WILMERDING, Pa., April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Wabtec Corporation (NYSE: WAB) today reported record results for the 2011 first quarter, including the following:

• First quarter sales were a record $455 million, 25 percent higher than the year-ago quarter, primarily due to strong growth in the Freight Group.
• Income from operations was a record $66 million, or 14.6 percent of sales, compared to 14.1 percent in the year-ago quarter.
• Earnings per diluted share were a record 85 cents, 35 percent higher than the year-ago quarter.
• At March 31, 2011, the company had cash of $201 million and debt of $400 million.
• Backlog at the end of the first quarter was a record $1.5 billion, 39 percent higher than at year-end 2010.

Based on its first quarter results and outlook for the rest of the year, Wabtec increased its 2011 guidance for earnings per diluted share to between $3.20-$3.30, with revenues expected to be up about 15 percent for the year.

Albert J. Neupaver, Wabtec's president and chief executive officer, said: "The company's performance in the quarter was strong, and we're optimistic about the rest of the year. Freight rail traffic volumes continue to increase, which is driving growth in all segments of that market. Our transit business has remained stable, as we expected. We will continue to make investments in strategic growth opportunities and to manage our operations through ongoing application of the Wabtec Performance System."

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