WILMERDING, Pa., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Wabtec Corporation (NYSE: WAB) today reported record results for the 2012 first quarter, including the following:

• First quarter sales were a record $583 million, 28 percent higher than the year-ago quarter, due to strong growth in the Freight Group.
• Income from operations was a record $94 million, or 16.1 percent of sales, compared to 14.6 percent in the year-ago quarter.
• Earnings per diluted share were a record $1.22, which was 44 percent higher than the year-ago quarter.
• At March 31, 2012, the company had cash of $269 million and debt of $386 million.
• Backlog at the end of the first quarter was a record $1.6 billion, 3 percent higher than at year-end 2011.

Based on its first quarter results and outlook for the rest of the year, Wabtec affirmed its 2012 guidance for earnings per diluted share of about $4.80, with revenues now expected to be up about 15 percent for the year.

Albert J. Neupaver, Wabtec's president and chief executive officer, said: "We're off to a strong start in 2012, and we're optimistic about our performance for the rest of the year. The global freight rail market continues to grow, with increasing demand for new freight cars and locomotives. We have also benefited from ongoing investments in our strategic growth opportunities, such as global expansion, new product development and acquisitions. In addition, rigorous application of the Wabtec Performance System has resulted in productivity and cost improvements."

Wabtec Corporation (www.wabtec.com) is a global provider of value-added, technology-based products and services for rail and other industrial markets.

This release contains forward-looking statements, such as statements regarding the company's expectations about future earnings. Actual results could differ materially from the results suggested in any forward-looking statement. Factors that could cause or contribute to these material differences include, but are not limited to, an economic slowdown in the markets we serve; a decrease in freight or passenger rail traffic; an increase in manufacturing costs; and other factors contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company assumes no obligation to update these statements or advise of changes in the assumptions on which they are based.

The company will conduct a conference call with analysts and investors at 10 a.m., eastern time, today. To listen to the call via webcast, please go to www.wabtec.com and click on the "Webcasts" tab in the "Investor Relations" section.

SOURCE Wabtec Corporation