Wabtec’s first quarter earnings rose as both of its business segments — freight and transit — reported stronger sales compared to a year ago.
“Wabtec (NYSE: WAB) delivered a strong start to 2026, with solid first quarter execution across our businesses driving double digit sales and adjusted EPS growth,” Chief Executive Rafael Santana said.
Wabtec’s operating income increased 9%, to $517 million, as revenue grew 13%, to $2.95 billion. Earnings per share, adjusted for the impact of one-time items, grew 18.9%, to $2.71.
The company’s overall results were boosted by the acquisitions of Inspection Technologies, Frauscher Sensor Technologies, and Dellner Couplers.
Wabtec’s freight segment sales for the first quarter were up 11.3%. Equipment sales were up 52.5% driven by higher locomotive deliveries, while services sales were down 17.3% due to lower modernization deliveries. Digital sales were up 75.7% driven by the acquisitions of Inspection Technologies and Frauscher.
Transit segment sales for the first quarter were up 17.8% driven by the acquisition of Dellner and higher original equipment and aftermarket sales.
As of March 31, Wabtec’s 12-month backlog was $1.05 billion higher than the prior year period, while the multi-year backlog was $8.5 billion higher than a year ago.
Wabtec raised its 2026 adjusted EPS guidance range to $10.25 to $10.65, raising it 20 cents at the midpoint, or up 16.5%.
Subscribe to FreightWaves’ Rail e-newsletter and get the latest insights on rail freight right in your inbox.
Related coverage:
Source: UP-BNSF short line recommended for LA port rail contract
Railcar lessor VP elected to freight infrastructure coalition board
Record operating income, revenue for Union Pacific in Q1
Norfolk Southern earnings slip as winter weather impacts rail volume
Brokerage Compliance Symposium
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
F3 Awards Dinner
The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
F3: Future of Freight Festival
Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowThe night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowIndustry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now