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Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies (WAB)
NYSE:WAB

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies (WAB) AI Stock Analysis

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Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies

(NYSE:WAB)

79Outperform
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies scores a strong 79, driven by excellent financial performance and positive earnings call insights. However, technical indicators suggest caution, and the high valuation tempers enthusiasm. The company is well-positioned for growth, especially internationally, but must navigate North American market challenges and tariff uncertainties.
Positive Factors
Mergers and Acquisitions
The acquisition of Dellner Couplers strengthens WAB's Transit product portfolio and financial profile.
Operational Performance
Wabtec achieved better-than-expected operational execution on its productivity initiatives.
Technological Innovation
The Rail Ghost project, an autonomous car inspection machine, could help save tens of millions of dollars in annual inspection costs.
Negative Factors
Earnings Guidance
WAB traded off -9% following a 4Q miss and a softer than expected 2025 guide as midpoints of revenue and EPS trailed consensus.
Freight Segment
A sequential Freight margin deterioration is expected in the second quarter.
Revenue Target
The company plans to eliminate $100 million of low margin revenues, which contributes to a muted revenue target.

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies (WAB) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionWestinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation provides technology-based equipment, systems, and services for the freight rail and passenger transit industries worldwide. It operates through two segments, Freight and Transit. The Freight segment manufactures and services components for new and existing freight cars and locomotives; builds new commuter locomotives; rebuilds freight locomotives; supplies railway electronics, positive train control equipment, signal design, and engineering services; and provides related heat exchange and cooling systems. It serves publicly traded railroads; leasing companies; manufacturers of original equipment, including locomotives and freight cars; and utilities. The Transit segment manufactures and services components for new and existing passenger transit vehicles, such as regional trains, high speed trains, subway cars, light-rail vehicles, and buses; refurbishes subway cars; and provides heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment, as well as doors for buses and subways. This segment serves public transit authorities and municipalities, leasing companies, and manufacturers of subway cars and buses. It also provides electronically controlled pneumatic braking products; railway electronics; freight car trucks; draft gears, couplers, and slack adjusters; air compressors and dryers; heat exchangers and cooling products; and track and switch products. In addition, the company offers railway braking equipment and related components; friction products; new switcher locomotives; transit locomotive and car overhaul services; and freight locomotive overhaul, modernizations, and refurbishment services. Further, it provides platform screen doors; pantographs; window assemblies; couplers; accessibility lifts and ramps for buses and subway cars; and traction motors. The company was founded in 1869 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
How the Company Makes MoneyWabtec generates revenue through the sale of its diverse range of products and services to the freight rail and transit industries. The company's key revenue streams include the manufacturing and sale of locomotives and freight cars, as well as aftermarket services such as maintenance, repair, and parts replacement. Additionally, Wabtec earns income from its digital solutions, which offer advanced analytics and monitoring for rail operations, helping customers optimize performance and reduce costs. The company also engages in significant partnerships and long-term contracts with major rail operators and government entities, which contribute to its stable revenue base.

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies shows strong financial performance with consistent revenue growth, robust profit margins, effective cash flow management, and a solid balance sheet. This positions the company well for future growth in the railroads industry.
Income Statement
92
Very Positive
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies demonstrates strong financial performance with consistent revenue growth. The revenue increased from $10.387 billion to $10.5 billion, showing a positive growth trajectory. Gross profit margin stands robustly at approximately 31.56% TTM, with notable net profit margin growth to 12.47% TTM. EBIT and EBITDA margins are healthy, at 16.08% and 18.21% respectively, indicating strong operational efficiency and profitability.
Balance Sheet
85
Very Positive
The balance sheet of Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies is solid, with a reasonable debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39, indicating manageable leverage. The return on equity is impressive at 12.63% TTM, reflecting effective utilization of shareholder funds. The equity ratio is healthy at 54.29%, showcasing a stable financial structure with ample equity backing.
Cash Flow
88
Very Positive
The company exhibits strong cash flow management, with a high operating cash flow to net income ratio of 1.29 TTM, suggesting efficient cash generation relative to earnings. Free cash flow growth rate is slightly negative but remains strong, with robust free cash flow to net income ratio of 1.12 TTM, indicating strong liquidity and the ability to fund operations and investments.
Breakdown
TTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
10.50B10.39B9.68B8.36B7.82B7.56B
Gross Profit
3.31B3.37B2.94B2.29B2.13B1.90B
EBIT
1.69B1.61B1.27B1.06B954.00M859.50M
EBITDA
2.02B1.61B1.79B1.52B1.41B1.23B
Net Income Common Stockholders
1.11B1.06B815.00M633.00M558.00M414.00M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
698.00M715.00M620.00M541.00M473.00M598.70M
Total Assets
19.10B18.70B18.99B18.52B18.45B18.45B
Total Debt
4.01B3.98B4.38B4.00B4.06B3.79B
Net Debt
3.31B3.27B3.76B3.46B3.58B3.19B
Total Liabilities
8.68B8.57B8.46B8.37B8.21B8.30B
Stockholders Equity
10.37B10.09B10.49B10.10B10.20B10.12B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
1.47B1.63B1.01B889.00M943.00M647.30M
Operating Cash Flow
1.69B1.83B1.20B1.04B1.07B783.70M
Investing Cash Flow
-368.00M-343.00M-492.00M-235.00M-540.00M-155.40M
Financing Cash Flow
-1.25B-1.37B-633.00M-708.00M-653.00M-619.00M

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price184.03
Price Trends
50DMA
179.76
Positive
100DMA
189.58
Negative
200DMA
182.57
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.54
Negative
RSI
56.86
Neutral
STOCH
70.72
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For WAB, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 184.03 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 174.09, above the 50-day MA of 179.76, and above the 200-day MA of 182.57, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of -0.54 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 56.86 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 70.72 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for WAB.

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Risk Analysis

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies disclosed 30 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
WAWAB
79
Outperform
$31.49B29.0610.62%0.46%5.21%24.15%
NSNSC
76
Outperform
$50.16B15.4824.52%2.38%0.70%135.08%
TRTRN
69
Neutral
$2.05B15.3614.57%4.54%3.21%29.59%
UNUNP
69
Neutral
$131.00B19.7242.47%2.47%0.63%5.93%
GBGBX
67
Neutral
$1.33B6.7914.69%2.83%-5.79%82.71%
63
Neutral
$4.28B11.335.43%214.88%4.12%-8.65%
47
Neutral
$120.83M156.43%55.84%-159.47%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
WAB
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies
184.03
21.58
13.28%
RAIL
Freightcar America
6.34
2.79
78.59%
GBX
Greenbrier
42.41
-7.45
-14.94%
NSC
Norfolk Southern
221.71
-14.44
-6.11%
TRN
Trinity Industries
25.10
-0.98
-3.76%
UNP
Union Pacific
213.29
-22.36
-9.49%

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Apr 23, 2025 | % Change Since: 7.14% | Next Earnings Date: Jul 24, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call reflected a positive sentiment overall, driven by strong revenue and EPS growth, significant international business wins, and effective cost management. However, caution was noted due to challenges in the North American market and the uncertain impact of tariffs.
Highlights
Record Revenue and EPS Growth
Sales were $2.6 billion, up 4.5%, and adjusted EPS was up 21% from the year-ago quarter, demonstrating a strong start to the year.
International Market Strength
The international markets showed strong momentum with a 6% increase in the twelve-month backlog, driven by activities in Africa, Asia, CIS, and the APAC region.
Significant Business Wins
Secured a $300 million multiyear service agreement in Kazakhstan, a $140 million order in North America for new locomotives, and $130 million in APAC orders for new equipment and service contracts.
Strong Operational Execution
Achieved an adjusted operating margin of 21.7%, up 1.9 percentage points from the previous year due to improved gross margins and proactive cost management.
Lowlights
North American Market Caution
North American business faces challenges due to current tariff activities and a 17% decrease in the railcar build forecast for 2025.
Impact of Tariffs
Tariffs present a significant uncertainty, affecting costs and necessitating price adjustments; reciprocal tariffs could further impact financials.
Company Guidance
In the first quarter of 2025, Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation reported sales of $2.6 billion, a 4.5% increase from the previous year, with adjusted EPS up 21%. The company's total cash flow from operations was $191 million, and the twelve-month backlog reached $8.2 billion, indicating a 6% rise. The company highlighted strong international market performance, particularly in regions like Africa, Asia, and the CIS, with a robust international locomotive backlog. The North American railcar build forecast for 2025 remains at 35,000 cars, down 17% from the previous year. The company secured significant orders, including a $300 million multiyear service agreement in Kazakhstan and a $140 million order for new locomotives in North America. Despite the uncertain economic environment, the company increased its adjusted EPS guidance to a range of $8.35 to $8.95, reflecting a 14% increase at the midpoint.

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Wabtec Reports Strong Q1 2025 Results, Raises EPS Guidance
Positive
Apr 23, 2025

On April 23, 2025, Wabtec Corporation reported its first quarter results for 2025, highlighting a 4.5% increase in sales to $2.61 billion and a significant rise in earnings per share. The company announced an increase in full-year EPS guidance, reflecting strong performance across its Freight and Transit segments, with international business contributing notably to profitability. The results indicate robust business momentum, although the company remains cautious due to economic uncertainties.

Spark’s Take on WAB Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, WAB is a Outperform.

Wabtec demonstrates strong financial performance and a promising outlook for 2025, driven by robust cash flow and strategic growth initiatives. The technical indicators suggest short-term caution due to downward momentum. The company’s valuation appears high, warranting careful consideration. Despite these challenges, the positive guidance and confidence in shareholder returns provide a balanced view, resulting in a solid stock score.

To see Spark’s full report on WAB stock, click here.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Wabtec Highlights Strong Financial Performance and Growth
Positive
Feb 18, 2025

On February 18, 2025, Wabtec released an investor presentation detailing its financial performance and strategic outlook. The presentation highlighted strong financial results, including an achievement of their five-year plan within three years, and emphasized their focus on profitability and growth through various strategic initiatives. The company also addressed potential risks and uncertainties that could impact future performance, emphasizing the resilience of its portfolio and significant recurring revenue base.

Stock BuybackDividendsFinancial Disclosures
Wabtec Reports Strong Q4 2024 Results and 2025 Guidance
Positive
Feb 12, 2025

On February 12, 2025, Wabtec Corporation announced its fourth quarter 2024 results, highlighting a strong financial performance with a 2.3% year-over-year sales increase and substantial cash from operations. The adjusted earnings per share rose by 9.1% compared to the previous year, and the company reported a significant 52.7% increase in cash flow from operations for the full year 2024. Additionally, Wabtec provided its 2025 financial guidance, projecting a 13.1% increase in adjusted EPS at the midpoint. The company also announced a 25% hike in its quarterly dividend and expanded its share buyback authorization by $1 billion, reflecting robust shareholder returns and confidence in future growth.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.