Wabtec Reports 2Q EPS of 65 Cents; Increases 2010 Guidance to $2.45-$2.55

WILMERDING, Pa., July 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Wabtec Corporation (NYSE: WAB) today reported its 2010 second quarter results, including the following:

• Sales increased 12 percent to $374 million, the company's highest quarterly sales figure since the first quarter of 2009.   The Freight Group had a strong sales increase due to organic growth and acquisitions.
• Income from operations was $50 million, or 13.3 percent of sales.
• Earnings per diluted share were 65 cents, compared to 64 cents in the year-ago quarter.  The year-ago quarter included a tax benefit, resulting from the successful resolution of certain outstanding tax issues from prior years, and costs related to downsizing and consolidation actions.  Excluding these items, non-GAAP earnings per diluted share were 55 cents in the 2009 second quarter (see reconciliation below).
• At June 30, 2010, Wabtec had cash of $167 million and debt of $408 million.
• During the quarter, the company completed the integration of Xorail LLC, which was acquired in mid-March; and announced the formation of a third joint venture in China.  In addition, after the quarter ended the company announced an agreement to acquire G&B Specialties and Bach-Simpson from Global Railway Industries Ltd.

Based on Wabtec's second quarter results and outlook for the rest of the year, the company increased its 2010 earnings guidance as follows:  Full-year earnings per diluted share are now expected to be between $2.45-$2.55; previously, the company expected EPS to be between $2.40-$2.50.  Full-year revenues are still expected to be up slightly, as growth in the freight segment will more than offset a decrease in the transit segment.

Albert J. Neupaver, Wabtec's president and chief executive officer, said:  "We're pleased with the company's overall performance in the first half and cautiously optimistic about the balance of 2010, assuming the global economy continues to improve.  Our diversified business model, focus on cash generation, investment in growth strategies and rigorous application of the Wabtec Performance System are serving the company well in the current environment and laying the groundwork for long-term growth."  

Wabtec (www.wabtec.com) is a global provider of technology-based products and services for rail and other industrial markets.  This release contains forward-looking statements, such as those regarding expectations about future earnings.  Actual results could differ materially from the results suggested in any forward-looking statement.  Factors that could cause or contribute to these material differences include, but are not limited to, an economic slowdown in the markets we serve; fluctuations in freight and passenger rail traffic; and other factors discussed in Wabtec's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Wabtec assumes no obligation to update these statements or advise of changes in the assumptions on which they are based.  Wabtec will conduct a conference call with analysts and investors at 10 a.m., eastern time, today.  To listen via webcast, please go to www.wabtec.com and click on the "Webcasts" tab in the "Investor Relations" section.

Set forth below is the calculation of the non-GAAP performance measure included in this press release for the second quarter of 2009.  Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, Wabtec's reported results prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

SOURCE Wabtec Corporation