Why Greenbrier Companies Shares Jumped Today

Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of Greenbrier Companies jumped 12% today after the railroad freight car equipment maker reported earnings.

So what: Revenue was $484.2 million in the fourth quarter and earnings came in at $22.5 million, or $0.69 per share. The top line was lighter than the $523.4 million analysts expected, but earnings easily topped a $0.60 estimate from Wall Street and that's why shares are higher today.

Now what: Management also sees growth in 2014 with deliveries exceeding 15,000 units, revenue of more than $2 billion, and earnings in a range of $2.45-$2.70 per share. Diversification into new markets should take some of the volatility out of revenue, something management has focused on recently. Shares trade at 11 times the top end of next year's estimates, and if execution continues like this I think a lot of upside remains for investors.

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The article Why Greenbrier Companies Shares Jumped Today originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Travis Hoium has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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