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Variable Interest Entities
9 Months Ended
May 31, 2012
Variable Interest Entities

Note 15 – Variable Interest Entities

In March 2012, the Company formed a special purpose entity that purchased a 1% interest in three trusts (the “Trusts”) which are 99% owned by a third party. The Company has agreed to sell 1,363 railcars, subject to operating leases, for $115.4 million to the Trusts. This transaction is expected to close in three tranches with the first occurring in May 2012 and the last to occur no later than March 2013.

Gains and losses will be allocated between the Company and the third party equal to their respective ownership interest in the Trusts, with the exception that the Company may be entitled to receive a small portion of excess rent if the actual performance of the Trusts exceeds a target rate of return.

The Company is required to contribute $8.0 million of cash collateral, which is funded ratably as each tranche is closed, into restricted cash accounts to support the railcar portfolio meeting a target rate of return. If the actual return is less than the target return, the third party may withdraw amounts in the restricted cash accounts at certain intervals based on predetermined criteria.

In connection with this transaction, the Company entered into an agreement to provide administrative and remarketing services to the Trusts. The agreement is currently set to expire in March 2033. The Company also entered into an agreement to provide maintenance services to the Trusts during the initial lease term of the railcars. The Company will receive management and maintenance fees under each of the aforementioned agreements.

As of May 31, 2012, the Company has sold 743 railcars to the Trusts for an aggregate value of $61.1 million for which the Company has an obligation, up to a maximum amount of $4.2 million, to support the railcar portfolio meeting a target minimum rate of return. This obligation expires in March 2033. This $4.2 million, which is held in restricted cash, was recorded as a reduction in revenue on the sale of 600 new railcars and a reduction in gain on sale on the sale of the 143 used railcars with a credit to deferred revenue.

The Company has evaluated this relationship under ASC 810-10 and has concluded that the Trusts qualify as variable interest entities and that the Company is not the primary beneficiary. The Company will not consolidate the Trusts and will account for the investments under the equity method of accounting.

As of May 31, 2012, the carrying amount of the Company’s investment in the Trust is $0.6 million which is recorded in Intangibles and Other Assets, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.