2020
The Greenbrier Companies
ANNUAL REPORT
William A. Furman
Chairman and
Chief Executive
Officer
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
To Our Shareholders:
The Greenbrier Companies navigated through a challenging fiscal 2020 as COVID-19 shook the global economy. Entering the
year, we expected a cyclical downturn in the freight rail industry. The COVID-19 pandemic caused many customers to defer
capital spending and exacerbated the impacts of railroad operating initiatives, weaker railcar loadings, higher railcars in stor-
age and lower energy prices.
COVID-19 brought Greenbrier’s core values of safety and respect for people to the forefront. Our global workforce has success-
fully met uniquely challenging conditions. We are grateful for our employees’ continued dedication. Greenbrier’s designation as
an essential business has allowed our frontline production employees and critical support teams to maintain our operations. It
was crucial to modify our work methods to keep our entire workforce safe and physically distant. We launched a rapid re-
sponse to COVID-19 to mitigate its impact on our business and keep our employees, suppliers, contractors, their families and
communities safe and healthy. At the same time, we incorporated measures to protect the health of our enterprise during a
period of extreme economic stress. Greenbrier’s success depends on continuing to execute these missions well.
As a result of our 2019 acquisition of American Railcar Industries’ (ARI) manufacturing operations, organic growth and count-
er-cyclical aftermarket businesses, we are better prepared to weather this downcycle than any previous one. In response to
economic conditions, we reduced production capacity, took measures to control costs and managed liquidity and cash flow.
We ended the year with ample liquidity, a strong backlog and higher market share. All of this improves Greenbrier’s competitive
position entering fiscal 2021.
Financial Profile & Liquidity
Despite the challenges, Greenbrier ended fiscal 2020 with a robust balance sheet and strong cash flows. At the onset of the
pandemic, we set a $1 billion liquidity goal to preserve near-term financial health at Greenbrier. We achieved this target by the
end of May through a combination of cash, borrowing capacity, spending reductions and other initiatives. Greenbrier’s cost-
containment measures included a global workforce reduction of approximately 40% as we rightsized our operations to meet
current business conditions.
Net earnings were $49 million, or $1.46 per diluted share, on revenue of $2.8 billion. Greenbrier ended the year with a cash
balance of $833.7 million. Greenbrier’s Board of Directors continues a balanced deployment of capital designed to protect the
business while simultaneously delivering long-term shareholder value. Greenbrier’s dividend payments in fiscal 2020 are the
highest in our history. In the fourth quarter, Greenbrier’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.27 per share, represent-
ing our 26th consecutive quarterly dividend. Based on recent closing share prices, this represents a dividend yield of between
3-4%.
Operating Performance
We ended fiscal 2020 with nearly 22,000 railcars delivered, the second highest in our history. For the year, we received orders
for 16,600 units, worth $1.6 billion, with 40% originating from geographies outside our core North American market. While this
is a 20% decline compared to fiscal 2019, we began fiscal 2021 with a diversified railcar backlog of 24,600 units valued at
$2.4 billion.
THE GREENBRIER COMPANIES CEO LETTER
Manufacturing
Weaker railcar demand, railcars in storage and limited order activity due to COVID-19 impacted Greenbrier’s manufacturing
business. The Greenbrier Manufacturing Organization (GMO) suspended operations on 13 railcar production lines during
fiscal 2020. However, adjusting for lower headcount over fiscal 2020, GMO still demonstrated significant year-over-year
improvements in our safety performance. The leadership at GMO and across our facilities lowered the number of safety-
related incidents.
In July 2019, we merged ARI’s manufacturing business with Greenbrier. After more than a year as a combined organization,
Greenbrier has integrated with ARI’s operations and these facilities are making positive contributions to our overall
performance. Both enterprises embrace the new, shared culture and continue to gain scale and increase market momentum.
Marine barge manufacturing continues at Greenbrier Gunderson and orders have been secured through April 2022.
Leasing & Management Services
Greenbrier’s comprehensive asset management services business supports approximately 400,000 railcars and facilitates
operations on almost every Class I railroad. While there were headwinds associated with market uncertainties, driven in part
by COVID-19 and in part due to stresses in certain customer groups, the business unit continued growing in 2020 by adding
customers in every business line. Greenbrier’s management services unit offers a range of asset-focused services, including
railcar maintenance management, car hire processing, regulatory compliance and railcar remarketing.
Greenbrier’s leasing company continued expanding its operations in 2020, ending the year with a lease fleet of 8,300
railcars and a strong fleet utilization rate. Headwinds from COVID-19 limited investor activity, yet our capital markets
business unit grew, producing valuable contributions to our financial performance. Our capital markets platform, through
syndications, allows Greenbrier to engage and partner with the finance industry’s leading transportation investors. As an
effective distribution channel for Greenbrier’s new railcar products, the capital markets activities enhance valuable business
relationships that benefit Greenbrier across all commercial activities.
Wheels, Repair & Parts
The Wheels, Repair & Parts business unit was impacted in fiscal 2020 by lower demand, further deployment of Precision
Scheduled Railroading (PSR) and inventory devaluation caused by industry-wide railcar scrapping. The unit’s leadership spent
the year focused on increasing efficiencies and preparing for expected demand in fiscal 2021 as railcars are pulled from
storage.
International
Europe’s operational performance for fiscal 2020 was strong despite supply chain challenges, COVID-19 and planned
temporary plant closures. As a result of new management and a sharp focus on driving productivity, Greenbrier Europe
achieved profitability by the end of fiscal 2020 and its long-term business outlook is positive.
In Brazil, Greenbrier Maxion secured additional market share, even with lower order volume and other challenges triggered by
COVID-19. Brazil’s economy is currently recovering at a healthy rate and we expect solid production at Greenbrier Maxion in
the upcoming year.
2 0 2 0 A n n u a l R e p o r t
ii
THE GREENBRIER COMPANIES CEO LETTER
Corporate Citizenship
Greenbrier recognizes that serving society through responsible corporate citizenship is smart business. We seek to honor the
trust placed in us by employees, investors, customers, suppliers and all the communities we touch. It includes recent actions
like publishing our second annual Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report.
Over the past year, we took conscious steps to bolster our measurable focus areas and develop a more holistic approach
to ESG at Greenbrier. After a thorough benchmarking process, we produced a Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) referenced
report that aligns with the Sustainable Accounting Standards Board (SASB) framework. In particular, you will observe new
commitments to enterprise-wide reporting on Greenbrier-related greenhouse gas emissions, tracking other air emissions
and detailing our water consumption. Our latest report features our highest ESG priorities, including governance and ethics,
environmental sustainability, workforce safety, employee satisfaction, stakeholder engagement, and community stewardship.
We will continue to take steps to drive practices that serve our employees and the places we operate.
In 2020, we more fully articulated our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Greenbrier is deepening these
priorities within our existing core strategy through a new framework dedicated to equity and advancement for all. Our pledge
to advance in this space is called “IDEAL,” which stands for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access and Leadership. We stand
accountable for our DEI commitments, and this is another targeted area where we seek continuous improvement.
Conclusion
Fiscal 2020 brought immense challenges and presented unique opportunities. We launched our Virtual Sample RailcarTM (VSR)
program in March, which quickly gained traction with customers. This live-streaming program allows Greenbrier’s customers
to view and inspect railcars without requiring travel. While the cost, environmental benefits and time-saving advantages of VSR
are inherently valuable, it has played a vital role during this time when travel is curtailed.
In closing, our management team and Board of Directors have considerable experience with the challenges of managing
through economic adversity. We have a strong franchise and a dedicated and talented workforce. Greenbrier has made difficult
but necessary adjustments, including rightsizing operations and growing our liquidity to over $1 billion. These changes have
positioned us well to compete and succeed during today’s hardships in the economy and in our core markets. I am confident
Greenbrier’s future is bright, and remain optimistic that we will emerge from this time of uncertainty as a continued leader and
innovator in the freight railcar market.
Sincerely,
William A. Furman
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
November 2020
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2 0 2 0 A n n u a l R e p o r t
2020 FORM 10-K
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549-1004
FORM 10-K
☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020
or
☐ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
for the transition period from ___________ to ___________
Commission File No. 1-13146
THE GREENBRIER COMPANIES, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Oregon
(State of Incorporation)
93-0816972
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
One Centerpointe Drive, Suite 200, Lake Oswego, OR 97035
(Address of principal executive offices)
(503) 684-7000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
Common Stock without par value
Trading Symbol(s)
GBX
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes X No__
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Act. Yes ___ No X
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No___
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule
405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to
submit and post such files). Yes X No___
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company
or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging
growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
X
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with
any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes __ No X
Aggregate market value of the registrant’s Common Stock held by non-affiliates as of February 29, 2020 (based on the closing price of such shares
on such date) was $772,657,580.
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock on October 27, 2020 was 32,824,080 without par value.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement prepared in connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on
January 6, 2021 are incorporated by reference into Parts II and III of this Report.
THE GREENBRIER COMPANIES, INC.
FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS......................................................................................................
PAGE
PART I
Item 1. BUSINESS .................................................................................................................................................
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS.........................................................................................................................................
Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS ........................................................................................................
Item 2. PROPERTIES.............................................................................................................................................
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS ............................................................................................................................
Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.................................................................................................................
INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS ...........................................................................
PART II
Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES....................................................................................
Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA .................................................................................................................
Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS ............................................................................................................................................
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.....................................
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA ..................................................................
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE ............................................................................................................................................
Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES ............................................................................................................
Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.............................................................................................................................
PART III
Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE..........................................
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION .................................................................................................................
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS....................................................................................................
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE ...
Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.................................................................................
PART IV
Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES........................................................................
Item 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY.............................................................................................................................
SIGNATURES ............................................................................................................................................
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Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important
factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future
results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
Many of these risks and other factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Words such as “affirms,”
“anticipates,” “believes,” “forecast,” “potential,” “goal,” “contemplates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,”
“hopes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “strategy,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “likely,” “will,” “may,” “can,” “designed to,”
“future,” “foreseeable future” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. In addition, statements
regarding expectations of cost savings or our ability to navigate current challenges, or operate efficiently when the
freight industry market recovers or any other statements that explicitly or implicitly draw trends in our performance
or the markets in which we operate, or characterize future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements.
These risks and uncertainties, as well as other risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ
significantly from management’s expectations, are described in greater detail in Item 1A, “Risk Factors”, Item 1,
“Business – Backlog”, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.” and Item 9A. “Controls and Procedures – Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls.” Forward-
looking statements are based on currently available operating, financial and market information and are inherently
uncertain. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date
they are made and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual future results and trends may differ materially
from such forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by law, we do not assume any obligation to
update any forward-looking statements.
All references to years refer to the fiscal years ended August 31st unless otherwise noted.
The Greenbrier Companies is a registered trademark of The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. Gunderson, Auto-Max II,
and Multi-Max are trademarks of Gunderson LLC. YSD is a trademark of Gunderson Rail Services LLC.
3
PART I
Item 1. BUSINESS
Introduction
We are one of the leading designers, manufacturers and marketers of railroad freight car equipment in North America,
Europe, South America and other geographies as opportunities arise. We also are a manufacturer and marketer of
marine barges in North America. We are a leading provider of freight railcar wheel services, parts, repair and
refurbishment in North America. We also offer railcar management, regulatory compliance services and leasing
services to railcar owners or other users of railcars in North America. Through unconsolidated affiliates we produce
rail and industrial components and hold an ownership stake in a railcar manufacturer in Brazil.
We operate an integrated business model in North America that combines freight car manufacturing, wheel services,
repair, refurbishment, component parts, leasing and fleet management services. Our model is designed to provide
customers with a comprehensive set of freight car solutions by utilizing our substantial engineering, mechanical and
technical capabilities as well as our experienced commercial personnel. Our integrated model allows us to develop
cross-selling opportunities and synergies among our various business segments thereby enhancing our margins. We
believe our integrated model is difficult to duplicate and provides greater value for our customers and investors.
We operate in three reportable segments: Manufacturing; Wheels, Repair & Parts; and Leasing & Services. Financial
information about our business segments as well as geographic information is located in Note 18 - Segment
Information to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc., is incorporated in Oregon. Our principal executive offices are located at One
Centerpointe Drive, Suite 200, Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035. Our telephone number is (503) 684-7000 and our
Internet website is located at http://www.gbrx.com.
Products and Services
Manufacturing Segment
North American Railcar Manufacturing - We manufacture most freight railcar types currently in use in the North
American market (other than coal cars) and we continue to expand our product features and functionality. We have
demonstrated an ability to capture high market shares in many of the car types we produce. The primary products we
produce for the North American market are:
Conventional Railcars - We produce a variety of covered hopper cars for industrial and food grade starches, grain,
fertilizer, cement, heavy ore minerals, plastic pellets, and petrochemicals as well as gondolas and open top hoppers
for steel, metals and aggregates. We also produce a wide range of boxcars, which are used in the transport of paper
products, perishables and general merchandise. Our flat car products include center partition cars for the forest
products industry, and heavy-duty flat cars.
Tank Cars - We produce a variety of tank cars, including general service, pressurized, coiled, lined, insulated carbon
steel and stainless steel tank cars. These are designed for the transportation of petroleum products, ethanol, liquefied
petroleum gas (LPG), caustic soda, chlorine, fertilizers, vegetable oils, bio-diesel and various other products.
Intermodal Railcars - We manufacture a comprehensive range of intermodal railcars. Our most popular intermodal
product is our double-stack railcar. The double-stack railcar is designed to transport containers stacked two-high on a
single platform and provides significant operating and capital savings over other types of intermodal railcars.
Automotive - We manufacture a full line of railcar equipment specifically designed for the transportation of light
vehicles. Our automotive offerings include the Auto-Max II and Multi-Max products, which are designed to carry
automobiles, SUVs and trucks efficiently.
4
European Railcar Manufacturing - Our European manufacturing operations produce a variety of tank, automotive
and conventional freight railcar types, including a comprehensive line of pressurized tank cars for liquid petroleum,
LPG gas, chlorine and ammonia and non-pressurized tank cars for light oil, chemicals and other products. In addition,
our European manufacturing operations produce flat cars, cars for coil steel and metals, gondolas, sliding wall cars,
hoppers and automobile transport cars.
Marine Vessel Fabrication - We manufacture a broad range of Jones Act ocean-going and river barges for transporting
merchandise between ports within the United States. Our primary focus is on the larger ocean-going vessels although
we have the capability to compete in other marine-related products. Our Portland, Oregon manufacturing facility,
located on a deep-water port on the Willamette River, includes marine vessel fabrication capabilities.
Wheels, Repair & Parts Segment
Wheel Services - We operate a wheel services network in North America. Our wheel shops provide complete wheel
services including reconditioning of wheels and axles in addition to new axle machining, finishing and downsizing.
Through a joint venture partnership we also provide axle machining, finishing and downsizing.
Railcar Repair, Refurbishment and Maintenance - We operate a railcar repair, refurbishment and maintenance
network in North America including repair shops certified by the Association of American Railroads (AAR). Our
repair shops perform heavy railcar repair, refurbishment and routine railcar maintenance for third parties and for our
leased and managed railcar fleet.
Component Parts Manufacturing - Our component parts facilities recondition and manufacture railcar cushioning
units, couplers, yokes, side frames, bolsters and various other parts. We also produce roofs, doors and associated parts
for boxcars.
Leasing & Services Segment
Leasing - We operate a railcar leasing business in North America. Our relationships with financial institutions and
operating lessors combined with our ownership of a lease fleet of approximately 8,300 railcars enables us to offer
flexible financing programs to our customers including operating leases of varied intervals and “by the mile” leases.
The percentage of owned units on lease excluding newly manufactured railcars available for sale or lease was 90.4%
at August 31, 2020 with an average remaining lease term of 3.0 years and an average age of 8.2 years. In addition to
leasing our own railcars, we originate leases of railcars, which are either newly built or refurbished by us, or bought
in the secondary market, and sell the railcars and attached leases to financial institutions typically with multi-year
management services agreements. As an equipment owner and an originator of leases, we participate principally in
the operating lease segment of the market. Under the majority of our leases, we are responsible for maintenance and
administration of the leased cars. Assets from our owned lease fleet are periodically sold to accommodate customer
demand, manage risk and maintain liquidity.
Management Services - Our North American management services business offers a broad array of software and
services that include railcar maintenance management, railcar accounting services (such as billing and revenue
collection, car hire receivable and payable administration), total fleet management (including railcar tracking using
proprietary software), fleet logistics, administration and railcar re-marketing. We currently provide management
services for a fleet of approximately 393,000 railcars for railroads, shippers, carriers, institutional investors and other
leasing and transportation companies in North America. In addition, our Regulatory Services Group offers regulatory,
engineering, process consulting and advocacy support to the tank car and petrochemical rail shipper community,
among other services.
Unconsolidated Affiliates
U.S. Axle Manufacturing – We have a 41.9% interest in Axis, LLC (Axis), a joint venture that manufactures and sells
axles to its joint venture partners for use and distribution both domestically and internationally in traditional freight
railcar markets and other railcar markets. We obtained our ownership interest in Axis as part of the acquisition of the
manufacturing business of American Railcar Industries, Inc. (ARI) on July 26, 2019.
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Brazilian Railcar Manufacturing - We have a 60% ownership interest in Greenbrier Maxion-Equipamentos e
Serviços Ferroviários S.A. (Greenbrier-Maxion), the leading railcar manufacturer of freight railcars in South America,
located near São Paulo, Brazil. Greenbrier-Maxion also assembles bogies and offers a range of aftermarket services
including railcar overhaul and refurbishment.
Brazilian Castings and Component Parts Manufacturing - We have a 29.5% ownership interest in Amsted-Maxion
Fundição e Equipamentos Ferroviários S.A. (Amsted-Maxion) based in Cruzeiro, Brazil. Amsted-Maxion is a
manufacturer of various castings and components for railcars and other heavy industrial equipment. Amsted-Maxion
has a 40% ownership position in Greenbrier-Maxion and is integrated with the operations of our Brazilian railcar
manufacturer.
Other Unconsolidated Affiliates - We have other unconsolidated affiliates which primarily include joint ventures that
produce rail and industrial components.
Backlog
The following table depicts our reported railcar backlog subject to third party sale or lease in number of railcars and
estimated future revenue value attributable to such backlog, at the dates shown:
New railcar backlog units (1)
Estimated future revenue value (in millions) (2)
(1) Each platform of a railcar is treated as a separate unit.
(2) Subject to change based on finalization of product mix.
2020
August 31,
2019
24,600
2,420 $
30,300
3,280 $
$
2018
27,400
2,740
Approximately 9% of backlog units and 6% of estimated backlog value as of August 31, 2020 was associated with
our Brazilian manufacturing operations which are accounted for under the equity method.
Based on current production schedules, approximately 13,500 units in the August 31, 2020 backlog are scheduled for
delivery in 2021. The balance of the production is scheduled for delivery in 2022 and beyond. Multi-year supply
agreements are common in the rail industry. Backlog units for lease may be syndicated to third parties or held in our
own fleet depending on a variety of factors. A portion of the orders included in backlog reflects an assumed product
mix. Under terms of the orders, the exact mix and pricing will be determined in the future as customers select railcar
specifications, which may impact the dollar amount of backlog. Marine backlog was $51 million and $100 million as
of August 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Our backlog of railcar units and marine vessels is not necessarily indicative of future results of operations. Certain
orders in backlog are subject to customary documentation and completion of terms. Customers may attempt to cancel
or modify orders in backlog. Historically, little variation has been experienced between the quantity ordered and the
quantity actually delivered, though the timing of deliveries may be modified from time to time. We cannot guarantee
that our reported backlog will convert to revenue in any particular period, if at all.
Customers
Our customers across our segments include railroads, leasing companies, financial institutions, shippers, carriers and
transportation companies. We have strong, long-term relationships with many of our customers. We believe that our
customers’ preference for high quality products, our technological leadership in developing innovative products, our
focus on being highly responsive to our customer’s needs and competitive pricing of our railcars have helped us
maintain our long-standing relationships with our customers.
In 2020, revenue from two customers accounted for approximately 26% of total revenue, 30% of Manufacturing
revenue, 14% of Leasing & Services revenue and 2% of Wheels, Repair & Parts revenue. No other customers
accounted for greater than 10% of total revenue.
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Raw Materials and Components
Our products require a supply of materials including steel and specialty components such as brakes, wheels and axles.
Specialty components purchased from third parties represent a significant amount of the cost of most freight cars. Our
customers often specify particular components and suppliers of such components. Although the number of alternative
suppliers of certain specialty components has declined in recent years, there are at least two available suppliers for
each of these components.
Certain materials and components are periodically in short supply which could potentially impact production at our
new railcar and refurbishment facilities. In an effort to mitigate shortages and reduce supply chain costs, we have
entered into strategic alliances and multi-year arrangements for the global sourcing of certain materials and
components, we operate a replacement parts business which aids in our vertical integration and we continue to pursue
strategic opportunities to protect and enhance our supply chain. We periodically make advance purchases to avoid
possible shortages of material due to capacity limitations of component suppliers, shipping and transportation delays
and possible price increases.
In 2020, the top ten suppliers for all inventory purchases accounted for approximately 47% of total purchases. The top
supplier accounted for 17% of total inventory purchases in 2020. No other suppliers accounted for more than 10% of
total inventory purchases. We believe we maintain good relationships with our suppliers.
Competition
We are currently one of the two largest railcar manufacturers of the five major railcar manufacturers competing in
North America. There are also a handful of specialty builders who focus on niche markets. We believe that in Europe
we are in the top tier of railcar manufacturers. Through our 60% ownership interest in Greenbrier-Maxion, we are the
leading railcar manufacturer in South America. The railcar manufacturing industry is becoming more global as
customers are purchasing railcars from manufacturers outside of their geographic region. In all railcar markets that we
serve, we compete on the basis of quality, price, reliability of delivery, product design and innovation, reputation and
customer service and support.
Competition in the marine industry is dependent on the type of product produced, proximity to delivery point, and
manufacturing capacity. There are few competitors that build as wide an array of products types as we build. We
compete on the basis of price, quality, reliability of delivery, launching capacity and experience with certain product
types.
Competition in the wheels, repair & parts businesses is dependent on the type of product or service provided. There
are many competitors in these businesses. We compete primarily on the basis of quality, timeliness of delivery,
customer service, location of shops, price and engineering expertise.
There are at least twenty institutions in North America that provide railcar leasing and services similar to ours. Many
of them are also customers that buy new railcars from our manufacturing facilities and used railcars from our lease
fleet, as well as utilize our management and repair services. We compete primarily on the basis of quality, price,
delivery, reputation, service offerings and deal structuring and syndication ability. We believe our strong servicing
capability and our ability to sell railcars with a lease attached (syndicate railcars), integrated with our manufacturing,
repair shops, railcar specialization and expertise in particular lease structures provide a strong competitive advantage.
Marketing and Product Development
In North America, we leverage an integrated marketing and sales effort to coordinate relationships in our various
segments. We provide our customers with a diverse range of equipment and financing alternatives designed to satisfy
each customer’s unique needs, whether the customer is buying new equipment, refurbishing existing equipment or
seeking to outsource the maintenance or management of equipment. These custom programs may involve a
combination of railcar products, leasing, refurbishing and remarketing services. In addition, we provide customized
maintenance management, equipment management, accounting and compliance services and proprietary software
solutions.
7
In Europe and South America, we maintain relationships with customers through market-specific sales personnel. Our
engineering and technical staff works closely with their customer counterparts on the design and certification of
railcars. Many European railroads are state-owned and are subject to European Union (EU) regulations covering the
tender of government contracts.
Through our research and customer relationships, insights are derived into the potential need for new products and
services. Marketing and engineering personnel collaborate to evaluate opportunities and develop new products and
features. Research and development costs incurred during the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were $5.8
million, $5.4 million and $6.0 million, respectively.
Patents and Trademarks
We have a proactive program aimed at protecting our intellectual property and the results from our research and
development. We have obtained a number of U.S. and non-U.S. patents of varying duration, and pending patent
applications, registered trademarks, copyrights and trade names. We believe that manufacturing expertise, the
improvement of existing technology and the development of new products are as least as important as patent protection
in establishing and maintaining a competitive advantage in our market.
Environmental Matters
We are subject to national, state and local environmental laws and regulations concerning, among other matters, air
emissions, wastewater discharge, solid and hazardous waste disposal and employee health and safety. Prior to
acquiring facilities, we conduct investigations to evaluate the environmental condition of subject properties and may
negotiate contractual terms for allocation of environmental exposure arising from prior uses. We operate our facilities
in a manner designed to maintain compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations. Environmental
studies have been conducted on certain of our owned and leased properties that indicate additional investigation and
some remediation on certain properties may be necessary.
Portland Harbor Superfund Site
Our Portland, Oregon manufacturing facility (the Portland Property) is located adjacent to the Willamette River. In
December 2000, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified portions of the Willamette River bed
known as the Portland Harbor, including the portion fronting our manufacturing facility, as a federal "National Priority
List" or "Superfund" site due to sediment contamination (the Portland Harbor Site). Our company and more than 140
other parties have received a "General Notice" of potential liability from the EPA relating to the Portland Harbor Site.
The letter advised us that we may be liable for the costs of investigation and remediation (which liability may be joint
and several with other potentially responsible parties) as well as for natural resource damages resulting from releases
of hazardous substances to the site. Ten private and public entities, including our company (the Lower Willamette
Group or LWG), signed an Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) to perform a remedial investigation/feasibility
study (RI/FS) of the Portland Harbor Site under EPA oversight, and several additional entities did not sign such
consent, but nevertheless contributed financially to the effort. The EPA-mandated RI/FS was produced by the LWG
and cost over $110 million during a 17-year period. We bore a percentage of the total costs incurred by the LWG in
connection with the investigation. Our aggregate expenditure during the 17-year period was not material. Some or all
of any such outlay may be recoverable from other responsible parties. The EPA issued its Record of Decision (ROD)
for the Portland Harbor Site on January 6, 2017 and accordingly on October 26, 2017, the AOC was terminated.
Separate from the process described above, which focused on the type of remediation to be performed at the Portland
Harbor Site and the schedule for such remediation, 83 parties, including the State of Oregon and the federal
government, entered into a non-judicial mediation process to try to allocate costs associated with remediation of the
Portland Harbor Site. Approximately 110 additional parties signed tolling agreements related to such allocations. On
April 23, 2009, our company and the other AOC signatories filed suit against 69 other parties due to a possible
limitations period for some such claims; Arkema Inc. et al v. A & C Foundry Products, Inc. et al, U.S. District Court,
District of Oregon, Case #3:09-cv-453-PK. All but 12 of these parties elected to sign tolling agreements and be
dismissed without prejudice, and the case has been stayed by the court until January 14, 2022.
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The EPA's January 6, 2017 ROD identifies a clean-up remedy that the EPA estimates will take 13 years of active
remediation, followed by 30 years of monitoring with an estimated undiscounted cost of $1.7 billion. The EPA
typically expects its cost estimates to be accurate within a range of -30% to +50%, but this ROD states that changes
in costs are likely to occur as a result of new data collected over a 2-year period prior to final remedy design. The
ROD identifies 13 Sediment Decision Units. One of the units, RM9W, includes the nearshore area of the river
sediments offshore of the Portland Property as well as upstream and downstream of the facility. It also includes a
portion of our riverbank. The ROD does not break down total remediation costs by Sediment Decision Unit. The
EPA's ROD concluded that more data was needed to better define clean-up scope and cost. On December 8, 2017, the
EPA announced that Portland Harbor is one of 21 Superfund sites targeted for greater attention. On December 19,
2017, the EPA announced that it had entered a new AOC with a group of four potentially responsible parties to conduct
additional sampling during 2018 and 2019 to provide more certainty about clean-up costs and aid the mediation
process to allocate those costs. The parties to the mediation, including our company, agreed to help fund the additional
sampling, which is now complete. The EPA requested that potentially responsible parties enter AOCs during 2019
agreeing to conduct remedial design studies. Some parties have signed AOCs, including one party with respect to
RM9W which includes the area offshore of our manufacturing facility. We have not signed an AOC in connection
with remedial design, but will potentially be directly or indirectly responsible for conducting or funding a portion of
such RM9W remedial design. The allocation process is continuing in parallel with the process to define the remedial
design.
The ROD does not address responsibility for the costs of clean-up, nor does it allocate such costs among the potentially
responsible parties. Responsibility for funding and implementing the EPA's selected cleanup remedy will be
determined at an unspecified later date. Based on the investigation to date, we believe that we did not contribute in
any material way to contamination in the river sediments or the damage of natural resources in the Portland Harbor
Site and that the damage in the area of the Portland Harbor Site adjacent to our property precedes our ownership of
the Portland Property. Because these environmental investigations are still underway, including the collection of new
pre-remedial design sampling data by EPA, sufficient information is currently not available to determine our liability,
if any, for the cost of any required remediation or restoration of the Portland Harbor Site or to estimate a range of
potential loss. Based on the results of the pending investigations and future assessments of natural resource damages,
we may be required to incur costs associated with additional phases of investigation or remedial action, and may be
liable for damages to natural resources. In addition, we may be required to perform periodic maintenance dredging in
order to continue to launch vessels from our launch ways in Portland, Oregon, on the Willamette River, and the river's
classification as a Superfund site could result in some limitations on future dredging and launch activities. Any of
these matters could adversely affect our business and Consolidated Financial Statements, or the value of the Portland
Property.
On January 30, 2017 the Confederated Tribes and Bands of Yakama Nation sued 33 parties including our company
as well as the United States and the State of Oregon for costs it incurred in assessing alleged natural resource damages
to the Columbia River from contaminants deposited in Portland Harbor. Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama
Nation v. Air Liquide America Corp., et al., United States Court for the District of Oregon Case No. 3i17-CV-00164-
SB. The complaint does not specify the amount of damages the plaintiff will seek. The case has been stayed until
January 14, 2022.
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Regulation of Portland Manufacturing Operations
We have entered into a Voluntary Cleanup Agreement with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
in which we agreed to conduct an investigation of whether, and to what extent, past or present operations at the
Portland Property may have released hazardous substances into the environment. We have also signed an Order on
Consent with the DEQ to finalize the investigation of potential onsite sources of contamination that may have a release
pathway to the Willamette River. Interim precautionary measures are also required in the order and we are discussing
with the DEQ potential remedial actions which may be required. Our aggregate expenditure has not been material,
however we could incur significant expenses for remediation. Some or all of any such outlay may be recoverable from
other responsible parties.
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Regulation
We must comply with the rules of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the administrative agencies
it oversees including the Federal Railroad Administration in the U.S. and Transport Canada in Canada who administer
and enforce laws and regulations relating to railroad safety. These regulations govern equipment and safety appliance
standards for freight cars and other rail equipment used in interstate and international commerce throughout North
America. The AAR promulgates rules and regulations governing the safety and design of equipment, relationships
among railroads and other railcar owners with respect to railcars in interchange, and other matters. The AAR also
certifies railcar builders and component manufacturers that provide equipment for use on North American railroads.
These regulations require maintaining certifications with the AAR as a railcar builder, repair and service provider and
component manufacturer, and products sold and leased by us in North America must meet AAR, Transport Canada,
and Federal Railroad Administration standards.
The primary regulatory and industry authorities involved in the regulation of the ocean-going barge industry are the
U.S. Coast Guard, the Maritime Administration of the USDOT, and private industry classing organizations such as
the American Bureau of Shipping.
The regulatory environment in Europe consists of a combination of EU regulations and country specific regulations,
including a harmonized set of Technical Standards for Interoperability of freight wagons throughout the EU. The EU
approval regime was modified to replace country specific approvals with a single, harmonized EU process. The switch
created short term delays in wagon certification, but over time streamlined the process. The wagon certification
process is improved and currently is the same or shorter than it was previously. The regulatory environment in Brazil
consists of oversight from the Ministry of Transportation, the National Agency of Ground Transportation and the
National Association of Railroad Transporters. In all other countries, we conform to country specific regulations where
applicable.
Employees
As of August 31, 2020, we had approximately 10,600 full-time employees at our consolidated entities, consisting of
9,700 employees in Manufacturing, 600 in Wheels, Repair & Parts and 300 employees in Leasing & Services and
corporate. In Manufacturing, 4,600 employees are represented by unions. At our Wheels, Repair & Parts locations,
approximately 30 employees are represented by a union. We believe that our relations with our employees are
generally good.
Additional Information
We are a reporting company and file annual, quarterly, current and special reports, proxy statements and other
information with the SEC. The SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements,
and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Through a link on
the Investor Relations section of our website, http://www.gbrx.com, we make available the following filings as soon
as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC: our Annual Report on Form
10-K; Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q; Current Reports on Form 8-K; and any amendments to those reports filed or
furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All such filings are
available free of charge. Copies of our Audit Committee Charter, Compensation Committee Charter, Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee Charter and the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines are also available
on our web site at http://www.gbrx.com. In addition, each of the reports and documents listed above are available free
of charge by contacting our Investor Relations Department at The Greenbrier Companies, Inc., One Centerpointe
Drive, Suite 200, Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035.
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Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
The following risks could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results, liquidity
and cash flows, prospects, and stock price. These risks do not identify all risks that we face; other factors, events, or
uncertainties currently unknown to us or that we currently do not consider to present significant risks to our business
or that emerge in the future could affect us adversely.
The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, governmental reaction to the pandemic, and related economic disruptions
could negatively impact on our business, liquidity and financial position, results of operations, stock price, and
ability to convert backlog to revenue.
The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak continues to present risks to our business. While in some geographies economic
activity has increased and the rate of human morbidity and mortality have decreased in recent months, the pandemic
has not yet been contained and the number of its victims and the extent of negative impact on the global economy
cannot be foreseen. Several of the countries in which we operate continue to be significantly negatively impacted by
COVID-19.
We are unable to predict when, how, or with what magnitude COVID-19 and related events will negatively impact
our business. We currently identify the following factors as the most significant risks to our business due to COVID-
19, governmental actions, and economic conditions.
(cid:129) We may be prevented from operating our manufacturing facilities, repair shops, wheel shops or other
worksites due to the illness of our employees, “stay-at-home” regulations, and employee reluctance to appear
for work. Extended closure of one or more of our large facilities could have a material negative impact on
our financial position and results of operations.
(cid:129) We function as an essential infrastructure business under guidance issued by the Department of Homeland
Security. Similar guidelines and authorities exist in other nations where we operate. If our current status were
eliminated or curtailed, we could be required to temporarily close one or more of our manufacturing facilities,
repair shops, wheel shops or other worksites for an extended period of time.
(cid:129)
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If an outbreak of COVID-19 were to occur at one of our large facilities, we could be obligated to close such
facility for an extended period of time, and might not have a workforce adequate to meet our operating needs.
The operations of our customers may be disrupted, thereby increasing the likelihood that our customers may
attempt to delay, defer or cancel orders, reduce orders for our products and services in the future or cease to
operate as going concerns.
The operations of our suppliers may be disrupted and the markets for the inputs to our business may not
operate effectively or efficiently, thereby negatively impacting our ability to purchase inputs for our business
at reasonable prices, in a timely manner and in sufficient amounts.
(cid:129) Our indebtedness may increase due to our need to increase borrowing to fund operations during a period of
reduced revenue.
(cid:129)
The market price of our common stock may drop or remain volatile.
(cid:129) We may incur significant employee health care costs under our self-insurance programs.
The longer the pandemic continues, the more likely that more of the foregoing risks will be realized and that other
negative impacts on our business will occur, some of which we cannot now foresee.
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The types of rail equipment we sell and the services we provide significantly impact our revenue and our margin
and are dependent on broad economic trends over which we have little or no control.
We manufacture, lease, repair and refurbish a broad range of railcars and related rail equipment. The demand for
specific types of railcars and the mix of repair and refurbishment work varies over time. Changes in the global
economy and the industries and geographies that we serve cause shifts in demand for specific products and services.
These shifts in demand could affect our results of operations and could have an adverse effect on our revenue and our
profitability. Demand for specific types of railcars increases and decreases with the demand for goods such as
grains, metals, construction aggregates, fertilizer, perishables and general merchandise, plastic pellets, oil and
gas, bio-fuels, chemicals, and automobiles, among others, which is beyond our control.
Cyclical economic downturns in our industry usually result in decreased demand for our products and services
and reduced revenue.
The industry in which we operate is subject to periodic economic cycles. Our industry currently is in an economic
downturn with reduced demand. The purchasing trends of customers in our industry have a significant impact on
demand for our products and services. As a result, during downturns, the rate at which we convert backlog to revenue
usually decreases and we may slow down or halt production at some of our facilities. We anticipate that the current
economic downturn in our industry will reduce demand for our products and services, and will result in one or more
of the following: lower sales volumes, lower prices, lower lease utilization rates and decreased revenues and profits.
Equipment failures, technological failures, costs and inefficiencies associated with changing of production lines,
or transfer of production between facilities, could lead to production, delivery, or service curtailments or
shutdowns, loss of revenue or higher expenses.
We operate a substantial amount of equipment at our production facilities. An interruption in production capabilities
or maintenance and repair capabilities at our facilities, as a result of equipment or technology failure, acts of nature,
terrorism, costs and inefficiencies associated with changing of production lines or transfer of production between
facilities, could reduce or prevent our production, delivery, service, or repair of our products and increase our costs
and expenses. A halt of production at any of our manufacturing facilities could severely affect delivery times to our
customers. Any significant delay in deliveries not otherwise contractually mitigated could result in cancellation of all
or a portion of our orders, cause us to lose future sales, and negatively affect our reputation and our results of
operations.
Demand for our railcar equipment and services is dependent on the future of rail transportation and the manner
in which railroads operate.
Demand for our rail equipment and services may decrease if freight rail decreases as a mode of freight transportation
used by customers to ship their products, or if governmental policies favor modes of freight transportation other than
rail. If rail freight transportation becomes more efficient or dwell times decrease, demand for our rail equipment and
services may decrease. If the rail freight industry becomes oversupplied, prices for our railcars, lease rates, and demand
for our products and services may decrease. The industries in which our customers operate are driven by dynamic
market forces and trends, which are in turn influenced by economic, regulatory, and political factors. Features and
functionality specific to certain railcar types could result in those railcars becoming obsolete as customer requirements
for freight delivery change.
Our business will suffer if we are unsuccessful in making, integrating, and maintaining acquisitions, joint ventures
and other strategic investments.
We have acquired businesses and invested in or entered into joint ventures in past periods including the recent
acquisition of the ARI manufacturing business. We may in the future acquire other businesses or invest in or enter
into joint ventures with other companies. Our failure to identify future acquisition or joint venture opportunities, or to
complete potential acquisitions or joint ventures on favorable terms, could hinder our ability to grow our business.
These transactions create risks such as:
(cid:129)
disruption of our ongoing business, including loss of management focus on existing operations;
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(cid:129)
(cid:129)
(cid:129)
(cid:129)
(cid:129)
(cid:129)
(cid:129)
(cid:129)
(cid:129)
(cid:129)
(cid:129)
(cid:129)
the difficulty of incorporating acquired operations, technology, and rights into our existing business and
product and service offerings, and unanticipated expenses related to such integration;
the difficulty of integrating a new company’s accounting, financial reporting, management, information and
information security, human resource, and other administrative systems to permit effective management, and
the lack of control if such integration is delayed or not successfully implemented;
the challenges of coordinating geographically dispersed organizations, integrating personnel with disparate
business backgrounds, and combining different corporate cultures;
the challenges of retaining key personnel of the acquired business or joint venture;
the risk of incurring unanticipated operating losses and expenses of the acquired business or joint venture;
the potential impairment of customer and other relationships of the acquired company or of the joint venture
partner or our own customers as a result of any integration of operations;
losses we may incur as a result of declines in the value of a joint venture investment or as a result of
incorporating an investee’s financial performance into our financial results;
the difficulty of implementing at companies we acquire the controls, procedures, and policies appropriate for
a public company;
potential unknown liabilities associated with a company we acquire or in which we invest; and
the risks associated with businesses we acquire or invest in, which may differ from or be more significant
than the risks our other businesses face;
our inability to complete capital expenditure projects on time and within budget or the failure of capital
expenditure projects once completed to operate as planned or to return expected benefits as planned; and
the difficulty of completing such transactions and achieving anticipated cost efficiencies, synergies and other
benefits within expected timeframes, or at all.
In addition, we might need to issue additional equity securities, spend our cash, or incur debt, contingent liabilities, or
amortization expenses related to intangible assets in connection with effecting an acquisition or joint venture, any of
which could reduce our profitability and harm our business or only be available on unfavorable terms, if at all. In
addition, valuations supporting our acquisitions and investments could change rapidly. We could determine that such
valuations have experienced impairments or other-than-temporary declines in fair value, which could adversely impact
our financial results.
Our backlog is not necessarily indicative of the level of our future revenues.
Our manufacturing backlog represents future production for our customers in various periods, and estimated potential
revenue attributable to such production. Our backlog of railcar units and marine vessels is not necessarily indicative
of future results of operations. Certain orders in backlog are subject to customary documentation and completion of
terms which may not occur. Customers may attempt to cancel or modify orders in backlog or refuse to accept and pay
for products. Some backlog is subject to certain conditions, including potential adjustment to prices due to changes in
prevailing market prices, or due to lower prices for new orders accepted by us from other customers for similar cars
on similar terms and conditions during relevant time periods. Our reported backlog may not be converted to revenue
in any particular period and some of our contracts permit cancellations with limited compensation that would not
replace lost revenue or margins. In addition, some customers may attempt to delay orders, cancel or modify a contract
even if the contract does not allow for such cancellation or modification, and we may not be able to recover all revenue
or earnings lost due to a breach of contract or a contract may be found to be unenforceable. The likelihood of
cancellations, modifications, rejection and non-payment for our products generally increases during periods of market
weakness. The timing of converting backlog to revenue is also materially impacted by our decision whether to lease
railcars, sell railcars, or syndicate railcars with a lease attached to an investor. We cannot guarantee that our reported
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backlog will convert to revenue in any particular period, if at all. Actual revenue may not equal our anticipated
revenues based on our backlog, and therefore, our backlog is not necessarily indicative of the level of our future
revenues.
Risks related to our operations outside of the U.S. could adversely affect our operating results.
We own, lease, operate or have invested in businesses that have manufacturing facilities in Mexico, Brazil and Europe,
and have customers and suppliers located outside the United States. Instability in the macroeconomic, political, legal,
trade, financial, labor or market conditions in the countries where we, or our customers or suppliers, operate could
negatively impact our business activities and operations. Some foreign countries in which we operate or may operate
have authorities that regulate railroad safety and rail equipment design and manufacturing. If we do not have
appropriate certifications, we could be unable to market and sell our rail equipment in those markets. Adverse changes
in foreign regulations applicable to us or our customers, such as labor, environment, trade, tax, currency and price
regulations, could limit our operations, make the manufacture and distribution of our products difficult, and delay or
limit our ability to repatriate income derived from foreign markets.
Our business benefits from free trade agreements between the United States and foreign governments, and from
various U.S. corporate tax provisions related to international commerce. Any changes in trade or tax policies by the
U.S. or foreign governments in jurisdictions in which we do business, as well as any embargoes, quotas or tariffs
imposed on our products and services, could adversely and significantly affect our financial condition and results of
operations.
Among the political risks we face outside the U.S. are governments nationalizing our business or assets, or repudiating
or renegotiating contracts with us, our customers or our suppliers. In our cross-border business activities, we could
experience longer customer payment cycles, difficulty in collecting accounts receivable or an inability to protect our
intellectual property. We could be adversely affected by violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and
similar worldwide anti-corruption laws, which may conflict with local business customs in certain jurisdictions. The
failure to comply with laws governing international business may result in substantial penalties and fines and
reputational harm. Transactions with non-U.S. entities expose us to business practices, local customs, and legal
processes with which we may not be familiar, as well as difficulty enforcing contracts and international political and
trade tensions. If we are unable to successfully manage the risks associated with our foreign and cross-border business
activities, our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows could be negatively impacted.
Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could lead to increased costs and lower profitability.
Outside of the U.S., we primarily conduct business in Mexico, Europe and Brazil and our non-U.S. businesses conduct
their operations in local currencies. We also source materials worldwide. Fluctuations in exchange rates may affect
demand for our products in foreign markets or our cost competitiveness and may adversely affect our profitability.
Although we attempt to mitigate a portion of our exposure to changes in currency rates through currency rate hedge
contracts and other activities, these efforts cannot fully eliminate the risks associated with the foreign currencies. In
addition, some of our borrowings are in foreign currency, giving rise to risk from fluctuations in exchange rates. A
material or adverse change in exchange rates could result in significant deterioration of profits or in losses for us.
We derive a significant amount of our revenue from a limited number of customers, the loss of or reduction of
business from one or more of which could have an adverse effect on our business.
A significant portion of our revenue is generated from a few major customers. Although we have some long-term
contractual relationships with our major customers, we cannot be assured that we will continue to have good relations
with our customers, or that our customers will continue to purchase or lease our products or services, or will continue
to do so at historical levels, or will renew their existing contracts with us. A reduction in the purchasing or leasing of
our products, a termination of our services by one or more of our major customers, a decline in the financial condition
of a major customer, or our failure to replace expiring customer contracts with new customer contracts on satisfactory
terms could result in a loss of business and have an adverse effect on our business and operating results.
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We rely on limited suppliers for certain components and services needed in our production. If we are not able to
procure specialty components or services on commercially reasonable terms or on a timely basis, our business,
financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected.
Our manufacturing operations depend in part on our ability to obtain timely deliveries of materials, components and
services in acceptable quantities and quality from our suppliers. In 2020, the top ten suppliers for all inventory purchases
accounted for approximately 47% of total purchases. The top supplier accounted for 17% of total inventory purchases in
2020. No other suppliers accounted for more than 10% of total inventory purchases. Certain components of our
products, particularly specialized components like castings, bolsters, trucks, wheels and axels, and certain services,
such as lining capabilities, are currently only available from a limited number of suppliers. If any one or more of our
suppliers cease to provide us with sufficient quantities of our components or services in a timely manner or on terms
acceptable to us, or cease to provide services or manufacture components of acceptable quality, or go out of business,
we could incur disruptions or be limited in our production of our products and we could have to seek alternative
sources for these components or services.
In addition, we are increasing the number of components and services we manufacture or provide ourselves, directly
or through joint ventures. If we are not successful at manufacturing such components or providing such services or
have production problems after transitioning to self-produced supplies, we may not be able to replace such components
or services from third party suppliers in a timely manner. Any such disruption in our supply of specialized components
and services or increased costs of those components or services could harm our business and adversely affect our
results of operations.
We face risks related to cybersecurity threats and incidents that increase our costs and could disrupt our business
and operations.
We regularly face attempts by others to gain unauthorized access through the Internet, or to introduce malicious
software, to our information technology systems. Additionally, malicious hackers, state-sponsored organizations,
terrorists, employees and third-party service providers, or intruders into our physical facilities may attempt to gain
unauthorized access and corrupt the processes used to operate our businesses and to design and manufacture our
products. We are also a target of malicious attackers who attempt to gain access to our network or those of our
customers; steal proprietary information related to our business, products, employees, and customers; or interrupt our
systems and services or those of our customers. Such attempts are increasing in number and in technical sophistication,
and if successful, expose us and the affected parties to risk of loss or misuse of proprietary or confidential information
or disruptions of our business operations. Our information technology infrastructure also includes products and
services provided by third parties, and these providers can experience breaches of their systems and products that
affect the security of our systems and our proprietary or confidential information. Our reliance on information
technology increases as working remotely increases among our employees.
Addressing cybersecurity threats and incidents, whether or not successful, could result in our incurring significant
costs related to, for example, disruptions in our operations, rebuilding internal systems, implementing additional threat
protection measures, defending against litigation, responding to regulatory inquiries or actions, paying damages, or
taking other remedial steps with respect to third parties, as well as reputational harm. In addition, these threats are
constantly evolving, thereby increasing the difficulty of successfully defending against them or implementing
adequate preventative measures. While we seek to detect and investigate unauthorized attempts and attacks against
our network, products, and services, and to prevent their recurrence where practicable through changes to our internal
processes and tools, we remain potentially vulnerable to additional known or unknown threats. In some instances, we,
our customers, and the users of our products and services can be unaware of an incident or its magnitude and effects.
The theft, loss, or misuse of third party data collected, used, stored, or transferred by us to run our business could
result in significantly increased business and security costs or costs related to defending legal claims. Global privacy
legislation, enforcement, and policy activity in this area are rapidly expanding and creating a complex regulatory
compliance environment. Costs to comply with and implement these privacy-related and data protection measures
could be significant, and noncompliance could expose us to significant monetary penalties, damage to our reputation,
and even criminal sanctions. Even our inadvertent failure to comply with federal, state, or international privacy-related
or data-protection laws and regulations could result in audits, regulatory inquiries, or proceedings against us by
governmental entities or other third parties.
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Updates or changes to our information technology systems may result in problems that could negatively impact our
business.
We have information technology systems, comprising hardware, network, software, people, processes and other
infrastructure that are important to the operation of our businesses. We continue to evaluate and implement upgrades and
changes to information technology systems that support substantially all of our operating and financial functions. We
could experience problems in connection with such implementations, including compatibility issues, training
requirements, higher than expected implementation costs and other integration challenges and delays. A significant
problem with an implementation, integration with other systems or ongoing management and operation of our systems
could negatively impact our business by disrupting operations. Such a problem could also have an adverse effect on our
ability to generate and interpret accurate management and financial reports and other information on a timely basis, which
could have a material adverse effect on our financial reporting system and internal controls and adversely affect our
ability to manage our business.
We could be unable to lease railcars at satisfactory rates, remarket leased railcars on favorable terms upon lease
termination, or realize the expected residual values for end of life railcars due to changes in scrap prices, each of
which could reduce our revenue and decrease our overall return or affect our ability to sell leased assets in the
future.
The profitability of our railcar leasing business depends on our ability to lease railcars at satisfactory rates, sell railcars
with sufficiently profitable leases to investors, and to remarket, sell or scrap railcars we own or manage upon the
expiration of leases. The rent we receive during the initial railcar lease term typically covers only a small portion of
the railcar acquisition or production costs. Thus, we are exposed to a remarketing risk throughout the life of the railcar
because we must obtain lease rates or a sale price sufficient to cover our acquisition or production costs related to the
railcar. Our ability to lease or remarket leased railcars profitably is dependent on several factors, including, but not
limited to, market and industry conditions, cost of, and demand for, competing used or newer models, availability of
credit and the credit-worthiness of potential customers, costs associated with the refurbishment of the railcars, the
market demand or governmental mandates for refurbishment, customers not defaulting on their leases, as well as
market perceptions of residual values and interest rates. A downturn in the industries in which our lessees operate
and decreased demand for railcars could also increase our exposure to remarketing risks because lessees may demand
shorter lease terms, requiring us to remarket leased railcars more frequently. Furthermore, the resale market for
previously leased railcars has a limited number of potential buyers. Our inability to lease, remarket or sell leased
railcars on favorable terms could result in an adverse impact to our consolidated financial statements or affect our
ability to sell leased railcars to investors in the future.
A limited availability of financing or higher interest rates could increase the cost of, or potentially deter, new leasing
arrangements with our customers, reduce our ability to syndicate railcars under lease to financial institutions, or impact
the sales price we may receive on such syndications, any of which could materially adversely affect our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
A failure to design or manufacture products or technologies or to achieve timely certification or market acceptance
of new products or technologies could have an adverse effect on our profitability.
We continue to introduce new railcar product innovations and technologies. We occasionally accept orders prior to
receiving railcar certification or proving our ability to manufacture a quality product that meets customer standards.
We could be unable to successfully design or manufacture new railcar product innovations or technologies. Our
inability to develop and manufacture new product innovations or technologies in a timely and profitable manner, or
to obtain timely certification, or to achieve market acceptance, or to avoid quality problems in our new products, could
have a material adverse effect on our revenue and results of operations and subject us to losses including penalties,
cancellation of orders, rejection of railcars by a customer and/or other losses.
16
We depend on our senior management team and other key employees, and significant attrition within our
management team or unsuccessful succession planning for members of our senior management team and other
key employees who are at or nearing retirement age, could adversely affect our business.
Our success depends in part on our ability to attract, retain and motivate senior management and other key employees.
Achieving this objective may be difficult due to many factors, including fluctuations in global economic and industry
conditions, competitors’ hiring practices, cost reduction activities, and the effectiveness of our compensation
programs. Competition for qualified personnel can be very intense. We must continue to recruit, retain and motivate
senior management and other key employees sufficient to maintain our current business and support our future projects
and growth objectives. We are vulnerable to attrition among our current senior management team and other key
employees. Many members of our senior management team and other key employees are at or nearing retirement age.
If we are unsuccessful in our succession planning efforts, the continuity of our business and results of operations could
be adversely affected. A loss of any such personnel, or the inability to recruit and retain qualified personnel in the
future, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Shortages of skilled labor, increased labor costs, or failure to maintain good relations with our workforce could
adversely affect our operations.
We depend on skilled labor in the manufacture of railcars and marine barges, repair, refurbishment and maintenance
of railcars and provision of wheel services and supply of parts. Some of our facilities are located in areas where
demand for skilled labor often exceeds supply. Shortages of some types of skilled labor such as welders and machine
operators could restrict our ability to maintain or increase production rates, lead to production inefficiencies and
increase our labor costs. Due to the competitive nature of the labor markets in which we operate and the cyclical nature
of the railcar industry, the resulting employment cycle increases our risk of not being able to recruit, train and retain
the employees we require at efficient costs and on reasonable terms, particularly when the economy expands,
production rates are high or competition for such skilled labor increases. Additionally, we may develop an adverse
relationship with our workforce or third party labor providers. We are a party to collective bargaining agreements with
various labor unions at some of our operations. Disputes with regard to the terms and conditions of these agreements
or our potential inability to negotiate acceptable contracts with these unions in the future could result in, among other
things, strikes, work stoppages or other slowdowns by the affected workers. We cannot be assured that our relations
with our workforce will remain positive. If our workers were to engage in a strike, work stoppage or other slowdown,
or other employees were to become unionized or the terms and conditions in future labor agreements were
renegotiated, or if union representation is implemented at such sites and we are unable to agree with the union on
reasonable employment terms, including wages, benefits, and work rules, we could experience a significant disruption
of our operations and incur higher ongoing labor costs. Our costs to recruit, train and retain necessary, qualified
employees may exceed our expectations. If we are unable to recruit, train and retain adequate numbers of qualified
employees and third party labor providers on a timely basis or at a reasonable cost or on reasonable terms, our business
and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Risks related to potential misconduct by employees may adversely impact us.
Our employees may engage in misconduct, fraud or other improper activities, including noncompliance with our
policies or regulatory standards and requirements, which could subject us to regulatory sanctions and reputational
damage and materially harm our business. It is not always possible to deter employee misconduct, and the precautions
we take to prevent and detect this activity may not be effective in controlling unknown or unmanaged risks or losses,
including risks associated with harassment, as well as whistleblower complaints and litigation. There can be no
assurance that we will succeed in preventing misconduct by employees in the future. In addition, the investigation of
alleged misconduct disrupts our operations and may harm the public’s perception of our company, which may be
costly. Any such events in the future may have a material adverse impact on our financial condition or results of
operations.
17
Some of our competitors are owned or financially supported by foreign governments and may sell products below
cost or otherwise compete unfairly.
The markets in which we participate are intensely competitive and we expect them to remain intensely competitive
into the foreseeable future. Some of our competitors are owned or financially supported by foreign governments or
sovereign wealth funds, and may potentially sell products and services below cost, or otherwise compete unfairly,
in order to gain market share. The relative competitiveness of our manufacturing facilities and products affects our
performance. A number of competitive factors challenge or affect our ability to compete successfully including the
introduction of competitive products and new entrants into our markets, a limited customer base and price pressures
such as unfair competition and increases in raw materials and labor costs. If we do not compete successfully, our
market share, margin and results of operations may be adversely affected.
We have potential exposure to environmental liabilities, which could increase our operating costs or have an
adverse effect on our results of operations.
We are subject to extensive national, state, foreign, provincial and local environmental laws and regulations
concerning, among other things, air emissions, water discharge, solid waste and hazardous substances handling and
disposal and employee health and safety. These laws and regulations are complex and frequently change. We could
incur unexpected costs, penalties and other civil and criminal liability if we, or in certain circumstances others, fail to
comply with environmental laws or permits issued pursuant to those laws. We also could incur costs or liabilities
related to off-site waste disposal or remediating soil or groundwater contamination at our properties, including as set
forth in Item 3, “Legal Proceedings.” In addition, future environmental laws and regulations may require significant
capital expenditures or changes to our operations, or may impose liability on us in the future for actions that complied
with then applicable laws and regulations when the action was taken.
Fires, natural disasters, pandemics, terrorism, or severe or unusual weather conditions could disrupt our business
and result in loss of revenue or higher expenses or decreased demand for wheel services.
Any serious disruption at any of our facilities due to pandemic, terrorism, fire, hurricane, earthquake, flood, other
severe weather events or any other natural disaster could impair our ability to use our facilities and have a material
adverse impact on our revenues and increase our costs and expenses. If there is a natural disaster or other serious
disruption at any of our facilities, particularly at any of our Mexican or Arkansas facilities, it could impair our ability
to adequately supply our customers, cause a significant disruption to our operations, cause us to incur significant costs
to relocate or reestablish these functions and negatively impact our operating results. While we insure against certain
business interruption risks, such insurance may not adequately compensate us for any losses incurred as a result of
natural or other disasters.
Additionally, seasonal fluctuations in weather conditions may lead to greater variation in our quarterly operating
results as unusually mild weather conditions will generally lead to lower demand for our wheel-related products and
services. Unusually mild weather conditions throughout the year may reduce overall demand for our wheel-related
products and repair services. If occurring for prolonged periods, such weather could have an adverse effect on our
business, results of operations and financial condition.
Business, regulatory, and legal developments regarding climate change may affect the demand for our products or
the ability of our critical suppliers to meet our needs.
Scientific studies have suggested that emissions of certain gases, commonly referred to as greenhouse gases (GHGs)
including carbon dioxide and methane, may be contributing to warming of the Earth’s atmosphere and other climate
changes. Legislation and new rules to regulate emission of GHGs have been introduced in numerous state legislatures,
the U.S. Congress, and by the EPA. Some of these proposals would require industries to meet stringent new standards
that may require substantial reporting of GHGs and other carbon intensive activities in addition to potentially
mandating reductions in our carbon emissions. While we cannot assess the direct impact of these or other potential
regulations, we recognize that new climate change reporting or compliance protocols could affect our operating costs,
the demand for our products and/or affect the price of materials, input factors and manufactured components which
could impact our margins. Other adverse consequences of climate change could include an increased frequency of
severe weather events and rising sea levels that could affect operations at our manufacturing facilities, the price of
insuring company assets, or other unforeseen disruptions of our operations, systems, property or equipment.
18
Fluctuations in the availability and price of inputs could have an adverse effect on our ability to manufacture and
sell our products profitably and could adversely affect our margins and revenue.
A significant portion of our business depends upon the adequate supply of steel, other raw materials, and energy at
competitive prices. A small number of suppliers fulfill a substantial amount of our requirements. The cost of steel and
all other materials used in the production of our railcars represents more than half of our direct manufacturing costs
per railcar and in the production of our marine barges represents more than 30% of our direct manufacturing costs per
marine barge. Our cost of acquiring steel, components, and other raw materials, to manufacture our railcars and marine
barges are impacted by tariffs. The loss of suppliers or their inability to meet our price, quality, quantity and delivery
requirements could have an adverse effect on our ability to manufacture and sell our products on a cost-effective basis.
If we are not able to purchase materials and energy at competitive prices, our ability to produce and sell our products
on a cost effective basis could be adversely impacted which, in turn, could adversely affect our revenue and
profitability. Our fixed-price contracts generally anticipate material price increases and surcharges. If we are unable
to adjust our selling prices or have adequate protection in our contracts against changes in material prices, our margins
could be adversely affected. Additionally, a portion of our Wheels, Repair & Parts businesses involve scrapping steel
parts and the resulting revenue from such scrap steel increases our margins and revenues. When the price of scrap
steel declines, our revenues and margins in such businesses decrease.
Our debt could have negative consequences to our business or results of operations.
We face several risks due to our debt and debt service obligations including our potential inability to satisfy our
financial obligations related to our consolidated indebtedness; potential breach of the covenants in our credit
agreements; our ability to borrow additional amounts or refinance existing indebtedness in the future to fund operating
needs may be limited or costly; our availability of cash flow may be inadequate because a portion of our cash flow is
needed to pay principal and interest on our debt; we may be vulnerable to competitive pressures and to general adverse
economic or industry conditions, including fluctuations in market interest rates or a downturn in our business; we may
be at a competitive disadvantage relative to our competitors that have greater financial resources than us or more
flexible capital structures than us; we face additional exposure to the risk of increased interest rates as certain of our
borrowings are at variable rates of interest, which could result in higher interest expense in the event of an increase in
interest rates; restrictions under debt agreements may adversely interfere with our financial and operating flexibility
and subjecting us to other risks; and exposure to the possibility that we may suffer a material adverse effect on our
business and financial condition if we are unable to service our debt or obtain additional financing, as needed.
We, our subsidiaries, and our joint ventures may incur additional indebtedness, including secured indebtedness, and
other obligations and liabilities that do not constitute indebtedness. This could increase the risks associated with our
debt. Some of our credit facilities and existing indebtedness use the London Interbank Offered Rates (LIBOR) as
a benchmark for establishing interest rates. LIBOR is the subject of recent proposals for reform. The consequences
of these developments with respect to LIBOR cannot be entirely predicted at this time, but could result in an
increase in the cost of our variable rate debt.
Our product and service warranties could expose us to significant claims.
We offer our customers limited warranties for many of our products and services. Accordingly, we may be subject to
significant warranty claims in the future, such as multiple claims based on one defect repeated throughout our
production or servicing processes, claims for which the cost of repairing the defective part is highly disproportionate
to the original cost of the part or defects in railcars or services which we discover in the future resulting in increased
warranty costs or litigation. Warranty and product support terms may expand beyond those which have traditionally
prevailed in the rail supply industry. These types of warranty claims could result in costly product recalls, customers
seeking monetary damages, significant repair costs and damage to our reputation. If warranty claims attributable to
actions of third party component manufacturers are not recoverable from such parties due to their poor financial
condition or other reasons, we could be liable for warranty claims and other risks for using these materials in our
products.
19
Train derailments or other accidents or claims could subject us to legal claims that adversely impact our business,
financial condition and our results of operations.
We provide a number of services which include the manufacture and supply of new railcars, wheels, components and
parts and the lease and repair of railcars for our customers that transport a variety of commodities, including tank
railcars that transport hazardous materials such as crude oil, ethanol and other products. In addition, we have a
Regulatory Services Group which offers regulatory, engineering, process consulting and advocacy support to the
tank car and petrochemical rail shipper community, among other services. We could be subject to various legal
claims, including claims of negligence, personal injury, physical damage and product or service liability, or in some
cases strict liability, as well as potential penalties and liability under environmental laws and regulations, in the event
of a derailment or other accident involving railcars, including tank railcars whether resulting from natural disasters,
human error, terrorism, or other causes. If we become subject to any such claims and are unable successfully to resolve
them or maintain inadequate insurance for such claims, our business, financial condition and results of operations
could be materially adversely affected.
Our products may be sold to third parties who may misuse, improperly install or improperly or inadequately maintain
or repair such products thereby potentially exposing us to claims that could increase our costs and weaken our financial
condition. The products we manufacture are designed to work optimally when properly operated, installed, repaired,
maintained and used to transport the intended cargo. When this does not occur, we may be subjected to claims or
litigation associated with product damage, injuries or property damage that could increase our costs and weaken our
financial condition.
Changes in, or failure to comply with, applicable regulations may adversely impact our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
Our company and the other participants in our industry are subject to regulation by governmental agencies. These
authorities establish, interpret, and enforce rules and regulations for the railcar industry. New rules and regulations
and shifting enforcement priorities of regulators could increase our operating costs and the operating costs of our
customers. Changes to the process for obtaining regulatory approval in Europe for the operation of new or modified
railcars may make it more difficult for us to deliver products timely and to comply with our sales contracts.
We cannot guarantee that we or our suppliers will be in compliance at all times and compliance may prove to be more
costly and limiting than we currently anticipate and compliance requirements could increase in future years. If we or
our suppliers fail to comply with applicable requirements and regulations, we could face sanctions and penalties that
could negatively affect our financial results.
The timing of our asset sales and related revenue recognition could cause significant differences in our quarterly
results and liquidity.
We may build products in anticipation of a customer order, or lease railcars to a customer with the aim of selling such
railcars on lease to a third party. In such cases, the lag between production and sale results in uneven recognition of
revenue and earnings over time. Our production during any given period may be concentrated in relatively few
contracts, intensifying the amplitude and irregularity of our revenue streams. The timing of recognizing revenue on a
railcar is also materially impacted by our decision whether to lease the railcar to a lessee, sell the railcar, or syndicate
the railcar with a lease attached to an investor. In addition, we periodically sell railcars from our own lease fleet and
the timing and volume of such sales are difficult to predict. As a result, comparisons of our manufacturing revenue,
deliveries, quarterly net gain on disposition of equipment, income and liquidity between quarterly periods within one
year and between comparable periods in different years may not be meaningful and should not be relied upon as
indicators of our future performance.
Unanticipated changes in our tax provisions or exposure to additional income tax liabilities could affect our
financial condition and profitability and we may take tax positions that the Internal Revenue Service or other tax
authorities may contest.
We are subject to income taxes in both the United States and foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates
are required to be made in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes. Changes in estimates of projected
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future operating results, loss of deductibility of items, recapture of prior deductions (including related to interest on
convertible notes), limitations on our ability to utilize tax net operating losses in the future or changes in assumptions
regarding our ability to generate future taxable income could result in significant increases to our tax expense and
liabilities that could adversely affect our financial condition and profitability.
We have in the past and may in the future take tax positions that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or other tax
authorities may contest. We are required by an IRS regulation to disclose particular tax positions to the IRS as part of
our tax returns for that year and future years. If the IRS or other tax authorities successfully contests a tax position
that we take, we may be required to pay additional taxes, interest or fines that may adversely affect our results of
operations and financial position.
Changes in the credit markets and the financial services industry could negatively impact our business, results of
operations, financial condition or liquidity.
The credit markets and the financial services industry may experience volatility which can result in tighter availability
of credit on more restrictive terms and limit our ability to sell railcar assets or to syndicate railcars to investors with
leases attached. Our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations could be negatively impacted if our ability
to borrow money to finance operations, obtain credit from trade creditors, obtain credit to maintain our hedging
programs, offer leasing products to our customers or sell railcar assets were to be impaired. In addition, scarcity of
capital could also adversely affect our customers’ ability to purchase, lease, or pay for products from us or adversely
affect our suppliers’ ability to provide us with product. Any of these conditions or events could result in reductions in
our revenues, increased price competition, or increased operating costs, which could adversely affect our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
Our stock price has been volatile and may continue to experience large fluctuations.
The price of our common stock has experienced rapid and significant price fluctuations. The price for our common
stock is likely to continue to be volatile and subject to price and volume fluctuations in response to market and other
factors, including the factors discussed elsewhere in these risk factors. A material decline in the price of our common
stock may result in the assertion of certain claims against us, and/or the commencement of inquiries and/or
investigations against us. A prolonged decline in the price of our common stock could result in a reduction in the
liquidity of our common stock, a reduction in our ability to raise capital, and the inability of investors to obtain a
favorable selling price for their shares. Following periods of volatility in the market price of their stock, historically
many companies have been the subject of securities class action litigation. If we became involved in securities class
action litigation in the future, it could result in substantial costs and diversion of our management’s attention and our
resources and could harm our stock price, business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
Changes in accounting standards or inaccurate estimates or assumptions in the application of accounting policies
could adversely affect our financial results.
Our accounting policies and methods are fundamental to how we record and report our financial condition and results
of operations. Some of these policies require use of estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported value of
our assets or liabilities and financial results and are critical because they require management to make difficult,
subjective, and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. Estimates, judgments and assumptions
underlying the accompanying consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, income taxes, warranty
accruals, environmental costs, revenue recognition, depreciation and amortization, impairment of long-lived assets,
litigation, and accrued liabilities, among other estimates. If our accounting policies, methods, judgments, assumptions,
estimates and allocations prove to be incorrect, or if circumstances change, our business, financial condition, results
of operations, liquidity, ability to pay dividends or stock price may be materially adversely affected.
Accounting standard setters and those who interpret the accounting standards (such as the Financial Accounting
Standards Board, the SEC, and our independent registered public accounting firm) may amend or even reverse their
previous interpretations or positions on how these standards should be applied. In some cases, we could be required
to apply a new or revised standard retrospectively, resulting in the revision of prior period financial statements.
Changes in accounting standards can be hard to predict and can materially impact how we record and report our
financial condition and results of operations
21
Our financial performance and market value could cause future write-downs of goodwill or intangibles or other
long-lived assets in future periods.
We are required to perform an annual impairment review of goodwill and indefinite lived assets which could result in
an impairment charge if it is determined that the carrying value of the asset is in excess of the fair value. We perform
a goodwill impairment test annually during our third quarter. Goodwill is also tested more frequently if changes in
circumstances or the occurrence of events indicates that a potential impairment exists.
When we have continued underperforming operations or changes in circumstances, such as a decline in the market
price of our common stock, changes in demand or in the numerous variables associated with the judgments,
assumptions and estimates made in assessing the appropriate valuation of goodwill indicate the carrying amount of
certain indefinite lived assets may not be recoverable, the assets are evaluated for impairment. Among other things,
our assumptions used in the valuation of goodwill include growth of revenue and margins and increased cash flows
over time. If actual operating results were to differ from these assumptions, it may result in an impairment of goodwill.
As of August 31, 2020, we had $87.0 million of goodwill in our Manufacturing segment and $43.3 million in our
Wheels, Repair & Parts segment. Impairment charges to our goodwill or our indefinite lived assets would impact our
results of operations. Future write-downs of goodwill and intangibles could affect certain of the financial covenants
under debt instruments and could restrict our financial flexibility. In the event of goodwill impairment, we may have
to test other assets for impairment.
Our current shareholders could experience dilution.
We require substantial working capital to fund our business. If additional funds are raised through the issuance of
equity securities or convertible securities, the percentage ownership held by our shareholders would be reduced and
the equity securities we issue may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of our common stock.
Additionally, we have the option to settle outstanding convertible notes in cash, although if we opt not to or do not
have the ability to settle outstanding convertible notes in cash, the conversion of some or all of our convertible notes
may dilute the ownership interests of existing shareholders. Any sales in the public market of the common stock
issuable upon the conversion of the notes could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our common stock. In
addition, the existence of the notes may encourage short selling by market participants, because the conversion of the
notes could depress the price of our common stock.
Certain provisions in our charter documents, Oregon law, and our debt instruments could make an acquisition of
our company more difficult, limit attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove members of our board of
directors and may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, Oregon law, and contracts and debt instruments to which we are a party,
contain certain provisions that could delay, defer or prevent an acquisition proposal that some, or a majority, of our
shareholders might believe to be in their best interests or in which shareholders might receive a premium for their
common stock over the then-prevailing market price. These provisions could also dissuade shareholders or third
parties from contesting director elections and could cause investors to view our securities as less attractive investments
and reduce the market price of our common stock. These provisions are described in further detail in “Description of
the Registrant’s Securities Under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934” annexed as Exhibit 4.3 to this
Annual Report.
Payments of cash dividends on our common stock may be made only at the discretion of our Board of Directors
and may be restricted by Oregon law.
Any decision to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon our operating
results, strategic plans, capital requirements, financial condition, provisions of our borrowing arrangements and other
factors our Board of Directors considers relevant. Furthermore, Oregon law imposes restrictions on our ability to pay
dividends. Accordingly, we may not be able to continue to pay dividends in any given amount in the future, or at all.
22
Our business and operations could be negatively affected if we become subject to shareholder activism, which could
cause us to incur significant expense, hinder execution of our business strategy and impact our stock price.
Shareholder activism which could take many forms, including potential proxy contests and public information
campaigns continues to increase. Shareholder activism could result in substantial costs to the Company, give rise to
perceived uncertainties as to our future, adversely affect our relationships with suppliers, customers, and regulators,
make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel, and adversely impact our stock price.
If we are unable to protect our intellectual property or if third parties assert that our products or services infringe
their intellectual property rights, our ability to compete in the market may be harmed, and our business and
financial condition may be adversely affected.
If our intellectual property rights are not adequately protected, we may not be able to commercialize our technologies,
products or services and our competitors could commercialize our technologies, which could result in a decrease in
our sales and market share and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of
operations. Conversely, third parties might assert that our products, services, or other business activities infringe their
patents or other intellectual property rights. Infringement and other intellectual property claims and proceedings
brought against us, whether successful or not, could result in substantial litigation and judgment costs and harm our
reputation.
Insurance coverage could be costly, unavailable or inadequate.
The ability to insure our businesses, facilities and rail assets is an important aspect of our ability to manage risk. As
there are only limited providers of this insurance to the railcar industry, there is no guarantee that such insurance will
be available on a cost-effective basis in the future. In addition, we cannot assure that our insurance carriers will be
able to pay current or future claims. Additionally, the nature of our business subjects us to physical damage, business
interruption and product liability claims, especially in connection with the repair and manufacture of products that
carry hazardous or volatile materials. Although we maintain liability insurance coverage at commercially reasonable
levels compared to similarly sized heavy equipment manufacturers, an unusually large physical damage, business
interruption or product liability claim or a series of claims based on a failure repeated throughout our production
process could exceed our insurance coverage or result in damage to our reputation, which could materially adversely
impact our financial condition and results of operations.
Some of our customers place orders for our products in reliance on their ability to utilize tax benefits or tax credits
any of which benefits or credits could be discontinued thereby reducing incentives for our customers to purchase
our rail products.
There is no assurance that tax authorities will reauthorize, modify, or prevent the expiration of tax benefits, tax credits,
or other policies aimed to incentivize the purchase of our products. If such incentives are discontinued or diminished,
the demand for our products could decrease, thereby creating the potential for a material adverse effect on our financial
condition or results of operations.
Our share repurchase program is intended to enhance long-term shareholder value although we cannot guarantee
this will occur and this program may be suspended or terminated at any time.
The Board of Directors has authorized our company to repurchase our common stock through a share repurchase
program. Our share repurchase program may be modified, suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice.
Although the share repurchase program is intended to enhance long-term shareholder value, we cannot provide
assurance that this will occur.
23
Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
Item 2. PROPERTIES
We operate at the following primary facilities as of August 31, 2020:
Description
Location
Status
Manufacturing Segment
Operating facilities:
6 locations in the United States
3 locations in Mexico
3 locations in Poland
3 locations in Romania
1 location in Turkey
Owned
Owned – 2 locations
Leased – 1 location
Owned
Owned
Owned
Administrative offices:
2 locations in the United States
Leased
Wheels, Repair & Parts Segment
Operating facilities:
20 locations in the United States
Administrative offices:
Birmingham, Alabama
Leasing & Services Segment
Corporate offices, railcar
marketing and leasing activities:
Lake Oswego, Oregon
Leased – 11 locations
Owned – 9 locations
Leased
Leased
We believe that our facilities are in good condition and that the facilities, together with anticipated capital
improvements and additions, are adequate to meet our operating needs for the foreseeable future. We continually
evaluate our facilities in order to remain competitive and to take advantage of market opportunities.
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There is hereby incorporated by reference the information disclosed in Note 21 - Commitments and Contingencies
to Consolidated Financial Statements, Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
24
Information about our Executive Officers
Current information regarding our executive officers is presented below.
William A. Furman, 76, is Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Furman has served
as Chief Executive Officer since 1994, and as Chairman of the Board of Directors since January 2014. Mr. Furman
was Vice President of the Company, or its predecessor company, from 1974 to 1994 and President of the Company
from 1994 to 2019.
Martin R. Baker, 64, is Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, a position he has held
since joining the Company in May 2008. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Baker was Corporate Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary of Lattice Semiconductor Corporation.
Alejandro Centurion, 64, is Executive Vice President of the Company and President of Greenbrier Manufacturing
Operations, a position he has held since January 2015. Mr. Centurion has served in various management positions for
the Company since 2005, most recently as President of North American Manufacturing Operations.
Brian J. Comstock, 58, is Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, a position he has held since April 2018. Mr.
Comstock has served in various management positions for the Company since 1998, most recently as Senior Vice
President and General Manager of Commercial, Americas.
Adrian J. Downes, 57, is Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer. Mr. Downes
has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer since joining the Company in March 2013. Mr.
Downes was promoted to Acting Chief Financial Officer in August 2018 and was promoted to Chief Financial Officer
in May 2019.
Mark J. Rittenbaum, 63, is Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial and Leasing Officer, a position he has held
since February 2016. Mr. Rittenbaum has served in various management positions for the Company since 1990, most
recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
Lorie L. Tekorius, 53, is President and Chief Operating Officer. Ms. Tekorius has served as Chief Operating Officer
since August 2018 and was promoted to President in August 2019. Ms. Tekorius has served in various management
positions for the Company since 1995, most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and
prior to that, as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
Executive officers are designated by the Board of Directors. No director or executive officer has a family relationship
with any other director or executive officer of the Company.
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PART II
Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our common stock has been traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol GBX since July 14, 1994.
There were approximately 550 holders of record of common stock as of October 27, 2020.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The Board of Directors has authorized the Company to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock. The share
repurchase program has an expiration date of March 31, 2021 and the amount remaining for repurchase is $100 million
as of August 31, 2020. There were no shares repurchased under the share repurchase program during the year ended
August 31, 2020.
Performance Graph
The following graph demonstrates a comparison of cumulative total returns for the Company's Common Stock, the
Dow Jones U.S. Industrial Transportation Index and the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index. The graph assumes an
investment of $100 on August 31, 2015 in each of the Company's Common Stock and the stocks comprising the
indices. Each of the indices assumes that all dividends were reinvested and that the investment was maintained to and
including August 31, 2020, the end of the Company’s 2020 fiscal year.
26
The comparisons in this table are required by the SEC, and therefore, are not intended to forecast or be indicative of
possible future performance of our Common Stock.
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
Among The Greenbrier Companies, Inc., the S&P 500 Index
and the Dow Jones US Industrial Transportation Index
$250
$200
$150
$100
$50
$0
8/15
8/16
8/17
8/18
8/19
8/20
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
S&P 500
Dow Jones US Industrial Transportation
*$100 invested on 8/31/15 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends.
Fiscal year ending August 31.
Copyright© 2020 Standard & Poor's, a division of S&P Global. All rights reserved.
Copyright© 2020 S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, a division of S&P Global. All rights reserved.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Equity Compensation Plan Information is hereby incorporated by reference to the “Equity Compensation Plan
Information” table in Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A, which Proxy
Statement is anticipated to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the
Registrant’s year ended August 31, 2020.
27
Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(In thousands, except unit and per share data)
2020
YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
2018
2017
2019
2016
Statement of Operations Data
Revenue:
Manufacturing
Wheels, Repair & Parts
Leasing & Services
Earnings from operations
Net earnings attributable to Greenbrier
Basic earnings per common share
attributable to Greenbrier:
Diluted earnings per common share
attributable to Greenbrier:
Weighted average common shares
outstanding:
Basic
Diluted
Dividends declared per common share
Balance Sheet Data
Total assets
Revolving notes and notes payable, net
Total equity
Other Operating Data
New railcar units delivered
New railcar backlog (units) (1)
New railcar backlog (1)
Lease fleet:
Units managed
Units owned
Cash Flow Data
Capital expenditures:
Manufacturing
Wheels, Repair & Parts
Leasing & Services
Proceeds from sale of assets
Depreciation and amortization:
Manufacturing
Wheels, Repair & Parts
Leasing & Services
324,670
117,548
$2,349,971 $2,431,499
444,502
157,590
$2,792,189 $3,033,591
$ 168,429 $ 184,116
$
$2,044,586
347,023
127,855
$2,519,464
$ 252,985
$2,096,331
322,395
260,798
$2,679,524
$ 408,552
71,076 (2) $ 151,781 (3) $ 116,067 (3) $ 183,213
$1,725,188
312,679
131,297
$2,169,164
$ 260,432
48,967 $
$
$
$
1.50 $
2.18
$
4.92
$
3.97
$
6.28
1.46 $
2.14
$
4.68
$
3.65
$
5.73
32,670
33,441
1.06 $
32,615
33,165
1.00
$
30,857
32,835
0.96
$
29,225
32,562
0.86
$
29,156
32,468
0.81
$3,173,834 $2,990,637
$1,155,614 $ 850,000
$1,473,055 $1,441,697
$2,465,464
$ 463,930
$1,384,215
$2,397,705
$ 562,552
$1,178,893
$1,835,774
$ 301,853
$1,016,827
19,900
24,600
22,500
30,300
$2,420,000 $3,280,000
19,000
27,400
$2,740,000
15,700
28,600
$2,800,000
20,300
27,500
$3,190,000
393,000
8,300
380,000
9,400
357,000
8,100
336,000
8,300
264,000
8,900
$
$
$
85,155
48,202 $
13,291
11,662
99,787
7,015
66,879 $ 198,233
83,484 $ 125,427
$
59,707
5,204
111,937
$ 176,848
$ 153,224
$
78,010 $
12,567
19,273
$ 109,850 $
49,240
13,024
21,467
83,731
$
$
44,225
10,771
19,360
74,356
$
$
$
$
$
54,973
3,129
27,963
86,065
24,149
$
51,294
10,190
77,529
$ 139,013
$ 103,715
33,807
11,143
20,179
65,129
$
$
27,137
11,971
24,237
63,345
(1) Beginning in 2017, new railcar backlog units and value included our Brazilian manufacturing operations, which are accounted for
under the equity method.
(2) 2019 includes a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $10.0 million related to the Company’s repair operations.
(3) 2018 and 2017 includes the Company’s portion of non-cash goodwill impairment charges taken by GBW Railcar Services (GBW).
As the Company accounted for GBW under the equity method of accounting, its 50% share of the non-cash goodwill impairment
losses recognized by GBW was $9.5 million after-tax in 2018 and $3.5 million after-tax in 2017.
28
Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Executive Summary
We achieved solid financial performance in 2020, successfully weathering and responding to the challenges of a rail
freight recession and the COVID-19 pandemic. Management quickly executed on three key priorities:
(cid:129)
Set a goal of liquidity and cost savings to exceed $1 billion. This goal was exceeded with liquidity at August
31, 2020 of $920 million and almost $200 million of cost saving initiatives and additional borrowing capacity
currently in progress. Over 90% of our liquidity is in cash, further protecting us from any shocks to the
banking and financial markets. Liquidity is defined as Cash and cash equivalents plus available borrowing
capacity.
(cid:129) Maintain continuity of operations through achieving and maintaining essential infrastructure business, or
equivalent, in all our jurisdictions around the world as well as focusing on the safety of our workforce through
enhanced safety protocols.
(cid:129)
Reduce spending through significant reductions in overhead, selling and administrative costs and capital
expenditures. We have reduced employee headcount from approximately 17,100 to approximately 10,600
over the course of the year and have reduced capital expenditures by approximately $131 million compared
to 2019.
As a result of these and other actions, we delivered diluted earnings per share of $1.46 in 2020 and achieved a gross
margin of 12.6% compared to 12.1% in 2019, despite an 8% reduction in revenues. In addition, we achieved synergies
of $15 million related to the ARI acquisition, meeting our stated goal, despite the headwinds of lower volumes and
travel restrictions which impacted our ability to fully identify and implement best practices.
These actions have put us in a strong position to navigate the current economic and pandemic challenges while being
poised to quickly respond to improving demand as the economy and the rail freight industry recovers, as a leaner and
more efficient company.
Our total manufacturing backlog of railcar units as of August 31, 2020 was approximately 24,600 with an estimated
value of $2.42 billion. Approximately 9% of backlog units and 6% of estimated backlog value as of August 31, 2020
was associated with our Brazilian manufacturing operations which is accounted for under the equity method. Backlog
units for lease may be syndicated to third parties or held in our own fleet depending on a variety of factors. Multi-year
supply agreements are a part of rail industry practice. A portion of the orders included in backlog reflects an assumed
product mix. Under terms of the orders, the exact mix and pricing will be determined in the future, which may impact
backlog. Marine backlog as of August 31, 2020 was $51 million.
Our backlog of railcar units and marine vessels is not necessarily indicative of future results of operations. Certain
orders in backlog are subject to customary documentation and completion of terms. Customers may attempt to cancel
or modify orders in backlog. Historically, little variation has been experienced between the quantity ordered and the
quantity actually delivered, though the timing of deliveries may be modified from time to time.
COVID-19 and the Downturn in Global Economic Activity
We are closely monitoring and managing the impacts on our business of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the
significant decline in global economic activity, and governmental reactions to these historic events (“COVID-19
Events”).
Our manufacturing and service facilities continue regular operations. We function as an essential infrastructure
business under guidance issued by the Department of Homeland Security. Similar guidelines and authorities exist in
other nations where we operate. Since the emergence of COVID-19, our facilities in the United States have been
permitted to continue to operate subject to enhanced safety protocols, both voluntary and government mandated, that
aim to protect the health of our workforce and the residents of the communities in which our facilities are located. The
29
situation is similar in our facilities in Mexico, Europe, Brazil and Turkey which also have been permitted by applicable
governmental authorities to operate subject to enhanced health and safety protocols.
Certain of our businesses recorded a decrease in operating profits compared against the year ended August 31, 2019
which we attribute primarily to the cyclical decrease in economic activity in the freight rail equipment market which
began prior to the emergence of COVID-19 (“Cyclical Downturn”). The Cyclical Downturn has intensified as a result
of the COVID-19 Events. Our liquidity position strengthened during the year ended August 31, 2020 due to cash flow
from operations, spending reductions and increased borrowing capacity.
As described in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, COVID-19 Events may have a
material negative impact on our business, liquidity, results of operations, and stock price. Beyond these general
observations, we are unable to predict when, how, or with what magnitude COVID-19 Events, in combination with
the Cyclical Downturn, will negatively impact our business due to numerous uncertainties, including the duration of
the COVID-19 pandemic, the duration of the global decline in economic activity, the impact of those events to our
customers, suppliers and employees, and actions that may be taken by governmental authorities, including potentially
preventing or curtailing the operations of our plants and/or shops, and other consequences.
30
Overview
Revenue, Cost of revenue, Margin and Earnings from operations presented below, include amounts from external
parties and exclude intersegment activity that is eliminated in consolidation.
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenue:
Manufacturing
Wheels, Repair & Parts
Leasing & Services
Cost of revenue:
Manufacturing
Wheels, Repair & Parts
Leasing & Services
Margin:
Manufacturing
Wheels, Repair & Parts
Leasing & Services
Selling and administrative
Net gain on disposition of equipment
Goodwill impairment
Earnings from operations
Interest and foreign exchange
Earnings before income tax and earnings (loss) from
unconsolidated affiliates
Income tax expense
Earnings before earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates
Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates
Net earnings
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest
Net earnings attributable to Greenbrier
Diluted earnings per common share
$
$
2020
Years ended August 31,
2019
2018
$
2,349,971 $
324,670
117,548
2,792,189
2,431,499 $
444,502
157,590
3,033,591
2,044,586
347,023
127,855
2,519,464
2,065,169
302,189
71,700
2,439,058
2,137,625
420,890
108,590
2,667,105
1,727,407
318,330
64,672
2,110,409
284,802
22,481
45,848
353,131
204,706
(20,004)
—
168,429
43,619
124,810
(40,184)
84,626
2,960
87,586
(38,619)
48,967 $
1.46 $
293,874
23,612
49,000
366,486
213,308
(40,963)
10,025
184,116
30,912
153,204
(41,588)
111,616
(5,805)
105,811
(34,735)
71,076 $
2.14 $
317,179
28,693
63,183
409,055
200,439
(44,369)
—
252,985
29,368
223,617
(32,893)
190,724
(18,661)
172,063
(20,282)
151,781
4.68
Performance for our segments is evaluated based on Earnings from operations (operating profit). Corporate includes
selling and administrative costs not directly related to goods and services and certain costs that are intertwined among
segments due to our integrated business model. Management does not allocate Interest and foreign exchange or Income
tax expense for either external or internal reporting purposes.
(In thousands)
Operating profit (loss):
Manufacturing
Wheels, Repair & Parts
Leasing & Services
Corporate
2020
Years ended August 31,
2019
2018
$
$
197,388 $
9,032
40,927
(78,918)
168,429 $
217,583 $
(2,941)
64,763
(95,289)
184,116 $
240,901
16,731
88,481
(93,128)
252,985
31
Consolidated Results
(In thousands)
Revenue
Cost of revenue
Margin (%)
Net earnings attributable
to Greenbrier
*
Not meaningful
Years ended August 31,
2020 vs 2019
2019 vs 2018
2020
$2,792,189
$2,439,058
2019
$3,033,591
$2,667,105
2018
$2,519,464
$2,110,409
12.6%
12.1%
16.2%
Increase
(Decrease)
$(241,402)
$(228,047)
0.6%
%
Change
Increase
(Decrease)
(8.0)% $514,127
(8.6)% $556,696
%
Change
20.4%
26.4%
*
(4.1)%
*
$
48,967
$
71,076
$ 151,781
$ (22,109) (31.1)% $ (80,705)
(53.2)%
Beginning July 26, 2019, the consolidated results included the results of the manufacturing business of ARI which
were additive to revenue and cost of revenue for the year ended August 31, 2020.
Through our integrated business model, we provide a broad range of custom products and services in each of our
segments, which have various average selling prices and margins. The demand for and mix of products and services
delivered changes from period to period, which causes fluctuations in our results of operations.
The 8.0% decrease in revenue in 2020 compared to 2019 was primarily due to a 27.0% decrease in Wheels, Repair &
Parts revenue. The decrease in Wheels, Repair & Parts revenue was primarily a result of lower wheelset, component
and parts volumes due to lower demand, lower repair revenue from five fewer shops in 2020 and a decrease in scrap
metal pricing. The decrease in 2020 revenue was also due to a 3.4% decrease in Manufacturing revenue from an 11.6%
decrease in the volume of railcar deliveries. The 20.4% increase in revenue in 2019 compared to 2018 was primarily
due to an 18.9% increase in Manufacturing revenue. The increase in Manufacturing revenue was primarily attributed
to an 18.4% increase in the volume of railcar deliveries and a change in product mix. The increase in revenue was also
due to a 28.1% increase in Wheels, Repair & Parts revenue primarily due to 2019 including $87.5 million in revenue
associated with the repair shops returned to us after discontinuing the GBW joint venture in August 2018.
The 8.6% decrease in cost of revenue in 2020 compared to 2019 was primarily due to a 28.2% decrease in Wheels,
Repair & Parts cost of revenue. The decrease in Wheels, Repair & Parts cost of revenue was primarily a result of
lower costs associated with a reduction in wheelset, component and parts volumes and five fewer repair shops in 2020.
The decrease in 2020 cost of revenue was also due to a 3.4% decrease in Manufacturing cost of revenue from an
11.6% decrease in the volume of railcar deliveries. The 26.4% increase in cost of revenue in 2019 compared to 2018
was primarily due to a 23.7% increase in Manufacturing cost of revenue. The increase in Manufacturing cost of
revenue was primarily attributed to an 18.4% increase in the volume of railcar deliveries and operating inefficiencies
at some of our manufacturing facilities. The increase in cost of revenue was also due to a 32.2% increase in Wheels,
Repair & Parts cost of revenue primarily due to 2019 including $97.3 million in costs associated with the repair shops
returned to us after discontinuing the GBW joint venture in August 2018.
Margin as a percentage of revenue was 12.6% in 2020 compared to 12.1% in 2019. The overall margin as a percentage
of revenue was positively impacted in 2020 by an increase in Leasing & Services margin from 31.1% to 39.0% as a
result of fewer sales of railcars that we purchased from third parties which have lower margin percentages and higher
interim rent on leased railcars for syndication. Margin as a percentage of revenue was 12.1% in 2019 compared to
16.2% in 2018. The overall margin as a percentage of revenue was negatively impacted in 2019 by a decrease in
Manufacturing margin to 12.1% from 15.5% primarily attributed to a change in product mix and operating
inefficiencies at some of our manufacturing facilities. The decrease was also due to a decrease in Leasing & Services
margin to 31.1% from 49.4%. Margin for 2019 was negatively impacted as a result of higher sales of railcars that we
purchased from third parties which have lower margin percentages.
The $22.1 million decrease in net earnings attributable to Greenbrier in 2020 compared to 2019 was primarily
attributable to a reduction in Net gain on disposition of equipment, a decrease in margin, ARI integration costs and
higher interest and foreign exchange. These were partially offset by synergies resulting from the integration of the
manufacturing business of ARI and a reduction in selling and administrative expense in 2020 and a goodwill
impairment in 2019 related to our repair operations. The $80.7 million decrease in net earnings attributable to
Greenbrier in 2019 compared to 2018 was primarily attributable to a decrease in margin, costs associated with the
acquisition of the manufacturing business of ARI and a $10.0 million goodwill impairment charge for which there
was no tax benefit related to our repair operations.
32
Manufacturing Segment
(In thousands, except railcar
deliveries)
Revenue
Cost of revenue
Margin (%)
Operating profit ($)
Operating profit (%)
Deliveries
*
Not meaningful
Years ended August 31,
2020 vs 2019
2019 vs 2018
2020
$2,349,971
$2,065,169
2019
$2,431,499
$2,137,625
2018
$2,044,586
$1,727,407
Increase
(Decrease)
$(81,528)
$(72,456)
%
Change
Increase
(Decrease)
(3.4)% $386,913
(3.4)% $410,218
%
Change
18.9%
23.7%
12.1%
12.1%
15.5%
0.0%
*
(3.4)%
$ 197,388
$ 217,583
$ 240,901
$(20,195)
(9.3)% $ (23,318)
8.4%
8.9%
11.8%
(0.5)%
19,900
22,500
19,000
(2,600)
*
(11.6)%
(2.9)%
3,500
18.4%
*
(9.7)%
*
Beginning July 26, 2019, the Manufacturing segment included the results of the manufacturing business of ARI which
were additive to Manufacturing revenue and cost of revenue for the year ended August 31, 2020.
Manufacturing revenue decreased $81.5 million or 3.4% in 2020 compared to 2019 primarily attributed to an 11.6%
decrease in the volume of railcar deliveries. The decrease in revenue was partially offset by a change in product mix
and the additional revenue in 2020 associated with the acquired manufacturing business of ARI. Manufacturing
revenue increased $386.9 million or 18.9% in 2019 compared to 2018, of which $43.5 million related to the addition
of the manufacturing business of ARI. The increase in revenue was primarily attributed to an 18.4% increase in the
volume of railcar deliveries and a change in product mix.
Manufacturing cost of revenue decreased $72.5 million or 3.4% in 2020 compared to 2019 primarily attributed to an
11.6% decrease in the volume of railcar deliveries. The decrease in cost of revenue was partially offset by the
additional cost of revenue in 2020 associated with the acquired manufacturing business of ARI and a change in product
mix. Manufacturing cost of revenue increased $410.2 million or 23.7% in 2019 compared to 2018. The increase in
cost of revenue was primarily attributed to an 18.4% increase in the volume of railcar deliveries and operating
inefficiencies at some of our manufacturing facilities.
Manufacturing margin as a percentage of revenue was 12.1% for both 2020 and 2019. Manufacturing margin was
positively impacted by synergies in 2020 resulting from the integration of the manufacturing business of ARI. This
was partially offset by an increase in severance expense, ARI integration costs and increased costs associated with
operating our manufacturing facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Manufacturing margin as a percentage
of revenue decreased 3.4% in 2019 compared to 2018. The decrease was primarily attributed to a change in product
mix and operating inefficiencies at some of our manufacturing facilities. These were partially offset by higher volumes
of new railcar sales with leases attached which typically result in enhanced sales prices and margins.
Manufacturing operating profit decreased $20.2 million or 9.3% in 2020 compared to 2019. The decrease was
primarily attributed to a reduction in the volume of railcar deliveries, severance expense, ARI integration costs and
increased costs associated with operating our manufacturing facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This
was partially offset by synergies in 2020 resulting from the integration of the manufacturing business of ARI.
Manufacturing operating profit decreased $23.3 million or 9.7% in 2019 compared to 2018. The decrease was
primarily attributed to a lower margin percentage from a change in product mix and operating inefficiencies at some
of our manufacturing facilities.
33
Wheels, Repair & Parts Segment
(In thousands)
Revenue
Cost of revenue
Margin (%)
Operating profit ($)
Operating profit (%)
*
Not meaningful
Years ended August 31,
2020 vs 2019
2019 vs 2018
2020
$324,670
$302,189
2019
$444,502
$420,890
2018
$347,023
$318,330
Increase
%
Increase
(Decrease)
Change
(Decrease)
$(119,832) (27.0)% $ 97,479
$(118,701) (28.2)% $102,560
%
Change
28.1%
32.2%
6.9%
5.3%
8.3%
1.6%
$
9,032
$ (2,941)
$ 16,731
$ 11,973
2.8%
(0.7)%
4.8%
3.5%
*
*
*
(3.0)%
*
$ (19,672)
(117.6)%
(5.5)%
*
On August 20, 2018, 12 repair shops were returned to us as a result of discontinuing our GBW railcar repair joint
venture. Beginning on August 20, 2018, the results of operations from these repair shops were included in the Wheels,
Repair & Parts segment as they are now consolidated for financial reporting purposes.
Wheels, Repair & Parts revenue decreased $119.8 million or 27.0% in 2020 compared to 2019. The decrease was
primarily due to lower wheelset, component and parts volumes due to lower demand, a decrease in scrap metal pricing
and lower repair revenue primarily from five fewer shops in 2020. Wheels, Repair & Parts revenue increased $97.5
million or 28.1% in 2019 compared to 2018. The increase was primarily due to 2019 including $87.5 million in
revenue associated with the repair shops returned to us after discontinuing the GBW joint venture in August 2018.
The increase was also due to higher parts revenue due to an increase in demand.
Wheels, Repair & Parts cost of revenue decreased $118.7 million or 28.2% in 2020 compared to 2019. The decrease
was primarily due to lower costs associated with a reduction in wheelset, component and parts volumes and five fewer
repair shops in 2020. Wheels, Repair & Parts cost of revenue increased $102.6 million or 32.2% in 2019 compared to
2018. The increase was primarily due to 2019 including $97.3 million in cost of revenue associated with the repair
shops returned to us after discontinuing the GBW joint venture in August 2018. The increase was also due to increased
parts volumes and costs associated with closing sites in our repair network.
Wheels, Repair & Parts margin as a percentage of revenue increased 1.6% in 2020 compared to 2019. The increase
was primarily attributed to efficiencies at our repair shops in 2020. In addition, 2019 was negatively impacted by costs
associated with closing sites in our repair network. These factors which had a positive impact to Wheels, Repair &
Parts margin as a percentage of revenue in 2020 compared to 2019, were partially offset by a decrease in scrap metal
pricing and increased costs associated with operating our facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Wheels,
Repair & Parts margin as a percentage of revenue decreased 3.0% in 2019 compared to 2018. The decrease was
primarily attributed to inefficiencies at our repair operations and costs associated with closing sites in our repair
network in 2019. This was partially offset by a favorable parts product mix.
Wheels, Repair & Parts operating profit increased $12.0 million in 2020 compared to 2019. The increase was due to
2019 being negatively impacted by a $10.0 million goodwill impairment and costs associated with closing sites in our
repair network. Wheels, Repair & Parts operating profit decreased $19.7 million in 2019 compared to 2018. The
decrease was primarily attributed to a $10.0 million goodwill impairment charge recognized in 2019 due to challenges
at our repair operations and costs associated with closing sites in our repair network. This was partially offset by higher
parts revenue and a more favorable parts product mix.
34
Leasing & Services Segment
(In thousands)
Revenue
Cost of revenue
Margin (%)
Operating profit ($)
Operating profit (%)
*
Not meaningful
Years ended August 31,
2020 vs 2019
2019 vs 2018
2020
$117,548
$ 71,700
2019
$157,590
$108,590
2018
$127,855
$ 64,672
Increase
(Decrease)
$ (40,042)
$ (36,890)
Increase
%
(Decrease)
Change
(25.4)% $ 29,735
(34.0)% $ 43,918
%
Change
23.3%
67.9%
39.0%
31.1%
49.4%
7.9%
*
(18.3)%
*
$ 40,927
$ 64,763
$ 88,481
$ (23,836)
(36.8)% $ (23,718)
(26.8)%
34.8%
41.1%
69.2%
(6.3)%
*
(28.1)%
*
The Leasing & Services segment generates revenue from leasing railcars from its lease fleet, providing various
management services, interim rent on leased railcars for syndication, and the sale of railcars purchased from third
parties with the intent to resell. The gross proceeds from the sale of these railcars are recorded in revenue and the costs
of purchasing these railcars are recorded in cost of revenue.
Leasing & Services revenue decreased $40.0 million or 25.4% in 2020 compared to 2019. The decrease was primarily
attributed to a decrease in the sale of railcars which we had purchased from third parties with the intent to resell. This
was partially offset by higher interim rent on leased railcars for syndication. Leasing & Services revenue increased
$29.7 million or 23.3% in 2019 compared to 2018. The increase was primarily attributed to an increase in the sale of
railcars which we had purchased from third parties with the intent to resell. This was partially offset by lower interim
rent on leased railcars for syndication.
Leasing & Services cost of revenue decreased $36.9 million or 34.0% in 2020 compared to 2019. The decrease was
primarily due to a decrease in the volume of railcars sold that we purchased from third parties partially offset by higher
storage costs. Leasing & Services cost of revenue increased $43.9 million or 67.9% in 2019 compared to 2018. The
increase was primarily due to an increase in the volume of railcars sold that we purchased from third parties and higher
transportation costs.
Leasing & Services margin as a percentage of revenue increased 7.9% in 2020 compared to 2019. Margin as a
percentage of revenue for 2020 benefited from fewer sales of railcars that we purchased from third parties which have
lower margin percentages. The increase in margin in 2020 as a percentage of revenue was also due to higher interim
rent on leased railcars for syndication. Leasing & Services margin as a percentage of revenue decreased 18.3% in
2019 compared to 2018. Margin for 2019 was negatively impacted from higher sales of railcars that we purchased
from third parties which have lower margin percentages. The decrease in margin was also due to higher transportation
costs.
Leasing & Services operating profit decreased $23.8 million or 36.8% in 2020 compared to 2019. The decrease was
primarily attributed to an $18.4 million decrease in net gain on disposition of equipment. Leasing & Services operating
profit decreased $23.7 million or 26.8% in 2019 compared to 2018. The decrease was attributed to a $14.2 million
decrease in margin primarily due to higher transportation costs and lower interim rent on leased railcars for
syndication. The decrease was also attributed to a $6.8 million decrease in net gain on disposition of equipment.
The percentage of owned units on lease was 90.4%, 93.3% and 94.4% at August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
35
Selling and Administrative
(In thousands)
Selling and Administrative
Years ended August 31,
2020 vs 2019
2019 vs 2018
Increase
(Decrease)
$ 204,706 $ 213,308 $ 200,439 $ (8,602)
2018
2020
2019
%
Change
Increase
(Decrease)
(4.0)% $ 12,869
%
Change
6.4%
Selling and administrative expense was $204.7 million or 7.3% of revenue for the year ended August 31, 2020, $213.3
million or 7.0% of revenue for the year ended August 31, 2019 and $200.4 million or 8.0% of revenue for the year
ended August 31, 2018.
The $8.6 million decrease in 2020 compared to 2019 was primarily attributed to $18.7 million in costs incurred in
2019 associated with the acquisition of the manufacturing business of ARI. This was partially offset by $9.6 million
from the addition of the manufacturing business of ARI selling and administrative costs in 2020.
The $12.9 million increase in 2019 compared to 2018 was primarily attributed to $18.7 million in costs associated
with the acquisition of the manufacturing business of ARI and the addition of the selling and administrative costs from
the repair shops returned to us after discontinuing the GBW joint venture and the manufacturing business of ARI.
These increases in selling and administrative costs were partially offset by a $7.6 million decrease in employee costs
primarily related to a decrease in incentive compensation.
Net Gain on Disposition of Equipment
Net gain on disposition of equipment was $20.0 million, $41.0 million and $44.4 million for the years ended August
31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Net gain on disposition of equipment primarily includes the sale of assets from
our lease fleet (Equipment on operating leases, net) that are periodically sold in the normal course of business in order
to accommodate customer demand and to manage risk and liquidity; disposition of property, plant and equipment; and
insurance proceeds received for business interruption and assets destroyed in a fire.
Goodwill Impairment
Based on the results of our annual impairment test, a non-cash impairment charge of $10.0 million was recorded
during 2019 related to our repair operations. There was no goodwill impairment charge recorded during 2020 or 2018.
Interest and Foreign Exchange
Interest and foreign exchange expense was composed of the following:
(In thousands)
Interest and foreign exchange:
Interest and other expense
Foreign exchange (gain) loss
Years ended August 31,
2019
2018
2020
Increase (decrease)
2020 vs 2019 2019 vs 2018
$ 42,386 $ 32,260 $ 30,946 $
(1,578)
$ 43,619 $ 30,912 $ 29,368 $
(1,348)
1,233
10,126 $
2,581 $
12,707 $
1,314
230
1,544
Interest and foreign exchange increased $12.7 million in 2020 from 2019 primarily due to interest expense associated
with our $300 million of senior term debt issued in July 2019 and an increase in revolving notes borrowings. The
increase in borrowings was a proactive response to uncertainties from the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and the
decline in global economic activity.
Interest and foreign exchange increased $1.5 million in 2019 from 2018 primarily due to interest expense associated
with our $225 million senior term debt issued in September 2018.
36
Income Tax
In 2020 our income tax expense was $40.2 million on $124.8 million of pre-tax earnings for an effective tax rate of
32.2%. The increase in the effective rate from 2019 was primarily attributable to higher net unfavorable discrete items
primarily related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates for our U.S. Dollar denominated foreign operations
for the year ended August 31, 2020. Excluding the impact of discrete items in both periods, the effective tax rate was
24.2% for the year ended August 31, 2020 compared to 27.1% for the year ended August 31, 2019, which decreased
primarily due to the geographic mix of earnings.
In 2019 our income tax expense was $41.6 million on $153.2 million of pre-tax earnings for an effective tax rate of
27.1%. The 2019 tax rate was impacted by a goodwill impairment charge for which there was no tax benefit. Excluding
the impact of the goodwill impairment charge, the tax rate for 2019 was 25.5%. In 2018 our income tax expense was
$32.9 million on $223.6 million of pre-tax earnings for an effective tax rate of 14.7%.
The reduction in the 2018 tax rate was primarily due to the enactment of the Tax Act on December 22, 2017. The Tax
Act made significant changes to U.S. federal income tax laws, including, but not limited to, a reduction of the corporate
tax rate from 35% to 21% and a transition tax on foreign earnings not previously subject to U.S. taxation. As a result,
deferred income taxes were remeasured as a result of the new statutory rate which resulted in a one-time tax benefit
of $33.6 million offset, in part, by the accrual of the transition tax of $8.9 million.
The effective tax rate can fluctuate year-to-year due to discrete items and changes in the mix of foreign and domestic
pre-tax earnings. It can also fluctuate with changes in the proportion of pre-tax earnings attributable to our Mexican
railcar manufacturing joint venture. The joint venture is treated as a partnership for tax purposes and, as a result, the
partnership’s entire pre-tax earnings are included in Earnings before income taxes and earnings from unconsolidated
affiliates, whereas only our 50% share of the tax is included in Income tax expense.
Earnings (Loss) From Unconsolidated Affiliates
Through unconsolidated affiliates we produce rail and industrial components and have an ownership stake in a railcar
manufacturer in Brazil. In addition, in 2018 we had an investment in the GBW joint venture. We record the after-tax
results from these unconsolidated affiliates.
Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates was $3.0 million for the year ended August 31, 2020 and primarily related to
our rail component manufacturing operations. Loss from unconsolidated affiliates was $5.8 million for the year ended
August 31, 2019 and primarily related to losses at our operations in Brazil. Loss from unconsolidated affiliates was
$18.7 million for the year ended August 31, 2018 and primarily related to the results of the GBW joint venture. In
addition in 2018, a pre-tax goodwill impairment loss of $26.4 million was recognized related to GBW. As we
accounted for GBW under the equity method of accounting, our 50% share of the non-cash goodwill impairment loss
recognized by GBW was $9.5 million after-tax in 2018, which was included as part of Earnings (loss) from
unconsolidated affiliates on our Consolidated Statement of Income.
Net Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest was $38.6 million, $34.7 million and $20.3 million for the years
ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which primarily represents our joint venture partner's share in
the results of operations of our Mexican railcar manufacturing joint ventures, adjusted for intercompany sales, and our
European partner’s share of the results of our European operations.
37
Liquidity and Capital Resources
(In thousands)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash $
$
Years Ended August 31,
2019
2020
(21,241) $
272,261 $
(443,981)
27,483
276,901
216,455
(12,599)
(12,666)
503,600 $ (200,987) $
2018
103,341
(80,292)
(89,267)
(14,666)
(80,884)
We have been financed through cash generated from operations and borrowings. At August 31, 2020 cash and cash
equivalents and restricted cash were $842.1 million, an increase of $503.6 million from $338.5 million at the prior
year end. The increase in cash and cash equivalents included proactively drawing on available credit facilities in
response to uncertainties from the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and the decline in global economic activity.
The change in cash provided by (used in) operating activities in 2020 compared to 2019 was primarily due to a net
change in working capital. The change in cash provided by (used in) operating activities in 2019 compared to 2018
was primarily due to lower earnings and a net change in working capital due to an increase in production.
The change in cash provided by (used in) investing activities in 2020 compared to 2019 was primarily attributable to
the acquisition of the manufacturing business of ARI in 2019 and a decrease in capital expenditures in 2020 partially
offset by a decrease in the proceeds from the sales of assets. The change in cash provided by (used in) investing
activities in 2019 compared to 2018 was primarily attributable to the acquisition of the manufacturing business of ARI
in 2019.
Capital expenditures totaled $66.9 million, $198.2 million and $176.8 million for the years ended August 31, 2020,
2019 and 2018, respectively. Manufacturing capital expenditures were approximately $48.2 million, $85.1 million
and $59.7 million for the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Wheels, Repair & Parts capital
expenditures were approximately $11.7 million, $13.3 million and $5.2 million for the years ended August 31, 2020,
2019 and 2018, respectively. Leasing & Services and corporate capital expenditures were approximately $7.0 million,
$99.8 million and $111.9 million for the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Capital
expenditures for 2021 primarily relate to continued investments into the safety and productivity of our facilities and
opportunistic additions to our lease fleet.
Proceeds from the sale of assets, which primarily related to sales of railcars from our lease fleet within Leasing &
Services, were approximately $83.5 million, $125.4 million and $153.2 million for the years ended August 31, 2020,
2019 and 2018, respectively. Assets from our lease fleet are periodically sold in the normal course of business in order
to accommodate customer demand and to manage risk and liquidity.
The change in cash provided by (used in) financing activities in 2020 compared to 2019 was primarily attributed to a
decrease in the proceeds of debt, net of repayments and a change in the net activities with joint venture partners. The
change in cash provided by (used in) financing activities in 2019 compared to 2018 was primarily attributed to
proceeds from the issuance of notes payable and a change in the net activities with joint venture partners.
A quarterly dividend of $0.27 per share was declared on October 21, 2020.
The Board of Directors has authorized our company to repurchase shares of our common stock. In January 2019, the
expiration date of this share repurchase program was extended from March 31, 2019 to March 31, 2021 and the amount
remaining for repurchase was increased from $88 million to $100 million. Under the share repurchase program, shares
of common stock may be purchased on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions from time to time.
The timing and amount of purchases will be based upon market conditions, securities law limitations and other factors.
The program may be modified, suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice. The share repurchase
program does not obligate us to acquire any specific number of shares in any period. There were no shares repurchased
under the share repurchase program in 2020, 2019 or 2018.
38
In July 2019, as part of the acquisition of the manufacturing business of ARI, we entered into new $300 million senior
term debt. The maturity date is June 2024 unless the 2.875% Convertible senior notes due July 2024 are outstanding
as of November 1, 2023, in which case the debt matures on that date. The debt bears a floating interest rate of LIBOR
plus 1.5% with principal of $3.75 million paid quarterly in arrears and a balloon payment of $232.5 million due at
maturity. An interest rate swap agreement was entered into on 50% of the initial balance to swap the floating interest
rate of LIBOR plus 1.5% to a fixed rate of 3.19%.
In July 2019, as part of the acquisition of the manufacturing business of ARI, we issued $50 million in convertible
senior notes, due 2024. The convertible senior note bears interest at a fixed rate of 2.25%, paid semi-annually in arrears
on February 1st and August 1st. The convertible notes mature on July 26, 2024, unless earlier repurchased by us or
converted in accordance with their terms. Upon the satisfaction of certain conditions, holders may convert at their
option at any time prior to the business day immediately preceding the stated maturity date.
In September 2018, we refinanced approximately $170 million of existing senior term debt, due in March 2020,
secured by a pool of leased railcars with new 5-year $225 million senior term debt also secured by a pool of leased
railcars. The new debt bears a floating interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.50% or Prime plus 0.50%. The term loan is to be
repaid in equal quarterly installments of $1.97 million with the remaining outstanding amounts, plus accrued interest,
to be paid on the maturity date in September 2023. An interest rate swap agreement was entered into on 50% of the
initial balance to swap the floating interest rate to a fixed rate of 4.49%.
Our 3.5% convertible senior notes due 2018 matured on April 1, 2018. The conversion of these notes resulted in the
issuance of an additional 3.4 million shares of our common stock. These additional shares have historically been
included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share.
Senior secured credit facilities, consisting of three components, aggregated to $733.2 million as of August 31, 2020.
We had an aggregate of $85.9 million available to draw down under committed credit facilities as of August 31, 2020.
This amount consists of $29.2 million available on the North American credit facility, $21.7 million on the European
credit facilities and $35.0 million on the Mexican railcar manufacturing joint venture credit facilities.
As of August 31, 2020, a $600.0 million revolving line of credit, maturing June 2024, secured by substantially all of
our assets in the U.S. not otherwise pledged as security for term loans, existed to provide working capital and interim
financing of equipment, principally for the U.S. and Mexican operations. Advances under this North American credit
facility bear interest at LIBOR plus 1.50% or Prime plus 0.50% depending on the type of borrowing. Available
borrowings under the credit facility are generally based on defined levels of eligible inventory, receivables, property,
plant and equipment and leased equipment, as well as total debt to consolidated capitalization and fixed charges
coverage ratios.
As of August 31, 2020, lines of credit totaling $68.2 million secured by certain of our European assets, with variable
rates that range from Warsaw Interbank Offered Rate (WIBOR) plus 1.1% to WIBOR plus 1.5% and Euro Interbank
Offered Rate (EURIBOR) plus 1.1%, were available for working capital needs of our European manufacturing
operations. The European lines of credit include a $16.4 million facility which is guaranteed by us. European credit
facilities are regularly renewed. Currently, these European credit facilities have maturities that range from December
2020 through September 2022.
As of August 31, 2020, our Mexican railcar manufacturing joint venture had two lines of credit totaling $65.0 million.
The first line of credit provides up to $30.0 million and matures in June 2024. Advances under this facility bear interest
at LIBOR plus 3.75% to 4.25%. The second line of credit provides up to $35.0 million, of which we and our joint
venture partner have each guaranteed 50%. Advances under this facility bear interest at LIBOR plus 3.75%. The
Mexican railcar manufacturing joint venture will be able to draw amounts available under this facility through June
2021.
As of August 31, 2020, outstanding commitments under the senior secured credit facilities consisted of $28.7 million
in letters of credit and $275.0 million in borrowings under the North American credit facility, $46.5 million
outstanding under the European credit facilities and $30.0 million outstanding under the Mexican credit facilities.
The revolving and operating lines of credit, along with notes payable, contain covenants with respect to us and our
various subsidiaries, the most restrictive of which, among other things, limit our ability to: incur additional
39
indebtedness or guarantees; pay dividends or repurchase stock; enter into financing leases; create liens; sell assets;
engage in transactions with affiliates, including joint ventures and non U.S. subsidiaries, including but not limited to
loans, advances, equity investments and guarantees; enter into mergers, consolidations or sales of substantially all our
assets; and enter into new lines of business. The covenants also require certain maximum ratios of debt to total
capitalization and minimum levels of fixed charges (interest plus rent) coverage. As of August 31, 2020, we were in
compliance with all such restrictive covenants.
From time to time, we may seek to repurchase or otherwise retire or exchange securities, including outstanding notes,
borrowings and equity securities, and take other steps to reduce our debt or otherwise improve our balance sheet.
These actions may include open market repurchases, unsolicited or solicited privately negotiated transactions or
other retirements, repurchases or exchanges. Such retirements, repurchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on a
number of factors, including, but not limited to, prevailing market conditions, trading levels of our debt, our liquidity
requirements and contractual restrictions, if applicable. The amounts involved in any such transactions may,
individually or in the aggregate, be material and may involve all or a portion of a particular series of notes or other
indebtedness which may reduce the float and impact the trading market of notes or other indebtedness which remain
outstanding.
We have global operations that conduct business in their local currencies as well as other currencies. To mitigate the
exposure to transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency, we enter into foreign currency
forward exchange contracts with established financial institutions to protect the margin on a portion of foreign
currency sales in firm backlog. Given the strong credit standing of the counterparties, no provision has been made for
credit loss due to counterparty non-performance.
As of August 31, 2020, we had a $4.5 million note receivable from Amsted-Maxion Cruzeiro, our unconsolidated
Brazilian castings and components manufacturer and a $3.8 million note receivable balance from Greenbrier-Maxion,
our unconsolidated Brazilian railcar manufacturer. These note receivables are included on the Consolidated Balance
Sheet in Accounts receivable, net. In the future, we may make loans to or provide guarantees for Amsted-Maxion
Cruzeiro or Greenbrier-Maxion.
We expect existing funds and cash generated from operations, together with proceeds from financing activities
including borrowings under existing credit facilities and long-term financings, to be sufficient to fund expected debt
repayments, working capital needs, planned capital expenditures, additional investments in our unconsolidated
affiliates and dividends during the next twelve months.
The following table shows our estimated future contractual cash obligations as of August 31, 2020:
(In thousands)
Notes payable
Interest (1)
Railcar & operating leases
Revolving notes
Other
Years Ending August 31,
2023
2021
2024
Total
2022
$ 833,993 $ 32,375 $ 23,716 $ 23,296 $ 754,522 $
8,551
69,175 21,804 19,661 19,159
72,875 13,874 12,412 12,036 10,768
—
351,526 351,526
—
217
$1,327,786 $ 419,796 $ 55,789 $ 54,491 $ 773,841 $
—
—
—
—
217
2025
84 $
—
Thereafter
—
—
6,304 17,481
0
—
6,388 $ 17,481
—
—
(1) A portion of the estimated future cash obligation relates to interest on variable rate borrowings.
Due to uncertainty with respect to the timing of future cash flows associated with our unrecognized tax benefits at
August 31, 2020, we are unable to estimate the period of cash settlement with the respective taxing authority.
Therefore, approximately $6.6 million in uncertain tax positions, including interest, have been excluded from the
contractual table above. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion on income taxes.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not currently have off balance sheet arrangements that have or are likely to have a material current or future
effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
40
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S.
requires judgment on the part of management to arrive at estimates and assumptions on matters that are inherently
uncertain. These estimates may affect the amount of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses reported in the financial
statements and accompanying notes and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities within the financial statements.
Estimates and assumptions are periodically evaluated and may be adjusted in future periods. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
Income taxes - The asset and liability method is used to account for income taxes. We are required to estimate the
timing of the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities, make assumptions about the future deductibility of
deferred tax assets and assess deferred tax liabilities based on enacted law and tax rates for each tax jurisdiction to
determine the amount of deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred income taxes are provided for the temporary
effects of differences between assets and liabilities recognized for financial statement and income tax reporting
purposes. Valuation allowances reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that will more likely than not be realized. We
recognize liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on whether evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that
the position will be sustained on audit. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate such amounts, as this requires
us to estimate the probability of various possible outcomes. We reevaluate these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly
basis. Changes in tax law or court interpretations may result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge
to the tax provision.
Warranty accruals - Warranty costs to cover a defined warranty period are estimated and charged to operations. The
estimated warranty cost is based on historical warranty claims for each particular product type. For new product types
without a warranty history, preliminary estimates are based on historical information for similar product types. These
estimates are inherently uncertain as they are based on historical data for existing products and judgment for new
products. If warranty claims are made in the current period for issues that have not historically been the subject of
warranty claims and were not taken into consideration in establishing the accrual or if claims for issues already
considered in establishing the accrual exceed expectations, warranty expense may exceed the accrual for that particular
product. Conversely, there is the possibility that claims may be lower than estimates. The warranty accrual is
periodically reviewed and updated based on warranty trends. However, as we cannot predict future claims, the
potential exists for the difference in any one reporting period to be material.
Environmental costs - At times we may be involved in various proceedings related to environmental matters. We
estimate future costs for known environmental remediation requirements and accrue for them when it is probable that
we have incurred a liability and the related costs can be reasonably estimated based on currently available information.
If further developments in or resolution of an environmental matter result in facts and circumstances that are
significantly different than the assumptions used to develop these reserves, the accrual for environmental remediation
could be materially understated or overstated. Adjustments to these liabilities are made when additional information
becomes available that affects the estimated costs to study or remediate any environmental issues or when expenditures
for which reserves are established are made. Due to the uncertain nature of environmental matters, there can be no
assurance that we will not become involved in future litigation or other proceedings or, if we were found to be
responsible or liable in any litigation or proceeding, that such costs would not be material to us.
Revenue recognition - We measure revenue at the amounts that reflect the consideration to which we expect to be
entitled in exchange for transferring control of goods and services to customers. We recognize revenue either at the
point in time or over the period of time that performance obligations to customers are satisfied. Payment terms vary
by segment and product type and are generally due within normal commercial terms. Our contracts with customers
may include multiple performance obligations (e.g. railcars, maintenance, management services, etc.). For such
arrangements, we allocate revenues to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. We
have disaggregated revenue from contracts with customers into categories which describe the principal activities from
which we generate our revenues.
41
Manufacturing
Railcars are manufactured in accordance with contracts with customers. We recognize revenue upon our customers’
acceptance of the completed railcars at a specified delivery point. From time to time, we enter into multi-year supply
agreements. Each railcar delivery is considered a distinct performance obligation, such that the amounts that are
recognized as revenue following railcar delivery are generally not subject to change.
We typically recognize marine vessel manufacturing revenue over time using the cost input method, based on progress
toward contract completion measured by actual costs incurred to date in relation to the estimate of total expected costs.
This method best depicts our performance in completing the construction of the marine vessel for the customer and is
consistent with the percentage of completion method used prior to the adoption of Topic 606: Contracts with
Customers (Topic 606).
Wheels, Repair & Parts
We operate a network of wheel, repair and parts shops in North America that provide complete wheelset
reconditioning and railcar repair services.
Wheels revenue is recognized when wheelsets are shipped to the customer or when consumed by customers in the
case of consignment arrangements. Parts revenue is recognized upon shipment of the parts to the customers.
Repair revenue is typically recognized over time using the cost input method, based on progress toward contract
completion measured by actual costs incurred to date in relation to the estimate of total expected costs. This method
best depicts our performance in repairing the railcars for the customer. Repair services are typically completed in less
than 90 days.
Leasing & Services
We own a fleet of new and used railcars which are leased to third-party customers. Lease revenue is recognized over
the lease-term in the period in which it is earned.
Syndication transactions represent new and used railcars which have been placed on lease to a customer and which
we intend to sell to an investor with the lease attached. At the time of such sale, revenue and cost of revenue associated
with railcars that we have manufactured are recognized in the Manufacturing segment; while revenue and cost of
revenue associated with railcars which were obtained from a third-party with the intent to resell and subsequently sold,
are recognized in the Leasing & Services segment.
We enter into multi-year contracts to provide management and maintenance services to customers for which revenue
is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract term as a stand-ready obligation. Costs to fulfill these
contracts are recognized as incurred.
Goodwill and acquired intangible assets - We periodically acquire businesses in purchase transactions in which the
allocation of the purchase price may result in the recognition of goodwill and other intangible assets. The
determination of the value of such intangible assets requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These
estimates affect the amount of future period amortization and possible impairment charges.
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually during the third quarter. The
provisions of ASC 350 Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, require that we perform this test by comparing the fair value
of each reporting unit with its carrying value. We determine the fair value of our reporting units based on a weighting
of income and market approaches. Under the income approach, we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based
on the present value of estimated future cash flows which incorporates forecasted revenues, long-term growth rate,
gross margin percentages, operating expenses, short-term net working capital changes, other cash flows and the use
of discount rates. Under the market approach, we estimate the fair value based on observed market multiples for
comparable businesses. An impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds
the reporting unit’s fair value. An impairment loss cannot exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the
reporting unit. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are also tested more frequently if changes in
circumstances or the occurrence of events indicates that a potential impairment exists. When changes in circumstances,
42
such as a decline in the market price of our common stock, changes in demand or in the numerous variables associated
with the judgments, assumptions and estimates made in assessing the appropriate valuation of goodwill indicate the
carrying amount of certain indefinite lived assets may not be recoverable, the assets are evaluated for impairment.
We performed our annual goodwill impairment test during the third quarter of 2020 and we concluded that goodwill
was not impaired. The estimated fair value of goodwill in both the Europe Manufacturing and Wheels & Parts
reporting units exceeded its carrying value by approximately 5% and 9%, respectively. Since the estimated fair values
were not substantially in excess of their carrying values, we may be at risk for an impairment loss in the future if
expected profitability trends assumed in the fair value calculation are not realized.
As of August 31, 2020, our goodwill balance was $130.3 million of which $87.0 million related to our Manufacturing
segment and $43.3 million related to our Wheels, Repair & Parts segment. Our Manufacturing segment includes the
North America Manufacturing reporting unit with a goodwill balance of $56.6 million; and the Europe Manufacturing
reporting unit with a goodwill balance of $30.4 million.
New Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on
Form 10-K.
43
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
We have global operations that conduct business in their local currencies as well as other currencies. To mitigate the
exposure to transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of each entity, we enter into
foreign currency forward exchange contracts to protect revenue or margin on a portion of forecasted foreign currency
sales and expenses. At August 31, 2020 exchange rates, notional amounts of forward exchange contracts for the
purchase of Polish Zlotys and the sale of Euros aggregated to $48.5 million. Because of the variety of currencies in
which purchases and sales are transacted and the interaction between currency rates, it is not possible to predict the
impact of a movement in a single foreign currency exchange rate would have on future operating results.
In addition to exposure to transaction gains or losses, we are also exposed to foreign currency exchange risk related
to the net asset position of our foreign subsidiaries. At August 31, 2020, net assets of foreign subsidiaries aggregated
$158.3 million and a 10% strengthening of the U.S. Dollar relative to the foreign currencies would result in a decrease
in equity of $15.8 million, or 1.2% of Total equity - Greenbrier. This calculation assumes that each exchange rate
would change in the same direction relative to the U.S. Dollar.
Interest Rate Risk
We have managed a portion of our variable rate debt with interest rate swap agreements, effectively converting $250.0
million of variable rate debt to fixed rate debt. As a result, we are exposed to interest rate risk relating to our revolving
debt and a portion of term debt, which are at variable rates. At August 31, 2020, 51% of our outstanding debt had
fixed rates and 49% had variable rates. At August 31, 2020, a uniform 10% increase in variable interest rates would
result in approximately $1.0 million of additional annual interest expense.
44
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.:
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. and subsidiaries
(the Company) as of August 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income,
equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended August 31, 2020, and the related notes
(collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of August 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results
of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended August 31, 2020, in conformity
with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2020, based on criteria
established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations
of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated October 28, 2020, expressed an unqualified opinion on the
effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting
for leases as of September 1, 2019, due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases, and related
amendments. Also, as discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its
method of accounting for revenue recognition as of September 1, 2018, due to the adoption of Accounting Standards
Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and related amendments.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm
registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the
U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and
the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of
material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of
material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing
procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the
amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the
consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated
financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1)
relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our
especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter
in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating
the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or
disclosures to which it relates.
45
Assessment of the fair value of the European Manufacturing reporting unit and Greenbrier-Astra Rail
As discussed in Notes 2 and 7 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company performs goodwill
impairment testing on an annual basis, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that
would indicate a potential impairment exists. The goodwill balance as of August 31, 2020 was $130.3 million.
Of this amount, $30.4 million was allocated to the European Manufacturing reporting unit. The Company
established Greenbrier-Astra Rail (GAR) in June 2017 through a transaction with Astra Holding GmbH
(Astra). In connection with that transaction, the Company provided Astra an option to put its entire non-
controlling interest in GAR, which comprises all operating activity of the European Manufacturing reporting
unit to the Company, at an exercise price equal to the higher of fair value or a stated formula measured on
the exercise date. The Company recorded this contingently redeemable non-controlling interest of $31.1
million as of August 31, 2020 in the mezzanine section of the consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of
GAR, which was determined as part of the goodwill impairment evaluation of the European Manufacturing
reporting unit fair value, was used in the measurement of the contingently redeemable non-controlling interest
amount at the balance sheet date.
We identified the assessment of the fair value of the European Manufacturing reporting unit and GAR as a
critical audit matter. The discounted cash flow model used to calculate the fair value of the European
Manufacturing reporting unit and GAR was challenging to test due to the subjectivity of certain assumptions,
as the fair value determination is sensitive to possible changes in those assumptions. Specifically, changes to
the following assumptions could have a significant effect on the Company’s assessment of the carrying value
of the goodwill and contingently redeemable non-controlling interest:
-
-
Forecasted revenues, long-term growth rate, gross margin percentages, operating expenses, short-term
net working capital changes, and the sale of specific assets; and
The discount rate applied to the forecasted cash flows.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated
the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls over the Company’s process to
determine the fair value of the European Manufacturing reporting unit and GAR. This included controls
related to the development of the forecasted revenues, long-term growth rate, gross margin percentages,
operating expenses, short-term net working capital changes, the sale of specific assets and selection of the
discount rate used. We evaluated the Company’s forecasted revenues, gross margin percentages, operating
expenses, and short-term net working capital changes, by comparing them to the Company’s historical
results, external market and industry data, as well as operating results subsequent to the date of the fair value
determination, but prior to audit report issuance. We evaluated the sale of specific assets by comparing to the
Company’s historical external transactions, as well as external market data.
In addition, we involved valuation professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in:
-
-
-
Conducting a review of the model and methodology used by the Company to determine the fair value of
the European Manufacturing reporting unit and GAR;
Evaluating the long-term growth rate by comparing it against publicly available relevant geographic
market data; and
Evaluating the discount rate used by comparing it against an independently developed range using
publicly available market data.
/s/ KPMG LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2011.
Portland, Oregon
October 28, 2020
46
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Consolidated Balance Sheets
AS OF AUGUST 31,
(In thousands)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Accounts receivable, net
Inventories
Leased railcars for syndication
Equipment on operating leases, net
Property, plant and equipment, net
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates
Intangibles and other assets, net
Goodwill
Liabilities and Equity
Revolving notes
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Deferred income taxes
Deferred revenue
Notes payable, net
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 20 & 21)
Contingently redeemable noncontrolling interest
Equity:
Greenbrier
Preferred stock - without par value; 25,000 shares authorized; none
outstanding
Common stock - without par value; 50,000 shares authorized; 32,701
and 32,488 outstanding at August 31, 2020 and 2019
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Total equity - Greenbrier
Noncontrolling interest
Total equity
2020
2019
833,745 $
8,342
239,597
529,529
107,671
350,442
711,524
72,354
190,322
130,308
3,173,834 $
351,526 $
463,880
7,701
42,467
804,088
329,684
8,803
373,383
664,693
182,269
366,688
717,973
91,818
125,379
129,947
2,990,637
27,115
568,360
13,946
85,070
822,885
31,117
31,564
—
—
—
460,400
885,460
(52,817)
1,293,043
180,012
1,473,055
3,173,834 $
—
453,943
867,602
(44,815)
1,276,730
164,967
1,441,697
2,990,637
$
$
$
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
47
Consolidated Statements of Income
YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
2020
2019
2018
Revenue
Manufacturing
Wheels, Repair & Parts
Leasing & Services
Cost of revenue
Manufacturing
Wheels, Repair & Parts
Leasing & Services
Margin
Selling and administrative
Net gain on disposition of equipment
Goodwill impairment
Earnings from operations
Other costs
Interest and foreign exchange
Earnings before income tax and earnings (loss) from
unconsolidated affiliates
Income tax expense
Earnings before earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates
Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates
Net earnings
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest
Net earnings attributable to Greenbrier
Basic earnings per common share
Diluted earnings per common share
Weighted average common shares:
Basic
Diluted
$
2,349,971 $
324,670
117,548
2,792,189
2,431,499 $
444,502
157,590
3,033,591
2,044,586
347,023
127,855
2,519,464
2,065,169
302,189
71,700
2,439,058
353,131
204,706
(20,004)
—
168,429
2,137,625
420,890
108,590
2,667,105
366,486
213,308
(40,963)
10,025
184,116
1,727,407
318,330
64,672
2,110,409
409,055
200,439
(44,369)
—
252,985
43,619
30,912
29,368
124,810
(40,184)
84,626
2,960
87,586
(38,619)
48,967 $
1.50 $
1.46 $
153,204
(41,588)
111,616
(5,805)
105,811
(34,735)
71,076 $
2.18 $
2.14 $
223,617
(32,893)
190,724
(18,661)
172,063
(20,282)
151,781
4.92
4.68
32,670
33,441
32,615
33,165
30,857
32,835
$
$
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
48
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
(In thousands)
Net earnings
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Translation adjustment
Reclassification of derivative financial instruments recognized
in net earnings 1
Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments 2
Other (net of tax effect)
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Comprehensive income attributable to Greenbrier
$
2020
$
87,586 $
2019
105,811 $
2018
172,063
(5,602)
(12,725)
(16,159)
4,175
(7,304)
749
(7,982)
79,604
(38,639)
40,965 $
1,854
(10,264)
(351)
(21,486)
84,325
(34,698)
49,627 $
(415)
(197)
(335)
(17,106)
154,957
(20,263)
134,694
1
2
Net of tax effect of $(1.5 million), $(0.5 million) and nil for the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively
Net of tax effect of $2.9 million, $2.9 million and $(0.1 million) for the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
49
Consolidated Statements of Equity
Attributable to Greenbrier
Common
Stock
Shares
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Retained
Earnings
28,503 $ 315,306 $709,103 $
— 151,781
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Total
Equity -
Greenbrier
(6,279) $1,018,130 $
151,781
(17,087)
—
—
(17,087)
—
Noncontrolling
Interest
Contingently
Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interest
Total
Equity
160,763 $1,178,893 $
178,443
26,662
(17,106)
(19)
2,864
2,864
36,148
(6,380)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
336
7,334
— (15,058)
— 16,100
—
—
—
—
— (29,986)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(62,649)
6,500
(7)
(62,649)
6,500
(7)
7,334
(15,058)
16,100
(29,986)
—
—
—
—
7,334
(15,058)
16,100
(29,986)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
3,352 118,887
—
32,191 $ 442,569 $830,898 $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
5,461
— 71,076
—
—
—
(6,659)
—
—
—
—
297 12,077
— (16,801)
— 12,321
—
—
—
—
— (33,174)
—
—
3,777
32,488 $ 453,943 $867,602 $
—
118,887
(23,366) $1,250,101 $
—
118,887
134,114 $1,384,215 $
—
29,768
—
—
(21,449)
—
5,461
71,076
(21,449)
(6,659)
—
39,598
(37)
7,402
5,461
110,674
(21,486)
743
—
(4,863)
—
6,659
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(18,025)
1,915
(18,025)
1,915
12,077
(16,801)
12,321
(33,174)
—
—
—
—
12,077
(16,801)
12,321
(33,174)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
3,777
(44,815) $1,276,730 $
—
3,777
164,967 $1,441,697 $
—
31,564
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
4,393
— 48,967
—
—
4,393
48,967
—
39,066
4,393
88,033
—
(447)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(8,002)
—
(8,002)
—
20
1,436
(7,982)
1,436
—
—
—
—
(37,552)
12,075
(37,552)
12,075
—
—
—
—
213
—
—
—
2,691
(4,957)
8,723
—
—
—
— (35,502)
32,701 $ 460,400 $885,460 $
—
—
—
—
2,691
(4,957)
8,723
(35,502)
(52,817) $1,293,043 $
—
—
—
—
2,691
(4,957)
8,723
(35,502)
180,012 $1,473,055 $
—
—
—
—
31,117
(In thousands)
Balance August 31, 2017
Net earnings
Other comprehensive loss, net
Noncontrolling interest adjustments
Joint venture partner distribution
declared
Investment by joint venture partner
Noncontrolling interest acquired
Restricted stock awards (net of
cancellations)
Unamortized restricted stock
Restricted stock amortization
Cash dividends ($0.96 per share)
Conversion of 3.5% Convertible
2018 Senior Notes
Balance August 31, 2018
Cumulative effect adjustment due to
the adoption of Topic 606
Net earnings
Other comprehensive loss, net
Noncontrolling interest adjustments
Joint venture partner distribution
declared
Noncontrolling interest acquired
Restricted stock awards (net of
cancellations)
Unamortized restricted stock
Restricted stock amortization
Cash dividends ($1.00 per share)
2.25% Convertible Senior Notes, due
2024 - equity component, net of tax
Balance August 31, 2019
Cumulative effect adjustment
due to the adoption of
Topic 842 (See Note 2)
Net earnings
Other comprehensive income (loss),
net
Noncontrolling interest adjustments
Joint venture partner distribution
declared
Noncontrolling interest acquired
Restricted stock awards (net of
cancellations)
Unamortized restricted stock
Restricted stock amortization
Cash dividends ($1.06 per share)
Balance August 31, 2020
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
50
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities:
Deferred income taxes
Depreciation and amortization
Net gain on disposition of equipment
Stock based compensation expense
Accretion of debt discount
Noncontrolling interest adjustments
Goodwill impairment
Other
Decrease (increase) in assets:
Accounts receivable, net
Inventories
Leased railcars for syndication
Other assets
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Deferred revenue
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Proceeds from sales of assets
Capital expenditures
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates
Cash distribution from unconsolidated affiliates and other
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net changes in revolving notes with maturities of 90 days or less
Proceeds from revolving notes with maturities longer than 90 days
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable
Repayments of notes payable
Debt issuance costs
Dividends
Cash distribution to joint venture partner
Investment by joint venture partner
Tax payments for net share settlement of restricted stock
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
Beginning of period
End of period
Balance Sheet Reconciliation:
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash as presented above
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest
Income taxes, net
Non-cash activity
Issuance of 2.25% Convertible notes in connection with the acquisition of the
manufacturing business of ARI
Transfer from Leased railcars for syndication and Inventories to
Equipment on operating leases, net
Capital expenditures accrued in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Change in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities associated with
dividends declared
Change in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities associated with cash
distributions to joint venture partner
Conversion of 3.5% Convertible notes
2020
2019
2018
$
87,586 $
105,811 $
172,063
(9,489 )
109,850
(20,004 )
8,997
5,504
1,436
—
1,142
135,326
166,607
(12,942 )
(64,995 )
(108,837 )
(27,920 )
272,261
—
83,484
(66,879 )
(1,815 )
12,693
27,483
146,542
176,500
—
(30,179 )
—
(35,173 )
(38,969 )
—
(2,266 )
216,455
(12,599 )
503,600
(20,225 )
83,731
(40,963 )
11,153
4,458
7,402
10,025
145
13,022
(143,168 )
(96,110 )
6,843
55,910
(19,275 )
(21,241 )
(361,878 )
125,427
(198,233 )
(11,393 )
2,096
(443,981 )
(105 )
—
525,000
(182,971 )
(8,630 )
(33,193 )
(16,879 )
—
(6,321 )
276,901
(12,666 )
(200,987 )
338,487
842,087 $
539,474
338,487 $
833,745 $
8,342
842,087 $
329,684 $
8,803 $
338,487 $
31,710 $
59,939 $
18,330 $
62,084 $
(40,496 )
74,356
(44,369 )
29,314
4,171
2,864
—
1,688
(83,551 )
(26,592 )
(54,023 )
34,115
54,032
(20,231 )
103,341
(34,874 )
153,224
(176,848 )
(26,455 )
4,661
(80,292 )
23,401
—
13,771
(22,269 )
—
(29,914 )
(73,033 )
6,500
(7,723 )
(89,267 )
(14,666 )
(80,884 )
620,358
539,474
530,655
8,819
539,474
18,878
66,423
— $
50,000 $
—
55,626 $
4,099 $
43,845 $
19,385 $
20,945
13,534
(329 ) $
19 $
(72 )
1,417 $
— $
(1,146 ) $
— $
14
118,887
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
51
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1 — Nature of Operations
The Company operates in three reportable segments: Manufacturing; Wheels, Repair & Parts; and Leasing & Services.
The segments are operationally integrated. The Manufacturing segment, which currently operates from facilities in
the U.S., Mexico, Poland, Romania and Turkey, produces double-stack intermodal railcars, tank cars, conventional
railcars, automotive railcar products and marine vessels. The Wheels, Repair & Parts segment performs wheel and
axle servicing; railcar repair, refurbishment and maintenance; as well as production of a variety of parts for the rail
industry in North America. The Leasing & Services segment owns approximately 8,300 railcars and provides
management services for approximately 393,000 railcars for railroads, shippers, carriers, institutional investors and
other leasing and transportation companies in North America as of August 31, 2020. Through unconsolidated affiliates
the Company produces rail and industrial components and has an ownership stake in a railcar manufacturer in Brazil.
Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of consolidation - The financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries in
which it has a controlling interest. All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated upon consolidation.
Unclassified balance sheet - The balance sheets of the Company are presented in an unclassified format as a result of
significant leasing activities for which the current or non-current distinction is not relevant. In addition, the activities
of the Manufacturing; Wheels, Repair & Parts; and Leasing & Services segments are so intertwined that in the opinion
of management, any attempt to separate the respective balance sheet categories would not be meaningful and may
lead to the development of misleading conclusions by the reader.
Foreign currency translation - Certain operations outside the U.S. prepare financial statements in currencies other
than the U.S. Dollar. Revenues and expenses are translated at monthly average exchange rates during the year, while
assets and liabilities are translated at year-end exchange rates. Translation adjustments are accumulated as a separate
component of equity in other comprehensive income (loss). The net foreign currency translation adjustment balances
were $39.8 million, $34.2 million and $21.5 million as of August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Cash and cash equivalents - Cash may temporarily be invested primarily in money market funds. All highly-liquid
investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of acquisition are considered cash equivalents.
Restricted cash - Restricted cash primarily relates to amounts held to support a target minimum rate of return on
certain agreements and a pass through account for activity related to management services provided for certain third
party customers.
Accounts receivable - Accounts receivable consists of receivables from customers and receivables from related parties
(see Note 16 - Related Party Transactions) and is stated net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2.7 million and
$2.2 million as of August 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(In thousands)
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Balance at beginning of period
Additions, net of reversals
Usage
Currency translation effect
Balance at end of period
2020
As of August 31,
2019
2018
$
$
2,176 $
1,661
(1,291)
124
2,670 $
2,701 $
773
(1,311)
13
2,176 $
1,768
938
(54)
49
2,701
Inventories - Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value using the first-in first-out method.
Work-in-process includes material, labor and overhead. Finished goods includes completed wheels, parts and railcars
not on lease or in transit.
52
Leased railcars for syndication - Leased railcars for syndication consist of newly-built railcars manufactured at one
of the Company’s facilities or railcars purchased from third parties, which have been placed on lease to a customer
and which the Company intends to sell to an investor with the lease attached. These railcars are generally anticipated
to be sold within six months of delivery of the last railcar in a group or six months from when the Company acquires
the railcar from a third party and are typically not depreciated during that period as the Company does not believe any
economic value of a railcar is lost in the first six months. In the event the railcars are not sold in the first six months,
the railcars are either held in Leased railcars for syndication and are depreciated or are transferred to Equipment on
operating leases and are depreciated. As of August 31, 2020, Leased railcars for syndication was $107.7 million
compared to $182.3 million as of August 31, 2019.
Equipment on operating leases, net - Equipment on operating leases is stated net of accumulated depreciation.
Depreciation to estimated salvage value is provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of up
to forty years. Management periodically reviews salvage value estimates based on current scrap prices and what the
Company expects to receive upon disposal.
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates - Investment in unconsolidated affiliates includes the Company’s interests in
certain investees which are accounted for under the equity method of accounting as the Company has determined that
the investment provides the Company with the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the
investee. Significant influence is generally deemed to exist if the Company has an ownership interest in the voting
stock of the investee of at least 20%. Several factors are considered in determining whether the equity method of
accounting is appropriate including the relative ownership interests and governance rights of the joint venture partners.
As of August 31, 2020, selected investments in unconsolidated affiliates include the Company’s 60% interest in
Greenbrier-Maxion, 29.5% interest in Amsted-Maxion Cruzeiro (which owns 40% of Greenbrier-Maxion), 40%
interest in Greenbrier Railcar Funding I LLC and 41.9% interest in Axis, LLC.
Property, plant and equipment - Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation.
Depreciation is provided on the straight-line method over estimated useful lives which primarily are as follows:
Buildings and improvements
Machinery and equipment
Other
Depreciable Life
10 - 30 years
3 - 20 years
3 - 7 years
Intangible and other assets, net - Intangible assets are recorded when a portion of the purchase price of an acquisition
is allocated to assets such as customer contracts and relationships and trade names. Intangible assets with finite lives
are amortized using the straight line method over their estimated useful lives which are up to 20 years. Other assets
include revolving note fees which are capitalized and amortized as interest expense over the life of the related
borrowings.
Impairment of long-lived assets - When changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of certain long-lived
assets may not be recoverable, the assets are evaluated for impairment. If the forecasted undiscounted future cash
flows are less than the carrying amount of the assets, an impairment charge to reduce the carrying value of the assets
to estimated realizable value is recognized in the current period. No impairment of long-lived assets was recorded in
the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Goodwill - Goodwill is recorded when the purchase price of an acquisition exceeds the fair market value of the net
assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment at least annually and more frequently if
indicators of impairment arise. The Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually using either a qualitative
assessment or a quantitative goodwill impairment test. If the qualitative assessment is selected and the Company
determines that fair value of each reporting unit more likely than not exceeds its carrying value, no further assessment
is necessary. For reporting units where the Company performs the quantitative goodwill impairment test an
impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair
value. An impairment loss cannot exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. See Note 7 –
Goodwill for additional information.
53
Warranty accruals - Warranty costs are estimated and charged to operations to cover a defined warranty period. The
estimated warranty cost is based on history of warranty claims for each particular product type. For new product types
without a warranty history, preliminary estimates are based on historical information for similar product types. The
warranty accruals, included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, are reviewed periodically and updated based
on warranty trends.
Income taxes - The asset and liability method is used to account for income taxes. Deferred income taxes are provided
for the temporary effects of differences between assets and liabilities recognized for financial statement and income
tax reporting purposes. Valuation allowances reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that will more likely than not be
realized. The Company recognizes liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on whether evidence indicates that it is
more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit. The Company reevaluates these uncertain tax positions
on a quarterly basis. Changes in tax law or court interpretations may result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an
additional charge to the tax provision.
Deferred revenue - Cash payments received prior to meeting revenue recognition criteria are recorded in Deferred
revenue. Amounts are reclassified out of Deferred revenue once the revenue recognition criteria have been met.
Noncontrolling interest and Contingently redeemable noncontrolling interest - The Company has a joint venture with
Grupo Industrial Monclova, S.A. (GIMSA) that manufactures new railroad freight cars for the North American
marketplace at GIMSA’s existing manufacturing facility located in Frontera, Mexico. Each party owns a 50% interest
in the joint venture. The financial results of this operation are consolidated for financial reporting purposes as the
Company maintains a controlling interest as evidenced by the right to appoint the majority of the Board of Directors,
control over accounting, financing, marketing and engineering and approval and design of products. The
noncontrolling interest related to the partner’s 50% interest in the joint venture is included in Noncontrolling interest
in the equity section of the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Greenbrier-Astra Rail was formed in 2017 between the Company’s existing European operations headquartered in
Swidnica, Poland and Astra Rail, based in Arad, Romania. Greenbrier-Astra Rail is controlled by the Company with
an approximate 75% interest. Astra Rail also received a put option to sell its entire noncontrolling interest to Greenbrier
at an exercise price equal to the higher of fair value or a defined EBITDA multiple as measured on the exercise date.
The option is exercisable 30 days prior to and up until June 1, 2022. The Company consolidates Greenbrier-Astra Rail
for financial reporting purposes and includes the noncontrolling interest in the mezzanine section of the Consolidated
Balance Sheet in Contingently redeemable noncontrolling interest. The carrying value of the noncontrolling interest
cannot be less than the maximum redemption amount, which is the amount Greenbrier will settle the put option for if
exercised. Adjustments to reconcile the carrying value to the maximum redemption amount are recorded to retained
earnings.
In August 2018, Greenbrier-Astra Rail entered into an agreement to take an approximately 68% ownership stake in
Rayvag, a railcar manufacturing company based in Adana, Turkey. Rayvag is controlled by the Company. The Company
consolidates Rayvag for financial reporting purposes. The noncontrolling interest related to the partner’s interest is
included in Noncontrolling interest in the equity section of the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income represents
the Company’s partners’ share of results from operations.
54
Accumulated other comprehensive loss – Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax as appropriate, consisted
of the following:
(In thousands)
Balance, August 31, 2019
Other comprehensive income (loss) before
reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive loss
Balance, August 31, 2020
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
on Derivative
Financial
Instruments
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustment
$
(8,841) $
(34,194) $
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
(44,815)
Other
(1,780) $
(7,304)
(5,622)
749 $
(12,177)
4,175
(11,970) $
—
(39,816) $
— $
(1,031) $
$
4,175
(52,817)
The amounts reclassified out of Accumulated other comprehensive loss into the Consolidated Statements of Income,
with the financial statement caption, were as follows:
(In thousands)
(Gain) loss on derivative financial instruments:
$
Foreign exchange contracts
Interest rate swap contracts
$
Year Ended August 31,
2019
2020
Financial Statement Caption
2,984 $
2,657
5,641
(1,466)
4,175 $
1,794 Revenue and Cost of revenue
545 Interest and foreign exchange
2,339
(485)
1,854
Total before tax
Tax expense
Net of tax
Revenue recognition – The Company measures revenue at the amounts that reflect the consideration to which it expects
to be entitled in exchange for transferring control of goods and services to customers. The Company recognizes
revenue either at the point in time or over the period of time that performance obligations to customers are satisfied.
Payment terms vary by segment and product type and are generally due within normal commercial terms. The
Company’s contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations (e.g. railcars, maintenance,
management services, etc.). For such arrangements, the Company allocates revenues to each performance obligation
based on its relative standalone selling price. The Company has disaggregated revenue from contracts with customers
into categories which describe the principal activities from which it generates revenues.
Manufacturing
Railcars are manufactured in accordance with contracts with customers. The Company recognizes revenue upon its
customers’ acceptance of the completed railcars at a specified delivery point. From time to time, the Company enters into
multi-year supply agreements. Each railcar delivery is considered a distinct performance obligation, such that the amounts
that are recognized as revenue following railcar delivery are generally not subject to change.
The Company typically recognizes marine vessel manufacturing revenue over time using the cost input method, based
on progress toward contract completion measured by actual costs incurred to date in relation to the estimate of total
expected costs. This method best depicts the Company’s performance in completing the construction of the marine
vessel for the customer and is consistent with the percentage of completion method used prior to the adoption of Topic
606.
Wheels, Repair & Parts
The Company operates a network of wheel, repair and parts shops in North America that provide complete wheelset
reconditioning and railcar repair services.
55
Wheels revenue is recognized when wheelsets are shipped to the customer or when consumed by customers in the
case of consignment arrangements. Parts revenue is recognized upon shipment of the parts to the customers.
Repair revenue is typically recognized over time using the cost input method, based on progress toward contract
completion measured by actual costs incurred to date in relation to the estimate of total expected costs. This method
best depicts the Company’s performance in repairing the railcars for the customer. Repair services are typically
completed in less than 90 days.
Leasing & Services
The Company owns a fleet of new and used cars which are leased to third-party customers. Lease revenue is recognized
over the lease-term in the period in which it is earned.
Syndication transactions represent new and used railcars which have been placed on lease to a customer and which
the Company intends to sell to an investor with the lease attached. At the time of such sale, revenue and cost of revenue
associated with railcars that the Company has manufactured are recognized in the Manufacturing segment; while
revenue and cost of revenue associated with railcars which were obtained from a third-party with the intent to resell
them and subsequently sold, are recognized in Leasing & Services.
The Company enters into multi-year contracts to provide management and maintenance services to customers for
which revenue is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract term as a stand-ready obligation. Costs
to fulfill these contracts are recognized as incurred.
Interest and foreign exchange - Interest and foreign exchange includes foreign exchange transaction gains and losses,
amortization of loan fee expense, accretion of debt discounts and external interest expense.
(In thousands)
Interest and foreign exchange:
Interest and other expense
Foreign exchange (gain) loss
2020
Years ended August 31,
2019
2018
$
$
42,386 $
1,233
43,619 $
32,260 $
(1,348)
30,912 $
30,946
(1,578)
29,368
Forward exchange contracts - Foreign operations give rise to risks from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange
rates. Forward exchange contracts with established financial institutions are used to hedge a portion of such risk.
Realized and unrealized gains and losses on effective hedges are deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) and
recognized in earnings concurrent with the hedged transaction or when the occurrence of the hedged transaction is no
longer considered probable. Ineffectiveness is measured and any gain or loss is recognized in foreign exchange (gain)
loss. Even though forward exchange contracts are entered into to mitigate the impact of currency fluctuations, certain
exposure remains, which may affect operating results. In addition, there is risk for counterparty non-performance.
Interest rate instruments - Interest rate swap agreements are used to reduce the impact of changes in interest rates on
certain debt. The net cash amounts paid or received under the agreements are recognized as an adjustment to interest
expense.
Research and development - Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development
costs incurred for new product development during the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were $5.8 million,
$5.4 million and $6.0 million, respectively, included in Selling and administrative expenses.
Net earnings per share - Basic earnings per common share (EPS) includes restricted stock grants and restricted stock
units that are considered participating securities, including some grants subject to certain performance criteria, in
weighted average basic common shares outstanding when calculating EPS when the Company is in a net earnings
position.
56
Diluted EPS is calculated using the more dilutive of two approaches. The first approach includes the dilutive effect,
using the treasury stock method, associated with shares underlying the 2.875% Convertible notes, 2.25% Convertible
notes, restricted stock units that are not considered participating securities and performance-based restricted stock
units subject to performance criteria, for which actual levels of performance above target have been achieved. The
second approach supplements the first by including the “if converted” effect of the 3.5% Convertible notes during the
periods in which they were outstanding. Under the “if converted” method, debt issuance and interest costs, both net
of tax, associated with the convertible notes are added back to net earnings and the share count is increased by the
shares underlying the convertible notes. The 3.5% Convertible notes are included in the calculation of both approaches
using the treasury stock method when the average stock price is greater than the applicable conversion price.
Stock-based compensation – The value of stock based compensation awards is amortized as compensation expense
from the date of grant through the earlier of the vesting period or in some instances the recipient’s eligible retirement
date. Stock based compensation expense consists of restricted stock units, restricted stock and phantom stock units
awards. Stock based compensation expense for the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $9.0 million,
$11.2 million and $29.3 million, respectively and was recorded in Selling and administrative and Cost of revenue on
the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Restricted stock units and restricted stock awards are accounted for as equity based awards (see Note 14 - Equity).
Phantom stock units are accounted for as liability based awards.
Phantom Stock Units
As of August 31, 2020, there were no phantom stock units outstanding. Compensation expense related to phantom
stock unit grants were recorded in Selling and administrative expense and Cost of revenue on the Company’s
Consolidated Statements of Income. Compensation expense recognized related to phantom stock units for the year
ended August 31, 2020 was $0.3 million. For the year ended August 31, 2019, a $1.2 million benefit was recognized
in compensation expense for the re-measurement of phantom stock units due to a lower stock price. Compensation
expense recognized related to phantom stock units for the year ended August 31, 2018 was $12.1 million.
Management estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the U.S. requires judgment on the part of management to arrive at estimates and assumptions on matters
that are inherently uncertain. These estimates may affect the amount of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses
reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities within
the financial statements. Estimates and assumptions are periodically evaluated and may be adjusted in future periods.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications - Certain immaterial reclassifications have been made to the accompanying prior year Consolidated
Financial Statements to conform to the current year presentation.
Initial Adoption of Accounting Policies
Revenue Recognition
In the first quarter of 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standard Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts
with Customers and related amendments (Topic 606). This standard was issued to provide a common revenue
recognition model for entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to
customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for the
goods or services. The new standard also requires additional disclosures to sufficiently describe the nature, amount,
timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flow arising from contracts with customers. As a result of adopting the
new standard, the majority of the Company’s revenue recognition timing remained unchanged, while certain minor
changes have occurred related to maintenance and repair services. Costs incurred while fulfilling maintenance
contracts are now recognized as incurred while the related revenue continues to be recognized over time. Additionally,
repair and rail retrofit service revenue, while previously recognized upon completion of an order, is now recognized
as costs are incurred. This standard was adopted using a modified retrospective approach through a cumulative effect
adjustment, which increased retained earnings by $5.5 million at September 1, 2018. Other adjustments recorded to
the September 1, 2018 opening balance sheet were not material. The adoption of the new revenue standard did not
have a material effect on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet or Statement of Income.
57
Lease accounting
On September 1, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases and related amendments
(Topic 842). The new guidance supersedes existing guidance on accounting for leases in Topic 840 and is intended to
increase the transparency and comparability of accounting for lease transactions. Topic 842 requires most leases to be
recognized on the balance sheet by recording a right-of-use (ROU) asset and a lease liability. The liability will be
equal to the present value of lease payments. The asset will be based on the liability, subject to adjustment, such as
for initial direct costs. For income statement purposes, the FASB retained a dual model, requiring leases to be classified
as either operating or finance. Lessor accounting remains similar to the prior model, but updated to align with certain
changes to the lessee model and Topic 606.
The Company adopted the provisions of the new standard using the modified retrospective adoption method, utilizing
the simplified transition option which allows entities to continue to apply the legacy guidance in Topic 840 in the
comparative periods presented in the year of adoption. The Company elected the “package of practical expedients,”
which allows it to not reassess under the new guidance prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification,
and initial direct costs. The Company did not elect the use-of-hindsight practical expedient. The Company elected to
not separate lease and non-lease components. The Company elected the short-term lease recognition exemption for
all leases that qualify, which means it will not recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities for leases with lease terms of
less than twelve months. Following the adoption of Topic 842, the Company will utilize both Topic 842 and Topic
606 when evaluating retained risk of services and other performance obligations in conjunction with selling railcars
with a lease attached as part of the syndication model.
As a result of adoption, the Company recognized operating lease ROU assets and lease liabilities of $40.4 and $41.6
million, respectively, as of September 1, 2019. The Company also recognized an immaterial finance lease asset and
corresponding lease liability. Additionally, the Company derecognized certain existing property, plant and equipment
and deferred revenue for railcar transactions previously not qualifying as sales due to continuing involvement, that
now qualify as sales under the new guidance. The gain associated with this change in accounting, was mostly offset
by the recognition of a new guarantee liability. The adoption of this new standard also required the Company to
eliminate deferred gains associated with certain sale-leaseback transactions. A cumulative-effect adjustment of $4.4
million was recorded as an increase to retained earnings as of September 1, 2019.
Derivatives and Hedging
In August 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted
Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities (ASU 2017-12). This update improves the financial reporting of
hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity's risk management activities in its financial
statements and make certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of the hedge accounting guidance. The
guidance expands the ability to qualify for hedge accounting for non-financial and financial risk components, reduces
complexity in fair value hedges of interest rate risk and eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report
hedge ineffectiveness, as well as eases certain hedge effectiveness assessment requirements. The Company adopted
this guidance effective September 1, 2019 and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial
statements.
Prospective Accounting Changes
Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments
In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (ASU
2016-13). This update introduces a new model for recognizing credit losses on financial instruments based on an
estimate of current expected credit losses. The new guidance will apply to loans, accounts receivable, trade
receivables, other financial assets measured at amortized cost, loan commitments and other off-balance sheet credit
exposures. The new guidance will also apply to debt securities and other financial assets measured at fair value through
other comprehensive income. The new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December
15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company plans to adopt this guidance beginning September 1, 2020 and
it is not expected to have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements.
58
Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity
In August 2020, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update 2020-06, Accounting for Convertible Instruments and
Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity, which simplifies the accounting for certain convertible instruments, amends
guidance on derivative scope exceptions for contracts in an entity’s own equity, and modifies the guidance on diluted
EPS calculations as a result of these changes. The guidance in this ASU can be adopted using either a full or modified
retrospective approach and becomes effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021, with
early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial
statements and disclosures.
Note 3 – Revenue Recognition
Contract balances
Contract assets primarily consist of unbilled receivables related to marine vessel construction and railcar repair
services, for which the respective contracts do not yet permit billing at the reporting date. Contract liabilities primarily
consist of customer prepayments for manufacturing, maintenance, and other management-type services, for which the
Company has not yet satisfied the related performance obligations.
The opening and closing balances of the Company’s contract balances are as follows:
(In thousands)
Contract assets
Contract liabilities 1
Balance sheet
classification
August 31,
2020
August 31,
2019
Inventories
Deferred revenue
$
$
7,081 $
27,009 $
10,196 $
52,118 $
$ change
(3,115)
(25,109)
1
Contract liabilities balance includes deferred revenue within the scope of Topic 606.
For the year ended August 31, 2020, the Company recognized $28.0 million of revenue that was included in Contract
liabilities as of August 31, 2019.
Performance obligations
As of August 31, 2020, the Company has entered into contracts with customers for which revenue has not yet been
recognized. The following table outlines estimated revenue related to performance obligations wholly or partially
unsatisfied, that the Company anticipates will be recognized in future periods.
(In millions)
Revenue type:
Manufacturing – Railcar sales
Manufacturing – Marine
Services
Other
Manufacturing – Railcars intended for syndication 1
1
Not a performance obligation as defined in Topic 606
August 31,
2020
$
$
$
$
$
2,053.2
51.3
134.3
129.2
236.1
Based on current production and delivery schedules and existing contracts, approximately $1.0 billion of the Railcar
sales amount is expected to be recognized in the next 12 months while the remaining amount is expected to be
recognized through 2024. The table above excludes estimated revenue to be recognized at the Company’s Brazilian
manufacturing operations, as they are accounted for under the equity method.
Revenue amounts reflected in Railcars intended for syndication may be syndicated to third parties or held in the
Company’s fleet depending on a variety of factors.
59
Marine revenue is expected to be recognized through 2022 as vessel construction is completed.
Services includes management and maintenance services of which approximately 51% are expected to be performed
through 2025 and the remaining amount through 2037.
Note 4 – Acquisitions
Manufacturing business of American Railcar Industries, Inc.
On July 26, 2019, the Company completed its acquisition of the manufacturing business of ARI for a purchase price
of approximately $417.2 million. In connection with the acquisition, the Company acquired two railcar manufacturing
facilities in Arkansas, as well as other facilities which produce a range of railcar components and parts and create
enhanced vertical integration for our manufacturing operations. The purchase price included approximately $8.5
million for capital expenditures on railcar lining operations and other facility improvements. Included in the
acquisition were equity interests in two railcar component manufacturing businesses which Greenbrier accounts for
under the equity method of accounting and recognized at their respective fair value as investments in unconsolidated
affiliates.
The purchase price was funded by, and consisted of, a combination of cash on hand, the proceeds of a $300 million
secured term loan, the issuance to the seller of a $50 million senior convertible note and a payable to the seller for a
working capital true-up amount (See Note 12 – Notes Payable, net).
For the year ended August 31, 2019, the operations contributed by ARI’s manufacturing business generated revenues
of $43.0 million and a loss from operations of $1.6 million, which are reported in the Company’s consolidated financial
statements as part of the Manufacturing segment.
The following table summarizes the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:
(In thousands)
Accounts receivable
Inventories
Property, plant and equipment
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates
Intangibles and other assets
Goodwill
Total assets acquired
Total liabilities assumed
Net assets acquired
$
$
27,659
98,053
225,045
40,314
36,785
56,659
484,515
67,319
417,196
The effect of measurement period adjustments to the previously reported preliminary purchase price allocation were
not material.
The identified intangible assets assumed in the acquisition were recognized as follows:
(In thousands)
Trademarks and patents
Customer and supplier relationships
Identified intangible assets subject to amortization
Other identified intangible assets not subject to amortization
Total identified intangible assets
Fair value
Weighted average
estimated useful life
(in years)
$
$
19,500
16,071
35,571
860
36,431
9
7
In accordance with ASC 805 Business Combinations, the following unaudited pro forma financial information
summarizes the combined operating results of Greenbrier and ARI’s manufacturing business as if the acquisition of
60
ARI’s manufacturing business occurred on September 1, 2017. In addition, this pro forma financial information
includes acquisition-related adjustments including depreciation expense to reflect the increased fair value of property,
plant and equipment, amortization expense related to identified intangible assets, interest expense on the $50 million
convertible senior note and $300 million senior term debt issued, and the related income tax effects. This pro forma
financial information is presented for informational purposes only and does not include adjustments relating to the
Company’s expected cost-savings and other synergies, and as such, is not indicative of the results of operations that
would have been achieved if the acquisition had occurred on September 1, 2017 or of results that may occur in the
future.
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenue
Net earnings attributable to Greenbrier
Basic earnings per common share
Diluted earnings per common share
GBW
As of August 31,
2019
3,462,255 $
57,284 $
1.76 $
1.73 $
2018
2,893,400
137,399
4.45
4.25
$
$
$
$
On August 20, 2018, the Company entered into a dissolution agreement with Watco Companies, LLC, its previous
joint venture partner, to discontinue their GBW Railcar Services railcar repair joint venture. Pursuant to the dissolution
agreement, previously operated Greenbrier repair shops and associated employees returned to the Company.
Additionally, the dissolution agreement provides that certain agreements entered into in connection with the original
creation of GBW in 2014 were terminated as of the transaction date, including the leases of real and personal property,
service agreements, and certain employment-related agreements.
As the assets received and liabilities assumed from GBW meet the definition of a business, the Company has accounted
for this transaction as a business combination. The total net assets acquired were approximately $57.6 million.
Additionally, the Company removed the book value of its remaining equity method investment in, and note receivable
due from, the joint venture.
The results of operations from the repair shops acquired are reported in the Company’s consolidated financial
statements as part of the Wheels, Repair & Parts segment.
Note 5 — Inventories
(In thousands)
Manufacturing supplies and raw materials
Work-in-process
Finished goods
Excess and obsolete adjustment
(In thousands)
Excess and obsolete adjustment
Balance at beginning of period
Charge to cost of revenue
Disposition of inventory
Currency translation effect
Balance at end of period
As of August 31,
2020
2019
$
$
263,080 $
116,909
173,761
(24,221)
529,529 $
387,015
156,614
130,576
(9,512)
664,693
2020
As of August 31,
2019
2018
$
$
9,512 $
17,966
(3,555)
298
24,221 $
5,614 $
9,734
(5,651)
(185)
9,512 $
4,136
4,023
(2,455)
(90)
5,614
61
Note 6 — Property, Plant and Equipment, net
(In thousands)
Land and improvements
Machinery and equipment
Buildings and improvements
Construction in progress
Other
Accumulated depreciation
As of August 31,
2020
94,611 $
590,992
376,272
49,717
97,432
1,209,024
(497,500)
711,524 $
2019
87,872
539,952
338,639
66,744
90,822
1,124,029
(406,056)
717,973
$
$
Depreciation expense was $86.6 million, $62.3 million and $54.5 million for the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019
and 2018, respectively.
Note 7 — Goodwill
Changes in the carrying value of goodwill are as follows:
(In thousands)
Balance August 31, 2019
Translation and other adjustments
Balance August 31, 2020
Manufacturing
$
86,682 $
361
$
87,043
$
Wheels,
Repair &
Parts
Leasing
& Services
Total
43,265 $
—
43,265 $
— $ 129,947
—
361
— $ 130,308
(In thousands)
Gross goodwill balance before accumulated goodwill impairment losses and other
reductions
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses
Accumulated other reductions
Balance August 31, 2020
Goodwill
$
$
292,858
(138,234)
(24,316)
130,308
The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test during the third quarter. The Company determined the
fair value of the reporting units while considering both the income and market approaches. Under the income approach,
the Company calculates the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows
which incorporated forecasted revenues, long-term growth rate, gross margin percentages, operating expenses, short-
term net working capital changes, other cash flows and the use of discount rates. Under the market approach, the
Company estimates the fair value based on observed market multiples for comparable businesses, when appropriate.
Based on the results of the Company’s annual impairment test, the fair values of its reporting units exceeded their
carrying values and the Company concluded that goodwill was not impaired.
Note 8 — Intangibles and Other Assets, net
Intangible assets that are determined to have finite lives are amortized over their useful lives. Intangible assets with
indefinite useful lives are not amortized and are periodically evaluated for impairment.
62
The following table summarizes the Company’s identifiable intangible and other assets balance:
(In thousands)
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Customer and supplier relationships
Accumulated amortization
Other intangibles
Accumulated amortization
Intangible assets not subject to amortization
Prepaid and other assets
Operating Lease ROU
Nonqualified savings plan investments
Debt issuance costs, net
Assets held for sale
As of August 31,
2020
2019
$
$
89,722 $
(56,509)
37,798
(10,595)
60,416
2,474
22,026
62,389
35,744
3,623
3,650
190,322 $
89,722
(48,850)
34,031
(6,908)
67,995
5,450
15,749
—
27,967
4,568
3,650
125,379
Amortization expense for the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $11.0 million, $6.3 million and $5.3
million, respectively. Amortization expense for the years ending August 31, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 is
expected to be $10.6 million, $7.3 million, $6.0 million, $6.0 million and $5.7 million, respectively.
Note 9 — Revolving Notes
Senior secured credit facilities, consisting of three components, aggregated to $733.2 million as of August 31, 2020.
As of August 31, 2020, a $600.0 million revolving line of credit, maturing June 2024, secured by substantially all the
Company’s assets in the U.S. not otherwise pledged as security for term loans, existed to provide working capital and
interim financing of equipment, principally for the U.S. and Mexican operations. Advances under this North American
credit facility bear interest at LIBOR plus 1.50% or Prime plus 0.50% depending on the type of borrowing. Available
borrowings under the credit facility are generally based on defined levels of eligible inventory, receivables, property,
plant and equipment and leased equipment, as well as total debt to consolidated capitalization and fixed charges
coverage ratios.
As of August 31, 2020, lines of credit totaling $68.2 million secured by certain of the Company’s European assets,
with variable rates that range from Warsaw Interbank Offered Rate (WIBOR) plus 1.1% to WIBOR plus 1.5% and
Euro Interbank Offered Rate (EURIBOR) plus 1.1%, were available for working capital needs of the European
manufacturing operations. The European lines of credit include $16.4 million of facilities which are guaranteed by the
Company. European credit facilities are regularly renewed. Currently, these European credit facilities have maturities
that range from December 2020 through September 2022.
As of August 31, 2020, the Company’s Mexican railcar manufacturing joint venture had two lines of credit totaling
$65.0 million. The first line of credit provides up to $30.0 million and matures in June 2024. Advances under this
facility bear interest at LIBOR plus 3.75% to 4.25%. The second line of credit provides up to $35.0 million, of which
the Company and its joint venture partner have each guaranteed 50%. Advances under this facility bear interest at
LIBOR plus 3.75%. The Mexican railcar manufacturing joint venture will be able to draw amounts available under
this facility through June 2021.
As of August 31, 2020, outstanding commitments under the senior secured credit facilities consisted of $28.7 million
in letters of credit and $275.0 million in borrowings under the North American credit facility, $46.5 million
outstanding under the European credit facilities and $30.0 million outstanding under the Mexican credit facilities. As
of August 31, 2020, the Company had an aggregate of $85.9 million available to draw down under committed credit
facilities.
63
As of August 31, 2019, outstanding commitments under the senior secured credit facilities consisted of $24.4 million
in letters of credit under the North American credit facility and $27.1 million outstanding under the European credit
facilities.
Note 10 — Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
(In thousands)
Trade payables
Other accrued liabilities
Operating lease liabilities
Accrued payroll and related liabilities
Accrued warranty
Income taxes payable
Note 11 — Warranty Accrual
(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period
Charged to cost of revenue
Acquisition
Payments
Currency translation effect
Balance at end of period
Note 12 — Notes Payable, net
(In thousands)
Term loans
2.875% Convertible senior notes, due 2024
2.25% Convertible senior notes, due 2024
Other notes payable
Debt discount and issuance costs
Term loans are primarily composed of:
As of August 31,
2020
2019
$
$
148,971 $
100,168
64,509
105,008
45,224
—
463,880 $
302,009
108,939
—
106,669
46,678
4,065
568,360
2020
As of August 31,
2019
2018
$
$
46,678 $
3,984
—
(6,212)
774
45,224 $
27,395 $
5,014
23,895
(8,594)
(1,032)
46,678 $
20,737
12,323
—
(5,217)
(448)
27,395
As of August 31,
2020
2019
$
$
$
498,858 $
275,000
50,000
10,135
833,993 $
(29,905)
804,088 $
521,544
275,000
50,000
14,001
860,545
(37,660)
822,885
(cid:129)
(cid:129)
$300.0 million of senior term debt, with a maturity date of June 2024 unless the Convertible senior notes due
February 2024 are outstanding as of November 1, 2023, in which case the debt matures on that date. The debt
bears a floating interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.5% with principal of $3.75 million paid quarterly in arrears and
a balloon payment of $232.5 million due at maturity. An interest rate swap agreement was entered into on
50% of the initial balance to swap the floating interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.5% to a fixed rate of 3.19%. The
principal balance as of August 31, 2020 was $288.8 million.
$225.0 million of senior term debt, with a maturity date of September 2023, which is secured by a pool of
leased railcars. The debt bears a floating interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.5% with principal of $1.97 million
paid quarterly in arrears and a balloon payment of $185.6 million due at maturity. An interest rate swap
agreement was entered into on approximately 50% of the initial balance to swap the floating interest rate of
LIBOR plus 1.5% to a fixed rate of 4.49%. The principal balance as of August 31, 2020 was $209.3 million.
64
(cid:129) Other term loan with an aggregate balance of $0.8 million as of August 31, 2020 and a maturity date of
September 2022.
Convertible senior notes, due 2024, bear interest at a fixed rate of 2.875%, paid semi-annually in arrears on February
1st and August 1st. The convertible notes mature on February 1, 2024, unless earlier repurchased by the Company or
converted in accordance with their terms. Upon the satisfaction of certain conditions, holders may convert at their
option at any time prior to the business day immediately preceding the stated maturity date. The convertible notes are
senior unsecured obligations and rank equally with other senior unsecured debt. The convertible notes are convertible
into shares of the Company’s common stock, at an initial conversion rate of 16.6234 shares per $1,000 principal
amount of the notes (which is equal to an initial conversion price of $60.16 per share). The initial conversion rate and
conversion price are subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, such as distributions, dividends or
stock splits. There were $33.1 million of initial debt discount and $8.0 million of original debt issuance costs included
in Notes Payable, net on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. The debt discount represents the difference
between the debt principal and the value of a similar debt instrument that does not have a conversion feature at
issuance. The debt discount is being amortized using the effective interest rate method through February 2024 and
the amortization expense is included in Interest and Foreign exchange on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of
Income. In accordance with ASC 470-20, the Company separately accounts for the liability component (debt principal
net of debt discount) and equity component. The liability component is recognized as the fair value of a similar
instrument that does not have a conversion feature at issuance. To determine the fair value of the liability component,
the Company assumed an interest rate of approximately 5% which resulted in a fair value of $241.9 million. The
equity component, which is the conversion feature at issuance, is recognized as the difference between the proceeds
from the issuance of the notes ($275 million) and the fair value of the liability component ($241.9 million). As of
August 31, 2020 and 2019, the equity component was $33.1 million which was recorded on the Company’s
Consolidated Balance Sheet in Additional paid-in capital, net of tax of $12.3 million. As of August 31, 2020, the
Company has reserved approximately 6.3 million shares for issuance upon conversion of these notes.
Convertible senior notes, due 2024, bear interest at a fixed rate of 2.25%, paid semi-annually in arrears on February
1st and August 1st. The convertible notes mature on July 26, 2024, unless earlier repurchased by the Company or
converted in accordance with their terms. Upon the satisfaction of certain conditions, holders may convert at their
option at any time prior to the business day immediately preceding the stated maturity date. The convertible notes are
senior unsecured obligations and rank equally with other senior unsecured debt. The convertible notes are convertible
into shares of the Company’s common stock, at an initial conversion rate of 22.1910 shares per $1,000 principal
amount of the notes (which is equal to an initial conversion price of $45.06 per share). The initial conversion rate and
conversion price are subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, such as distributions, dividends or
stock splits. There was $4.9 million of initial debt discount included in Notes Payable, net on the Company’s
Consolidated Balance Sheet. The debt discount represents the difference between the debt principal and the value of
a similar debt instrument that does not have a conversion feature at issuance. The debt discount is being amortized
using the effective interest rate method through July 2024 and the amortization expense is included in Interest and
Foreign exchange on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income. In accordance with ASC 470-20, the
Company separately accounts for the liability component (debt principal net of debt discount) and equity component.
The liability component is recognized as the fair value of a similar instrument that does not have a conversion feature
at issuance. To determine the fair value of the liability component, the Company assumed an interest rate of
approximately 5% which resulted in a fair value of $45.1 million. The equity component, which is the conversion
feature at issuance, is recognized as the difference between the proceeds from the issuance of the notes (fair value of
$50 million) and the fair value of the liability component ($45.1 million). As of August 31, 2020 and 2019, the equity
component was $4.9 million which was recorded on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet in Additional paid-
in capital, net of tax of $1.2 million. As of August 31, 2020, the Company has reserved approximately 1.5 million
shares for issuance upon conversion of these notes.
Other notes payable includes $10.1 million of unsecured debt with maturity dates ranging from September 2020 to
August 2025.
65
The notes payable, along with the revolving and operating lines of credit, contain certain covenants with respect to
the Company and various subsidiaries, the most restrictive of which, among other things, limit the ability to: incur
additional indebtedness or guarantees; pay dividends or repurchase stock; enter into capital leases; create liens; sell
assets; engage in transactions with affiliates, including joint ventures and non U.S. subsidiaries, including but not
limited to loans, advances, equity investments and guarantees; enter into mergers, consolidations or sales of
substantially all the Company’s assets; and enter into new lines of business. The covenants also require certain
maximum ratios of debt to total capitalization and minimum levels of fixed charges (interest and rent) coverage.
As of August 31, 2020 principal payments on the notes payable are expected as follows:
(In thousands)
Year ending August 31,
2021
2022
2023
2024 (1)
2025
Thereafter
$
$
32,375
23,716
23,296
754,522
84
-
833,993
(1) The repayment of the $275.0 million of Convertible senior notes due February 2024 and the $50.0 million of Convertible senior notes due
July 2024 is assumed to occur at the scheduled maturity in 2024 instead of assuming an earlier conversion by the holders.
Note 13 — Derivative Instruments
Foreign operations give rise to market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Foreign currency
forward exchange contracts with established financial institutions are utilized to hedge a portion of that risk. Interest
rate swap agreements are used to reduce the impact of changes in interest rates on certain debt. The Company’s foreign
currency forward exchange contracts and interest rate swap agreements are designated as cash flow hedges, and
therefore the effective portion of unrealized gains and losses is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income
or loss.
At August 31, 2020 exchange rates, notional amounts of forward exchange contracts for the purchase of Polish Zlotys
and the sale of Euros aggregated to $48.5 million. The fair value of the contracts is included on the Consolidated
Balance Sheets as Accounts payable and accrued liabilities when there is a loss, or as Accounts receivable, net when
there is a gain. As the contracts mature at various dates through May 2022, any such gain or loss remaining will be
recognized in manufacturing revenue or cost of revenue along with the related transactions. In the event that the
underlying transaction does not occur or does not occur in the period designated at the inception of the hedge, the
amount classified in accumulated other comprehensive loss would be reclassified to the results of operations in Interest
and foreign exchange at the time of occurrence. At August 31, 2020 exchange rates, approximately $0.1 million would
be reclassified to revenue or cost of revenue in the next year.
At August 31, 2020, an interest rate swap agreement maturing in September 2023 had a notional amount of $105.6
million and an interest rate swap agreement maturing June 2024 had a notional amount of $144.4 million. The fair value
of the contracts are included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities when there
is a loss, or in Accounts receivable, net when there is a gain. As interest expense on the underlying debt is recognized,
amounts corresponding to the interest rate swap are reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss and charged
or credited to interest expense. At August 31, 2020 interest rates, approximately $5.0 million would be reclassified to
interest expense in the next year.
66
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
Asset Derivatives
Liability Derivatives
(In thousands)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Balance sheet
caption
August 31,
2020
Fair
Value
2019
Fair
Value
Balance sheet
caption
August 31,
2020
Fair
Value
2019
Fair
Value
Foreign forward
exchange contracts
Accounts
receivable, net
$
560
$
64
Interest rate swap
contracts
Intangibles and
other assets, net
—
560
$
$
Derivatives not
designated as hedging
instruments
Accounts payable
and accrued
liabilities
Accounts payable
and accrued
liabilities
—
64
$
3 $
437
15,904 10,255
$ 15,907 $ 10,692
Foreign forward
exchange contracts
Accounts
receivable, net
$
22
$ —
Accounts payable
and accrued
liabilities
$ — $
587
The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income
Derivatives in cash flow
hedging relationships
Location of gain (loss)
recognized in income on derivative
Gain (loss) recognized in income on
derivatives Years ended August 31,
2020
2019
Foreign forward exchange contract
Interest and foreign exchange
$
83
$
213
Derivatives in
cash flow hedging
relationships
Foreign forward
exchange contracts
Foreign forward
exchange contracts
Interest rate swap
contracts
Gain (loss)
recognized in
OCI on derivatives
Years ended August 31,
2019
2020
Location of
gain (loss)
reclassified
from
accumulated
OCI into
income
Gain (loss)
reclassified from
accumulated OCI
into income
Years ended August 31,
2019
2020
Location of gain
(loss) in income
on derivative
(amount
excluded from
effectiveness testing)
Gain (loss)
recognized on
derivative (amount
excluded from
effectiveness testing)
Years ended August 31,
2019
2020
$
461
$
(2,238 )
(8,307 )
(10,084 )
$
$
(421 )
(1,261 ) Revenue
Cost of
revenue
Interest and
foreign
exchange
(11,582 )
(13,264 )
$
(748 ) $
(764 ) Revenue
$
996 $
1,346
(2,236 )
(1,030 ) Cost of revenue
513
935
(2,657 )
(5,641 ) $
$
Interest and
foreign
exchange
(545 )
(2,339 )
—
1,509 $
(587 )
1,694
$
The following table presents the amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Income in which the effects of the cash flow
hedges are recorded and the effects of the cash flow hedge activity on these line items for the years ended August 31,
2020, 2019 and 2018:
2020
Amount of
gain
(loss) on cash
flow hedge
activity
Total
For the Years Ended August 31,
2019
Amount of
gain
(loss) on cash
flow hedge
activity
Total
2018
Amount of
gain
(loss) on cash
flow hedge
activity
Total
$2,792,189 $
2,439,058
(748)
(2,236)
$3,033,591 $
2,667,105
(764) $ 2,519,464 $
(1,030) 2,110,409
1,145
(429)
43,619
(2,657)
30,912
(545)
29,368
(298)
(In thousands)
Revenue
Cost of revenue
Interest and foreign
exchange
67
Note 14 — Equity
Stock Incentive Plan
The 2014 Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan was amended and restated as the 2017 Amended and Restated
Stock Incentive Plan on October 24, 2017 and approved by stockholders on January 5, 2018. The stockholders also
approved an increase in the total number of shares reserved for issuance by 1,100,000 shares. As a result, the maximum
aggregate number of the Company’s common shares authorized for issuance is 5,425,000. The 2017 Amended and
Restated Stock Incentive Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, restricted
shares, restricted stock units and stock appreciation rights.
On August 31, 2020 there were 465,636 shares available for grant compared to 849,522 and 1,050,675 shares available
for grant as of the years ended August 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. There are no stock options or stock appreciation
rights outstanding as of August 31, 2020. The Company currently grants restricted shares and restricted stock units.
Restricted share grants are considered outstanding shares of common stock at the time they are issued. The holders of
unvested restricted shares are entitled to voting rights and participation in dividends. Shares associated with restricted
stock unit awards are not considered legally outstanding shares of common stock until vested. Restricted stock unit
awards, including performance-based awards, are entitled to participate in dividends and these awards are considered
participating securities and are considered outstanding for earnings per share purposes when the effect is dilutive.
During the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company awarded restricted share and restricted stock
unit grants totaling 469,825, 313,540, and 317,036 shares, respectively, which include performance-based grants. As
of August 31, 2020, there were a total of 512,021 shares associated with unvested performance-based grants. The
actual number of shares that will vest associated with performance-based grants will vary depending on the Company’s
performance. Approximately 512,021 additional shares may be granted if performance-based restricted stock unit
awards vest at stretch levels of performance. These additional shares are associated with restricted stock unit awards
granted during the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. The fair value of awards granted was $14.5 million,
$17.4 million, and $15.2 million for the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
The value, at the date of grant, of stock awarded under restricted share grants and restricted stock unit grants is
amortized as compensation expense over the lesser of the vesting period of one to three years or to the recipients
eligible retirement date. Compensation expense recognized related to restricted share grants and restricted stock unit
grants for the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $8.7 million, $12.4 million, and $17.2 million,
respectively, and was recorded in Selling and administrative and Cost of revenue on the Consolidated Statements of
Income. Unamortized compensation cost related to restricted stock grants was $11.2 million as of August 31, 2020.
Total unvested restricted share and restricted stock unit grants were 883,933 and 697,949 as of August 31, 2020 and
2019. The following table summarizes restricted share and restricted stock unit grant transactions for shares, both
vested and unvested, under the 2017 Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan:
Balance at August 31, 2017 (1)
Granted
Forfeited
Balance at August 31, 2018 (1)
Granted
Forfeited
Balance at August 31, 2019 (1)
Granted
Forfeited
Balance at August 31, 2020 (1)
(1) Balance represents cumulative grants net of forfeitures.
68
Shares
4,091,729
317,036
(34,440)
4,374,325
313,540
(112,387)
4,575,478
469,825
(85,939)
4,959,364
Share Repurchase Program
The Board of Directors has authorized the Company to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock. The share
repurchase program has an expiration date of March 31, 2021 and the amount remaining for repurchase is $100
million. Under the share repurchase program, shares of common stock may be purchased on the open market or
through privately negotiated transactions from time to time. The timing and amount of purchases will be based upon
market conditions, securities law limitations and other factors. The program may be modified, suspended or
discontinued at any time without prior notice. The share repurchase program does not obligate the Company to acquire
any specific number of shares in any period. There were no shares repurchased during the years ended August 31,
2020 and 2019.
Note 15 — Earnings Per Share
The shares used in the computation of the Company’s basic and diluted earnings per common share are reconciled as
follows:
(In thousands)
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding (1)
Dilutive effect of 3.5% Convertible notes (2)
Dilutive effect of 2.875% Convertible notes (3)
Dilutive effect of 2.25% Convertible notes (4)
Dilutive effect of restricted stock units (5)
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding
2020
Years ended August 31,
2019
2018
32,670
n/a
—
—
771
33,441
32,615
n/a
—
—
550
33,165
30,857
1,821
—
n/a
157
32,835
(1) Restricted stock grants and restricted stock units that are considered participating securities, including some grants subject to certain
performance criteria, are included in weighted average basic common shares outstanding when the Company is in a net earnings
position. No restricted stock and restricted stock units were anti-dilutive for the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
(2) The dilutive effect of the 3.5% Convertible notes was included as they were considered dilutive under the “if converted” method as
further discussed below for the year ended August 31, 2018. The 3.5% Convertible notes matured on April 1, 2018.
(3) The 2.875% Convertible notes were issued in February 2017. The dilutive effect of the 2.875% Convertible notes was excluded for
the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 as the average stock price was less than the applicable conversion price and therefore
was considered anti-dilutive.
(4) The 2.25% Convertible notes were issued in July 2019. The dilutive effect of the 2.25% Convertible notes was excluded for the years
ended August 31, 2020 and 2019 as the average stock price was less than the applicable conversion price and therefore was considered
anti-dilutive.
(5) Restricted stock units that are not considered participating securities and restricted stock units subject to performance criteria, for
which actual levels of performance above target have been achieved, are included in weighted average diluted common shares
outstanding when the Company is in a net earnings position.
Diluted EPS is calculated using the more dilutive of two approaches. The first approach includes the dilutive effect,
using the treasury stock method, associated with shares underlying the 2.875% Convertible notes, 2.25% Convertible
notes, restricted stock units that are not considered participating securities and performance based restricted stock
units subject to performance criteria, for which actual levels of performance above target have been achieved. The
second approach supplements the first by including the “if converted” effect of the 3.5% Convertible notes during the
periods in which they were outstanding. Under the “if converted” method, debt issuance and interest costs, both net
of tax, associated with the convertible notes are added back to net earnings and the share count is increased by the
shares underlying the convertible notes. The 3.5% Convertible notes were included in the calculation of both
approaches using the treasury stock method when the average stock price is greater than the applicable conversion
price.
69
(In thousands, except per share data)
Net earnings attributable to Greenbrier
Add back:
Interest and debt issuance costs on the 3.5% Convertible
notes, net of tax
Earnings before interest and debt issuance costs on the 3.5%
Convertible notes
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding
Diluted earnings per share (1)
2020
Years ended August 31,
2019
$
48,967
$
71,076
$
2018
151,781
n/a
n/a
2,031
$
$
48,967
33,441
1.46
$
$
71,076
33,165
2.14
$
$
153,812
32,835
4.68
(1) Diluted earnings per share was calculated as follows:
Earnings before interest and debt issuance costs on the 3.5% Convertible notes
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding
Note 16 — Related Party Transactions
In June 2017, the Company purchased a 40% interest in the common equity of an entity that buys and sells railcar
assets that are leased to third parties. The railcars sold to this leasing warehouse are principally built by Greenbrier.
The Company accounts for this leasing warehouse investment under the equity method of accounting. As of August
31, 2020, the carrying amount of the investment was $3.6 million which is classified in Investment in unconsolidated
affiliates in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Upon sale of railcars to this entity from Greenbrier, 60% of the related
revenue and margin is recognized and 40% is deferred until the railcars are ultimately sold by the entity. The Company
recognized $4.7 million, $18.2 million and $15.9 million in revenue associated with railcars sold into the leasing
warehouse during the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company also recognized $5.6
million and $47.8 million with railcars sold out of the leasing warehouse during the years ended August 31, 2019 and
2018, respectively. The Company also provides administrative and remarketing services to this entity and earns
management fees for these services which were immaterial for each of the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and
2018.
The Company has a 41.9% interest in Axis, a joint venture that manufactures and sells axles to its joint venture partners
for use and distribution both domestically and internationally in traditional freight railcar markets and other railcar
markets. The Company obtained its ownership interest in Axis as part of the acquisition of the manufacturing business
of ARI on July 26, 2019. The Company purchased $12.7 million and $1.6 million of railcar components from Axis
during the years ended August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019, respectively.
In November 2019, the Company increased its ownership interest in Amsted-Maxion Cruzeiro from 24.5% to 29.5%.
This transaction included a conversion to equity of $4.8 million from a note receivable, including accrued interest,
and a re-payment to the Company of $1.5 million which was used to acquire the additional 5% ownership interest. As
of August 31, 2020, the Company had a remaining $4.5 million note receivable due from Amsted-Maxion Cruzeiro,
its unconsolidated Brazilian castings and components manufacturer and a $3.8 million note receivable from
Greenbrier-Maxion, its unconsolidated Brazilian railcar manufacturer. These note receivables are included on the
Consolidated Balance Sheet in Accounts receivable, net.
In May 2020, the Company and its manufacturing partner Grupo Industrial Monclova, S.A. (GIMSA) amended its
joint venture agreement for its joint ventures in Monclova, Mexico. In addition to certain temporary changes to the
existing fee arrangements, the joint ventures also paid dividends of $22.5 million to each of the joint venture partners
during the year ended August 31, 2020.
Mr. Furman is the owner of a private aircraft managed by a private independent management company. From time to
time, the Company’s business requires charter use of privately-owned aircraft. In such instances, it is possible that
charters may be placed on Mr. Furman’s aircraft. The Company placed charters on Mr. Furman’s aircraft aggregating
$0.3 million, $1.5 million and $0.5 million for each of the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
70
In July 2014, the Company and Watco Companies LLC completed the formation of GBW, an unconsolidated 50/50
joint venture. The Company accounted for its interest in GBW under the equity method of accounting. On August 20,
2018 the Company entered into an agreement with its joint venture partner to discontinue the GBW railcar repair joint
venture. The Company leased real and personal property to GBW with lease revenue totaling approximately $5 million
for the year ended August 31, 2018. The Company sold wheel sets and components to GBW which totaled $16.5
million for the year ended August 31, 2018. GBW provided services to the Company which totaled $0.4 million for
the year ended August 31, 2018.
Note 17 — Income Taxes
Components of income tax expense were as follows:
(In thousands)
Current
Federal
State
Foreign
Deferred
Federal
State
Foreign
Change in valuation allowance
Income tax expense
2020
Years ended August 31,
2019
2018
$
$
$
21,040
785
25,346
47,171
(8,294)
688
495
(7,111)
124
40,184
$
$
18,894
4,775
37,391
61,060
(8,559)
(2,542)
(8,433)
(19,534)
62
41,588
$
28,357
3,244
38,628
70,229
(33,459)
(344)
(3,690)
(37,493)
157
32,893
Income tax expense was computed using different statutory rates for the fiscal years presented. Due to the 2017 Tax
Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Act) enacted on December 22, 2017, the federal statutory rate was reduced from 35% to 21%
effective January 1, 2018. The U.S. federal corporate statutory rates used are 21%, 21% and 25.7% for fiscal years
2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
The Company recognized the income tax effects of the Tax Act in its financial statements in accordance with Staff
Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (SAB 118), which provided guidance for the application of ASC 740, Income Taxes
(ASC 740), in the reporting period in which the Tax Act was signed into law. During the year ended August 31, 2018,
deferred income taxes were remeasured as a result of the new statutory rate resulting in a tax benefit of $33.6 million.
This benefit was partially offset by a one-time accrual of $8.9 million of tax expense related to the transition tax on
foreign earnings not previously subject to U.S. taxation. During the year ended August 31, 2019 the Company
finalized all accounting for the specific income tax effects of the Tax Act for which the accounting under ASC 740
was previously incomplete.
For the year ended August 31, 2020, the Company has estimated the impact of the Tax Act which are effective for tax
years 2018 and forward. The most significant item, impacting the Company in 2019, is the global intangible low-taxed
income (GILTI) tax. GILTI is not estimated to be material in the current year due to the high-tax exception. The
Company has made an accounting policy election to treat the GILTI tax as a current period expense and has included
it in the financial statements.
In response to the COVID‑19 pandemic, the CARES Act was signed into law in March 2020. The CARES Act lifts
certain deduction limitations originally imposed by the Tax Act. Corporate taxpayers may carryback net operating
losses (“NOLs”) originating in 2018 through 2020 for up to five years, which was not previously allowed under the
Tax Act. The CARES Act also eliminates the existing limitation on taxable income of 80% by allowing corporate
entities to fully utilize NOL carryforwards to offset taxable income in 2018, 2019, or 2020. Taxpayers may generally
deduct interest up to the sum of 50% of adjusted taxable income, plus business interest income, subject to the existing
30% limit under the Tax Act, for 2019 and 2020. The CARES Act allows taxpayers with alternative minimum tax
credits to claim a refund in 2020 for the entire amount of the credits instead of recovering the credits through refunds
over a period of years, as originally enacted by the Tax Act.
71
In addition, the CARES Act raises the corporate charitable deduction limit to 25% of taxable income and makes
qualified improvement property generally eligible for 15-year cost-recovery and 100% bonus depreciation. With the
enactment of the CARES Act, we benefited from additional interest and depreciation deductions with the overall
benefit being immaterial.
The reconciliation between effective and statutory tax rates on operations is as follows:
Federal statutory rate
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
Foreign operations, excluding transition tax
Transition tax on foreign earnings
Remeasurement of domestic deferred taxes
Change in valuation allowance
Noncontrolling interest in flow-through entity
Permanent differences
Other
Effective tax rate
2020
Years ended August 31,
2019
2018
21.0%
2.0
4.5
—
—
0.1
(6.1)
8.9
1.8
32.2%
21.0%
1.3
5.8
0.5
—
—
(5.7)
3.6
0.6
27.1%
25.7%
0.8
1.8
3.1
(15.0)
0.1
(2.2)
2.6
(2.2)
14.7%
Earnings before income tax and earnings from unconsolidated affiliates for the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019
and 2018 were $71.2 million, $75.0 million and $110.8 million, respectively, for our domestic U.S. operations and
$53.6 million, $78.2 million and $112.8 million, respectively for our foreign operations.
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and deferred tax
liabilities were as follows:
(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued payroll and related liabilities
Deferred revenue
Inventories and other
Maintenance and warranty accruals
Net operating losses
Investment, asset tax credits and other
Valuation allowance
Deferred tax liabilities:
Fixed assets
Original issue discount
Intangibles
Other
Net deferred tax liability
As of August 31,
2020
2019
$
$
20,702
7,943
16,974
3,044
12,247
1,576
62,486
(9,195)
(53,180)
(4,992)
(2,820)
—
(60,992)
(7,701)
$
$
21,978
8,296
15,392
3,596
10,817
1,560
61,639
(8,327)
(56,760)
(6,253)
(2,813)
(1,432)
(67,258)
(13,946)
As of August 31, 2020 the Company had $1.2 million of state credit carryforwards that will begin to expire in fiscal
2021, $28.8 million of foreign NOL carryforwards that will begin to expire in fiscal 2021 and $25.9 million of foreign
NOL carryforwards that do not expire. The Company has placed a valuation allowance of $9.2 million against the
deferred tax assets for which no benefit is anticipated, including those for loss and credit carryforwards not likely to
be used before their expiration dates or where the possibility of utilization is remote. The net increase in the total
valuation allowance on deferred taxes for which no benefit is anticipated was approximately $0.9 million for the year
ended August 31, 2020.
72
Prior to 2018 no provision had been made for U.S. income taxes on the Company’s cumulative undistributed earnings
from foreign subsidiaries. During fiscal 2018 these earnings were subject to the one-time transition tax on the deemed
repatriation of undistributed foreign earnings. Notwithstanding this deemed inclusion in taxable income, any actual
repatriation would be accompanied by foreign withholding taxes. The Company does not intend to repatriate these
foreign earnings and continues to assert that its foreign earnings are indefinitely reinvested.
The following is a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits:
(In thousands)
Unrecognized Tax Benefit – Opening Balance
Gross increases – tax positions in prior period
Gross decreases – tax positions in prior period
Settlements
Lapse of statute of limitations
Unrecognized Tax Benefit – Ending Balance
2020
Years ended August 31,
2019
2018
$
$
$
1,605
4,034
—
—
(137)
$
5,502
$
1,608
—
(3)
—
—
1,605
$
1,820
237
(449)
—
—
1,608
The Company is subject to taxation in the U.S. and in various states and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is
effectively no longer subject to U.S. Federal examination for fiscal years ending before 2017, to state and local
examinations before 2016, or to foreign examinations before 2015.
Unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest, at August 31, 2020 were $5.5 million, which if recognized, would affect
the effective tax rate. The unrecognized tax benefits at August 31, 2019 were $1.6 million. Accrued interest on
unrecognized tax benefits as of August 31, 2020 was $1.1 million and as of August 31, 2019 was $0.6 million. The
Company recorded annual interest expense of approximately $0.4 million for changes in the unrecognized tax benefits
during each of the years ended August 31, 2020 and 2019. The Company has not accrued any penalties on the
unrecognized tax benefits. Interest and penalties related to income taxes are not classified as a component of income
tax expense. Benefits from the realization of unrecognized tax benefits for deductible differences attributable to
ordinary operations will be recognized as a reduction of income tax expense. The Company does not anticipate a
significant decrease in the reserves for uncertain tax positions during the next twelve months.
Note 18 — Segment Information
The Company operates in three reportable segments: Manufacturing; Wheels, Repair & Parts; and Leasing & Services.
Prior to August 20, 2018, the Company operated in four reportable segments: Manufacturing; Wheels & Parts; Leasing
& Services; and GBW Joint Venture. On August 20, 2018 the Company entered into an agreement with its joint
venture partner to discontinue the GBW railcar repair joint venture, which resulted in 12 repair shops returned to the
Company. Beginning on August 20, 2018, the GBW Joint Venture was no longer considered a reportable segment.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting
policies. Performance is evaluated based on Earnings from operations. Corporate includes selling and administrative
costs not directly related to goods and services and certain costs that are intertwined among segments due to our
integrated business model. The Company does not allocate Interest and foreign exchange or Income tax expense for
either external or internal reporting purposes. Intersegment sales and transfers are valued as if the sales or transfers
were to third parties. Related revenue and margin are eliminated in consolidation and therefore are not included in
consolidated results in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
The information in the following table is derived directly from the segments’ internal financial reports used for
corporate management purposes. The results of operations for the GBW Joint Venture are not reflected in the tables
below as the investment was accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
73
For the year ended August 31, 2020:
(In thousands)
Manufacturing
Wheels, Repair & Parts
Leasing & Services
Eliminations
Corporate
For the year ended August 31, 2019:
(In thousands)
Manufacturing
Wheels, Repair & Parts
Leasing & Services
Eliminations
Corporate
For the year ended August 31, 2018:
(In thousands)
Manufacturing
Wheels, Repair & Parts
Leasing & Services
Eliminations
Corporate
(In thousands)
Assets:
Manufacturing
Wheels, Repair & Parts
Leasing & Services
Unallocated, including cash
Depreciation and amortization:
Manufacturing
Wheels, Repair & Parts
Leasing & Services
Capital expenditures:
Manufacturing
Wheels, Repair & Parts
Leasing & Services
External
$2,349,971 $
324,670
117,548
—
—
$2,792,189 $
Revenue
Intersegment
Total
Earnings (loss) from operations
Intersegment
Total
External
2,952 $2,352,923 $ 197,388 $
9,032
337,276
12,606
40,927
160,276
42,728
—
(58,286)
(58,286)
—
—
(78,918)
— $2,792,189 $ 168,429 $
54 $ 197,442
8,132
(900)
81,582
40,655
(39,809)
(39,809)
—
(78,918)
— $ 168,429
External
$2,431,499 $
444,502
157,590
—
—
$3,033,591 $
Revenue
Intersegment
Total
Earnings (loss) from operations
Intersegment
Total
External
97,086 $2,528,585 $ 217,583 $
(2,941)
492,768
48,266
64,763
185,830
28,240
—
(173,592)
(173,592)
—
—
(95,289)
— $3,033,591 $ 184,116 $
6,370 $ 223,953
(2,039)
902
90,290
25,527
(32,799)
(32,799)
—
(95,289)
— $ 184,116
Earnings (loss) from operations
Intersegment
Total
Revenue
Intersegment
Total
External
External
$2,044,586 $ 118,157 $2,162,743 $ 240,901 $
16,731
388,517
41,494
88,481
139,702
11,847
—
(171,498)
(171,498)
—
—
(93,128)
— $2,519,464 $ 252,985 $
347,023
127,855
—
—
$2,519,464 $
17,721 $ 258,622
19,479
2,748
98,777
10,296
(30,765)
(30,765)
—
(93,128)
— $ 252,985
2020
Years ended August 31,
2019
2018
1,301,715 $
271,862
739,025
861,232
3,173,834 $
1,606,571 $
306,725
708,799
368,542
2,990,637 $
1,020,757
306,756
578,818
559,133
2,465,464
78,010 $
12,567
19,273
109,850 $
49,240 $
13,024
21,467
83,731 $
48,201 $
11,662
7,016
66,879 $
85,155 $
13,291
99,787
198,233 $
44,225
10,771
19,360
74,356
59,707
5,204
111,937
176,848
$
$
$
$
$
$
74
The following table summarizes selected geographic information.
(In thousands)
Revenue (1):
U.S.
Foreign
Assets:
U.S.
Mexico
Europe
2020
Years ended August 31,
2019
2018
$
$
$
$
2,018,654 $
773,535
2,792,189 $
2,115,934 $
917,657
3,033,591 $
1,840,877
678,587
2,519,464
2,359,332 $
590,790
223,712
3,173,834 $
2,110,864 $
628,511
251,262
2,990,637 $
1,677,144
517,543
270,777
2,465,464
(1) Revenue is presented on the basis of geographic location of customers.
Reconciliation of Earnings from operations to Earnings before income tax and earnings (loss) from unconsolidated
affiliates:
(In thousands)
Earnings from operations
Interest and foreign exchange
Earnings before income tax and earnings (loss)
from unconsolidated affiliates
Note 19 — Customer Concentration
$
$
2020
168,429
43,619
Years ended August 31,
2019
184,116
30,912
$
$
2018
252,985
29,368
124,810
$
153,204
$
223,617
Customer concentration is defined as a single customer that accounts for more than 10% of total revenues or accounts
receivable. In 2020, revenue from two customers represented 15% and 11% of total revenue. In 2019, revenue from
one customer represented 26% of total revenue. In 2018, revenue from two customers represented 20% and 11% of
total revenue. No other customers accounted for more than 10% of total revenues for the years ended August 31, 2020,
2019, or 2018. No customer had a balance that individually equaled or exceeded 10% of accounts receivable at August
31, 2020. One customer had a balance that individually equaled or exceeded 10% of accounts receivable and
represented 14% of the consolidated accounts receivable balance at August 31, 2019.
Note 20 — Lease Commitments
Lessor
Equipment on operating leases is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $33.4 million, $44.2 million, and $64.9
million as of August 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 respectively. Depreciation expense was $11.6 million, $13.3 million
and $11.2 million as of August 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 respectively. In addition, certain railcar equipment leased-
in by the Company on operating leases is subleased to customers under non-cancelable operating leases with lease
terms ranging from one to twelve years. Operating lease rental revenues included in the Company’s Consolidated
Statements of Income as of August 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 was $38.7 million, $44.7 million and $41.4 million
respectively, which included $11.2 million, $14.0 million, and $12.8 million respectively, of revenue as a result of
daily, monthly or car hire utilization arrangements.
75
Aggregate minimum future amounts receivable under all non-cancelable operating leases and subleases at August 31,
2020, will mature as follows:
(In thousands)
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Thereafter
Lessee
$
$
28,179
24,407
19,580
16,659
9,704
14,556
113,085
The Company leases railcars, real estate, and certain equipment under operating and, to a lesser extent, finance lease
arrangements. As of and for the twelve months ended August 31, 2020, finance leases were not a material component
of the Company's lease portfolio. The Company’s real estate and equipment leases have remaining lease terms ranging
from less than one year to 78 years, with some including options to extend up to 15 years. The Company recognizes
a lease liability and corresponding right-of-use (ROU) asset based on the present value of lease payments. To
determine the present value of lease payments, as most of its leases do not provide a readily determinable implicit
rate, the Company’s incremental borrowing rate is used to discount the lease payments based on information available
at lease commencement date. The Company gives consideration to its recent debt issuances as well as publicly
available data for instruments with similar characteristics when estimating its incremental borrowing rate.
The components of operating lease costs were as follows:
(In thousands)
Operating lease expense
Short-term lease expense
Total
Twelve months
ended August 31,
2020
$
$
15,256
8,313
23,569
In accordance with Topic 840, lease expense was $19.9 million and $16.2 million for August 31, 2019 and 2018
respectively.
Aggregate minimum future amounts payable under operating leases having initial or remaining non-cancelable terms
at August 31, 2020 will mature as follows:
(In thousands)
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Thereafter
Total lease payments
Less: Imputed interest
Total lease obligations
$
$
$
13,874
12,412
12,036
10,768
6,304
17,481
72,875
(8,366)
64,509
76
Prior to our adoption of Topic 842, the future minimum amounts payable under non-cancelable operating leases as of
August 31, 2019 was as follows:
(In thousands)
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Thereafter
Total lease obligations
The table below presents additional information related to the Company’s leases:
Weighted average remaining lease term
Operating leases
Weighted average discount rate
Operating leases
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases were as follows:
(In thousands)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows from operating leases
ROU assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities
Note 21 — Commitments and Contingencies
Portland Harbor Superfund Site
$
$
14,299
8,746
5,727
5,157
3,522
10,197
47,648
11.4 years
3.2%
Twelve months
ended August 31,
2020
$
$
15,163
36,311
The Company’s Portland, Oregon manufacturing facility (the Portland Property) is located adjacent to the Willamette
River. In December 2000, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified portions of the Willamette
River bed known as the Portland Harbor, including the portion fronting the Company’s manufacturing facility, as a
federal "National Priority List" or "Superfund" site due to sediment contamination (the Portland Harbor Site). The
Company and more than 140 other parties have received a "General Notice" of potential liability from the EPA relating
to the Portland Harbor Site. The letter advised the Company that it may be liable for the costs of investigation and
remediation (which liability may be joint and several with other potentially responsible parties) as well as for natural
resource damages resulting from releases of hazardous substances to the site. Ten private and public entities, including
the Company (the Lower Willamette Group or LWG), signed an Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) to perform
a remedial investigation/feasibility study (RI/FS) of the Portland Harbor Site under EPA oversight, and several
additional entities did not sign such consent, but nevertheless contributed financially to the effort. The EPA-mandated
RI/FS was produced by the LWG and cost over $110 million during a 17-year period. The Company bore a percentage
of the total costs incurred by the LWG in connection with the investigation. The Company’s aggregate expenditure
during the 17-year period was not material. Some or all of any such outlay may be recoverable from other responsible
parties. The EPA issued its Record of Decision (ROD) for the Portland Harbor Site on January 6, 2017 and accordingly
on October 26, 2017, the AOC was terminated.
77
Separate from the process described above, which focused on the type of remediation to be performed at the Portland
Harbor Site and the schedule for such remediation, 83 parties, including the State of Oregon and the federal
government, entered into a non-judicial mediation process to try to allocate costs associated with remediation of the
Portland Harbor Site. Approximately 110 additional parties signed tolling agreements related to such allocations. On
April 23, 2009, the Company and the other AOC signatories filed suit against 69 other parties due to a possible
limitations period for some such claims; Arkema Inc. et al v. A & C Foundry Products, Inc. et al, U.S. District Court,
District of Oregon, Case #3:09-cv-453-PK. All but 12 of these parties elected to sign tolling agreements and be
dismissed without prejudice, and the case has been stayed by the court until January 14, 2022.
The EPA's January 6, 2017 ROD identifies a clean-up remedy that the EPA estimates will take 13 years of active
remediation, followed by 30 years of monitoring with an estimated undiscounted cost of $1.7 billion. The EPA
typically expects its cost estimates to be accurate within a range of -30% to +50%, but this ROD states that changes
in costs are likely to occur as a result of new data collected over a 2-year period prior to final remedy design. The
ROD identifies 13 Sediment Decision Units. One of the units, RM9W, includes the nearshore area of the river
sediments offshore of the Portland Property as well as upstream and downstream of the facility. It also includes a
portion of the Company’s riverbank. The ROD does not break down total remediation costs by Sediment Decision
Unit. The EPA's ROD concluded that more data was needed to better define clean-up scope and cost. On December
8, 2017, the EPA announced that Portland Harbor is one of 21 Superfund sites targeted for greater attention. On
December 19, 2017, the EPA announced that it had entered a new AOC with a group of four potentially responsible
parties to conduct additional sampling during 2018 and 2019 to provide more certainty about clean-up costs and aid
the mediation process to allocate those costs. The parties to the mediation, including the Company, agreed to help
fund the additional sampling, which is now complete. The EPA requested that potentially responsible parties enter
AOCs during 2019 agreeing to conduct remedial design studies. Some parties have signed AOCs, including one party
with respect to RM9W which includes the area offshore of the Company’s manufacturing facility. The Company has
not signed an AOC in connection with remedial design, but will potentially be directly or indirectly responsible for
conducting or funding a portion of such RM9W remedial design. The allocation process is continuing in parallel with
the process to define the remedial design.
The ROD does not address responsibility for the costs of clean-up, nor does it allocate such costs among the potentially
responsible parties. Responsibility for funding and implementing the EPA's selected cleanup remedy will be
determined at an unspecified later date. Based on the investigation to date, the Company believes that it did not
contribute in any material way to contamination in the river sediments or the damage of natural resources in the
Portland Harbor Site and that the damage in the area of the Portland Harbor Site adjacent to its property precedes the
Company’s ownership of the Portland Property. Because these environmental investigations are still underway,
including the collection of new pre-remedial design sampling data by EPA, sufficient information is currently not
available to determine the Company’s liability, if any, for the cost of any required remediation or restoration of the
Portland Harbor Site or to estimate a range of potential loss. Based on the results of the pending investigations and
future assessments of natural resource damages, the Company may be required to incur costs associated with additional
phases of investigation or remedial action, and may be liable for damages to natural resources. In addition, the
Company may be required to perform periodic maintenance dredging in order to continue to launch vessels from its
launch ways in Portland, Oregon, on the Willamette River, and the river's classification as a Superfund site could
result in some limitations on future dredging and launch activities. Any of these matters could adversely affect the
Company’s business and Consolidated Financial Statements, or the value of the Portland Property.
On January 30, 2017 the Confederated Tribes and Bands of Yakama Nation sued 33 parties including the Company
as well as the United States and the State of Oregon for costs it incurred in assessing alleged natural resource damages
to the Columbia River from contaminants deposited in Portland Harbor. Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama
Nation v. Air Liquide America Corp., et al., United States Court for the District of Oregon Case No. 3i17-CV-00164-
SB. The complaint does not specify the amount of damages the plaintiff will seek. The case has been stayed until
January 14, 2022.
78
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Regulation of Portland Manufacturing Operations
The Company entered into a Voluntary Cleanup Agreement with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
(DEQ) in which the Company agreed to conduct an investigation of whether, and to what extent, past or present
operations at the Portland Property may have released hazardous substances into the environment. The Company has
also signed an Order on Consent with the DEQ to finalize the investigation of potential onsite sources of contamination
that may have a release pathway to the Willamette River. Interim precautionary measures are also required in the order
and the Company is discussing with the DEQ potential remedial actions which may be required. The Company’s
aggregate expenditure has not been material, however it could incur significant expenses for remediation. Some or all
of any such outlay may be recoverable from other responsible parties.
Other Litigation, Commitments and Contingencies
In connection with the acquisition of the manufacturing business of ARI, the Company agreed to assume potential
legacy liabilities (known and unknown) related to railcars manufactured by ARI. Among these potential liabilities are
certain retrofit and repair obligations arising from regulatory actions by the Federal Railroad Administration and the
Association of American Railroads. In some cases, the seller shares with the Company the costs of these retrofit and
repair obligations. The Company currently is not able to determine if any of these liabilities will have a material
adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations.
From time to time, Greenbrier is involved as a defendant in litigation in the ordinary course of business, the outcomes
of which cannot be predicted with certainty. While the ultimate outcome of such legal proceedings cannot be
determined at this time, the Company believes that the resolution of pending litigation will not have a material adverse
effect on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
As of August 31, 2020, the Company had outstanding letters of credit aggregating to $28.7 million associated with
performance guarantees, facility leases and workers compensation insurance.
As of August 31, 2020, the Company had a $4.5 million note receivable from Amsted-Maxion Cruzeiro, its
unconsolidated Brazilian castings and components manufacturer and a $3.8 million note receivable from Greenbrier-
Maxion, its unconsolidated Brazilian railcar manufacturer. These note receivables are included on the Consolidated
Balance Sheet in Accounts receivable, net. In the future, the Company may make loans to or provide guarantees for
Amsted-Maxion Cruzeiro or Greenbrier-Maxion.
Note 22 – Fair Value Measures
Certain assets and liabilities are reported at fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis. Fair value, for this
disclosure, is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer
a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants, under a three-tier fair value hierarchy which prioritizes
the inputs used in measuring a fair value as follows:
Level 1 - observable inputs such as unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments;
Level 2 - inputs, other than the quoted market prices in active markets for similar instruments, which are observable,
either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3 - unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data available, which require the reporting entity
to develop its own assumptions.
79
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of August 31, 2020 are:
(In thousands)
Assets:
Derivative financial instruments
Nonqualified savings plan investments
Cash equivalents
Liabilities:
Total
Level 1
Level 2(1)
Level 3
$
$
582 $
35,744
203,509
239,835 $
— $
35,744
203,509
239,253 $
582 $
—
—
582 $
Derivative financial instruments
$
15,907 $
— $
15,907 $
—
—
—
—
—
(1) Level 2 assets include derivative financial instruments which are valued based on significant observable inputs. See Note 13 - Derivative
Instruments for further discussion.
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of August 31, 2019 are:
(In thousands)
Assets:
Derivative financial instruments
Nonqualified savings plan investments
Cash equivalents
Liabilities:
Total
Level 1
Level 2(1)
Level 3
$
$
64 $
27,967
68,100
96,131 $
— $
27,967
68,100
96,067 $
64 $
—
—
64 $
Derivative financial instruments
$
11,279 $
— $
11,279 $
—
—
—
—
—
Note 23 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The estimated fair values of financial instruments and the methods and assumptions used to estimate such fair values
are as follows:
(In thousands)
Notes payable as of August 31, 2020
Notes payable as of August 31, 2019
Carrying
Amount 1
Estimated
Fair Value
(Level 2)
$
$
832,126 $
860,545 $
802,324
838,728
1 Carrying amount disclosed in this table excludes debt discount and debt issuance costs.
The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, revolving notes and accounts
payable and accrued liabilities is a reasonable estimate of fair value of these financial instruments. Estimated rates
currently available to the Company for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities and current market data are
used to estimate the fair value of notes payable.
80
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amount)
2020
Revenue
Manufacturing
Wheels, Repair & Parts
Leasing & Services
Cost of revenue
Manufacturing
Wheels, Repair & Parts
Leasing & Services
Margin
Selling and administrative
Net gain on disposition of equipment
Earnings from operations
Other costs
Interest and foreign exchange
First
Second
Third
Fourth
Total
$ 657,367 $ 489,943 $ 653,007 $ 549,654 $2,349,971
324,670
117,548
769,359 623,848 762,557 636,425 2,792,189
64,813
21,958
86,608
25,384
91,225
42,680
82,024
27,526
84,373
30,830
75,001
17,232
81,892
13,366
581,912 422,309 562,793 498,155 2,065,169
302,189
71,700
677,170 537,512 655,026 569,350 2,439,058
353,131
204,706
(20,004)
168,429
86,336 107,531
49,494
54,597
(8,775)
(6,697)
66,812
38,436
67,075
46,251
(573)
21,397
92,189
54,364
(3,959)
41,784
60,923
10,272
12,852
12,609
7,562
10,596
43,619
Earnings before income tax and earnings (loss)
from unconsolidated affiliates
Income tax expense
Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates
Net earnings
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest
$
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Greenbrier
Basic earnings per common share: (1)
$
Diluted earnings per common share: (1)
$
28,932
(5,994)
1,073
24,011
(16,342)
59,250
25,827
(24,421)
(7,463)
1,040
1,651
35,869
20,015
(8,097)
(6,386)
7,669 $ 13,629 $ 27,772 $
0.85 $
0.42 $
0.24 $
0.83 $
0.41 $
0.23 $
10,801
(2,306)
(804)
7,691
(7,794)
(103) $
0.00 $
0.00 $
124,810
(40,184)
2,960
87,586
(38,619)
48,967
1.50
1.46
(1) Quarterly amounts may not total to the year to date amount as each period is calculated discretely. Diluted EPS is calculated by
including the dilutive effect, using the treasury stock method, associated with shares underlying the 2.875% Convertible notes, 2.25%
Convertible notes, restricted stock units that are not considered participating securities and performance based restricted stock units
subject to performance criteria, for which actual levels of performance above target have been achieved.
81
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amount)
2019
Revenue
Manufacturing
Wheels, Repair & Parts
Leasing & Services
Cost of revenue
Manufacturing
Wheels, Repair & Parts
Leasing & Services
Margin
Selling and administrative
Net gain on disposition of equipment
Goodwill impairment
Earnings from operations
Other costs
Interest and foreign exchange
First
Second
Third
Fourth
Total
$ 471,789 $ 476,019 $ 681,588 $ 802,103 $2,431,499
444,502
108,543 125,278 124,980
157,590
49,584
604,523 658,671 856,152 914,245 3,033,591
85,701
26,441
24,191
57,374
43,376
13,207
81,636
13,036
417,805 442,996 590,788 686,036 2,137,625
420,890
100,978 118,455 119,821
108,590
38,971
531,990 604,827 749,580 780,708 2,667,105
366,486
213,308
(40,963)
10,025
184,116
53,844 106,572 133,537
60,607
54,377
47,892
(3,489)
(11,019)
(12,102)
—
—
10,025
76,419
53,189
18,054
72,533
50,432
(14,353)
—
36,454
4,404
9,237
9,770
7,501
30,912
Earnings before income tax and earnings (loss)
from unconsolidated affiliates
Income tax expense
Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates
Net earnings
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest
Net earnings attributable to Greenbrier
Basic earnings per common share: (1)
Diluted earnings per common share: (1)
32,050
(9,135)
467
23,382
(5,426)
$ 17,956 $
0.55 $
$
0.54 $
$
43,419
(13,008)
(4,564)
25,847
(10,599)
68,918
8,817
(17,197)
(2,248)
(922)
(786)
50,799
5,783
(3,018)
(15,692)
2,765 $ 15,248 $ 35,107 $
1.08 $
0.47 $
0.08 $
1.06 $
0.46 $
0.08 $
153,204
(41,588)
(5,805)
105,811
(34,735)
71,076
2.18
2.14
(1) Quarterly amounts may not total to the year to date amount as each period is calculated discretely. Diluted EPS is calculated by
including the dilutive effect, using the treasury stock method, associated with shares underlying the 2.875% Convertible notes, 2.25%
Convertible notes, restricted stock units that are not considered participating securities and performance based restricted stock units
subject to performance criteria, for which actual levels of performance above target have been achieved.
82
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management has evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our Principal Executive Officer
and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the
end of the period covered by this report pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures
were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is (1) recorded,
processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management,
including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, as appropriate to allow
timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Controls
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended August 31, 2020
that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our
internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of our Principal Executive Officer
and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting and the preparation of our financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
As of the end of our 2020 fiscal year, management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control
over financial reporting based on the framework established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013)
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment,
management has determined that our internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2020 was effective.
Our independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, independently assessed the effectiveness of our
internal control over financial reporting, as stated in their attestation report, which is included at the end of Part II,
Item 9A of this Form 10-K.
Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls
Our management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, does not
expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect
all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not
absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. The design of a control system must reflect the
fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Further,
because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance
that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within
our company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making
can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented
by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls.
The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and
there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.
Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may
become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or
procedures.
83
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.:
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial
reporting as of August 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013)
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company
maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2020, based on
criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of August 31, 2020 and 2019, the related
consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-
year period ended August 31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our
report dated October 28, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for
its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the
Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered
with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal
securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was
maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an
understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing
and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also
included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit
provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those
policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly
reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that
transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance
with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding
prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have
a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may
deteriorate.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Portland, Oregon
October 28, 2020
84
Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None
PART III
Item 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Information required by this item will be included under the captions “Election of Directors”, “Board Committees,
Meetings and Charters” and “Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and FCPA Compliance” in our definitive
Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission within 120 days after the year ended August 31, 2020 (as amended, updated, supplemented,
or restated, “2021 Proxy Statement”) and is incorporated herein by reference. Information required by this item
regarding the executive officers of the Company is included under the caption “Information about our Executive
Officers” in Part I of this 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item will be included under the caption “Executive Compensation”, “Compensation
Committee Report”, “2020 Director Compensation” and “Risk Oversight” in the 2021 Proxy Statement and is
incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDERS MATTERS
The information required by this item will be included under the captions “Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial
Owners and Management” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the 2021 Proxy Statement and is
incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this item will be included under the captions “Related Transactions” and “Board
Independence” in the 2021 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this item will be included under the caption “Ratification of Appointment of Independent
Auditors” in the 2021 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
85
PART IV
Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(1) Financial Statements
See Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8
(a)
(2) Financial Statements Schedule**
* * All other schedules have been omitted because they are inapplicable, not required or because the information is
given in the Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto. This supplemental schedule should be read in
conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in this report.
(a) (3)
The following exhibits are filed herewith and this list is intended to constitute the exhibit index:
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
10.1*
10.2*
10.3*
10.4*
Registrant’s Articles of Incorporation are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed April 5, 2006.
Articles of Merger amending the Registrant’s Articles of Incorporation are incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed April 5, 2006.
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant dated January 7, 2020 are incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed January 10, 2020.
Specimen Common Stock Certificate of Registrant is incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed April 7, 2010 (SEC File
Number 333-165924).
Indenture between the Registrant and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee,
including the Form of Note attached as Exhibit A thereto, dated February 6, 2017, is incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed February 6, 2017.
Description of the Registrant's Securities Under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed
October 29, 2019.
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Mr. William A.
Furman, dated August 28, 2012, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the
Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed January 9, 2013.
Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Registrant and Mr.
William A. Furman dated as of July 6, 2020, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1
to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed July 10, 2020.
Form of Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Registrant and certain of
its executive officers, as amended and restated on August 28, 2012, is incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed November 1, 2012.
Amendment No. 1 to Form of Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the
Registrant and certain of its executive officers, as amended and restated on August 28, 2012, is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed January 8,
2014.
86
10.5*
10.6*
10.7*
10.8*
10.9*
10.10*
10.11*
10.12*
10.13*
10.14*
10.15*
10.16*
10.17*
10.18*
Second Amendment to Form of Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the
Registrant and certain of its executive officers, as amended and restated on August 28, 2012, is
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed June 29,
2018.
Form of Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Registrant
and certain of its executive officers is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the
Registrant’s Form 10-K filed October 29, 2019.
Form of Change of Control Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the
Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed April 4, 2013.
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. Form of Amendment to Change of Control Agreement, approved
on May 28, 2013, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Form 8-
K filed June 3, 2013.
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. 2014 Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan is
incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement on Schedule
14A filed November 19, 2014.
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. 2017 Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan is
incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement on Schedule
14A filed November 14, 2017.
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan 2018 Amendment
and Restatement of the Basic Plan Document is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4
to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed June 29, 2018.
The Greenbrier Companies Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan 2018 Amendment and
Restatement of the Adoption Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the
Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed June 29, 2018.
Updated Rabbi Trust Agreements, dated October 1, 2012, related to The Greenbrier Companies,
Inc. Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed January 9, 2013.
Amendment No. 1 to Trust Agreement, dated June 15, 2018, related to The Greenbrier
Companies, Inc. Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, is incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed June 29, 2018.
The Greenbrier Companies Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan Adoption Agreement for
Directors, dated July 1, 2012, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the
Registrant’s Form 10-K filed November 1, 2012.
Amendment No. 1 to the Greenbrier Companies Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan
Adoption Agreement for Directors, dated December 15, 2015, is incorporated herein by reference
to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed April 5, 2016.
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. 2014 Employee Stock Purchase Plan is incorporated herein by
reference to Appendix B to the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed
on November 19, 2014.
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. Amendment to 2014 Employee Stock Purchase Plan is
incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A to the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement
on Schedule 14A filed on November 14, 2018.
87
10.19*
10.20
10.21
10.22
10.23
10.24
10.25
10.26
10.27
10.28
Consulting Services Agreement between Greenbrier Leasing Company LLC and Charles J.
Swindells dated January 7, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the
Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed April 5, 2016.
Dissolution Agreement, dated August 20, 2018, by and among the Registrant, Greenbrier Rail
Services Holdings, LLC, Watco Companies, L.L.C., Millennium Rail, L.L.C., Watco Mechanical
Services, L.L.C., GBW Railcar Services Holdings, L.L.C., GBW Railcar Services, L.L.C., and
GBW Railcar Services Canada, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the
Registrant’s Form 10-K filed October 26, 2018.
Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of GBW Railcar Services
Holdings, L.L.C., dated August 20, 2018, by and among Greenbrier Rail Services Holdings, LLC,
Watco Mechanical Services, L.L.C., and Millennium Rail, L.L.C. is incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed October 26, 2018.
Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 26, 2018, by and among
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner, MUFG
Union Bank, N.A., as Syndication Agent, Bank of the West, Branch Banking and Trust Company,
Fifth Third Bank, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Co-Documentation Agents,
and the lenders identified therein is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the
Registrant’s Form 10-K filed October 26, 2018.
First Amendment to the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September
26, 2018, by and among The Greenbrier Companies, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., as
Administrative Agent, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as Sole Lead
Arranger and Sole Bookrunner, MUFG Union Bank, N.A., as Syndication Agent, Bank of the
West, Branch Banking and Trust Company, Fifth Third Bank, and Wells Fargo Bank, National
Association, as Co-Documentation Agents, and the lenders identified therein is incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed October 29, 2019.
Fourth Amended and Restated Security Agreement, dated as of September 26, 2018, by and
among The Greenbrier Companies, Inc., and the other parties identified as Debtors therein, in
favor of Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent is incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.29 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed October 26, 2018.
Fourth Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement, dated as of September 26, 2018, by and among
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc., and the other parties identified as Debtors therein, in favor of
Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
10.30 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed October 26, 2018.
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 26, 2018, by and among
Greenbrier Leasing Company LLC, an Oregon limited liability company, Bank of America, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as Sole Lead
Arranger and Sole Bookrunner, MUFG Union Bank, N.A., as Syndication Agent, and the lenders
identified therein is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Registrant’s Form
10-K filed October 26, 2018.
Amended and Restated Security Agreement, dated as of September 26, 2018, by and between
Greenbrier Leasing Company LLC, an Oregon limited liability company, in favor of Bank of
America, N.A., as Administrative Agent is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to
the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed October 26, 2018.
Purchase Agreement, dated January 31, 2017, among The Greenbrier Companies, Inc., Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Goldman, Sachs & Co. is incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed February 6, 2017.
88
10.29
10.30
14.1
21.1
23.1
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 17, 2019, by and among The Greenbrier Companies,
Inc., GBXL, LLC, and American Railcar Industries, Inc., is incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed April 18, 2019.
Convertible Promissory Note issued by The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. to American Railcar
Industries, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K
filed July 29, 2019.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
List of the subsidiaries of the Registrant.
Consent of KPMG LLP.
Certification pursuant to Rule 13(a) – 14(a).
Certification pursuant to Rule 13(a) – 14(a).
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (Formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
Note: For all exhibits incorporated by reference, unless otherwise noted above, the SEC file number is 001-13146.
Item 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.
89
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has
duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SIGNATURES
THE GREENBRIER COMPANIES, INC.
Dated: October 28, 2020
By: /s/ William A. Furman
William A. Furman
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the
following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Date
October 28, 2020
October 28, 2020
October 28, 2020
October 28, 2020
October 28, 2020
October 28, 2020
October 28, 2020
October 28, 2020
October 28, 2020
October 28, 2020
October 28, 2020
Signature
/s/ William A. Furman
William A. Furman,
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
/s/ Thomas B. Fargo
Thomas B. Fargo, Director
/s/ Wanda F. Felton
Wanda F. Felton, Director
/s/ Graeme A. Jack
Graeme A. Jack, Director
/s/ Duane C. McDougall
Duane C. McDougall, Director
/s/ David L. Starling
David L. Starling, Director
/s/ Charles J. Swindells
Charles J. Swindells, Director
/s/ Wendy L. Teramoto
Wendy L. Teramoto, Director
/s/ Donald A. Washburn
Donald A. Washburn, Director
/s/ Kelly M. Williams
Kelly M. Williams, Director
/s/ Adrian J. Downes
Adrian J. Downes, Senior Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
90
THE GREENBRIER COMPANIES INVESTOR INFORMATION
Directors
Director Name and Title
William A. Furman Chairman of the Board and Director
Thomas B. Fargo Independent Director
Wanda F. Felton Independent Director
Graeme A. Jack Independent Director
Duane C. McDougall Independent Director
David L. Starling Independent Director
Charles J. Swindells Independent Director
Wendy L. Teramoto Independent Director
Donald A. Washburn Independent Director
Kelly M. Williams Independent Director
Executive and Other Officers
William A. Furman
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Lorie L. Tekorius
President and Chief Operating Officer
Alejandro Centurion
Executive Vice President and President,
Greenbrier Manufacturing Operations
Brian J. Comstock
Executive Vice President,
Sales & Marketing
Mark J. Rittenbaum
Executive Vice President and
Chief Commercial & Leasing Officer
Investor Information
Corporate Offices
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
One Centerpointe Drive, Suite 200
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Annual Shareholders’ Meeting
Wednesday, January 6, 2021 | 2:00 pm
Via Webcast at:
www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/GBX2021
Martin R. Baker
Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and
Chief Compliance Officer
Laurie Dornan
Senior Vice President,
Chief Human Resources Officer
Adrian J. Downes
Senior Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer
and Chief Accounting Officer
Jack Isselmann
Senior Vice President,
External Affairs & Communications
Financial Information
Request for copies of this annual report
and other financial information should be
made to:
Investor Relations
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
One Centerpointe Drive, Suite 200
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
investor.relations@gbrx.com
503-684-7000
Rick M. Turner
Senior Vice President,
Greenbrier Rail Services
Justin M. Roberts
Vice President,
Corporate Finance and Treasurer
Christian M. Lucky
Assistant General Counsel and
Corporate Secretary
Independent Auditors
KPMG LLP
Portland, OR 97201
Transfer Agent
Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
PO Box 505000
Louisville, KY 40233
Greenbrier’s Transfer Agent maintains
stockholder records, issues stock
certificates and distributes dividends.
Requests concerning these matters
should be directed to Computershare
Trust Company, N.A.
2 0 2 0 A n n u a l R e p o r t
THE GREENBRIER COMPANIES
One Centerpointe Drive, Suite 200
Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035
info@gbrx.com
www.gbrx.com