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GATX

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FY1997 Annual Report · GATX
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_Front and ltr  4/15/98 2:26 PM  Page 1

C r e a t i n g   To m o r r o w ’ s   Va l u e   F r o m  

A   C e n t u r y   O f   E x p e r i e n c e

100

GA T X   C o r p o r a t i o n   1 9 9 7 A n n u a l   R e p o r t

_Front and ltr  4/15/98 2:26 PM  Page 3

1

1898

100  Years:  Reaching  a
centennial  milestone  is 
a significant accomplish-
ment, and it is appropriately the theme of this
annual  report.  The  employees  of  GATX  join
me in celebrating a feat achieved by relatively
few companies. It demonstrates the strength,
adaptability,  and  creativity  of  GATX.  And 
it  brings  home  the  fact  that  we  have  a 
year history of 
one hundred 
shareholders, cus-
commitment to 
tomers, partners,
employees and the
communities in which we operate. However,
the real importance of the centennial is not in
celebrating the past. Instead, we enter our cen-
tennial year energized for the future as a bet-
ter competitor, a better employer, a better part-
ner, a better citizen and a better investment.
The knowledge, experience, and strength that
we have built up over the previous century is
invaluable,  and  we  fully
intend to capitalize on it.

1998

Ronald H. Zech, Chairman of GATX on behalf of the employees of GATX

(cid:169)

Corporate Overview on Foldout

_Front and ltr  4/15/98 2:26 PM  Page 4

In Millions, Except For Per Share Data

1997

1996

1995

Gross income
Income before provision for restructuring
Net (loss) income
Common shares outstanding at year end

$ 1,701.9
111.9
(50.9 )
24.5

$1,414.4
102.7
102.7
20.3

$ 1,246.4
100.8
100.8
20.1

Per common share

Income before provision for restructuring

Basic
Diluted

Net (loss) income

Basic
Diluted

Dividends declared
Year-end stock price

$

4.67
4.51

$

4.43
4.20

$

4.38
4.14

(2.55 )
(2.55 )
1.84
72.56

4.43
4.20
1.72
48.50

4.38
4.14
1.60
48.625

Total assets

$ 4,947.8

$4,750.2

$ 4,042.9

4%

5%

10%

9%

47%

10%

15%

(cid:71)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:32)(cid:68)(cid:105)(cid:115)(cid:116)(cid:114)(cid:105)(cid:98)(cid:117)(cid:116)(cid:105)(cid:111)(cid:110)(cid:32)
(cid:79)(cid:102)(cid:32)(cid:65)(cid:115)(cid:115)(cid:101)(cid:116)(cid:115)

(cid:82)(cid:97)(cid:105)(cid:108)(cid:99)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:115) (cid:208) (cid:52)(cid:55)(cid:37)
(cid:84)(cid:101)(cid:114)(cid:109)(cid:105)(cid:110)(cid:97)(cid:108)(cid:115)(cid:32)(cid:38)(cid:32)(cid:80)(cid:105)(cid:112)(cid:101)(cid:108)(cid:105)(cid:110)(cid:101)(cid:115) (cid:208)(cid:49)(cid:53)(cid:37)
(cid:65)(cid:105)(cid:114)(cid:99)(cid:114)(cid:97)(cid:102)(cid:116) (cid:208) (cid:49)(cid:48)(cid:37)
(cid:73)(cid:110)(cid:102)(cid:111)(cid:114)(cid:109)(cid:97)(cid:116)(cid:105)(cid:111)(cid:110)(cid:32)(cid:84)(cid:101)(cid:99)(cid:104)(cid:110)(cid:111)(cid:108)(cid:111)(cid:103)(cid:121) (cid:208) (cid:57)(cid:37)
(cid:77)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:105)(cid:110)(cid:101) (cid:208)(cid:53)(cid:37)
(cid:87)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:101)(cid:104)(cid:111)(cid:117)(cid:115)(cid:101)(cid:115) (cid:208) (cid:52)(cid:37)
(cid:79)(cid:116)(cid:104)(cid:101)(cid:114) (cid:208)(cid:49)(cid:48)(cid:37)

(cid:71)(cid:114)(cid:111)(cid:115)(cid:115)(cid:32)(cid:73)(cid:110)(cid:99)(cid:111)(cid:109)(cid:101)
(cid:68)(cid:111)(cid:108)(cid:108)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:115)(cid:32)(cid:73)(cid:110)(cid:32)(cid:77)(cid:105)(cid:108)(cid:108)(cid:105)(cid:111)(cid:110)(cid:115)

(cid:73)(cid:110)(cid:99)(cid:111)(cid:109)(cid:101)
(cid:68)(cid:111)(cid:108)(cid:108)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:115)(cid:32)(cid:73)(cid:110)(cid:32)(cid:77)(cid:105)(cid:108)(cid:108)(cid:105)(cid:111)(cid:110)(cid:115)

(cid:66)(cid:97)(cid:115)(cid:105)(cid:99)(cid:32)(cid:69)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:110)(cid:105)(cid:110)(cid:103)(cid:115)(cid:32)
(cid:80)(cid:101)(cid:114)(cid:32)(cid:83)(cid:104)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:101)
(cid:73)(cid:110)(cid:32)(cid:68)(cid:111)(cid:108)(cid:108)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:115)

(cid:68)(cid:105)(cid:108)(cid:117)(cid:116)(cid:101)(cid:100)(cid:32)(cid:69)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:110)(cid:105)(cid:110)(cid:103)(cid:115)(cid:32)
(cid:80)(cid:101)(cid:114)(cid:32)(cid:83)(cid:104)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:101)
(cid:73)(cid:110)(cid:32)(cid:68)(cid:111)(cid:108)(cid:108)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:115)

(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:51)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:52)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:53)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:54)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:55)

(cid:36)(cid:49)(cid:44)(cid:48)(cid:56)(cid:55)
(cid:36)(cid:49)(cid:44)(cid:49)(cid:53)(cid:53)
(cid:36)(cid:49)(cid:44)(cid:50)(cid:52)(cid:54)
(cid:36)(cid:49)(cid:44)(cid:52)(cid:49)(cid:52)
(cid:36)(cid:49)(cid:44)(cid:55)(cid:48)(cid:50)

(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:51)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:52)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:53)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:54)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:55)

(cid:36)(cid:55)(cid:51)(cid:41)
(cid:36)(cid:57)(cid:49)(cid:41)
(cid:36)(cid:49)(cid:48)(cid:49)(cid:41)
(cid:36)(cid:49)(cid:48)(cid:51)
(cid:36)(cid:49)(cid:49)(cid:50)(cid:40)(cid:97)(cid:41)

(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:51)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:52)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:53)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:54)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:55)

(cid:36)(cid:51)(cid:46)(cid:48)(cid:51)(cid:41)
(cid:36)(cid:51)(cid:46)(cid:57)(cid:52)(cid:41)
(cid:36)(cid:52)(cid:46)(cid:51)(cid:56)(cid:41)
(cid:36)(cid:52)(cid:46)(cid:52)(cid:51)
(cid:36)(cid:52)(cid:46)(cid:54)(cid:55)(cid:40)(cid:97)(cid:41)

(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:51)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:52)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:53)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:54)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:55)

(cid:36)(cid:51)(cid:46)(cid:48)(cid:51)
(cid:36)(cid:51)(cid:46)(cid:55)(cid:57)
(cid:36)(cid:52)(cid:46)(cid:49)(cid:52)
(cid:36)(cid:52)(cid:46)(cid:50)(cid:48)
(cid:36)(cid:52)(cid:46)(cid:53)(cid:49)(cid:40)(cid:97)(cid:41)

(cid:69)(cid:120)(cid:99)(cid:108)(cid:117)(cid:100)(cid:101)(cid:115)(cid:32)(cid:101)(cid:102)(cid:102)(cid:101)(cid:99)(cid:116)(cid:32)(cid:111)(cid:102)(cid:32)(cid:36)(cid:49)(cid:54)(cid:51)(cid:32)(cid:109)(cid:105)(cid:108)(cid:108)(cid:105)(cid:111)(cid:110)(cid:32)(cid:97)(cid:102)(cid:116)(cid:101)(cid:114)(cid:45)(cid:116)(cid:97)(cid:120)(cid:32)(cid:114)(cid:101)(cid:115)(cid:116)(cid:114)(cid:117)(cid:99)(cid:116)(cid:117)(cid:114)(cid:105)(cid:110)(cid:103)(cid:32)(cid:99)(cid:104)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:103)(cid:101)(cid:32)(cid:119)(cid:104)(cid:105)(cid:99)(cid:104)(cid:32)(cid:114)(cid:101)(cid:115)(cid:117)(cid:108)(cid:116)(cid:101)(cid:100)(cid:32)(cid:105)(cid:110)(cid:32)(cid:66)(cid:97)(cid:115)(cid:105)(cid:99)(cid:32)(cid:97)(cid:110)(cid:100)(cid:32)(cid:68)(cid:105)(cid:108)(cid:117)(cid:116)(cid:101)(cid:100)(cid:32)(cid:69)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:110)(cid:105)(cid:110)(cid:103)(cid:115)(cid:32)(cid:80)(cid:101)(cid:114)(cid:32)(cid:83)(cid:104)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:101)(cid:32)(cid:111)(cid:102)(cid:32)(cid:40)(cid:36)(cid:50)(cid:46)(cid:53)(cid:53)(cid:41)(cid:46)

Corporate Overview…Foldout

Key Initiatives…Foldout

Letter from the Chairman and CEO…4

Review of Business Lines…11

Review of Financial Operations…29

Management Discussion and Analysis…31

Financial Data of Business Segments…34

Location of Operations…67

Corporate Information…70

_Front and ltr  4/15/98 2:26 PM  Page 5

I n  last  year’s  annual  report,  GATX  identified  four  key

initiatives  designed  to  provide  a  strong  return  to  our

shareholders. This year we have added a fifth initiative to

the list.

I.
Focus On Growth

II.
Work Our Capital Harder And Smarter

III.
Broaden And Deepen Customer Relationships

IV.
Raise Performance Standards And Tie 
Compensation To Performance

V.
Leverage Intercompany Capabilities

The  initiative  to  leverage  intercompany  capabilities  is

well  underway,  and  the  impact  of  our  intercompany

efforts  has  been  and  will  continue  to  be  dramatic.

Because of the importance of this initiative and because

the distinct lines which have traditionally separated our

operating  companies  have  become  less  meaningful,  we

are  presenting  the  company’s  services  in  this  annual

report by lines of business.

Rail

Supply Chain

Air

Marine

Technology

Structured Finance

_Front and ltr  4/15/98 2:26 PM  Page 6

RAIL

SUPPLY CHAIN

AIR

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(cid:169) Provide railcars and locomotives 

to railroads and shippers

(cid:169) Bulk liquid storage and 
distribution services

(cid:169) Serving chemical, petroleum, coal,
food and other freight markets

(cid:169) Pipeline connections and 

distribution

(cid:169) Full range of lease offerings 

(cid:169) Full service maintenance and repair

(cid:169) Fleet management

(cid:169) Extensive third-party integrated
logistics services for chemical,
petrochemical, petroleum and 
dry products

(cid:169) Remote tank monitoring

(cid:169) Vendor managed inventory

(cid:169) Aircraft operating leasing

(cid:169) Full range of financial services for
commercial jet aircraft market

(cid:169) Aircraft remarketing

(cid:169) Aircraft portfolio management 

(cid:169) Equipment consulting and 

evaluation

(cid:169) Complete network of North

American leasing and service 
capabilities

(cid:169) Extensive global network of bulk
liquid storage and distribution 
systems

(cid:169) Growing presence in European 

(cid:169) Reputation for top customer 

leasing market

service and environmental safety

(cid:169) Diversified portfolio concentrated
in newer, narrow-body aircraft

(cid:169) Strong relationships with aircraft 
manufacturers and domestic 
and international carriers

(cid:169) Service centers provide complete
range of repairs and fast service

(cid:169) Excellent technology and systems

for managing inventory

(cid:169) Over 30 years of experience in 
aircraft leasing and remarketing

(cid:169) Key partner relationships

(cid:169) Provide customers with 

one-stop service for all railcar 
leasing needs

(cid:169) Focus on facilities that provide 
a critical link within the liquid 
supply/distribution chain

(cid:169) Actively manage the aircraft 
portfolios for the benefit of 
GATX and its partners

(cid:169) Increase in-service time

(cid:169) Continue to develop global 

(cid:169) Continually upgrade information

relationships

(cid:169) Focus on aircraft types in which
GATX has extensive experience

capabilities

(cid:169) Capitalize on environmental 

(cid:169) Capitalize on remarketing skills

(cid:169) Expand rail logistics services

(cid:169) International expansion

expertise

(cid:169) Expand share of each customers’

logistics business

(cid:169) Largest North American tank 

(cid:169) Largest U.S. independent bulk 

(cid:169) Fourth largest aircraft operating 

car lessor

liquid storage company

lessor worldwide

(cid:169) Own/manage/interest in over

130,000 railcars

(cid:169) Through ownership and ventures
have interest in more than 950
locomotives

(cid:169) Eight service centers across 
U.S., Canada, and Mexico

(cid:169) Interests in three refined product
pipelines in growing regional 
markets

(cid:169) Interests in over 100 commercial

jet aircraft

(cid:169) Aircraft on lease to a diverse 

(cid:169) One of the top 10 contract logistics

providers in the U.S.

list of domestic and 
international carriers

 
second chart page  4/15/98 3:41 PM  Page 1

MARINE

TECHNOLOGY

STRUCTURED FINANCE

(cid:169) Great Lakes shipping primarily
serving the iron ore, coal, and
limestone aggregate markets

(cid:169) Provide self-unloading technolo-
gies for marine applications

(cid:169) Financial services for barge,

tug/tow, and other marine asset
operators

(cid:169) Full range of information-

technology leasing solutions

(cid:169) Provide technology asset 

management

(cid:169) Leading provider of communi-
cations network and equipment
services

(cid:169) Investment origination in rail, 

air, technology, other 
equipment assets

(cid:169) Secondary lease market 

acquisitions

(cid:169) Portfolio management for 

institutional clients

(cid:169) Structuring of tax-advantaged 
and cross-border financings

(cid:169) Dependable and environmentally
safe transportation for dry bulk
commodities on the Great Lakes

(cid:169) Reputation as a leading service

provider to Great Lakes shippers

(cid:169) Combination of operating and
financial expertise related to
marine assets

(cid:169) Experienced in key areas of 

information technology leasing

(cid:169) Marketing presence in the U.S.,

Canada, and Europe

(cid:169) Knowledge of clients’ sophisti-
cated technology systems and 
leasing needs

(cid:169) History of financial and 

operating experience in core 
asset categories

(cid:169) Combination of asset knowledge
and financial structuring skills

(cid:169) Over 20 years of participation 
in secondary lease market

(cid:169) Provide customers on the Great
Lakes with quality service at 
competitive prices

(cid:169) Further develop single-source

information technology leasing 
services

(cid:169) Continue originating investment
opportunities for GATX and its
partners

(cid:169) Leverage Great Lakes operating

(cid:169) Continue extending domestic 

(cid:169) Expand the base of financial and

experience by selectively pursuing
other marine opportunities

(cid:169) Grow the portfolio of marine-relat-

ed assets on lease to 
third parties

capabilities across North America

strategic partners

(cid:169) Expand capabilities to Europe 
and selected overseas markets

(cid:169) Grow our intellectual capital

(cid:169) Modern fleet of 11 self-unloading
vessels serving the Great Lakes

(cid:169) Largest capacity of any U.S. Great

(cid:169) Marketing support provided by 

20 offices across the U.S., Canada
and Europe

(cid:169) Originated and closed largest 
single investment in GATX 
history, $368 million

Lakes fleet

(cid:169) Over $500 million of technology-

(cid:169) Manage third-party portfolios 

(cid:169) Over $300 million of marine-relat-

ed assets

related assets on lease to 
corporate clients

(cid:169) Ranked #4 of 2,500 companies
surveyed by PCWeek magazine 
in service support

totaling $4.9 billion

(cid:169) Successfully advised/structured

cross-company financings

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@100

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_Front and ltr  4/15/98 2:27 PM  Page 4

L E T T E R   F RO M   T H E

C H A I R M A N   &   C E O

4

t  GATX,  our  goal  is  to  provide
attractive  returns  to  our  share-

holders. In 1997, we had great  

A

success  in  achieving  this  goal  with  a
total  return  of  54  percent.  This  letter
will discuss the reasons for that success
and  the  strategies  that  we  believe  will
continue  to  create  attractive  returns  for
our  shareholders,  a  growing  range  of
services for our customers and partners,
and  increasing  opportunities  for  our
employees.  Often,  annual  report  letters
thank  employees  in  the  concluding
paragraph  after  a  discussion  of
operations.  I  would  like  to  emphasize
up  front  the  importance  of  what  our
team accomplished this past year and to
thank them on behalf of all our owners.
I use the word “team” very purposefully
because,  as  I  will  discuss  later,
teamwork among our various operations
reached  new  levels  and  had  a  lot  to  do
with  our  success  in  1997  and  our
optimism for the future.

On  an  operational  basis,  GATX
achieved  record  results  in  1997,  as  did
four  of  our  five  operating  companies.
However, we also concluded that it was
time  to  address  some  asset  valuation
issues  in  two  parts  of  the  company.  We
made  a  number  of  strategic  decisions
which  improve  the  outlook  for  the
future  but  which  resulted  in  a

RONALD H. ZECH
Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer

Since its first

contract to

lease 20

refrigerated

cars in 1898,

GATX has

combined

assets, services

and problem-

solving skills 

to help its 

customers

compete more

effectively.

substantial non-cash charge. As a result
of the charge, we reported a net loss for
the  year.  Before  the  restructuring
charge,  consolidated  income  totaled
$112 million, a $9 million increase over
1996.

Last  year,  I  set  out  four  key
initiatives  designed  to  provide  a  strong
return  to  our  shareholders.  A  good
portion  of  this  letter  will  be  devoted  to
reporting  on  our  progress  in  pursuing
those  initiatives  and  to  discuss  the
impact  they  have  already  had  and  will
have  in  the  future.  First,  however,  I
would like to highlight some of the key
developments  in  each  of  our  operating
companies.

1997  Results  We  are  particularly
pleased  with  the  third  consecutive  year
of record net income and strong growth
achieved  by  GATX  Capital.  GATX
Capital’s net income grew by 17 percent
and its return on common equity was an
outstanding  23  percent.  These  results
reflected strong rail and air markets, fee
income  from  structured  financing
transactions,  record  asset  remarketing
income  from  the  sale  of  owned  and
managed  assets,  and  excellent
performance of the investment portfolio.
Capital  funded  a  record  level  of  new
investments  including  the  largest  single
transaction in its history, the acquisition

_Front and ltr  4/15/98 2:27 PM  Page 5

1898
Max Epstein 

arranges to lease 20 

refrigerated rail cars, 

and the Atlantic 

Seaboard Dispatch,

predecessor to 

GATX, is created.

1903
The company 

completes its first

equipment trust 

certificate financing.

Named the

“Pittsburgh Method”

of financing, this

structure later

became an industry

standard.

1916
The company 

lists its stock on

the New York 

Stock Exchange as

General American

Tank Car

Corporation.

of  a  portfolio  of  leases  from  Pitney
Bowes  Financial  Services.  Also,  GATX
Capital  acquired  the  remaining  interest
in its rapidly growing technology leasing
subsidiary,  Sun  Financial  Group.  In
addition,  GATX  Capital  and  Lombard
North  Central  Plc  expanded  their
existing  partnership  and  formed  a  joint
venture  to  provide  operating  lease
financing and other services to the U.K.
rail industry.

General  American  Transportation
reported  a  record  year,  with  an  increase
in  net  income  of  10  percent.  General
American Transportation’s North Ameri-
can  fleet  size  grew  by  more  than  3,600
railcars  to  a  total  of  more  than  81,000
railcars,  a  record  number.  It  also  com-
pleted  the  acquisition  of  an  interest  in 
a  European  tank  car  leasing  company, 
an  important  step  in  our  strategy  to
expand  globally.  It  was  a  year  of  good
performance  by  our  operations  in  the
U.S.  and  Canada,  with  lease  rate
increases  in  our  railcar  fleet,  improved
repair  cost  margins,  and  increased  fleet
utilization  all  contributing  to  improved
earnings.  A  lower  than  expected
contribution  from  Mexico  was  a
disappointment. During the year, General
American  Transportation  successfully
completed  a  comprehensive  strategic
planning  process  that  defines  its  future
vision as being “The leading provider of
rail  transportation  solutions  worldwide.”
The key changes from the previous plan
are  the  increased  focus  on  a  wide  range
of  exciting  international  opportunities
and on providing a substantially broader
range  of  transportation  and  logistics
services and solutions to its customers.

During  the  past  few  years,  GATX

Terminals has faced very difficult market
challenges.  In  1997,  we  took  a  number 
of  strategic  and  operational  steps  and
incurred a restructuring charge to address
this  changed  market  environment. 
A substantial portion of the charge related
to  terminal  assets  which  were  no  longer
economically  competitive  or  of  strategic
importance  to  our  customers.  Since  our
announcement  this  past  December  of 
our  intention  to  take  aggressive  steps 
to  revitalize  this  operation,  we  have
begun  to  sell  or  close  our  Staten  Island
terminal and certain of our U.K. terminal
assets, and we have made a number of other
important operational and organizational
changes.  In  spite  of  these  challenges,
there  are  many  opportunities  for  GATX
Terminals,  a  world  leader  which  is  well
positioned  in  the  distribution  channels
for  strategically  important  petroleum 
and  chemical  commodities,  as  shown 
by  the  following  examples.  First,  we  are
about  to  complete  the  construction  of
another “terminal within a terminal,” the
second  such  project  for  one  of  our  long
standing  customers.  Second,  we  have
agreed  to  enlarge  the  capacity  of  one  of
our  most  strategic  locations  to  make  it
the  sole  injection  point  for  a  major  new
pipeline. In addition, GATX Terminals is
working  more  closely  with  other
operating companies of GATX to develop
a broader range of logistics capabilities to
expand the range of services we provide
to our customers.

American  Steamship  Company
achieved  sharply  increased  net  income
by  capitalizing  on  improved  market
conditions, favorable weather, increased
vessel  utilization  as  well  as  fee  income
which  was  earned  by  working  closely

5

_Front and ltr  4/15/98 2:27 PM  Page 6

1925
The first petroleum

storage and 

distribution facility 

is opened. 

From this base, 

GATX Terminals 

goes on to establish 

operations around

the world.

1968
GATX Capital is

founded and 

the company begins 

with an initial focus

on commercial 

aircraft financing.

1973
American 

Steamship Company

is acquired, 

serving the 

iron ore and coal 

industries on 

the Great Lakes.

with GATX Capital.

The  improved  operating  results  at
GATX  Logistics  resulted  from  increased
business  with  a  number  of  key  existing
customers,  the  continuing  implementa-
tion  of  our  strategy  to  exit  the  public
warehouse  market,  a  focus  on  longer-
term  integrated  logistics  solutions,  and
reinvestment  of  GATX  Logistics’  cash
flow.  A  portion  of  the  charge  taken  by
GATX this year resulted from writing off
goodwill  related  to  past  acquisitions  in
the public warehousing sector.

Return  to  Shareholders  GATX
had  an  outstanding  year  in  19 97,
providing  its  shareholders  with  a  total
return of 54 percent. This performance
exceeded  the  perfor mance  of  the 
S&P 500 and S&P MidCap 400 indices.
On  a  five  year  basis,  GATX  has
provided  its  shareholders  with  a
compound annual return of 21 percent,
also ahead of the indices. The strategies
outlined within this report are designed
to continue providing shareholders with
an attractive return on their investment. 
Key  Initiatives  This  year  we  are
introducing  a  new  initiative,  Leveraging
Intercompany  Capabilities, to  reflect  the
importance of this strategy to GATX. Our
operating  companies  share  many
customers  and  have  capabilities  that
could  be  valuable  to  other  parts  of  the
company. Yet we have tended to operate
independently.  We  are  learning  to
capitalize  on  communication  and
collaboration  between  all  parts  of  the
company to utilize the people and skills
existing  throughout  the  company  to
achieve  more  and  to  better  serve  our
customers. 

The  most  significant  result  of  this

is 

intercompany  approach 
the
formation of the GATX Rail Group. The
GATX Rail  Group  will  br ing  the
combined  streng ths  of  G eneral
American  Transportation  and  GATX
Capital’s  rail  group  together  to  create
the  most  capable  organization  of  its
type in the world. As you will see in the
following portions of this annual report,
this  new  marketing  entity  will  be  the
“face”  of  GATX  to  all  of  our  rail-
equipment  related  customers  and
partners. 

Operating  company  efforts  to  grow
through  expanded  share  of  our  existing
customers’ distribution requirements are
also  enhanced  by  our  efforts  to
collaborate  across  companies.  During
1997,  we  made  significant  progress  in
encouraging  lead  generation  and  joint
marketing between operating companies
by  creating  explicit  sales  incentives,
sharing  information,  and  providing
increased  sales  training.  This  seems
fairly  obvious,  but  it  has  required  a
significant cultural change. I am pleased
to report that we are beginning to see it
work.

We  have  also  made  substantial
progress on the four initiatives outlined
in last year’s annual report:

I.  Focus  On  Growth  Long-term,
consistent  growth  is  a  critical  strategic
objective for GATX, and we are pursuing
growth  opportunities  aggressively.  New
resources  specifically  dedicated  to
growth have been added at each operat-
ing company, and we are developing new
business  possibilities  that  result  from
improved intercompany cooperation.

International  expansion  is  a  major
focus  and  has  received  increased

6

_Front and ltr  4/15/98 3:37 PM  Page 7

emphasis.  The  most  visible  result  of
these efforts this year was the acquisition
of  an  interest  in  KVG  Kesselwagen
Vermietgesellschaft  mbH,  a  tank  car
leasing company based in Germany and
Austria.  General  American  Transporta-
tion Corporation purchased a 40 percent
interest  in  KVG  with  an  option  to
increase its ownership interest. Since its
founding in 1991, KVG has become one
of  the  leading  leasing  companies  for
tank  and  specialty  pressurized  cars  in
Europe,  with  a  fleet  of  approximately
9,400  railcars.  With  GATX,  KVG  is
positioned  to  take  a  leading  role  in  the
changing  business  of  railway  transport
with  privately  owned  tank  cars  in
Europe. This purchase will enhance the
operations  of  both  GATX  and  KVG,  as
well  as  complement  GATX’s  existing
railcar  investment  in  Europe,  AAE
Cargo. Also during the year, we formed a
partnership with Lombard North Central
to  lease  and  operate  freight  and
passenger rail equipment in the U.K. In
a number of countries around the world,
rail  freight  and  passenger  infrastructure
is  being  privatized  or  rationalized.  The
GATX Rail Group will be there to apply
a  century  of  experience  in  providing
asset, financial, and logistics expertise to
the rail industry.

Other  examples  of  international
growth  include  logistics  opportunities
in  Latin  America  and  the  continued
expansion  of  our  international  leasing
activities.  Many  of  our  customers,  par-
ticularly  at  GATX  Terminals,  have  sig-
nificant  needs  for  assistance  in  manag-
ing  the  distribution  of  their  products 
in  growing  markets  in  Asia  and  Latin
America.  An  important  element  of  our

1983
GATX outsources 

its railcar

manufacturing

business.

1992
GATX Corporation 

reaches a milestone 

as annual gross 

income surpasses 

$1.0 billion.

1997
GATX Corporation 

approaches its 

100th anniversary 

with annual 

gross income in 

excess of 

$1.7 billion and 

total assets 

of approximately 

$5.0 billion.

100

strategy  is  to  follow  existing  customers
into international markets, often with a
respected  local  partner  and  long  term
contractual commitments. Through this
balance  with  customers  and  partners,
we  can  bring  our  expertise  and  capital
to  these  markets  while  mitigating  the
risks in foreign expansion. 

One  of  the  most  interesting  growth
avenues we are pursuing centers around
our efforts to capitalize on the century of
experience which GATX has in handling
liquids  for  customers.  We  are  well
positioned  to  offer  an  extensive  array  of
services to customers in the chemical and
petroleum  industries  both  domestically
and  internationally.  We  are  focusing  our
initial efforts on railcar fleet management
services,  chemical  supply  chain  design
and  outsourcing,  and  vendor  managed
inventory.  We  recently  acquired  a
majority interest in Clover Systems, Inc.,
a leading supplier of Internet-based tank
monitoring capabilities, a critical element
in  providing  the  data  necessary  for
advanced liquid logistics applications.

7

invested 

GATX  has  steadily  increased  its
presence  and  expertise  in  technology
leasing  markets  over  the  past  decade.
GATX  Capital  has 
in
technology  equipment  with  an  original
cost  of  over  $1  billion  since  the  mid-
’80s by acquiring companies or forming
joint  ventures  with  lessors  of  various
equipment  types.  The  consistent  and
rapid  growth  of  computer  networks,
data  and  voice  communication  systems
and  desktop  computers  provides
the
exciting  opportunities 
companies  now  compr ising  GATX
Capital’s Technology Services Group. In
1997,  we  increased  our  ownership

for 

_Front and ltr  4/15/98 2:27 PM  Page 8

interest  in  Sun  Financial,  a  lessor  of
technology  equipment,  to  100  percent.
Sun’s volume in 1997 increased by 105
percent. 

In  this  annual  report,  we  are
separately  discussing  the  Structured
Finance Group—the investment banking
arm  of  GATX.  We  have  achieved
increasing success in this group over the
past  several  years.  This  group  positions
GATX  Capital  in  niche  businesses  and
identifies  investment  opportunities  for
GATX  Capital  and  its  partners.
Structured  Finance  additionally  plays  a
key  role  in  identifying,  developing  and
structuring  new  investments  with  the
company’s  air,  rail  and  technology
groups.  In  addition,  it  is  the  primary
area  within  GATX  Capital  which
develops  new  joint  ventures  and
portfolio  management  opportunities.
The  transactions  completed,  the
portfolios  managed,  and  the  skills  and
creativity of this group are an important
part  of  our  current  success  and  future
growth strategies.

II.  Work  Our  Capital  Harder  and
Smarter We  continue  to  implement
programs  to  achieve  my  stated  goal  of
working our capital more effectively. We
are  pursuing  this  objective  on  several
fronts—some  of  which  involve  external
actions  and  others  which  are  focused
on internal measurement and behavior.
We  have  broad  capabilities  in  asset
selection  and  asset  management.  With
these 
skills,  we  are  pursuing
opportunities  that  will  increase  the
assets  under  our  management  without
necessar ily  owning  them  with  the
attendant  requirement  for  additional
equity  capital.  We  achieved  two  very

Cash From Operations
Dollars In Millions

1993
1994
1995
1996
1997

$230
$265
$205
$298
$291

Portfolio Proceeds
Dollars In Millions

1993
1994
1995
1996
1997

$243
$212
$282
$355
$459

Return On Equity
In Percent

1993
1994
1995
1996
1997

12.7%
14.6%
14.6%
13.8%
14.0%(a)

(a) Excludes effect of
$163 million after-tax
restructuring charge.
Including the charge,
1997 Return on Equity
would be (7.1%).

8

important  successes  in  1997.  The  first
was  the  development  of  a  completely
new  secur itization  structure.  The
expansion  of  GATX’s  fleet  of  railcars
has  historically  required  substantial
amounts  of  capital.  This  has  been
funded  through  a  variety  of  recourse
financing  vehicles  which  have  been
done  at  attractive  rates,  but  required
increased  equity  support  due  to  their
recourse  nature.  The  structure
developed  by  a  team  from  throughout
the company enabled us to arrange the
financing  at  attractive  rates,  but  on  a
nonrecourse  basis  to  GATX.  This  frees
valuable  equity  capital  for  other  uses.
General American continues to manage
these assets exactly as it does its owned
fleet.  The  comprehensive  services
which General American supplies to its
customers  have  always  been,  and  will
continue to be, the reason that General
American  manages  the  largest  fleet  of
railroad tank cars in North America.

is 

second 

example 

While  this  securitization  involved  a
small portion of GATX’s railcar fleet, we
intend  to  use  this  structure,  where
appropriate,  for  future  railcar  deliveries
and  to  explore  application  of  this  and
other  creative  solutions  to  other  GATX
operations.
A 

the
development  of  a  major  new  aircraft
partnership  to  purchase  Boeing  737
aircraft. Headed and managed by GATX,
a  group  of  international  investors  will
purchase  and  place  into  service  next
generation  Boeing  737  aircraft.  This
partnership  structure  increases  the
number  of  aircraft  managed  by  GATX,
allowing  us  to  participate  in  this
business  on  a  scale  that  would  b e

_Front and ltr  4/15/98 2:27 PM  Page 9

difficult  to  attain  without  a  group  of
excellent partners.

Internally,  we  have  taken  steps  to
make  the  importance  of  equity  capital
better  understood.  We  are  explicitly
charg ing  for  its  use  in  evaluating
operations and incorporating returns on
all  types  of  capital,  including  equity,  in
measuring  results  and  in  establishing
incentive compensation targets. Finally,
we  are  putting  significant  effort  into
evaluating  the  profitability  of  various
asset  types  and  customer  groups  to
make certain we are focusing capital in
the most attractive segments.

Improving  our  return  on  equity,
reducing financing costs, and creatively
adding  assets  on  a  managed  basis  are
the  primary  keys  to  achieving  higher
returns for our shareholders. 

III.  Broaden  And  Deepen  Custo-
mer/Partner  Relationships GATX’s
customers  have  relied  on  our  company
to  provide  critical  services,  assets  and
expertise  for  the  past  100  years  from
which  we  have  developed  strong  and
lasting relationships. As a result, we have
opportunities  to  build  upon  these
relationships  by  increasing  our  share  of 
certain  target  customers.  First,  GATX 
is  focusing  on  certain  key  relationships
with  the  greatest  potential  for  growth
and  increased  profitability,  which  again
highlights  the  importance  of  our
understanding  of  our  customers’
businesses. Second, we are building our
capability  to  manage  customer  and
partner  relationships  through  training,
incentives  and  targeted  initiatives
throughout GATX.

Third, we are focusing on managing
customer  and  partner  relationships

Capital Additions
Dollars In Millions

1993
1994
1995
1996
1997

$294
$449
$549
$526
$409

Portfolio Investments
Dollars In Millions

1993
1994
1995
1996
1997

$302
$279
$388
$659
$866

in 

through improved coordination and the
launch  of  a  number  of  cross-company
commercial  initiatives  to  provide  our
customers  with  services,  products,  and
technology  to  make  them  more
competitive 
their  respective
industries.  We  are  targeting  our  sales
efforts  on  team  selling  and  cross-
company lead generation. By calling on
customers  as  a  single  GATX  entity,  we
are able to provide integrated solutions
which  create  additional  opportunities
for  our  customers,  and,  in  turn,  we
continue  to  focus  resources  to  develop
the skills necessary to manage a broader
range  of  our  customers’  distribution
needs through a number of services.

IV.  Raise  Performance  Standards
And  Tie  Compensation  To  Perfor-
mance
In  1997,  we  continued  our
efforts  to  develop  improved  criteria  to
measure  GATX  from  an  internal  and
external  perspective.  I  have  already
stated  that  total  return  to  shareholders
is  the  main  criteria  by  which  GATX
should  be  measured.  In  addition,  we
are  developing  other  measures  at  all
organizational and operating levels that
support the overall objective. Compensa-
tion  plans  are  being  revised  to  empha-
size  measures  focused  on  return  and
profitability rather than on size and with
a  greater  range  of  outcomes  depend-
ing on performance. We have instituted
the  use  of  activity  based  management
and costing, and initiated “360-degree”
performance evaluations.

We  are  making  additional  changes 
to  compensation  prog rams  for  our 
directors  and  employees  that  focus 
on  equity  ownership.  All  of  GATX’s
independent  board  members  receive 

9

_Front and ltr  4/15/98 2:27 PM  Page 10

at  least  half  of  their  compensation  in
the  form  of  GATX  common  stock.  We
have  instituted  stock  ownership  guide-
lines  for  managers  at  various  levels
which result in a requirement that they
own  shares  of  GATX  stock  in  amounts
ranging from the equivalent of one-half
to four years salary. The Senior Manage-
ment  Incentive  Compensation  Plan 
has been revised to be more dependent
on  the  relative  market  performance 
of  GATX’s  stock.  Our  goal  is  simple: 
to  reward  high  levels  of  performance 
is  aligned  with
in  a  way  that 
shareholder interests. 

Dividend  and  Stock  Split GATX
has established an impressive record of
paying  quarterly  dividends  as  well 
as raising the company’s dividend on a
consistent basis. The dividend has been
an important part of our total return to
shareholders. On January 30, 1998, we
announced  a  nine  percent  increase  in
GATX’s  quarterly  dividend  to  $.50  per
common share. On an annual basis, this
is  an  increase  from  $1.84  to  $2.00  per
common  share.  GATX  has  paid
common  dividends  consistently  for  the
past  79  years,  a  record  that  only  a
handful  of  companies  can  match.  The
increase  in  our  dividend  reflects
GATX’s consistently high cash flow and
represents the 13th increase in as many
years. 

The  Board  also  approved  a  two-for-
one  split  of  GATX’s  common  stock
which,  subject  to  shareholder  approval
at  the  Annual  Meeting,  will  become
effective  on  June  1,  1998.  We  believe
the  two-for-one  stock  split  will  place
GATX’s  stock  in  a  more  affordable
trading  range,  thereby  making  it  easier

for our shareholders to purchase GATX
shares.  The  stock  split,  combined  with
our  dividend  increase,  highlights  our
continued  confidence  in  the  future
strength and success of the company. 

As  you  can  tell  from  this  annual
report,  GATX  is  both  proud  of  its  100
years  of  service  and  excited  by  its
future.  Over  this  century,  GATX  has
earned  a  reputation  as  a  company  that
operates  on  ethical  principles,  that
continually seeks to improve its services
to  customers  and  partners,  that  is
environmentally  responsible,  and  that
treats  its  employees  fairly.  In  order  to
celebrate  our  centennial  anniversary,
GATX  has  decided  to  promote  the
volunteerism  of  its  employees  and  its
support of not-for-profit activities in the
communities in which GATX employees
work  and  live.  The  rehabilitation  of
neighborhoods,  tutoring,  food  drives,
and the building of playgrounds will be
long-term  commemorative  projects
reflecting  our  company’s  long-standing
involvement  in  the  communities  in
which we live.

I want to thank our shareholders for
their  support  this  past  year.  The
directors of GATX, and its management
team,  are  committed  to  providing  you
with attractive returns, and I am looking
forward to sharing the rewards from the
initiatives  discussed  in  this  letter  with
you over the next several years.

Ronald H. Zech
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Book Value
Per Share
In Dollars

1993
1994
1995
1996
1997

$20.78
$24.30
$26.88
$29.58
$26.72

Dividends Declared
Per Common Share
In Dollars

1994
1995
1996
1997
1998

$1.50
$1.60
$1.72
$1.84
$2.00(a)

(a) Annualized

10

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 11

We  are  organizing  the  business  narrative

section of this Annual Report by the com-

R A I L

pany’s  lines  of  business.  We  believe  this

S U P P L Y   C H A I N

will  help  shareholders,  investors,  and 

A I R

customers  better  understand  the  services

M A R I N E

11

GATX  offers.  The  financial  section  of 

T E C H N O L O G Y

this Annual Report reviews the company’s

S T R U C T U R E D   F I N A N C E

operations by subsidiary.

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 12

GATX maintains a network of eight railcar service centers

across North America to meet its customers’ maintenance needs. 

Technicians at the Waycross, Georgia, facility use advanced computer 

systems to identify repairs and expedite service. The blue, red, and green 

tank cars have been available to customers for ongoing seminars.

12

7%

7%

7%

9%

17%

53%

47%

(cid:71)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:32)(cid:68)(cid:105)(cid:115)(cid:116)(cid:114)(cid:105)(cid:98)(cid:117)(cid:116)(cid:105)(cid:111)(cid:110)(cid:32)
(cid:79)(cid:102)(cid:32)(cid:65)(cid:115)(cid:115)(cid:101)(cid:116)(cid:115)

(cid:82)(cid:97)(cid:105)(cid:108) (cid:208)(cid:52)(cid:55)(cid:37)

(cid:71)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:32)(cid:82)(cid:97)(cid:105)(cid:108)(cid:99)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:32)(cid:70)(cid:108)(cid:101)(cid:101)(cid:116)(cid:32)
(cid:49)(cid:51)(cid:48)(cid:44)(cid:48)(cid:48)(cid:48)(cid:32)(cid:67)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:115)

(cid:84)(cid:97)(cid:110)(cid:107)(cid:32)(cid:67)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:115) (cid:208) (cid:53)(cid:51)(cid:37)
(cid:67)(cid:111)(cid:118)(cid:101)(cid:114)(cid:101)(cid:100)(cid:32)(cid:72)(cid:111)(cid:112)(cid:112)(cid:101)(cid:114)(cid:115) (cid:208)(cid:49)(cid:55)(cid:37)
(cid:67)(cid:111)(cid:97)(cid:108)(cid:32)(cid:67)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:115) (cid:208) (cid:57)(cid:37)
(cid:71)(cid:114)(cid:97)(cid:105)(cid:110)(cid:32)(cid:67)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:115) (cid:208)(cid:55)(cid:37)
(cid:66)(cid:111)(cid:120)(cid:99)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:115)(cid:32)(cid:38)(cid:32)(cid:71)(cid:111)(cid:110)(cid:100)(cid:111)(cid:108)(cid:97)(cid:115) (cid:208)(cid:55)(cid:37)
(cid:79)(cid:116)(cid:104)(cid:101)(cid:114) (cid:208)(cid:55)(cid:37)

4%

2%

8%

86%

(cid:71)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:32)(cid:82)(cid:97)(cid:105)(cid:108)(cid:32)(cid:70)(cid:108)(cid:101)(cid:101)(cid:116)(cid:32)
(cid:66)(cid:121)(cid:32)(cid:82)(cid:101)(cid:103)(cid:105)(cid:111)(cid:110)

(cid:85)(cid:110)(cid:105)(cid:116)(cid:101)(cid:100)(cid:32)(cid:83)(cid:116)(cid:97)(cid:116)(cid:101)(cid:115) (cid:208)(cid:56)(cid:54)(cid:37)
(cid:67)(cid:97)(cid:110)(cid:97)(cid:100)(cid:97) (cid:208)(cid:56)(cid:37)
(cid:69)(cid:117)(cid:114)(cid:111)(cid:112)(cid:101) (cid:208)(cid:52)(cid:37)
(cid:77)(cid:101)(cid:120)(cid:105)(cid:99)(cid:111)(cid:32)(cid:38)(cid:32)(cid:79)(cid:116)(cid:104)(cid:101)(cid:114) (cid:208)(cid:50)(cid:37)

20,000

66,000

44,000

(cid:78)(cid:117)(cid:109)(cid:98)(cid:101)(cid:114)(cid:32)(cid:111)(cid:102)(cid:32)(cid:82)(cid:97)(cid:105)(cid:108)(cid:99)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:115)(cid:32)
(cid:79)(cid:119)(cid:110)(cid:101)(cid:100)(cid:47)(cid:77)(cid:97)(cid:110)(cid:97)(cid:103)(cid:101)(cid:100)(cid:47)(cid:73)(cid:110)(cid:116)(cid:101)(cid:114)(cid:101)(cid:115)(cid:116)(cid:32)

(cid:54)(cid:54)(cid:44)(cid:48)(cid:48)(cid:48)(cid:32)(cid:71)(cid:101)(cid:110)(cid:101)(cid:114)(cid:97)(cid:108)(cid:32)(cid:65)(cid:109)(cid:101)(cid:114)(cid:105)(cid:99)(cid:97)(cid:110)
(cid:84)(cid:114)(cid:97)(cid:110)(cid:115)(cid:112)(cid:111)(cid:114)(cid:116)(cid:97)(cid:116)(cid:105)(cid:111)(cid:110)(cid:32)(cid:84)(cid:97)(cid:110)(cid:107)(cid:32)(cid:67)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:115)

(cid:52)(cid:52)(cid:44)(cid:48)(cid:48)(cid:48)(cid:32)(cid:71)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:88)
(cid:67)(cid:97)(cid:112)(cid:105)(cid:116)(cid:97)(cid:108)(cid:32)(cid:82)(cid:97)(cid:105)(cid:108)(cid:99)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:115)

(cid:50)(cid:48)(cid:44)(cid:48)(cid:48)(cid:48)(cid:32)(cid:71)(cid:101)(cid:110)(cid:101)(cid:114)(cid:97)(cid:108)(cid:32)(cid:65)(cid:109)(cid:101)(cid:114)(cid:105)(cid:99)(cid:97)(cid:110)
(cid:84)(cid:114)(cid:97)(cid:110)(cid:115)(cid:112)(cid:111)(cid:114)(cid:116)(cid:97)(cid:116)(cid:105)(cid:111)(cid:110)(cid:32)(cid:70)(cid:114)(cid:101)(cid:105)(cid:103)(cid:104)(cid:116)(cid:32)(cid:67)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:115)

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 13

G

ATX’s  rail  business  has  been  built  by  two  of  the  GATX  operating  companies:  General
American  Transportation  Corporation  and  GATX  Capital  Corporation.  With  different  her-
itages  and  approaches  to  the  marketplace,  these  two  companies  have  each  grown  to  be
major participants in the rail industry. Together, their activities encompass 130,000 railcars and 950
locomotives.  In  addition,  GATX  has  significant  partner  relationships  with  suppliers,  railroads,  and
financial institutions that result in a broad and deep service offering to customers.

The GATX Rail Group In 1997, “The GATX Rail Group” was formed as a combined market-
ing organization which will capitalize on the strengths, knowledge and capabilities of both General
American  and  GATX  Capital.  By  working  together,  GATX  will  be  able  to  enjoy  the  benefits  of 
growing its rail activities around a diverse set of skills while providing a powerhouse of combined
capabilities  to  the  market.  The  resulting  approach  will  be  both  customer  and  asset  focused  with
strong positions in the shipper and railroad segments of the market.

General  American  Transportation Railcars  are  the  foundation  of  GATX,  starting  with  the
company’s first transaction a century ago. From this beginning, General American’s North American
fleet  has  grown  to  more  than  81,000  tank  cars  and  specialty  freight  cars.  Its  tank  car  fleet  is  the
largest in North America, offering more than 50 different car types designed to transport more than
700 commodities safely. Its diverse fleet includes a variety of general service cars and pressure cars,
as well as its proprietary GATX TankTrain™ system. This bulk liquid delivery system utilizes a string

R A I L

The GATX owned and managed rail fleet is 

among the largest in the world, even including fleets 

owned by railroads. GATX provides railcars 

and locomotives to shippers and railroads, as well as a 

vast array of services to complement the assets. 

13

of interconnected tank cars with flexible hoses designed to load and unload large volumes of liquid
commodities quickly in a cost efficient, environmentally protected manner.

General American also offers a diversified fleet of specialty freight cars designed to transport a variety
of  dry  bulk  commodities  including  plastic  pellets,  fertilizers,  grains  and  cement.  Its  proprietary  GATX
Airslide™ car can quickly and efficiently unload finely divided products such as flour, sugar and starch.

General  American  enjoys  a  strong  relationship  with  Trinity  Industries,  Inc.,  North  America’s
leading  railcar  builder.  This  close  working  relationship  has  enabled  Trinity  to  be  flexible  and
responsive to General American’s needs in serving its customers while, at the same time, improving
product quality.

General  American  seeks  to  maximize  the  in-service  time  of  its  customers’  railcar  fleets  by 
providing  an  integrated  service  network  throughout  North  America.  Thirty-nine  mobile 
repair  units  in  twenty-eight  locations  can  service  its  rail  equipment  directly  in  the  field,  thereby
keeping  the  cars  in  service  for  its  customers.  When  railcars  need  major  repairs,  General 
American  offers  a  network  of  four  one-stop  service  centers  in  the  U.S.  as  well  as  repair  centers 
in  Canada  and  Mexico  that  can  meet  all  of  the  requirements  of  railcar  maintenance,  including 
state-of-the-art, environmentally safe cleaning.

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 14

General American offers advanced cleaning for a variety of commodities at each of its four major
domestic  service  centers.  Engineers  on-site  have  responsibility  for  product  identification,  process
procedure, audit trails and waste disposal. These new, environmentally safe cleaning systems signifi-
cantly reduce out-of-service time because railcars no longer need to be sent to a separate facility for
cleaning prior to being repaired.

General American’s Canadian operation, CGTX, operates 9,200 railcars, of which 4,700 are rail-
road  tank  cars.  Additionally,  CGTX  operates  three  service  facilities  to  maintain  its  railcar  fleet.
GATX  believes  that  the  rail  industry  in  Canada  offers  substantial  opportunity.  A  number  of  cus-
tomers are seeking seamless service throughout North America, and CGTX is a key component for
capitalizing on this opportunity. As GATX begins to define best practices across all of its operations,
CGTX brings new railcar management skills to GATX and vice versa. In Mexico, General American
operates a fleet of more than 1,200 railcars and owns a maintenance facility in Tierra Blanca.

In 1997, General American furthered its commitment to growth by expanding its market and ser-
vice offerings to meet the needs of its customers and capitalize on the privatization and commer-
cialization of the world’s rail fleet.

GATX  Capital Profiting  on  its  marketing,  technical,  management,  and  re-marketing  skills,
GATX Capital has a successful track record in buying, selling and leasing new and used rail assets.
Currently, rail assets comprise the second-largest segment of GATX Capital’s portfolio. 

GATX Capital leases and remarkets railcars and locomotives for its own portfolio and for partners.
Both a domestic and international presence are maintained, with particular interest in European and
Australasian  development.  GATX  Capital  has  a  financial  or  management  interest  in  approximately
44,000 railcars and 950 locomotives. Customers are primarily shippers, industrial users, and Class I,
regional  and  short-line  railroads.  A  portion  of  GATX  Capital’s  locomotives  are  marketed  through  a
joint venture with the EMD Division of General Motors to combine the strengths of the two companies
in locomotive operating leasing, contract maintenance, and technical support in order to expand the
scope, scale and quality of locomotive leasing products available to both existing and new customers.

GATX Capital’s  rail  activities  have  historically  been  very  successful  by  combining  “hands-on”
equipment  and  industry  expertise  with  sophisticated  financial  structuring  techniques.  The  benefit
associated with this approach has been particularly evident in the strategic business partnerships that
GATX  Capital  has  formed  with  Kansas  City  Southern  Industries,  the  EMD  Division  of  General
Motors, AAE Cargo in Europe and Lombard North Central in the U.K. This ability to invest knowl-
edgeably  in  the  operating  equipment  markets,  while  simultaneously  participating  in  the  financial
markets,  has  allowed  GATX Capital  to  creatively  satisfy  the  requirements  of  its  partners  and  cus-
tomers. The development of the GATX Rail Group will expand and enhance this resource by making
these skills available to all of GATX’s rail customers on a global basis.

14

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 15

GATX and the Electro-Motive Division of General 

Motors Corporation partner together to manage a fleet of high

quality locomotives. LLPX 2501 is currently on lease to 

U.S.-based RailTex, Inc. GATX’s rail investments include a 

25 percent interest in AAE Cargo, a European 

rail lessor. AAE’s fleet includes the All-Door railcar.

15

Total U.S. Rail
Freight Volume
Billion Ton-Miles

GATX Average 
Railcar Service
Throughput
In Days

GATX Railcar 
Fleet Size
Owned/Managed/Interest

In Thousands

1993
1994
1995
1996
1997

1,109
1,201
1,306
1,360
1,373

Source: Association of
American Railroads

1993
1994
1995
1996
1997

52
54
38
32
32

1993
1994
1995
1996
1997

102
103
106
117
130

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 16

A unique mix of service, asset, and environmental 

expertise allows GATX to help its customers address their most 

complex bulk-liquid and dry product logistics needs. 

Serving the petroleum and chemical markets, GATX’s Tampa 

terminal highlights a combination of rail, marine, 

storage, and distribution services.

16

12%

14%

29%

45%

(cid:83)(cid:117)(cid:112)(cid:112)(cid:108)(cid:121)(cid:32)(cid:67)(cid:104)(cid:97)(cid:105)(cid:110)
(cid:82)(cid:101)(cid:118)(cid:101)(cid:110)(cid:117)(cid:101)(cid:32)(cid:83)(cid:111)(cid:117)(cid:114)(cid:99)(cid:101)(cid:115)
(cid:68)(cid:117)(cid:114)(cid:105)(cid:110)(cid:103)(cid:32)(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:55)

(cid:68)(cid:114)(cid:121)(cid:32)(cid:80)(cid:114)(cid:111)(cid:100)(cid:117)(cid:99)(cid:116)(cid:115) (cid:208) (cid:52)(cid:53)(cid:37)
(cid:80)(cid:101)(cid:116)(cid:114)(cid:111)(cid:108)(cid:101)(cid:117)(cid:109) (cid:208) (cid:50)(cid:57)(cid:37)
(cid:67)(cid:104)(cid:101)(cid:109)(cid:105)(cid:99)(cid:97)(cid:108) (cid:208)(cid:49)(cid:52)(cid:37)
(cid:80)(cid:105)(cid:112)(cid:101)(cid:108)(cid:105)(cid:110)(cid:101)(cid:115)(cid:32)(cid:38)(cid:32)(cid:79)(cid:116)(cid:104)(cid:101)(cid:114) (cid:208)(cid:49)(cid:50)(cid:37)

19%

(cid:71)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:32)(cid:68)(cid:105)(cid:115)(cid:116)(cid:114)(cid:105)(cid:98)(cid:117)(cid:116)(cid:105)(cid:111)(cid:110)
(cid:79)(cid:102)(cid:32)(cid:65)(cid:115)(cid:115)(cid:101)(cid:116)(cid:115)(cid:32)

(cid:83)(cid:117)(cid:112)(cid:112)(cid:108)(cid:121)(cid:32)(cid:67)(cid:104)(cid:97)(cid:105)(cid:110) (cid:208)(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:37)

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 17

G

ATX has substantial capabilities in moving and storing customer products. GATX provides
the  assets  and  services  that  are  necessary  to  help  its  customers  move  their  products  in  a
safe,  cost-efficient  manner.  Additionally,  GATX  can  re-engineer  distribution  processes  for
customers  to  naturally  create  value.  These  services  include  bulk  liquid  storage;  terminalling  and
pipeline operations; tank car management; and dry logistics expertise. The integration of these ser-
vices provides an opportunity to combine the skills that GATX has developed over the past century.
GATX Terminals With more than 600 million barrels of annual throughput, GATX Terminals
Corporation  is  one  of  the  world’s  largest  providers  of  bulk  liquid  storage  and  distribution.  GATX
Terminals  offers  its  petroleum  and  chemical  customers  a  vast  network  of  bulk  liquid  storage  and
pipeline distribution services. A combination of market factors and structural changes have affected
recent  results.  However,  GATX  Terminals  is  addressing  these  challenges  and  is  experiencing  solid
demand in its chemical and pipeline operations. 

During 1997, GATX Terminals continued to add chemical capacity to its system. Chemical com-
panies  spend  more  than  $60  billion  worldwide,  each  year,  for  third-party  transportation,  distribu-
tion,  and  storage  for  bulk  materials.  GATX  Terminals  is  pursuing  this  market  with  innovative
solutions  such  as  its  “terminal  within  a  terminal”  system.  Through  this  system,  GATX  Terminals 
partners  with  a  chemical  company  to  develop  a  dedicated  facility  within  a  terminal  to  meet  that
company’s particular needs. While the partner provides financial support for any necessary capital

S U P P L Y   C H A I N

GATX is uniquely positioned to manage 

its customers’ supply and distribution chains. 

This business involves the integration of a number 

of GATX’s key services. Included in this 

group are GATX Terminals, GATX Logistics, Rail 

Logistics, and the Liquid Logistics Group. 

17

outlays,  GATX  Terminals  manages  all  services  related  to  the  facility.  The  net  result  is  long  term 
efficiency  and  market  position  for  our  customer  and  inclusion  of  GATX  Terminals  as  a  strategic
partner.  GATX  Terminals  and  Union  Carbide  are  scheduled  to  open  a  second  “terminal  within 
a terminal” partnership for our two companies at GATX’s New York Harbor Terminal in the second
quarter of 1998.

GATX Terminals’ pipeline operations serve two large growth markets of central Florida and Las
Vegas. GATX Terminals has positioned itself as an integral component of the supply and distribution
network within these markets.

Beginning  in  late 1995,  the  marketplace  for  the  storage  of  bulk  petroleum  began  to  change.
GATX Terminals’  business  environment  experienced  permanent  structural  changes  which  broadly
reduced demand, increased cost and reduced pricing for U.S., European and Asian terminal storage
and  pipeline  distribution  markets.  Petroleum  refiners  adopted  new  minimum  inventory  policies
which, in turn, reduced the demand for petroleum storage. Initially, surplus tankage resulting from
the lower inventory levels was placed in the public market. The lower level of storage has become
permanent, and GATX does not believe it is likely to change because of the continuing impact of
refining  consolidation,  alliances  and  repositioning.  In  certain  markets,  there  is  reduced  demand
from gasoline blenders due to changing federal and state requirements.

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 18

GATX Terminals restructured its operations to reflect the changed business environment. Busi-
ness emphasis is now more focused on services, such as high-volume shipments, including pipeline
and dock movements, and automation of processes and information services, rather than the histor-
ical  storage  business.  GATX  Terminals  has  initiated  programs  to  work  more  closely  with  its  cus-
tomers  and  to  develop  interrelated  operations.  Opportunities  for  GATX  are  driven  largely  by  the
continuing trends to outsourcing and include needs by chemical companies for integrated solutions
to move their products through the supply chain, as well as increased demand for information about
where product is as it moves through the distribution chain.

In late 1997, GATX Terminals reported that it completed a strategic, operating and asset review.
The review was undertaken in response to dramatic changes that have occurred in the petroleum
storage industry. The review identified the facilities that are not necessary to meet strategic objec-
tives and those whose value is impaired in light of the changed market circumstances. 

Subsequent to the announcement of the strategic realignment, GATX Terminals announced that
it would close or sell its Staten Island Terminal and certain of its U.K. terminal assets. In addition,
several smaller facilities have been identified for closure or sale, and the process of completing this
is underway.

Although  the  strategic  realignment  involved  a  number  of  difficult  decisions,  GATX  Terminals

today is better positioned to meet the complex needs of its petroleum and chemical customers.

GATX Logistics GATX Logistics provides integrated logistics services to a wide range of indus-
tries including automotive, health care, retail, and grocery. Companies use GATX Logistics to optimize
the movement of their materials and products through the manufacturing and distribution process. 

GATX Logistics continues to pursue its strategy of providing integrated solutions, under longer-
term contracts. GATX Logistics is also striving to expand its share of business with top customers.
As  part  of  a  process  initiated  previously,  GATX  Logistics  continues  to  reduce  its  activities  in  the
public warehousing market.

Rail Logistics As one of the world’s largest bulk liquid storage operations and North Ameri-
ca’s biggest rail tank car leasing company, GATX is capitalizing on this knowledge by combining ser-
vices  for  its  customers.  GATX’s  Rail  Logistics  Group  provides  an  expanding  menu  of  services  for
railcar  shippers  including:  tracking/tracing;  managing;  procuring;  storing;  moving;  freight  rate
negotiation;  shipment  management;  equipment  sourcing;  fleet  management  and  many  other  ser-
vices. It is a specific example of how we are working with our customers as partners.

Liquid Logistics GATX has the logistics, asset, and environmental expertise necessary to help
its  customers  integrate  and  manage  their  bulk  liquid  distribution  needs.  The  bulk  liquid  logistics
market presents GATX with a significant opportunity to combine its existing skills for the benefit of
its customers. GATX recently acquired a majority interest in Clover Systems, Inc., a leading provider 
of  remote  tank  monitoring  equipment  and  services.  Clover  Systems  markets  monitoring  systems
which capture real-time inventory data at remote storage tanks. Its proprietary software analyzes data
and creates product demand and usage profiles for a single tank or a network of tanks at multiple
facilities.  This  is  one  example  of  GATX’s  ability  to  bundle  services  for  its  bulk  liquid  customers. 
In the year ahead GATX will implement an even broader range of services for bulk liquid customers. 

18

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 19

The Tampa terminal is ideally located and equipped 

to accommodate ocean-going carriers. The Tampa terminal 

was the destination point for the AMERICAN PROGRESS on 

its maiden voyage in October, 1997. The AMERICAN PROGRESS, 

shown here transporting petroleum products, is one of 

the newest additions to Mobil Oil’s fleet.

19

GATX Terminals
Throughput
Millions Of Barrels Delivered

Average Month-
End Inventory Days
On Hand
U.S. Industry Distillate &
Motor Fuel Inventories

1993
1994
1995
1996
1997

580
615
602
634
639

1993
1994
1995
1996
1997

31
30
29
27
27

Source: American
Petroleum Institute

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 20

GATX has expanded its commercial jet aircraft fleet 

through the use of partnerships, including Boeing 737-800 

Partners. This A321 was delivered to Air France 

following the Paris Air Show.

20

4%

3%

5%

6%

7%

9%

13%

16%

37%

(cid:71)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:32)(cid:65)(cid:105)(cid:114)(cid:99)(cid:114)(cid:97)(cid:102)(cid:116)(cid:32)(cid:73)(cid:110)(cid:118)(cid:101)(cid:115)(cid:116)(cid:109)(cid:101)(cid:110)(cid:116)
(cid:66)(cid:121)(cid:32)(cid:84)(cid:121)(cid:112)(cid:101)(cid:32)(cid:79)(cid:102)(cid:32)(cid:65)(cid:105)(cid:114)(cid:99)(cid:114)(cid:97)(cid:102)(cid:116)

(cid:65)(cid:51)(cid:50)(cid:48)(cid:45)(cid:51)(cid:50)(cid:49)(cid:208) (cid:51)(cid:55)(cid:37)
(cid:65)(cid:51)(cid:48)(cid:48)(cid:45)(cid:51)(cid:49)(cid:48) (cid:208)(cid:49)(cid:54)(cid:37)
(cid:77)(cid:68)(cid:45)(cid:56)(cid:48)(cid:47)(cid:68)(cid:67)(cid:45)(cid:57) (cid:208)(cid:49)(cid:51)(cid:37)
(cid:66)(cid:55)(cid:53)(cid:55)(cid:208) (cid:57)(cid:37)
(cid:77)(cid:68)(cid:45)(cid:49)(cid:49)(cid:208)(cid:55)(cid:37)
(cid:66)(cid:55)(cid:54)(cid:55)(cid:208) (cid:54)(cid:37)
(cid:66)(cid:45)(cid:55)(cid:51)(cid:55)(cid:208) (cid:53)(cid:37)
(cid:68)(cid:67)(cid:45)(cid:49)(cid:48) (cid:208) (cid:52)(cid:37)
(cid:66)(cid:45)(cid:55)(cid:52)(cid:55)(cid:208) (cid:51)(cid:37)

(cid:71)(cid:108)(cid:111)(cid:98)(cid:97)(cid:108)(cid:32)(cid:82)(cid:101)(cid:118)(cid:101)(cid:110)(cid:117)(cid:101)
(cid:80)(cid:97)(cid:115)(cid:115)(cid:101)(cid:110)(cid:103)(cid:101)(cid:114)(cid:32)(cid:77)(cid:105)(cid:108)(cid:101)(cid:115)
(cid:73)(cid:110)(cid:32)(cid:66)(cid:105)(cid:108)(cid:108)(cid:105)(cid:111)(cid:110)(cid:115)

(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:51)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:52)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:53)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:54)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:55)

(cid:49)(cid:44)(cid:52)(cid:48)(cid:54)
(cid:49)(cid:44)(cid:53)(cid:48)(cid:50)
(cid:49)(cid:44)(cid:54)(cid:48)(cid:49)
(cid:49)(cid:44)(cid:55)(cid:48)(cid:56)
(cid:49)(cid:44)(cid:55)(cid:55)(cid:57)

(cid:83)(cid:111)(cid:117)(cid:114)(cid:99)(cid:101)(cid:115)(cid:58)(cid:32)(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:51)(cid:45)(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:54)(cid:58)(cid:32)(cid:66)(cid:111)(cid:101)(cid:105)(cid:110)(cid:103)
(cid:67)(cid:117)(cid:114)(cid:114)(cid:101)(cid:110)(cid:116)(cid:32)(cid:77)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:107)(cid:101)(cid:116)(cid:32)(cid:79)(cid:117)(cid:116)(cid:108)(cid:111)(cid:111)(cid:107)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:55)(cid:58)(cid:32)(cid:69)(cid:115)(cid:116)(cid:105)(cid:109)(cid:97)(cid:116)(cid:101)

10%

(cid:71)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:32)(cid:68)(cid:105)(cid:115)(cid:116)(cid:114)(cid:105)(cid:98)(cid:117)(cid:116)(cid:105)(cid:111)(cid:110)
(cid:79)(cid:102)(cid:32)(cid:65)(cid:115)(cid:115)(cid:101)(cid:116)(cid:115)

(cid:65)(cid:105)(cid:114) (cid:208)(cid:49)(cid:48)(cid:37)

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 21

G

ATX  Capital  has  established  an  outstanding  reputation  as  the  fourth  largest  independent
aircraft  operating  leasing  company  in  the  world.  As  one  of  the  most  experienced  com-
mercial  jet  aircraft  lessors  in  the  industry,  GATX  Capital’s  Air  Group  meets  the  needs  of
emerging,  growing  and  well-established  airlines.  Since  its  inception  in  1968,  the  Air  Group  has
established a proven track record in leasing, managing, and remarketing aircraft as well as obtaining
tax-advantaged and conventional financing worldwide.

Commercial jet aircraft constitute the largest segment of GATX Capital’s portfolio. GATX Capital
owns  and/or  manages  more  than  100  commercial  jet  aircraft,  on  lease  to  over  35  domestic  and
international  carriers.  GATX’s  fleet  of  aircraft  is  diversified  by  manufacturer  and  type  of  aircraft,
although the majority of aircraft are narrow-body, medium passenger capacity configurations which
are  the  most  flexible  in  the  industry.  The  majority  of  GATX  Capital’s  aircraft  business  activity  is
conducted  through  joint  ventures,  thereby  maximizing  the  company’s  ability  to  control  a  greater
pool of assets while also diversifying its fleet.

GATX Capital’s strategy to grow its aircraft portfolio through partnerships has allowed it to diver-
sify its fleet, lower its risk profile, and create enhanced returns through management fees and resid-
ual sharing. Joint venture partnerships have allowed GATX Capital to broaden its presence in the
aircraft leasing market, at the same time achieving diversification in the overall GATX Capital port-
folio. Aircraft investment constitutes 26 percent of GATX Capital’s total assets.

A I R

GATX Air has the marketing, financial, 

and technical skills necessary to be a successful 

operating lessor of commercial jet aircraft. 

This infrastructure is critical for managing GATX 

Capital’s air investments, and those of its 

partners, which include interests in over 

100 commercial jet aircraft.

21

GATX Capital, together with investment partners, will add to its existing aircraft fleet by taking
delivery  of  three  newly  manufactured  Airbus  A321-200  aircraft  in  1998  as  well  as  the  first  three
deliveries  of  next  generation  Boeing  737-800  aircraft.  The  Boeing  order  consists  of  twelve  firm 
and  eight  option  aircraft.  The  B737-800  and  A321s  are  outstanding  replacement  aircraft  for  the
B727-200.  They  provide  growth  in  capacity  and  range  with  significantly  lower  seat  mile  costs  for
existing 727 operators. GATX Capital’s Air Group is responsible for a range of aspects of managing
the  aircraft  investments  owned  by  GATX  and  its  partners,  including  purchases,  initial  placement
with lessees, remarketing, financial structuring, and disposition.

The Air Group has the marketing, financial and technical skills to be among the best companies
providing  operating  lease  services  for  commercial  aircraft.  This  blending  of  skills  not  only  distin-
guishes  GATX  Capital  from  its  competitors,  but  it  gives  us  advantages  in  managing  our  fleet  and
attracting new partners. 

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 22

G

ATX has developed a unique perspective on marine-related operations and financial trans-
actions  through  two  subsidiaries.  American  Steamship  Company  operates  a  fleet  of  Great
Lakes vessels, while GATX Capital provides marine asset financing.

Great  Lakes  Shipping American  Steamship  Company  provides  customers  with  efficient
waterborne transportation of dry-bulk commodities on the Great Lakes. American Steamship’s 11
self-unloading vessels comprise the largest cargo capacity of any U.S. fleet on the Great Lakes. Cus-
tomers  rely  on  this  modern  fleet  to  meet  their  iron  ore,  coal,  and  limestone  aggregate  shipping
requirements. Vessels range in size from 635 feet to 1000 feet, and are capable of transporting car-
goes from 17,000 to 70,000 net tons. 

Great Lakes shipping impacts major segments of the U.S. economy. The Midwest has 70 percent
of all U.S. steel making capacity, as well as 50 percent of all automobile production. For many com-
panies located in this region, transportation via the Great Lakes continues to be one of the safest,
most efficient means of commodity transportation.

American Steamship transported 26.4 million net tons of cargo in 1997, a seven percent increase
over  1996  that  was  supported  by  strong  utility-related  coal  demand.  American  Steamship  also 
benefited  from  favorable  weather  conditions  throughout  1997.  Taking  advantage  of  warm  winter
weather and limited ice on the Lakes, American Steamship initiated service in March and operated
through December. 

22

M A R I N E

With 11 Great Lakes vessels, American 

Steamship Company operates the largest capacity 

fleet on the Great Lakes. In addition, GATX 

Capital provides lease and portfolio management 

services for a broad variety of marine assets 

including barges, tugs, and ships.

American Steamship transported 22 percent of all tonnage on the Great Lakes in 1997, a leading
market share position that is based on long-term customer relationships, a keen understanding of
shipping patterns, and extremely reliable service. American Steamship has built its outstanding rep-
utation by working closely with customers to anticipate, rather than react to, their shipping needs. 

Marine Asset Financing GATX Capital continues to expand its marine asset financing busi-
ness by focusing on the inland and coastal tug, tow, and barge markets as well as selected ocean-
going  vessels  in  conjunction  with  partners.  GATX  Capital  can  gain  critical  insight  into  marine
transactions by combining its financial expertise with American Steamship’s marine operating expe-
rience. GATX Capital provides an array of financial services including various leasing alternatives,
tax-advantaged financing, portfolio management, and asset remarketing.

The global marine financing industry is a specialized market that generates an estimated $3 bil-
lion of leasing volume per year. GATX Capital currently has over $200 million of assets on lease to
various  tug,  tow,  and  barge  operators.  GATX  Capital  will  continue  to  use  its  extensive  network  of
contacts in the marine industry to identify lease and remarketing opportunities. 

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 23

Carrying iron ore, coal, and limestone aggregate, 

GATX’s 11 self-unloading vessels are a common sight on the Great Lakes. 

The 634-foot M/V SAM LAUD, named after the man who started 

as a shop painter in 1916 and rose to president of GATX in 1945 and 

chairman in 1956, is capable of carrying 24,000 tons of cargo.

23

(cid:65)(cid:109)(cid:101)(cid:114)(cid:105)(cid:99)(cid:97)(cid:110)(cid:32)(cid:83)(cid:116)(cid:101)(cid:97)(cid:109)(cid:115)(cid:104)(cid:105)(cid:112)
(cid:67)(cid:111)(cid:109)(cid:112)(cid:97)(cid:110)(cid:121)(cid:32)(cid:71)(cid:114)(cid:101)(cid:97)(cid:116)(cid:32)
(cid:76)(cid:97)(cid:107)(cid:101)(cid:115)(cid:32)(cid:84)(cid:111)(cid:110)(cid:110)(cid:97)(cid:103)(cid:101)
(cid:84)(cid:111)(cid:110)(cid:115)(cid:32)(cid:73)(cid:110)(cid:32)(cid:77)(cid:105)(cid:108)(cid:108)(cid:105)(cid:111)(cid:110)(cid:115)

5%

(cid:71)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:32)(cid:68)(cid:105)(cid:115)(cid:116)(cid:114)(cid:105)(cid:98)(cid:117)(cid:116)(cid:105)(cid:111)(cid:110)
(cid:79)(cid:102)(cid:32)(cid:65)(cid:115)(cid:115)(cid:101)(cid:116)(cid:115)

(cid:77)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:105)(cid:110)(cid:101) (cid:208)(cid:53)(cid:37)

(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:51)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:52)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:53)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:54)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:55)

(cid:50)(cid:52)(cid:46)(cid:52)
(cid:50)(cid:54)(cid:46)(cid:51)
(cid:50)(cid:53)(cid:46)(cid:53)
(cid:50)(cid:52)(cid:46)(cid:54)
(cid:50)(cid:54)(cid:46)(cid:52)

3%

12%

24%

61%

(cid:71)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:32)(cid:77)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:105)(cid:110)(cid:101)(cid:32)(cid:65)(cid:115)(cid:115)(cid:101)(cid:116)(cid:115)(cid:32)
(cid:66)(cid:121)(cid:32)(cid:65)(cid:115)(cid:115)(cid:101)(cid:116)(cid:32)(cid:84)(cid:121)(cid:112)(cid:101)

(cid:71)(cid:114)(cid:101)(cid:97)(cid:116)(cid:32)(cid:76)(cid:97)(cid:107)(cid:101)(cid:115)(cid:32)(cid:86)(cid:101)(cid:115)(cid:115)(cid:101)(cid:108)(cid:115) (cid:208) (cid:54)(cid:49)(cid:37)
(cid:66)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:103)(cid:101) (cid:208)(cid:50)(cid:52)(cid:37)
(cid:84)(cid:117)(cid:103) (cid:208)(cid:49)(cid:50)(cid:37)
(cid:79)(cid:116)(cid:104)(cid:101)(cid:114) (cid:208)(cid:51)(cid:37)

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 24

GATX’s Tampa-based Sun Financial provides 

technology-related leasing services to corporate customers 

including Wellspring Resources. Wellspring, a leading provider of 

human resource and benefit administration outsourcing, 

currently leases client/server and desktop equipment. 

Pictured at Wellspring’s data center are (L) Clay M. Biddinger, 

President of Sun Financial, and (R) John Linfonte, 

Chief Financial Officer of Wellspring.

24

(cid:71)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:32)
(cid:84)(cid:101)(cid:99)(cid:104)(cid:110)(cid:111)(cid:108)(cid:111)(cid:103)(cid:121)(cid:32)(cid:65)(cid:115)(cid:115)(cid:101)(cid:116)(cid:115)
(cid:68)(cid:111)(cid:108)(cid:108)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:115)(cid:32)(cid:73)(cid:110)(cid:32)(cid:77)(cid:105)(cid:108)(cid:108)(cid:105)(cid:111)(cid:110)(cid:115)

9%

(cid:71)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:32)(cid:68)(cid:105)(cid:115)(cid:116)(cid:114)(cid:105)(cid:98)(cid:117)(cid:116)(cid:105)(cid:111)(cid:110)
(cid:79)(cid:102)(cid:32)(cid:65)(cid:115)(cid:115)(cid:101)(cid:116)(cid:115)

(cid:84)(cid:101)(cid:99)(cid:104)(cid:110)(cid:111)(cid:108)(cid:111)(cid:103)(cid:121) (cid:208) (cid:57)(cid:37)

(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:51)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:52)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:53)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:54)
(cid:49)(cid:57)(cid:57)(cid:55)

(cid:36)(cid:49)(cid:53)
(cid:36)(cid:50)(cid:51)
(cid:36)(cid:49)(cid:51)(cid:51)
(cid:36)(cid:51)(cid:55)(cid:49)
(cid:36)(cid:53)(cid:51)(cid:55)

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 25

G

ATX  has  successfully  invested  in  the  information  technology  industry  since  1986.  Today,
Technology  is  one  of  the  fastest  growing  areas  of  GATX  with  over  $500  million  in  assets.
Information technology is one of the largest segments of the leasing industry. While leasing
has  traditionally  been  viewed  as  a  means  to  lower  capital  costs,  this  alternative  is  routinely  being
used  in  the  technology  sector  as  part  of  a  more  complex  asset  management  process.  Corporate
clients are searching for one-stop partners that can bundle leasing, service, and asset management.
GATX’s technology companies are positioned to meet this need.

Centron Centron is a leading provider of communication network equipment and services pro-

viding network integration and value-added reselling services.

Centron  has  used  a  partnering  strategy  to  grow  its  base  of  corporate  customers  and  extend  its
service offerings. Centron is a licensed reseller for network equipment manufacturers such as IBM,
3 Com, Bay Networks, and Cascade. 

Centron  is  capitalizing  on  its  position  as  a  leading  provider  of  communication  network  equip-
ment  to  broaden  its  network  service  capabilities.  By  providing  extensive  network  integration  and
management services, Centron is able to expand its share of business with key customers. For exam-
ple, Centron bundles network equipment offerings with remote network monitoring services, there-
by meeting two critical customer needs.

T E C H N O L O G Y

Technology Services provides 

leasing and asset management services to large 

corporate customers. Through three operating companies, 

25

Centron, Sun Financial and Lombard Network 

Services, GATX has over $500 million of assets 

in this fast growing market.

Sun  Financial Tampa-based  Sun  Financial  Group  focuses  on  information  technology  assets
including  desktop  systems  and  local  area  networks.  As  customers’  information  technology  equip-
ment needs expand, the process of managing these assets becomes more complicated. Sun Finan-
cial provides solutions through its leasing and asset management services. GATX Capital increased
its ownership in Sun Financial to 100 percent in 1997.

Sun Financial provides complete asset life-cycle leasing and management services, which includes
lease  financing  on  new  equipment  and  remarketing  of  older  equipment.  This  single-source  service
allows customers to accurately monitor their technology investments and requirements.

Lombard Network Services Lombard Network Services, based in London, is an information tech-
nology  equipment  lessor  that  is  focusing  on  the  European  market.  A  50  percent-owned  joint  venture,
Lombard Network Services is working closely with Centron and Sun Financial to expand the customer
base in Europe. 

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 26

T

he Structured Finance team is uniquely positioned to leverage certain of GATX’s most criti-
cal  skills,  including  asset  and  investment  knowledge,  financial  structuring,  partnering,  and
portfolio management across all of GATX’s other activities. Using extensive marketing con-
tacts with financial institutions and asset users in North America, Europe and Asia, GATX identifies
lease,  loan,  and  residual  guarantee  investment  opportunities  around  the  world.  These  transactions
tend to be highly structured and focused on rail, air, and diversified equipment assets. Many of these
transactions generate fees for GATX.

Direct  Portfolio  Investment GATX  supplies  asset-based  capital,  in  the  form  of  leases  and
loans, to a wide variety of business customers to enable them to grow and succeed. Using a direct
calling  program,  GATX  is  able  to  assess  customer  requirements  and  to  design  and  structure  cost
effective financial solutions. 

Secondary Market Participation In the 1970’s, GATX pioneered the acquisition of assets and
lease  portfolios  from  other  financial  institutions.  Today,  GATX  remains  a  leader  in  the  secondary
market for lease transactions. Assets and portfolios purchased in the secondary market often have
shorter remaining lease maturities and provide several options at lease expiration.

During 1997, GATX announced its single largest investment to date, a $368 million investment with
Pitney Bowes Financial Services. This transaction clearly highlights the breadth and depth of GATX’s
capabilities. The Structured Finance team worked closely with Pitney Bowes to achieve several strategic
objectives: GATX expanded and diversified its asset portfolio through a direct investment; Pitney Bowes

26

S T R U C T U R E D   F I N A N C E

The Structured Finance group originates 

portfolio investments in markets worldwide, and 

manages lease portfolios for partners and clients. 

Through this group GATX has been a leader in 

developing a secondary market for lease portfolios.

monetized  its  large  ticket  lease  portfolio;  and  the  two  parties  formed  an  ongoing  part-
nership  to  manage  a  portfolio  of  high  quality  assets.  This  transaction  demonstrates  GATX’s  ability  to
combine  asset  knowledge  and  financial  expertise  to  identify  secondary  market  opportunities  and  to
structure transactions that further the objectives of GATX and its customers and partners.

Portfolio Management GATX has worldwide experience managing portfolios for third-parties
such as banks and corporations. Portfolios currently under management total $5 billion of original
equipment cost for over 20 major institutional clients. Portfolio management agreements are gener-
ally structured so that GATX is responsible for asset remarketing and shares in the gains as assets
are sold. This “pay for performance” feature provides a win-win situation for GATX and the port-
folio’s owner. By accessing GATX’s asset knowledge, portfolio management skills, and remarketing
expertise, these partners can reduce their own management expenses and realize superior returns
on their portfolios. 

Leveraging  Cross-Company  Initiatives The  Structured  Finance  team  provides  other  GATX
operations  with  financial  structuring  advice  and  arranges  co-investment  partners.  In  September
1997,  GATX  completed  an  innovative  transaction  that  greatly  enhanced  its  railcar  financing  pro-
gram. This securitized, off-balance sheet structure was the first of its kind in the rail industry and
has  been  recognized  in  the  press  as  a  truly  innovative  financing  solution.  Structured  Finance
worked closely with GATX’s Corporate Treasury Department and Law Department and with General
American Transportation Corporation on this complicated, original transaction.

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 27

Structured Finance’s team approach to originating 

and structuring investment transactions draws upon the 

skills available across GATX. The MAPS project team at GATX 

Capital developed state-of-the-art software and information 

systems specifically tailored to leasing portfolios.

27

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 28

28

GATX Increases Dividends For Twelfth Consecutive Year

M A J O R

GATX Capital Completes Lease Financing With New Zealand’s
Tranz Rail Holdings Limited

GATX Corporation Completes Innovative Railcar Financing 

N E W S

GATX Terminals Corporation Sells Its Norco Terminal

GATX Capital Corporation And Lombard North Central Plc 
Form GL Railease Limited

E V E N T S

GATX Terminals Corporation Forms Joint Venture In Argentina

GATX Capital Acquires Assets & Forms Partnership
With Pitney Bowes Financial Services

O F

GATX Converts Outstanding $3.875 Cumulative 
Convertible Preferred Stock

General American Transportation Introduces Web-based
Customer Service Offerings

1 9 9 7

GATX Logistics Starts Operations In Chile

General American Transportation Purchases Interest In 
European-based Tank Car Leasing Company

GATX Announces Strategic Realignment

A Complete Listing Of GATX News Releases Can Be Found
At The Company’s Internet Site, www.gatx.com

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 29

G A T X   R E V I E W   O F   F I N A N C I A L   O P E R A T I O N S
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

Business Segments
The following summary describes GATX’s current business segments:

Railcar Leasing and Management
represents General American Transportation Corporation and its foreign subsidiaries and affiliates
(Transportation), which lease and manage tank cars and other specialized railcars.

Financial Services
represents GATX Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries and joint ventures (Capital), which arrange 
and service the financing of equipment and other capital assets on a worldwide basis.

Terminals and Pipelines
represents GATX Terminals Corporation and its domestic and foreign subsidiaries and affiliates 
(Terminals), which own and operate tank storage terminals, pipelines and related facilities.

Logistics and Warehousing
represents GATX Logistics, Inc. (Logistics), which provides distribution and logistics support 
services and warehousing facilities throughout North America.

Great Lakes Shipping
represents American Steamship Company (ASC), which operates self-unloading 
vessels on the Great Lakes.

29

Reports of GATX Management and of Ernst & Young LLP, 
Independent Auditors…30

Management Discussion and Analysis: 1997 Compared to 1996
(Continued on pages 39, 41 and 43)…31

Financial Data of Business Segments…34

Statements of Consolidated Operations and Reinvested Earnings…38

Consolidated Balance Sheets…40

Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows…42

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements…46

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) and 
Common and Preferred Stock Information…61

Selected Financial Data…62

Management Discussion and Analysis: 1996 Compared to 1995…64

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 30

R E P O R T   O F   G ATX   M A N A G E M E N T

R E P O R T   O F   E R N S T   &   Y O U N G   L L P,   I N D E P E N D E N T   A U D I T O R S
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

To Our Shareholders: The management of GATX Corporation has prepared the accompanying consol-
idated financial statements and related information included in this 1997 Annual Report to Shareholders
and  has  the  primary  responsibility  for  the  integrity  of  this  information.  The  financial  statements  have
been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and necessarily include cer-
tain amounts which are based on estimates and informed judgments of management.

The financial statements have been audited by the company’s independent auditors, whose report thereon
appears on this page. Their role is to form an independent opinion as to the fairness with which such
statements present the financial position of the company and the results of its operations.

GATX maintains a system of internal accounting controls which is designed to provide reasonable assur-
ance as to the reliability of its financial records and the protection of its shareholders’ assets. The concept
of reasonable assurance is based on the recognition that the cost of a system of internal control should not
exceed the related benefits. Management believes the company’s system provides this appropriate balance
in all material respects.

GATX’s system of internal controls is further augmented by an audit committee composed of directors
who are not officers or employees of GATX, which meets regularly throughout the year with management,
the  independent  auditors  and  the  internal  auditors;  an  internal  audit  program  that  includes  prompt,
responsive action by management; and the annual audit of the company’s financial statements by inde-
pendent auditors.

30

Ronald H. Zech
Chairman, President and 
Chief Executive Officer

David M. Edwards
Vice President Finance 
and Chief Financial Officer

Ralph L. O’Hara
Controller and 
Chief Accounting Officer

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of GATX Corporation: We have audited the accompa-
nying consolidated balance sheets of GATX Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and
1996,  and  the  related  statements  of  consolidated  operations  and  reinvested  earnings  and  consolidated
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  auditing  standards.  Those  standards
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence sup-
porting  the  amounts  and  disclosures  in  the  financial  statements.  An  audit  also  includes  assessing  the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the over-
all financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the con-
solidated financial position of GATX Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996,
and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

Chicago, Illinois
January 27, 1998

ERNST & YOUNG LLP

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 31

M A N A G E M E N T   D I S C U S S I O N   A N D   A N A LYS I S  

1 9 9 7   C O M PA R E D   T O   1 9 9 6
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

GATX reported a net loss of $51 million or $2.55 per share, on a diluted basis, for the year ended Decem-
ber 31, 1997 compared to net income of $103 million or $4.20 per share for 1996. The basic per share
loss was $2.55 compared to per share earnings of $4.43 in the prior year.

During 1997, strategic decisions resulted in a $163 million after-tax restructuring charge related to the
Terminals and Pipelines and the Logistics and Warehousing segments. The changed market environment
which Terminals serves required aggressive action to revitalize operations and includes the sale or closure
of the Staten Island terminal as well as seven terminals in the United Kingdom. Additionally, adjustments
were made to the carrying costs of other smaller facilities. The after-tax restructuring charge attributable
to Terminals was $124 million. Logistics continued to implement its strategy of providing integrated logis-
tics solutions while reducing its role in the lower margin, public warehousing business. To better reflect
the economics of this strategic direction, a $39 million after-tax charge was taken to write-down the carry-
ing value of goodwill relating to certain past warehousing acquisitions.

Before the effects of the $163 million after-tax charge, income was $112 million, with earnings per share
on a diluted and basic basis of $4.51 and $4.67 respectively. These operating earnings reached a record
level with four of GATX’s five subsidiaries achieving record results. On the $112 million of total earnings,
GATX achieved a return on equity of 14.0%, up slightly from 13.8% in 1996.

(In Millions)

– – – – – –(Loss) Income– – – – – –

Income before restructuring
Restructuring:
Terminals
Logistics

Net (Loss) Income

1997

$111.9

(123.8)
(39.0)

(162.8)

$(50.9)

1996

$102.7

—
—

—

$102.7

31

The comparative performance for 1996 versus 1995 is discussed in the prior year’s management discus-
sion on pages 64-66 of this report.

Railcar Leasing and Management  Transportation’s gross income of $477 million increased by $49
million  from  1996.  The  full  year  effect  of  the  mid-1996  acquisition  of  the  remaining  55%  interest  in
CGTX accounted for $28 million of the revenue increase with the balance attributable to a larger U.S.
fleet  and  improved  rental  rates.  Prior  to  GATX  acquiring  the  remaining  interest,  CGTX  had  been
accounted for as an affiliate. Railcar additions continued to be strong in 1997 with 4,800 cars added to
the North American fleet, reaching a total of 78,000 cars on lease. With a total fleet of 81,100 cars, utiliza-
tion ended the year at 96%, up from 95% at the end of 1996. Fleet additions in 1998 are expected to
remain  strong.  In  addition  to  the  North  American  fleet,  during  1997  Transportation  purchased  a  40%
interest in KVG Kesselwagen Vermietgesellschaft mbH (“KVG”), a German and Austrian-based tank car
and specialty railcar leasing company that owns and manages approximately 9,400 railcars in Europe.

Record net income of $74 million increased by 10% over 1996 reflecting the higher revenues and the full
year  impact  of  CGTX,  partially  offset  by  higher  repair  costs  and  other  operating  and  asset  ownership
expenses. Operating margins improved by 14% as the growth in revenues exceeded the increase in fleet
repair costs and SG&A expenses.

Repair costs increased 7% due to the larger fleet size but decreased as a percentage of revenue from 1996
due in part to the mix of cars and the types of repairs completed. Throughput days, the time it takes a rail-
car to be repaired through the Transportation repair network, remained at the 1996 average of 32 days.
Asset ownership costs, consisting of operating lease rents, depreciation, and interest expense, increased as
a result of the growing fleet. Equity in earnings of affiliates declined from 1996 due to the aforementioned
change in accounting for CGTX.

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 32

M A N A G E M E N T   D I S C U S S I O N   A N D   A N A LYS I S   ( C O N T I N U E D )

1 9 9 7   C O M PA R E D   T O   1 9 9 6
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

Financial  Services Gross  income  of  $584  million  for  1997  increased  sharply  from  1996  driven  by
higher technology equipment sales, lease income, and gains on sale of assets. Of the $247 million or 73%
overall increase from last year, $171 million was attributable to technology equipment sales. A full year of
technology  equipment  sales  was  recorded  in  1997  whereas  1996  included  only  two  months;  Capital
acquired the remaining 50% of Centron that it did not already own in October 1996. Lease income grew
by $50 million, in large part due to increased volume at Sun Financial, another Capital technology sub-
sidiary, as well as Centron. Gains on sales of assets for 1997 were at a record level of $69 million, or $33
million more than last year. Because the timing of such sales is dependent on changing market condi-
tions, gains on sales of assets do not occur evenly from period to period. It is presently expected that gains
for 1998 will not occur at 1997’s record level, with other sources of gross income continuing to grow.

Net income for 1997 was a record $54 million, a 17% improvement over last year’s results, with gains on
sale of assets generating much of the increase. Centron and Sun Financial revenues were substantially off-
set by asset ownership and human resource costs necessary to grow these technology businesses. Record
investment volume of $866 million, including over $200 million for Sun Financial, led to depreciation
expense increasing by $36 million and interest expense increasing by $11 million. Included in the invest-
ment  volume  was  the  $368  million  Pitney  Bowes  transaction,  the  largest  in  GATX  Capital’s  history.
SG&A, which for the first time in 1997 included a full year of Centron’s results, also increased due to
higher incentive compensation, transaction costs, and administrative expenses. 

The provision for possible losses of $11 million decreased $2 million from 1996. The allowance for possi-
ble losses increased to $122 million, representing 5.8% of net investments, as compared to 6.6% at the
end of last year.

Equity earnings increased by $3 million to $17 million despite Centron no longer being accounted for as
a joint venture for 1997. During 1997, Capital recorded equity earnings from three new joint ventures,
including two aircraft partnerships and the newly-formed joint venture with Pitney Bowes. Equity earn-
ings also increased at Locomotive Leasing Partners, a joint venture established in 1996 with the Electro-
Motive Division of General Motors.

Capital continued to manage and change its portfolio mix during 1997, with aircraft now representing a
proportionally  smaller  part  of  total  assets  while  the  rail  and  technology  sectors  grew.  Strategic  aircraft
sales,  the  Pitney  Bowes  transaction  (primarily  rail  assets),  and  substantial  Sun  Financial  (technology)
investment volume were the drivers of the change in asset concentrations. 

Terminals and Pipelines Terminals’ gross income for 1997 of $293 million was 2% less than 1996 pri-
marily due to the continued softness in both the domestic and international petroleum markets. In gen-
eral, the petroleum market was characterized by competitive pricing pressures as refineries continued to
produce on a just-in-time basis thereby reducing the demand for storage. Gross income related to services
provided to the chemical market remained steady with 1996 while pipeline revenues improved slightly.
Terminals’ pipelines serve the growing Nevada and Florida markets.

While throughput of petroleum products remained strong, rates further declined from the 1996 levels.
Throughput for 1997, defined as barrels delivered to customers, of 639 million barrels at wholly-owned
locations remained steady with 1996. Average storage utilization for the year was 91%, an improvement
from 86% last year.

Terminals’ net loss for 1997 was $116 million, including the effects of a $124 million after-tax restructur-
ing charge. On an operating basis, Terminals’ 1997 income of $8 million declined from last year’s $13
million. The difficult petroleum market conditions resulted in a 4% decrease in operating margin from
last year. Overall operating costs and SG&A expenses decreased by 1% from 1996. Fixed asset ownership
costs, which include interest and depreciation, increased to 38% of revenue from 35% last year primarily
due to the full year impact of significant facility and infrastructure investments made in 1996. Equity in

32

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 33

M A N A G E M E N T   D I S C U S S I O N   A N D   A N A LYS I S   ( C O N T I N U E D )

1 9 9 7   C O M PA R E D   T O   1 9 9 6
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

earnings from affiliates of $13 million increased by $1 million from 1996 reflecting improved results pri-
marily from European chemical markets. Asian results approximated last year, with improvement in the
chemical market offset by foreign exchange rate variances.

During the fourth quarter of 1997, Terminals recorded an after-tax provision of $124 million reflecting
the results of a strategic review. Initial steps were taken to sell or close certain locations including the
Staten Island terminal and seven storage facilities which make up GATX Terminals Limited in the United
Kingdom. Additionally, adjustments were made to the carrying cost of certain other locations where con-
ditions indicated that asset values were impaired.

Logistics and Warehousing Logistics’ gross income of $256 million decreased 4% due to the impact of
lost business and slower production periods by certain customers. New customers and increased business
with existing customers somewhat offset this decrease. Total warehouse capacity at year-end of 21.4 mil-
lion square feet was in-line with last year. Space utilization of 95% improved by 4% from last year.

Logistics’ net loss for 1997 was $38 million, including the effects of a $39 million after-tax charge related
to the write-down of goodwill relating to certain past acquisitions involved in public warehousing to better
reflect the economics of that sector of the industry. On an operating basis, Logistics’ 1997 income of $1.4
million grew from last year’s $.9 million. Operating margins for 1997 improved to 10.0% from 9.6% in
1996 due to replacing some of the lost public warehousing business with more profitable contract logis-
tics business, productivity improvements, and reduced empty space.

Logistics is proceeding with its strategy of providing integrated logistics solutions to an expanding customer
base and steadily reducing its role in the lower margin, public warehousing business. Logistics also contin-
ues to win new contracts, implement strong cost controls, and achieve growth with existing customers.

Great Lakes Shipping Gross income in 1997 was $91 million, a 7% improvement from 1996 due to
increased tonnage carried and residual sharing fees earned by partnering with GATX Capital in a third-
party vessel financing and remarketing. Tonnage carried in 1997 totaled 26.4 million tons, a 7% increase
from the 24.6 million tons carried in 1996 primarily derived from coal cargoes. Strong customer demand,
favorable weather conditions, and high water levels all contributed to the solid performance.

Record income of $9.4 million increased by $2.6 million or 38% from 1996. The residual sharing fees
contributed $1.3 million with the balance primarily due to the margin on the increased tonnage carried.
Contribution margin per ton was 4% greater than the prior year due to a change in mix of commodities
carried as well as operating efficiencies. 

The environment on the Great Lakes remains competitive, with supply and demand for vessel capacity
approximately in balance. ASC carried an estimated 22% of the total U.S. flag Great Lakes tonnage, simi-
lar to 1996. U.S. flag tonnage was 118 million tons, an increase of 8 million tons from 1996. Iron ore car-
goes, which supply the steel industry, represented 41% of ASC’s tonnage, 5% less than last year. Domestic
raw  steel  production  was  approximately  90%  in  1997,  up  2%  from  last  year.  Coal  cargoes  represented
28% of ASC’s tonnage, up from 21% last year as a result of new business.

Corporate and Other Corporate and Other net expense of $35 million increased by $4 million from
1996 primarily due to the reversal in 1996 of a legal reserve following the successful defense of litigation
against GATX.

Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis consti-
tute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Liti-
gation Reform Act of 1995. This information may involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual
results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Although the company believes that the
expectations  reflected  in  such  forward-looking  statements  are  based  on  reasonable  assumptions,  such
statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from
those projected. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, unanticipated changes in the
markets served by GATX such as aircraft, petroleum, chemical, rail, technology, and steel industries. 

33

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 34

F I N A N C I A L   D ATA   O F   B U S I N E S S   S E G M E N TS
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

GATX provides services to a variety of capital asset markets through five principal business segments. The
financial data presented on this and the following three pages depict the profitability, financial position,
and cash flow of each of GATX’s business segments.

The  presentation  of  segment  profitability  includes  the  direct  costs  incurred  at  the  segment’s  operating
level  plus  expenses  allocated  by  the  parent  company.  Allocated  expenses  represent  costs  which  these
operations would have incurred otherwise, but do not include general corporate expense or parent com-
pany interest expense. Interest costs associated with segment indebtedness are included in the determina-
tion of profitability of each segment, since interest expense directly influences any investment decision
and the evaluation of subsequent operational performance. Interest expense by segment has been shown
separately on page 37 to enable the determination of segment profitability before deducting such costs.

SEGMENT PROFITABILITY (IN MILLIONS)

Gross Income

Railcar Leasing and Management
Financial Services
Terminals and Pipelines
Logistics and Warehousing
Great Lakes Shipping

Subtotal

Corporate and Other

Consolidated

1997

1996

1995

1994

1993

$ 476.9
584.4
292.8
256.3
91.4

1,701.8
.1

$ 427.9
337.3
297.6
267.4
85.2

1,415.4
(1.0)

$ 360.9
217.9
313.4
272.4
83.5

1,248.1
(1.7)

$ 322.1
206.8
303.1
244.2
82.4

1,158.6
(3.6)

$ 302.2
204.0
281.1
224.4
80.6

1,092.3
(5.4)

$1,701.9

$1,414.4

$1,246.4

$1,155.0

$1,086.9

34

(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes and Equity in 
Net Earnings of Affiliated Companies

1997(A)

1996

Railcar Leasing and Management
Financial Services
Terminals and Pipelines
Logistics and Warehousing
Great Lakes Shipping

Subtotal

Corporate and Other:

Selling, general and administrative expense
Interest expense
Other, net

Subtotal

Consolidated

Equity in Net Earnings of 
Affiliated Companies

Railcar Leasing and Management
Financial Services
Terminals and Pipelines
Logistics and Warehousing

Consolidated

Net (Loss) Income

Railcar Leasing and Management
Financial Services
Terminals and Pipelines
Logistics and Warehousing
Great Lakes Shipping

Subtotal

Corporate and Other

Consolidated

$ 116.8
62.3
(192.7)
(34.7)
14.6

(33.7)

(21.2)
(31.7)
(.7)

(53.6)

$ 103.8
56.1
3.0
3.8
10.5

177.2

(16.0)
(30.6)
(1.9)

(48.5)

$

1995

90.7
36.7
30.3
3.2
10.8

$

1994

79.6
34.4
33.2
1.6
8.8

$

1993

74.4
34.5
30.2
2.5
10.2

171.7

157.6

151.8

(20.4)
(31.8)
(2.5)

(54.7)

(18.3)
(17.2)
(4.3)

(39.8)

(22.9)
(18.4)
(6.1)

(47.4)

$ (87.3)

$ 128.7

$ 117.0

$ 117.8

$ 104.4

$

1997

.9
17.0
13.1
(.1)

$

30.9

1997(B)

$

74.4
53.6
(115.6)
(37.6)
9.4

(15.8)
(35.1)

$

$

$

1996

2.9
13.6
11.9
—

28.4

1996

67.7
45.9
12.6
.9
6.8

$

$

$

1995

5.4
11.3
14.7
—

31.4

1995

62.9
32.6
31.0
.5
7.0

133.9
(31.2)

134.0
(33.2)

$

$

$

1994

4.7
5.6
12.2
—

22.5

1994

55.1
24.9
31.9
(.5)
5.6

117.0
(25.5)

$

$

$

1993

4.5
5.1
10.1
—

19.7

1993(C)

47.6
21.5
26.5
.1
6.8

102.5
(29.8)

$ (50.9)

$ 102.7

$ 100.8

$

91.5

$

72.7

(A) Pretax income includes a $224.8 million charge for restructuring with $185.8 million related to Terminals and Pipelines and $39.0 pertaining to 

Logistics and Warehousing.

(B) The after-tax impact related to the restructuring provision is $162.8 million with $123.8 included in Terminals and Pipelines and $39.0 pertaining 

to Logistics and Warehousing.

(C) Income shown includes a $7.3 million charge for the cumulative increase in deferred income taxes as a result of the 1993 federal tax rate change.

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 35

F I N A N C I A L   D ATA   O F   B U S I N E S S   S E G M E N TS   ( C O N T I N U E D )
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

The financial position data below present the identifiable asset base of each of GATX’s business segments
and the degree to which such assets have been financed with external sources of capital. GATX utilizes
additional assets, such as railcars, aircraft and warehouses, which are financed through off-balance sheet
operating leases and therefore are not included in identifiable assets; similarly, the corresponding financ-
ings are not included in long-term debt.

FINANCIAL POSITION (IN MILLIONS)

Identifiable Assets

Railcar Leasing and Management
Financial Services
Terminals and Pipelines
Logistics and Warehousing
Great Lakes Shipping

Subtotal

Corporate and Other
Intersegment Amounts

Consolidated

Long-Term Debt and 
Capital Lease Obligations

Railcar Leasing and Management
Financial Services
Terminals and Pipelines
Logistics and Warehousing
Great Lakes Shipping

Subtotal

Intersegment Amounts

Consolidated

Deferred Income Taxes (Benefit)

Railcar Leasing and Management
Financial Services
Terminals and Pipelines
Logistics and Warehousing
Great Lakes Shipping

Subtotal

Corporate and Other

Consolidated

1997

1996

1995

1994

1993

$2,376.2
2,275.8
936.7
112.1
178.0

5,878.8
22.8
(953.8)

$2,387.1
1,808.9
1,193.5
161.8
179.6

5,730.9
30.7
(1,011.4)

$2,041.9
1,503.3
1,101.5
171.6
187.2

5,005.5
21.9
(984.5)

$1,882.8
1,255.8
1,022.5
172.6
189.8

4,523.5
20.9
(893.7)

$1,701.0
1,240.1
872.5
172.8
194.5

4,180.9
25.0
(813.8)

$4,947.8

$4,750.2

$4,042.9

$3,650.7

$3,392.1

1997

1996

1995

1994

1993

$1,054.9
1,495.2
619.8
1.8
101.7

3,273.4
(454.0)

$1,169.9
1,216.1
649.1
1.9
108.0

3,145.0
(480.9)

$ 979.2
888.9
560.7
2.4
113.2

2,544.4
(451.9)

$   874.9
688.3
506.8
13.1
117.7

2,200.8
(395.7)

$ 744.8
715.3
422.8
17.1
122.6

2,022.6
(308.8)

$2,819.4

$2,664.1

$2,092.5

$1,805.1

$1,713.8

1997

1996

1995

1994

1993

$ 274.3
13.2
48.6
3.4
13.4

352.9
(55.3)

$ 257.9
17.8
96.1
2.1
11.3

385.2
(46.0)

$ 192.8
9.7
90.4
.5
9.7

303.1
(38.3)

$ 188.3
(.1)
85.2
.9
8.2

282.5
(25.0)

$ 181.0
(7.1)
87.0
.8
6.8

268.5
(20.3)

$ 297.6

$ 339.2

$ 264.8

$ 257.5

$ 248.2

35

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 36

F I N A N C I A L   D ATA   O F   B U S I N E S S   S E G M E N TS   ( C O N T I N U E D )
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

Major components of GATX’s cash flow are shown in the following tabular data. GATX’s cash flow from
operations and portfolio proceeds has grown strongly over the five-year period as a result of the long-lived
asset base on which GATX has built its service-oriented businesses. Portfolio proceeds represent the pro-
ceeds from asset sales and the return of principal on Financial Services’ investments. Net cash provided
by operating activities includes net income (loss) as adjusted for non-cash items which principally consist
of the provisions for depreciation and amortization, deferred income taxes, and possible losses.

ITEMS AFFECTING CASH FLOW (IN MILLIONS)

Cash From Operations and Portfolio Proceeds

Net cash provided by operating activities
Portfolio proceeds

Consolidated

1997

$291.4
458.7

$750.1

1996

$297.5
354.8

$652.3

1995

$205.1
282.0

$487.1

1994

$265.4
212.3

$477.7

1993

$229.6
243.4

$473.0

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

1997

1996

1995

1994

1993

Railcar Leasing and Management
Financial Services
Terminals and Pipelines
Logistics and Warehousing
Great Lakes Shipping

Subtotal

Corporate and Other

Consolidated

$ 176.8
57.4
69.3
11.9
21.5

336.9
(45.5)

$291.4

$177.4
102.2
54.0
17.2
8.9

359.7
(62.2)

$297.5

$141.5
8.5
70.6
14.3
18.1

253.0
(47.9)

$205.1

$118.0
67.7
83.5
9.5
8.2

286.9
(21.5)

$265.4

$136.5
33.0
71.2
4.9
11.4

257.0
(27.4)

$229.6

Provision for Depreciation and Amortization

1997

1996

1995

1994

1993

36

Railcar Leasing and Management
Financial Services
Terminals and Pipelines
Logistics and Warehousing
Great Lakes Shipping

Subtotal

Corporate and Other

Consolidated

$ 98.0
81.7
54.7
10.5
6.4

251.3
1.0

$252.3

$ 86.8
45.3
51.9
11.1
6.3

201.4
1.0

$202.4

$ 76.1
32.0
45.3
11.1
6.2

170.7
.9

$171.6

$ 68.3
35.1
43.5
11.5
6.0

164.4
.7

$165.1

$ 63.9
29.5
41.0
10.2
5.6

150.2
.5

$150.7

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 37

F I N A N C I A L   D ATA   O F   B U S I N E S S   S E G M E N T S   ( C O N T I N U E D )
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

Capital Additions and Portfolio Investments

1997

1996

1995

1994

1993

Railcar Leasing and Management
Financial Services
Terminals and Pipelines
Logistics and Warehousing
Great Lakes Shipping

Subtotal

Corporate and Other

Consolidated

Interest Expense

Railcar Leasing and Management
Financial Services
Terminals and Pipelines
Logistics and Warehousing
Great Lakes Shipping

Subtotal

Corporate and Other
Intersegment Amounts

Consolidated

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease 
Obligation Maturities

Railcar Leasing and Management
Financial Services
Terminals and Pipelines
Logistics and Warehousing
Great Lakes Shipping

Consolidated

$ 336.9
866.3
68.0
4.2
.2

1,275.6
—

$ 386.8
659.3
129.5
6.6
.8

1,183.0
1.8

$1,275.6

$1,184.8

1997

$ 103.7
96.8
57.2
.2
7.1

265.0
31.7
(74.3)

$

1996

99.4
86.1
53.5
.3
7.5

246.8
30.6
(74.6)

$392.6
388.5
148.6
6.4
.7

936.8
.9

$937.7

$285.4
279.2
154.4
8.1
.7

727.8
.5

$728.3

$195.3
302.1
77.8
14.1
.1

589.4
7.0

$596.4

1995

1994

1993

$ 86.1
68.4
46.4
.8
7.8

209.5
31.8
(71.2)

$ 68.2
62.7
39.7
1.0
8.1

179.7
17.2
(48.7)

$ 67.4
65.4
39.0
.7
9.2

181.7
18.4
(48.3)

$ 222.4

$ 202.8

$170.1

$148.2

$151.8

$

1998

81.4
216.1
9.3
.3
5.2

$

1999

86.0
188.3
12.3
.2
5.7

$ 312.3

$ 292.5

2000

2001

2002

$105.3
372.7
7.3
.2
5.7

$491.2

$ 99.0
122.7
7.3
.1
5.6

$234.7

$166.5
95.3
7.3
.1
6.2

$275.4

37

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 38

S T A T E M E N TS   O F   C O N S O L I D AT E D   O P E R A T I O N S   A N D   R E I N VEST E D   E A R N I N G S
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

In Millions Except Per Share Data/Year Ended December 31

1997

1996

1995

Gross Income
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses
Interest
Provision for depreciation and amortization
Provision for possible losses
Selling, general and administrative
Provision for restructuring

(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes and Equity in 

Net Earnings of Affiliated Companies

Income Taxes (Benefit)

(Loss) Income Before Equity in Net Earnings of 

Affiliated Companies

Equity in Net Earnings of Affiliated Companies

Net (Loss) Income
Reinvested earnings at beginning of year
Dividends paid on Common and Preferred Stock

$1,701.9

$1,414.4

$1,246.4

840.3
222.4
252.3
11.1
238.3
224.8
1,789.2

(87.3)
(5.5)

(81.8)
30.9

(50.9)
463.7
(49.4)

689.2
202.8
202.4
12.5
178.8
–

625.8
170.1
171.6
18.4
143.5
–

1,285.7

1,129.4

128.7
54.4

74.3
28.4

102.7
409.0
(48.0)

117.0
47.6

69.4
31.4

100.8
353.5
(45.3)

Reinvested Earnings at End of Year

$ 363.4

$ 463.7

$ 409.0

38

Per Share Data

Basic:

Net (loss) income
Average number of common shares (in thousands)

$ (2.55)
22,542

$

4.43
20,189

$

4.38
20,002

Diluted:

Net (loss) income
Average number of common shares and common

(2.55)

4.20

4.14

share equivalents (in thousands)

22,542

24,462

24,365

Dividends paid:
Common
$3.875 Cumulative Preferred

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

1.84
1.9375

1.72
3.875

1.60
3.875

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 39

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1 9 9 7   C O M PA R E D   T O   1 9 9 6
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

Overview The comparison of 1997 versus 1996 gross income and expenses is heavily influenced by the
effects of two acquisitions made in 1996: Centron and CGTX. In late 1996, GATX Capital acquired the
remaining 50% of Centron (a technology equipment and service company) that it did not already own. In
mid-1996, General American Transportation acquired the remaining 55% of CGTX (a Canadian railcar
company). Because GATX previously held non-controlling interests in Centron and CGTX, their results
were accounted for as equity in earnings of affiliates; they are now fully consolidated.

of $1.7 billion in 1997 increased $288 million or 20% over last year. Capital recorded a
Gross Income
full  year  of  Centron’s  technology  equipment  sales,  accounting  for  a  $171  million  increase  over  1996.
Lease income and asset remarketing income also increased significantly for Capital, by $50 million and
$26  million,  respectively.  Transportation’s  revenues  increased  as  the  result  of  recording  a  full  year  of
CGTX  revenues  and  growing  the  active  U.S.  fleet.  Logistics’  and  Terminals’  revenues  were  somewhat
lower, with both facing highly price competitive markets. 

Operating Expenses
of $840 million were $151 million higher than last year, with Centron’s cost of
equipment sales accounting for $137 million of the increase. Most of the remaining increase is attribut-
able to additional sale-leaseback financing at Transportation. To the extent that such financing is used
instead of traditional debt financing, operating lease expense, a component of operating expenses, will
increase instead of depreciation and interest expense. Logistics’ and Terminals’ operating expenses con-
tracted in response to their reduced revenues. 

of $222 million increased $20 million, with over half of the increase at GATX Capi-
Interest Expense
tal. A record level of portfolio investments led to increased debt balances at Capital, though there was a
small benefit from lower average interest rates than last year. Transportation financed its expanding fleet
in 1997 with both sale-leasebacks and debt; the debt-financed portion was the primary cause for a $6
million increase in interest expense. Terminals’ interest expense was higher due to the full year impact of
facility and infrastructure investments made in 1996. 

Depreciation and Amortization Expense
grew by $50 million over 1996. The larger asset bases at
GATX Capital, Transportation  and  Terminals  resulted  in  increases  of  $36 million,  $11  million, and  $3
million, respectively. 

The Provision for Possible Losses
slightly less than the prior year based on the current assessment of reserve needs.

of $11 million, which is largely attributable to GATX Capital, was

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses were $60 million higher than last year, with Centron
and CGTX being consolidated for a full year in 1997. In addition, GATX Capital incurred higher human
resource, transaction, and information systems expenses. In 1996, Corporate’s SG&A was reduced by $4
million for a reserve reversal following a successful litigation defense. 

Provision  for  Restructuring In  the  fourth  quarter  of  1997,  GATX  recorded  a  $225  million  pretax
restructuring charge with $186 million related to GATX Terminals and $39 million associated with GATX
Logistics. On an after-tax basis, the charge was $163 million.

An Income Tax Benefit
of $5 million was reported as a result of a $62 million tax benefit related to
Terminals’  restructuring  charge.  Excluding  the  impact  of  the  restructuring  charge,  the  income  tax
expense would be $57 million representing an effective tax rate of 41%, somewhat lower than last year’s
42%. The effective tax rate exceeded the 35% federal statutory rate because of state taxes, foreign income,
and non-deductible items.

of  $31  million  increased  $3  million  over  1996
Equity  in  Net  Earnings  of  Affiliated  Companies
despite the absence of Centron and CGTX. GATX Capital’s rail partnerships yielded higher earnings. In
addition, Capital recorded equity income in 1997 from three new joint ventures.

Consolidated  Earnings
of  $112  million  before  restructuring  charges  increased  $9  million  from  last
year, achieved on the strength of record earnings at GATX Capital, Transportation, ASC, and GATX Logis-
tics,  offset  in  part  by  a  decline  of  $4  million  at  Terminals.  Including  after-tax  restructuring  charges  of
$163 million, the consolidated net loss was $51 million.

39

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 40

C O N S O L I D AT E D   B A L A N C E   S H E E TS
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

In Millions/December 31

Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Receivables

Trade accounts
Finance leases
Secured loans
Less–Allowance for possible losses

Operating Lease Assets and Facilities

Railcars and support facilities
Tank storage terminals and pipelines
Great Lakes vessels
Operating lease investments and other

Less–Allowance for depreciation

Investments in Affiliated Companies
Other Assets

40

Liabilities, Deferred Items and Shareholders’ Equity
Accounts Payable
Accrued Expenses
Debt

Short-term debt
Long-term debt
Capital lease obligations

Deferred Income Taxes
Other Deferred Items

Total Liabilities and Deferred Items

Shareholders’ Equity
Preferred Stock
Common Stock
Additional capital
Reinvested earnings
Cumulative unrealized equity adjustments

Less–Cost of common shares in treasury

Total Shareholders’ Equity

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

1997

1996

$

77.8

$

46.2

161.9
877.0
180.3
(128.5)
1,090.7

2,501.7
1,128.9
199.4
704.4
4,534.4
(1,823.9)
2,710.5
707.4
361.4
$ 4,947.8

167.4
761.3
222.6
(121.1)
1,030.2

2,436.5
1,377.8
199.3
605.6
4,619.2
(1,772.8)
2,846.4
464.2
363.2
$ 4,750.2

$

354.7
58.0

$

312.6
51.7

392.5
2,607.3
212.1
3,211.9
297.6
370.2

4,292.4

—
17.0
339.7
363.4
(17.9)
702.2
(46.8)

243.8
2,436.9
227.2
2,907.9
339.2
363.9

3,975.3

3.4
14.4
329.0
463.7
11.4
821.9
(47.0)

655.4
$ 4,947.8

774.9
$ 4,750.2

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1 9 9 7   C O M PA R E D   TO   1 9 9 6
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

Overview Total assets of almost $5.0 billion increased about $200 million. Growth from a record level
of  portfolio  investments  and  capital  additions  was  partially  offset  by  $252  million  of  depreciation  and
amortization, asset revaluations at Terminals and Logistics, the $167 million sale-leaseback of railcars at
Transportation, and portfolio asset sales at GATX Capital.

In addition to the $5 billion of assets recorded on the balance sheet, GATX utilizes over $1 billion of
assets, such as railcars, aircraft, and warehouses, that are financed with operating leases and therefore not
included on the balance sheet.

Total Receivables
including finance leases and secured loans, increased $68 million primarily due to
activity at GATX Capital. Finance leases increased due to the Pitney Bowes portfolio acquisition, offset in
part by significant asset sales. During 1997, substantial payments and prepayments were received on Cap-
ital’s secured loans, whereas little new investment volume was structured as secured loans. 

Operating Lease Assets and Facilities
of $2.7 billion decreased by $136 million, despite the $1.3 bil-
lion of portfolio investments and capital additions made in 1997. More than offsetting the additions were
depreciation, Terminals’ asset revaluation, Transportation’s sale-leaseback, and asset sales. 

increased  $243  million,  as  partnerships  continued  to  be  an
Investments  in  Affiliated  Companies
important part of GATX’s growth strategy. Activity in 1997 included GATX Capital contributing $175 mil-
lion to a joint venture with Pitney Bowes and Transportation acquiring a 40% interest in KVG, a Euro-
pean railcar company.

Other Assets
goodwill write-down offset by certain terminal assets being reclassified to assets held for disposition. 

of $361 million approximated the level at the end of last year, with Logistics’ $39 million

Total Debt
of $3.2 billion increased approximately $300 million from the end of 1996. Though capital
additions and portfolio investments were at record levels, the majority were financed with internally-gen-
erated cash flow from operations, portfolio proceeds, and sale-leasebacks.

41

Consolidated Equity decreased $120 million. Reductions included the $51 million net loss, $49 mil-
lion of dividends paid, and a $28 million decrease in the cumulative foreign currency translation adjust-
ment. The unrealized translation adjustment resulted from the U.S. dollar strengthening against foreign
currencies. All other changes, including stock option proceeds, added $8 million to equity. 

On January 30, 1998, the GATX Board of Directors approved a two-for-one stock split effected in the form
of a stock dividend for shareholders of record on May 11, 1998. Shareholders of record will receive one
additional share in the form of a stock dividend on June 1, 1998 for each share held. The stock split is 
contingent upon a vote by shareholders at the 1998 Annual Meeting to amend the Company’s certificate of
incorporation to increase the authorized shares of Common Stock.

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 42

S T A T E M E N TS   O F   C O N S O L I D AT E D   C A S H   F LO W S
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

In Millions/Year Ended December 31

1997

1996

1995

Operating Activities
Net (loss) income
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash

provided by operating activities:

Realized gain on disposition of leased equipment
Provision for restructuring, net of tax
Provision for depreciation and amortization
Provision for possible losses
Deferred income taxes

Net change in trade receivables, inventories,
accounts payable and accrued expenses

Other

Net cash provided by operating activities

Investing Activities
Additions to operating lease assets and facilities
Additions to equipment on lease, net of 

nonrecourse financing
Secured loans extended
Investments in affiliated companies
Other investments and progress payments
Capital additions and portfolio investments
Portfolio proceeds:

From disposition of leased equipment
From return of investment

Total portfolio proceeds
Proceeds from other asset dispositions
Net cash used in investing activities

Financing Activities
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
Repayment of long-term debt
Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt
Repayment of capital lease obligations
Issuance of common stock under employee 

benefit programs and other

Cash dividends

Net cash provided by financing activities
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

$

(50.9)

$ 102.7

$ 100.8

(74.1)
162.8
252.3
11.1
18.0

34.9
(62.7)
291.4

(40.9)
–
202.4
12.5
25.2

30.2
(34.6)
297.5

(33.3)
–
171.6
18.4
16.2

(68.9)
.3
205.1

(362.0)

(436.2)

(521.5)

(536.4)
(35.1)
(306.1)
(36.0)
(1,275.6)

(376.3)
(117.1)
(92.8)
(162.4)
(1,184.8)

218.5
240.2
458.7
226.9
(590.0)

569.9
(395.2)
207.8
(15.3)

12.4
(49.4)
330.2
31.6

$

100.7
254.1
354.8
250.3
(579.7)

757.3
(283.3)
(121.1)
(14.4)

3.1
(48.0)
293.6
11.4

$

(256.1)
(84.1)
(49.7)
(26.3)
(937.7)

139.4
142.6
282.0
318.5
(337.2)

399.5
(219.6)
13.3
(13.8)

5.5
(45.3)
139.6
7.5

$

42

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GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

GATX  generates  significant  cash  from  its  operating  activities  and  proceeds  from  its  investment  portfolio
which are used to service debt, pay dividends, and fund capital additions and portfolio investments. Most of
the capital requirements represent additions to the railcar fleet, capital equipment investment portfolio, joint
ventures, and terminal and pipeline facilities, and are considered discretionary. As a result, the level of capi-
tal spending and investments can be adjusted as conditions in the economy or GATX’s businesses warrant.

Cash Provided by Operating Activities
generated $291 million of cash flow in 1997, a small decrease
from  1996.  The  $163  million  after  tax  restructuring  charge  was  largely  a  non-cash  provision.  To  the
extent GATX Capital reports increased gains on asset dispositions or equity in earnings of affiliates, cash
flow  from  operations  will  decrease,  as  all  of  Capital’s  disposition  proceeds  and  cash  distributions  from
affiliates are included in portfolio proceeds. 

totaled a record $1.3 billion, an increase of $91 million
Capital Additions and Portfolio Investments
from 1996. Capital additions such as railcars, terminal facilities, and pipelines are typically held over a very
long time period, whereas portfolio investments may have a significantly shorter holding period.

Transportation’s capital additions in 1997 were $337 million, including $275 million to add 4,800 railcars
throughout North America. Transportation also acquired a 40% interest in KVG, a German railcar com-
pany  that  leases  9,400  railcars  in  Europe.  In  1996,  Transportation  purchased  the  remaining  interest  in
CGTX for $84 million and added 4,300 cars to the U.S. fleet. Terminals’ capital additions decreased in
response to changing market conditions, with investments in 1997 only about half of last year’s $130 mil-
lion. Last year, Terminals’ expenditures included the completion of the Central Florida Pipeline expansion. 

GATX Capital’s portfolio investments were over 30% higher than last year, representing strong market
opportunities, particularly in the rail, technology, and aircraft sectors. Included in the record $866 million
of investments was the largest single transaction Capital has ever completed, a $368 million acquisition of
a portfolio of leases from Pitney Bowes. The Pitney transaction was structured with some assets, mostly
rail, held in Capital’s own portfolio and other assets held in partnership with Pitney. Sun Financial, one of
Capital’s technology financing operations, funded $225 million of leases, more than doubling 1996’s vol-
ume. Most of Capital’s investment in aircraft in 1997 was made through joint ventures. 

of $459 million exceeded last year by over $100 million. Proceeds from the
Total Portfolio Proceeds
disposition of leased equipment, primarily rail and aircraft assets, were more than double last year’s $101
million and included both the return of principal and the gains on the transactions. Proceeds from the
return of investment of $240 million decreased $14 million from 1996. In 1996, loan principal received,
a component of proceeds from the return of investment, included the repayment of an $81 million loan
made earlier in the year.

Proceeds from Other Asset Dispositions
of $227 million in 1997 included Transportation’s receipt of
$167 million from the sale-leaseback of railcars. Asset disposition activity also included Terminals’ sale of
its  Norco,  Louisiana,  facility  and  Transportation’s  sale  and  scrapping  of  over  1,000  railcars.  In  1996,
Transportation sold and leased back $150 million of railcars and GATX Capital sold and leased back $64
million of assets. 

43

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1 9 9 7   C O M PA R E D   TO   1 9 9 6   ( CONTI N U E D )
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

Cash Provided by Financing Activities was $330 million for 1997, as the majority of capital additions
and portfolio investments were funded with cash flow from operations, portfolio proceeds, and sale-lease-
back financing. Total net debt financing in 1997 was $367 million, or $29 million greater than last year. A
significant portion of debt financing is nonrecourse to the company. 

Cash dividends of $49 million in 1997 included $42 million of common dividends and $7 million of pre-
ferred dividends. The preferred dividends are half of last year’s due to converting the $3.875 preferred
shares to common in mid-1997. The conversion resulted in about 3.9 million additional common shares.
Common  dividends  per  share  were  $1.84  in  1997  compared  to  $1.72  in  1996.  In  January  1998,  the
Board of Directors approved a 9% increase in the quarterly dividend to $.50 per common share, or $2.00
on an annual basis. This was the thirteenth consecutive year GATX increased its dividend. 

Liquidity and Capital Resources General American Transportation Corporation (GATC), GATX Capi-
tal and GATX Terminals have revolving credit facilities. GATC and GATX Capital also have commercial
paper  programs  and  uncommitted  money  market  lines  which  are  used  to  fund  operating  needs.  The
GATC credit facility expires in 2001 while GATX Capital’s revolver expires in 1999. Under the covenants
of the commercial paper programs and rating agency guidelines, GATC and GATX Capital individually
must keep unused revolver capacity at least equal to the amount of commercial paper outstanding. At
December 31, 1997, GATX and its subsidiaries had available unused committed lines of credit amounting
to $447 million. 

GATC has a $650 million shelf registration for pass through trust certificates and debt securities of which
$100 million of notes and $236 million of pass through certificates have been issued at year end. GATX
Capital  has  a  shelf  registration  for  $532  million  of  which  $350  million  has  been  issued.  At  year  end,
GATX had $316 million of commitments to provide financing to customers or to acquire assets, $279 mil-
lion of which is scheduled to fund in 1998. 

At December 31, 1997, approximately $523 million of subsidiary net assets were restricted, limiting the
ability of the subsidiaries to transfer assets to GATX parent in the form of loans, advances or dividends.
The majority of net asset restrictions relate to the revolving credit agreement of GATC and the various
loan agreements of GATX Capital. Such restrictions are not expected to have an adverse impact on the
ability of GATX to meet its cash obligations. 

Environmental Matters Certain operations of GATX’s subsidiaries (collectively GATX) present poten-
tial environmental risks principally through the transportation or storage of various commodities. Recog-
nizing that some risk to the environment is intrinsic to its operations, GATX is committed to protecting
the  environment  as  well  as  complying  with  applicable  environmental  protection  laws  and  regulations.
GATX, as well as its competitors, is subject to extensive regulation under federal, state and local environ-
mental laws which have the effect of increasing the costs and potentially the liabilities associated with the
conduct  of  its  operations.  In  addition,  GATX’s  foreign  operations  are  subject  to  environmental  laws  in
effect in each respective jurisdiction. 

GATX’s policy is to monitor and actively address environmental concerns in a responsible manner. GATX has
received notices from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that it is a potentially responsible
party  (PRP)  for  study  and  clean-up  costs  at  12  sites  under  the  requirements  of  the  Federal  Comprehen-
sive  Environmental  Response,  Compensation  and  Liability  Act  of  1980  (Superfund)  and  the  National
Resource Damage Assessment. Under these Statutes and comparable state laws, GATX may be required to
share in the cost to clean-up various contaminated sites identified by the EPA and other agencies. In all
instances, GATX is one of a number of financially responsible PRPs and has been identified as contribut-
ing only a small percentage of the contamination at each of the sites. Due to various factors such as the
required level of remediation and participation in clean-up efforts by others, GATX’s total clean-up costs
at  these  sites  cannot  be  predicted  with  certainty;  however,  GATX’s  best  estimates  for  remediation  and
restoration of these sites have been determined and are included in its environmental reserves. 

Future environmental costs are indeterminable due to unknowns such as the magnitude of possible conta-
mination, the timing and extent of the corrective actions that may be required, the determination of the

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1 9 9 7   C O M PA R E D   TO   1 9 9 6   ( CONTI N U E D )
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

company’s liability in proportion to other responsible parties, and the extent to which such costs are recov-
erable from third parties including insurers. Also, GATX may incur additional costs relating to facilities and
sites where past operations followed practices and procedures that were considered acceptable at the time
but  in  the  future  may  require  investigation  and/or  remedial  work  to  ensure  adequate  protection  to  the 
environment  under  current  or  future  standards.  If  future  laws  and  regulations  contain  more  stringent
requirements  than  presently  anticipated,  expenditures  may  be  higher  than  the  estimates,  forecasts,  and
assessments of potential environmental costs provided below. However, these costs are expected to be at
least equal to the current level of expenditures. In addition, GATX has provided indemnities for environ-
mental issues to the buyers of three divested companies for which GATX believes it has adequate reserves.

GATX’s environmental reserve at the end of 1997 was $75 million and reflects GATX’s best estimate of
the cost to remediate known environmental conditions. Additions to the reserve were $11 million in 1997
and $12 million in 1996. Expenditures charged to the reserve amounted to $14 million and $18 million
in 1997 and 1996, respectively. 

In 1997, GATX made capital expenditures of $13 million for environmental and regulatory compliance
compared to $17 million in 1996. These projects included marine vapor recovery systems, discharge pre-
vention compliance, waste water systems, impervious dikes, tank modifications for emissions control, and
tank car cleaning systems. Environmental projects authorized or planned would require capital expendi-
tures  of  approximately  $14  million  in  1998.  GATX  anticipates  it  will  make  annual  expenditures  at
approximately the same level over each of the next three years.

Impact of Year 2000 GATX utilizes in-house developed software as well as vendor-produced software.
Certain of the computer software GATX uses was written using two digits rather than four to define the
applicable  year.  This  software  is  time-sensitive,  which  could  cause  a  system  failure  or  miscalculations
causing disruptions of operations, including, among other things, a temporary inability to process transac-
tions, send invoices, or engage in similar normal business activities. 

GATX has completed an assessment and has begun modifying and replacing its in-house developed soft-
ware as well as upgrading its vendor-supported software so that its computer systems will function prop-
erly  with  respect  to  dates  in  the  year  2000  and  thereafter.  If  these  steps  were  not  taken,  or  are  not
completed timely, the Year 2000 Issue could have a significant impact on the operations of the Company. 

The project is estimated to be completed during 1999, which is prior to any anticipated impact on its
operating systems. The Company believes that with modifications to existing software, upgrading vendor-
supported  software,  and  conversions  to  new  software,  the  Year  2000  Issue  should  not  pose  significant
operational problems. The total Year 2000 project cost is estimated to be immaterial to GATX’s results of
operations. 

45

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46

N O TE S   TO   C O N S O L I D AT E D   F I N A N C I A L   STATE M E N TS
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

Financial data of business segments for 1997, 1996, and 1995 on pages 34 through 37 are an integral part
of the consolidated financial statements of GATX Corporation and subsidiaries.

NOTE A–SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Significant accounting policies of GATX and its consolidated subsidiaries are discussed below.

Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of GATX and its majority-
owned subsidiaries. Investments in 20 to 50 percent-owned companies and joint ventures are accounted
for under the equity method and are shown as investments in affiliated companies. Less than 20 percent-
owned affiliated companies are recorded using the cost method.

Cash Equivalents GATX considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less
when purchased to be cash equivalents. 

Operating Lease Assets and Facilities Operating lease assets and facilities are stated principally at cost.
Assets acquired under capital leases are included in operating lease assets and the related obligations are
recorded as liabilities. Provisions for depreciation include the amortization of the cost of capital leases
and are computed by the straight-line method which results in equal annual depreciation charges over
the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives of depreciable assets are as follows:

Railcars
Buildings, leasehold improvements, storage tanks, and pipelines
Great Lakes vessels
Machinery and related equipment
Operating lease investments

20-33 years
5-40 years
30-40 years
3-25 years
3-38 years

Goodwill GATX has classified the cost in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired as goodwill.
Goodwill, which is included in other assets, is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 10 to 40 years.
GATX continually evaluates the existence of goodwill impairment on the basis of whether the goodwill is
recoverable  from  projected  undiscounted  net  cash  flows  of  the  related  business,  and  in  that  regard
adjusted certain carrying amounts in 1997, as is explained in Note P. Goodwill, net of accumulated amor-
tization of $28.5 million and $30.4 million, was $118.7 million and $167.4 million as of December 31,
1997 and 1996, respectively. Amortization expense was $6.7 million in 1997, $5.3 million in 1996, and
$4.2 million in 1995. 

Income Taxes United States income taxes have not been provided on the undistributed earnings of for-
eign subsidiaries and affiliates which GATX intends to permanently reinvest in these foreign operations.
The cumulative amount of such earnings was $169.7 million at December 31, 1997.

GATX participates in a Capital Construction Fund agreement with the United States Maritime Adminis-
tration. Contributions to the Fund reduce taxable income and the tax basis of the related vessels. Deferred
taxes are not required to be provided for such contributions and, consequently, income taxes in future
years will increase if not offset by additional deposits. Based on current statutory rates, such income tax
liability would be $2.1 million at December 31, 1997.

Other Deferred Items Other deferred items include the accrual for postretirement benefits other than
pensions; environmental, general liability and workers’ compensation reserves; and other deferred credits.

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments GATX uses interest rate and currency swaps, forwards and
similar contracts to set interest and exchange rates on existing or anticipated transactions. These instru-
ments  qualify  for  hedge  accounting.  Fair  values  of  GATX’s  off-balance  sheet  financial  instruments
(futures, swaps, forwards, options, guarantees, and lending and purchase commitments) are based on cur-
rent market prices, settlement values or fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements. The fair
values of the hedge contracts are not recognized in the financial statements. Net amounts paid or received
on such contracts are recognized over the term of the contract as an adjustment to interest expense or the
basis of the hedged financial instrument.

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GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

Environmental  Liabilities Expenditures  that  relate  to  current  or  future  operations  are  expensed  or
capitalized as appropriate. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations,
and  which  do  not  contribute  to  current  or  future  revenue  generation,  are  charged  to  environmental
reserves. Reserves are recorded in accordance with accounting guidelines to cover work at identified sites
when  GATX’s  liability  for  environmental  clean-up  is  both  probable  and  reasonably  estimable;  adjust-
ments to initial estimates are recorded as further information develops or circumstances change. 

Revenue  Recognition  The majority of GATX’s gross income is derived from the rentals of railcars,
commercial aircraft, Great Lakes vessels, and technology equipment as well as terminaling, warehousing
and  logistics  services.  In  addition,  income  is  derived  from  technology  equipment  sales,  finance  leases,
asset remarketing, secured loans and other services.

Foreign  Currency  Translation The  assets  and  liabilities  of  GATX  operations  located  outside  the
United States are translated at exchange rates in effect at year end, and income statements are translated
at the average exchange rates for the year. Gains or losses resulting from the translation of foreign cur-
rency financial statements are deferred and recorded as a separate component of consolidated sharehold-
ers’ equity. The cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment recorded in the cumulative unrealized
equity adjustments account was $(22.5) million and $5.8 million at the end of 1997 and 1996, respec-
tively. Incremental unrealized translation losses were $28.3 million, $7.6 million, and $6.9 million, during
1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

Investments in Equity Securities Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, “Accounting
for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” was adopted in 1996 to account for the fair value
of  stock  warrants  and  stock  held  in  Financial  Services’  venture  leasing  portfolio.  The  unrealized  gains
recorded in the cumulative unrealized equity adjustments account were $4.6 million at the end of 1997
and $5.6 million at the end of 1996. 

Use  of  Estimates The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  generally  accepted
accounting principles necessarily requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements as well as revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual amounts
when ultimately realized could differ from those estimates.

Earnings Per Share
In 1997, GATX adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128,
“Earnings  Per  Share,”  which  requires  the  disclosure  of  “basic”  and  “diluted”  EPS,  superseding  prior
periods’  “primary”  and  “fully  diluted”  EPS,  respectively.  Basic  EPS  is  calculated  as  net  income  (loss)
available  to  common  shareholders,  adjusted  for  preferred  dividends,  divided  by  the  weighted  average
number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is calculated as net income (loss) divided by the sum
of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and common stock equivalents. Common
stock equivalents include shares issuable upon exercise of employee stock options (reduced by the num-
ber of shares assumed to be repurchased by the option proceeds) and also assumes all preferred stock has
been converted into common shares if the effect of such conversion is not antidilutive. 

All prior periods have been restated to conform to Statement No. 128. The restatement of 1996 and 1995
primary EPS to basic EPS resulted in increases of $.06 and $.08 per share, respectively. The restatement
of 1996 and 1995 fully diluted EPS to diluted EPS resulted in an increase of $.01 per share for each year. 

Reclassifications Certain amounts in the 1996 and 1995 financial statements have been reclassified to
conform to the 1997 presentation.

47

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GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

NOTE B–ACCOUNTING FOR LEASES
The following information pertains to GATX as a lessor:

Finance Leases GATX’s finance leases include direct financing leases and leveraged leases. Financing
leases which are financed principally with nonrecourse borrowings at lease inception and which meet cer-
tain criteria are accounted for as leveraged leases. Leveraged lease contracts receivable are stated net of
the related nonrecourse debt. The components of the investment in finance leases were (in millions): 

December 31

Net minimum future lease receivables
Estimated residual values

Less–Unearned income

Investment in finance leases

1997

1996

$ 773.6
415.9

1,189.5
(312.5)

$ 877.0

$ 679.4
359.0

1,038.4
(277.1)

$ 761.3

Operating Leases The majority of railcar and tank storage assets and certain other equipment leases
included in operating lease assets are accounted for as operating leases.

Minimum Future Receipts Minimum future lease receipts from finance leases and minimum future
rental receipts from noncancelable operating leases by year at December 31, 1997 were (in millions):

48

1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
Years thereafter

Finance Leases

Operating Leases

Total

$184.9
145.0
120.4
86.9
61.2
175.2

$773.6

$  678.3
511.2
357.4
223.0
129.5
329.8

$2,229.2

$ 863.2
656.2
477.8
309.9
190.7
505.0

$3,002.8

The following information pertains to GATX as a lessee:

Capital Leases Assets classified as operating lease assets and finance leases which have been financed
under capital leases were (in millions):

December 31

Railcars
Great Lakes vessels

Less–Allowance for depreciation

Finance leases

1997

$ 152.0
159.5

311.5
(173.5)

138.0
9.9

1996

$ 152.2
159.5

311.7
(162.6)

149.1
12.4

$ 147.9

$ 161.5

Operating  Leases GATX  has  financed  railcars,  aircraft,  warehouses,  and  other  assets  through  sale-
leasebacks which are accounted for as operating leases. In addition, GATX leases certain other assets and
office  facilities.  Total  rental  expense,  net  of  sublease  income,  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  1997,
1996 and 1995 was $186.5 million, $170.2 million, and $139.7 million, respectively. Sublease income
was $5.1 million, $6.9 million, and $8.2 million in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively.

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GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

Future Minimum Rental Payments Future minimum rental payments due under noncancelable leases
at December 31, 1997 were (in millions):

1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
Years thereafter

Less—Amounts representing interest

Present value of future minimum capital lease payments

Capital Leases

Operating Leases

$ 32.1
32.0
31.5
30.7
30.3
184.9

$341.5
(129.4)

$212.1

$   160.9
143.6
128.3
114.8
116.6
1,378.6

$2,042.8

Nonrecourse
Operating
Leases

$ 8.6
10.5
14.2
14.2
11.9
207.3

$266.7

The above capital lease amounts and certain operating leases do not include the costs of licenses, taxes,
insurance,  and  maintenance  which  GATX  is  required  to  pay.  Future  minimum  operating  lease  payments
have not been reduced by aggregate future noncancelable sublease rentals of $6.6 million. Subsequent to
the initial lease term, the majority of railcar operating leases allow GATC to renew the lease at a fixed rate or
purchase the railcar at fair market value. Interest expense on the above capital leases was $17.6 million in
1997, $19.1 million in 1996, and $20.1 million in 1995.

The amounts shown as nonrecourse operating leases reflect rental payments of a bankruptcy remote spe-
cial purpose corporation which is wholly owned by GATC. These rentals are consolidated for accounting
purposes but are not guaranteed by nor are legal obligations of GATC. 

NOTE C–SECURED LOANS
Investments in secured loans are stated at the principal amount outstanding plus accrued interest. The
loans are collateralized by equipment, golf courses or real estate. As of December 31, 1997, secured loan
principal due by year was as follows (in millions):

1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
Years thereafter

Loan 
Principal

$ 22.4
19.7
18.4
12.7
18.0
89.1

$180.3

NOTE D–INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATED COMPANIES
GATX has investments in 25 to 50 percent-owned companies and joint ventures which are accounted for
using the equity method. These domestic and foreign investments are in businesses similar to those of
GATX’s principal subsidiaries. Cash distributions received from affiliates were $71.6 million, $36.4 mil-
lion, and $37.9 million, in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively. These distributions reflect both operating
results and return of principal.

49

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GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

For all affiliated companies held at the end of a year, operating results, as if GATX held 100 percent inter-
est, were (in millions):

For The Year

Revenues
Net income

1997

$505.7
74.4

1996

$360.9
57.2

1995

$526.8
78.8

For all affiliated companies held at the end of a year, summarized balance sheet data, as if GATX held 100
percent interest, were (in millions):

December 31

Total assets
Long-term liabilities
Other liabilities

Shareholders’ equity

1997

1996

$3,199.1
910.3
607.3

$1,681.5

$2,229.3
891.7
179.9

$1,157.7

NOTE E–FOREIGN OPERATIONS
GATX has a number of investments in subsidiary and affiliated companies which are located in or derive
income from foreign countries. Foreign entities contribute significantly to equity in net earnings of affili-
ated companies. The foreign identifiable assets represent investments in affiliated companies as well as
fully consolidated assets for a Canadian railcar subsidiary, a Mexican railcar operation, and foreign lease
and loan investments.

50

Gross Income (In Millions)

Foreign
United States

(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes And Equity In Net Earnings 
Of Affiliated Companies (In Millions)

Foreign
United States

Equity In Net Earnings Of Affiliated Companies (In Millions)

Foreign
United States

Identifiable Assets (In Millions)

Foreign
United States

1997

1996

1995

$ 188.8
1,513.1

$1,701.9

$ 112.5
1,301.9

$1,414.4

1997

1996

$ (55.3)
(32.0)

$ (87.3)

$

$

1997

21.6
9.3

30.9

1997

$ 848.2
4,099.6

$4,947.8

$

4.1
124.6

$ 128.7

$

$

1996

20.3
8.1

28.4

1996

$ 872.4
3,877.8

$4,750.2

$

71.5
1,174.9

$1,246.4

1995

$ 3.3
113.7

$117.0

1995

$26.6
4.8

$31.4

1995

$ 516.8
3,526.1

$4,042.9

Foreign cash flows generated are used to meet local operating needs and for reinvestment. The translation
of the foreign balance sheets into U.S. dollars results in an unrealized foreign currency translation adjust-
ment, a component of the cumulative unrealized equity adjustments account.

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GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

NOTE F–SHORT-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT
Short-term debt and its weighted average interest rate as of year end were (in millions): 

December 31

– – – – – – – – –1997– – – – – – – – –

– – – – – – – – –1996– – – – – – – – –

Commercial paper
Other short-term borrowings

Amount

$153.8
238.7

$392.5

Rate

6.34%
6.45%

Amount

$ 21.0
222.8

$243.8

Rate

5.82%
6.11%

Under a revolving credit agreement with a group of banks, GATC may borrow up to $300.0 million. The
revolving  credit  agreement  contains  various  restrictive  covenants  which  include,  among  other  things,
minimum net worth, restrictions on additional indebtedness, and requirements to maintain certain finan-
cial ratios for GATC. Under the agreement, GATC met these requirements at December 31, 1997. While 
at year end no borrowings were outstanding under the agreement, the available line of credit was reduced
by $26.6 million of commercial paper outstanding. GATC had borrowings of $125.3 million under un-
secured  money  market  lines  at  December  31,  1997.  CGTX,  GATC’s  Canadian  subsidiary,  had  bankers
acceptances and other short-term borrowings of $55.2 million Canadian dollars at December 31, 1997. 

GATX Capital and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Sun Financial and Centron, have commitments under 
credit agreements with a group of banks for revolving credit loans totaling $373.0 million of which $173.4
million was available at December 31, 1997; the commitment has $199.6 million of outstanding commer-
cial paper and bankers acceptances. GATX Capital’s primary credit agreement contains various covenants
which include, among other things, minimum net worth, restrictions on dividends, and requirements to
maintain certain financial ratios. At December 31, 1997, such covenants limited GATX Capital’s ability to
transfer net assets to GATX to no more than $58.8 million.

Interest expense on short-term debt was $24.0 million in 1997, $26.2 million in 1996, and $19.4 million
in 1995.

NOTE G–LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt (in millions) and the range of interest rates as of the end of 1997 were:

Variable rate:
Term notes
Nonrecourse obligations

Fixed rate:

Term notes
Nonrecourse obligations
Industrial revenue bonds
Title XI bonds

Interest Rates

Final
Maturity

December 31
1997

December 31
1996

5.931%-8.625%
6.6875%-7.5%

1998-2002
2000-2002

5.4%-10.875%
5.76%-9.25%
6.625%-7.3%
—

1998-2012
1998-2013
2019-2024
—

$

67.5
44.6

112.1

2,043.7
363.6
87.9
—

2,495.2

$

72.1
50.2

122.3

1,952.3
272.8
87.9
1.6

2,314.6

$2,607.3

$2,436.9

Maturities of GATX’s long-term debt as of December 31, 1997 for each of the years 1998 through 2002
were (in millions):

1998
1999
2000
2001
2002

Long-Term Debt

$297.0
276.0
473.7
216.8
256.2

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GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

At  December  31,  1997,  certain  technology  assets,  facilities,  aircraft,  vessels  and  warehouse  equipment
with a net carrying value of $449.4 million were pledged as collateral for $354.5 million of notes and
bonds.

Interest cost incurred on long-term debt, net of capitalized interest, was $180.8 million in 1997, $157.5
million in 1996, and $130.6 million in 1995. Interest cost capitalized as part of the cost of construction of
major assets was $2.5 million in 1997, $6.8 million in 1996, and $6.2 million in 1995. 

NOTE H–OFF-BALANCE SHEET FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
In  the  ordinary  course  of  business,  GATX  utilizes  off-balance  sheet  financial  instruments  to  manage
financial market risk, including interest rate and foreign exchange risk.

At December 31, 1997 GATX had the following off-balance sheet financial instruments (in millions):

Interest Rate Swaps

Notional Amount

Pay Rate/Index

Receive Rate/Index

Maturity

GATX pays fixed, receives floating
GATX pays floating, receives fixed

$752.6
690.0

5.097-7.585%
LIBOR

LIBOR
5.27-7.646%

1998-2001
1998-2006

Currency Swaps

Canadian dollar swaps
Deutschemark swap

Receive

$146.2
$ 40.5

Deliver 

Maturity

C$198.5
72.5DM

2001-2011
2002

GATX had the following interest rate hedge activity (in millions):

52

Interest Rate Swaps

Balance at January 1, 1996
Additions
Maturities

Balance at December 31, 1996
Additions
Maturities

Balance at December 31, 1997

Pay Fixed

Pay Floating

$ 805.5
442.4
(340.0 )

$ 907.9
44.7
(200.0 )

$ 752.6

$1,045.0
137.0
(45.0 )

$1,137.0
—
(447.0 )

$ 690.0

GATX uses interest rate swaps and forwards to manage its assets and liabilities, to convert floating rate
debt to fixed rate debt (or fixed to floating) and to manage interest rate risk associated with the antici-
pated issuance of debt. At GATC, interest rate swaps are utilized to better match the cash flow characteris-
tics of its debt portfolio and its railcar leases. Railcar assets are financed with long-term fixed rate debt or
through sale-leasebacks. However, the railcar assets are placed on lease with average new lease terms of
five years; the average renewal term is three years. Rents are fixed over these lease terms. Interest rate
swaps  effectively  convert  GATC’s  long-term  fixed  rate  debt  to  fixed  rate  debt  with  maturities  of  three
months to three years. Through the swap program, changes in GATC’s interest expense are expected to
better  reflect  changes  in  railcar  lease  rates.  Also,  GATX  Capital  uses  interest  rate  swaps  in  addition  to
commercial  paper  and  floating  rate  medium-term  notes  to  match  fund  its  floating  rate  lease  and  loan
portfolio with floating rate borrowings. 

In its swaps, GATX agrees to exchange, at specific intervals, the difference between fixed and floating rate
interest amounts calculated on an agreed upon notional principal amount. The swaps have in effect con-
verted $752.6 million of long-term fixed rate debt into 1-3 year fixed rate debt. 

The net amount payable or receivable from the interest rate swap agreements is accrued as an adjustment
to interest expense. The fair value of its interest rate swap agreements is an estimate of the amount the
company would receive or pay to terminate those agreements. At December 31, 1997, GATX would have
received $14.6 million if the swaps were terminated; GATX would have paid $12.8 million if the swaps
were terminated at December 31, 1996.

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GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

GATX has entered into currency swaps to hedge $146.2 million in debt obligations at its Canadian sub-
sidiaries and $40.5 million in debt obligations at its German subsidiary. The fair market value of its cur-
rency swap agreements is an estimate of the amount the company would receive or pay to terminate those
agreements. At December 31, 1997, GATX would have received $10.9 million if the swaps were termi-
nated; GATX would have paid $5.9 million if the swaps were terminated at December 31, 1996.

In the event that a counterparty fails to meet the terms of the interest rate swap agreement or a foreign
exchange contract, GATX’s exposure is limited to the interest rate or currency differential. GATX manages
the credit risk of counterparties by dealing only with institutions that the company considers financially
sound and by avoiding concentrations of risk with a single counterparty. GATX considers the risk of non-
performance to be remote.

NOTE I–FAIR VALUE OF OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of GATX’s financial instru-
ments that are recorded on the balance sheet. SFAS No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial
Instruments,”  defines  the  fair  value  of  a  financial  instrument  as  the  amount  at  which  the  instrument
could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties.

December 31 

(In Millions):

Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents
Trade accounts receivables
Secured loans 

Liabilities:

Accounts payable
Short-term debt
Long-term debt–variable
Long-term debt–fixed

– – – – – – – – – – –1997– – – – – – –

– – – – – – – – – –1996– – – – – – – –

Carrying
Amount

$

77.8
161.9
180.3

354.7
392.5
112.1
2,495.2

Fair
Value

Carrying
Amount

$

77.8
161.9
183.6

354.7
392.5
112.1
2,592.3

$

46.2
167.4
222.6

312.6
243.8
122.3
2,314.6

Fair
Value

$ 46.2
167.4
219.4

312.6
243.8
122.3
2,405.7

53

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial
instruments:

For  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  trade  receivables,  accounts  payable,  and  short-term  debt,  the  carrying
amount approximates fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments.

The  carrying  amount  of  secured  loan  investments  is  stated  at  the  principal  amount  outstanding  plus
accrued interest. The fair value of variable rate loans is assumed to be equal to their recorded amounts.
The fair value of fixed rate loans is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, at interest rates cur-
rently offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. 

The  carrying  amount  of  variable  rate  long-term  debt  reported  in  the  balance  sheet  approximates  fair
value. The fair value of fixed rate long-term debt was estimated by performing a discounted cash flow cal-
culation using the note term and market interest rate for each note based on GATX’s current incremental
borrowing rates for similar borrowing arrangements.

NOTE J–PENSION BENEFITS
GATX  and  its  subsidiaries,  exclusive  of  GATX  Logistics,  Sun  Financial  and  Centron,  maintain  several
noncontributory defined benefit pension plans (the “pension plans”) covering substantially all employees.
Benefits payable under the pension plans are based on years of service and/or final average salary. The
funding policy for the pension plans is based on an actuarially determined cost method allowable under
Internal Revenue Service regulations.

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GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

Significant assumptions used in accounting for the Corporation’s defined benefit plans were:

Discount rate
Expected long-term rate of return on assets
Rate of increase in compensation levels 

1997

1996-1995

7.75%
8.75%
5.0%

7.75%
8.75%
5.5%

Pension  expense  was  determined  based  on  the  funds’  status  at  the  beginning  of  the  year.  Termination
expense was recognized in 1997 as the result of a facility sale. The components of net pension expense
were (in millions):

For The Year

Service cost of benefits earned during the period
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
Actual gain on plan assets
Net amortization and deferral
Net termination expense

Net periodic pension cost

1997

$ 6.6
21.5
(46.8)
24.1
2.5

$ 7.9

1996

$ 6.5
20.3
(33.3)
11.2
—

$ 4.7

1995

$ 6.0
19.9
(49.7)
28.6
—

$ 4.8

The  projected  benefit  obligation  was  determined  based  on  the  funded  status  at  year  end.  The  funded 
status  of  the  defined  benefit  plans  and  the  amounts  recognized  in  GATX’s  consolidated  balance  sheet
were (in millions):

December 31

1997

1996

54

Actuarial present value of benefit obligation:
Accumulated benefit obligation —vested

—nonvested

Effects of projected future compensation increases

Projected benefit obligation
Plan assets at fair market value, primarily listed stocks and bonds

Plan assets in excess of projected benefit obligation

Unrecognized net gain from past experience different from that assumed
Unrecognized net asset from transition to new pension accounting standard
Unrecognized prior service cost

Net prepaid pension cost included in balance sheet

$232.4
4.8

237.2
38.9

276.1
299.1

$ 23.0
(25.7)
(.3)
3.1

$

.1

$230.2
7.2

237.4
37.3

274.7
290.7

$ 16.0
(15.1)
(.4)
4.1

$ 4.6

In addition to contributions to its defined benefit pension plans, GATX makes contributions to the multi-
employer pension plans  of  various  unions.  Further,  GATX and  its  subsidiaries maintain several 401(k)
retirement  plans  which  are  available  to  substantially  all  salaried  and  certain  other  employee  groups.
GATX may contribute to the plans as defined by their respective terms. The contributions to such plans
were (in millions):

For The Year

Contributions to GATX’s pension plans
Contributions to multiemployer pension plans
Contributions to 401(k) plans

1997

$ 4.4
1.8
4.0

1996

$ 6.2
2.0
3.6

1995

$ 4.4
1.9
3.2

NOTE K–POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS
GATX  provides  health  care,  life  insurance  and  other  benefits  for  certain  retired  employees  who  meet
established criteria. Most domestic employees are eligible for health care and life insurance benefits if
they retire from GATX with immediate pension benefits under the GATX pension plan. The plans are
either contributory or non-contributory, depending on various factors. A discount rate of 7.75% was used
to determine the expense (net periodic postretirement benefit cost) and liability (accrued postretirement
benefit liability) for all years presented below. 

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N O TE S   TO   C O N S O L I D AT E D   F I N A N C I A L   STATE M E N TS   ( CONTI N U E D )
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

Net periodic postretirement benefit cost, which for 1997 reflects termination expense for a facility sale,
included the following components (in millions):

For The Year

Current service cost
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
Net amortization and deferral
Net termination expense

Net periodic postretirement benefit cost

1997 

$ .5)
5.1)
(.5)
1.1)

$ 6.2)

1996

$ .6)
5.3)
(.5)
—)

$ 5.4)

1995

$ .5)
5.4)
(.4)
—)

$ 5.5)

The  accrued  postretirement  benefit  liability,  part  of  Other  Deferred  Items  on  GATX’s  balance  sheet,
included the following components (in millions):

December 31

1997

1996

Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:

Retirees
Fully eligible active plan participants
Other active plan participants

Total accumulated postretirement benefits obligation
Unrecognized gain

Accrued postretirement benefit liability

$ 59.5
3.1
6.2

68.8
13.2

$ 82.0

$ 60.4
3.1
6.8

70.3
13.7

$ 84.0

The health care cost trend rate assumption has a significant effect on the amount of the periodic cost and
obligation reported. The trend rate currently assumed for participants under age 65 is 6.0% in 1997 and
thereafter. For participants age 65 and older, the assumed trend rate is 5.0% in 1997 and after. An increase
in the assumed health care cost trend rates by 1% would increase the net periodic postretirement benefit
cost by $.6 million per year, and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by $4.0 million.

55

NOTE L–INCOME TAXES
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts
of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. 

Significant components of GATX’s deferred tax liabilities and assets were (in millions):

December 31 

Deferred tax liabilities:

Book/tax basis differences due to depreciation 
Leveraged leases 
Lease accounting (other than leveraged) 
Other 

Total deferred tax liabilities 

Deferred tax assets:

Alternative minimum tax credit 
Accruals not currently deductible for tax purposes 
Allowance for possible losses 
Postretirement benefits other than pensions 
Other 

Total deferred tax assets 

Net deferred tax liabilities 

1997

1996

$343.2
52.4
44.6
52.3

492.5

54.0
52.5
47.7
28.2
12.5

194.9

$297.6

$378.4
67.7
45.0
48.2

539.3

58.7
54.2
44.8
28.8
13.6

200.1

$339.2

At December 31, 1997, GATX had an alternative minimum tax credit of $54.0 million that can be carried
forward indefinitely to reduce future regular tax liabilities.

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N O TE S   TO   C O N S O L I D AT E D   F I N A N C I A L   STATE M E N TS   ( CONTI N U E D )
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

GATX and its United States subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. Amounts shown as
Current - Federal represent taxes payable as determined by the Alternative Minimum Tax. Included in
1997’s total deferred tax credit is a $56.5 million deferred tax benefit resulting from Terminals’ $185.8
million pretax restructuring charge. Income taxes consisted of (in millions):

For The Year

Current–

Domestic:
Federal
State and local

Foreign

Deferred–

Domestic:
Federal
State and local

Foreign

Income tax (benefit) expense

Income taxes paid

1997

1996

1995

$ 28.0
1.1

29.1
3.9

33.0

(45.6)
.4

(45.2)
6.7

(38.5)

$ (5.5)

$ 35.5

$ 24.4
2.4

26.8
2.4

29.2

18.9
4.9

23.8
1.4

25.2

$ 54.4

$ 33.6

$ 27.9
4.6

32.5
(1.1)

31.4

10.3
3.0

13.3
2.9

16.2

$ 47.6

$ 33.9

56

The reasons for the difference between GATX’s effective income tax rate and the federal statutory income
tax rate were:

For The Year

Federal statutory income tax rate
Add (deduct) effect of:

Corporate owned life insurance
State income taxes
1997 restructuring charges
Foreign income
Goodwill amortization
Minority interest
Other

Effective income tax rate

(A) Before restructuring charges

1997

35.0%

2.6
(5.6)
(19.0)
(2.4)
(2.0)
(.4)
(1.9)

6.3%

1997(A)

35.0%

(1.7)
3.6
—
1.5
1.3
.3
1.1

1996

35.0%

(2.0)
3.6
—
1.7
1.1
.3
2.6

1995

35.0%

(4.5)
4.1
—
1.3
1.1
2.1
1.6

41.1%

42.3%

40.7%

NOTE M–SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
GATX’s Certificate of Incorporation has authorized 60,000,000 shares of common stock at a par value of
$.625  per  share  and  5,000,000  shares  of  preferred  stock  at  $1.00  per  share.  Shares  of  preferred  stock
issued and outstanding consist of Series A and B $2.50 Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock.

Holders of both series of $2.50 Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled to receive a cumula-
tive  annual  cash  dividend  of  $2.50  per  share.  Each  share  of  such  preferred  stock  may  be  called  for
redemption by GATX at $63 per share, has a liquidating value of $60 per share, and may be converted
into 2.5 shares of common stock.

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N O TE S   TO   C O N S O L I D AT E D   F I N A N C I A L   STATE M E N TS   ( CONTI N U E D )
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

A total of 2,463,674 shares of common stock were reserved at December 31, 1997, for the following:

Conversion of outstanding preferred stock
Incentive compensation programs
Employee service awards

Shares 

65,913
2,379,261
18,500

2,463,674

Holders of $2.50 Convertible Preferred Stock and Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share
held. Except in certain instances, all such classes vote together as a single class. 

During 1997, GATX called for redemption all the outstanding shares of its $3.875 cumulative convertible
preferred stock, each share of which was convertible into 1.1494 shares of common stock. As a result of
the redemption, 3.4 million preferred shares were converted to 3.9 million shares of common. 

Transactions in preferred, common, and treasury stock are shown in the following table:

Capital Transactions
(in Thousands, Except Number of Shares)

Balance at January 1, 1995
Add (deduct):

Conversion of preferred stock

into common stock

Common stock issued under 
option, incentive and service
award plans

Balance at December 31, 1995
Add (deduct):

Conversion of preferred stock

into common stock

Common stock issued under 
option, incentive and service
award plans

Balance at December 31, 1996
Add (deduct):

Conversion of preferred stock

Preferred Stock

Common Stock

Treasury Stock

Shares 
Issued 

Par 
Value 

Additional 
Capital 

Shares 
Issued 

Par 
Value 

Additional 
Capital 

Shares 

Cost

3,437,835)

$ 3,438) $ 162,840)

22,685,590

$14,178

$155,222

(2,790,954)

$(47,082 )

(6,815)

(7)

(267)

11,467

7

266

3,431,020)

$ 3,431) $ 162,573)

22,896,407

$14,310

$162,257

(2,790,954)

$(47,082 )

199,350

125

6,769

57

(12,315)

(12)

(322)

30,790

19

315

3,418,705)

$ 3,419) $ 162,251)

23,064,774

$14,415

$166,753

(2,790,039)

$(47,066 )

137,577

86

4,181

915

16

into common stock

(3,392,340)

(3,392)

(161,563)

3,901,127

2,438

159,183

Common stock issued under 
option, incentive and service
award plans

274,377

171

13,197

20,319)

343 )

Balance at December 31, 1997

26,365)

$

27) $

688)

27,240,278

$17,024

$339,133

(2,769,720)

$(46,723 )

NOTE N–INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLANS
The 1995 Plan The GATX Corporation 1995 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan (the 1995 Plan)
contains provisions for the granting of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreci-
ation rights (SARs), cash and common stock individual performance units (IPUs), restricted stock rights,
restricted common stock and performance awards. An aggregate of 1,500,000 shares of common stock
may be issued under the 1995 Plan. As of December 31, 1997, 692,312 shares are available for issuance
under the 1995 Plan.

Non-qualified  stock  options  and  incentive  stock  options  may  be  granted  for  the  purchase  of  common
stock for periods not longer than ten years from the date of grant. The exercise price will be not less than
the higher of market value at date of grant or par value of the common stock. All options become exercis-
able commencing on a date no earlier than one year from the date of grant.

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N O TE S   TO   C O N S O L I D AT E D   F I N A N C I A L   STATE M E N TS   ( CONTI N U E D )
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

SARs can be issued in conjunction with non-qualified or incentive stock options and entitle the holder to
receive the difference between the option price and fair market value of the common stock at time of
exercise, either in shares of common stock, cash, or a combination of the two at GATX’s discretion. Exer-
cise of SARs results in cancellation of the underlying options. During 1997, no SARs were issued and
none were outstanding.

IPUs  may  be  granted  to  key  employees  and,  if  predetermined  performance  goals  are  met,  will  be
redeemed in cash and common stock, as applicable, with the redemption value determined in part by the
fair market value of the common stock as of the date of redemption and in part by the extent to which
pre-established performance goals have been achieved. A total of 8,382 IPUs were granted during 1997
and 30,235 IPUs in total were outstanding at the end of the year. In 1997, 13,903 shares of common stock
and $452,364 in cash were paid to the participants in redemption of previously issued IPUs.

Restricted stock rights may be granted to key employees entitling them to receive a specified number of
shares of restricted common stock. The recipients of restricted common stock are entitled to all dividends
and voting rights, but the shares are not transferable prior to the expiration of a “restriction period” as
determined  at  the  discretion  of  the  Compensation  Committee  of  the  Board  of  Directors.  Performance
Awards  are  granted  to  employees  who  have  been  granted  restricted  stock  rights  or  restricted  common
stock, but these Awards may not exceed the market value of the restricted common stock when restric-
tions lapse. The Performance Awards provide cash payments if certain criteria and earnings goals are met
over a predetermined period. During 1997, one grant of 4,000 shares of restricted stock was made. 

The 1985 Plan Stock options are outstanding under the GATX Corporation 1985 Long Term Incentive
Compensation  Plan  (the  1985  Plan),  as  amended,  but  no  additional  options,  stock  or  awards  may  be
issued thereunder. At December 31, 1997, 176,142 shares of common stock were reserved for grants pre-
viously made under the 1985 Plan.

Data with respect to both plans, including the range of exercise prices per share for 1997 and 1996, are
set forth below:

Outstanding at January 1
Granted
Exercised
Canceled

Outstanding at December 31

Outstanding at December 31, by year granted:

1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997

Total

Options exercisable at December 31

Options available for future grant at December 31

Number of Shares Under Stock Option Plans
1996

1997

1,667,150)
305,500)
(282,475)
(29,525)

1,660,650)

—)
20,000)
51,100)
45,500)
106,650)
101,150)
164,150)
238,200)
282,650)
353,150)
298,100)

1,660,650)

1,145,433)

692,312)

1,425,475)
374,200)
(117,775)
(14,750)

1,667,150)

22,000)
45,000)
79,800)
71,250)
149,900)
142,500)
210,600)
268,650)
306,500)
370,950)
—)

1,667,150)

1,207,950)

986,190)

Price Per Share

$16.3450-50.5625
49.8125-66.9375
16.3450-47.8750
41.8125-66.9375

$19.47-66.9375

$19.47
25.655
29.9375
19.94
26.13-28.1875
25.50
37.6875
41.8125
47.5625-50.5625
46.3125-49.8125
54.875-66.9375

$19.47-66.9375

58

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N O TE S   TO   C O N S O L I D AT E D   F I N A N C I A L   STATE M E N TS   ( CONTI N U E D )
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

Accounting for Stock Options GATX has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No.
25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (APB 25) in accounting for its employee stock options.
Under  these  guidelines,  no  compensation  expense  is  recognized  because  the  exercise  price  of  GATX’s
employee stock options equals the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant. 

Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is required by Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (SFAS 123), and has been
determined as if GATX had accounted for its employee stock options under the fair value method. The
fair value for these options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model
with the following assumptions for 1996 and 1997: dividend yield of 3.6% for 1996 and 2.8% for 1997;
volatility factor of the expected market price of GATX’s common stock of .15 for 1996 and .156 for 1997;
expected life of the option of five years for 1996 and four years for 1997; and weighted average risk-free
interest rate of 6.1% for 1996 and 5.9% for 1997. 

The Black-Scholes model, one of the most frequently referenced models to value options, was developed
for use in estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully trans-
ferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including
expected stock price volatility. Because GATX’s employee stock options have characteristics significantly
different  from  those  of  traded  options,  and  because  changes  in  the  subjective  input  assumptions  can
materially affect the fair value estimate, in management’s opinion the existing models do not necessarily
provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee stock options. 

For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options is amortized to expense over
the option vesting period. The resultant pro forma net (loss) income and (loss) earnings per share were (in
millions except for earnings per share information):

Pro forma net (loss) income
Pro forma (loss) earnings per share:

Basic
Diluted

1997

1996

$(52.2)

$101.6

$(2.61)
$(2.61)

$ 4.38
$ 4.15

Because  SFAS  123’s  provisions  are  prospective  (retroactive  application  is  prohibited),  awards  granted
prior to 1995 are not considered in the above pro forma amounts. Additionally, because options granted
in 1996 and 1997 generally are granted late in the year and vest over a three year period, neither the
1996 nor 1997 pro forma amounts reflect a full annualized effect.

NOTE O–COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
GATX’s revenues are derived from a wide range of industries and companies. Approximately 19% of total
revenues are generated from the transportation or storage of products for the chemical industry; for simi-
lar services, 18% of revenues are derived from the petroleum industry. The sale and leasing of technology
equipment  represents  about  17%  of  total  revenues.  GATX  also  provides  services  and  products  to  the
chemical, petroleum, and technology markets through its joint ventures, which are accounted for under
the equity method. In addition, approximately 10% of GATX’s assets consist of commercial aircraft oper-
ated by various domestic and international airlines.

Under its lease agreements, GATX retains legal ownership of the asset except where such assets have been
financed by sale-leasebacks. With loan financings, the loan is collateralized by the equipment. GATX per-
forms credit evaluations prior to approval of a lease or loan contract. Subsequently, the creditworthiness
of the customer and the value of the collateral are monitored on an ongoing basis. GATX maintains an
allowance for possible losses and other reserves to provide for potential losses which could arise should
customers become unable to discharge their obligations to GATX and to provide for permanent declines
in investment value.

59

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N O TE S   TO   C O N S O L I D AT E D   F I N A N C I A L   STATE M E N TS   ( CONTI N U E D )
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

At December 31, 1997, GATX had commitments of $167 million for orders and options by aircraft joint
ventures  for  interests  in  26  new  aircraft  to  be  delivered  between  1998-2001.  In  addition,  GATX  has
issued $182 million of residual and rental guarantees. GATX also has firm commitments to acquire rail-
cars and to upgrade terminal and repair facilities totaling $209 million. 

GATX and its subsidiaries are engaged in various matters of litigation and have a number of unresolved
claims pending, including proceedings under governmental laws and regulations related to environmental
matters. Two of GATX’s subsidiaries are involved in litigation arising out of a chemical leak and resulting
tank car fire in New Orleans, Louisiana. In another matter, an affiliate of a subsidiary of the company is 
the  subject  of  both  litigation  and  unasserted  claims  related  to  the  conversion  of  certain  aircraft  from
passenger to freighter configuration. While the amounts claimed are substantial and the ultimate liability
with respect to such litigation and claims cannot be determined at this time, it is the opinion of manage-
ment that damages, if any, required to be paid by GATX and its subsidiaries in the discharge of such liabil-
ity are not likely to be material to GATX’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

NOTE P–RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
During 1997 strategic decisions resulted in a $225 million ($163 million after-tax) restructuring charge
related to GATX Terminals and GATX Logistics. Terminals’ portion of the restructuring charge is based on
the decision to close, sell or revalue certain domestic and foreign terminal locations to reflect permanent
changes in market conditions. The charge primarily represents the write-down of asset values with minor
costs related to closure activities. The charge at GATX Logistics represents the write-down of goodwill to
reflect the impairment of certain acquired facilities. The carrying values of certain assets at GATX Termi-
nals and GATX Logistics were written down to fair value as described in Note A. 

60

(In Millions)

GATX Terminals
GATX Logistics

Total

Pre-tax

After-tax

$185.8
39.0

$224.8

$123.8
39.0

$162.8

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 61

Q U A R T E R LY   R E S U LTS   O F   OPE R ATI O N S   ( U N A U D I T E D )
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

In Millions, Except Per Share Data

1997
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter

Total

1996
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter

Total

Gross
Income

$ 394.6
434.7
430.9
441.7

$1,701.9

$ 303.6
337.8
367.8
405.2

$1,414.4

Operating
Expenses and
Depreciation

Net (Loss)
Income

Net (Loss)
Income
Per Share (A)

Net (Loss) 
Income Per 
Share, Assuming
Dilution (A)

$ 241.8
279.0
273.2
291.9

$1,085.9

$ 193.3
212.6
222.8
263.5

$ 892.2

$ 31.2
30.2
28.0
(140.3)

$ (50.9)

$ 24.7
25.7
33.4
18.9

$ 102.7

$ 1.37
1.26
1.15
(5.74)

$(2.55)

$ 1.06
1.11
1.49
.77

$ 4.43

$ 1.27
1.22
1.12
(5.74)(B)

$(2.55)(B)

$ 1.01
1.05
1.37
.77

$ 4.20

(A) Quarterly results may not be additive, as per share amounts are computed independently for each quarter and the full year based on the respective weighted 

average common shares and common stock equivalents outstanding.

(B) Conversion of preferred stock is excluded from computation of diluted (loss) earnings because of antidilutive effect.

Common  and  Preferred  Stock  Information GATX  common  shares  are  listed  on  the  New  York,
Chicago and London Stock Exchanges under ticker symbol GMT. Shares of both series of $2.50 Cumula-
tive Convertible Preferred Stock are listed on the New York and Chicago Stock Exchanges. During 1997,
all outstanding shares of the $3.875 cumulative convertible preferred stock were called for redemption. 

The approximate number of holders of record of Common Stock and $2.50 Cumulative Convertible Pre-
ferred  Stock  as  of  February  27,  1998  was  3,248  and  125,  respectively.  The  following  table  shows  the
reported  high  and  low  sales  price  of  GATX  common  and  preferred  shares  on  the  New  York  Stock
Exchange, the principal market for GATX shares, and the dividends declared per share:

Common Stock

$2.50 Cumulative
Convertible
Preferred Stock

$3.875 Cumulative
Convertible
Preferred Stock

High

Low

High

Low

High

Low

1997
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter

$50.25
58.625
67.5625
72.5625

$47.625
48.50
57.75
60.50

$125.50
125.50
167.00
180.00

$125.50
123.50
123.50
167.00

Annual Dividends Declared

$1.84

$2.50

1996
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter

$51.25
48.375
49.125
51.25

$44.00
43.00
43.00
46.125

$124.25
116.50
116.50
125.50

$124.25
116.25
116.25
119.00

$59.75
68.00
n/a
n/a

$59.50
58.50
59.38
59.50

$56.50
57.06
n/a
n/a

$1.9375

$54.25
53.88
55.25
56.25

Annual Dividends Declared

$1.72

$2.50

$3.875

61

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 62

S E L E CTE D   F I N A N C I A L   D ATA
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

In Millions, Except Per Share Data

Results of Operations
Gross income
Costs and expenses
(Loss) income before income taxes and equity in net earnings of affiliated companies
Income taxes (benefit)
Income before equity in net earnings of affiliated companies
Equity in net earnings of affiliated companies
Net (loss) income

Per Share Data
Net income (loss) applicable to common stock, as adjusted
Per share of common stock and common stock equivalents:
Net (loss) income

Shares used in computation (in thousands)
Per share assuming conversion, except in 1997
and 1993, of all outstanding preferred stock:

Net (loss) income, diluted 

Shares used in computation (in thousands)
Dividends declared per share of common stock

Financial Condition
Total assets
Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations
Shareholders’ equity
Common shareholders’ equity
Common shareholders’ equity per share

(A) 1997’s restructuring charge was $224.8 million on a pre-tax basis, $162.8 million on an after-tax basis.

62

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 63

S E L E CTE D   F I N A N C I A L   D ATA
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

1997(A)

1996

1995

1994

1993

$1,701.9)
1,789.2)
(87.3)
(5.5)
(81.8)
30.9)
$ (50.9)

$ (57.6)

$ (2.55)
22,542)

$ (2.55)
22,542)
1.84)

$

$4,947.8)
2,819.4)
655.4)
654.7)
26.72)

$1,414.4
1,285.7
128.7
54.4
74.3
28.4
$ 102.7

$

$

89.5

4.43
20,189

$

$

4.20
24,462
1.72

$4,750.2
2,664.1
774.9
609.2
29.58

$1,246.4
1,129.4
117.0
47.6
69.4
31.4
$ 100.8

$

$

87.6

4.38
20,002

$

$

4.14
24,365
1.60

$4,042.9
2,092.5
717.8
551.8
26.88

$1,155.0
1,037.2
117.8
48.8
69.0
22.5
91.5

$

$

$

78.2

3.94
19,843

$

$

3.79
24,166
1.50

$3,650.7
1,805.1
662.4
496.1
24.30

$1,086.9
982.5
104.4
51.4
53.0
19.7
72.7

$

$

$

59.4

3.03
19,594

$

$

3.03
19,594
1.40

$3,392.1
1,713.8
589.9
423.6
20.78

63

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 64

M A N A G E M E N T   D I S CU SS I O N   A N D   A N A LYS I S

1 9 9 6   C O M P A R E D   TO   1 9 9 5
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

The following discussion analyzes GATX’s comparative performance for the years ended December 31,
1996 and 1995. This information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial state-
ments on pages 38, 40, and 42. The discussion of comparative results of GATX’s operations for the years
ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 is presented in the management discussion and analysis on pages
31, 32, 33, 39, 41, 43, 44 and 45 and the financial data of business segments on pages 34 through 37.

GATX reported record net income of $103 million or $4.20 per share, on a diluted basis, for the year
ended December 31, 1996 compared to $101 million or $4.14 per share for 1995. On a basic basis, earn-
ings per share were $4.43 compared to $4.38 in the prior year. This improvement was principally due to
record  earnings  at  Transportation  and  Capital.  Terminals’  net  income  decreased  substantially  from  the
prior year. However, ASC and Logistics’ earnings were relatively flat with 1995. GATX’s return on total
equity for 1996 was 13.8% compared to 14.6% in 1995. 

Railcar Leasing and Management Transportation’s gross income of $428 million increased $67 mil-
lion  from  1995.  The  mid-1996  acquisition  of  the  remaining  55%  interest  in  CGTX,  Transportation’s
Canadian railcar affiliate, accounted for $27 million of the increase; previously the 45% interest had been
accounted for as an equity investment. The remainder of the revenue increase is due to the full year effect
of a record number of railcar additions in 1995, another strong year of fleet additions in 1996, and an
increase in average rental rates. In addition to the 8,700 cars at CGTX, over 4,400 cars were added in
1996. At the end of 1996, Transportation had 73,200 railcars on lease in North America. With a total fleet
of 77,500 cars, utilization ended the year at 95%, up from 94% utilization at the end of 1995.

Net  income  of  $68  million  increased  8%  over  1995,  reflecting  the  higher  revenues  and  the  impact  of
CGTX partially offset by higher repair costs and other operating and ownership expenses. Operating mar-
gins  improved  slightly  as  growth  in  revenues  exceeded  the  increase  in  fleet  repair  costs  and  SG&A
expenses. 

Repair costs increased 10% due to the expanded fleet size, but decreased as a percentage of revenue from
1995, in part due to the efficiencies from the major service center upgrade program completed last year.
The percentage of cars repaired at Transportation’s service centers increased to 71% from 65% last year,
indicating a decreased dependence on outside contract repair shops. Throughput days, the time it takes a
railcar to be repaired through the Transportation service center network, declined from an average of 38
days in 1995 to 32 days in 1996. Asset ownership costs, consisting of operating lease rents, depreciation,
and interest expense, increased as a result of the growing fleet. Equity in earnings of affiliates declined
from 1995 due to the aforementioned change in accounting for CGTX. 

Financial Services Capital’s gross income of $337 million was $119 million or 55% higher than 1995.
All major revenue categories, including lease and interest income, gains on sales of assets, and fees were
higher. In addition, equipment sales added $36 million to gross income. Equipment sales represents a
new revenue category arising from the October 1996 acquisition of Centron, a technology equipment sup-
plier. Lease income grew to $196 million in 1996 compared to $140 million in 1995 due to the full year
effect of the October 1995 acquisition of Sun Financial and new volume. Gains on sales of assets were
$36  million,  a  small  increase  from  the  prior  year.  Fee  income  was  a  record  $32  million,  $13  million
higher than the prior period due to a high level of residual sharing on managed asset sales. Fee income
includes residual sharing, portfolio management, and transaction arrangement income. Gains on sales of
assets and transaction based fees do not occur evenly from period to period.

64

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 65

M A N A G E M E N T   D I S CU SS I O N   A N D   A N A LYS I S

1 9 9 6   C O M P A R E D   TO   1 9 9 5   ( CONTI N U E D )
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

Net income was a record $46 million, a 39% increase from last year, due to the higher revenue, improved
earnings  from  affiliates,  and  a  lower  loss  provision,  offset  in  part  by  increased  interest,  operating  and
SG&A costs. Equity earnings of $14 million increased $2 million primarily from the earnings of Locomo-
tive Leasing Partners, a joint venture established in 1996 with EMD/General Motors. The provision for
possible losses of $13 million decreased $5 million from last year. Capital’s allowance for possible losses
of  $114  million  represents  6.6%  of  net  investments,  compared  to  6.5%  last  year.  Interest  expense  was
higher as debt balances increased to fund the net growth in the portfolio, although average interest rates
were  modestly  lower  than  last  year.  Increased  operating  costs  include  the  cost  of  equipment  sales,  the
counterpart to the new revenue category, as well as increased depreciation and operating lease expense to
support the larger investment base. Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased due to the full
year  effect  of  the  late  1995  Sun  Financial  acquisition,  the  Centron  acquisition,  and  higher  human
resource costs. 

While significant commercial aircraft investments were completed in 1996, Capital also has managed its
portfolio to diversify its asset mix further, resulting in a relatively lower concentration of aircraft as a per-
cent of total portfolio investments. Aircraft decreased to 33% of the portfolio from 39% in 1995, while
technology, rail, and marine assets all increased. 

Terminals  and  Pipelines Terminals’ gross income for 1996 of $298 million was 5% less than 1995
resulting from general softness in both the domestic and international petroleum markets. The petroleum
business environment since the second half of 1995 has been characterized by backwardated markets,
historically low petroleum inventory levels, and lower pricing due to increased competition. Backwarda-
tion indicates that the economics in the petroleum futures market as characterized by the spread between
spot and future prices, are not providing an incentive to store product.

While throughput of petroleum products remained strong, rates declined. Throughput for 1996 of 634
million barrels at wholly-owned locations increased 5% from 602 million barrels last year. Average uti-
lization for the year was 86%, down from 1995’s average of 88%, with 1996 year-end utilization at 89%.
Balanced against the difficult petroleum terminaling markets were continued strong chemical demand as
well as very good pipeline results. Terminals’ pipelines serve the growing Nevada and Florida markets,
and those pipelines continue to be enhanced and expanded.

Terminals’ net income of $13 million declined from last year’s $31 million. The difficult petroleum termi-
naling markets resulted in decreased operating margins at a number of key locations, including New York
Harbor,  United  Kingdom,  Houston,  and  Los  Angeles.  Although  Terminals  has  been  able  to  reduce  its
overall cost base, results have been impacted by rationalization costs and transformation initiatives; these
initiatives  continue  to  address  on-going  cost  reduction  and  productivity  enhancements.  Overall,  total
operating costs and SG&A expense decreased $2 million from 1995. Fixed asset ownership costs, which
include depreciation and interest, increased to 34% of revenue from 29% in 1995 due to significant facil-
ity  and  infrastructure  investments.  Equity  in  earnings  of  affiliates  of  $12  million  decreased  $3  million
from last year primarily from the effects of lower petroleum storage, particularly in Singapore, partially
offset by higher earnings from a Japanese affiliate which completed its rebuilding from the 1995 Kobe
earthquake. 

65

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 66

M A N A G E M E N T   D I S CU SS I O N   A N D   A N A LYS I S

1 9 9 6   C O M P A R E D   TO   1 9 9 5   ( CONTI N U E D )
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

Logistics and Warehousing Logistics’ gross income of $267 million decreased 2% from 1995 due to
the impact of lost business partially offset by increased business with existing contract customers. Total
warehousing capacity at year-end 1996 of 21.5 million square feet decreased 12% from last year’s 24.4
million square feet in part due to the planned effort to eliminate low margin public business. Space uti-
lization was 91% at year end compared to 97% last year. Empty space was particularly troublesome in cer-
tain East Coast markets. 

Net  income  of  $.9  million  was  $.4  million  higher  than  last  year  despite  the  lower  revenues  due  to  an
improved margin percentage and lower reserve needs. Margin for 1996 was 9.6% compared with 9.1% in
1995, though significant empty space costs compressed the improvement. In addition, information sys-
tems costs continued to increase to better meet customer needs. 

Logistics continued to implement its plan of pursuing contract business and reducing low margin public
business. By emphasizing key customer relationships, Logistics successfully expanded volume with sev-
eral important existing customers. However, this strategy is evolutionary and may take several years to
improve earnings significantly. 

Great Lakes Shipping ASC’s gross income in 1996 was $85 million, a 1% increase from the prior year.
Revenue  increased  despite  lower  tonnage  carried,  as  freight  rates  per  ton  increased,  both  for  normal
increases as well as the pass-through of a portion of the increase in sharply higher fuel costs. Tonnage
carried  in  1996  totaled  24.6  million  tons,  a  4%  decrease  from  the  25.5  million  tons  carried  last  year;
adverse weather conditions in early 1996 hampered the start of the navigation season, but all customer
needs and requirements were satisfied. Customer demand remained strong throughout the 1996 season.
Iron ore and limestone tonnage increased while coal tonnage decreased. 

Net income of $6.8 million decreased slightly from 1995 primarily due to the lower tonnage carried, lower
interest income on invested funds, and higher fuel costs, offset in part by favorable operating and claims
experience. Contribution margin per ton was 2% greater than the prior year, reflecting a change in mix of
commodities carried.

The environment on the Great Lakes remains competitive, with supply and demand for vessel capacity
approximately in balance. ASC carried an estimated 22% of the total U.S. flag Great Lakes tonnage in
1996, down slightly from last year. U.S. flag tonnage was 110 million tons, an increase of 5 million tons
from 1995. Iron ore cargoes represented 46% of ASC’s tonnage, an increase from 40% last year. Raw steel
production was approximately 88% of capacity in late 1996, consistent with 1995 utilization. 

Corporate and Other Corporate and Other net expense of $31 million decreased $2 million from 1995
primarily due to the reversal of a reserve following the successful defense of previously reported litigation
against GATX. 

66

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 67

GENERAL 
AMERICAN
TRANSPORTATION
CORPORATION

GATX 
CAPITAL 
CORPORATION

GATX 
TERMINALS
CORPORATION

GATX 
LOGISTICS, 
INC.

G A T X   L O C A T I O N   O F   O P E R A T I O N S
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois

Business Offices
Valencia, California
Atlanta, Georgia
Chicago, Illinois
Hackensack, New Jersey
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Houston, Texas
Mexico City, Mexico
Calgary, Alberta
Toronto, Ontario
Montreal, Quebec

Major Service Centers
Colton, California
Waycross, Georgia
East Chicago, Indiana
Hearne, Texas
Tierra Blanca, Mexico
Red Deer, Alberta
Montreal, Quebec
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

Mini Service Centers
Muscle Shoals, Alabama
White Springs, Florida
Terre Haute, Indiana
Plaquemine, Louisiana
Midland, Michigan
Ivorydale, Ohio
Masury, Ohio
Catoosa, Oklahoma
Copper Hill, Tennessee
Freeport, Texas (2)

Headquarters
San Francisco, California

Offices
Burbank, California
Tampa, Florida
Chicago, Illinois

Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Sydney, Australia
Toronto, Canada
Blagnac, France
Frankfurt, Germany
Singapore, Republic of Singapore
Tokyo, Japan

Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois

Domestic Terminals
Carson, California
Los Angeles, California
Richmond, California
San Pedro, California
Orlando, Florida
Port Everglades, Florida
Tampa, Florida
Argo, Illinois
Carteret, New Jersey
Paulsboro, New Jersey
Staten Island, New York
Portland, Oregon (2)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Galena Park, Texas
Pasadena, Texas
Seattle, Washington
Vancouver, Washington

International Terminals
Avonmouth, United Kingdom
Belfast, United Kingdom
Eastham, United Kingdom
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Grays, United Kingdom
Leith, United Kingdom
Runcorn, United Kingdom

Terminal Joint Ventures
Antwerpen/Lillo, Belgium
Lanshan, China
Kawasaki, Japan
Kobe, Japan
Yokohama, Japan
Altamira, Mexico
Jurong Town, Singapore
Pulau Busing, Singapore
Barcelona, Spain
Bilbao, Spain
Tarragona, Spain

Mobile Service Units
Mobile, Alabama
Colton, California
Macon, Georgia
East Chicago, Indiana
Good Hope, Louisiana
Carteret, New Jersey
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Albany, New York
Galena Park, Texas
Olympia, Washington
Tierra Blanca, Mexico
Red Deer, Alberta
Montreal, Quebec
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

Joint Ventures
Hamburg, Germany
Zug, Switzerland

Joint Ventures
Sydney, Australia
San Francisco, California
LaGrange, Illinois
Toronto, Ontario
Zug, Switzerland
Elstree, United Kingdom
Woking, United Kingdom

Valencia, Spain
Seal Sands, United Kingdom
Wymondham, United Kingdom

Pipelines

Calnev Pipe Line
Adelanto, California
Barstow, California
Colton, California
Las Vegas, Nevada

Central Florida Pipeline
Orlando, Florida
Tampa, Florida

Pipeline Joint Ventures
Olympic Pipeline
Renton, Washington

Manchester Jet Line
Manchester, United Kingdom

Headquarters
Jacksonville, Florida

Locations
Little Rock, Arkansas—2 CW
Los Angeles, California–10 
Stockton, California—2 CW,T
Walnut, California—3 CW, PW,T
Denver, Colorado—CW,T
Danbury, Connecticut—CW
Jacksonville, Florida—3 CW,PW,T,S,SL
Atlanta, Georgia—12 CW,PW,T,S
Chicago, Illinois—5 CW,PW,T,S,SL
Normal, Illinois—4 CW,T
Richmond, Indiana—2 CW,T
Indianapolis, Indiana—CW

Lexington, Kentucky—3 CW,T,S
Shreveport, Louisiana—CW,T
Baltimore, Maryland—CW
Grand Rapids, Michigan—2 CW,T
Kalamazoo, Michigan—T
Gulfport, Mississippi—CW
St. Louis, Missouri—PW,T
Greensboro, North Carolina—8 CW,PW,T
Winston-Salem, North Carolina—4 CW,PW,T,S, SL
New York, New York—CW
Syracuse, New York—7 PW,T,S,SL
Akron, Ohio—PW,T
Cleveland, Ohio—CW,T,S
Columbus, Ohio—5 CW,T
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma—CW,T

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—2 CW, T,S,SL
Dallas, Texas—7 CW,PW,T,S
El Paso, Texas—3 CW
Fort Worth, Texas—CW
Clearfield, Utah—3 PW,T, SL
Chesapeake, Virginia—CW
Seattle, Washington—CW,T
Racine, Wisconsin—2 CW, T
Toronto, Canada—CW,T
Mexico City, Mexico—PW, T

Joint Venture
Santiago, Chile

AMERICAN STEAMSHIP
COMPANY

Headquarters
Williamsville, New York

Regional Office
Toledo, Ohio

Vessels
M/V Indiana Harbor
M/V Walter J. McCarthy,Jr.
M/V St. Clair
M/V American Mariner
M/V H. Lee White

M/V Charles E. Wilson
M/V Adam E. Cornelius
M/V American Republic
M/V Buffalo
M/V Sam Laud
Str. John J. Boland

67

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 68

G A T X   O F F I C E R S   A N D   D I R E C T O R S
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

GATX OFFICERS

Ronald H. Zech
Chairman, President and 
Chief Executive Officer

David B. Anderson
Vice President, 
Corporate Development, 
General Counsel and 
Secretary

William L. Chambers
Vice President, 
Human Resources

Gail L. Duddy
Vice President, Compensa-
tion 
and Benefits

David M. Edwards
Vice President Finance,
Chief Financial Officer

Brian A. Kenney
Vice President and Treasurer

Ralph L. O’Hara
Controller

68

GATX SUBSIDIARIES 

General American 
Transportation Corporation
D. Ward Fuller, President

GATX Capital Corporation
Joseph C. Lane, President

GATX Terminals Corporation
Anthony J. Andrukaitis, President

GATX Logistics, Inc.
Joseph A. Nicosia, President

American Steamship Company
Ned A. Smith, President

GATX BOARD OF 
DIRECTORS

James M. Denny1,2
Managing Director, William Blair
Capital Partners, LLC

Richard M. Fairbanks1,4
Managing Director of Domestic &
International Issues, Center for
Strategic & International Studies

William C. Foote3,4
Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer, USG Corpora-
tion

Deborah M. Fretz3,4
Senior Vice President, 
Lubricants and Logistics, 
Sun Company, Inc.

Richard A. Giesen2,3
Chairman and Chief 
Executive Officer,
Continental Glass & Plastic, Inc.

Miles L. Marsh1,4
Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer, 
Fort James Corporation

Charles Marshall2,3
Retired: Former Vice Chairman
of the Board, American Tele-
phone and Telegraph Company

Michael E. Murphy1,2
Retired: Former Vice Chairman
and Chief Administrative Officer,
Sara Lee Corporation

Ronald H. Zech
Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer, GATX Corpo-
ration

1Member, Audit Committee
2Member, Compensation Committee
3Member, Nominating Committee
4Member, Retirement Funds 
Review Committee

_Body & Financials  4/15/98 12:38 PM  Page 70

G A T X   C O R P O R A T E   I N F O R M A T I O N
GATX Corporation and Subsidiaries

ANNUAL MEETING
Friday, April 24, 1998, 9:00 a.m.
GATX Corporation
500 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60661-3676

FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
AND PRESS RELEASES:
A copy of the company’s annual report on Form 10-K for
1997 and selected other information are available 
without charge. 

Corporate information and press releases may be found at
http://www.gatx.com

A variety of current financial information, historical finan-
cial information, press releases and photographs are 
available at this site.

GATX press releases may be obtained by automated PR
Newswire Company News On-Call’s automated fax service
at (800)758-5804. The company identification number for
GATX is 105121. 

INQUIRIES
Inquiries regarding dividend checks, the dividend reinvest-
ment plan, stock certificates, replacement of lost certificates,
address changes, account consolidation, transfer procedures
and year-end tax information should be addressed to GATX
Corporation’s Transfer Agent and Registrar:

ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C. 
Overpeck Centre
8 Challenger Road
Ridgefield Park, NY 07660
Telephone: (800) 851-9677
Internet: http://www.chasemellon.com

Information relating to shareholder ownership, 
dividend payments, or share transfers:

Janet M. Dongarra, Assistant Corporate Secretary
Telephone: (312) 621-6603
Fax: (312) 621-6647
Email: jmdongarra@gatx.com

GATX Corporation welcomes and encourages questions
and comments from its shareholders, potential investors,
financial professionals and the public at large. To better
serve interested parties, the following GATX personnel
may be contacted by telephone, fax and/or writing. 

To request published financial information and financial
reports, contact:

GATX CORPORATION
Investor Relations Department
500 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60661-3676
Telephone: (800) 428-8161

Automated request line for materials: (312) 621-6300

Janet Bower, Communications Coordinator
Telephone: (312) 621-4297
Fax: (312) 621-6698
Email: jmbower@gatx.com

Analysts, institutional shareholders and financial 
community professionals:

George S. Lowman, Director of Communications
Telephone: (312) 621-6599
Email: gslowman@gatx.com

Robert C. Lyons, Manager Investor and Public Relations
Telephone: (312) 621-6493
Email: rclyons@gatx.com
Fax: (312) 621-6698

Questions regarding sales, service or lease information:

General American Transportation Corporation
(312) 621-6564

GATX Capital Corporation–(415) 955-3200

GATX Terminals Corporation–(312) 621-8032

GATX Logistics, Inc.–(904) 396-2517

American Steamship Company–(716) 635-0222

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Ernst & Young LLP

70

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