•
Dec 31, 2021

Wabtec Q4 2021 Earnings Report

Wabtec reported strong results driven by sales growth and margin expansion.

Key Takeaways

Wabtec reported a 2.4% increase in sales to $2.07 billion. GAAP earnings per share was $1.02, and adjusted earnings per share increased by 20.4% to $1.18. The company issued 2022 financial guidance and announced a share buyback reauthorization of $750 million.

GAAP earnings per share was $1.02; adjusted earnings per share increased 20.4% to $1.18.

Sales grew 2.4% to $2.07 billion; GAAP operating margin was 12.7%; adjusted operating margin increased 210 bps to 16.1%.

Full-year cash flow from operations increased 36.9% to $1.07 billion; full-year operating cash flow conversion was 102%.

The company repurchased 1.05 million shares during the fourth quarter for $100 million and announced a $750 million share buyback reauthorization and a 25% increase in the quarterly dividend.

Total Revenue
$2.07B
Previous year: $2.02B
+2.4%
EPS
$1.18
Previous year: $0.98
+20.4%
Total Backlog
$22.2B
Previous year: $21.6B
+2.6%
Backlog 12-Month
$6.27B
Previous year: $5.5B
+14.0%
Gross Profit
$652M
Previous year: $456M
+43.1%
Cash and Equivalents
$473M
Previous year: $599M
-21.0%
Free Cash Flow
$262M
Previous year: $288M
-8.9%
Total Assets
$18.5B
Previous year: $18.5B
+0.0%

Wabtec

Wabtec

Forward Guidance

Wabtec initiated its 2022 financial guidance with sales expected to be in a range of $8.30 billion to $8.60 billion and adjusted earnings per diluted share to be in a range of $4.65 to $5.05. For full year 2022, Wabtec expects strong cash flow generation with operating cash flow conversion of greater than 90 percent.

Positive Outlook

  • Sales expected to be in a range of $8.30 billion to $8.60 billion.
  • Adjusted earnings per diluted share to be in a range of $4.65 to $5.05.
  • Expects strong cash flow generation.
  • Operating cash flow conversion of greater than 90 percent.
  • Breadth of product portfolio combined with multi-year backlog provides solid foundation for growth in 2022.

Challenges Ahead

  • Unable to predict with reasonable certainty the impact and timing of restructuring-related and other charges.
  • Uncertainty regarding acquisition-related expenses.
  • Outcome of certain regulatory, legal and tax matters.
  • Financial impact of these items is uncertain and dependent on various factors, including timing.
  • Mixed market conditions improving throughout the year.