Greenbrier Cos. (NYSE: GBX) reported Q1 EPS of $0.90, ex-items, $0.04 worse than the analyst estimate of $0.94. Revenue for the quarter came in at $559.54 million versus the consensus estimate of $595.29 million.

• Net earnings attributable to Greenbrier for the quarter were $26.3 million, or $0.83 per diluted share, on revenue of $559.5 million.
• Quarterly results included $3.4 million ($2.3 million after-tax or $0.07 per diluted share) of expense related to resolution of litigation in a foreign jurisdiction. Additionally, the tax rate for the quarter was 33.3% attributable to discrete items and the geographic mix of earnings. Compared to the previous annual tax rate guidance of 29%, the impact of the higher quarterly rate is $0.07 per diluted share.
• Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $76.9 million, or 13.7% of revenue.
• Orders for 3,200 diversified railcars were received during this quarter, valued at over $290 million.
• New railcar backlog as of November 30, 2017 was 26,500 units with an estimated value of $2.56 billion.
• New railcar deliveries totaled 4,400 units for the quarter.
• Board declares a quarterly dividend of $0.23 per share, payable on February 16, 2018 to shareholders as of January 26, 2018.

William A. Furman, Chairman and CEO, said, "Greenbrier advanced several key initiatives during the quarter and is on track to achieve our goals for the year. While the new railcar market in North America is challenging, broad-based demand for Greenbrier's products and services remains steady and we expect will trend higher as we advance through fiscal 2018. During the recent quarter, Greenbrier received 3,200 orders for a broad range of railcar types including covered hoppers, tanks, automotive carrying units and our first orders for open top hoppers for use in aggregate service. Greenbrier\'s disciplined balance sheet management has resulted in a strong cash position and very low net debt, enabling us to invest strategically and return capital to shareholders. Good backlog visibility combined with a strong balance sheet provides the flexibility we need to build railcars when and where customers need them, across four continents."

Furman concluded, "Based on first quarter results, we are confident in our guidance for the year. As fiscal 2018 progresses, we will continue integration of our new manufacturing investments and will continue to expand internationally. Greenbrier is well positioned to achieve its ambitious business objectives for fiscal 2018 as growth in North American and international markets drives increased revenues, deliveries and EPS compared to fiscal 2017."

GUIDANCE:

Greenbrier Cos. sees FY2018 EPS of $4.00. Greenbrier Cos. sees FY2018 revenue of $2.4-2.6 billion.

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