Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies 10-K 2021-12-31

Filed 2022-02-17. 18 sections, 407K characters. Original on sec.gov · Markdown · JSON

What changed since the 2020-12-31 10-KNew, removed and reworded risk factor headings, then every item sentence by sentence.

Cover and table of contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

☒Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021

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 number 033-90866

WESTINGHOUSE AIR BRAKE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware25-1615902
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(IRS Employer Identification No.)
30 Isabella Street Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212(412) 825-1000
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)(Registrant’s telephone number)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

ClassTrading SymbolName of Exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $.01 per shareWABNew 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 ☒ 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 ý.

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 ý 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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files) Yes ý 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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.:

Large accelerated filerxAccelerated filer¨Non-accelerated filer¨
Emerging growth company☐Smaller reporting 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 has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ý.

The registrant estimates that as of June 30, 2021, the aggregate market value of the voting shares held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $15.4 billion based on the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange for such stock.

As of February 11, 2022, 185,290,114 shares of Common Stock of the registrant were issued and outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the registrant’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 18, 2022 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART IPage
Item 1.Business3
Item 1A.Risk Factors16
Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments25
Item 2.Properties26
Item 3.Legal Proceedings26
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures26
PART II
Item 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities27
Item 6.[Reserved]28
Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations29
Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk44
Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data45
Item 9.Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure45
Item 9A.Controls and Procedures45
Item 9B.Other Information45
Item 9C.Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections45
PART III
Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance46
Item 11.Executive Compensation46
Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters46
Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence46
Item 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services46
PART IV
Item 15.Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules47
Item 16.Form 10-K Summary90

PART I

Item 1. BUSINESS

General

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation, doing business as Wabtec Corporation, is a Delaware corporation with headquarters at 30 Isabella Street in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Our telephone number is 412-825-1000, and our website is located at www.wabteccorp.com. Except as the context otherwise requires, all references to “we”, “our”, “us”, the “Company” and “Wabtec” refer to Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. George Westinghouse founded the original Westinghouse Air Brake Co. in 1869 when he invented the air brake. Westinghouse Air Brake Company (“WABCO”) was formed in 1990 when it acquired certain assets and operations from American Standard, Inc., now known as Trane (“Trane”). The Company went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 1995.

Throughout the years, the Company has made a number of strategic acquisitions leading the Company to where it is today. These have primarily included:

  • the 1999 merger with MotivePower Industries, Inc. whereby the Company adopted its current name of Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation, or Wabtec;

  • the 2017 acquisition of Faiveley Transport, S.A. (“Faiveley Transport”), a leading provider of value-added, integrated systems and services, primarily for the global transit rail market. Based in France, the Faiveley Transport business has roots to 1919 and made Wabtec a leader in manufacturing pantographs, automatic door mechanisms, air conditioning systems, railway braking systems and couplers; and

  • the 2019 acquisition of GE Transportation, a business unit of General Electric Company. This brought a global technology leader and supplier of locomotives, equipment, services and digital solutions to the rail, mining, marine, stationary power and drilling industries into Wabtec.

As a result of those strategic acquisitions, as well as other smaller acquisitions and organic growth, Wabtec is now one of the world’s largest providers of locomotives, value-added, technology-based equipment, systems and services for the global freight rail and passenger transit industries with approximately 25,000 employees, excluding contingent workers, and operations in over 50 countries. We believe we hold a leading market share for many of our core product lines globally. Our highly engineered products, which are intended to enhance safety, improve productivity, and reduce maintenance costs for customers, can be found on most locomotives, freight cars, passenger transit cars and buses around the world.

Through both internal growth as well as acquisitions, Wabtec has positioned itself with the following strategic benefits:

  • Increased diversity of revenues by product, geography and market. Comprehensive product offerings spanning the freight rail and passenger transit industries, as well as products in the bus, mining and marine, and discrete industrial markets help Wabtec to balance the cyclical nature of the global rail business.

  • Significant operating synergies and improved financial profile. The consummation of the GE Transportation acquisition is leading to operating synergies across all of Wabtec. As a result, we achieved over $250 million in annual run-rate operating synergies, driven by cost and revenue opportunities. This will enhance Wabtec’s margins and revenue growth opportunities with strong free cash flow generation to enable strategic deleveraging through debt reduction and earnings growth.

  • Increased technical and engineering expertise. Particularly with the onboarding of Faiveley Transport and GE Transportation, Wabtec's technical capabilities and product development efforts are strengthened.

  • Increased scale and diversification of Wabtec’s Freight product portfolio. Wabtec is one of the world’s largest providers of locomotives, freight car components, technology-enabled equipment, systems and services for the locomotive and freight rail industries.

  • Broadened product line and international presence in the transit market. Wabtec offers a comprehensive, broad and diversified portfolio of products to the transit rail industries throughout the world.

  • Complementary Digital and Electronics technologies. Wabtec has a comprehensive digital portfolio and leading engineering and technical intellectual property, which provides electronics and digital technologies to meet growing demand for train intelligence and network optimization.

  • Enhanced Aftermarket and Services opportunities. Wabtec has an installed base of more than 23,000 locomotives and content on virtually all North American locomotives and freight cars, as well as a diverse offering of Transit locomotives and cars both internationally and domestically, which enables significant opportunities in the higher-margin aftermarket parts and services business and mitigates the exposure to cycles.

Industry Overview

The Company primarily serves the global freight rail and passenger transit industries. As such, our operating results are largely dependent on the level of activity, financial condition and capital spending plans of freight railroads and passenger transit agencies around the world, and transportation equipment manufacturers who serve those markets. Many factors influence these industries, including general economic conditions; traffic volumes, as measured by freight carloadings and passenger ridership; government spending on public transportation; and investment in new technologies. In general, trends such as increasing urbanization and growth in developing markets, a focus on sustainability and environmental awareness, increasing investment in technology solutions, an aging equipment fleet, and growth in global trade are expected to drive continued investment in freight rail and passenger transit.

The Association of the European Rail Industry, UNIFE, advocates for and represents European train builders and rail suppliers. UNIFE publishes a biennial market study that provides an overview of the market in its current form and a forecast of its future development in different regions and market segments. According to the 2020 biennial edition of the study, the accessible global market for railway products and services is more than $120 billion and is expected to grow in the medium- and long-term at an average annual growth rate of 2.3% through 2025, despite an 8% COVID-induced decline in 2020. The 2020 study also concluded that the rail sector had grown 3.6% annually since 2017, supporting the appeal of rail transport for all sectors from urban metro to commercial freight. The three largest geographic markets, which represented about 85% of the total accessible market, were Europe, North America and Asia Pacific, all of which are projected to continue to grow.

In Europe, only 19% of freight traffic is rail while the majority of the rail system serves the passenger transit market, which is expected to continue growing as energy and environmental policies encourage continued investment in public mass transit, and modal shift from car to rail, although this growth may be stunted in the near-term as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In North America, railroads carry about 40% of intercity freight, as measured by ton-miles, which is more than any other mode of transportation. North America’s rail network is regarded as the world’s most-efficient and lowest-cost freight rail service. There are more than 600 railroads operating in North America, with the largest railroads, referred to as “Class I”, accounting for more than 90% of the industry’s revenues. Growth in the Asia Pacific market has been driven mainly by the continued urbanization of China and India, and by continued investments in freight rail rolling stock and infrastructure in Australia to serve its mining and natural resources markets. India is making significant investments in rolling stock and infrastructure to modernize its rail system

According to UNIFE, most emerging markets, includ

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Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS

We are dependent upon key customers.

We rely on several key customers who represent a significant portion of our business. While we believe our relationships with our customers are generally good, our top customers could choose to reduce or terminate their relationships with Wabtec. In addition, many of our customers place orders for products on an as-needed basis and operate in cyclical industries. As a result, customer order levels have varied from period to period in the past and may vary significantly in the future. Such customer orders are dependent upon their markets and customers and may be subject to delays and cancellations. Furthermore, the average service life of certain products in our end markets has increased in recent years due to innovations in technologies and manufacturing processes, which has also allowed end users to replace parts less often. As a result of our dependence on our key customers, we could experience a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition if we lost any one or more of our key customers or if there is a reduction in their demand for our products.

Our business operates in a highly competitive industry.

We operate in a global, competitive marketplace and face substantial competition from a limited number of established competitors, some of which may have greater financial resources than we do, may have a more extensive low-cost sourcing strategy and presence in low-cost regions than we do or may receive significant governmental support. Price competition is strong and, coupled with the existence of a number of cost conscious customers with significant negotiating power, has historically limited our ability to increase prices. In addition to price, competition is based on product performance and technological leadership, quality, reliability of delivery and customer service and support. If our competitors invest heavily in innovation and develop products that are more efficient or effective than our products, we may not be able to compete effectively. There can be no assurance that competition in one or more of our markets will not adversely affect us and our results of operations.

A failure to predict and react to customer demand could adversely affect our business.

If we are unable to accurately forecast demand for our existing products or to react appropriately to changes in demand, we may experience delayed product shipments and customer dissatisfaction. If demand increases significantly from current levels, both we and our suppliers may have difficulty meeting such demand, particularly if such demand increases occur rapidly. Alternatively, we may carry excess inventory if demand for our products decreases below projected levels.

Additionally, we have dedicated significant resources to the development, manufacturing and marketing of new products. Decisions to develop and market new transportation products are typically made without firm indications of customer acceptance. Moreover, by their nature, new products may require alteration of existing business methods or threaten to displace existing equipment in which our customers may have a substantial capital investment. There can be no assurance that any new products that we develop will gain widespread acceptance in the marketplace or that such products will be able to compete successfully with other new products or services that may be introduced by competitors. Furthermore, we may incur additional warranty or other costs as new products are tested and used by customers.

Failure to accurately predict and react to customer demand could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We may fail to respond adequately or in a timely manner to innovative changes in new technology.

In recent years, the global transportation landscape has been characterized by rapid changes in technology, leading to innovative transportation and logistics concepts that could change the way the railway industry does business. There may be additional innovations impacting the railway industry that we cannot yet foresee. Any failure by us to quickly adapt to and adopt new innovations in products and processes desired by our customers may result in a significant loss of demand for our product and service offerings. In addition, advances in technology may require us to increase investments in order to remain competitive, and our customers may not be willing to accept higher prices to cover the cost of these investments.

Our revenues are subject to cyclical variations in the railway and passenger transit markets and changes in government spending.

The railway industry historically has been subject to significant fluctuations due to overall economic conditions, the use of alternate methods of transportation and the levels of government spending on railway projects. In economic downturns, railroads have deferred, and may defer, certain expenditures in order to conserve cash in the short term. For example, the economic slowdown that was caused by COVID-19 impacted the timing of some orders, as customers deferred the delivery of some goods and services to future years. Reductions in freight traffic may reduce demand for our replacement products.

The passenger transit railroad industry is also cyclical and is influenced by a variety of factors. New passenger transit car orders vary from year to year and are influenced by a variety of factors, including major replacement programs, the construction or expansion of transit systems by transit authorities and the quality and cost of alternative modes of transportation. To the extent that future funding for proposed public projects is curtailed or withdrawn altogether as a result of changes in political, economic, fiscal or other conditions beyond our control, such projects may be delayed or canceled, resulting in a potential loss of business for us, including transit aftermarket and new transit car orders. There can be no assurance that economic conditions will be favorable or that there will not be significant fluctuations adversely affecting the industry as a whole and Wabtec.

Our backlog is not necessarily indicative of the level of our future revenues.

Our backlog represents future production and estimated potential revenue attributable to firm contracts with, or written orders from, our customers for delivery in various periods. Instability in the global economy, negative conditions in the global credit markets, volatility in the industries that our products serve, changes in legislative policy, adverse changes in the financial condition of our customers, adverse changes in the availability of raw materials and supplies, or un-remedied contract breaches could possibly lead to contract termination or cancellations of orders in our backlog or request for deferred deliveries of our backlog orders, each of which could adversely affect our cash flows and results of operations. For example, although the Company saw no material cancellations of backlog during the year ended December 31, 2021, the economic slowdown that was caused by COVID-19 did impact the timing of some orders in backlog as the delivery of goods and services previously expected to be completed in the current year were pushed out to subsequent periods.

Equipment failures, interruptions, delays in deliveries or extensive damage to our facilities, supply chains, distribution systems or information technology systems, could adversely affect our business.

All of our facilities, equipment, supply chains, distribution systems and information technology systems are subject to the risk of catastrophic loss due to unanticipated events, such as cyber attacks, disease outbreak, fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes or weather conditions. An interruption in our manufacturing capabilities, supply chains, distribution systems or information technology systems, whether as a result of such catastrophic loss or any other reason, could reduce, prevent or delay our production and shipment of our product offerings, result in defective products or services, damage customer relationships and our reputation and result in legal exposure and large repair or replacement expenses. This could result in the delay or termination of orders, the loss of future sales and a negative impact to our reputation with our customers.

Third-party insurance coverage that we maintain with respect to such matters will vary from time to time in both type and amount depending on cost, availability and our decisions regarding risk retention, and may be unavailable or insufficient to protect us against losses. Any of these risks coming to fruition could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Disruption of our supply chain could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Our ability to make, move, and sell our products is critical to our success. Damage or disruption to our supply chain, including third-party manufacturing or transportation and distribution capabilities, could impair our ability to manufacture or sell our products. Failure to take adequate steps to mitigate the likelihood or potential impact of disruptions, or to effectively manage such events if they occur, particularly when a product is sourced from a single supplier or location, could adversely affect our business or financial results. Due to the ongoing impacts and uncertainty of continued impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global government actions to contain it, some of our supply chains, particularly in China, India, the U.S., and Europe, have been, and continue to be, impacted. Supply chain disruptions and labor availability have caused component and chip shortages resulting in an adverse effect on the timing of the Company’s revenue generation. Additionally, broad-based inflation, escalation of metals and commodities costs, transportation and logistics costs and labor costs have all resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. There can be no assurance that there will not be further, or deeper, supply chain disruptions, or that the steps we are taking to mitigate such disruptions will be effective or achieve their desired results in a timely fashion.

In addition, disputes with significant suppliers, including disputes regarding pricing or performance, could adversely affect our ability to supply products to our customers and could materially and adversely affect our product sales, financial condition, and results of operations.

We intend to pursue acquisitions, joint ventures and alliances that involve a number of inherent risks, any of which may cause us not to realize anticipated benefits.

One aspect of our business strategy is to selectively pursue acquisitions, joint ventures and alliances that we believe will improve our market position and provide opportunities to realize operating synergies. These transactions involve inherent risks and uncertainties, any one of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition including:

  • difficulties in achieving identified financial and operating synergies, including the integration of operations, services and products;

  • diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns;

  • the assumption of unknown liabilities; and

  • unanticipated changes in the market conditions, business and economic factors affecting such an acquisition, joint venture or alliance.

We cannot assure that we will be able to consummate any future acquisitions, joint ventures or other business combinations. If we are unable to identify or consummate suitable acquisitions, joint ventures or alliances, we may be unable to fully implement our business strategy, and our business and results of operations may be adversely affected as a result. In addition, our ability to engage in such strategic transactions will be dependent on our ability to raise substantial capital, and we may not be able to raise the funds necessary to implement this strategy on terms satisfactory to us, if at all.

The integration of our recently completed acquisitions may not result in anticipated improvements in market position or the realization of anticipated operating synergies or may take longer to realize than expected.

Although we believe that our recent acquisitions will improve our market position and realize positive operating results, including operating synergies, operating expense reductions and overhead cost savings, we cannot be assured that these improvements will be obtained or the timing of such improvements. The management and acquisition of businesses involves substantial risks, any of which may result in a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations, including:

  • the uncertainty that an acquired business will achieve anticipated operating results;

  • significant expenses to integrate;

  • diversion of management’s attention from business operations to integration matters;

  • departure of key personnel from the acquired business;

  • effectively managing entrepreneurial spirit and decision-making;

  • integration of different information systems;

  • unanticipated costs and exposure to unforeseen liabilities; and

  • impairment of assets.

The effects of COVID-19 and other potential future public health crises, epidemics, pandemics or similar events on our business, operating results and cash flows are uncertain.

We face a wide variety of risks related to health epidemics, pandemics and similar outbreaks, including the global outbreak of COVID-19. Since first reported in late 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted the global health and economic environment, including millions of confirmed cases, business slowdowns or shutdowns, government challenges and market volatility of an unprecedented nature. Although we have, to date, managed to continue most of our operations, we cannot predict the future course of events nor can we assure that this global pandemic, including its economic impact, will not have a material adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows. The extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operational and financial performance remains uncertain and will depend on future pandemic related developments, including the duration of the pandemic, any potential subsequent waves of COVID-19 and new strains of the virus, the effectiveness, distribution and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines, and related government actions to prevent and manage disease spread, all of which are uncertain and cannot be predicted. Our operations may be further impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic if significant portions of our workforce are unable to work effectively, including because of illness, quarantines, travel restrictions or absenteeism; steps the company has taken to protect health and well-being; government actions; facility closures; work slowdowns or stoppages; inadequate supplies or resources (such as reliable personal protective equipment, testing and vaccines); or other circumstances related to COVID-19. Governments around the world have taken steps to mitigate some of the more severe anticipated economic effects, but there can be no assurance that such steps will be effective or achieve their desired results in a timely fashion.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in operational and supply chain disruptions for us and our customers and may further adversely affect operations and the operations of our customers and suppliers. Accordingly, COVID-19 had a materially adverse impact on our operations and business results for the years ended December 31, 2021, and 2020. Supply chain disruptions and shortages in labor availability have caused component and chip shortages, which have resulted in adverse effects on the timing of our revenue generation. Additionally, broad-based inflation, escalation of metals and commodities costs, transportation and logistics costs and labor costs have all resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic and have adversely impacted our business. We expect COVID-19 to continue to have a materially adverse impact on our operations and business results into 2022. The spread of COVID-19, and the emergence of new strains of the virus, have caused us to modify our business practices and to implement significant proactive measures to protect the health and safety of employees, and we may take further actions as may be required by government authorities or as we determine are appropriate under the circumstances. There is no certainty that such measures will be sufficient to mitigate the continued risks posed by the pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic and related volatility in financial markets and deterioration of national and global economic conditions could affect our business and operations in a variety of ways. For example, we have experienced and could experience further operational disruptions and financial losses as a result of the following:

  • a decrease in demand for our products as a result of COVID-19 and cost control measures implemented by our customers;

  • delays in orders or delivery of orders, the occurrence of which negatively impacts our cash conversion cycle and ability to convert our backlog into cash;

  • inability to collect full or partial payments from customers due to deterioration in customer liquidity, including customer bankruptcies;

  • a shutdown of one or multiple of our manufacturing facilities due to government restrictions or illness in connection with COVID-19.

The continued spread of COVID-19 has also led to disruption and volatility in the global capital markets, which depending on future developments may make it more costly or difficult for us to obtain debt or equity financing, including to refinance our existing debt, or to identify or execute on investment opportunities, in each case on terms and within time periods acceptable to us. We are also monitoring the impacts of COVID-19 on the fair value of our assets. While we do not currently anticipate any material impairments on our assets as a result of COVID-19, future changes in expectations for sales, earnings and cash flows related to intangible assets and goodwill below our current projections could cause these assets to be impaired.

We continue to work with our stakeholders (including customers, employees, suppliers and local communities) in an effort to address responsibly this global pandemic. We continue to monitor the situation, to assess further possible implications to our employees, business, supply chain and customers, and to take certain actions in an effort to mitigate various adverse consequences. However, uncertainty around general global economic and market conditions, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, will have an impact on our sales and operations in 2022 and beyond.

We expect that the longer the COVID-19 pandemic, including its economic disruption, continues, the greater the adverse impact on our business operations, financial performance and results of operations could be. Given the tremendous uncertainties and variables, we cannot at this time predict the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, or any future pandemic, but any one could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.

RISKS RELATED TO INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS

A growing portion of our sales may be derived from our international operations, which exposes us to certain risks inherent in doing business on an international level.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, approximately 60% of our consolidated net sales were to customers outside of the United States. We intend to continue to expand our international operations, including in emerging markets, in the future. Our global headquarters for the Transit group is located in France, and we conduct other international operations through a variety of wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries and joint ventures, including in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Italy, Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Spain, South Africa, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. As a result, we are subject to various risks, any one of which could have a material adverse effect on those operations and on our business as a whole, including:

  • lack of complete operating control;

  • lack of local business experience;

  • currency exchange fluctuations and devaluations;

  • restrictions on currency conversion or the transfer of funds or limitations on our ability to repatriate income or capital;

  • the complexities of operating within multiple tax jurisdictions;

  • foreign trade restrictions and exchange controls;

  • adverse impacts of international trade policies, such as import quotas, capital controls or tariffs;

  • difficulty enforcing agreements and intellectual property rights;

  • the challenges of complying with complex and changing laws, regulations, and policies of foreign governments;

  • the difficulties involved in staffing and managing widespread operations;

  • the potential for nationalization of enterprises;

  • economic, political and social instability;

  • possible local catastrophes, such as natural disasters and epidemics; and

  • possible terrorist attacks, conflicts and wars, including those against American interests.

Our exposure to the risks associated with international operations may intensify if our international operations expand in the future.

We may incur increased costs due to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates

In the ordinary course of business, we are exposed to increases in interest rates that may adversely affect funding costs associated with variable-rate debt and changes in foreign currency exchange rates. We are subject to currency exchange rate risk to the extent that our costs may be denominated in currencies other than those in which we earn and report revenues and vice versa. In addition, a decrease in the value of any of these currencies relative to the U.S. dollar could reduce our profits from non-U.S. operations and the translated value of the net assets of our non-U.S. operations when reported in U.S. dollars in our consolidated financial statements. We may seek to minimize these risks through the use of interest rate swap contracts and currency hedging agreements. There can be no assurance that any of these measures will be effective. Material changes in interest or exchange rates could result in material losses to us.

We have substantial operations located in emerging markets, and are subject to regulatory, economic, social and political uncertainties in such markets.

We have substantial operations located in emerging markets, such as Brazil, India, Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Operations in such emerging markets are inherently risky due to a number of regulatory, economic, social and political uncertainties. These risks include economies that may be dependent on only a few products and are therefore subject to significant fluctuations, weak legal systems which may affect our ability to enforce contractual rights, possible exchange controls, unstable governments, nationalization or privatization actions or other government actions affecting the flow of goods and currency.

Significant changes in economic and regulatory policy in emerging countries as well as social or political uncertainties could significantly harm business and economic conditions in these markets generally and could disproportionately impact the rail industry, which could adversely affect our business and prospects in these markets.

In addition, physical and financial infrastructure may be less developed in some emerging countries than that of many developed nations. Any disruptions with respect to banking and financial infrastructure, communication systems or any public facility, including transportation infrastructure, could disrupt our normal business activity. Such disruptions could interrupt our business operations and significantly harm our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

RISKS RELATED TO MACRO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND POLICIES

Prolonged unfavorable economic and market conditions could adversely affect our business.

Unfavorable general economic and market conditions in the United States and internationally, particularly in our key end markets, could have a negative impact on our sales and operations. To the extent that these factors result in continued instability of capital markets, shortages of raw materials or component parts, longer sales cycles, deferral or delay of customer orders or an inability to market our products effectively, our business and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

We may be exposed to raw material shortages, supply shortages and fluctuations in raw material, energy and commodity prices.

We purchase energy, steel, aluminum, copper, rubber and rubber-based materials, chemicals, polymers and other key manufacturing inputs from outside sources, and traditionally have not had long-term pricing contracts with our pure raw material suppliers. The costs of these raw materials have been volatile historically and are influenced by factors that are outside our control. If we are unable to pass increases in the costs of our raw materials on to our customers, experience a lag in our ability to pass increases to our customers, or operational efficiencies are not achieved, our operating margins and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

Our businesses compete globally for key production inputs. In addition, we rely upon third-party suppliers, including certain single-sourced suppliers, for various components for our products. In the event of a shortage or discontinuation of certain raw materials or key inputs, we may experience challenges sourcing certain of our components to meet our production requirements and may not be able to arrange for alternative sources of certain raw materials or key inputs. Any such shortage may materially adversely affect our competitive position versus companies that are able to better or more cheaply source such raw materials or key inputs.

Changes to international trade policies, including tariffs and foreign trade restrictions, could adversely affect our business.

As a global transportation company, we generate export sales from our U.S. operations and also derive international sales through our foreign subsidiaries, licensees and joint ventures. We also do business with industry suppliers located in various international markets. A protectionist trade environment in either the United States or those foreign countries in which we do business, such as a change in the current tariff structures, export compliance or other trade policies, may adversely affect our business. In particular, such policies may impact or delay our customers' investments in our products, reduce the competitiveness of our products in certain markets, and inhibit our ability to cost-effectively purchase necessary inputs from certain suppliers. In addition, to the extent developments in international trade relations result in reduced global trade or slower growth in global trade, it is likely that this would result in reductions in investment in freight and transit rail.

International trade policies are affected by a diverse array of factors, including global and national economic and political conditions, which make it impossible for us to predict future developments regarding tariffs and other trade restrictions. Although we actively monitor developments in international trade and proactively engage in efforts to mitigate the effect of trade policies, there can be no guarantee that these efforts will be successful.

LEGAL AND REGULATORY RISKS

We are subject to a variety of laws and regulations, including anti-corruption laws, in various jurisdictions.

We are subject to various laws, rules and regulations administered by authorities in jurisdictions in which we do business, such as the anti-corruption laws of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the French Law n° 2016-1691 (Sapin II) and the U.K. Bribery Act, relating to our business and our employees. We are also subject to other laws and regulations governing our international operations, including regulations administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security, the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, and various non-U.S. government entities, including applicable export control regulations, economic sanctions on countries and persons, customs requirements, currency exchange regulations, and transfer pricing regulations. Despite our policies, procedures and compliance programs, our internal controls and compliance systems may not be able to protect us from prohibited acts willfully committed by our employees, agents or business partners that would violate such applicable laws and regulations. Any such improper acts could

damage our reputation, subject us to civil or criminal judgments, fines or penalties, and could otherwise disrupt our business, and as a result, could materially adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

In addition, our manufacturing operations are subject to safety, operations, maintenance and mechanical standards, rules and regulations enforced by various federal and state agencies and industry organizations both domestically and internationally. Our business may be adversely impacted by new rules and regulations or changes to existing rules or regulations, which could require additional maintenance or substantial modification or refurbishment of certain of our products or could make such products obsolete or require them to be phased out prior to their useful lives. We are unable to predict what impact these or other regulatory changes may have, if any, on our business or the industry as a whole. We cannot assure that costs incurred to comply with any new standards or regulations will not be material to our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We are subject to a variety of environmental laws and regulations.

We are subject to a variety of increasingly stringent environmental laws and regulations governing discharges to air and water, substances in products, the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous or solid waste materials and the remediation of contamination associated with releases of hazardous substances. We have incurred, and will continue to incur, both operating and capital costs to comply with environmental laws and regulations, including costs associated with the clean-up and investigation of some of our current and former properties and offsite disposal locations. We believe our operations currently comply in all material respects with all of the various environmental laws and regulations applicable to our business; however, there can be no assurance that environmental requirements will not change in the future or that we will not incur significant costs to comply with such requirements. Failure to comply with environmental laws and regulations could have significant consequences on our business and results of operations, including the imposition of substantial fines and sanctions for violations, injunctive relief (including requirements that we limit or cease operations at affected facilities), and reputational risk.

In addition, certain of our products are subject to extensive, and increasingly stringent, statutory and regulatory requirements governing, e.g., emissions and noise, including standards imposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the European Union and other regulatory agencies around the world. We have made, and will continue to make, significant capital and research expenditures relating to compliance with these standards. The successful development and introduction of new and enhanced products in order to comply with new regulatory requirements are subject to other risks, such as delays in product development, cost over-runs and unanticipated technical and manufacturing difficulties. In addition to these risks, the nature and timing of government implementation and enforcement of these standards-particularly in emerging markets-are unpredictable and subject to change.

Future climate change regulation could result in increased operating costs, affect the demand for our products or affect the ability of our critical suppliers to meet our needs.

Management believes it is reasonably likely that the scientific and political attention to issues concerning the existence and extent of climate change, and the role of human activity in it, will continue, with the potential for further regulation that affects the company’s operations. The potential challenges posed by evolving climate change policy and prospective legislation are heavily dependent on the nature and degree of climate change legislation and the extent to which it applies to our industry. Although uncertain, these developments could increase costs or reduce the demand for the products the company sells. The company’s production and processing operations typically result in emissions of greenhouse gases. Likewise, emissions arise from midstream and downstream operations, including operations of our locomotives and other products. Finally, although beyond the control of the company, the use of fuels and related products by operators also results in greenhouse gas emissions that may be regulated. International agreements, domestic legislation and regulatory measures to limit greenhouse gas emissions are currently in various phases of discussion or implementation. While we are carefully monitoring developments and reviewing the challenges associated with alternative proposals, at this time, we cannot predict the ultimate impact of climate change and climate change legislation on our operations. Further, when or if these impacts may occur cannot be assessed until legislative policy is more developed and specific legislative proposals begin to take shape. Any laws or regulations that may be adopted to restrict or reduce emissions of greenhouse gas could require us to incur increased operating costs and could have an adverse effect on demand for our products. In addition, the price and availability of certain of the raw materials that we use could vary in the future as a result of environmental laws and regulations affecting our suppliers. An increase in the price of our raw materials or a decline in their availability could adversely affect our operating margins or result in reduced demand for our products.

The occurrence of litigation in which we are, or could be, named as a defendant is unpredictable.

From time to time, we are subject, directly or through our subsidiaries, to litigation or other commercial disputes and other legal and regulatory proceedings with respect to our business, customers, suppliers, creditors, stockholders, product liability (including, asbestos claims), intellectual property infringement, competition and antitrust claims, warranty claims or environmental-related matters.

Due to the inherent uncertainties of any litigation, commercial disputes or other legal or regulatory proceedings, we cannot accurately predict their ultimate outcome, including the outcome of any related appeals. We may incur significant expense to defend or otherwise address current or future claims. Although we maintain insurance policies for certain risks, we cannot make assurances that this insurance will be adequate to protect us from all material judgments and expenses related to potential future claims or that these levels of insurance will be available in the future at economical prices or at all. In addition, although in some cases we may be indemnified by non-affiliated entities that retain liabilities in connection with specific matters, there can be no assurance that these indemnitors will remain financially viable and capable of satisfying their obligations.

Any litigation, even a claim without merit, could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Our manufacturer’s warranties or product liability may expose us to potentially significant claims.

We warrant the workmanship and materials of many of our products. Accordingly, we are subject to a risk of product liability or warranty claims in the event that the failure of any of our products results in personal injury or death or does not conform to our customers’ specifications. In addition, in recent years, we have introduced a number of new products for which we do not have a history of warranty experience. Although we currently maintain liability insurance coverage, we cannot assure that product liability claims, if made, would not exceed our insurance coverage limits or that insurance will continue to be available on commercially acceptable terms, if at all. The possibility exists for these types of warranty claims to result in costly product recalls, significant repair costs and damage to our reputation.

RISKS RELATED TO DATA SECURITY AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

If we are not able to protect our intellectual property and other proprietary rights, we may be adversely affected.

Our success can be impacted by our ability to protect our intellectual property and other proprietary rights. We rely primarily on patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets and unfair competition laws, as well as license agreements and other contractual provisions, to protect our intellectual property and other proprietary rights. However, filing, prosecuting and defending patents on our products in all countries and jurisdictions throughout the world would be prohibitively expensive. Moreover, existing U.S. legal standards relating to the validity, enforceability and scope of protection of intellectual property rights offer only limited protection, may not provide us with any competitive advantages and may be challenged by third parties. The laws of countries other than the United States may be even less protective of intellectual property rights. As a result, a significant portion of our technology is not patented, and we may be unable or may not seek to obtain patent protection for this technology. Further, although we routinely conduct anti-counterfeiting activities in multiple jurisdictions, we have encountered counterfeit reproductions of our products or products that otherwise infringe on our intellectual property rights. Counterfeit components of low quality may negatively impact our brand value. Accordingly, despite our efforts, we may be unable to prevent third parties from infringing upon, counterfeiting or misappropriating our intellectual property or otherwise gaining access to our technology. If we fail to protect our intellectual property and other proprietary rights, then our business, results of operations and financial condition could be negatively impacted.

In addition, we operate in industries in which there are many third-party owners of intellectual property rights. Owners of intellectual property that we need to conduct our business as it evolves may be unwilling to license such intellectual property rights to us on terms we consider reasonable. Third party intellectual property owners may assert infringement claims against us based on their intellectual property portfolios. If we are sued for intellectual property infringement, we may incur significant expenses investigating and defending such claims, even if we prevail.

We face cybersecurity and data protection risks relating to cyber-attacks and information technology failures that could cause loss of confidential information and other business disruptions.

We rely extensively on the security, stability, and availability of technology systems in our business. We also collect, process, and retain sensitive and confidential customer information, including proprietary business information, personal data and other information that may be subject to privacy and security laws, regulations and/or customer-imposed data protection controls. Our business may be adversely impacted by unintentional technology disruptions, including those resulting from programming errors, employee operational errors, software defects, and product vulnerabilities.

We also provide technological products integral to train operation. Accordingly, our business may be adversely impacted by disruptions to our own or third-party information technology infrastructure, which could result from cybersecurity incidents, including, but not limited to, unauthorized access to the Company’s information technology systems, data access or acquisition, and/or encryption of the Company’s environment. For instance, one of our vendors publicly disclosed vulnerabilities in its operating system that we use for certain Wabtec products. A successful exploitation of our own or our vendors’ information technology infrastructure could result in service interruptions, safety hazards, misappropriation of confidential information, process failures, security breaches or other operational difficulties. Such an event could result in decreased revenues and increased capital, insurance or operating costs, including the increased costs of security to protect the

Company’s infrastructure, among other results. Insurance maintained by the Company to protect against loss of business and other related consequences resulting from cyber incidents may not be sufficient to cover all damages. A disruption or compromise of the Company’s technology systems, even for short periods of time, could have a material adverse effect.

RISKS RELATED TO HUMAN CAPITAL

Labor shortages and labor disputes may have a material adverse effect on our operations and profitability.

We depend on skilled labor in our manufacturing and other businesses. Due to the competitive nature of the labor markets in which we operate, we may not be able to retain, recruit and train the personnel we require, particularly when the economy expands, production rates are high or competition for such skilled labor increases.

We collectively bargain with labor unions at some of our operations throughout the world. Failure to reach an agreement could result in strikes or other labor protests which could disrupt our operations. Furthermore, non-union employees in certain countries have the right to strike. If we were to experience a strike or work stoppage, it would be difficult for us to find a sufficient number of employees with the necessary skills to replace these employees. We cannot assure that we will reach any such agreement or that we will not encounter strikes or other types of conflicts with the labor unions of our personnel.

Any such labor shortages or labor disputes could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition, could cause us to lose revenues and customers and might have permanent effects on our business.

We rely on our management team and other key personnel.

We depend on the skills, working relationships, and continued services of key personnel, including our experienced management team, and other key employees. In addition, our ability to achieve our operating goals depends on our ability to identify, hire, train, and retain qualified individuals. We compete with other companies both within and outside of our industry for talented personnel, and we may lose key personnel or fail to attract, train, and retain other talented personnel. Any such loss or failure could adversely affect our product sales, financial condition, and operating results. If we lose key personnel, because they terminate their employment or retire, or as a result of illness, disability or death, or if an insufficient number of employees is retained to maintain effective operations, our business activities may be adversely affected and our management team's attention may be diverted. In addition, we may not be able to locate suitable replacements for any key personnel that we lose, or we may not be able to hire potential replacements on reasonable terms, all of which could adversely affect our product sales, financial condition, and operating results.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR INDEBTEDNESS

Our indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health.

At December 31, 2021, we had total debt of $4.1 billion, primarily related to Senior Notes. Being indebted could have important consequences to us. For example, our indebtedness could:

  • increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

  • require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes;

  • limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industries in which we operate;

  • place us at a disadvantage compared to competitors that have less debt; and

  • limit our ability to borrow additional funds.

Moreover, our Credit Agreement and the indentures governing our senior notes permit us to incur substantial additional indebtedness, which may further contribute to, or exacerbate the impact of, the foregoing impacts.

The indentures for our outstanding senior notes and our Credit Agreement contain various covenants that limit our management’s discretion in the operation of our businesses.

Our Credit Agreement subjects us to customary (i) affirmative covenants, including requirements with respect to certain reporting obligations on us and our subsidiaries, and (ii) negative covenants, including limitations on: indebtedness; liens; restricted payments; fundamental changes (including certain changes in control); business activities; transactions with affiliates; restrictive agreements; changes in fiscal year; and use of proceeds. In addition, we are required to maintain (i) a ratio of EBITDA to interest expense of at least 3.00 to 1.00 over each period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ending on the last day of a fiscal quarter and (ii) a Leverage Ratio, calculated as of the last day of a fiscal quarter for a period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, of 3.25 to 1.00 or less; provided that, in the second quarter of 2021, the Credit Agreement was amended so that we may, upon our request, increase the maximum Leverage Ratio to (x) 3.75 to 1.00 at the end of the fiscal quarter in which our acquisition of Nordco was consummated and each of the three fiscal quarters immediately following such fiscal quarter and (y)

3.50 to 1.00 at the end of each of the fourth and fifth full fiscal quarters after the consummation of such acquisition. The Company has not requested any such increase in the leverage ratio at this time.

The indentures under which our Senior Notes were issued contain covenants and restrictions which limit, subject to certain exceptions, certain sale and leaseback transactions with respect to principal properties, the incurrence of secured debt without equally and ratably securing the senior notes and certain merger and consolidation transactions. In addition, the indentures require that we offer to repurchase our outstanding Senior Notes upon the occurrence of certain change of control triggering events.

Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

Item 2. PROPERTIES

Facilities

The following table provides certain summary information about the principal facilities owned or leased by the Company as of December 31, 2021. The Company believes that its facilities and equipment are generally in good condition and that, together with scheduled capital improvements, they are adequate for its present and immediately projected needs. Leases on the facilities are mainly long-term and generally include options to renew.

LocationPrimary UseSegmentOwn/LeaseApproximate Square Feet
Domestic
Erie, PAManufacturing/Warehouse/OfficeFreightOwn3,800,000
Grove City, PAManufacturing/WarehouseFreightOwn486,000
Wilmerding, PAManufacturing/ServiceFreightOwn365,000(1)
Salem, VAManufacturingFreightOwn320,000
Justin, TexasManufacturing/WarehouseFreightOwn305,000
Fort Worth, TexasManufacturing/WarehouseFreightOwn304,000
Houston, TexasManufacturing/ServiceFreightOwn280,000
Hanover Park, IllinoisManufacturingFreightLease250,000
Pittsburgh, PAOfficeGlobal HQLease84,000
International
Shenyang, ChinaManufacturing/Warehouse/OfficeTransitOwn336,000
Doncaster, UKManufacturingTransitOwn330,000
Changzhou, ChinaManufacturingTransitOwn316,000
Northampton, UKManufacturingFreightLease300,000
Shenyang City, ChinaManufacturingTransitLease291,000
Piossasco, ItalyManufacturingTransitOwn301,000
Burton-on-Trent, UKManufacturing/OfficeTransitLease260,000
Bangalore, IndiaManufacturingFreight/TransitLease168,000

(1)Approximately 250,000 square feet are currently used in connection with the Company’s manufacturing operations. The remainder is leased to a third party.

Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Information with respect to legal proceedings is included in Note 18 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report and incorporated by reference herein.

Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

PART II

Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The Common Stock of the Company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “WAB.” As of February 11, 2022, there were 185,290,114 shares of Common Stock outstanding held by approximately 109,650 holders of record.

The Company has historically paid quarterly dividends to shareholders, subject to quarterly approval by our Board of Directors, currently at a rate of approximately $111 million annually. The declaration and payment of future dividends are at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

The following performance graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference to any future filings under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent that Wabtec specifically incorporates it by reference into such filing. The graph below compares the total stockholder return through December 31, 2021, of Wabtec’s common stock to (i) the S&P 500 and (ii) our peer group of manufacturing companies which consists of the following publicly traded companies: AGCO, AMETEK, CSX, Cummins, Dover, Emerson Electric, Fortive, Howmet Aerospace, Illinois Tool Works, Norfolk Southern, Oshkosh, Parker-Hannifin, Rockwell Automation, Terex, Textron, The Greenbrier Companies, Trinity Industries, and Xylem.

wab-20211231_g1.jpg

Issuer Purchases of Common Stock
MonthTotal Number of Shares PurchasedAverage Price Paid per ShareTotal Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs (1)Maximum Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Programs (1) In millions
October 2021—$——$300
November 20211,048,036$95.401,048,036$200
December 2021—$——$200
Total quarter ended December 31, 20211,048,036$95.401,048,036$200

(1) On February 10, 2022, the Board of Directors increased its stock repurchase authorization to increase the amount available for stock repurchases to $750 million of the Company’s outstanding shares. This new stock repurchase authorization supersedes the previous authorization of $500 million, of which $151 million remained at the reauthorization date. No time limit was set for the completion of the program which conforms to the requirements under the Senior Credit Facility and the Senior Notes currently outstanding. The Company may repurchase shares in the future at any time, depending upon market conditions, our capital needs and other factors. Purchases of shares may be made by open market purchases or privately negotiated purchases and may be made pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 plan or otherwise.

Item 6. [RESERVED]

Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

Wabtec is one of the world’s largest providers of locomotives, value-added, technology-based equipment, systems and services for the global freight rail and passenger transit industries. Our highly engineered products, which are intended to enhance safety, improve productivity and reduce maintenance costs for customers, can be found on most locomotives, freight cars, passenger transit cars and buses around the world. Our core products and services are essential in the safe and efficient operation of freight rail and passenger transit vehicles. Wabtec is a global company with operations in over 50 countries and our products can be found in more than 100 countries throughout the world. In 2021, approximately 60% of the Company’s net sales came from customers outside the U.S.

Wabtec’s long-term financial goals are to drive strong cash flow conversion, maintain a strong credit profile while minimizing our overall cost of capital, increase margins through strict attention to cost controls, drive improved efficiencies across the business, and increase revenues through a focused growth strategy, including product innovation and new technologies, global and market expansion, aftermarket products and services, and acquisitions. In addition, Management evaluates the Company’s current operational performance through measures such as safety, quality and on-time delivery.

The Company primarily serves the worldwide freight and transit rail industries. As such, our operating results are largely dependent on the level of activity, financial condition and capital spending plans of railroads and passenger transit agencies around the world, and transportation equipment manufacturers who serve those markets. Many factors influence these industries, including general economic conditions; traffic volumes, as measured by freight carloads and passenger ridership; government spending on public transportation; and investment in new technologies. In general, trends such as increasing urbanization, a focus on sustainability and environmental awareness, an aging equipment fleet, and growth in global trade are expected to drive continued investment in freight and transit rail.

The Company monitors a variety of factors and statistics to gauge market activity. Freight rail markets around the world are driven primarily by overall economic conditions and activity, while Transit markets are driven primarily by government funding and passenger ridership. Changes in these market drivers can cause fluctuations in demand for Wabtec's products and services.

Business Update

The COVID-19 pandemic has continued to impact our sales channels, supply chain, manufacturing operations, workforce and other key aspects of our operations. The Company continues to monitor the situation and guidance from international and domestic authorities, including federal, state, and local public health authorities; however, there are numerous uncertainties, including the duration and severity of the pandemic, availability and effectiveness of vaccines, impact of variants of the disease, actions that may be taken by governmental authorities and private industry, including preventing or curtailing the operations of our plants, the potential impact on global economic activity, global supply chain operations, our employees, our customers, suppliers and end-markets and other consequences that could negatively impact our business. We also face the possibility that government policies may become more restrictive especially if COVID-19 transmission rates increase in certain areas. As a result of these numerous uncertainties, we are unable to specifically predict the extent and length of time the COVID-19 pandemic will negatively impact our business.

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the uncertainty around global economic and market conditions, which impacts our sales and operations. To the extent that these factors cause, or exacerbate, instability of capital markets, shortages of raw materials or component parts, longer sales cycles, deferral or delay of customer orders or an inability to market our products effectively, our business and results of operations could be materially adversely affected, and the materially adverse impacts that we have experienced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic could continue or worsen. In addition, we face risks associated with our growth strategy including the level of investment that customers are willing to make in new technologies developed by the industry and the Company, and risks inherent in global expansion. When necessary, we will modify our financial and operating strategies to address changes in market conditions and risks.

Although the U.S. and other international governments deemed rail transportation as “critical infrastructure” providing essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic, the COVID-19 pandemic had a materially adverse impact on our operations and business results for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, which is discussed in more detail in the Results of Operations section below. Supply chain disruptions and labor availability have caused component, raw material and chip shortages resulting in an adverse effect on the timing of the Company’s revenue generation. Additionally, broad-based inflation, escalation of metals and commodities costs, transportation and logistics costs and labor costs have all resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company has implemented various mitigating actions to lessen the impact of supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These actions include price escalations in long-term contracts, implementing price surcharges, driving operational efficiencies through various cost mitigation efforts and discretionary spend management,

strategic sourcing alignments, and accelerating integration synergies where possible. The Company expects to continue to realize these increased costs over the next few quarters.

Uncertainty around general global economic and market conditions, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, will have an impact on our sales and operations in 2022 and beyond. To the extent that these factors cause instability of capital markets, supply chain disruptions including shortages of raw materials or component parts, labor availability, longer sales cycles, deferral or delay of customer orders, or an inability to market our products effectively, our business and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Cybersecurity Exposure

During the third quarter 2021, one of our vendors publicly disclosed vulnerabilities in one of its operating systems that is used in a range of products across the rail sector and other industries, including in certain Wabtec products. In response, Wabtec reviewed its digital onboard locomotive products and locomotive control systems to determine which products may be affected and the potential impact to Wabtec, our customers and other relevant parties. To date, we are unaware of any exploitation of these vulnerabilities; however, we are working closely with our vendor to appropriately address potentially impacted products. Additionally, we have communicated with potentially affected customers and discussed mitigation strategies.

ACQUISITIONS

Wabtec acquired Nordco, a leading North American supplier of new, rebuilt and used maintenance of way equipment, on March 31, 2021, and GE Transportation, a former business unit of GE, on February 25, 2019. For additional information related to these acquisitions refer to Note 3 of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Consolidated Results

2021 COMPARED TO 2020

The following table shows our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years indicated.

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Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

All market risk sensitive instruments were entered into for non-trading purposes.

Interest Rate Risk

In the ordinary course of business, Wabtec is exposed to risks that increases in interest rates may adversely affect funding costs associated with its available variable-rate debt facilities. At December 31, 2021, the Company's interest risk related to variable-rate debt is limited to the amounts borrowed under the Multi-Currency Revolving credit facility. At

December 31, 2021, the Company had no outstanding variable rate debt. The Company’s variable rate debt represented 15% of total debt at December 31, 2020.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

The Company is exposed to certain risks associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates to the extent our operations are conducted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. To reduce the impact of changes in currency exchange rates, the Company has periodically entered into foreign currency forward contracts. Refer to “Financial Derivatives and Hedging Activities” in Notes 2, 17 and 20 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report for more information regarding foreign currency exchange risk and sales by geographic area.

Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Financial statements and supplementary data are set forth in Item 15 of Part IV hereof.

Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

There have been no disagreements with our independent registered public accountants.

Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Wabtec’s principal executive officer and its principal financial officer have evaluated the effectiveness of Wabtec’s “disclosure controls and procedures,” (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of December 31, 2021. Based upon their evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that Wabtec’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by Wabtec in the reports filed or submitted by it under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by Wabtec in such reports is accumulated and communicated to Wabtec’s Management, including its principal executive officer and principal finance officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There was no change in Wabtec’s “internal control over financial reporting” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2021, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Wabtec’s internal control over financial reporting. Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting and the attestation report of the registered public accounting firm are included in Part IV, Item 15 of this report.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appears on page 51 and is incorporated by reference herein.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Ernst & Young LLP's attestation report on internal control over financial reporting appears on page 54 and is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

Item 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS

Not applicable.

PART III

Items 10 through 14.

In accordance with the provisions of General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K, the information required by 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) and Item 14 (Principal Accounting Fees and Services) is incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 18, 2022, except for the Equity Compensation Plan Information required by Item 12, which is set forth in the table below. The definitive Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after December 31, 2021. Information relating to the executive officers of the Company is set forth in Part I.

Wabtec has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics which is applicable to all of our employees, including our executive officers. This Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is posted on our website at www.wabteccorp.com. In the event that we make any amendments to or waivers from this code, we will disclose the amendment or waiver and the reasons for such on our website.

This table provides aggregate information as of December 31, 2021 concerning equity awards under Wabtec’s compensation plans and arrangements.

Plan Category(a) Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights(b) Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options warrants and rights(c) Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders1,267,169$75.406,399,200
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders———
Total1,267,169$75.406,399,200

PART IV

Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

The financial statements, financial statement schedules and exhibits listed below are filed as part of this annual report:

Page
(1)Financial Statements and Reports on Internal Control
Management’s Reports to Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation Shareholders51
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 42, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)52
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting54
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 202055
Consolidated Statements of Income for the three years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 201956
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 201957
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 201958
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the three years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 201959
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements60
(2)Financial Statement Schedules
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts90
Filing Method
Exhibits
2.1Shareholder's Agreement among Financiere Faiveley S.A., FW Acquisition, LLC, and Wabtec Corporation dated as of October 6, 201513
2.2Amendment No. 1 to Shareholder's Agreement among Financiere Faiveley S.A., Famille Faiveley Participations, Francois Faiveley, Erwan Faiveley, and Wabtec Corporation dated as of dated as of October 24, 201614
2.3Employee Matters Agreement among General Electric Company, Transportation Systems Holdings Inc., Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation and Wabtec US Rail, Inc.21
2.4**Tax Matters Agreement among General Electric Company, Transportation Systems Holdings Inc., Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation and Wabtec US Rail, Inc.21
3.1Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company dated January 30, 1995, as amended December 31, 20039
3.2Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated May 14, 201311
3.3Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company, effective February 11, 20218
3.4Certificate of Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated November 19, 201822
3.5Certificate of Designations of Series A Non-Voting Convertible Preferred Stock of Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation, dated February 22, 201921
4.1Indenture, dated August 8, 2013 by and between the Company and Wells Fargo, National Association, as Trustee12
4.2First Supplemental Indenture, dated August 8, 2013, by and between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee12
4.3Form of 4.375% Senior Note due 2023 (included in Exhibit 4.2)12
4.4Second Supplemental Indenture, dated November 3, 2016, by and among Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation, the subsidiary guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee15
4.5Third Supplemental Indenture, dated November 3, 2016, by and among Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation, the subsidiary guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee15
4.6Form of 3.450% Senior Note due 2026 (included in Exhibit 4.5)15
4.7Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated February 9, 2017, by and among Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation, the subsidiary guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee16
4.8Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated April 28, 2017, by and among Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation, the subsidiary guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee17
4.9[Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated June 21, 2017, by and among Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation, the subsidiary guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/943452/000119312517231307/d326636

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Item 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY

Not applicable.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

WESTINGHOUSE AIR BRAKE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
Date:February 17, 2022By:/S/ RAFAEL SANTANA
Rafael Santana,
President and Chief Executive Officer, and Director

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 Company and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature and TitleDate
By/S/ ALBERT J. NEUPAVERFebruary 17, 2022
Albert J. Neupaver, Chairman of the Board
By/S/ RAFAEL SANTANAFebruary 17, 2022
Rafael Santana, President and Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
By/S/ JOHN A. OLINFebruary 17, 2022
John A. Olin, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
By/S/ JOHN A. MASTALERZFebruary 17, 2022
John A. Mastalerz, Senior Vice President and Principal Accounting Officer
By/S/ WILLIAM E. KASSLINGFebruary 17, 2022
William E. Kassling, Lead Director
By/S/ LEE BANKSFebruary 17, 2022
Lee Banks, Director
By/S/ BYRON FOSTERFebruary 17, 2022
Byron Foster, Director
By/S/ LEE B. FOSTER, IIFebruary 17, 2022
Lee B. Foster, II, Director
By/S/ LINDA A. HARTYFebruary 17, 2022
Linda A. Harty, Director
By/S/ BRIAN P. HEHIRFebruary 17, 2022
Brian P. Hehir, Director
By/S/ MICHAEL W. D. HOWELLFebruary 17, 2022
Michael W. D. Howell, Director
By/S/ ANN R. KLEEFebruary 17, 2022
Ann R. Klee, Director