WAB 10-K Analysis: The Hidden 17.5% Margin Behind $461M in M&A Charges
Wabtec reported $6.83 in GAAP EPS for FY2025 — but $461M of acquisition charges obscure a business generating 56% incremental gross margins and 17.5% adjusted operating margins. Meanwhile, $735M of off-balance-sheet working capital tools make the cash conversion cycle look 14 days better than it actually is. We apply a three-layer 'Acquisition Opacity Framework' to reveal the real economics behind the largest locomotive maker's most aggressive M&A year.