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GBX vs WAB
Which Stock Would AI Choose? The Greenbrier Companies (GBX) vs. Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies (WAB) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- GBX is a cyclical railcar manufacturer facing a low-volume order environment, with recent revenue and earnings declines and a lowered fiscal 2026 outlook.
- WAB (Wabtec) is a diversified rail equipment, digital, and services company reporting double-digit sales and adjusted EPS (earnings per share) growth alongside a record backlog.
- The two names occupy different ends of the rail value chain: GBX leans on new railcar manufacturing, while WAB is weighted toward higher-margin services, digital solutions, and international projects.
- Momentum currently favors WAB, which has outperformed its industry over the past year, while GBX has seen sentiment soften amid guidance revisions and a CEO succession announcement.
- Risk profiles differ sharply: GBX offers a low valuation and steady dividend but cyclical exposure, while WAB carries a premium valuation with strong backlog visibility.
Introduction
Investors evaluating the rail and freight-transportation equipment sector often weigh a pure-play manufacturer against a diversified industrial-technology leader. This stock comparison examines GBX and WAB, two companies linked to the same industry but positioned very differently. The Greenbrier Companies designs and builds freight railcars, while Wabtec (Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies) supplies locomotives, digital systems, and aftermarket services worldwide. Understanding their relative performance, market positioning, and growth drivers can help both value-oriented investors and momentum-focused traders assess which business model is better aligned with current market conditions.
GBX Overview and Recent Performance
GBX, The Greenbrier Companies, is an international supplier of freight railcar equipment and services, operating through Manufacturing and Leasing & Fleet Management segments across North America, Europe, and Brazil. Recent market activity has reflected a cyclical slowdown in new railcar demand. In its fiscal second quarter, Greenbrier reported net earnings of $15 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, on revenue of $587.5 million, with EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) of $61 million.
Management has characterized the period as resilient in a low-volume environment, but has revised fiscal 2026 guidance lower to reflect a more gradual production ramp-up and a shift of some deliveries into fiscal 2027. The company has continued to raise its dividend and grow its lease fleet, but softer order timing has weighed on sentiment. Adding to the narrative, CEO Lorie Tekorius announced plans to retire in early 2027, with Brian Comstock set to succeed her, a transition that has drawn investor attention amid already fading share-price momentum.
WAB Overview and Recent Performance
WAB, operating as Wabtec, is a leading global provider of locomotives, rail equipment, digital solutions, and aftermarket services for the freight and transit rail industries, with a history spanning more than 155 years. Its recent performance has been notably stronger than GBX's. In its latest quarters, Wabtec posted double-digit sales growth and raised its full-year adjusted EPS guidance, while its multi-year backlog climbed to roughly $30.9 billion, up over 40% year over year.
Growth has been supported by acquisitions, higher locomotive deliveries, and a more than $700 million services agreement in Africa that extends the company's international footprint. Wabtec also increased its dividend and completed a substantial share repurchase program, reinforcing shareholder returns. Investors have rewarded the stock with significant outperformance relative to its industry over the past year, though its premium valuation reflects elevated expectations that leave less room for execution missteps.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The core contrast between these two stocks is business-model diversification. GBX is more concentrated in new railcar manufacturing, making its earnings sensitive to cyclical order volumes and industrial demand. WAB spans equipment, services, digital solutions, and transit markets, with a large installed base that generates recurring aftermarket revenue and smoother growth visibility.
On growth drivers, WAB benefits from services expansion, modernization programs, and international rail infrastructure investment, while Greenbrier's drivers hinge on new railcar orders and lease-fleet growth. Recent momentum clearly favors WAB, which has outperformed its sector, whereas GBX has faced downward pressure from reduced guidance and a leadership transition. Risk factors also diverge: Greenbrier trades at a low earnings multiple and offers an established dividend, but carries cyclical downside; Wabtec commands a premium valuation supported by a record backlog, leaving it more exposed to execution or multiple-compression risk. In terms of market sentiment, analyst posture is generally more constructive on WAB and more cautious on GBX.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor WAB in the current environment. The stock exhibits stronger trend consistency, positive earnings revisions, and clear catalysts in the form of a growing backlog, services contracts, and international expansion. GBX, by contrast, is navigating softer order timing, downward guidance adjustments, and a management transition, which reduce the probability of near-term trend continuation despite its attractive valuation and dividend support. While no model can predict outcomes with certainty, the balance of momentum, stability, and growth visibility currently points toward WAB as the higher-conviction candidate, with GBX better suited to investors focused specifically on cyclical value and income.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is GBX is a Hold and WAB is a Hold.
GBX in -3.84% downward trend, declining for three consecutive days on October 20, 2026
Moving lower for three straight days is viewed as a bearish sign. Keep an eye on this stock for future declines. Considering data from situations where GBX declined for three days, in 227 of 307 cases, the price declined further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 74%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Aroon Indicator for GBX entered a downward trend on October 22, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where GBX's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 26 of 38 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 68%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 32 of 53 cases where GBX's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 60%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 22, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on GBX as a result. In 45 of 78 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for GBX just turned positive on October 22, 2026. Looking at past instances where GBX's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 31 of 46 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
Following a +3.11% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where GBX advanced for three days, in 218 of 310 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
GBX may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 7 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 44 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: GBX's P/B Ratio (0.741) is slightly lower than the industry average of (3.814). P/E Ratio (10.862) is within average values for comparable stocks, (15.531). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.330) is also within normal values, averaging (7.261). Dividend Yield (0.036) settles around the average of (0.026) among similar stocks. GBX's P/S Ratio (0.515) is slightly lower than the industry average of (3.592).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 65 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 77 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly worse than average price growth. GBX’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 79 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 95 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. GBX’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 61, placing this stock worse than average.
WAB in downward trend: price dove below 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026
WAB moved below its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 21 of 40 similar past instances, the stock price decreased further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 52%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 25 of 58 cases where WAB's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 43%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 22, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on WAB as a result. In 47 of 90 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 52%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for WAB turned negative on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 56 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 23 of the 56 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 41%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where WAB declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 44%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
Following a +0.38% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where WAB advanced for three days, in 222 of 347 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
WAB may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 238 of 341 cases where WAB Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 70%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 4 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 61, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 15 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 43 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. WAB’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 65 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly weaker than average sales and a marginally profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 91 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (4.352) is normal, around the industry mean (3.814). WAB has a moderately high P/E Ratio (38.787) as compared to the industry average of (15.531). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (4.700) is also within normal values, averaging (7.261). Dividend Yield (0.004) settles around the average of (0.026) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.934) is also within normal values, averaging (3.592).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 95 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
GBX | WAB | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 70 | 89 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 44 Fair valued | 91 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 95 | 4 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 79 | 65 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 77 | 43 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 7 | 15 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 65 | 90 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
GBX's Valuation (44) in the Trucks Or Construction Or Farm Machinery industry is somewhat better than the same rating for WAB (91). This means that GBX’s stock grew somewhat faster than WAB’s over the last 12 months.
WAB's Profit vs Risk Rating (4) in the Trucks Or Construction Or Farm Machinery industry is significantly better than the same rating for GBX (95). This means that WAB’s stock grew significantly faster than GBX’s over the last 12 months.
WAB's SMR Rating (65) in the Trucks Or Construction Or Farm Machinery industry is in the same range as GBX (79). This means that WAB’s stock grew similarly to GBX’s over the last 12 months.
WAB's Price Growth Rating (43) in the Trucks Or Construction Or Farm Machinery industry is somewhat better than the same rating for GBX (77). This means that WAB’s stock grew somewhat faster than GBX’s over the last 12 months.
GBX's P/E Growth Rating (7) in the Trucks Or Construction Or Farm Machinery industry is in the same range as WAB (15). This means that GBX’s stock grew similarly to WAB’s over the last 12 months.
| GBX | WAB | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 68% | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 60% | 1 day ago 43% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 58% | 1 day ago 52% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 67% | 1 day ago 41% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 70% | 1 day ago 51% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 70% | 1 day ago 52% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 70% | 10 days ago 64% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 74% | 3 days ago 44% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 59% | 1 day ago 60% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 71% | 1 day ago 70% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
GBX’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while WAB’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- GBX’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- WAB’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
GBX’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while WAB’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- GBX’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
- WAB’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 2 bearish.
Price Growth
GBX (@Railroads) experienced а -3.97% price change this week, while WAB (@Railroads) price change was -3.92% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Railroads industry was -0.49%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -4.87%, and the average quarterly price growth was +2.09%.
Reported Earning Dates
GBX is expected to report earnings on Oct 26, 2026.
WAB is expected to report earnings on Feb 17, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Railroads (-0.49% weekly)The Railroad industry includes passenger and freight transportation services along rail lines. This also includes companies that provide maintenance and switching duties as part of rail services. Within North America, the industry is largely dominated by some large operators. Several short-line railroads serve regional and local routes. Union Pacific Corporation, Canadian National Railway Company, and CSX Corporation are some of the prominent names in the business. The railroad business is relatively cyclical; economic expansion boost the freight services in particular, while economic stagnation often dampens transportation demand.
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GBX and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, GBX has been loosely correlated with TRN. These tickers have moved in lockstep 60% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if GBX jumps, then TRN could also see price increases.
WAB and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, WAB has been loosely correlated with CSX. These tickers have moved in lockstep 46% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if WAB jumps, then CSX could also see price increases.