How Greenbrier Companies (GBX) Is Growing Rail Earnings Through Margin Expansion, Record Lease Utilization, and a $2 Billion Backlog

Greenbrier Companies Inc. (NYSE:GBX) is one of the Best Railroad Stocks to Invest In According to Billionaires. As of Q1 2026, 11 billionaires held the stock.

How Greenbrier Companies (GBX) Is Growing Rail Earnings Through Margin Expansion, Record Lease Utilization, and a $2 Billion Backlog

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On July 1, Greenbrier reported third-quarter results that showed a mixed but useful picture for rail equipment. Aggregate gross margin improved 230 basis points sequentially to 14.1%, while the owned lease fleet grew 23% sequentially to 20,600 units. Lease fleet utilization remained strong at 99%, and the company received new railcar orders for 2,200 units valued at $340 million. Its backlog stood at 13,800 units with an estimated value of $2.0 billion as of May 31. That is the kind of update that works for a railroad-stock list because it links railcar manufacturing, leasing, and replacement demand within a single business. Greenbrier is not a Class I rail operator, but its order book and leasing utilization are closely tied to freight rail capital spending and shippers’ equipment needs.

Greenbrier Companies Inc. (NYSE:GBX) supplies equipment and services to global freight transportation markets, including railcar manufacturing, leasing, fleet management, maintenance, parts, and related railcar services.\

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