage. As of May 31, 2024, we were in compliance with all such restrictive covenants.
From time to time, we may seek to repurchase or otherwise retire or exchange securities, including outstanding convertible notes, borrowings and equity securities, and take other steps to reduce our debt, extend the maturities of our debt or otherwise improve our balance sheet. These actions may include open market repurchases, unsolicited or solicited privately negotiated transactions or other retirements, repurchases or exchanges. Such retirements, repurchases or exchanges of one note or security for another note or security (now or hereafter existing), if any, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, prevailing market conditions, trading levels of our debt, our liquidity requirements and contractual restrictions, if applicable. The amounts involved in any such transactions may, individually or in the aggregate, be material and may involve all or a portion of a particular series of notes or other indebtedness which may reduce the float and impact the trading market of notes or other indebtedness which remain outstanding.
We have global operations that conduct business in their local currencies as well as other currencies. To mitigate the exposure to transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency, we enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts with established financial institutions to protect the margin on a portion of foreign currency sales in firm backlog.
To mitigate the exposure to changes in interest rates, we have managed a portion of our variable rate debt with interest rate swap agreements, effectively converting $659.7 million of variable rate debt to fixed rate debt as of May 31, 2024.
Given the strong credit standing of the counterparties, no provision has been made for credit loss due to counterparty non-performance.
We expect existing funds and cash generated from operations, together with proceeds from financing activities including borrowings under existing credit facilities and long-term financings, to be sufficient to fund expected debt repayments, working capital needs, planned capital expenditures, additional investments in our unconsolidated affiliates and dividends during the next twelve months.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not currently have off balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires judgment on the part of management to arrive at estimates and assumptions on matters that are inherently uncertain. These estimates may affect the amount of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities within the financial statements. Estimates and assumptions are periodically evaluated and may be adjusted in future periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Impairment of long-lived assets - We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. When such events or changes in circumstances occur, a recoverability test is performed based upon estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to be realized over the remaining useful life of the asset group. If the carrying amount of an asset group exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment would be measured as the difference between the fair value of the asset group and the carrying amount of the asset group.
An asset group is generally established by identifying the lowest level of cash flows generated by a group of assets that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets. Determining whether a long-lived asset is impaired requires various estimates and assumptions, including whether a triggering event has occurred, the identification of asset groups, and the determination of the fair value of real and personal property. Estimates of future cash flows are by nature highly uncertain and contemplate factors that may change over time.
Goodwill - We evaluate goodwill for possible impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of our reporting units exceed their fair value. When we perform a quantitative assessment, we exercise judgment to develop estimates of the fair values of our reporting units based on a weighting of income and market approaches. Under the income approach, we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows which incorporates forecasted revenues, long-term growth rate, gross margin percentages, operating expenses, and the use of discount rates. Under the market approach, we estimate the fair value based on observed market multiples for comparable businesses. If the fair value of a reporting unit is lower than its carrying value, an impairment to goodwill is recorded, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill in the reporting unit.
We make certain estimates and assumptions to determine our reporting units and whether the fair value of each reporting unit is greater than its respective carrying value. The above highlighted judgments contemplated estimates and effects of macroeconomic trends that are inherently uncertain. Changes in these estimates, which may include the effects of inflation and policy reactions thereto, increases in pricing of materials and components, changes in demand, or potential macroeconomic events may cause future assessment conclusions to differ.
In 2023, we performed a quantitative goodwill impairment test and determined that the estimated fair values of all reporting units with goodwill exceeded their carrying values. We performed a qualitative assessment for our annual goodwill impairment test during the third quarter of 2024 and determined that it was more likely than not that the fair values of all reporting units with goodwill exceeded their carrying values; therefore, we concluded that goodwill was not impaired. For further information, see Note 5 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income taxes - The asset and liability method is used to account for income taxes. We are required to estimate the timing of the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities, make assumptions about the future deductibility of deferred tax assets and assess deferred tax liabilities based on enacted law and tax rates for each tax jurisdiction to determine the amount of deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred income taxes are provided for the temporary effects of differences between assets and liabilities recognized for financial statement and income tax reporting purposes. Valuation allowances reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that will more likely than not be realized. We recognize a tax benefit from uncertain tax positions in the financial statements only when it is more likely than not the position will be sustained upon examination by relevant tax authorities.
Our annual tax rate is based on our income, statutory tax rates, and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Judgment is required in determining our tax expense and in evaluating our tax positions, as tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by taxpayers and government taxing authorities. Our income tax rate is affected by the tax rates that apply to our foreign earnings and could be adversely
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impacted by higher or lower earnings than anticipated in a particular jurisdiction. In addition to local country tax laws and regulations, our income tax rate depends on the extent that our foreign earnings are taxed by the U.S. through provisions such as the global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI) tax and base erosion and anti-abuse tax (BEAT). We review our deferred tax assets and tax positions quarterly and adjust the balances as new information becomes available.
Environmental costs - At times we may be involved in various proceedings related to environmental matters. We estimate future costs for known environmental remediation requirements and accrue for them when it is probable that we have incurred a liability and the related costs can be reasonably estimated based on currently available information. Adjustments to these liabilities are made when additional information becomes available that affects the estimated costs to study or remediate any environmental issues or when expenditures for which reserves are established are made.
Judgments used in determining if a liability is estimable are subjective and based on known facts and our historic experience. If further developments in or resolution of an environmental matter result in facts and circumstances that differ from those assumptions used to develop these reserves, the accrual for environmental remediation could be materially understated or overstated. Due to the uncertain nature of environmental matters, there can be no assurance that we will not become involved in future litigation or other proceedings or, if we were found to be responsible or liable in any litigation or proceeding, that such costs would not be material to us. For further information regarding our environmental costs, see Note 15 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
We have global operations that conduct business in their local currencies as well as other currencies. To mitigate the exposure to transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of each entity, we enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to protect revenue or margin on a portion of forecasted foreign currency sales and expenses. At May 31, 2024 exchange rates, notional amounts of forward exchange contracts for the purchase of Polish Zlotys and the sale of Euros; and the purchase of Mexican Pesos and the sale of U.S. Dollars aggregated to $126.9 million. Because of the variety of currencies in which purchases and sales are transacted and the interaction between currency rates, it is not possible to predict the impact that a movement in a single foreign currency exchange rate would have on future operating results.
In addition to exposure to transaction gains or losses, we are also exposed to foreign currency exchange risk related to the net asset position of our foreign subsidiaries. At May 31, 2024, net assets of foreign subsidiaries aggregated to $155.3 million and a 10% strengthening of the U.S. Dollar relative to the foreign currencies would result in a decrease in equity of $15.5 million, or 1.2% of Total equity - Greenbrier. This calculation assumes that each exchange rate would change in the same direction relative to the U.S. Dollar.
Interest Rate Risk
We have managed a portion of our variable rate debt with interest rate swap agreements, effectively converting $659.7 million of variable rate debt to fixed rate debt. Notwithstanding these interest rate swap agreements, we are still exposed to interest rate risk relating to our revolving debt and a portion of term debt, which are at variable rates. At May 31, 2024, 85% of our outstanding debt had fixed rates and 15% had variable rates. At May 31, 2024, a uniform increase by 10% in variable interest rates would result in approximately $1.4 million of additional annual interest expense.
Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management has evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of such date due to the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting that was disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023.
Ongoing Remediation of Previously Identified Material Weakness
The Company’s management, under the oversight of the Audit Committee, has designed and implemented corrective actions to remediate the control deficiencies that contributed to the material weakness. These remediation actions included:
As we continue to evaluate and enhance our internal control over financial reporting, we may determine that additional measures to address the material weaknesses or adjustments to the remediation plan may be required. The material weakness will not be considered remediated until the applicable controls operate for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Except for the changes noted above, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended May 31, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
There is hereby incorporated by reference the information disclosed in Note 15 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
This Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with Part I Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2023. There have been no material changes in the risk factors described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2023.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The Board of Directors has authorized the Company to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock. The share repurchase program has an expiration date of January 31, 2025. The amount remaining for purchase was $45.1 million as of May 31, 2024. There were no share repurchases under this program during the three months ended May 31, 2024.
Item 5. Other Information
On July 2, 2024, the compensation committee of the Board of Directors of the Company adopted The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. Executive Officer Severance Policy.
The policy provides severance benefits to executive officers upon a “qualifying termination” unrelated to a change in control (subject to participant’s execution and, to the extent applicable, non-revocation of a release). The severance benefits are equal to (1) a cash amount equal to a number of months of the executive officer’s base salary; (2) a prorated annual bonus for the year of termination (based on actual achievement of performance goals); (3) a cash amount equal to a number of months of health benefit premiums; and (4) outplacement services not to exceed $12,000. With respect to clauses (1), (3) and (4), the number of applicable months is 24 for the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, 18 for the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operations Officer and Business Unit Presidents, and 12 for all other executive officers. For purposes of the policy, a “qualifying termination” means the termination of a participant’s employment by (1) the Company or any successor thereto without “cause” or (2) the participant for “good reason”, each as defined in the policy. The foregoing description of the policy does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the policy, a copy of which will be filed with the Form 10-K for the period ended August 31, 2024.
Trading Plan Arrangements
During the three months ended May 31, 2024 the following officer, as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) of the Exchange Act, adopted a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K, as follows:
On May 15, 2024, Rick Galvan, Senior Vice President Operations, Maintenance Services, adopted a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement providing for the sale of an aggregate of up to 3,364 shares of our common stock acquired by Mr. Galvan pursuant to our Stock Incentive Plan. The trading arrangement is intended to satisfy the affirmative defense in Rule 10b5-1(c). The first date that sales of any shares are permitted to be sold under the trading arrangement will be August 15, 2024, and subsequent sales under the trading arrangement may occur on a regular basis for the duration of the trading arrangement until July 31, 2025, or earlier if all transactions under the trading arrangement are completed.
No other officers or directors, as defined in Rule 16a-1(f), adopted and/or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or a “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K, during the three months ended May 31, 2024.
Item 6. Exhibits
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant dated April 2, 2024 are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed April 5, 2024.
10.1*
Transition and Consulting Agreement between The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. and Adrian J. Downes dated April 2, 2024.
10.2*
Employment Agreement between Greenbrier Leasing Company LLC and Michael J. Donfris dated May 8, 2024.
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a – 14 (a).
32.1
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema With Embedded Linkbase Documents.
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (Formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date:
July 8, 2024
By:
/s/ Lorie L. Tekorius
Lorie L. Tekorius
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer)