American Railcar Industries, Inc. Reports Record Quarterly Revenue and Earnings

Second Quarter 2014 Highlights

• Record quarterly revenue of $237.5 million vs. prior year of $159.4 million - up 49%
• Record quarterly earnings per share of $1.51 vs. prior year of $1.11 - up 36%
• Record quarterly adjusted EBITDA of $60.2 million vs. prior year of $43.0 million - up 40%
• 2,140 railcars shipped in Q2 2014

ST. CHARLES, Mo., July 30, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Railcar Industries, Inc. (ARI or the Company) (Nasdaq:ARII) today reported its second quarter 2014 financial results. Jeff Hollister, President and Interim CEO of ARI, commented, "During the second quarter, we were able to efficiently ramp up production to meet increased demand for hopper railcars and continued to have high deliveries of tank railcars. These factors coupled with a high mix of railcars manufactured for direct sale generated new quarterly records for ARI, for both revenue and earnings."

"To further diversify our business, we remain committed to the growth of our lease fleet, and are evaluating opportunities within our repair network to increase capacity or expand to new locations to meet increasing demand for retrofits, tank certifications, and railcar maintenance. Our new Brookhaven, Mississippi repair plant is complete and will be operational during the third quarter of 2014, thus expanding our capacity for repair projects. Additionally, we are planning to begin expansion work on two of our existing repair plants later this year," Hollister added.

Second Quarter Summary

Total consolidated revenues were $237.5 million for the second quarter of 2014, a new quarterly record and an increase of 49% when compared to $159.4 million for the same period in 2013. This increase was primarily driven by increased manufacturing revenues due to a higher mix of direct sale shipments relative to railcars shipped for the Company's lease fleet.

The increase in direct sale shipments of hopper railcars and strong levels of tank railcar shipments resulted in manufacturing revenues of $206.4 million for the second quarter of 2014, an increase of $74.2 million compared to the same period in 2013. During the second quarter of 2014, ARI shipped approximately 1,670 direct sale railcars and approximately 470 railcars built for the Company's lease fleet, compared to approximately 930 direct sale railcars and approximately 380 railcars built for the lease fleet during the same period in 2013. Railcars built for the lease fleet represented 22% of ARI's railcar shipments during the second quarter of 2014 compared to 29% for the same period in 2013. This reflects a higher level of direct sale shipments than in recent quarters. In addition, we expect that, during the second half of 2014, more of our railcar shipments will be for our lease fleet than for direct sale. Because revenues and earnings related to leased railcars are recognized over the life of the lease, our quarterly results may vary depending on the mix of lease versus direct sale railcars that we ship during a given period.

Manufacturing revenues for the second quarter of 2014 exclude $61.3 million of estimated revenues related to railcars built for the Company's lease fleet, compared to $45.1 million for the same period in 2013. Estimated revenues related to railcars built for the Company's lease fleet increased due to a higher quantity of tank railcars shipped for lease. Such revenues are based on an estimated fair market value of the leased railcars as if they had been sold to a third party, and are not recognized in consolidated revenues as railcar sales, but rather as lease revenues in accordance with the terms of the contract over the life of the lease.

Railcar leasing revenues were $13.9 million for the second quarter of 2014, an increase of 85% over the $7.5 million for the comparable period in 2013. The primary reasons for the increase in revenue were an increase in the number of railcars on lease and higher average lease rates. ARI had approximately 5,390 railcars in its lease fleet as of June 30, 2014, compared to approximately 3,500 railcars as of June 30, 2013.

Railcar services revenues for the second quarter of 2014 were $17.3 million. Revenue decreased from $19.6 million for the same period in 2013 due to certain repair projects being performed at the Company's hopper railcar manufacturing facility during the second quarter of 2013 that did not continue into 2014. Production of hopper railcars has ramped up due to increased demand, thus repair projects are no longer being performed at this facility.

Consolidated earnings from operations were $51.9 million for the second quarter of 2014, a new quarterly record and an increase of 30% over the $39.9 million for the same period in 2013. This increase is primarily due to a significant increase in direct sale railcar shipments compared to the same period in 2013. As a percentage of overall shipments, the Company shipped fewer railcars for its lease fleet in the second quarter of 2014 than in the second quarter of 2013. Earnings continue to benefit from strong sales of tank railcars and a strengthening hopper railcar market.

Consolidated operating margins remained strong at 21.8% for the second quarter of 2014, primarily due to continued strong tank railcar volumes and ramped up production of hopper railcars, both of which contributed to operational efficiencies and further leverage of overhead costs. These factors were partially offset by a higher mix of hopper railcars for direct sale. This change in the product mix contributed to operating margins declining by 3.2% from 25.0% for the second quarter of 2013. More tank railcars were built for the Company's lease fleet during the second quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013, and the related profit on these railcars is eliminated in consolidation, as discussed below. In the railcar services segment, operating margins declined during the second quarter of 2014 when compared to the same period in 2013 due to a change in the mix of work at our repair facilities. Selling, general and administrative expenses also increased during the second quarter of 2014 when compared to the same period in 2013.

Manufacturing earnings from operations were $44.6 million for the second quarter of 2014 compared to $32.8 million for the same period in 2013. This increase was due primarily to higher direct sale hopper railcar shipments, as discussed above. Estimated profit on railcars built for the Company's lease fleet was $19.6 million and $10.1 million for the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively, and is excluded from manufacturing earnings from operations. Profit on railcars built for the Company's lease fleet is based on an estimated fair market value of revenues as if the railcars had been sold to a third party, less the cost to manufacture.

Railcar leasing earnings from operations were $7.4 million for the second quarter of 2014 compared to $3.6 million for the same period in 2013. This increase was due to the growth in the number of railcars in the Company's lease fleet and higher average lease rates.

Railcar services earnings from operations were $3.1 million for the second quarter of 2014 compared to $4.1 million for the same period in 2013. This decrease was due to the decrease in revenues, discussed above, in addition to a change in the mix of work at our repair facilities.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $6.8 million for the second quarter of 2014 compared to $3.7 million for the same period in 2013. Excluding share-based compensation activity, selling, general and administrative expenses were $6.7 million for the second quarter of 2014 compared to $5.8 million for the same period in 2013. This increase of $0.9 million was primarily driven by increased consulting costs. Share-based compensation resulted in expense of $0.1 million for the second quarter of 2014 compared to income of $2.1 million during the same period in 2013. The fluctuation in share-based compensation was driven by the decrease in our stock price of $2 per share during the second quarter of 2014, compared to a decrease of $13 per share during the same period in 2013. While the Company's share-based compensation expense fluctuates with the stock price, past exercises of stock appreciation rights (SARs) have resulted in fewer SARs outstanding, which has reduced the impact that changes in the stock price have on the Company's financial results.

EBITDA, adjusted to exclude share-based compensation expense and other income related to the Company's short-term investments (Adjusted EBITDA), was $60.2 million for the second quarter of 2014, a new quarterly record, compared to $43.0 million for the comparable quarter of 2013. The increase resulted primarily from increased consolidated earnings from operations in addition to earnings (loss) from joint ventures improving by $1.1 million for the second quarter of 2014 compared to the comparable period in 2013. A reconciliation of the Company's net earnings to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (both non-GAAP financial measures) is set forth in the supplemental disclosure attached to this press release.

Net earnings for the second quarter of 2014 were $32.2 million, or $1.51 per share, a new quarterly record, compared to $23.6 million, or $1.11 per share, in the same period in 2013. This increase was driven primarily by increased consolidated earnings from operations and improved results from our joint ventures, as discussed above, partially offset by an increase in interest expense due to a higher average debt balance as a result of increased borrowings to support the growth of the Company's lease fleet.

Year-to-Date Results

Consolidated revenues for the first six months of 2014 were $419.6 million compared to $354.5 million for the comparable period in 2013. The Company shipped approximately 2,800 direct sale railcars and approximately 950 railcars built for the Company's lease fleet during the first half of 2014, compared to approximately 2,300 direct sale railcars and approximately 910 railcars built for the lease fleet during the same period in 2013. Railcars built for the lease fleet represented 25% of ARI's railcar shipments in the first six months of 2014, compared to 28% for the same period in 2013.

Consolidated earnings from operations for the first six months of 2014 were $88.4 million, and up by 24% from $71.1 million for the comparable period in 2013. Consolidated earnings from operations for the first six months of 2014 and 2013 excluded $39.4 million and $19.9 million, respectively, of profit on railcars built for the lease fleet that is eliminated in consolidation. Operating margins were 21.1% for the first six months of 2014, compared to 20.1% for the comparable period of 2013, reflecting higher volumes and good efficiencies as a result of ramped up production for hopper railcars.

Adjusted EBITDA was $107.8 million for the first six months of 2014, and up by $22.0 million from $85.8 million for the comparable period in 2013. The increase resulted primarily from increased consolidated earnings from operations, in addition to an improvement of $1.5 million from earnings (loss) from joint ventures for the first six months of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013.

Net earnings for the first six months of 2014 were $53.0 million, or $2.48 per share, compared to $41.6 million, or $1.95, for the comparable period in 2013.

Cash Flow and Liquidity

The Company's strong earnings have contributed to cash flow from operations in the first six months of 2014 of $57.6 million. As of June 30, 2014, ARI had working capital of $232.3 million, including $163.1 million of cash and cash equivalents. In January 2014, the Company refinanced its original 2012 lease fleet financing facility to increase borrowing capacity, extend the term and lower the interest rate. The refinancing provided the Company with net cash of $122.2 million. As of June 30, 2014, ARI had $314.3 million of debt outstanding under the refinanced lease fleet financing facility.

At the board meeting in July, the Company's board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.40 per share of common stock of the Company to shareholders of record as of September 16, 2014 that will be paid on September 23, 2014.

Backlog

During the quarter we received orders for 3,070 railcars, resulting in a backlog as of June 30, 2014 of approximately 9,530 railcars with an estimated value of $985.7 million. Of the total backlog, approximately 2,700, or 28%, were railcars subject to lease with an estimated market value of $322.5 million. Additionally, we have accepted orders for an additional 3,450 railcars during the month of July, consisting of both hopper and tank railcars.

Conference Call and Webcast

ARI will host a webcast and conference call on Thursday, July 31, 2014 at 10:00 am (Eastern Time) to discuss the Company's second quarter 2014 financial results. To participate in the webcast, please log-on to ARI's investor relations page through the ARI website at www.americanrailcar.com. To participate in the conference call, please dial 877-745-9389. Participants are asked to log-on to the ARI website or dial in to the conference call approximately 10 to 15 minutes prior to the start time. An audio replay of the call will also be available on the Company's website promptly following the earnings call.

About ARI

ARI is a leading North American designer and manufacturer of hopper and tank railcars. ARI provides its railcar customers with integrated solutions through a comprehensive set of high quality products and related services. ARI manufactures and sells railcars, custom designed railcar parts, and other industrial products. ARI and its subsidiaries also lease railcars manufactured by the Company to certain markets. In addition, ARI provides railcar repair services through its various repair facilities, including mini-shops and mobile units, offering a range of services from full to light repair. More information about American Railcar Industries, Inc. is available on its website at www.americanrailcar.com.  

Forward Looking Statement Disclaimer

This press release contains statements relating to expected financial performance and/or future business prospects, events and plans that are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements represent the Company's estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this press release. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding industry trends, potential regulatory developments, anticipated customer demand for the Company's products, the Company's strategic objectives and long-term strategies, trends related to railcar shipments for direct sale versus lease, anticipated benefits regarding the growth of the Company's leasing business and the mix of railcars in our lease fleet, anticipated benefits regarding the Company's current and potential future efforts to expand its railcar repair business, anticipated future production rates, the Company's plans regarding future dividends, the Company's backlog and any implication that the Company's backlog may be indicative of future revenues. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or anticipated by the Company's forward-looking statements. The payment of future dividends, if any, and the amount thereof, will be at the discretion of ARI's board of directors and will depend upon the Company's operating results, strategic plans, capital requirements, financial condition, provisions of its borrowing arrangements, applicable law and other factors the Company's board of directors considers relevant. Other potential risks and uncertainties include, among other things: basing financial or other information on judgments or estimates based on future performance or events; the impact of an economic downturn, adverse market conditions and restricted credit markets; prospects in light of the cyclical nature of ARI's business; the health of and prospects for the overall railcar industry; the highly competitive nature of the manufacturing, railcar leasing and railcar services industries; ARI's reliance upon a small number of customers that represent a large percentage of revenues and backlog; the variable purchase patterns of ARI's railcar customers and the timing of completion, customer acceptance and shipment of orders; the Company's ability to manage overhead and variations in production rates; the Company's ability to recruit, retain and train adequate numbers of qualified personnel; fluctuating costs of raw materials, including steel, and railcar components and delays in the delivery of such raw materials and components; fluctuations in the supply of components and raw materials that ARI uses in railcar manufacturing; the ongoing benefits and risks related to ARI's relationship with Mr. Carl Icahn, ARI's principal beneficial stockholder, through Icahn Enterprises L.P, and certain of his affiliates; the sufficiency of our liquidity and capital resources; the risk of being unable to market or remarket railcars for sale or lease at favorable prices or on favorable terms or at all; the impact, costs and expenses of any litigation ARI may be subject to now or in the future; the risks associated with the Company's on-going compliance with environmental, health, safety, and regulatory laws and regulations, which may be subject to change; the conversion of ARI's railcar backlog into revenues; the risks associated with the Company's current joint ventures; the risks, impact and anticipated benefits associated with potential joint ventures, acquisitions or new business endeavors; the implementation, integration with other systems or ongoing management of the Company's new enterprise resource planning system; risks related to our indebtedness and compliance with covenants contained in the Company's financing arrangement; and the additional risk factors described in ARI's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company expressly disclaims any duty to provide updates to any forward-looking statements made in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

EBITDA represents net earnings before income tax expense, interest expense (income), loss on debt extinguishment and depreciation of property, plant and equipment. The Company believes EBITDA is useful to investors in evaluating ARI's operating performance compared to that of other companies in the same industry. In addition, ARI's management uses EBITDA to evaluate operating performance. The calculation of EBITDA eliminates the effects of financing, income taxes and the accounting effects of capital spending. These items may vary for different companies for reasons unrelated to the overall operating performance of a company's business. EBITDA is not a financial measure presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP). Accordingly, when analyzing the Company's operating performance, investors should not consider EBITDA in isolation or as a substitute for net earnings, cash flows provided by operating activities or other statement of operations or cash flow data prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The calculation of EBITDA is not necessarily comparable to that of other similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA before share-based compensation (income) expense related to stock appreciation rights (SARs) and other income related to our short-term investments. Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors in evaluating the Company's operating performance, and therefore uses Adjusted EBITDA for that purpose. The Company's SARs, which settle in cash, are revalued each period based primarily upon changes in ARI's stock price. Management believes that eliminating the (income) expense associated with share-based compensation, and income associated with short-term investments allows management and ARI's investors to understand better the operating results independent of financial changes caused by the fluctuating price and value of the Company's common stock, short-term investments and certain non-recurring events. Adjusted EBITDA is not a financial measure presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, when analyzing operating performance, investors should not consider Adjusted EBITDA in isolation or as a substitute for net earnings, cash flows provided by operating activities or other statements of operations or cash flow data prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company's calculation of Adjusted EBITDA is not necessarily comparable to that of other similarly titled measures reported by other companies.