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Columbus McKinnon Corporation

cmco · NASDAQ Industrials
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Industry Agricultural - Machinery
Employees 3515
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FY2018 Annual Report · Columbus McKinnon Corporation
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FISCAL YEAR 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Material Handling - Easily and Safely 

Columbus  McKinnon  (NASDAQ:  CMCO)  is  a  leading  worldwide  designer, 
manufacturer and marketer of motion control products, technologies, systems 
and services that efficiently and ergonomically move, lift, position and secure 
materials.   

Headquartered in Buffalo, New York, our key products include hoists, cranes, 
actuators, rigging tools, light rail work stations, and digital power and motion 
control systems.   We  are  focused  on commercial  and  industrial applications 
that  require  the  safety  and  quality  provided  by  our  superior  design  and 
engineering know-how. 

Financial Summary 

(in thousands, except per share, margin and ratio data)

Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

Income Statement Data

Net sales 
Gross profit 
Gross margin
Income from operations
Operating margin 
Net income 
Net income per diluted share 
Non-GAAP adjusted net income per diluted share1

Balance Sheet Data

Total assets 
Total liabilities 
Total debt 
Total debt, net of cash 
Total shareholders’ equity 
Total debt/capitalization
Total debt, net of cash/net total capitalization

Other Data

Operating cash flow 
Depreciation and amortization
Capital expenditures
Working capital (excl. cash and debt)/sales 2 3 4
Days sales outstanding 4
Inventory turns 4
Employees

$

839,419
284,574

$

637,123
192,932

$

597,103
187,263

33.9 %

70,099

8.4 %

22,065
0.95
2.01

$
$

30.3 %

25,973

4.1 %

8,984
0.43
1.47

$
$

$ 1,142,446
734,217
363,318
300,297
408,229

$

$ 1,113,843
772,493
421,319
343,728
341,350

$

47.1 %
42.4 %

55.2 %
50.2 %

$

$

69,661
36,136
(14,515)

$

$

60,450
25,162
(14,368)

17.9 %
54.3
3.7
3,328

18.6 %
46.2
4.1
3,380

$
$

$

$

$

$

31.4 %

40,570

6.8 %

19,579
0.96
1.72

772,851
486,542
267,632
216,029
286,309

48.3 %
43.0 %

52,645
20,531
(22,320)

21.5 %
49.2
3.6
2,896

$

$
$

$

$

$

$

579,643
181,607

31.3 %

54,648

9.4 %

27,190
1.34
1.81

566,324
297,605
126,712
63,656
268,719

32.0 %
19.2 %

38,254
14,562
(17,243)

20.8 %
49.2
4.0
2,747

$

$
$

$

$

$

$

583,290
181,048

31.0 %

54,350

9.3 %

30,421
1.52
1.74

598,674
307,388
152,293
39,984
291,286

34.3 %
12.1 %

29,507
13,380
(20,846)

21.7 %
52.9
4.5
2,626

1 The Company b elieves that non-GAAP adjusted net income per diluted share is a meaningful measure of financial performance in comparing period-to-period results.  Please 
see the tab le at the b ack of this report for a reconciliation of GAAP net income per diluted share to non-GAAP adjusted net income per diluted share.  This information should b e 
considered in addition to, b ut not as a sub stitute for, other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP.
2 FY2015 working capital/sales excludes the impact of the Stahlhammer Bommern acquisition, which closed on Decemb er 30, 2014.
3 FY2016 working capital/sales excludes the impact of the Magnetek acquisition, which closed on Septemb er 2, 2015.
4 FY2017 working capital/sales, days sales outstanding and inventory turns exclude the impact of the STAHL acquisition, which closed on January 31, 2017.

 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales by Geographic Market 

Sales by Product Category 

Latin America & 
Asia Pacific 

Canada

4%

10%

Engineered 
Products 

~10%

Europe, 
Middle 
East & 
Africa 

33%

53%

U.S. 

Crane 
Solutions 

~45%

~45%

Industrial 
Products 

FY2018 Sales:  $839.4 million 

Industrial Products    
• Manual Chain Hoist   
• Electric Chain Hoist   
• Rigging / Clamps 
• Industrial Winches 
• High Capacity Hooks 

Crane Solutions 
• Cranes, Wire Rope Hoists
• Drives and Controls   
• Crane Kits & Components
• Jibs, Workstations 

Engineered Products 
• Linear & Mechanical Actuators 
• Lifting Tables 
• Rail & Road Lifting Systems 
• Actuation Systems 

Backlog 
 (in millions) 

 Cash Flow   
 from Operations    
      (in millions)     

Total Debt,  
  Net of Cash 

                                       (in millions)  

$177.4

$154.5

$69.7

$60.5

$52.6

$343.7

$300.3

$216.0

$98.6

$86.8 $85.2

$38.3

$29.5

$63.7

$40.0

'14

'15

'16

'17

'18

'14

'15

'16

'17

'18

'14

'15

'16

'17

'18

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
         
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
   
 
 
              
             
 
Dear Shareholders,  

We had an exceptionally strong year in fiscal 2018, supported by healthy industrial conditions globally 
and the actions we took to regain market share and drive growth.  Revenue was up 32% to $839 million, 
including the acquisition of STAHL CraneSystems, which closed in January 2017.  Organic revenue 
growth, excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange, was a notable 7%.   

Solid execution drove margin expansion as well.  Adjusted operating margin1 expanded to 9.6% 
compared with 7.8% in the prior year.  Net income was $22.1 million.  Excluding the impact related to  
the acquisition, changes in the tax law and other unusual items, adjusted net income2 was up 52% to  
$46.8 million.  On a per diluted share basis, adjusted net income was $2.01, up from $1.47 in fiscal 2017.   

Empowering our improvements was the decision to narrow our focus in fiscal 2018 to the areas that 
would deliver the best results for us:   

(cid:120)  STAHL value creation:  We exceeded our goal of $5 million in synergies.   

(cid:120)  Leverage Magnetek technology:  We launched the full-featured Lodestar smart hoist, ideally 

suited to address the industrial automation trend.  

(cid:120)  Strengthen our core:  We improved product availability and reduced lead times.  

(cid:120)  Pay down debt:  We surpassed our initial $45 million to $50 million goal and paid down  

$60 million in debt, reducing our net leverage ratio to 2.6x at fiscal year-end.  

Importantly, we established our business operating system:  E-PAS™ (Earnings Power Acceleration 
System).  A critical element of strengthening our core, E-PAS enabled decision-making that both 
facilitated growth at a faster pace than the market and better conversion to the bottom line.   
Building a Better Business Model:  Blueprint 2021 

We offer a strong value proposition.  We hold the leading position in attractive end markets in the U.S. 
and Latin America, and are not far behind the leaders in Europe.  Our brands are trusted in the markets 
we serve and provide exceptionally strong customer retention.  However, to create a business model 
that provides a stronger earnings profile and opportunity for greater growth, we needed a roadmap that 
will lead to a more customer-focused organization, creating greater value for our shareholders.   

With the introduction of our new strategy, Blueprint 2021, we have set the direction for furthering our 
pivot into an industrial technology company through a three-phased process.  Our strategy is to 
transform into a high-performing industrial technology company and to increase our earnings power  
by self-funding select key initiatives.   

Phase I: Get Control and Achieve Results delivered the outstanding results of fiscal 2018, which 
were a validation of our overall strategy and an indication of the strength of our approach.   

Phase II is focused on Operational Excellence and Profitable Growth.  We initiated actions under 
this phase in the latter half of fiscal 2018.  Activities in fiscal 2019 will be focused on this phase.  

Phase III of the plan is about Business Development.  Our vision is to become a leading industrial 
technology company in intelligent, safe and productive motion control.  During this phase, we will 
assess our current product portfolio and identify where we can be an active consolidator of fragmented 

1 See the reconciliation of non-GAAP operating income and margins to GAAP operating income and margins in  
   the tables included in this annual report. 
2 See the reconciliation of non-GAAP net income to GAAP net income in the tables included in this annual report. 

 
 
 
                                                           
niche markets for the positioning and control of materials.  This phase will include the disposition of 
assets that are not aligned with our vision or business profile.   
Advancing Phase II:  Four Focus Areas for Fiscal 2019 

1. 

Simplify the business: In November 2017, we restructured the Company into three product 
groups.  We looked from the customer back to assess how we can be more responsive to 
customers and be in the best position to identify solutions that address their most challenging 
problems in motion control for material handling.  Encompassing our global focus, our new 
structure is comprised of the following: 

o 

Industrial Products 

o  Crane Solutions 

o  Engineered Products 

We plan to further simplify our business through product line and platform rationalization.  We 
currently support an overly complicated product offering that has been put together over many 
years from the consolidation of the hoist industry, especially in the U.S.  In fact, the proliferation of 
our products is confusing to our customers and has driven a higher cost structure.  As an example 
of simplification, we expect to leverage a global wire rope hoist platform to streamline our products, 
which we believe will resonate well with our customers and capture greater market share.  

Success will be recognized by achieving EBITDA3 margins greater than 15% throughout market 
cycles and delivering returns on invested capital in the double digits.   

Improve productivity:  We plan to exceed our original objective of $11 million in synergies from 
the STAHL acquisition and provide an incremental $4 million in annual savings.  By simplifying  
the organization and leveraging STAHL’s product platform and go-to-market strategy, we expect 
to achieve our $15 million goal while creating a more profitable business model.    

This effort should result in lower material costs, reduced labor requirements, improved working 
capital utilization and shortened product lead times.  We believe that expanding gross margin 
and free cash flow will validate our success in this focus area.  

Ramp the growth engine:  Future growth will be driven by focusing on solving tough customer 
problems.  To do a good job of addressing customer needs, we must leverage online resources 
for ease of doing business.  We will also incorporate relevant technologies that enable higher 
yield, better productivity and improved safety.  This includes how we go to market, how we 
interface with customers, and the value added capabilities of the products we develop.  This has 
everything to do with investing in the right technologies and positioning the business for growth. 

Our measure of success will be in the level and quality of inquiries, our response time with 
quotes, and the contribution of new products and engineered-to-order products to sales growth.   

Transform the culture:  Columbus McKinnon is undergoing significant change and this 
involves a great deal of commitment by our team.  We have defined our mission and vision, and 
established new values that we must embrace to fully execute our strategy.  While it may 
appear simple, the intensity to affect this change is not easy, although we are making excellent 
progress.  We applaud our team for their effort and dedication to the Company, to our 
customers and to the strong legacy of value that Columbus McKinnon represents.  

2. 

3. 

4. 

3 EBITDA is defined as adjusted earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization. 

 
 
                                                           
We expect fiscal 2019 to be another strong year, but not without its challenges.  It is a critical year for 
effective execution in order to position us for Phase III of Blueprint 2021, where we further drive toward 
a high-performing industrial technology company.  

In parallel with significant initiatives in the business, your Board of Directors has been advancing our 
governance plans.  This included elimination of the shareholder rights agreement and the plurality 
voting policy.  The Board has also been systematically implementing its long-term succession plan to 
provide for continuity and to enable a composition best suited not only for now, but well into the future.  
Within the last year, we have appointed new Audit Committee and Compensation Committee Chairs, 
due to the planned retirement of Stephen Rabinowitz at our Annual Meeting in July.  Stephen has been 
a great contributor over the 14 years he has served on our Board and we appreciate the wisdom and 
experience he has provided.  Two new directors, Kathy Roedel and Aziz Aghili, are already in place, 
bringing additional diversity and critical skill sets that support our current and future direction.  In 
addition, we have rotations planned for the Governance Chair and Board Chair positions later this year.  
We believe we are well positioned to provide both the leadership and oversight needed for success as 
we continue executing our business strategy. 

These are exciting times for Columbus McKinnon and we hope you share in our excitement.   

Sincerely,  

Mark D. Morelli 
President and  
Chief Executive Officer 

June 7, 2018 

Ernest R. Verebelyi 
Chairman of the Board of Directors 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEC FORM 10-K 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This page intentionally left blank. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(FEE REQUIRED)

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018 

Commission file number 0-27618
_________________

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

New York
(State of Incorporation)

16-0547600
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

205 Crosspoint Parkway
Getzville, New York 14068
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(716) 689-5400
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
_________________

Securities pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act:
NONE

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value (and rights attached thereto)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities 

Act.   Yes   

     No   

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the 

Exchange Act.   Yes   

   No   

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to 
file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes 

  No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every 
Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 
12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes 

  No 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is 
not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information 
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K    
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a 
smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in 
Rule 12b-2 of the Act.

.

1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Large accelerated filer  
Non-accelerated filer 
Emerging Growth Company 

Accelerated filer 
Smaller reporting company 

If an Emerging Growth Company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period 
for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange 
Act. 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).        Yes 

   No 

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of September 30, 2017 (the second 
fiscal quarter in which this Form 10-K relates) was approximately $868 million, based upon the closing price of the Company’s 
common shares as quoted on the Nasdaq Stock Market on such date. The number of shares of the Registrant’s common stock 
outstanding as of May 25, 2018 was 23,090,255 shares.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Registrant’s proxy statement for its 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the Registrant’s fiscal year ended 
March 31, 2018 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.

2

   
   
   
   
     
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K

This annual report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 
1995. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results to 
differ materially from the results expressed or implied by such statements, including general economic and business conditions, 
conditions affecting the industries served by us and our subsidiaries, conditions affecting our customers and suppliers, competitor 
responses to our products and services, the overall market acceptance of such products and services, the integration of acquisitions 
and other factors set forth herein under “Risk Factors.” We use words like “will,”  “may,”  “should,” “plan,”  “believe,”  “expect,” 
“anticipate,”  “intend,”  “future”  and  other  similar  expressions  to  identify  forward  looking  statements.  These  forward  looking 
statements speak only as of their respective dates and we do not undertake and specifically decline any obligation to publicly 
release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect any future events or circumstances 
after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated changes. Our actual operating results 
could differ materially from those predicted in these forward-looking statements, and any other events anticipated in the forward-
looking statements may not actually occur.

3

 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I

Item 1.     Business

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

Item 2.    Properties

Item 3.    Legal Proceedings

Item 4.     Mine Safety Disclosures

Part II           

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity

Securities

Item 6.   Selected Financial Data

Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

  Item 7A    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Item 8.       Financial Statements and Supplemental Data

Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Item 9B.  Other Information

Part III.

Item 10.   Directors and Executive Officers of Registrant

Item 11.    Executive Compensation

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Item 13.         Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Item 14.        Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Part IV

Item 15  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

4

5

12

15

16

17

17

18

20

22

33

34

87

87

89

89

89

89

89

89

90

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.   

Business

General

PART I

Columbus  McKinnon  is  a  leading  worldwide  designer,  manufacturer  and  marketer  of  motion  control  products,  technologies, 
systems and services that efficiently and ergonomically move, lift, position and secure materials. Key products include hoists, 
cranes, actuators, rigging tools, light rail work stations, and digital power and motion control systems. The Company is focused 
on commercial and industrial applications that require the safety and quality provided by its superior design and engineering know-
how. Our products are used for mission critical industrial applications where we have established trusted brands with significant 
customer retention. Our targeted market verticals includes general industrial, construction and infrastructure, mining, oil & gas, 
energy, aerospace, transportation, automotive, heavy equipment manufacturing and entertainment.

In the U.S., we are the market leader for hoists and material handling drive systems, our principal line of products, as well as 
certain chain, forged fittings, and actuator products. We have achieved this leadership position through strategic acquisitions, our 
extensive, diverse, and well-established distribution channels and our commitment to product innovation and quality. We believe 
the breadth of our product offering and expansive distribution channels provide us a strategic advantage in our markets. Additionally, 
we believe we are the market leader for manual hoist and actuator products in Europe.  Our market leadership and strong brands 
enable us to sell more products than our competition through our extensive distribution channels in the U.S. and Europe.  The 
acquisition of STAHL CraneSystems (STAHL) in fiscal 2017, which is well renowned for its custom engineering of lifting solutions 
and hoisting technology, advanced our position as a global leader in the production of explosion-protected hoists. STAHL serves 
independent crane builders and Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) firms, providing products to a variety of end 
markets including automotive, general manufacturing, oil and gas, steel and concrete, power generation, as well as process industries 
such as chemical and pharmaceuticals.

Our business strategy, Blueprint 2021, is a three-phased strategy to increase the earnings power of the company and transform us 
into a growth-oriented industrial technology company. The goal of our strategy is to increase our earnings power and expand 
EBITDA margins, as well as improve our Return on Invested Capital. Phase I, which began early in fiscal 2018, was focused on 
attaining operational control and instilling a performance based culture to drive results. We formed four teams of cross-functional 
experts (tiger teams) to address specific areas:

•  Grow the North American core business, 
•  Leverage the Magnetek acquisition, 
•  Create value with the STAHL acquisition, and 
• 

Pay down debt incurred as a result of the STAHL acquisition. 

We also instituted a new operating system, Earnings Power Acceleration or “E-PAS™.” E-PAS™ includes a set of tools that we 
will use to improve the efficiency of our business and deliver meaningful profit improvement.

We completed Phase I during fiscal 2018. In doing so, we believe we grew market share in the U.S. and achieved $6 million of 
synergies related to the STAHL acquisition. In addition, we introduced several new products incorporating smart hoist technologies 
and repaid $60 million of our long-term debt.

We began Phase II of the strategy in November 2017.  This phase is focused on operational excellence and profitable growth and 
is  about  simplifying  the  business  structure  and  product  platforms,  improving  operating  performance,  and  focusing  our  R&D 
expenditures to grow profitably. Investment in R&D will advance our smart hoist technology and enhance our customers’ digital 
experience so we can capitalize on the automation megatrend. We expect to double R&D expenditures by fiscal 2021 from fiscal 
2017  levels,  including  approximately  $5  million  related  to  STAHL.  Research  and  development  costs  were  $13,617,000, 
$10,482,000, and $7,393,000 in fiscal years 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

Phase III of the strategy is centered on business development including the assessment of our current product portfolio as well as 
an acquisition strategy to advance our transformation into a leading industrial technology company. Our acquisitions of Magnetek, 
Inc. and STAHL and our efforts to leverage their technology are well aligned with our transformation efforts.  We have demonstrated 
our ability to acquire companies and achieve significant synergies and growth.  We will look for acquisitions in the material 
handling and motion control markets.  We believe the automation megatrend will provide a deep pipeline of attractive, high margin 
companies that will continue to transform us.  

5

 
Our business is cyclical in nature and sensitive to changes in general economic conditions, including changes in industrial capacity 
utilization, industrial production, and general economic activity indicators, like GDP growth. Both U.S. and Eurozone capacity 
utilization are leading market indicators for our Company.

 Business Description

ASC Topic 280 “Segment Reporting” establishes the standards for reporting information about operating segments in financial 
statements.   We provide our products and services through one operating and reportable segment.

We design, manufacture, and distribute a broad range of material handling products for various applications. Products include a 
wide variety of electric, air-powered, lever, and hand hoists, hoist trolleys, explosion-protected hoists, winches, industrial crane 
systems such as steel bridge, gantry, and jib cranes, and aluminum work stations; alloy and carbon steel chain; forged attachments, 
such as hooks, shackles, textile slings, clamps, and load binders; mechanical and electromechanical actuators and rotary unions; 
below-the-hook special purpose lifters and tire shredders; power and motion control systems, such as AC and DC drive systems, 
radio remote controls, push button pendant stations, brakes, and collision avoidance and power delivery subsystems. These products 
are typically manufactured for stock or assembled to order from standard components and are sold primarily through a variety of 
commercial distributors and to a lesser extent, directly to end-users. The acquisition of STAHL brings market leadership with 
independent  crane  builders  and  EPC  firms.  The  diverse  end-users  of  our  products  are  in  a  variety  of  industries  including 
manufacturing,  power  generation  and  distribution,  utilities,  wind  power,  warehouses,  commercial  construction,  oil  and  gas 
exploration and refining, petrochemical, marine, ship building, transportation and heavy duty trucking, agriculture, logging and 
mining. We also serve a niche market for the entertainment industry including permanent and traveling concerts, live theater, and 
sporting venues. 

Products

Of our fiscal 2018 sales, $443,433,000 or 53% were U.S. and $395,986,000 or 47% were non-U.S. The following table sets forth 
certain sales data for our products, expressed as a percentage of net sales for fiscal 2018 and 2017:

Hoists
Chain and rigging tools
Digital power control and delivery systems
Actuators and rotary unions
Industrial cranes
Elevator application drive systems
Other

Fiscal Years Ended
March 31,

2018

2017

63%
10
10
9
4
3
1
100%

56%
11
12
11
5
3
2
100%

Hoists - We manufacture a wide variety of electric chain hoists, electric wire rope hoists, hand-operated hoists, winches, lever 
tools, and air-powered hoists. Load capacities for our hoist product lines range from one-eighth of a ton to nearly 140 tons with 
the acquisition of STAHL. These products are sold under our Budgit, Chester, CM, Coffing, Little Mule, Pfaff, Shaw-Box, Yale, 
STAHL, and other recognized brands. Our hoists are sold for use in numerous general industrial applications, as well as for use 
in the construction, energy, mining, food services, entertainment, and other markets. We also supply hoist trolleys, driven manually 
or by electric motors, that are used in conjunction with hoists.

We also offer several lines of standard and custom-designed, below-the-hook tooling, clamps, and textile strappings. Below-the-
hook tooling, textile, and chain slings and associated forgings, and clamps are specialized lifting apparatus used in a variety of 
lifting activities performed in conjunction with hoisting or lifting applications.

STAHL primarily manufactures explosion-protected hoists and custom engineered hoists, including wire rope and manual and 
electric chain hoists. STAHL products are sold to a variety of end markets including automotive, general manufacturing, oil and 
gas, steel and concrete, power generation as well as process industries such as chemical and pharmaceuticals.

6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chain and Rigging Tools -   We manufacture alloy and carbon steel chain for various industrial and consumer applications. U.S. 
federal regulations require the use of alloy chain, which we first developed, for overhead lifting applications because of its strength 
and wear characteristics. A line of our alloy chain is sold under the Herc-AlloyTM brand name for use in overhead lifting, pulling, 
and restraining applications. In addition, we also sell specialized load chain for use in hoists, as well as three grades and multiple 
sizes of carbon steel welded-link chain for various load securing and other non-overhead lifting applications.

We produce a broad line of alloy and carbon steel closed-die forged chain attachments, including hooks, shackles, HammerloksTM, 
and master links. These forged attachments are used in chain, wire rope, and textile rigging applications in a variety of industries, 
including transportation, mining, construction, marine, logging, petrochemical, and agriculture. 

In addition, we manufacture carbon steel forged and stamped products, such as load binders, logging tools, and other securing 
devices, for sale to the industrial and logging markets through industrial distributors, hardware distributors, mass merchandiser 
outlets, and OEMs.

Digital Power Control and Delivery Systems - Through our fiscal 2016 acquisition of Magnetek, we are a leading provider of 
innovative power control and delivery systems and solutions for overhead material handling applications used in a number of 
diverse industries, including aerospace, automotive, steel, aluminum, paper, logging, mining, ship loading, nuclear power plants, 
and heavy movable structures. We are a major supplier in North America of power and motion control systems, which include AC 
and DC drive systems, radio remote controls, push button pendant stations, brakes, and collision avoidance and power delivery 
subsystems. While we sell primarily to OEMs of overhead cranes and hoists, we spend a great deal of effort understanding the 
needs of end users to gain specification. We can combine our products with engineered services to provide complete customer-
specific systems solutions.

We are also a leading independent supplier of AC and DC digital motion control systems for underground coal mining equipment. 
Our systems are used in coal hauling vehicles, shuttle cars, scoops, and other heavy mining equipment. 

Actuators and Rotary Unions -    Through our Duff-Norton and Pfaff divisions, we design and manufacture industrial components 
such as mechanical and electromechanical actuators and rotary unions. Actuators are linear motion devices used in a variety of 
industries, including the transportation, paper, steel, energy, aerospace, and many other commercial industries. Rotary unions are 
devices that transfer a liquid or gas from a fixed pipe or hose to a rotating drum, cylinder or other device. Rotary unions are used 
in a variety of industries including pulp and paper, printing, textile and fabric manufacturing, rubber, and plastic.

Industrial Cranes -   We participate in the crane industry, predominately in the U.S. market, but also globally in certain product 
offerings, through our offering of overhead steel jib and gantry cranes.  Our products are marketed under the Unified, CES, Abell-
Howe, and Washington Equipment brands. Crane builders represent a specific distribution channel for electric wire rope hoists, 
chain hoists, and other crane components.  We also manufacture and market overhead aluminum light rail workstations primarily 
used in automotive and other industrial applications. 

Elevator Application Drive Systems - We design, build, sell, and support elevator application-specific drive products that efficiently 
deliver power used to control motion, primarily in high-rise, high-speed elevator applications. We are recognized as an industry 
leader for DC high-performance elevator drives, as well as for AC drives used with low- and high-performance traction elevators, 
due to our extensive application expertise and product reliability. Our elevator product offerings are comprised of highly integrated 
subsystems and drives, sold mainly to elevator OEMs. In addition, our product options include a number of regenerative controls 
for both new building installations and elevator modernization projects that help building owners save energy. 

Other -   This category primarily includes tire shredders.  We have developed and patented a line of heavy equipment that shred 
whole tires, for use in recycling the various components of a tire including rubber and steel. These recycled products are used as 
aggregate for playgrounds, sports surfaces, landscaping, and other such applications, as well as scrap steel.

Distribution and Markets

Our distribution channels include a variety of commercial distributors. In addition, we sell overhead bridge, jib, and gantry cranes 
and aluminum light rail systems, as well as certain motion technology products directly to end-users. The following describes our 
global distribution channels:

General Distribution Channels -   Our global general distribution channels consist of:

—  

Industrial  distributors  that  serve  local  or  regional  industrial  markets  and  sell  a  variety  of  products  for 
maintenance repair, operating, and production, or MROP, applications through their own direct sales force.

7

 
 
 
 
 
 
—   Rigging shops that are distributors with expertise in rigging, lifting, positioning, and load securing. Most 
rigging shops assemble and distribute chain, wire rope and synthetic slings, and distribute manual hoists 
and attachments, chain slings, and other products.

—  

Independent crane builders that design, build, install, and service overhead crane and light-rail systems for 
general industry and also distribute a wide variety of hoists and crane components. We sell electric wire 
rope  hoists  and  chain  hoists  as  well  as  crane  components,  such  as  end  trucks,  trolleys,  drives,  and 
electrification systems to crane builders.

Specialty Distribution Channels -   Our global specialty distribution channels consist of:

—   National and regional distributors that market a variety of MROP supplies, including material handling 
products,  either  exclusively  through  large,  nationally  distributed  catalogs,  or  through  a  combination  of 
catalog, internet, and branch sales and a field sales force. 

—   Material  handling  specialists  and  integrators  that  design  and  assemble  systems  incorporating  hoists, 
overhead rail systems, trolleys, scissor lift tables, manipulators, air balancers, jib arms, and other material 
handling products to provide end-users with solutions to their material handling problems.

—   Entertainment equipment distributors that design, supply, and install a variety of material handling and 

rigging equipment for concerts, theaters, ice shows, sporting events, convention centers, and night clubs.

Pfaff International Direct -   Our German-based Pfaff business markets and sells most of its actuators directly to end-users, 
providing an additional method to market for us in the European region.

Crane End-Users -   We market and sell overhead bridge, jib and gantry cranes, parts and service to end-users through our wholly 
owned crane builder, Crane Equipment & Service, Inc. (“CES”). CES includes the Abell-Howe and Washington Equipment brands. 
CES designs, manufactures, installs, and services a variety of cranes with capacities up to 100 tons.

Service-After-Sale  Distribution  Channel  -   Service-after-sale  distributors  include  our  authorized  network  of  18  chain  repair 
service stations and over 221 certified hoist service and repair stations globally. This service network is designed for easy parts 
and service access for our large installed base of hoists and related equipment in that region.

OEM/Government Distribution Channels -    This channel consists of:

—   OEMs that supply various component parts directly to other industrial manufacturers as well as private 
branding and packaging of our traditional products for material handling, lifting, positioning, and special 
purpose applications.

—   Government agencies, including the U.S. and Canadian Navies and Coast Guards, that primarily purchase 
load securing chain and forged attachments. We also provide our products to the U.S. and other governments 
for a variety of military applications.

Independent Crane Builders and Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) firms -   In addition to the Distribution 
channels mentioned above, STAHL sells explosion-protected hoists and custom engineered off-standard hoists to independent 
crane builders and EPC firms. Independent crane builders are lifting solution developers and final crane assemblers that source 
hoists as components. EPC firms are responsible for project management or construction management of production facilities that 
purchase lifting solutions from crane and hoist builders.

Backlog

Our backlog of orders at March 31, 2018 was approximately $177,387,000 compared to approximately $154,450,000 at March 
31, 2017. Our orders for standard products are generally shipped within one week. Orders for products that are manufactured to 
customer specifications are generally shipped within four to twelve weeks. Given the short product lead times, we do not believe 
that the amount of our backlog of orders is a reliable indication of our future sales.  Fluctuations in backlog can reflect the project 
oriented nature of certain aspects of our business.

8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Competitive Conditions

The material handling industry remains fragmented. We face competition from a wide range of regional, national, and international 
manufacturers globally. In addition, we often compete with individual operating units of larger, highly diversified companies.

The principal competitive factors affecting our business include customer service and support as well as product availability, 
performance, functionality, brand reputation, reliability, and price. Other important factors include distributor relationships and 
territory coverage.

We believe we have leading U.S. market share in various products categories including: hoists, trolleys and components, AC and 
DC material handling drives, screw jacks, tire shredders, and elevator DC drives. These product categories represent 64% of our 
U.S. net sales.

Major competitors for hoists are Konecranes, which acquired Terex's Material Handling and Part Solutions business segment, and 
Kito (and its U.S. subsidiary Harrington); for chain are Campbell Chain, Peerless Chain Company (acquired by Kito), and American 
Chain and Cable Company; for digital power control systems are Konecranes, Power Electronics International, Inc., Cattron Group 
International (a division of Laird Technologies), Conductix-Wampfler (a division of Delachaux Group), Control Techniques (a 
division of Emerson Electric), OMRON Corporation, KEB GmbH, and Fujitec; for forged attachments are The Crosby Group and 
Brewer Tichner Company; for cranes are Konecranes and a variety of independent crane builders; for actuators and rotary unions 
are Deublin, Joyce-Dayton, and Nook Industries; and for tire shredders, Granutech.

Employees

At March 31, 2018, we had 3,328 employees globally. Approximately 10% of our employees are represented under three separate 
U.S. or Canadian collective bargaining agreements which terminate at various times between May 2020 and September 2021. We 
also have various labor agreements with our non-U.S. employees which we negotiate from time to time. We have good relationships 
with  our  employees  and  positive,  productive  relationships  with  our  unions. The  risk  of  employee  or  union  led  disruption  in 
production is remote.

Raw Materials and Components

Our principal raw materials and components are steel, consisting of structural steel, processed steel bar, forging bar steel, steel 
rod and wire, steel pipe and tubing and tool steel; electric motors; bearings; gear reducers; castings; steel and aluminum enclosures 
and wire harnesses; electro-mechanical components and standard variable drives. These commodities are all available from multiple 
sources.  We purchase most of these raw materials and components from a limited number of strategic and preferred suppliers 
under long-term agreements which are negotiated on a company-wide basis through our global purchasing group to take advantage 
of volume discounts.  We have historically passed on materials price increases to our channel partners and end-user customers.  We 
continue to monitor our costs and reevaluate our pricing policies.  Our ability to pass on these increases is determined by market 
conditions.  Although raw materials and some components such as motors, bearings, gear reducers, steel and aluminum enclosures 
and wire harnesses, castings, electro-mechanical components, and standard variable drives are purchased, our vertical integration 
enables us to produce many of the components used in the manufacturing of our products. 

Environmental and Other Governmental Regulation

Like most manufacturing companies, we are subject to various federal, state, and local laws relating to the protection of the 
environment. To address the requirements of such laws, we have adopted a corporate environmental protection policy which 
provides that all of our owned or leased facilities shall, and all of our employees have the duty to comply with all applicable 
environmental regulatory standards, and we have initiated an environmental auditing program for our facilities to ensure compliance 
with such regulatory standards. We have also established managerial responsibilities and internal communication channels for 
dealing with environmental compliance issues that may arise in the course of our business. We have made and could be required 
to continue to make significant expenditures to comply with environmental requirements.  Because of the complexity and changing 
nature of environmental regulatory standards, it is possible that situations will arise from time to time requiring us to incur additional 
expenditures to ensure environmental regulatory compliance. However, we are not aware of any environmental condition or any 
operation at any of our facilities, either individually or in the aggregate, which would cause expenditures having a material adverse 
effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. 

We notified the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (the “DENR”) in April 2006 of the presence 
of certain contaminants in excess of regulatory standards at our facility in Wadesboro, North Carolina. We filed an application 
with the DENR to enter its voluntary cleanup program and the State accepted our proposal.  We investigated under the supervision 
9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
of a DENR Registered Environmental Consultant (“the REC”) and have commenced voluntary clean-up at the facility. At this 
time, additional remediation costs are not expected to be material and are fully reserved.

We have been a part of the Pendleton Site PRP Group since about 1993.  Many years ago, we sent pickle liquor wastes from 
Tonawanda, NY to the Pendleton Site for treatment and disposal.  The Pendleton Site PRP Group signed an Order on Consent 
with the NYS DEC in 1996 and the cleanup was concluded in the early 2000s.  The Order on Consent required a post-construction 
operation and maintenance period of 30 years and we are required to pay our share of the costs associated with the operation and 
maintenance period.  The total annual costs are approximately $50,000 of which we pay 13.4% or $6,700.  Reserves on the books 
are sufficient to cover these costs for the remainder of the operations and maintenance period.

Our subsidiary Magnetek has also been identified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and certain state agencies 
as a potentially responsible party for cleanup costs associated with alleged past waste disposal practices at several previously 
utilized, owned or leased facilities and offsite locations. Its remediation activities as a potentially responsible party were not 
material in fiscal year 2018. Although the materiality of future expenditures for environmental activities may be affected by the 
level and type of contamination, the extent and nature of cleanup activities required by governmental authorities, the nature of 
Magnetek's alleged connection to the contaminated sites, the number and financial resources of other potentially responsible 
parties,  the  availability  of  indemnification  rights  against  third  parties  and  the  identification  of  additional  contaminated  sites, 
Magnetek's estimated share of liability, if any, for environmental remediation, including its indemnification obligations, is not 
expected to be material.  

In 1986, Magnetek acquired the stock of Universal Manufacturing Corporation (“Universal”) from a predecessor of Fruit of the 
Loom (“FOL”), and the predecessor agreed to indemnify Magnetek against certain environmental liabilities arising from pre-
acquisition activities at a facility in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Environmental liabilities covered by the indemnification agreement 
included completion of additional cleanup activities, if any, at the Bridgeport facility and defense and indemnification against 
liability for potential response costs related to offsite disposal locations. Magnetek's leasehold interest in the Bridgeport facility 
was assigned to the buyer in connection with the sale of Magnetek's transformer business in June 2001. FOL, the successor to the 
indemnification obligation, filed a petition for Reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in 1999 and Magnetek 
filed a proof of claim in the proceeding for obligations related to the environmental indemnification agreement. Magnetek believes 
that FOL had substantially completed the clean-up obligations required by the indemnification agreement prior to the bankruptcy 
filing. In November 2001, Magnetek and FOL entered into an agreement involving the allocation of certain potential tax benefits 
and Magnetek withdrew its claims in the bankruptcy proceeding. FOL's obligation to the state of Connecticut was not discharged 
in the reorganization proceeding. 

In January 2007, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (“DEP”) requested parties, including Magnetek, to 
submit  reports  summarizing  the  investigations  and  remediation  performed  to  date  at  the  site  and  the  proposed  additional 
investigations and remediation necessary to complete those actions at the site. The DEP then requested additional information 
relating to site investigations and remediation. Magnetek and the DEP agreed to the scope of the work plan in November 2010. 
The Company has implemented the work plan and has recorded a liability of $283,000 related to the Bridgeport facility, representing 
the best estimate of future site investigation costs and remediation costs which are expected to be incurred in the future. 

In September of 2017, Magnetek received a request for defense and indemnification from Monsanto Company, Pharmacia, LLC, 
and Solutia, Inc. (collectively, “Monsanto”) with respect to: (1) lawsuits brought by plaintiffs claiming that Monsanto manufactured 
polychlorinated biphenyls ("PCBs"), exposure to which allegedly caused injury to plaintiffs; (2) lawsuits brought by municipalities 
and municipal entities claiming that Monsanto should be responsible for a variety of damages due to the presence of PCBs in 
bodies of water in those municipalities and/or in water treated by those municipal entities.  Monsanto claims to be entitled to 
defense and indemnification from Magnetek under a so-called “Special Undertaking” apparently executed by Universal in January 
of 1972, which purportedly required Universal to defend and indemnify Monsanto from liabilities “arising out of or in connection 
with the receipt, purchase, possession, handling, use, sale or disposition of” PCBs by Universal.

Magnetek has declined Monsanto’s tender, and believes that it has meritorious legal and factual defenses to the demands made by 
Monsanto.  Magnetek is vigorously defending against those demands and has commenced litigation to, among other things, declare 
the Special Undertaking void and unenforceable.  Monsanto has, in turn, commenced an action to enforce the Special Undertaking.  
Magnetek intends to continue to vigorously prosecute its declaratory judgment action and to defend against Monsanto’s action 
against it.  As of March 31, 2018 the Company has recorded $400,000 for legal costs incurred to date and expected to be incurred 
related to this matter.  We cannot reasonably estimate a potential range of loss with respect to Monsanto’s tender because there is 
insufficient information regarding the underlying matters.  Management believes, however, that the potential additional costs 
related to such matters, if any, will not have a material effect on the financial condition of the Company or its liquidity, although 
the effect of any future liabilities recorded could be material to earnings in a future period. 

10

 
 
For all of the currently known environmental matters, we have accrued as of March 31, 2018 a total of $1,029,000 which, in our 
opinion, is sufficient to deal with such matters. Further, we believe that the environmental matters known to, or anticipated by us 
should not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our operating results or financial condition. However, 
there can be no assurance that potential liabilities and expenditures associated with unknown environmental matters, unanticipated 
events, or future compliance with environmental laws and regulations will not have a material adverse effect on us.

Our operations are also governed by many other laws and regulations, including those relating to workplace safety and worker 
health, principally OSHA in the U.S. and others outside the U.S. and regulations thereunder. We believe that we are in substantial 
compliance with these laws and regulations and do not believe that future compliance with such laws and regulations will have a 
material adverse effect on our operating results, financial condition, or liquidity.

Available Information

Our internet address is www.cmworks.com.  We make available free of charge through our website our Annual Report on Form 
10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant 
to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after such documents 
are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

11

 
 
Item 1A. 

Risk Factors

Columbus McKinnon is subject to a number of risk factors that could negatively affect our results from business operations or 
cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or indicated in any forward looking statement.  Such factors include, 
but are not limited to, the following:

Adverse changes in global economic conditions may negatively affect our industry, business, and results of operations.

Our industry is affected by changes in economic conditions outside our control, which can result in a general decrease in product 
demand from our customers. Such economic developments may affect our business in a number of ways. Reduced demand may 
drive us and our competitors to offer products at promotional prices, which would have a negative impact on our profitability. In 
addition, the tightening of credit in financial markets may adversely affect the ability of our customers and suppliers to obtain 
financing for significant purchases and operations and could result in a decrease in, or cancellation of, orders for our products. If 
demand for our products slows down or decreases, we will not be able to maintain our revenue and we may run the risk of failing 
to satisfy the financial and other restrictive covenants to which we are subject under our existing indebtedness. Reduced revenue 
as a result of decreased demand may also reduce our planned growth and otherwise hinder our ability to improve our performance 
in connection with our long term strategy.

Our business is cyclical and is affected by industrial economic conditions.

Many of the end-users of our products are in highly cyclical industries, such as manufacturing, power generation and distribution, 
commercial construction, oil and gas exploration and refining, transportation, agriculture, logging, and mining that are sensitive 
to changes in general economic conditions. Their demand for our products, and thus our results of operations, is directly related 
to the level of production in their facilities, which changes as a result of changes in general economic conditions and other factors 
beyond our control. If there is deterioration in the general economy or in the industries we serve, our business, results of operations, 
and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. In addition, the cyclical nature of our business could at times also 
adversely affect our liquidity and ability to borrow under our revolving credit facility.

Our business is highly competitive and subject to consolidation of competitors. Increased competition could reduce our sales, 
earnings, and profitability.

The principal markets that we serve within the material handling industry are fragmented and highly competitive. Competition is 
based primarily on customer service and support as well as product availability, performance, functionality, brand reputation, 
reliability, and price. Our competition in the markets in which we participate comes from companies of various sizes, some of 
which have greater financial and other resources than we do. Increased competition could force us to lower our prices or to offer 
additional services at a higher cost to us, which could reduce our gross margins and net income.

The greater financial resources or the lower amount of debt of certain of our competitors may enable them to commit larger amounts 
of capital in response to changing market conditions. Certain competitors may also have the ability to develop product or service 
innovations  that  could  put  us  at  a  disadvantage.  In  addition,  through  consolidation,  some  of  our  competitors  have  achieved 
substantially more market penetration in certain of the markets in which we operate. If we are unable to compete successfully 
against other manufacturers of material handling equipment, we could lose customers and our revenues may decline. There can 
also be no assurance that customers will continue to regard our products favorably, that we will be able to develop new products 
that appeal to customers, that we will be able to improve or maintain our profit margins on sales to our customers or that we will 
be able to continue to compete successfully in our core markets.

The acquisition of STAHL on January 31, 2017 resulted in a significant increase to the Company’s long term borrowings.

The increased amount of long term borrowings could, among other things, require the Company to dedicate a large portion of its 
cash flow to the servicing and repayment of its outstanding indebtedness, thereby reducing funds available for other operating 
activities, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations, and adversely affect our ability to pay 
dividends.

In connection with the acquisition of STAHL, we assumed an unfunded pension obligation which will further require cash flow to 
pay benefit obligations as they become due.

The STAHL pension obligation assumed in the acquisition is an unfunded pension plan valued at $85,851,000 at March 31, 2018. 
Therefore, the Company will be required to make current and future benefit payment obligations in addition to payments required 
to pay down other long term borrowings.

12

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our operations outside the U.S. pose certain risks that may adversely impact sales and earnings.

We have operations and assets located outside of the United States, primarily in China, Mexico, Germany, the United Kingdom, 
France, and Hungary. In addition, we import a portion of our hoist product line from Asia, and sell our products to distributors 
located in approximately 50 countries. In our fiscal year ended March 31, 2018, approximately 47% of our net sales were derived 
from non-U.S. markets. These non-U.S. operations are subject to a number of special risks, in addition to the risks of our U.S. 
business,  differing  protections  of  intellectual  property,  trade  barriers,  labor  unrest,  exchange  controls,  regional  economic 
uncertainty, differing (and possibly more stringent) labor regulation, risk of governmental expropriation, U.S. and foreign customs 
and tariffs, current and changing regulatory environments, difficulty in obtaining distribution support, difficulty in staffing and 
managing widespread operations, differences in the availability, and terms of financing, political instability and risks of increases 
in taxes. Also, in some foreign jurisdictions we may be subject to laws limiting the right and ability of entities organized or operating 
therein to pay dividends or remit earnings to affiliated companies unless specified conditions are met. These factors may adversely 
affect our future profits.

Part of our strategy is to expand our worldwide market share and reduce costs by strengthening our international distribution 
capabilities and sourcing components in lower cost countries, in particular in China, Mexico, and Hungary. Implementation of 
this strategy may increase the impact of the risks described above, and we cannot assure you that such risks will not have an 
adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Our strategy depends on successful integration of acquisitions.

Acquisitions are a key part of our growth strategy. Our historical growth has depended, and our future growth is likely to depend 
on our ability to successfully implement our acquisition strategy, and the successful integration of acquired businesses into our 
existing business. We intend to continue to seek additional acquisition opportunities in accordance with our acquisition strategy, 
both  to  expand  into  new  markets  and  to  enhance  our  position  in  existing  markets  throughout  the  world.  If  we  are  unable  to 
successfully integrate acquired businesses into our existing business or expand into new markets, our sales and earnings growth 
could be reduced.

Our products involve risks of personal injury and property damage, which exposes us to potential liability.

Our business exposes us to possible claims for personal injury or death and property damage resulting from the products that we 
sell. We maintain insurance through a combination of self-insurance retentions and excess insurance coverage. We monitor claims 
and potential claims of which we become aware and establish accrued liability reserves for the self-insurance amounts based on 
our liability estimates for such claims. We cannot give any assurance that existing or future claims will not exceed our estimates 
for self-insurance or the amount of our excess insurance coverage. In addition, we cannot give any assurance that insurance will 
continue to be available to us on economically reasonable terms or that our insurers would not require us to increase our self-
insurance amounts. Claims brought against us that are not covered by insurance or that are in excess of insurance coverage could 
have a material adverse effect on our results, financial condition, or liquidity.

In addition, like many industrial manufacturers, we are also involved in asbestos-related litigation. In continually evaluating costs 
relating to our estimated asbestos-related liability, we review, among other things, the incidence of past and recent claims, the 
historical case dismissal rate, the mix of the claimed illnesses and occupations of the plaintiffs, our recent and historical resolution 
of the cases, the number of cases pending against us, the status and results of broad-based settlement discussions, and the number 
of years such activity might continue. Based on this review, we estimate our share of liability to defend and resolve probable 
asbestos related personal injury claims. This estimate is highly uncertain due to the limitations of the available data and the difficulty 
of forecasting with any certainty the numerous variables that can affect the range of the liability. We continue to study the variables 
in light of additional information in order to identify trends that may become evident and to assess their impact on the range of 
liability that is probable and estimable. We believe that the potential additional costs for claims will not have a material effect on 
the financial condition of the Company or its liquidity, although the effect of any future liabilities recorded could be material to 
earnings in a future period. See Note 15 to our March 31, 2018 consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this form 
10K.

As indicated above, our self-insurance coverage is effected through our captive insurance subsidiary. The reserves of our captive 
insurance subsidiary are subject to periodic adjustments based upon actuarial evaluations, which adjustments impact our overall 
results of operations. These periodic adjustments can be favorable or unfavorable.

13

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We are subject to currency fluctuations from our sales outside the U.S.

Our products are sold in many countries around the world. Thus, a portion of our revenues (approximately $395,986,000 in our 
fiscal year ended March 31, 2018) are generated in foreign currencies, including principally the Euro, the British Pound, the 
Canadian Dollar, the South African Rand, the Brazilian Real, the Mexican Peso, and the Chinese Yuan, and while much of the 
costs incurred to generate those revenues are incurred in the same currency, a portion is incurred in other currencies. Since our 
financial  statements  are  denominated  in  U.S.  dollars,  changes  in  currency  exchange  rates  between  the  U.S.  dollar  and  other 
currencies have had, and will continue to have, a currency translation impact on our earnings. Currency fluctuations may impact 
our financial performance in the future.

Our future operating results may be affected by fluctuations in steel or other material prices. We may not be able to pass on 
increases in raw material costs to our customers.

The principal raw material used in our chain, forging and crane building operations is steel. The steel industry as a whole is highly 
cyclical, and at times pricing and availability can be volatile due to a number of factors beyond our control, including general 
economic conditions, labor costs, competition, import duties, tariffs, and currency exchange rates. This volatility can significantly 
affect our raw material costs. In an environment of increasing raw material prices, competitive conditions will determine how 
much of the steel price increases we can pass on to our customers. During historical rising cost periods, we were generally successful 
in adding and maintaining a surcharge to the prices of our high steel content products or incorporating them into price increases, 
with a goal of margin neutrality. In the future, to the extent we are unable to pass on any steel price increases to our customers, 
our profitability could be adversely affected.

We rely in large part on independent distributors for sales of our products.

For the most part, we depend on independent distributors to sell our products and provide service and aftermarket support to our 
end-user customers. Distributors play a significant role in determining which of our products are stocked at their locations, and 
hence are most readily accessible to aftermarket buyers, and the price at which these products are sold. Almost all of the distributors 
with whom we transact business offer competitive products and services to our end-user customers. For the most part, we do not 
have written agreements with our distributors. The loss of a substantial number of these distributors or an increase in the distributors' 
sales of our competitors' products to our ultimate customers could materially reduce our sales and profits.

We are subject to various environmental laws which may require us to expend significant capital and incur substantial cost.

Our operations and facilities are subject to various federal, state, local, and foreign requirements relating to the protection of the 
environment, including those governing the discharges of pollutants in the air and water, the generation, management and disposal 
of hazardous substances and wastes, and the cleanup of contaminated sites. We have made, and will continue to make, expenditures 
to comply with such requirements. Violations of, or liabilities under, environmental laws and regulations, or changes in such laws 
and regulations (such as the imposition of more stringent standards for discharges into the environment), could result in substantial 
costs to us, including operating costs and capital expenditures, fines and civil and criminal sanctions, third party claims for property 
damage or personal injury, clean-up costs, or costs relating to the temporary or permanent discontinuance of operations. Certain 
of our facilities have been in operation for many years, and we have remediated contamination at some of our facilities. Over time, 
we and other predecessor operators of such facilities have generated, used, handled, and disposed of hazardous and other regulated 
wastes. Additional environmental liabilities could exist, including clean-up obligations at these locations or other sites at which 
materials from our operations were disposed, which could result in substantial future expenditures that cannot be currently quantified 
and which could reduce our profits or have an adverse effect on our financial condition, operations, or liquidity.

We may face claims of infringement on the intellectual property of others, or others may infringe upon our intellectual property.

Our future success depends in part on our ability to prevent others from infringing on our proprietary rights, as well as our ability 
to operate without infringing upon the proprietary rights of others. We may be required at times to take legal action to protect our 
proprietary rights and, despite our best efforts, we may be sued for infringing on the patent rights of others. Patent litigation is 
costly and, even if we prevail, the cost of such litigation could adversely affect our financial condition. In addition, we could be 
adversely affected financially should we be judged to have infringed upon the intellectual property of others.

We rely on subcontractors or suppliers to perform their contractual obligations.

Some of our contracts involve subcontracts with other companies upon which we rely to perform a portion of the services we must 
provide to our customers. There is a risk that we may have disputes with our subcontractors, including disputes regarding the 
quality and timeliness of work performed by our subcontractor or customer concerns about the subcontractor. Failure by our 
14

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
subcontractors  to  satisfactorily  provide  on  a  timely  basis  the  agreed-upon  supplies  or  perform  the  agreed  upon  services  may 
materially and adversely impact our ability to perform our obligations as the prime contractor. A delay in our ability to obtain 
components and equipment parts from our suppliers may affect our ability to meet our customers' needs and may have an adverse 
effect upon our profitability.

We are subject to debt covenant restrictions.

Our revolving credit facility and Term Loan contain a financial leverage covenant and other restrictive covenants. A significant 
decline in our operating income or cash generating ability could cause us to violate our leverage ratio in our bank credit facility. 
Other material adverse changes in our business could cause us to be in default of our debt covenants.  This could result in our 
being unable to borrow under our bank credit facility or being obliged to refinance and renegotiate the terms of our indebtedness.

Our business operations may be adversely affected by information systems interruptions or intrusion.

We  depend  on  various  information  technologies  throughout  our  company  to  administer,  store,  and  support  multiple  business 
activities. If these systems are damaged, cease to function properly, or are subject to cyber-security attacks, such as those involving 
unauthorized access, malicious software and/or other intrusions, we could experience production downtimes, operational delays, 
other detrimental impacts on our operations or ability to provide products and services to our customers, the compromising of 
confidential or otherwise protected information, destruction or corruption of data, security breaches, other manipulation or improper 
use of our systems or networks, financial losses from remedial actions, loss of business or potential liability, and/or damage to our 
reputation. While we attempt to mitigate these risks by employing a number of measures, including employee training, technical 
security  controls,  and  maintenance  of  backup  and  protective  systems,  our  systems,  networks,  products,  and  services  remain 
potentially vulnerable to known or unknown threats, any of which could have a material adverse affect on our business, financial 
condition or results of operations.

We depend on our senior management team and the loss of any member could adversely affect our operations.

Our success is dependent on the management and leadership skills of our senior management team. The loss of any of these 
individuals or an inability to attract, retain, and maintain additional personnel could prevent us from implementing our business 
strategy. We cannot assure you that we will be able to retain our existing senior management personnel or to attract additional 
qualified personnel when needed.

We continually evaluate and assess our personnel and may make additional changes to the members or assignments of our senior 
management team in the future.

We have entered into employment agreements with the following senior management personnel: Werner Wagner (our STAHL 
Managing Director) and Mark D. Morelli (our President and CEO).

Item 1B. 

Unresolved Staff Comments 

None.

15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.   

Properties

We maintain our corporate headquarters in Getzville, New York (an owned property) and, as of March 31, 2018, conducted our 
principal manufacturing at the following facilities:

Location

Kunzelsau, Germany
Wadesboro, NC
Lexington, TN
Asia operation:
Hangzhou, China
Hangzhou, China
Charlotte, NC
Menomonee Falls, WI
Tennessee forging operation:
Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga, TN
Wuppertal, Germany
Kissing, Germany
Damascus, VA
Eureka, IL
Ohio hoist operation:
Salem, OH
Lisbon, OH
Hamm, Germany
Chester, England
Santiago Tianguistenco, Mexico
Howell, MI
Sarasota, FL
Szekesfehervar, Hungary
Romeny-sur-Marne, France

1
2
3
4

5
6
7

8
9
10
11
12

13
14
15
16
17
18
19

Products/Operations
Hoists
Hoists
Chain

Hoists
Hoists
Actuators and Rotary Unions
Power control systems

Forged attachments
Forged attachments
Hoists
Hoists, winches, and actuators
Hoists
Cranes

Hoists
Hoists
Lifting tools and forged parts
Plate clamps
Hoists
Overhead light rail workstations
Tire shredders
Textiles and textile strappings
Rotary unions

Square
Footage

Owned or
Leased

345,000
180,000
164,000

70,000
82,000
146,000
144,000

81,000
59,000
124,000
107,000
97,000
91,000

49,000
37,000
82,000
56,000
54,000
35,000
25,000
24,000
22,000

Leased
Owned
Owned

Owned
Owned
Leased
Leased

Owned
Owned
Leased
Leased
Owned
Owned

Leased
Owned
Owned
Owned
Owned
Leased
Owned
Leased
Owned

In addition, we have a total of 45 sales offices, distribution centers, and warehouses.  We believe that our properties have been 
adequately maintained, are in generally good condition and are suitable for our business as presently conducted. We also believe 
our existing facilities provide sufficient production capacity for our present needs and for our anticipated needs in the foreseeable 
future. Upon the expiration of our current leases, we believe that either we will be able to secure renewal terms or enter into leases 
for alternative locations at market terms.

16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3.   

Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are named a defendant in legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. We are not a party to 
any pending legal proceeding other than ordinary, routine litigation incidental to our business. We do not believe that any of our 
pending litigation will have a material impact on our business. We maintain comprehensive general product liability insurance 
against risks arising out of the use of our products sold to customers through our wholly-owned New York State captive insurance 
subsidiary of which we are the sole policy holder.  The per occurrence limits on the self-insurance for general and product liability 
coverage were $2,000,000 from inception through fiscal 2003 and $3,000,000 for fiscal 2004 and thereafter.  In addition to the 
per occurrence limits, our coverage is also subject to an annual aggregate limit, applicable to losses only.  These limits range from 
$2,000,000 to $6,000,000 for each policy year from inception through fiscal 2018.  We obtain additional insurance coverage from 
independent insurers to cover potential losses in excess of these limits.

Like many industrial manufacturers, we are also involved in asbestos-related litigation. In continually evaluating costs relating to 
our estimated asbestos-related liability, we review, among other things, the incidence of past and recent claims, the historical case 
dismissal rate, the mix of the claimed illnesses and occupations of the plaintiffs, our recent and historical resolution of the cases, 
the number of cases pending against us, the status and results of broad-based settlement discussions, and the number of years such 
activity might continue.  Because this liability is likely to extend over many years, management believes that the potential additional 
costs for claims will not have a material effect on the financial condition of the Company or its liquidity, although the effect of 
any future liabilities recorded could be material to earnings in a future period. 

The Company believes that a share of its previously incurred asbestos-related expenses and future asbestos-related expenses are 
covered by pre-existing insurance policies.  The Company has engaged in a legal action against the insurance carriers of those 
policies to recover past expenses and to recover future costs incurred.  The Company recovered $2,362,000 from insurance carriers 
during fiscal 2018.  When the Company resolves this legal action, it is expected that an additional gain will be recorded for 
previously expensed cost that is recovered.  

See Note 15 to our March 31, 2018 consolidated financial statements for more information on our matters involving litigation.

Item 4.   

Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not Applicable. 

17

 
 
 
PART II

Item 5.   

Market for the Company’s Common Stock and Related Security Holder Matters

Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol ‘‘CMCO.” As of April 30, 2018, there were 
381 holders of record of our common stock.

During fiscal 2018, the Company declared quarterly cash dividends totaling $3,903,000.  On March 26, 2018, the Company's 
Board of Directors declared regular quarterly dividends of $0.05 per common share. The dividend was paid on May 14, 2018 to 
shareholders of record on May 4, 2018 and totaled approximately $1,150,000.

Our current credit agreement allows, but limits our ability to pay dividends.  

The following table sets forth, for the fiscal periods indicated, the high and low sale prices per share for our common stock as 
reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

Year Ended March 31, 2017

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Year Ended March 31, 2018

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

Price Range of
Common Stock

High

Low

$

17.05

$

18.54

27.59
28.63

$

28.98

$

37.74

40.20

44.31

13.93

14.34

17.18
24.05

23.54

24.12

36.18

34.60

On May 25, 2018 the closing price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market was $37.75 per share.

18

 
 
 
PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The Performance Graph shown below compares the cumulative total shareholder return on our common stock based on its market 
price, with the total return of the S&P SmallCap 600 Index, and the Dow Jones U.S. Diversified Industrials.  The comparison of 
total return assumes that a fixed investment of $100 was invested on March 31, 2013 in our common stock and in each of the 
foregoing indices and further assumes the reinvestment of dividends.  The stock price performance shown on the graph is not 
necessarily indicative of future price performance.

19

Item 6.   

Selected Financial Data

The  consolidated  balance  sheets  as  of  March 31,  2018  and  2017, and  the  related  statements  of  operations,  cash  flows,  and 
shareholders’ equity for each of the three years ended March 31, 2018 and notes thereto appear elsewhere in this annual report. 
The selected consolidated financial data presented below should be read in conjunction with, and are qualified in their entirety by 
“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition,” our consolidated financial statements 
and the notes thereto and other financial information included elsewhere in this annual report.

2018

(In million's, except per share data)
2016

2015

2017

Statements of Operations Data:
Net sales
Cost of products sold
Gross profit
Selling expenses
General and administrative expenses (1)
Research and development expenses (1)
Impairment of intangible asset
Amortization of intangibles
Income (loss) from operations
Interest and debt expense
Cost of debt refinancing
Other (income) and expense, net
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income tax expense (benefit)
Net income (loss)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from
continuing operations
Basic earnings (loss) per share from
continuing operations
Weighted average shares outstanding –
assuming dilution

Weighted average shares outstanding – basic

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

839.4
554.8
284.6
102.0
83.4
13.6
—
15.6
70.0
19.7
—
0.6
49.7
27.6
22.1

0.95

0.97

23.3

22.8

637.1
444.2
192.9
77.3
69.9
10.5
1.1
8.1
26.0
11.0
1.3
0.7
13.0
4.0
9.0

0.43

0.44

20.9

20.6

Balance Sheet Data (at end of period):
Total assets
Total debt (2)
Total debt, net of cash and cash equivalents
Total shareholders’ equity

$ 1,142.4
363.3
300.3
408.2

$ 1,113.8
421.3
343.7
341.4

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

597.1
409.8
187.3
72.9
61.4
7.4
—
5.0
40.6
7.9
—
1.1
31.6
12.0
19.6

0.96

0.98

20.3

20.1

772.9
267.6
216.0
286.3

Other Data:
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities
Capital expenditures

69.7
(32.3)

(59.5)
(14.5)

60.5
(224.0)

190.1
(14.4)

52.6
(203.2)

137.0
(22.3)

$

$

$

$

$

579.6
398.0
181.6
69.8
49.7
5.2
—
2.3
54.6
12.4
8.6
(2.4)
36.0
8.8
27.2

1.34

1.36

20.2

19.9

566.1
126.5
63.5
268.7

38.3
(34.1)

(48.4)
(17.2)

20

2014

583.3
402.2
181.1
69.0
50.3
5.5
—
2.0
54.3
13.5
—
(1.9)
42.7
12.3
30.4

1.52

1.55

20.0

19.7

596.9
150.5
38.2
291.3

29.5
(40.4)

1.7
(20.8)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)  For  its  fiscal  2018  financial  statements,  the  Company  has  reclassified  research  and  development  expenses  previously 
recorded in general and administrative expense into a separate line item on the consolidated statements of operations. All 
periods presented above have been revised to reflect this presentation.  Please refer to Note 2 of the Company's financial 
statements for additional information regarding research and development expenses.

(2)  Total debt includes all debt, including the current portion, notes payable, term loan, and subordinated debt.

21

Item 7.   

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition

This section should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report. 

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

We are a leading worldwide designer, manufacturer, and marketer of material handling products, systems and services which 
efficiently and safely move, lift, position, and secure materials. Key products include hoists, rigging tools, cranes, digital power 
control systems, and actuators. We are focused on serving commercial and industrial applications that require the safety and quality 
in moving material provided by our superior design and engineering know-how. 

Founded in 1875, we have grown to our current size and leadership position through organic growth and acquisitions. We developed 
our leading market position over our 143-year history by emphasizing technological innovation, manufacturing excellence and 
superior  after-sale  service.  In  addition,  acquisitions  significantly  broadened  our  product  lines  and  services  and  expanded  our 
geographic  reach,  end-user  markets  and  customer  base.  Ongoing  initiatives  to  increase  earnings  power  include  operational 
excellence  and  profitable  growth.  In  accordance  with  Blueprint  2021,  we  are  simplifying  the  business  structure  and  product 
platforms, improving operating performance, and focusing our R&D expenditures to grow profitably. Shareholder value will be 
enhanced by expanding EBITDA margins and return on invested capital (ROIC). 

On January 31, 2017 we completed our acquisition of STAHL. STAHL is a leading manufacturer of explosion-protected hoists 
and crane components and is well known for providing lifting solutions utilizing its custom engineering and hoisting technology. 
STAHL serves independent crane builders and Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) firms, providing products to a 
variety of end markets including oil and gas, automotive, general manufacturing, steel & concrete, power generation as well as 
process industries such as chemical and pharmaceuticals. We believe STAHL is an excellent expansion of our global product 
offering. STAHL's strong position with wire rope and electric chain hoists in Europe immediately complements our leadership 
position in handheld hoists in that region, and their broad portfolio of ATEX certified explosion-protected products serving the 
oil and gas, mining, and chemical processing industries significantly extends our global offerings in capability and capacities. 

Our revenue base is geographically diverse with approximately 47% derived from customers outside the U.S. for the year ended 
March 31,  2018.  Our  expansion  within  the  European  market  with  the  acquisition  of  STAHL  further  expands  our  geographic 
diversity.  We believe this will help balance the impact of changes that will occur in local economies, as well as benefit the Company 
from growth in emerging markets. We monitor both U.S. and Eurozone Industrial Capacity Utilization statistics as indicators of 
anticipated demand for our products. In addition, we continue to monitor the potential impact of other global and U.S. trends 
including industrial production, energy costs, steel price fluctuations, interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and activity 
of end-user markets around the globe. 

From a strategic perspective, we are leveraging our recent acquisitions and investing in new products as we focus on our greatest 
opportunities for growth. We maintain a strong North American market share with significant leading market positions in hoists, 
lifting, and sling chain, forged attachments, actuators, and digital power and motion control systems for the material handling 
industry. We seek to maintain and enhance our market share by focusing our sales and marketing activities toward select North 
American and global market sectors including general industrial, energy, automotive, heavy OEM, entertainment, and construction 
and infrastructure. 

Regardless of the economic climate and point in the economic cycle, we constantly explore ways to increase operating margins 
as  well  as  further  improve  our  productivity  and  competitiveness.  We  have  specific  initiatives  related  to  improved  customer 
satisfaction, reduced defects, shortened lead times, improved inventory turns and on-time deliveries, reduced warranty costs, and 
improved working capital utilization. The initiatives are being driven by the implementation of our operating system E-PAS™. 
We are working to achieve these strategic initiatives through product simplification, the creation of centers of excellence, and 
improved supply chain management. We are also pursuing cost reduction opportunities to enhance future margins. 

We continuously monitor market prices of steel. We purchase approximately $25,000,000 to $30,000,000 of steel annually in a 
variety of forms including rod, wire, bar, structural, and other forms of steel. Generally, as we experience fluctuations in our costs, 
we reflect them as price increases or surcharges to our customers with the goal of being margin neutral. 

We operate in a highly competitive and global business environment. We face a variety of opportunities in those markets and 
geographies, including trends toward increasing productivity of the global labor force and the expansion of market opportunities 
in Asia and other emerging markets. While we execute our long-term growth strategy, we are supported by our solid free cash 
flow as well as our liquidity position and flexible debt structure. 

22

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Fiscal 2018 Compared to 2017 

Fiscal 2018 sales were $839,419,000, an increase of 31.8%, or $202,296,000 compared with fiscal 2017 sales of $637,123,000. 
Sales for the year were positively impacted by $144,670,000 due to our acquisition of STAHL, $40,993,000 due to an increase in 
sales volume, and $2,529,000 by price increases.  Favorable foreign currency translation increased sales by $14,104,000.

Our gross profit was $284,574,000 and $192,932,000 or 33.9% and 30.3% of net sales in fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively.  The 
fiscal 2018 increase in gross profit of $91,642,000 or 47.5% is the result of $53,794,000 from the acquisition of STAHL, $4,828,000 
in increased productivity and favorable manufacturing costs, $1,361,000 of price increases net of material inflation, $13,227,000 
in increased volume, $2,964,000 in decreased product liability costs, $8,852,000 in STAHL inventory amortization related to 
purchase accounting adjustments incurred in fiscal 2017 that did not reoccur in fiscal 2018, a $2,362,000 increase due to an 
insurance settlement, offset by $307,000 in STAHL integration costs that are classified as cost of products sold. The translation 
of foreign currencies had a $4,561,000 favorable impact on gross profit for the year ended March 31, 2018. 

Selling expenses were $101,956,000 and $77,319,000, or 12.1% of net sales in fiscal years 2018 and 2017. STAHL contributed 
an additional $18,396,000 in selling expense and $616,000 of integration costs were incurred related to the acquisition of STAHL 
that are classified as selling expense, offset by $247,000 in expense that did not reoccur related to the Canadian lump sum pension 
settlement in the year ended March 31, 2018. The remainder of the increase is largely due to the increase in sales volume, additional 
marketing expenses, and the transition to a new warehouse in North America.  Additionally, foreign currency translation had a 
$2,151,000 unfavorable impact on selling expenses.

General and administrative expenses were $83,350,000 and $69,928,000 or 9.9% and 11.0% of net sales in fiscal 2018 and 2017, 
respectively. The fiscal 2018 increase was primarily the result of the STAHL acquisition which added $9,477,000 in recurring 
general and administrated expenses and $7,840,000 of integration costs were incurred related to the acquisition of STAHL that 
are classified as general and administrative expense, offset by $8,815,000 in STAHL related acquisition and integration costs 
incurred in the year ended March 31, 2017. Additionally, $1,589,000 in net legal costs were incurred for a legal action against our 
product liability insurance carriers, $400,000 in expected litigation costs for a former subsidiary of Magnetek, $619,000 in debt 
repricing fees, offset by CEO retirement and search costs of $3,085,000 that did not reoccur in fiscal 2018. The remainder of the 
increase is largely due to higher annual incentive plan costs expected in fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017. Foreign currency 
translation had a $1,178,000 unfavorable impact on general and administrative expenses.

Research and development expenses were $13,617,000 and $10,482,000 in fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively. As a percentage 
of consolidated net sales, research and development expenses were 1.6% in fiscal 2018 and 2017. STAHL contributed an additional 
$1,683,000 to research and development expenses in the year ended March 31, 2018. The remainder of the increase relates to 
global initiatives to develop new products.

Impairment of intangible assets of $1,125,000 in fiscal 2017 relates to the impairment of the indefinite-lived trademark of STB.  
After performing our annual indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test, the Company determined that the indefinite-lived 
STB intangible trademark asset was fully impaired due to lower revenue and resulting cash flows than projected at the time of the 
acquisition. No impairment was recorded in fiscal 2018.

Amortization of intangibles was $15,552,000 and $8,105,000 in fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively. The increase relates to additional 
amortization of intangibles related to the STAHL acquisition. 

Interest and debt expense was $19,733,000 and $10,966,000 in fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively.  The increase in interest and 
debt expense relates to additional debt to fund the STAHL acquisition.

The fiscal 2017 debt extinguishment costs of $1,303,000 relates to the write off of unamortized deferred financing costs associated 
with our previous term loan and revolving credit facility refinanced as part of the STAHL acquisition.  This transaction is discussed 
in more detail in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section. There were no debt extinguishment costs recorded in fiscal 2018.

Investment income of $157,000 and $462,000, in fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to earnings on marketable securities 
held in the Company’s wholly owned captive insurance subsidiary.  

Foreign currency exchange loss was $1,539,000 and $1,232,000 in fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively, as a result of foreign currency 
volatility related to foreign currency denominated sales and purchases and intercompany debt. 

23

 
 
 
 
 
Other income, net, includes various non-operating income and expense related activities. The balance was $701,000 and $93,000
in fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively. 

Income tax expense as a percentage of income from continuing operations before income tax expense was 55.6% and 31.0% in 
fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively.  These percentages vary from the U.S. statutory rate primarily due to varying effective tax rates 
at the Company's foreign subsidiaries, and the jurisdictional mix of taxable income for these subsidiaries.  Income tax expense as 
a percentage of income from continuing operations for fiscal 2018 increased by $17,602,000 or 35 percentage points as a result 
of accounting for the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act).

The Company revised its annual effective rate to reflect a change in the U.S. federal statutory rate from 35% to 21%, resulting 
from the enactment of the Act on December 22, 2017.  The rate change is administratively effective upon enactment, resulting in 
a blended rate for fiscal year 2018.  As a result, the U.S. blended statutory tax rate for fiscal 2018 is 31.55%.

The Act requires companies to remeasure certain deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rates at which they are expected 
to reverse in the future, pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred, 
and creates new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings. The Company recognized a provisional amount of $17,602,000, which 
is included as a component of income tax expense on the Company's statement of operations for fiscal 2018. See Note 16 for 
additional information regarding how the provisional amount was calculated.

Included within the provisional amount, as described above, is a one-time transition tax on the Company's total foreign post-1986 
earnings and profits (E&P) that it previously deferred from U.S. income taxes. The Company recorded a provisional amount for 
its one-time transition tax liability for its foreign subsidiaries, resulting in an increase in income tax expense of $1,500,000. The 
one-time transition tax is payable over an 8-year period (8% in each of the first five years, 15% in year six, 20% in year seven, 
and 25% in year 8).  The difference between the provisional amount, as noted above, and the one-time transition tax relates to 
remeasuring the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities at the new U.S. Federal statutory tax rate.

Fiscal 2017 Compared to 2016 

Fiscal 2017 sales were $637,123,000, an increase of 6.7%, or $40,020,000 compared with fiscal 2016 sales of $597,103,000. Sales 
for the year were positively impacted by $64,993,000 due to acquisitions and $730,000 by price increases. Sales for the year were 
negatively impacted $20,638,000 due to a decrease in sales volume. Unfavorable foreign currency translation reduced sales by 
$5,065,000.

Our gross profit was $192,932,000 and $187,263,000 or 30.3% and 31.4% of net sales in fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively.  The 
fiscal 2017 increase in gross profit of $5,669,000 or 3.0% is the result of $22,553,000 from our recent acquisitions, $2,044,000 
in  increased  productivity  and  favorable  manufacturing  costs,  and  $3,902,000  in  fiscal  2016  acquisition  purchase  accounting 
amortization  and  other  one-time  adjustments  which  did  not  recur  in  fiscal  2017,  offset  by  $9,387,000  in  decreased  volume, 
$8,852,000 in STAHL inventory amortization related to purchase accounting adjustments, $2,546,000 in increased product liability 
costs due to legal settlements, and material inflation net of price increases of $474,000. The translation of foreign currencies had 
a $1,571,000 unfavorable impact on gross profit for the year ended March 31, 2017.

Selling expenses were $77,319,000 and $72,858,000 or 12.1% and 12.2% of net sales in fiscal years 2017 and 2016, respectively. 
The acquisitions of STAHL and Magnetek which added an incremental $7,947,000 in selling expense for the year ended March 31, 
2017. The fiscal 2016 consolidation of two warehouses and the closure of another added $859,000 in the prior year, which did 
not recur in fiscal 2017.  Additionally, foreign currency translation had a $589,000 favorable impact on selling expenses.

General and administrative expenses were $69,928,000 and $61,418,000 or 11.0% and 10.3% of net sales in fiscal 2017 and 2016, 
respectively. The fiscal 2017 increase was primarily the result of our recent acquisitions of STAHL and Magnetek which added 
$2,272,000 in recurring general and administrated expenses. STAHL acquisition and integration costs of $8,815,000 offset prior 
year non-recurring Magnetek acquisition and severance costs of $8,046,000, netting to a $769,000 increase in fiscal 2017. Additional 
increase to general and administrative expenses were the result of CEO retirement and search costs of $3,085,000 and additional 
legal costs incurred for a legal action against our prior product liability insurance carriers of $1,359,000. Foreign currency translation 
had a $371,000 favorable impact on general and administrative expenses.

Research and development expenses were $10,482,000 and $7,393,000 in fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively. As a percentage of 
consolidated net sales, research and development expenses were 1.6% and 1.2% in fiscal 2017 and 2016. The fiscal 2017 increase 
was primarily the result of our recent acquisitions of STAHL and Magnetek which added $2,006,000 in research and development 
expenses. The remainder of the increase relates to global initiatives to develop new products.

24

 
Impairment of intangible assets of $1,125,000 in fiscal 2017 relates to the impairment of the indefinite-lived trademark of STB. 
After performing our annual indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test, the Company determined that the indefinite-lived 
STB intangible trademark asset was fully impaired due to lower revenue and resulting cash flows than projected at the time of the 
acquisition. 

Amortization of intangibles was $8,105,000 and $5,024,000 in fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase relates to additional 
amortization of intangibles related to the STAHL and Magnetek acquisitions. 

Interest and debt expense was $10,966,000 and $7,904,000 in fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively.  The increase in interest and 
debt expense relates to additional debt from the Magnetek and STAHL acquisitions. 

The fiscal 2017 debt extinguishment costs of $1,303,000 relates to the write off of unamortized deferred financing costs associated 
with our previous term loan and revolving credit facility refinanced as part of the STAHL acquisition. This transaction is discussed 
in more detail in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section.

Investment income of $462,000 and $796,000 in fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively, related to earnings on marketable securities 
held in the Company’s wholly owned captive insurance subsidiary.  

Foreign currency exchange loss was $1,232,000 and $2,215,000 in fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively, as a result of foreign currency 
volatility related to foreign currency denominated purchases and intercompany debt. Fiscal 2017 foreign currency exchange loss 
includes a loss on a foreign currency option related to the acquisition of STAHL in the amount of $1,590,000.

Other income (expense), net remained relatively stable and was $93,000 and $377,000 in fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively. 

Income tax expense as a percentage of income from continuing operations before income tax expense was 31.0% and 38.1% in 
fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively.  These percentages vary from the U.S. statutory rate primarily due to varying effective tax rates 
at the Company's foreign subsidiaries, and the jurisdictional mix of taxable income for these subsidiaries. The effective tax rate 
for the fiscal 2017 was affected unfavorably by 16.3 percentage points due to non-deductible STAHL acquisition costs which were 
offset by 11.3 percentage points due to the reversal of a deferred tax asset valuation allowance within our foreign subsidiaries.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $63,021,000, $77,591,000, and $51,603,000 at March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

Cash flow provided by operating activities

Net  cash  provided  by  operating  activities  was  $69,661,000,  $60,450,000,  and  $52,645,000  in  fiscal  2018,  2017,  and  2016, 
respectively.  In fiscal 2018, in addition to net income and non-cash adjustments to net income, net cash provided by operating 
activities increased as a result of an increase in accrued liabilities of $11,918,000 (of which approximately $7,900,000 is due to 
additional annual incentive plan accruals), offset by an increase in inventories and decrease in non-current liabilities of $12,249,000
and $16,700,000, respectively. The decrease in non-current liabilities was primarily due to $11,211,000 in contributions made to 
our pension plans. 

In addition to net income and non-cash adjustments to net income in fiscal 2017, net cash provided by operating activities increased 
as a result of an overall decrease in inventories of $8,173,000, excluding the effects of acquisitions. This increase in cash was 
offset by a decrease in accrued liabilities and non-current liabilities of $2,380,000 and $3,085,000, respectively. The decrease in 
non-current  liabilities  was  primarily  due  to  $6,140,000  in  contributions  made  to  our  pension  plans,  excluding  the  effects  of 
acquisitions.

Cash flow used by investing activities

Net cash used by investing activities was $32,298,000, $224,039,000, and $203,229,000 in fiscal 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.  
In fiscal 2018, the most significant use of cash used by investing activities was $14,750,000 in net cash paid to the former owner 
of STAHL related to a profit sharing agreement, net of a purchase price working capital refund. Capital expenditures for fiscal 
2018 totaled $14,515,000. Further, the Company paid cash for an investment accounted for under the equity method in the amount 
of $3,359,000. Offsetting these uses of cash is $326,000 in net cash proceeds from the sale of marketable equity securities.

25

 
 
 
 
 
The  most  significant  use  of  cash  for  investing  activities  in  fiscal  2017  relates  to  our  acquisition  of  STAHL  which  totaled 
$218,846,000, net of cash acquired. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2017 totaled $14,368,000. Offsetting these uses of cash is 
$10,765,000 in net cash proceeds from the sale of marketable equity securities.

Cash flow (used) provided by financing activities

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities was $(59,502,000), $190,121,000, and $137,003,000 in fiscal 2018, 2017, and 
2016, respectively. In fiscal 2018, the most significant uses of cash were repayments on debt of $60,144,000, of which $57,037,000
was principal payments on our Term Loan, and $619,000 in fees paid for the debt repricing. The remaining net cash used for 
financing activities primarily relates to dividends paid of $3,658,000 and $1,413,000 in net outflows from stock related transactions, 
offset by $6,332,000 in proceeds from the exercise of stock options.   

The most significant sources of cash in fiscal 2017 were borrowings under our New Credit Facility of $445,000,000 and the 
issuance of additional equity resulting in gross proceeds of approximately $50,000,000 which were used to repay the previous 
credit facility and fund the STAHL acquisition. The Company paid $19,409,000 in debt and equity related fees related to these 
transactions.  In  connection  with  the  acquisition  of  Ergomatic,  the  Company  withheld  $588,000  to  be  paid  to  the  seller  upon 
satisfaction of certain conditions. This cash was classified as other assets on the Company's balance sheet and was classified as a 
use of cash for financing activities. The remaining net cash used for financing activities in fiscal 2017 primarily relates to dividends 
paid of $3,326,000 and $1,265,000 from stock related transactions, offset by $439,000 in proceeds from the exercise of stock 
options.

26

We believe that our cash on hand, cash flows, and borrowing capacity under our New Revolving Credit Facility will be sufficient 
to fund our ongoing operations and budgeted capital expenditures for at least the next twelve months. This belief is dependent 
upon successful execution of our current business plan and effective working capital utilization. No material restriction exists in 
accessing cash held by our non-U.S. subsidiaries.  As of March 31, 2018, $52,636,000 of cash and cash equivalents were held by 
foreign subsidiaries. The Company is evaluating the possibility of repatriating foreign cash as a result of the Act.

Through January 31, 2017 the Company had outstanding $131,500,000 under a revolving credit facility ("Replaced Revolving 
Credit Facility"). The Replaced Revolving Credit Facility provided availability up to a maximum of $225,000,000 and had an 
initial term ending January 23, 2020.

Through January 31, 2017 the Company, Columbus McKinnon Dutch Holdings 3 B.V. (“BV 3”), and Columbus McKinnon EMEA 
GmbH (“EMEA GMBH”) as borrowers (collectively referred to as the "Borrowers"), had outstanding $103,125,000 principal 
amount of a senior secured Term Loan ("Replaced Term Loan") which was to mature on February 19, 2020.

As described in Note 2, on January 31, 2017 the Company entered into a New Credit Agreement ("New Credit Agreement") and 
$545,000,000 of new debt facilities ("New Facilities") in connection with the STAHL acquisition. The New Facilities consisted 
of a New Revolving Facility ("Revolver") in the amount of $100,000,000 and a $445,000,000 1st Lien Term Loan ("New Term 
Loan"). Proceeds from the New Facilities were used to fund the STAHL acquisition, pay fees and expenses associated with the 
acquisition, and refinance the Company's Replaced Revolving Credit Facility and Replaced Term Loan. The New Term Loan has 
a seven-year term maturing in 2024 and the Revolver has a five-year term maturing in 2022. At March 31, 2018 the Company has 
not drawn from the Revolver.

The key terms of the agreement are as follows:

•  Term Loan: An aggregate $445,000,000 1st Lien Term Loan which requires quarterly principal amortization of 0.25% 
with the remaining principal due at maturity date. In addition, if the Company has Excess Cash Flow ("ECF") as defined 
in the New Credit Agreement, the ECF Percentage of the Excess Cash Flow for such fiscal year minus optional prepayment 
of the Loans (except prepayments of Revolving Loans that are not accompanied by a corresponding permanent reduction 
of Revolving Commitments) pursuant to Section 2.10(a) of the New Credit Agreement other than to the extent that any 
such prepayment is funded with the proceeds of Funded Debt, shall be applied toward the prepayment of the New Term 
Loan. The ECF Percentage is defined as 50% stepping down to 25% or 0% based on the Secured Leverage Ratio as of 
the last day of the fiscal year.

•  Revolver: An aggregate $100,000,000 secured revolving facility which includes sublimits for the issuance of standby 

letters of credit, swingline loans and multi-currency borrowings in certain specified foreign currencies.

• 

• 

Fees and Interest Rates: Commitment fees and interest rates are determined on the basis of either a Eurocurrency rate or 
a Base rate plus an applicable margin based upon the Company's Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the New Credit 
Agreement).

Prepayments: Provisions permitting a Borrower to voluntarily prepay either the Term Loan or Revolver in whole or in 
part at any time, and provisions requiring certain mandatory prepayments of the Term Loan or Revolver on the occurrence 
of certain events which will permanently reduce the commitments under the New Credit Agreement, each without premium 
or penalty, subject to reimbursement of certain costs of the Lenders. A prepayment premium of 1% of the principal amount 
of the First Lien Term Loans is required if the prepayment is associated with a Repricing Transaction and it were to occur 
within the first twelve months.

•  Covenants: Provisions containing covenants required of the Corporation and its subsidiaries including various affirmative 
and negative financial and operational covenants. The key financial covenant is triggered only on any date when any 
Extension of Credit under the Revolving Facility is outstanding (excluding any Letters of Credit) (the “Covenant Trigger”), 
and permits the Total Leverage Ratio for the Reference Period ended on such date to not exceed (i) 4.50:1.00 as of any 
date of determination prior to December 31, 2017, (ii) 4.00:1.00 as of any date of determination on December 31, 2017 
and thereafter but prior to December 31, 2018, (iii) 3.50:1.00 as of any date of determination on December 31, 2018 and 
thereafter but prior to December 31, 2019 and (iv) 3.00:1.00 as of any date of determination on December 31, 2019 and 
thereafter. As there is no amount drawn on the Revolver as of March 31, 2017 the covenant is not triggered. Had we been 
required to determine the covenant ratio as of March 31, 2018, we would have been in compliance with the covenant 
provisions.

27

The New Facility is secured by all U.S. inventory, receivables, equipment, real property, subsidiary stock (limited to 65% of non-
U.S. subsidiaries) and intellectual property.  The New Credit Agreement allows, but limits our ability to pay dividends.

On February 26, 2018, the Company amended the New Credit Agreement (known as the "Amended Credit Agreement"). The 
Amended Credit Agreement has the same terms mentioned above except for a reduction in interest rates. The applicable rate for 
the repriced term loan was reduced from 3.00% to 2.50%. The Company has accounted for the Amended Credit Agreement as a 
debt modification, therefore, debt repricing fees incurred in fiscal 2018 were expensed as general and administrative expenses and 
the deferred financing fees incurred as part of the New Credit Agreement (discussed below) remain unchanged. 

As mentioned above, on January 31, 2017 the Company borrowed $445,000,000 under the New Term Loan. The Company repaid 
the amount outstanding for the Replaced Revolving Credit Facility and Replaced Term Loan ($131,500,000 and $103,125,000, 
respectively) plus $652,000 in accrued interest and fees. The cost of debt refinancing on the Company's consolidated statement 
of operations includes the write-off of previously unamortized deferred financing costs and other expenses of $1,303,000 in fiscal 
2017.

The outstanding balance of the New Term Loan was $375,463,000 and $432,500,000 as of March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 
The Company made $57,037,000 of principal payment on the New Term Loan during fiscal 2018 and $9,375,000 of principal 
payments on the Replaced Term Loan and $12,500,000 of principal payment on the New Term Loan during fiscal 2017. The 
Company is obligated to make $4,450,000 of principal payments over the next 12 months, however, plans to pay down $60,000,000
in total. This amount has been recorded within the current portion of long term debt on the Company's consolidated balance sheet 
with the remaining balance recorded as long-term debt.

There was $0 outstanding on the New Revolving Credit Facility and $4,478,000 outstanding letters of credit as of March 31, 
2018. The outstanding letters of credit at March 31, 2018 consisted of $745,000 in commercial letters of credit and $3,733,000 of 
standby letters of credit.

In connection with the acquisition of STAHL, the Company assumed a loan that STAHL CraneSystems Shanghai Co Ltd ("STAHL 
China") entered into on November 22, 2016 with Dalian Konecranes Co Ltd ("Konecranes"). The principal amount loaned to 
STAHL China in the amount of 18,000,000 Yuan (approximately $2,608,000 as of March 31, 2017) was used to meet working 
capital needs. The annual interest rate was 4.35% with an original maturity date of February 24, 2017. The term of the loan was 
extended through a loan amendment with a new maturity date of May 24, 2017. Therefore, this loan was classified in current 
portion of long-term debt at March 31, 2017. The Company repaid the loan in full in fiscal 2018.

The gross balance of deferred financing costs on the term loan was $14,690,000 as of March 31, 2018 and 2017. The accumulated 
amortization balances were $2,447,000 and $350,000 as of March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  All of the deferred financing 
costs on the Replaced Term Loan were extinguished and are included in the cost of debt refinancing on the Company's consolidated 
statement of operations as of March 31, 2017.

The gross balance of deferred financing costs associated with the New Revolving Credit Facility and Replaced Revolving Credit 
Facility are included in other assets is $2,789,000 as of March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017. The accumulated amortization 
balances were $651,000 and $93,000 as of March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017 respectively. The balance includes $605,000 and 
$763,000 as of March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, respectively, related to the Replaced Revolving Credit Facility as certain 
lenders in the Replaced Revolving Credit Facility participate in the New Revolving Credit Facility. These balances are classified 
in other assets since no funds were drawn on the New Revolving Credit Facility in fiscal 2018 and 2017.

On June 22, 2007, the Company recorded a capital lease resulting from the sale and partial leaseback of its facility in Charlotte, 
North  Carolina  under  a  10  year  lease  agreement. The  Company  also  has  capital  leases  on  certain  production  machinery  and 
equipment. The outstanding balance on the capital lease obligations of $98,000 and $551,000 as of March 31, 2018 and 2017, 
respectively, are included in senior debt in the consolidated balance sheets.  $64,000 of the capital lease liability has been recorded 
within the current portion of long term debt on the Company's consolidated balance sheet with the remaining balance recorded as 
long term debt.

Unsecured and uncommitted lines of credit are available to meet short-term working capital needs for certain of our subsidiaries 
operating outside of the U.S. The lines of credit are available on an offering basis, meaning that transactions under the line of 
credit will be on such terms and conditions, including interest rate, maturity, representations, covenants, and events of default, as 
mutually agreed between our subsidiaries and the local bank at the time of each specific transaction. As of March 31, 2018, 
unsecured credit lines totaled approximately $5,176,000, of which $0 was drawn. In addition, unsecured lines of $17,877,000
were available for bank guarantees issued in the normal course of business of which $11,668,000 was utilized.

28

 
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The following table reflects a summary of our contractual obligations in millions of dollars as of March 31, 2018, by period of 
estimated payments due:

Long-term debt obligations (a)

Operating lease obligations (b)
Purchase obligations (c)

Interest obligations (d)
Letter of credit obligations

Bank guarantees
Uncertain tax positions

Total

Fiscal
2019

Fiscal
 2020-
Fiscal 2021

Fiscal
 2022-
Fiscal 2023

$

375.5

$

4.5

$

8.9

$

39.5
—

121.8
4.5

11.7
0.6

10.2
—

18.0
1.4

11.7
0.6

—
46.4

$

12.7
—

35.6
3.1

—
—

17.8
78.1

More
 Than
Five Years

$

353.2

8.8
—

33.2
—

—
—

8.9

7.8
—

35.0
—

—
—

Other long-term liabilities reflected on the
Company’s balance sheet under GAAP (e)

Total

224.0
777.6

$

$

55.3
107.0

$

150.9
546.1

$

(a)  As described in Note 11 to consolidated financial statements.
(b)  As described in Note 17 to consolidated financial statements.
(c)  We have no purchase obligations specifying fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased. We estimate that, at any given 
point in time, our cancelable open purchase orders to be executed in the normal course of business approximate $54 million.
(d)  Estimated for our Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility and interest rate swaps as described in Note 9 and Note 11 to 
our consolidated financial statements.  Calculated using a Eurocurrency rate of 2.30% plus an applicable margin of 2.50%.
(e)  For additional details, see Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements. Excludes uncertain tax positions of $0.1 million 

shown separately above.

We have no additional off-balance sheet obligations that are not reflected above.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

In addition to keeping our current equipment and plants properly maintained, we are committed to replacing, enhancing, and 
upgrading  our  property,  plant  and  equipment  to  support  new  product  development,  improve  productivity  and  customer 
responsiveness,  reduce  production  costs,  increase  flexibility  to  respond  effectively  to  market  fluctuations  and  changes,  meet 
environmental requirements, and enhance safety. Our capital expenditures for fiscal 2018, 2017, and 2016 were $14,515,000, 
$14,368,000, and 22,320,000 respectively. Excluded from fiscal 2018 capital expenditures is $0, $0, and $1,638,000 in property, 
plant and equipment purchases included in accounts payable at March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. We expect capital 
expenditure spending in fiscal 2019 to range between $15,000,000 and $20,000,000, excluding acquisitions and strategic alliances.

INFLATION AND OTHER MARKET CONDITIONS

Our costs are affected by inflation in the U.S. economy and, to a lesser extent, in non-U.S. economies including those of Europe, 
Canada, Mexico, South America, and Asia-Pacific. We do not believe that general inflation has had a material effect on our results 
of operations over the periods presented primarily due to overall low inflation levels over such periods and our ability to generally 
pass on rising costs through annual price increases and surcharges. However, increases in U.S. employee benefits costs such as 
health insurance and workers compensation insurance have exceeded general inflation levels. In the future, we may be further 
affected by inflation that we may not be able to pass on as price increases.  With changes in worldwide demand for steel and 
fluctuating scrap steel prices over the past several years, we experienced fluctuations in our costs that we have reflected as price 
increases and surcharges to our customers.  We believe we have been successful in instituting surcharges and price increases to 
pass on these material cost increases.  We will continue to monitor our costs and reevaluate our pricing policies.

29

 
SEASONALITY AND QUARTERLY RESULTS

Our quarterly results may be materially affected by the timing of large customer orders, periods of high vacation and holiday 
concentrations, restructuring charges, and other costs attributable to plan closures as well as divestitures and acquisitions. Therefore, 
our operating results for any particular fiscal quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for any subsequent fiscal quarter or 
for the full fiscal year.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make 
estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. We 
continually evaluate the estimates and their underlying assumptions, which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying 
value of our assets and liabilities. Actual results inevitably will differ from those estimates. If interpreted differently under different 
conditions or circumstances, changes in our estimates could result in material changes to our reported results.  We have identified 
below the accounting policies involving estimates that are critical to our financial statements. Other accounting policies are more 
fully described in Note 2 of our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition. Sales are recorded when title passes to the customer which is generally at the time of shipment to the 
customer. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition, but generally does not require 
collateral to support customer receivables. The credit risk is controlled through credit approvals, limits and monitoring procedures. 
Accounts receivable are reported at net realizable value and do not accrue interest.  Sales tax is excluded from revenue.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits.    The determination of the obligations and expense for pension and postretirement 
benefits  is  dependent  on  our  selection  of  certain  assumptions  that  are  used  by  actuaries  in  calculating  such  amounts. Those 
assumptions are disclosed in Note 12 to our fiscal 2018 consolidated financial statements and include the discount rates, expected 
long-term  rate  of  return  on  plan  assets  and  rates  of  future  increases  in  compensation  and  healthcare  costs.  Changes  in  these 
assumptions can result in the calculation of different plan expense and liability amounts.  Further, actual experience can differ 
from the assumptions and these differences are typically accounted for as actuarial gains or losses that are amortized over future 
periods.

The weighted average pension discount rate assumptions of 3.49%, 3.65%, and 4.30%, as of March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, 
respectively, are based on long-term AA rated corporate and municipal bond rates. The weighted average expected long term rate 
of return on plan assets assumptions of 6.77%, 7.23%, and 7.22% for the years ended March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively, 
is based on the targeted plan asset allocation which follows a sliding risk scale based on funding levels (approximately 46% - 42%
equities and 54% - 58% fixed income) and their long-term historical returns. Our under-funded status for all pension plans as of 
March 31, 2018 and 2017 was $135,539,000 and $150,431,000, or 29.3% and 31.9% of the projected benefit obligation, respectively. 
Our pension contributions during fiscal 2018 and 2017 were approximately $11,211,000 and $6,140,000, respectively. The under-
funded status may result in future pension expense increases.  Pension expense (benefit) for the March 31, 2019 fiscal year is 
expected to approximate a benefit of ($602,000), compared to fiscal 2018 expense of $690,000.  The benefit expected in fiscal 
2019 is the result of amendments to two of the Company's U.S pension plans which froze benefits. Pension funding contributions 
for  the  March 31,  2019  fiscal  year  are  expected  to  approximate  $11,353,000.  The  weighted-average  compensation  increase 
assumption of 0.39%, 0.39%, and 0.44% as of March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively is based on expected wage trends 
and historical patterns.

The healthcare costs inflation assumptions of 6.3%, 6.5%, and 6.8% for fiscal 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively, are based on 
anticipated trends.  While the healthcare inflation rate assumptions have been decreasing, healthcare costs continue to outpace 
inflation in the U.S. 

Insurance Reserves.  Our accrued general and product liability reserves as described in Note 15 to consolidated financial statements 
involve actuarial techniques including the methods selected to estimate ultimate claims, and assumptions including emergence 
patterns, payment patterns, initial expected losses, and increased limit factors. These actuarial estimates are subject to a high degree 
of uncertainty due to a variety of factors, including extended lag time in the reporting and resolution of claims, trends or changes 
in claim settlement patterns, insurance industry practices, and legal interpretations. Changes to these estimates could result in 
material changes to the amount of expense and liabilities recorded in our financial statements. Further, actual costs could differ 
significantly from the estimated amounts.  Adjustments to estimated reserves are recorded in the period in which the change in 
estimate occurs.  Other insurance reserves such as workers compensation and group health insurance are based on actual historical 
and current claim data provided by third party administrators or internally maintained.

30

 
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment testing.  Our goodwill balance of $347,434,000 as of March 31, 2018
is subject to impairment testing.  We test goodwill for impairment at least annually, as of the end of February, and more frequently 
whenever events occur or circumstances change that indicate there may be impairment.  These events or circumstances could 
include a significant long-term adverse change in the business climate, poor indicators of operating performance, or a sale or 
disposition of a significant portion of a reporting unit.

We test goodwill at the reporting unit level, which is one level below our operating segment.  We identify our reporting units by 
assessing whether the components of our operating segment constitute businesses for which discrete financial information is 
available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of those components.  We also aggregate components 
that have similar economic characteristics into single reporting units (for example, similar products and / or services, similar long-
term financial results, product processes, classes of customers, or in circumstances where the components share assets or other 
resources and have other economic interdependencies). We have four reporting units, only two of which have goodwill. Duff-
Norton and Rest of Products reporting units have goodwill totaling $9,721,000, and $337,713,000, respectively, at March 31, 
2018.

When we evaluate the potential for goodwill impairment, we assess a range of qualitative factors including, but not limited to, 
macroeconomic conditions, industry conditions, the competitive environment, changes in the market for our products and services, 
regulatory and political developments, entity specific factors such as strategy, and changes in key personnel and overall financial 
performance. If, after completing this assessment, it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting 
unit is less than its carrying value, we proceed to a quantitative impairment test. We also proceed to the quantitative model when 
economic or other business factors indicate that the fair value of our reporting units may have declined since our last quantitative 
test.  We performed the qualitative assessment as of February 28, 2018 and determined that it was not more likely than not that 
the fair value of each of our reporting units was less than that its applicable carrying value. Accordingly, we did not perform the 
quantitative goodwill impairment test for any of our reporting units during fiscal 2018.

We further test our indefinite-lived intangible asset balance of $48,874,000 consisting of trademarks on our recent acquisitions 
on an annual basis for impairment.  Similar to goodwill, we first assess various qualitative factors in the analysis.  If, after completing 
this assessment, it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than 
its carrying value, we proceed to a quantitative impairment test. We performed the qualitative assessment as of February 28, 2018
and determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of each of our indefinite-lived intangible assets was less 
than that its applicable carrying value, other than Magnetek's indefinite-lived trademark. We proceeded to the quantitative test for 
this intangible asset.  The methodology used to value the Magnetek indefinite-lived trademark is the relief from royalty method.  
If the recorded book value of the trademark is in excess of the calculated fair value, an impairment is indicated.  The key estimate 
used in this calculation consists of an overall royalty rate applied to the sales covered by the trademark.  After performing the 
analysis, it was determined that the fair value of the Magnetek indefinite-lived trademark exceeded its carrying value, and as such, 
no other impairment was recorded.

Purchase Price Allocations for Business Combinations. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, we completed a business 
combination for a total purchase price of $248,246,000. Under purchase accounting, we recorded assets and liabilities at fair value 
as of the acquisition dates. We identified and assigned value to trademarks and trade names, customer relationships, favorable 
supply agreements, backlog, and technology. We estimated the useful lives over which these intangible assets would be amortized. 
Valuations of these assets were performed largely using discounted cash flow models and estimates of replacement cost. These 
valuations support the conclusion that identifiable intangible assets had a value of $143,039,000. The resulting goodwill was 
$150,386,000. 

Assigning value to intangible assets requires estimates used in projecting relevant future cash flows and estimates of replacement 
costs, in addition to estimating useful lives of such assets. 

Accounts Receivable Reserves.  Allowances for doubtful accounts and credit memo reserves are also judgmentally determined 
based on formulas applied to historical bad debt write-offs and credit memos issued, assessing potentially uncollectible customer 
accounts, and analyzing the accounts receivable aging. Accounts receivable are charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts 
once all collection efforts have been exhausted.  At March 31, 2018 the allowance for doubtful accounts totaled $3,520,000.

Impairment of depreciable and amortizable long-lived assets.  Property, plant and equipment and certain intangibles are depreciated 
or amortized over their assigned lives. We test long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate 
that the carrying amount of those assets may not be recoverable and exceed their fair market value.  The following summarizes 
the value of long-lived assets subject to impairment testing when events or circumstances indicate potential impairment (amounts 
in millions):

31

Property, plant and equipment, net
Acquired intangibles with estimable useful lives
Other assets

Balance as of
March 31,
2018

$

113.1
214.9
17.8

Impairment may exist if the carrying amount of the asset in question exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to 
result from the use of the asset.  The impairment loss, if any, would be measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of 
a long-lived asset exceeds its fair market value as determined by appropriate valuation techniques.

Marketable Securities.  On a quarterly basis, we review our marketable securities for declines in market value that may be considered 
other than temporary.  We generally consider market value declines to be other than temporary if there are declines for a period 
longer than six months and in excess of 20% of original cost.  We also consider the nature of the underlying investments and other 
market conditions or when other evidence indicates impairment.

Effects of New Accounting Pronouncements

Information regarding the effects of new accounting pronouncements is included in Note 21 to the accompanying consolidated 
financial statements included in this March 31, 2018 10-K report.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This report may include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 
Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results to differ 
materially from the results expressed or implied by such statements, including general economic and business conditions, conditions 
affecting the industries served by us and our subsidiaries, conditions affecting our customers and suppliers, competitor responses 
to  our  products  and  services,  the  overall  market  acceptance  of  such  products  and  services,  facility  consolidations  and  other 
restructurings, our asbestos-related liability, the integration of acquisitions, and other factors disclosed in our periodic reports filed 
with the Commission. Consequently such forward-looking statements should be regarded as our current plans, estimates and 
beliefs. We do not undertake and specifically decline any obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-
looking statements that may be made to reflect any future events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect 
the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

32

 
Item 7A. 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates. We are exposed to 
various market risks, including commodity prices for raw materials, foreign currency exchange rates, and changes in interest rates. 
We may enter into financial instrument transactions, which attempt to manage and reduce the impact of such changes. We do not 
enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Our primary commodity risk is related to changes in the price of steel.  We control this risk through negotiating purchase contracts 
on a consolidated basis and by attempting to build changes in raw material costs into the selling prices of or surcharges on our 
products.  We have not entered into financial instrument transactions related to raw material costs.

In fiscal 2018, 47% of our net sales were from manufacturing plants and sales offices in foreign jurisdictions. We manufacture 
our products in the United States, China, Germany, United Kingdom, Hungary, Mexico, and France and sell our products in 
approximately 50 countries. Our results of operations could be affected by factors such as changes in foreign currency rates or 
weak economic conditions in foreign markets. With our fiscal year 2017 acquisition of STAHL, we have an increased presence 
in the United Arab Emirates, with total assets of approximately $15,200,000.  Our operating results are exposed to fluctuations 
between the U.S. Dollar and the Canadian Dollar, European currencies, the South African Rand, the Mexican Peso, the Brazilian 
Real, and the Chinese Yuan. For example, when the U.S. dollar weakens against the Euro, the value of our net sales and net income 
denominated in Euros increases when translated into U.S. dollars for inclusion in our consolidated results. We are also exposed 
to foreign currency fluctuations in relation to purchases denominated in foreign currencies. Our foreign currency risk is mitigated 
since the majority of our foreign operations’ net sales and the related expense transactions are denominated in the same currency 
so therefore a significant change in foreign exchange rates would likely have a very minor impact on net income.  For example, 
a 10% change in the value of the U.S. dollar in relation to our most significant foreign currency exposures would have had an 
impact of approximately $3,000,000 on our income from operations. In addition, the majority of our export sale transactions are 
denominated in U.S. dollars.

The Company has cross currency swap agreements that are designated as cash flow hedges to hedge changes in the value of 
intercompany loans to a foreign subsidiary due to changes in foreign exchange rates.  This intercompany loan is related to the 
acquisition of STAHL.  The notional amount of these derivatives is $215,130,000, and all of the contracts mature by January 31, 
2022.  From its March 31, 2018 balance of accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss), or “AOCL,” the Company expects to 
reclassify approximately $132,000 out of AOCL, and into foreign currency exchange loss (gain), during the next 12 months based 
on the contractual payments due under these intercompany loans.

The Company has foreign currency forward agreements in place to offset changes in the value of other intercompany loans to 
foreign subsidiaries due to changes in foreign exchange rates. The notional amount of these derivatives is $3,500,000 and all of 
the contracts mature by June 30, 2018. These contracts are marked to market each balance sheet date and are not designated as 
hedges. 

The Company has foreign currency forward agreements that are designated as cash flow hedges to hedge a portion of forecasted 
inventory purchases denominated in foreign currencies. The notional amount of those derivatives is $13,474,000 and all contracts 
mature by March 31, 2019.  From its March 31, 2018 balance of AOCL, the Company expects to reclassify approximately $10,000
out of AOCL during the next 12 months based on the underlying transactions of the sales of the goods purchased. 

The Company's policy is to maintain a capital structure that is comprised of 50-70% of fixed rate long-term debt and 30-50% of 
variable rate long-term debt. The Company entered into two interest rate swap agreements in which the Company receives interest 
at a variable rate and pays interest at a fixed rate.  These interest rate swap agreements are designated as cash flow hedges to hedge 
changes in interest expense due to changes in the variable interest rate of the senior secured term loan. The amortizing interest 
rate swaps mature by December 31, 2023 and have a total notional amount of $229,830,000 as of March 31, 2018.  The effective 
portion of the changes in fair values of the interest rate swaps is reported in AOCL and will be reclassified to interest expense over 
the life of the swap agreements. The ineffective portion was not material and was recognized in the current period interest expense.  
From its March 31, 2018 balance of AOCL, the Company expects to reclassify approximately $503,000 out of AOCL, and into 
interest expense, during the next 12 months.

33

 
Item 8.   

Financial Statements and Supplemental Data.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Columbus McKinnon Corporation

Audited Consolidated Financial Statements as of March 31, 2018:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21

Description of Business
Accounting Principles and Practices
Acquisitions
Fair Value Measurements
Inventories
Marketable Securities and Other Investments
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Derivative Instruments
Accrued Liabilities and Other Non-current Liabilities
Debt
Pensions and Other Benefit Plans
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Earnings per Share and Stock Plans
Loss Contingencies
Income Taxes
Rental Expense and Lease Commitments
Business Segment Information
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Effects of New Accounting Pronouncements

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.

34

35
36
37
38
39
40

41
41
45
47
50
50
52
52
54
57
58
60
67
67
72
76
79
80
81
82
84

86

 
 
 
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Columbus McKinnon Corporation 

Opinion on the Financial Statements 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Columbus McKinnon Corporation (the Company) as of March 
31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity and cash flows 
for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2018, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule listed 
in the Index at Item 15(2) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated 
financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at March 31, 2018 and 2017, 
and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2018, in conformity 
with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) 
(PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal 
Control-Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  (2013 
framework), and our report dated May 30, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on 
the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are 
required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable 
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the 
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error 
or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether 
due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, 
evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting 
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial 
statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since at least 1917, but we are unable to determine the specific year.

Buffalo, New York
May 30, 2018

35

 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Current assets:

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts ($3,520 and $2,676,
respectively)
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other

Total current assets
Net property, plant, and equipment
Goodwill
Other intangibles, net
Marketable securities
Deferred taxes on income
Other assets
Total assets

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Trade accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt

Total current liabilities
Senior debt, less current portion
Term loan and revolving credit facility
Other non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Shareholders’ equity:

Voting common stock: 50,000,000 shares authorized; 23,045,479 and 22,565,613 shares issued
and outstanding
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Total shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

See accompanying notes.

March 31,

2018

2017

(In thousands, except
share data)

$

63,021

$

77,591

127,806
152,886
16,582
360,295
113,079
347,434
263,764
7,673
32,442
17,759
$ 1,142,446

111,569
130,643
21,147
340,950
113,028
319,299
256,183
7,686
61,857
14,840
$ 1,113,843

$

$

46,970
99,963
60,064
206,997
33
303,221
223,966
734,217

40,994
97,397
52,568
190,959
41
368,710
212,783
772,493

230
269,360
197,897
(59,258)
408,229
$ 1,142,446

226
258,853
179,735
(97,464)
341,350
$ 1,113,843

36

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31,
2017
(In thousands, except per share data)

2016

2018

Net sales
Cost of products sold
Gross profit
Selling expenses
General and administrative expenses
Research and development expenses
Impairment of intangible asset
Amortization of intangibles
Income from operations
Interest and debt expense
Cost of debt refinancing
Investment (income) loss, net
Foreign currency exchange loss (gain), net
Other (income) expense, net
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense
Income tax expense
Net income

Average basic shares outstanding
Average diluted shares outstanding

Basic income per share

Diluted income per share

Dividends declared per common share

$

$

$

$

$

839,419
554,845
284,574
101,956
83,350
13,617
—
15,552
70,099
19,733
—
(157)
1,539
(701)
49,685
27,620
22,065

22,841
23,335

0.97

0.95

0.17

$

$

$

$

$

637,123
444,191
192,932
77,319
69,928
10,482
1,125
8,105
25,973
10,966
1,303
(462)
1,232
(93)
13,027
4,043
8,984

20,591
20,888

0.44

0.43

0.16

$

$

$

$

$

597,103
409,840
187,263
72,858
61,418
7,393
—
5,024
40,570
7,904
—
(796)
2,215
(377)
31,624
12,045
19,579

20,079
20,315

0.98

0.96

0.16

See accompanying notes.

37

 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Net income
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

March 31,
2017

2016

2018

(In thousands)

$ 22,065

$

8,984

$

19,579

Foreign currency translation adjustments
Pension liability adjustments, net of taxes of $(4,981), $(6,043), and $4,635
Other post retirement obligations adjustments, net of taxes of $(153), $(317), and
$(372)
Split-dollar life insurance arrangement adjustments, net of taxes of $(70), $(82), and
$(66)
Change in derivatives qualifying as hedges, net of taxes of $(1,519), $900, and $430

21,717
12,047

(9,379)
9,453

3,650
(5,394)

484

524

604

206
3,563

131
(3,514)

105
(1,031)

Change in investments:

Unrealized holding (loss) gain arising during the period, net of taxes of $(124), $(93),
and $43

Reclassification adjustment for gain included in net income, net of taxes of $0, $56, and
$83

Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

Comprehensive income

189

—

189

38,206

$ 60,271

$

173

(79)

(105)
68
(2,717)
6,267

$

(154)
(233)
(2,299)
17,280

See accompanying notes.

38

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands, except share data)

Common
Stock
($0.01 par 
value)

Additional
 Paid-in
Capital

Retained
Earnings

Accumulated
Other
 Comprehensive
 Loss

Total
Shareholders’
Equity

Balance at April 1, 2015

Net income 2016

Dividends declared

$

Change in foreign currency translation adjustment

Change in net unrealized gain on investments, net of tax of $126

Change in derivatives qualifying as hedges, net of tax of $430

Change in pension liability and postretirement obligations, net
of tax of $4,197

Stock compensation - directors

Stock options exercised, 16,033 shares

Stock compensation expense

Tax effect of exercise of stock options

Shares retired

Restricted stock units released, 75,370 shares, net of shares
withheld for minimum statutory tax obligation

Balance at March 31, 2016

Net income 2017

Dividends declared

Change in foreign currency translation adjustment

Change in net unrealized gain on investments, net of tax of $(37)

Change in derivatives qualifying as hedges, net of tax of $900

Change in pension liability and postretirement obligations, net
of tax of $(6,442)

Stock compensation - directors

Stock options exercised, 27,848 shares

Stock compensation expense

Tax effect of exercise of stock options

Issuance of 2,273,000 shares of common stock in January 2017
offering at $22.00 per share, net of issuance costs of $2,700

Restricted stock units released, 154,897 shares, net of shares
withheld for minimum statutory tax obligation

Balance at March 31, 2017

Net income 2018

Dividends declared

Change in foreign currency translation adjustment

Change in net unrealized gain on investments, net of tax of
$(124)

Change in derivatives qualifying as hedges, net of tax of
$(1,519)

Change in pension liability and postretirement obligations, net
of tax of $(5,205)

Stock compensation - directors

Stock options exercised, 363,091 shares

Stock compensation expense

Restricted stock units released, 116,775 shares, net of shares
withheld for minimum statutory tax obligation

200
—
—
—

—

—

—

—

1

—

—

—

—

$

203,156

$ 157,811

$

(92,448) $

268,719

—

—

—

—

—

—

440

242

3,623

118

(10)

(887)

19,579

(3,217)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

3,650

(233)

(1,031)

(4,685)

—

—

—

—

—

—

19,579

(3,217)

3,650

(233)

(1,031)

(4,685)

440

243

3,623

118

(10)

(887)

$

201

$

206,682

$ 174,173

$

(94,747) $

286,309

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

2

—

—

23

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

440

439

5,474

(197)

47,283

(1,268)

8,984

(3,422)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(9,379)

68

(3,514)

10,108

—

—

—

—

—

—

8,984

(3,422)

(9,379)

68

(3,514)

10,108

440

441

5,474

(197)

47,306

(1,268)

$

226

$

258,853

$ 179,735

$

(97,464) $

341,350

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

4

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

430

6,328

5,156

(1,407)

22,065

(3,903)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

21,717

189

3,563

12,737

—

—

—

—

22,065

(3,903)

21,717

189

3,563

12,737

430

6,332

5,156

(1,407)

Balance at March 31, 2018

$

230

$

269,360

$ 197,897

$

(59,258) $

408,229

 See accompanying notes.

39

 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Operating activities:

Net income

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

Deferred income taxes and related valuation allowance

Loss on sale of real estate/investments and other

Cost of debt repricing/refinancing

Impairment of tangible assets

Amortization of deferred financing costs and discount on debt

Stock-based compensation

Purchase accounting adjustment related to working capital amortization

Net loss on foreign exchange option

Impairment of intangible asset

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of business acquisitions and divestitures:

Trade accounts receivable

Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other

Other assets

Trade accounts payable
Accrued liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Net cash provided by operating activities
Investing activities:

Proceeds from sales of marketable securities

Purchases of marketable securities

Capital expenditures
Net loss on foreign exchange option

Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired

Net payment to former STAHL owner

Cash paid for equity investment

Net cash used for investing activities

Financing activities:

Proceeds from the issuance of common stock

Payment of dividends

Restricted cash related to purchase of business
Net borrowings (repayments) under lines of credit

Repayment of debt

Proceeds from issuance of long term debt
Fees related to debt repricing/refinancing and equity offerings

Other

Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

Supplementary cash flows data:

Interest paid

Income taxes paid, net of refunds

Property, plant and equipment purchases included in trade accounts payable

Non cash release of restricted cash

$

$

$

$

$

See accompanying notes.

40

Year ended March 31,

2018

2017

2016

(In thousands)

$

22,065

$

8,984

$

19,579

36,136

19,968

47

619

—

2,681

5,586

—

—

—

(9,308)

(12,249)
1,727

3,338

3,833
11,918

(16,700)

69,661

653

(327)

(14,515)
—

25,162

489

14

1,303

—

1,015

5,914

8,852

1,590

1,125

(785)

8,173
6,121

(3,044)

1,002
(2,380)

(3,085)

60,450

12,336

(1,571)

(14,368)
(1,590)

20,531

7,336

34

—

429

600

4,063

—

—
—

12,409

2,483
(375)

3,179

(5,308)
(5,799)

(6,516)

52,645

5,869

(4,311)

(22,320)
—

—

(218,846)

(182,467)

—

—

—

—

(224,039)

(203,229)

(14,750)

(3,359)

(32,298)

6,332

(3,658)

—
—

(60,144)

—
(619)

(1,413)

(59,502)

7,569

(14,570)

77,591
63,021

18,914

706

$

$

$

50,439

(3,326)

(588)
(155,000)

(125,730)

445,000
(19,409)

(1,265)

190,121

(544)

25,988

51,603
77,591

10,633

1,893

$

$

$

242

(3,212)

—
154,057

(13,187)

—
—

(897)

137,003

2,128

(11,453)

63,056
51,603

7,649

4,175

1,638

822

— $

294

$

— $

— $

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

1.  

Description of Business

Columbus McKinnon Corporation (the Company) is a leading global designer, manufacturer and marketer of hoists, actuators, 
cranes, rigging tools, digital power control systems, and other material handling products, which efficiently and safely move, lift, 
position, and secure materials. Key products include hoists, rigging tools, cranes, actuators, digital power control and delivery 
systems, and elevator application drive systems. On January 31, 2017, the Company acquired STAHL CraneSystems (“STAHL”). 
STAHL is a leading manufacturer of explosion-protected hoists and crane components specializing in custom engineering of lifting 
solutions and hoisting technology. STAHL serves independent crane builders and Engineering Procurement and Construction 
(EPC) firms, providing products to a variety of end markets including automotive, general manufacturing, oil & gas, steel & 
concrete, power generation as well as process industries such as chemical and pharmaceuticals. 

The Company’s material handling products are sold globally, principally to third party distributors through diverse distribution 
channels, and to a lesser extent directly to end-users.  During fiscal 2018, approximately 53% of sales were to customers in the 
United States.

2.  

Accounting Principles and Practices

Advertising

Costs associated with advertising are expensed as incurred and are included in selling expense in the consolidated statements of 
operations. Advertising expenses were $2,683,000, $1,748,000, and $1,690,000 in fiscal 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers as cash equivalents all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less.

Concentrations of Labor

Approximately 10% of the Company’s employees are represented by three separate U.S. collective bargaining agreements which 
expire May 2020, April 2021, and September 2021.

Consolidation

These  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  the  Company  and  its  global  subsidiaries;  all  significant 
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. 

Equity Method Investment

The Company has an investment in Eastern Morris Cranes Company Limited (EMC) whose principal activity is to manufacture 
various electrical overhead traveling cranes. This investment represents a minority ownership interest that is accounted for under 
the equity method of accounting since the Company has significant influence over the investee. As a result, the Company records 
its portion of the gains and losses incurred by this entity in Investment (income) loss in the consolidated statements of operations.  

Foreign Currency Translations

The Company translates foreign currency financial statements as described in Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) 
Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 830, “Foreign Currency Matters.” Under this method, all items of income and 
expense are translated to U.S. dollars at average exchange rates during the year. All assets and liabilities are translated to U.S. 
dollars at the year-end exchange rate. Gains or losses on translations are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the 
shareholders’ equity section of the balance sheet. The functional currency is the foreign currency in which the foreign subsidiaries 

41

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

conduct their business.  Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are reported in foreign currency exchange loss (gain). 
There  were  net  losses,  including  changes  in  the  fair  value  of  derivatives,  on  foreign  currency  transactions  of  approximately 
$1,539,000, $1,232,000, and $2,215,000 in fiscal 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

Goodwill

Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist, in 
accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 350-20-35-1. Goodwill impairment is deemed to exist if the net book value of a 
reporting  unit  exceeds  its  estimated  fair  value. The  fair  value  of  a  reporting  unit  is  determined  using  a  discounted  cash  flow 
methodology. The Company’s reporting units are determined based upon whether discrete financial information is available and 
reviewed regularly, whether those units constitute a business, and the extent of economic similarities and interdependencies between 
those reporting units for purposes of aggregation.  The Company’s reporting units identified under ASC Topic 350-20-35-33 are 
at the component level, or one level below the reporting segment level as defined under ASC Topic 280-10-50-10 “Segment 
Reporting – Disclosure.”  The Company’s one segment is subdivided into four reporting units. Further, as discussed in Note 21, 
in January 2017 the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, "Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (Topic 350)," which removes 
the requirement to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying value amount as part of step two of the goodwill 
test. Therefore, an impairment charge is the amount by which the carrying value is greater than the reporting unit's fair value (step 
one).

When the Company evaluates the potential for goodwill impairment, it assesses a range of qualitative factors including, but not 
limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry conditions, the competitive environment, changes in the market for its products 
and services, regulatory and political developments, entity specific factors such as strategy and changes in key personnel, and 
overall financial performance. If, after completing this assessment, it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value 
of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value or if economic or other business factors indicate that the fair value of our reporting 
units may have declined since our last quantitative test, the Company performs a quantitative test.

To perform the quantitative impairment test, the Company uses the discounted cash flow method to estimate the fair value of the 
reporting units. The discounted cash flow method incorporates various assumptions, the most significant being projected revenue 
growth rates, operating profit margins and cash flows, the terminal growth rate, and the discount rate. The Company projects 
revenue growth rates, operating margins and cash flows based on each reporting unit’s current business, expected developments 
and operational strategies over a five-year period. In estimating the terminal growth rate, the Company considers its historical and 
projected results, as well as the economic environment in which its reporting units operate. The discount rates utilized for each 
reporting unit reflect the Company’s assumptions of marketplace participants’ cost of capital and risk assumptions, both specific 
to the reporting unit and overall in the economy.

The  Company  performed  its  qualitative  assessment  as  of  February  28,  2018  and  determined  that  the  quantitative  goodwill 
impairment test was not required for both the Rest of Products reporting unit and the Duff-Norton reporting unit.  Based on various 
conditions in the current fiscal year, such as the Company's financial performance, macroeconomic conditions, and other company 
specific events, the Rest of Products and Duff Norton reporting units' fair value was likely not less than its applicable carrying 
value. See Note 8 for further discussion of goodwill and intangible assets.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company assesses impairment of its long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 360 “Property, Plant, 
and Equipment.” This statement requires long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and purchased intangibles subject to 
amortization to be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an 
asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying 
amount of an asset group to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group over its remaining 
useful life. If the carrying amount of an asset group exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized 
equal to the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds the fair value of the asset group.  The fair values are 
determined in accordance with ASC 820.

In assessing long-lived assets for an impairment loss, assets are grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for 
which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. Asset grouping requires a 
significant  amount  of  judgment. Accordingly,  facts  and  circumstances  will  influence  how  asset  groups  are  determined  for 

42

 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

impairment testing. In assessing long-lived assets for impairment, management considered the Company’s product line portfolio, 
customers and related commercial agreements, labor agreements and other factors in grouping assets and liabilities at the lowest 
level for which identifiable cash flows are independent. The Company considers projected future undiscounted cash flows, trends 
and other factors in its assessment of whether impairment conditions exist. While the Company believes that its estimates of future 
cash flows are reasonable, different assumptions regarding such factors as future production volumes, customer pricing, economics, 
and  productivity  and  cost  initiatives,  could  significantly  affect  its  estimates.  In  determining  fair  value  of  long-lived  assets, 
management uses management estimates, discounted cash flow calculations, and appraisals where necessary. No impairment was 
recorded related to long-lived assets in the current year.

Intangible Assets

At acquisition, the Company estimates and records the fair value of purchased intangible assets which primarily consist of trade 
names,  customer  relationships,  and  technology.  The  fair  values  are  estimated  based  on  management’s  assessment  as  well  as 
independent third party appraisals.  Such valuations may include a discounted cash flow of anticipated revenues resulting from 
the acquired intangible asset.

Amortization of intangible assets with finite lives is recognized over their estimated useful lives using an amortization method 
that reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible assets are consumed or otherwise realized.  The straight 
line method is used for customer relationships.  As a result of the negligible attrition rate in our customer base, the difference 
between the straight line method and attrition method is not considered significant.  The estimated useful lives for our intangible 
assets range from 1 to 25 years.

Similar to goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets (including trademarks on our acquisitions) are tested for impairment on an 
annual basis.  When the Company evaluates the potential for impairment of intangible assets, it assesses a range of qualitative 
factors including, but not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry conditions, the competitive environment, changes in the 
market for its products and services, regulatory and political developments, entity specific factors such as strategy and changes in 
key personnel, and overall financial performance. If, after completing this assessment, it is determined that it is more likely than 
not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value or if economic or other business factors indicate that the 
fair value of our reporting units may have declined since our last quantitative test, the Company performs a new quantitative test.  
The methodology used to value trademarks is the relief from royalty method.  The recorded book value of these trademarks in 
excess of the calculated fair value triggers an impairment.  The key estimate used in this calculation consists of an overall royalty 
rate applied to the sales covered by the trademark.  After performing this analysis, it was determined that the fair value of trademarks 
exceeded their book values, and as such, no impairment was recorded.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost of approximately 30% and 29% of inventories at March 31, 2018 and 
March 31, 2017, respectively, have been determined using the LIFO (last-in, first-out) method. Costs of other inventories have 
been determined using the FIFO (first-in, first-out) or average cost method. FIFO cost approximates replacement cost. Costs in 
inventory include components for direct labor and overhead costs. 

Marketable Securities

All of the Company’s marketable securities, which consist of equity and fixed income securities, have been classified as available-
for-sale  securities  and  are  therefore  recorded  at  their  fair  values  with  the  unrealized  gains  and  losses,  net  of  tax,  reported  in 
accumulated other comprehensive loss in the shareholders’ equity section of the consolidated balance sheet unless unrealized losses 
are deemed to be other than temporary. In such instance, the unrealized losses are reported in the consolidated statements of 
operations within investment income. Estimated fair value is based on published trading values at the balance sheet dates. The 
cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Interest and dividend income are included in investment 
income in the consolidated statements of operations.

The marketable securities are carried as long-term assets since they are held for the settlement of the Company’s general and 
products liability insurance claims filed through CM Insurance Company, Inc., a wholly owned captive insurance subsidiary.  The 
marketable securities are not available for general working capital purposes.

43

 
 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated principally using the straight-line method over their respective 
estimated  useful  lives  (buildings  and  building  equipment—15  to  40  years;  machinery  and  equipment—3  to  18  years). When 
depreciable assets are retired, or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts 
and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in operating results.  Included within other assets is a building that is held for sale in the 
amount of $425,000 at March 31, 2018 and 2017.  The building was closed as part of the Company's fiscal 2010 restructuring 
activities.  During the year ended March 31, 2018 the Company did not change the assets held for sale value. 

Research and Development

For its fiscal 2018 financial statements, the Company has reclassified research and development (R&D) expenses previously 
recorded in general and administrative expense into a separate line item on the consolidated statements of operations. All periods 
presented  have  been  revised  to  reflect  this  presentation.  With  the  acquisitions  of  Magnetek  in  September  2015  and  STAHL 
CraneSystems (“STAHL”) in January 2017, the Company expects R&D costs to factor more prominently in our cost structure. 
Therefore, the new presentation of R&D costs provides transparency into these costs.  Consistent with prior periods, the Company 
continues to account for R&D expenses in accordance with the provisions of ASC 730 and are expensed as incurred. 

Revenue Recognition, Accounts Receivable and Concentration of Credit Risk

Sales are recorded when title passes to the customer which is generally at time of shipment to the customer. The Company performs 
ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition, but generally does not require collateral to support customer 
receivables. The credit risk is controlled through credit approvals, limits, and monitoring procedures. Accounts receivable are 
reported at net realizable value and do not accrue interest. The Company establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts based 
upon factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers, historical trends, and other factors. Accounts receivable are charged 
against the allowance for doubtful accounts once all collection efforts have been exhausted.  The Company does not routinely 
permit customers to return product. However, sales returns are permitted in specific situations and typically include a restocking 
charge or the purchase of additional product. Sales tax is excluded from revenue.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are a component of cost of products sold.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company records stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC Topic 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation.” 
This standard requires all equity-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in 
the consolidated statements of operations based on the grant date fair value of the award.  Stock compensation expense is included 
in cost of goods sold, selling, and general and administrative expense depending on the nature of the service of the employee 
receiving the award.  The Company uses a straight-line method of attributing the value of stock-based compensation expense, 
subject to minimum levels of expense, based on vesting. See Note 14 for further discussion of stock-based compensation.

Leases 

All leases are reviewed for capital or operating classification at their inception. Rent expense for leases that contain scheduled rent 
increases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including any option periods included in the determination of 
the lease term.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management 
to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual 
results could differ from those estimates.

44

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

Warranties

The Company offers warranties for certain products it sells. The specific terms and conditions of those warranties vary depending 
upon the product sold and the country in which the Company sold the product. The Company generally provides a basic limited 
warranty, including parts and labor for any product deemed to be defective for a period of one year, and for certain products, a 
lifetime warranty. The Company estimates the costs that may be incurred under its basic limited warranty, based largely upon 
actual warranty repair costs history, and records a liability in the amount of such costs in the month that the product revenue is 
recognized. The resulting accrual balance is reviewed during the year. Factors that affect the Company’s warranty liability include 
the number of units sold, historical and anticipated rate of warranty claims, and cost per claim. Changes in the Company’s product 
warranty accrual are as follows:

Balance at beginning of year
Accrual for warranties issued
Warranties settled
Warranties assumed in STAHL acquisition
Balance at end of year

3. 

Acquisitions

March 31,

2018

2017

$

$

4,081
2,716
(3,006)
—
3,791

$

$

1,229
1,988
(2,084)
2,948
4,081

On  July  15,  2016,  the  Company  purchased  100%  of  the  assets  of  Ergomatic  Products  LLC  ("Ergomatic"),  a  designer  and 
manufacturer of ergonomic lift assists, articulating arms, torque tubes, and pneumatic control systems for material handling and 
tool suspension applications. The purchase price of the transaction was $1,175,000, of which $587,000 was paid to the seller on 
the day of closing with the remainder due to the seller over a two year period. 

In connection with the acquisition of Ergomatic, the Company withheld $588,000 to be paid to the seller upon satisfaction of 
certain conditions. Of this amount, $294,000 was paid to the seller in July 2017 and the remaining $294,000 is expected to be paid 
in July 2018. The Company has recorded short term restricted cash on its consolidated balance sheets of $294,000 within prepaid 
expenses and a short term liability of $294,000 within accrued liabilities at March 31, 2018. 

The allocation of the purchase price to the assets and liabilities of Ergomatic is now complete as the measurement period has 
closed. The identifiable intangible assets acquired primarily includes engineered drawings of $677,000 with an estimated useful 
life of 20 years. The assignment of the purchase consideration to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is as follows (in 
thousands): 

Working capital
Property, plant, and equipment
Intangible assets
Total purchase consideration

$

$

212
246
717
1,175

On January 31, 2017, the Company completed its acquisition of STAHL for $217,773,000, net of cash acquired. STAHL is a 
leading manufacturer of explosion-protected hoists and crane components as well as provides custom engineered lifting solutions 
and  hoisting  technology  with  annual  sales  of  approximately  $170,000,000.  STAHL  serves  independent  crane  builders  and 
Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) firms, providing products to a variety of end markets including automotive, 
general  manufacturing,  oil  &  gas,  steel  &  concrete,  power  generation,  as  well  as  process  industries  such  as  chemical  and 
pharmaceuticals. 

The results of STAHL included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition are net sales and 
income (loss) from operations of $24,682,000 and ($6,022,000), respectively for the year ended March 31, 2017 and $173,166,000
and $18,553,000, respectively for the year ended March 31, 2018. STAHL's loss from operations for the year ended March 31, 

45

 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

2017 includes acquisition-related inventory amortization of $8,852,000. These costs have been included in cost of goods sold. 
Acquisition expenses incurred by the Company total $8,454,000 and were all incurred in fiscal 2017 and have been recorded in 
general and administrative expenses. Additionally, in fiscal 2018 the Company incurred $8,763,000 in STAHL integration costs.

To finance the STAHL acquisition, the Company, completed securing a $545,000,000 debt facility (New Facilities) with JPMorgan 
Chase Bank, N.A. (JP Morgan Chase Bank). The New Facilities consist of a New Revolving Facility in the amount of $100,000,000
and a $445,000,000 1st Lien Term Loan. Proceeds from the New Facility were used to fund the STAHL acquisition, pay fees and 
expenses associated with the acquisition, and refinance the Company’s existing Term Loan and Credit Facility.  During fiscal 2018 
and 2017 the Company had not drawn on the New Revolving Facility and had repaid $57,037,000 and $12,500,000, respectively 
on the 1st Lien Term Loan.  Please refer to Note 11 for additional information related to the Company's debt facilities.

In addition to the debt borrowing described above, the Company entered into an agreement to sell in aggregate 2,273,000 shares 
of Common Shares to the following purchasers: Adage Capital Management, LP; Heights Capital Management, Inc.; and UBS 
O'Connor LLC. The sale of the shares closed on January 30, 2017 at a price per Common Share of $22.00, generating gross 
proceeds of approximately $50,000,000. The purchase agreement for the shares required the Company to file an initial registration 
statement registering the common shares issued to the purchasers for resale.  The filing of the registration statement was completed 
and declared effective on April 28, 2017.

The allocation of the purchase price to the assets and liabilities of STAHL is now complete as the measurement period has closed. 
The excess consideration of $150,386,000 recorded as goodwill reflects an increase of $64,000 from that which was recorded as 
of March 31, 2017. The increase is due to an adjustment to the amount allocated to STAHL's other assets and other liabilities offset 
by a decrease due to a payment received in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 from the prior owner of STAHL as a result of a working 
capital true up. The identifiable intangible assets acquired include customer relationships of $120,220,000, trademark and trade 
names of $18,191,000, patents and technology of $2,660,000, and other intangibles totaling $1,968,000. The weighted average 
life of the acquired identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization was estimated at 16 years at the time of acquisition. 
Goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition is not deductible for income tax purposes. 

The assignment of purchase consideration to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is as follows: 

Cash

Working capital

Property, plant, and equipment
Intangible assets

Other assets

Other liabilities

Deferred taxes, net

Goodwill
Total

$

$

30,473

18,593

14,234
143,039

233
(75,162)
(33,550)
150,386
248,246

For each of the Company's acquisitions disclosed, goodwill represents future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired 
that do not meet the criteria for separate recognition apart from goodwill, including assembled workforce, growth opportunities, 
and increased presence in the markets served by the acquired companies.

Included within accrued liabilities at March 31, 2017 is $14,103,000 due to the former owner of STAHL related to a profit distribution 
agreement in place prior to the acquisition.  This was paid to the former owner during the first quarter of fiscal 2018.

See Note 4 for assumptions used in determining the fair values of of the intangible assets acquired. 

The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the combined results of operations as if the acquisitions had 
occurred as of April 1, 2016. The pro forma information includes certain adjustments, including depreciation and amortization 
expense, interest expense, and certain other adjustments, together with related income tax effects. The pro forma amounts may 
not be indicative of the results that actually would have been achieved had the acquisitions occurred as of April 1, 2016 and are 
not necessarily indicative of future results of the combined companies (in thousands, except per share data): 

46

 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

Net sales
Net income

Net income per share - Basic
Net income per share - Diluted

March 31,

2018

2017

$
$

$
$

839,419 $
22,065 $

777,847
20,699

0.97 $
0.95 $

0.92
0.91

4.  

Fair Value Measurements

ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” establishes the standards for reporting financial assets and liabilities 
and nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually). Under 
these standards, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e. the "exit 
price") in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

ASC Topic 820-10-35-37 establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable 
inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable 
inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from 
sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company's assumptions about the valuation 
techniques that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available 
in the circumstances. The hierarchy is separated into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:

Level 1 - Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the 
ability to access.  Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active 
market, valuation of these products does not entail a significant degree of judgment.

Level 2 - Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are 
observable, either directly or indirectly, involving some degree of judgment.

Level 3 - Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. The 
degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3.

The availability of observable inputs can vary and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including the type of asset/liability, 
whether the asset/liability is established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the transaction.  To the extent 
that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value 
requires more judgment. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value 
hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in 
its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant rather than an entity-specific measure. 
Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, assumptions are required to reflect those that market participants 
would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date.

The  Company  primarily  uses  readily  observable  market  data  in  conjunction  with  internally  developed  discounted  cash  flow 
valuation models when valuing its derivative portfolio and, consequently, the fair value of the Company’s derivatives is based on 
Level  2  inputs.  The  carrying  amount  of  the  Company's  annuity  contract  is  recorded  at  net  asset  value  of  the  contract  and, 
consequently, its fair value is based on Level 2 inputs and is included in other assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. 
The Company uses quoted prices in an inactive market when valuing its term loan and, consequently, the fair value is based on 
Level 2 inputs. The carrying value of the Company’s senior debt approximates fair value based on current market interest rates 
for debt instruments of similar credit standing and, consequently, its fair value is based on Level 2 inputs. 

47

 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

The following table provides information regarding financial assets and liabilities measured or disclosed at fair value on a recurring 
basis:

Description
Assets/(Liabilities)
Measured at fair value:
Marketable securities
Annuity contract
Derivative assets (liabilities):
  Foreign exchange contracts
  Interest rate swap asset
  Cross currency swap liability
  Cross currency swap asset

Disclosed at fair value:
Term loan
Senior debt

Description
Assets/(Liabilities)
Measured at fair value:
Marketable securities
Annuity contract
Derivative assets (liabilities):
  Foreign exchange contracts
  Interest rate swap liability
  Interest rate swap asset
  Cross currency swap liability
  Cross currency swap asset
Disclosed at fair value:
Term loan
Senior debt

Fair value measurements at reporting date using

Quoted prices in
active markets for
identical assets

Significant
other observable
inputs

Significant
 unobservable
inputs

At March
31, 2018

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

$

$

7,673
2,575

$

7,673
—

— $

2,575

107
3,961
(40,237)
2,204

—
—
—
—

107
3,961
(40,237)
2,204

$ (378,504) $

(98)

— $
—

(378,504) $

(98)

—
—

—
—
—
—

—
—

Fair value measurements at reporting date using

Quoted prices in
active markets for
identical assets

Significant
other observable
inputs

Significant
unobservable
inputs

At March
31, 2017

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

$

$

7,686
2,898

$

7,686
—

— $

2,898

18
(1,808)
1,394
(7,580)
3,237

—
—
—
—
—

18
(1,808)
1,394
(7,580)
3,237

$ (436,555) $

(3,159)

— $
—

(436,555) $
(3,159) $

—
—

—
—
—
—
—

—
—

The Company did not have any non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized at fair value on a recurring basis.

At March 31, 2018, the term loan, revolving credit facility, and senior debt have been recorded at carrying value which approximates 
fair value.

Interest and dividend income on marketable securities are recorded in investment (income) loss.  Changes in the fair value of 
derivatives are recorded in foreign currency exchange (gain) loss or other comprehensive income (loss), to the extent that the 
48

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

derivative qualifies as a hedge under the provisions of ASC Topic 815. Interest and dividend income on marketable securities are 
measured based upon amounts earned on their respective declaration dates.  

Fiscal 2018 Non-Recurring Measurements

During fiscal 2018, the Company terminated certain employees in connection with its overall STAHL integration plan. The Company 
incurred $4,163,000 in severance and other employee termination costs. The costs incurred were calculated at fair value on a non-
recurring basis using Level 3 inputs which included expected payments. Of this, $1,809,000 is unpaid and included within accrued 
liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

During fiscal 2018 the Company performed a qualitative analysis of the fair value of its Rest of Products and Duff-Norton reporting 
units for its goodwill impairment testing.  The qualitative analysis did not require the use of non-recurring fair value measurements.  
A similar qualitative analysis was also performed for the Company's STAHL and Unified Industries indefinite-lived intangible 
assets. 

The  Company  performed  a  quantitative  analysis  to  evaluate  whether  the  indefinite-lived  intangible  assets  of  Magnetek  were 
impaired.  In performing this analysis, a royalty rate of 2.7% and a discount rate of 10.0% was used.

Fiscal 2017 Non-Recurring Measurements

Assets and liabilities that were measured on a non-recurring basis during fiscal 2017 include assets and liabilities acquired in 
connection with the acquisition of STAHL and Ergomatic described in Note 3.  The estimated fair values allocated to the assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed relied upon fair value measurements based primarily on Level 3 inputs. The valuation techniques 
used to allocate fair values to working capital items; property, plant, and equipment; and identifiable intangible assets included 
the cost approach, market approach, and other income approaches.  For identifiable intangible assets these techniques included 
the excess earnings approach, cost approach, relief from royalty approach, and other income approaches. The valuation techniques 
relied on a number of inputs which included the cost and condition of property, plant, and equipment and forecasted net sales and 
income.  

For Ergomatic, the most significant valuation inputs included an engineering cost per hour of $40.86 for engineered drawings.  
For STAHL significant valuation inputs included an attrition rate of 10.0% for customer relationships, an estimated useful life of 
15 years and royalty rate of 2.0% for developed technology, a royalty rate of 1.0% for trademark and trade names, and a weighted 
average cost of capital of 10.5%. 

Additional  assets  and  liabilities  that  were  measured  on  a  non-recurring  basis  during  fiscal  2017  include  the  net  assets  of  the 
Company’s Rest of Products and Duff-Norton reporting units.  These measurements have been used to test goodwill for impairment 
on an annual basis under the provisions of ASC Topic 350-20-35-1 “Intangibles, Goodwill and Other – Goodwill Subsequent 
Measurement.” 

The fiscal 2017 Step 1 goodwill impairment test consisted of determining a fair value of the Company’s Rest of Products and Duff-
Norton reporting units on a quantitative basis. The fair value for the Company’s Rest of Products and Duff-Norton reporting units 
cannot be determined using readily available quoted Level 1 inputs or Level 2 inputs that are observable in active markets. Therefore, 
the Company used a blended discounted cash flow and market-based valuation model to estimate the fair value of its Rest of 
Products and Duff-Norton reporting units, using Level 3 inputs. To estimate the fair value of the Rest of Products and Duff-Norton 
reporting units, the Company used significant estimates and judgmental factors.  The key estimates and factors used in the discounted 
cash flow valuation include revenue growth rates and profit margins based on internal forecasts, terminal value, and the weighted-
average cost of capital used to discount future cash flows. 

For Rest of Products the compound annual growth rate for revenue during the first five years of the projections was approximately 
3.2%. The terminal value was calculated assuming a projected growth rate of 3.0% after five years. The estimated weighted-
average cost of capital for the reporting unit was determined to be 10.0% based upon an analysis of similar companies and their 
debt to equity mix, their related volatility and the size of their market capitalization.

For the Duff-Norton reporting unit the compound annual growth rate for revenue during the first five years of the projections was 
approximately 3.9%. The terminal value was calculated assuming a projected growth rate of 3.5% after five years. The estimated 

49

 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

weighted-average cost of capital for the reporting units was determined to be 10.2% based upon an analysis of similar companies 
and their debt to equity mix, their related volatility, and the size of their market capitalization.

The Company also measured indefinite-lived intangible assets from the Magnetek, STB, and Unified Industries acquisitions on a 
non-recurring  basis.    The  fair  value  measurements  were  calculated  using  discounted  cash  flow  analyses  which  rely  upon 
unobservable inputs classified as Level 3 inputs.  In performing these analyses, royalty rates of 2.5%, 0.3%, and 1.3% were used 
for the indefinitely-lived intangible assets of Magnetek, STB, and Unified Industries, respectively.  A discount rate of 11.4% was 
used for each analysis.

After performing the valuation above, the Company determined that the indefinite-lived STB intangible trademark asset was fully 
impaired in fiscal 2017.  The impairment was due to lower cash flows and royalty rates than at the time of the acquisition.  The 
total impairment loss of $1,125,000 was recorded within intangible asset impairment on the Company's statement of operations.

See Note 8 for additional discussion on the Company's goodwill impairment assessment and the conclusions reached.

5.  

Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following:

At cost—FIFO basis:
Raw materials
Work-in-process
Finished goods

LIFO cost less than FIFO cost
Net inventories

March 31,

2018

2017

$

$

84,492
43,140
40,321
167,953
(15,067)
152,886

$

$

74,716
39,117
33,666
147,499
(16,856)
130,643

There were LIFO liquidations resulting in $547,000 and $384,000 of additional income in fiscal 2017 and 2016 income, 
respectively. LIFO liquidations were not material during fiscal 2018.

6.  

Marketable Securities and Other Investments

All of the Company’s marketable securities, which consist of equity securities and fixed income securities, have been classified 
as available-for-sale securities and are therefore recorded at their fair values with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported 
in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the shareholders’ equity section of the consolidated balance sheet unless unrealized 
losses are deemed to be other-than-temporary. In such instances, the unrealized losses are reported in the consolidated statements 
of operations within investment income. Estimated fair value is based on quoted market prices at the balance sheet dates. The cost 
of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Interest and dividend income are included in investment income 
in the consolidated statements of operations. 

Marketable securities are carried as long-term assets since they are held for the settlement of the Company’s general and products 
liability insurance claims filed through CM Insurance Company, Inc. (CMIC), a wholly owned captive insurance subsidiary. The 
marketable securities are not available for general working capital purposes.

In accordance with ASC Topic 320-10-35-30 “Investments – Debt & Equity Securities – Subsequent Measurement,” the Company 
reviews its marketable securities for declines in market value that may be considered other-than-temporary. The Company generally 
considers market value declines to be other-than-temporary if they are declines for a period longer than six months and in excess 
of 20% of original cost, or when other evidence indicates impairment.  We also consider the nature of the underlying investments, 

50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

our intent and ability to hold the investments until their market values recover, and other market conditions in making this assessment.   
Based on this assessment, no other-than-temporary impairment charge has been recorded during fiscal 2018, 2017, or 2016.

During fiscal 2017, CMIC obtained approval from the New York State Department of Finance Services to loan up to $10,000,000
to the Company based on arms-length terms and conditions.  CMIC initially loaned $6,000,000 to the Company during fiscal 2017.  
To fund this intercompany loan, CMIC sold a portion of its marketable security portfolio with a cost of $5,938,000 and a fair value 
of  $6,000,000  resulting  in  a  realized  gain  of  $62,000.    During  fiscal  2018  the  loan  was  increased  to  $10,000,000  to  settle 
intercompany payables due to CMIC.

The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities at March 31, 2018 (In thousands):

Marketable securities

Amortized
Cost

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized 
Losses

$

7,149

$

588

$

64

Estimated
Fair Value
7,673
$

The aggregate fair value of investments and unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position at 
March 31, 2018 are as follows (In thousands):

Securities in a continuous loss position for less than 12 months
Securities in a continuous loss position for more than 12 months

Aggregate
 Fair Value
1,859
$
1,285
3,144

$

Unrealized
Losses

$

$

26
38
64

The Company considered the nature of the investments, causes of previous impairments, the severity and duration of unrealized 
losses, and other factors and determined that the unrealized losses at March 31, 2018 were temporary in nature.

Net realized gains and losses related to sales of marketable securities are included in investment (income) loss in the consolidated 
statements of operations.  There were no material net realized gains and losses in fiscal 2018.  Net realized gains were $161,000, 
and $235,000, in fiscal years 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities at March 31, 2017 (In thousands):

Marketable securities

Amortized
Cost

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
 Unrealized
Losses

$

7,475

$

248

$

37

Estimated
Fair Value
7,686
$

The aggregate fair value of investments and unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position at 
March 31, 2017 are as follows (In thousands):

Securities in a continuous loss position for less than 12 months
Securities in a continuous loss position for more than 12 months

Aggregate
 Fair Value
2,050
$
—
2,050

$

Unrealized
 Losses

$

$

37
—
37

51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

Net unrealized gains included in the balance sheet amounted to $524,000 at March 31, 2018 and $211,000 at March 31, 2017. The 
amounts, net of related deferred tax liabilities of $110,000 and $74,000 at March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, are reflected as 
a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss within shareholders’ equity. 

On December 21, 2017, the Company purchased a 49% ownership of Eastern Morris Cranes Company Limited (EMC), a limited 
liability company organized and existing under the laws and regulations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for $3,359,000. This 
represents an equity investment in a strategic customer of STAHL serving the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The investment value 
was increased for the Company's ownership percentage of income earned by EMC during the fiscal year. The investment's carrying 
value as of March 31, 2018 is $3,404,000 and has been accounted for as an equity method investment.  It is presented in other 
assets in the consolidated balance sheet. The March 31, 2018 trade accounts receivable balance due from EMC is $4,930,000 and 
is comprised of amounts due for the sale of goods and services in the ordinary course of business. In trade accounts payable there 
is $196,000 due to EMC as of March 31, 2018 for services performed.

7.  

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Consolidated property, plant, and equipment of the Company consisted of the following:

Land and land improvements
Buildings
Machinery, equipment, and leasehold improvements
Construction in progress

Less accumulated depreciation
Net property, plant, and equipment

March 31,

2018

2017

7,031
42,330
275,685
13,461
338,507
225,428
113,079

$

$

6,585
41,536
221,569
10,543
280,233
167,205
113,028

$

$

Buildings include assets recorded under capital leases amounting to $4,838,000 as of March 31, 2018 and 2017.  Machinery, 
equipment, and leasehold improvements include assets recorded under capital leases amounting to $1,434,000 and $1,017,000 as 
of March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  Accumulated depreciation includes accumulated amortization of the assets recorded 
under capital leases amounting to $4,329,000 and $3,953,000 at March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Depreciation  expense,  including  amortization  of  assets  recorded  under  capital  leases,  was  $20,584,000,  $17,057,000,  and 
$15,507,000 for the years ended March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

Gross property, plant, and equipment includes capitalized software costs of $38,937,000 and $34,386,000 at March 31, 2018 and 
2017, respectively.  Accumulated depreciation includes accumulated amortization on capitalized software costs of $17,754,000
and $14,792,000 at March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  Amortization expense on capitalized software costs was $3,151,000, 
$4,357,000, and $2,085,000 during the years ended March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

During fiscal year 2019, the Company initiated a process to sell the assets of two of its product lines.  The assets of these product 
lines totaled $4,701,000 at March 31, 2018.  The asset sales are expected to be completed within the next 12 months.

8.  

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

As discussed in Note 2, goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at least annually, in accordance with the provisions 
of ASC Topic 350-20-35-1.  Goodwill impairment is deemed to exist if the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated 
fair value.  The fair value of a reporting unit is determined using a discounted cash flow methodology.  The Company’s reporting 
units are determined based upon whether discrete financial information is available and reviewed regularly, whether those units 
constitute a business, and the extent of economic similarities and interdependencies between those reporting units for purposes of 
aggregation.  The Company’s reporting units identified under ASC Topic 350-20-35-33 are at the component level, or one level 

52

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

below the operating segment level as defined under ASC Topic 280-10-50-10 “Segment Reporting – Disclosure.” The Company 
has four reporting units as of March 31, 2018 and 2017.  Only two of the four reporting units carried goodwill at March 31, 2018
and March 31, 2017. The Duff-Norton reporting unit (which designs, manufactures, and sources mechanical and electromechanical 
actuators and rotary unions) had goodwill of $9,721,000 and $9,555,000 at March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and the Rest 
of Products reporting unit (representing the hoist, chain, and forgings, digital power control systems, and distribution businesses) 
had goodwill of $337,713,000 and $309,744,000 at March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  During fiscal 2017 STAHL was 
determined to be part of the Rest of Products reporting unit.

When we evaluate the potential for goodwill impairment, we assess a range of qualitative factors including, but not limited to, 
macroeconomic conditions, industry conditions, the competitive environment, changes in the market for our products and services, 
regulatory and political developments, entity specific factors such as strategy and changes in key personnel, and overall financial 
performance. If, after completing this assessment, it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting 
unit is less than its carrying value or if economic or other business factors indicate that the fair value of our reporting units may 
have declined since our last quantitative test, we proceed to a quantitative impairment test.  We performed the qualitative assessment 
as of February 28, 2018 and determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of each of our reporting units was 
less than their applicable carrying value.  Accordingly, we did not perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test for any of 
our reporting units during fiscal 2018.

In accordance with ASC Topic 350-30-35, indefinite-lived intangible assets that are not subject to amortization shall be tested for 
impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that an asset is impaired.     
Similar to goodwill, we first assess various qualitative factors in the analysis.  If, after completing this assessment, it is determined 
that it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value, we proceed 
to a quantitative impairment test. We performed the qualitative assessment as of February 28, 2018 and determined that it was not 
more likely than not that the fair value of each of our indefinite-lived intangible assets was less than that its applicable carrying 
value,  other  than  Magnetek's  indefinite-lived  trademark. We  proceeded  to  the  quantitative  test  for  this  intangible  asset.   The 
methodology used to value the Magnetek indefinite-lived trademark is the relief from royalty method.  If the recorded book value 
of the trademark is in excess of the calculated fair value, an impairment is indicated.  The key estimate used in this calculation 
consists of an overall royalty rate applied to the sales covered by the trademark.  After performing the analysis, it was determined 
that the fair value of the Magnetek indefinite-lived trademark exceeded its carrying value, and as such, no impairment was recorded.

Identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination are amortized over their estimated useful lives.

A summary of changes in goodwill during the years ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:

Balance at April 1, 2016
Acquisition of STAHL (See Note 3)
Currency translation
Balance at March 31, 2017
STAHL measurement period adjustment (see Note 3)
Currency translation
Balance at March 31, 2018

$

$

$

170,716
150,322
(1,739)
319,299
64
28,071
347,434

Goodwill is recognized net of accumulated impairment losses of $107,000,000 as of March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 
There were no goodwill impairment losses recorded in fiscal 2018, 2017, or 2016.

Intangible assets at March 31, 2018 are as follows:

53

 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

Trademark
Indefinite-lived trademark
Customer relationships
Acquired technology
Other
Balance at March 31, 2018

Intangible assets at March 31, 2017 were as follows:

Trademark
Indefinite-lived trademark
Customer relationships
Acquired technology
Other
Balance at March 31, 2017

Gross
Carrying 
Amount
5,875
$
48,874
199,045
46,898
3,936
$ 304,628

Gross
 Carrying
 Amount
5,151
$
46,018
177,983
46,574
3,471
$ 279,197

$

$

Accumulated
Amortization
$

Net

(3,299) $
2,576
48,874
—
(27,887)
171,158
(7,436)
39,462
(2,242)
1,694
(40,864) $ 263,764

Accumulated
 Amortization
$

Net

(2,616) $
—
(14,873)
(4,603)
(922)

2,535
46,018
163,110
41,971
2,549
(23,014) $ 256,183

The Company’s intangible assets that are considered to have finite lives are amortized over the period in which the assets are 
expected to generate future cash flows.  The weighted-average amortization periods are 17 years for trademarks, 18 years for 
customer relationships, 18 years for acquired technology, 6 years for other, and 18 years in total.  Trademarks with a book value 
of $48,874,000 have an indefinite useful life and are therefore not being amortized. Total amortization expense was $15,552,000, 
$8,105,000, and $5,024,000 for fiscal 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.  Based on the current amount of intangible assets, the 
estimated amortization expense for each of the succeeding five years is expected to be approximately $16,000,000. 

Intangible assets are recognized net of accumulated impairment losses of $1,125,000 as of March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 

9.  

Derivative Instruments

The Company uses derivative instruments to manage selected foreign currency and interest rate exposures. The Company does 
not use derivative instruments for speculative trading purposes. All derivative instruments must be recorded on the balance sheet 
at fair value. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is 
recorded  as  accumulated  other  comprehensive  gain  (loss),  or  “AOCL,”  and  is  reclassified  to  earnings  when  the  underlying 
transaction has an impact on earnings. The ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the foreign currency forward agreements 
is reported in foreign currency exchange loss (gain) in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.  The ineffective portion 
of changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap agreements is reported in interest expense.  For derivatives not designated as 
cash flow hedges, all changes in market value are recorded as a foreign currency exchange (gain) loss in the Company’s consolidated 
statements of operations. The cash flow effects of derivatives are reported within net cash provided by operating activities. 

The Company is exposed to credit losses in the event of non-performance by the counterparties on its financial instruments. The 
counterparties have investment grade credit ratings. The Company anticipates that these counterparties will be able to fully satisfy 
their obligations under the contracts. The Company has derivative contracts with four counterparties as of March 31, 2018.  

The Company's agreements with its counterparties contain provisions pursuant to which the Company could be declared in default 
of its derivative obligations.  As of March 31, 2018, the Company had not posted any collateral related to these agreements. If the 
Company had breached any of these provisions as of March 31, 2018, it could have been required to settle its obligations under 

54

 
 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

these agreements at amounts which approximate the March 31, 2018 fair values reflected in the table below.  During the year 
ended March 31, 2018, the Company was not in default of any of its derivative obligations.  

As of March 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had no derivatives designated as net investments or fair value hedges in accordance 
with ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.”

The Company has cross currency swap agreements that are designated as cash flow hedges to hedge changes in the value of 
intercompany loans to a foreign subsidiary due to changes in foreign exchange rates.  These intercompany loans are related to the 
acquisition of STAHL.  The notional amount of these derivatives is $215,130,000, and all of the contracts mature by January 31, 
2022.  From its March 31, 2018 balance of AOCL, the Company expects to reclassify approximately $132,000 out of AOCL, and 
into  foreign  currency  exchange  loss  (gain),  during  the  next  12  months  based  on  the  contractual  payments  due  under  these 
intercompany loans.

The Company has foreign currency forward agreements in place to offset changes in the value of other intercompany loans to 
foreign subsidiaries due to changes in foreign exchange rates. The notional amount of these derivatives is $3,500,000 and all of 
the contracts mature by June 30, 2018. These contracts are marked to market each balance sheet date and are not designated as 
hedges. 

The Company has foreign currency forward agreements that are designated as cash flow hedges to hedge a portion of forecasted 
inventory purchases denominated in foreign currencies. The notional amount of those derivatives is $13,474,000 and all contracts 
mature by March 31, 2019.  From its March 31, 2018 balance of AOCL, the Company expects to reclassify approximately $10,000 
out of AOCL during the next 12 months based on the underlying transactions of the sales of the goods purchased. 

The Company's policy is to maintain a capital structure that is comprised of 50-70% of fixed rate long-term debt and 30-50% of 
variable rate long-term debt. The Company has two interest rate swap agreements in which the Company receives interest at a 
variable rate and pays interest at a fixed rate.  These interest rate swap agreements are designated as cash flow hedges to hedge 
changes in interest expense due to changes in the variable interest rate of the senior secured term loan. The amortizing interest rate 
swaps mature by December 31, 2023 and have a total notional amount of $229,830,000 as of March 31, 2018.  The effective 
portion of the changes in fair values of the interest rate swaps is reported in AOCL and will be reclassified to interest expense over 
the life of the swap agreements. The ineffective portion was not material and was recognized in the current period interest expense.  
From its March 31, 2018 balance of AOCL, the Company expects to reclassify approximately $503,000 out of AOCL, and into 
interest expense, during the next 12 months.

The following is the effect of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended March 31, 
2018, 2017, and 2016 (in thousands):

55

 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

Derivatives 
Designated as 
Cash Flow  
Hedges
March 31,
2018
2018

2018

2017
2017

2017

2016
2016

Type of Instrument

Foreign exchange contracts
Interest rate swap

Cross currency swap

Foreign exchange contracts
Interest rate swap

Cross currency swap

Foreign exchange contracts
Interest rate swap

Amount of Gain or
(Loss) Recognized in
Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss) on
Derivatives (Effective
Portion)

Location of Gain or
(Loss) Recognized
in Income on
Derivatives

Amount of Gain or
(Loss) Reclassified
from AOCL into
Income (Effective
Portion)

$
$

$

$
$

$

$
$

(219) Cost of products sold
Interest expense
1,339
Foreign currency
exchange loss (gain)

(24,838)

200 Cost of products sold
Interest expense
281
Foreign currency
exchange loss (gain)

(3,686)

(186) Cost of products sold
Interest Expense

(2,025)

$
$

$

$
$

$

$
$

(196)
(1,879)

(25,206)

(40)
(819)

1,168

74
(1,254)

Derivatives Not Designated as
 Hedging Instruments (Foreign
Exchange Contracts)
March 31,
2018
2017
2016

Location of Gain or (Loss) 
Recognized in
Income on Derivatives

Amount of
Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in
 Income on
 Derivatives

Foreign currency exchange loss (gain)
Foreign currency exchange loss (gain)
Foreign currency exchange loss (gain)

$
$
$

(11)
(110)
32

The following is information relative to the Company’s derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 
2018 and 2017 (in thousands):

Derivatives Designated as
Hedging Instruments
Foreign exchange contracts
Foreign exchange contracts
Interest rate swap
Interest rate swap
Interest rate swap
Cross currency swap
Cross currency swap
Cross currency swap

Fair Value of Asset 
(Liability)
March 31,

2018

2017

$

$

213
(75)
662
3,299
—
2,204
(2,028)
(38,209)

161
(123)
—
1,394
(1,808)
3,237
(121)
(7,459)

Balance Sheet Location
Prepaid expenses and other
Accrued Liabilities
Prepaid expenses and other
Other Assets
Accrued Liabilities
Prepaid expenses and other
Accrued liabilities
Other non current liabilities

56

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

Derivatives Not Designated as
Hedging Instruments

Foreign exchange contracts

Foreign exchange contracts

Balance Sheet Location

2018

2017

Prepaid expenses and other

$

Accrued Liabilities

— $
(31)

2
(22)  

Fair Value of Asset
(Liability)
March 31,

10.  

Accrued Liabilities and Other Non-current Liabilities

Consolidated accrued liabilities of the Company consisted of the following:  

Accrued payroll
Accrued income taxes payable
Accrued health insurance
Accrued general and product liability costs
Customer advances, deposits, and rebates
Profit sharing
Other accrued liabilities

March 31,

2018

2017

37,391
5,568
1,606
3,500
18,911
—
32,987
99,963

$

$

25,151
2,287
2,982
3,500
19,210
14,103
30,164
97,397

$

$

Accrued liabilities at March 31, 2017 included $14,103,000 due to the former owner of STAHL related to a profit distribution 
agreement in place prior to the acquisition. This liability was paid in full during fiscal 2018.

Consolidated other non-current liabilities of the Company consisted of the following:  

Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
Accrued general and product liability costs
Accrued pension cost
Cross currency swap
Deferred income tax
Other non-current liabilities

March 31,

2018

2017

2,835
10,082
131,725
38,209
30,262
10,853
223,966

$

$

3,615
9,835
147,121
7,459
28,689
16,064
212,783

$

$

57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

11.  

Debt

Consolidated long-term debt of the Company consisted of the following:

Capital lease obligations
Total senior debt

Debt assumed in the acquisition of STAHL
Term loan

Unamortized deferred financing costs, net
Total debt
Less: current portion

Total debt, less current portion

March 31,

2018

2017

$

$

98
98

—
375,463
(12,243)
363,318
60,064

551
551

2,608
432,500
(14,340)
421,319
52,568

$

303,254

$

368,751

Through January 31, 2017 the Company had $131,500,000 outstanding under a revolving credit facility ("Replaced Revolving 
Credit Facility"). The Replaced Revolving Credit Facility provided availability up to a maximum of $225,000,000 and had an 
initial term ending January 23, 2020.

Through January 31, 2017 the Company, Columbus McKinnon Dutch Holdings 3 B.V. (“BV 3”), and Columbus McKinnon EMEA 
GmbH (“EMEA GMBH”) as borrowers (collectively referred to as the "Borrowers"), had outstanding $103,125,000 principal 
amount of a senior secured Term Loan ("Replaced Term Loan") which matured on February 19, 2020.

As described in Note 2, on January 31, 2017 the Company entered into a New Credit Agreement ("New Credit Agreement") and 
$545,000,000 of new debt facilities ("New Facilities") in connection with the STAHL acquisition. The New Facilities consist of 
a New Revolving Facility ("Revolver") in the amount of $100,000,000 and a $445,000,000 1st Lien Term Loan ("New Term 
Loan"). Proceeds from the New Facilities were used to fund the STAHL acquisition, pay fees and expenses associated with the 
acquisition, and refinance the Company's Replaced Revolving Credit Facility and Replaced Term Loan. The New Term Loan has 
a seven-year term maturing in 2024 and the Revolver has a five-year term maturing in 2022. At March 31, 2018 the Company has 
not drawn from the Revolver.

The key terms of the agreement are as follows:

•  Term Loan: An aggregate $445,000,000 1st Lien Term Loan which requires quarterly principal amortization of 0.25% 
with the remaining principal due at maturity date. In addition, if the Company has Excess Cash Flow ("ECF") as defined 
in the New Credit Agreement, the ECF Percentage of the Excess Cash Flow for such fiscal year minus optional prepayment 
of the Loans (except prepayments of Revolving Loans that are not accompanied by a corresponding permanent reduction 
of Revolving Commitments) pursuant to Section 2.10(a) of the New Credit Agreement other than to the extent that any 
such prepayment is funded with the proceeds of Funded Debt, shall be applied toward the prepayment of the New Term 
Loan. The ECF Percentage is defined as 50% stepping down to 25% or 0% based on the Secured Leverage Ratio as of 
the last day of the fiscal year.

•  Revolver: An aggregate $100,000,000 secured revolving facility which includes sublimits for the issuance of standby 

letters of credit, swingline loans and multi-currency borrowings in certain specified foreign currencies.

• 

• 

Fees and Interest Rates: Commitment fees and interest rates are determined on the basis of either a Eurocurrency rate or 
a Base rate plus an applicable margin based upon the Company's Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the New Credit 
Agreement).

Prepayments: Provisions permitting a Borrower to voluntarily prepay either the Term Loan or Revolver in whole or in 
part at any time, and provisions requiring certain mandatory prepayments of the Term Loan or Revolver on the occurrence 

58

 
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

of certain events which will permanently reduce the commitments under the New Credit Agreement, each without premium 
or penalty, subject to reimbursement of certain costs of the Lenders. A prepayment premium of 1% of the principal amount 
of the First Lien Term Loans is required if the prepayment is associated with a Repricing Transaction and it were to occur 
within the first twelve months.

•  Covenants: Provisions containing covenants required of the Corporation and its subsidiaries including various affirmative 
and negative financial and operational covenants. The key financial covenant is triggered only on any date when any 
Extension of Credit under the Revolving Facility is outstanding (excluding any Letters of Credit) (the “Covenant Trigger”), 
and permits the Total Leverage Ratio for the Reference Period ended on such date to not exceed (i) 4.50:1.00 as of any 
date of determination prior to December 31, 2017, (ii) 4.00:1.00 as of any date of determination on December 31, 2017 
and thereafter but prior to December 31, 2018, (iii) 3.50:1.00 as of any date of determination on December 31, 2018 and 
thereafter but prior to December 31, 2019 and (iv) 3.00:1.00 as of any date of determination on December 31, 2019 and 
thereafter. As there is no amount drawn on the Revolver as of March 31, 2017 the requirement to comply with the covenant 
is not triggered. Had we been required to determine the covenant ratio we would have been in compliance with the 
covenant provisions as of March 31, 2018 and 2017.

The New Facility is secured by all U.S. inventory, receivables, equipment, real property, subsidiary stock (limited to 65% of non-
U.S. subsidiaries) and intellectual property.  The New Credit Agreement allows, but limits our ability to pay dividends.

On February 26, 2018, the Company amended the New Credit Agreement (known as the "Amended Credit Agreement"). The 
Amended Credit Agreement has the same terms mentioned above except for a reduction in interest rates. The applicable rate for 
the repriced term loan was reduced from 3.00% to 2.50%. The Company has accounted for the Amended Credit Agreement as a 
debt modification, therefore, debt repricing fees incurred in fiscal 2018 were expensed as general and administrative expenses and 
the deferred financing fees incurred as part of the New Credit Agreement (discussed below) remain unchanged. 

As mentioned above, on January 31, 2017 the Company borrowed $445,000,000 under the New Term Loan. The Company repaid 
the amount outstanding for the Replaced Revolving Credit Facility and Replaced Term Loan ($131,500,000 and $103,125,000, 
respectively) plus $652,000 in accrued interest and fees. The cost of debt refinancing on the Company's consolidated statement 
of operations includes the write-off of previously unamortized deferred financing costs and other expenses of $1,303,000 in fiscal 
2017.

The outstanding balance of the New Term Loan was $375,463,000 and $432,500,000 as of March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 
The Company made $57,037,000 of principal payment on the New Term Loan during fiscal 2018 and $9,375,000 of principal 
payments on the Replaced Term Loan and $12,500,000 of principal payment on the New Term Loan during fiscal 2017. The 
Company is obligated to make $4,450,000 of principal payments over the next 12 months, however, plans to pay down $60,000,000
in total. This amount has been recorded within the current portion of long term debt on the Company's consolidated balance sheet 
with the remaining balance recorded as long-term debt.

There was $0 outstanding on the New Revolving Credit Facility and $4,478,000 outstanding letters of credit as of March 31, 
2018. The outstanding letters of credit at March 31, 2018 consisted of $745,000 in commercial letters of credit and $3,733,000 of 
standby letters of credit.

In connection with the acquisition of STAHL, the Company assumed a loan that STAHL CraneSystems Shanghai Co Ltd ("STAHL 
China") entered into on November 22, 2016 with Dalian Konecranes Co Ltd ("Konecranes"). The principal amount loaned to 
STAHL China in the amount of 18,000,000 Yuan (approximately $2,608,000 as of March 31, 2017) was used to meet working 
capital needs. The annual interest rate was 4.35% with an original maturity date of February 24, 2017. The term of the loan was 
extended through a loan amendment with a new maturity date of May 24, 2017. Therefore, this loan was classified in current 
portion of long-term debt at March 31, 2017. The Company repaid the loan in full in fiscal 2018.

The gross balance of deferred financing costs on the term loan was $14,690,000 as of March 31, 2018 and 2017. The accumulated 
amortization balances were $2,447,000 and $350,000 as of March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  All of the deferred financing 
costs on the Replaced Term Loan were extinguished and are included in the cost of debt refinancing on the Company's consolidated 
statement of operations as of March 31, 2017.

59

 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

The gross balance of deferred financing costs associated with the New Revolving Credit Facility and Replaced Revolving Credit 
Facility are included in other assets is $2,789,000 as of March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017. The accumulated amortization 
balances were $651,000 and $93,000 as of March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017 respectively. The balance includes $605,000 and 
$763,000 as of March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, respectively, related to the Replaced Revolving Credit Facility as certain 
lenders in the Replaced Revolving Credit Facility participate in the New Revolving Credit Facility. These balances are classified 
in other assets since no funds were drawn on the New Revolving Credit Facility in fiscal 2018 and 2017.

On June 22, 2007, the Company recorded a capital lease resulting from the sale and partial leaseback of its facility in Charlotte, 
North  Carolina  under  a  10  year  lease  agreement. The  Company  also  has  capital  leases  on  certain  production  machinery  and 
equipment. The outstanding balance on the capital lease obligations of $98,000 and $551,000 as of March 31, 2018 and 2017, 
respectively, are included in senior debt in the consolidated balance sheets.  $64,000 of the capital lease liability has been recorded 
within the current portion of long term debt on the Company's consolidated balance sheet with the remaining balance recorded as 
long term debt.

The principal payments obligated to be made as of March 31, 2018 on the above debt are as follows:

FY 2019
FY 2020
FY 2021
FY 2022
FY 2023
Thereafter

$

$

4,515
4,483
4,450
4,450
4,450
353,213
375,561

Non-U.S. Lines of Credit and Loans

Unsecured and uncommitted lines of credit are available to meet short-term working capital needs for certain of our subsidiaries 
operating outside of the U.S. The lines of credit are available on an offering basis, meaning that transactions under the line of credit 
will be on such terms and conditions, including interest rate, maturity, representations, covenants, and events of default, as mutually 
agreed between our subsidiaries and the local bank at the time of each specific transaction. As of March 31, 2018, unsecured credit 
lines totaled approximately $5,176,000, of which $0 was drawn. In addition, unsecured lines of $17,877,000 were available for 
bank guarantees issued in the normal course of business of which $11,668,000 was utilized.

12.  

Pensions and Other Benefit Plans

The Company provides retirement plans, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans, and other postretirement benefit 
plans to certain employees. The Company applies ASC Topic 715 “Compensation – Retirement Benefits,” which required the 
recognition in pension and other postretirement benefits obligations and accumulated other comprehensive income of actuarial 
gains or losses, prior service costs or credits and transition assets or obligations that had previously been deferred. This statement 
also requires an entity to measure a defined benefit postretirement plan’s assets and obligations that determine its funded status as 
of the end of the fiscal year.

60

 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

Pension Plans

The Company provides defined benefit pension plans to certain employees. The Company uses March 31 as the measurement 
date. The following provides a reconciliation of benefit obligation, plan assets, and funded status of the plans:

Change in benefit obligation:

Benefit obligation at beginning of year
Benefit obligation assumed in STAHL acquisition
Service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial (gain) loss
Benefits paid
Settlement
Curtailment
Foreign exchange rate changes
Benefit obligation at end of year

Change in plan assets:

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
Actual gain (loss) on plan assets
Employer contribution
Benefits paid
Settlement
Foreign exchange rate changes
Fair value of plan assets at end of year

Funded status
Unrecognized actuarial loss
Unrecognized prior service cost
Net amount recognized

March 31,

2018

2017

$

$

$

$

471,871
—
2,580
16,488
(2,467)
(35,888)
(65)
(4,082)
13,847
462,284

321,440
29,930
11,211
(35,888)
(65)
117
326,745

$

$

$

$

421,147
72,638
1,779
16,648
(4,475)
(31,757)
(883)
—
(3,226)
471,871

317,868
30,164
6,140
(31,757)
(883)
(92)
321,440

$ (135,539) $ (150,431)
83,030
8
(67,393)

65,832
—
(69,707) $

$

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:

Accrued liabilities
Other non-current liabilities
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax
Net amount recognized

March 31,

2018

$

$

(3,814) $

(131,725)
65,832
(69,707) $

2017

(3,310)
(147,121)
83,038
(67,393)

In fiscal 2019, an estimated net loss of $2,379,000 and no prior service costs for the defined benefit pension plans will be amortized 
from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net periodic benefit cost.

61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

Net periodic pension cost included the following components:

Service costs—benefits earned during the period
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
Expected return on plan assets
Net amortization
Curtailment
Settlement
Other
Net periodic pension cost (benefit)

2018

2017

2016

2,580
16,488
(21,483)
3,083
5
—
17
690

$

$

$

1,779
16,648
(22,428)
3,190
—
247
(57)
(621) $

2,187
13,926
(19,783)
10
—
—
2,452
(1,208)

$

$

During the second quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company amended  two of its domestic pension plans. As a result of these amendments, 
the Company remeasured the pension obligation and net periodic pension cost and recognized a $5,000 curtailment loss. These 
amendments reduced the pension obligation by $4,082,000 (offset in accumulated other comprehensive loss before income tax 
effects) during fiscal 2018.

Information for pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets is as follows:

Projected benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets

March 31,

$

2018
462,284
326,745

$

2017
471,871
321,440

Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets is as follows:

Accumulated benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets

March 31,

$

2018
457,323
326,745

$

2017
463,412
321,440

Unrecognized gains and losses are amortized through March 31, 2018 on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service 
period of active participants.  Starting in fiscal 2016, the Company changed the amortization period of its largest plan to the average 
remaining lifetime of inactive participants, as a significant portion of the plan population is now inactive. This change increases 
the amortization period of the unrecognized gains and losses.

The weighted-average assumptions in the following table represent the rates used to develop the actuarial present value of the 
projected benefit obligation for the year listed and also net periodic pension cost for the following year:

Discount rate
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
Rate of compensation increase

2018

2017

2016

3.49%
6.77%
0.39%

3.65%
7.23%
0.39%

4.30%
7.22%
0.44%

The expected rates of return on plan asset assumptions are determined considering long-term historical averages and real returns 
on each asset class.

62

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

The Company’s retirement plan target and actual asset allocations are as follows:

Equity securities
Fixed income
Total plan assets

Target
2019
46% - 42%
54% - 58%
100%

Actual

2018
46%
54%
100%

2017
69%
31%
100%

The Company has an investment objective for domestic pension plans to adequately provide for both the growth and liquidity 
needed to support all current and future benefit payment obligations. The Company's policy is to de-risk the portfolio by increasing 
liability-hedging investments as the pension liability funded status increases, which is known as the glide path method. Within the 
table above, cash equivalents are categorized as fixed income as they earn lower returns than equity securities which includes 
alternative real estate funds (shown in the fair value tables below).

The Company’s funding policy with respect to the defined benefit pension plans is to contribute annually at least the minimum 
amount required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Additional contributions may be made to 
minimize PBGC premiums. The Company expects to contribute approximately $11,353,000 to its pension plans in fiscal 2019.

Information about the expected benefit payments for the Company’s defined benefit plans is as follows:

2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024-2028

Postretirement Benefit Plans

$

26,964
27,493
27,781
27,925
28,332
138,531

The Company sponsors a defined benefit other postretirement health care plan that provide medical and life insurance coverage 
to certain U.S. retirees and their dependents of one of its subsidiaries. Prior to the acquisition of this subsidiary, the Company did 
not sponsor any postretirement benefit plans. The Company pays the majority of the medical costs for certain retirees and their 
spouses who are under age 65. For retirees and dependents of retirees who retired prior to January 1, 1989, and are age 65 or over, 
the Company contributes 100% toward the American Association of Retired Persons (“AARP”) premium frozen at the 1992 level. 
For retirees and dependents of retirees who retired after January 1, 1989, the Company contributes $35 per month toward the 
AARP premium. The life insurance plan is noncontributory.

63

 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

The Company’s postretirement health benefit plans are not funded. The following sets forth a reconciliation of benefit 
obligation and the funded status of the plan:

Change in benefit obligation:

Benefit obligation at beginning of year
Interest cost
Actuarial gain
Benefits paid
Benefit obligation at end of year

Funded status
Unrecognized actuarial gain
Net amount recognized

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:

Accrued liabilities
Other non-current liabilities
Accumulated other comprehensive gain, before tax
Net amount recognized

March 31,

2018

2017

4,111
126
(642)
(311)
3,284

$

$

5,144
152
(841)
(344)
4,111

(3,284) $
(660)
(3,944) $

(4,111)
(23)
(4,134)

March 31,

2018

2017

(449) $

(2,835)
(660)
(3,944) $

(519)
(3,592)
(23)
(4,134)

$

$

$

$

$

$

In  fiscal  2019,  an  estimated  loss  of  $47,000  for  the  defined  benefit  postretirement  health  care  plans  will  be  amortized  from 
accumulated other comprehensive loss to net periodic benefit cost. In fiscal 2018, net periodic postretirement benefit cost included 
the following:

Interest cost
Net amortization
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost

Year Ended March 31,
2017

2016

2018

$

$

126
(5)
121

$

$

152
—
152

$

$

189
89
278

For measurement purposes, healthcare costs are assumed to increase 6.25% in fiscal 2019, grading down over time to 5.0% in five 
years. The discount rate used in determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was 3.75% and 3.60% as of March 
31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Information about the expected benefit payments for the Company’s postretirement health benefit plans is as follows:

2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024-2028

$

458
422
376
342
317
1,186

64

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

Assumed medical claims cost trend rates have an effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage 
point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects

Effect on total of service and interest cost components
Effect on postretirement obligation

One 
Percentage
Point 
Increase

One 
Percentage
Point 
Decrease

$

$

6
161

(5)
(147)

The Company has collateralized split-dollar life insurance arrangements with two of its former officers.  Under these arrangements, 
the Company pays certain premium costs on life insurance policies for the former officers.  Upon the later of the death of the 
former officer and their spouse, the Company will receive all of the premiums paid to-date.  The net periodic pension cost for 
fiscal 2018 was $226,000 and the liability at March 31, 2018 is $4,457,000 with $4,320,000 included in other non-current liabilities 
and $137,000 included in accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.  The cash surrender value of the policies is $3,060,000
and $2,917,000 at March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  The balance is included in other assets in the consolidated balance 
sheet.

Other Benefit Plans

The Company also sponsors defined contribution plans covering substantially all domestic employees. Participants may elect to 
contribute basic contributions. These plans provide for employer contributions based on employee eligibility and participation. 
The Company recorded a charge for such contributions of approximately $4,198,000, $3,543,000, and $3,485,000 for the years 
ended March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. The Company expects its contributions for the defined contribution plans in 
future years to remain comparable to its fiscal 2018 contributions.

Fair Values of Plan Assets

The Company classified its investments within the categories of equity securities, fixed income securities, alternative real estate, 
and cash equivalents, as the Company’s management bases its investment objectives and decisions from these four categories.  The 
Company’s investment policy is to use its glide-path method to de-risk the portfolio by increasing liability-hedging investments 
as the pension liability funded status increases.

The fair values of the Company’s defined benefit plans’ consolidated assets by asset category as of March 31 were as follows:

Asset categories:
Equity securities
Fixed income securities
Alternative real estate
Cash equivalents
Total

March 31,

2018

2017

$

$

136,777
174,359
13,230
2,379
326,745

$

$

220,497
99,700
—
1,243
321,440

The fair values of our defined benefit plans’ consolidated assets were determined using the fair value hierarchy of inputs described 
in Note 4. The fair values by category of inputs as of March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017 were as follows:

65

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

Quoted 
Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical 
Assets
(Level 1)

Measured at
NAV (1)

Significant 
other
observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Total

$

$

58,433
34,620
8,945
—
101,998

$

$

78,344
—
4,285
2,379
85,008

$

$

— $

— $

121,271
—
—
121,271

$

18,468
—
—
18,468

$

136,777
174,359
13,230
2,379
326,745

As of March 31, 2018:
Asset categories:
Equity securities
Fixed income securities
Alternative real estate
Cash equivalents
Total

(1)  Reflects the net asset value (NAV) practical expedient used to approximate fair value. These equity investments were purchased 
in the current year therefore, not shown in the prior year table below.

As of March 31, 2017:
Asset categories:
Equity securities
Fixed income securities
Cash equivalents
Total

Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical 
Assets

Significant 
other
observable
Inputs

Significant
unobservable
Inputs

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

Total

$

$

149,435
32,010
1,243
182,688

$

$

71,062
49,524
—
120,586

$

$

— $

18,166
—
18,166

$

220,497
99,700
1,243
321,440

During fiscal 2018, the Company sold a portion of equity and fixed income securities categorized as level 1 and level 2 in the prior 
year. These funds were reinvested in equity, fixed income, and alternative real estate investment funds categorized as level 1 and 
level 2 as of March 31, 2018. A portion of these funds are valued using the NAV practical expedient as the fair value is not publicly 
available.

Level 1 securities consist of mutual funds with quoted market prices.

The Level 2 fixed income securities are investments in a combination of funds whose underlying investments are in a variety of 
fixed income securities including foreign and domestic corporate bonds, securities issued by the U.S. government, U.S. and foreign 
government obligations, and other similar fixed income investments. The fair values of the underlying investments in these funds 
are generally based on independent broker dealer bids, or by comparison to other debt securities having similar durations, yields, 
and credit ratings. The fair values of these funds are determined based on their net asset values which are published daily.  We are 
not aware of any significant restrictions on the issuances or redemption of shares of these funds

Fair value of Level 3 fixed income securities at the beginning of the year was $18,166,000. During fiscal 2018 fixed income 
securities  earned  investment  return  of  $670,000  and  had  disbursements  of  $368,000  resulting  in  an  ending  balance  of 
$18,468,000.  These fixed income securities consist primarily of insurance contracts which are carried at their liquidation value 
based on actuarial calculations and the terms of the contracts.  Significant inputs in determining the fair value for these contracts 
include company contributions, contract disbursements, and stated interest rates.  Gains and losses on these contracts are recognized 
as part of net periodic pension cost and recorded as part of cost of sales, selling, or general and administrative expense.

66

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13.  

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Effective January 1, 2012 the ESOP was closed to new hires.  Prior to this date, substantially all of the Company’s U.S. non-union 
employees were participants in the ESOP.  Additionally, during the year ended March 31, 2015 the final loan payment was made 
by the ESOP to the Company and there was no compensation expense recorded in fiscal years 2018, 2017, or 2016.

At March 31, 2018 and 2017, 308,000 and 366,000 of ESOP shares, respectively, were allocated or available to be allocated to 
participants’ accounts. There are no shares of collateralized common stock related to the ESOP loan outstanding at March 31, 
2018 and no ESOP shares were pledged as collateral to guarantee the ESOP term loans.

14.  

Earnings per Share and Stock Plans

Earnings per Share

The Company calculates earnings per share in accordance with ASC Topic 260, “Earnings per Share.”  Basic earnings per share 
exclude any dilutive effects of options, warrants, and convertible securities. Diluted earnings per share include any dilutive effects 
of stock options, unvested restricted stock units, unvested performance shares, and unvested restricted stock.  There were no stock 
options and performance shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2018 because they were 
antidilutive. Stock options and performance shares with respect to 340,000 and 282,000 common shares were not included in the 
computation of diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively, because they were antidilutive. For the year ended 
March 31, 2018 an additional 127,000 in contingently issuable shares were not included in the computation of diluted earnings 
per share because a performance condition had not yet been met.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (share data presented in thousands):

Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share:

Net income (loss)

Denominators:

Year Ended March 31,
2017

2016

2018

$

22,065

$

8,984

$

19,579

Weighted-average common stock outstanding— denominator for basic EPS

Effect of dilutive employee stock options, RSU's and performance shares

22,841

494

20,591

297

20,079

236

Adjusted weighted-average common stock outstanding and assumed
conversions— denominator for diluted EPS

23,335

20,888

20,315

The weighted-average common stock outstanding shown above is net of unallocated ESOP shares (see Note 13).

During fiscal 2018, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-09, "Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements 
to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting" (ASU No. 2016-09). Among other modifications to accounting for stock based 
compensation, this ASU requires that assumed proceeds from excess tax benefits and deficiencies are no longer included in the 
calculation of weighted-average diluted common stock outstanding and are recorded as income tax expense or benefit in the 
statement of operations. Refer to Note 16 for the impact the adoption had on the Company's financial statements.

During fiscal 2017, the Company entered into an agreement to sell in aggregate 2,273,000 shares of Common Shares to the following 
purchasers: Adage Capital Management, LP; Heights Capital Management, Inc.; and UBS O'Connor LLC. The sale of the shares 
closed on January 30, 2017 at a price per Common Share of $22.00, generating gross proceeds of approximately $50,000,000. 
The purchase agreement for the shares requires the Company to file an initial registration statement registering the common shares 
issued to the purchasers for resale. The filing of the registration statement was completed and declared effective on April 28, 2017.

Stock Plans

The Company records stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC Topic 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation,” 
applying the modified prospective method. This Statement requires all equity-based payments to employees, including grants of 
employee stock options, to be recognized in the statement of earnings based on the grant date fair value of the award. Under the 

67

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

modified prospective method, the Company is required to record equity-based compensation expense for all awards granted after 
the date of adoption and for the unvested portion of previously granted awards outstanding as of the date of adoption.

Prior to the adoptions of the 2010 Long Term Incentive Plan, the Company maintained several different stock plans, specifically: 
1995 Incentive Stock Option Plan, Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, Restricted Stock Plan and 2006 Long Term Incentive Plan, 
collectively referred to as the “Prior Stock Plans.”  The specifics of each of these plans are discussed below.

Stock based compensation expense was $5,586,000, $5,914,000, and $4,063,000 for fiscal 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.  

Stock compensation expense is included in cost of goods sold, selling, and general and administrative expenses depending on the 
nature of the service of the employee receiving the award. The Company recognizes expense for all share–based awards over the 
service period, which is the shorter of the period until the employees’ retirement eligibility dates or the service period for the award, 
for  awards  expected  to  vest.  Accordingly,  expense  is  generally  reduced  for  estimated  forfeitures.  ASC  Topic  718  requires 
forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those 
estimates.

The Company recognized compensation expense for stock option awards and unvested restricted share awards that vest based on 
time or market parameters straight-line over the requisite service period for vesting of the award.

Long Term Incentive Plan

On July 18, 2016, the shareholders of the Company approved the 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP” or the "Plan") which 
replaced the 2010 Long Term Incentive Plan.  The Company grants share based compensation to eligible participants under the 
2016 LTIP. The total number of shares of common stock with respect to which awards may be granted under the plan is 2,000,000
including shares not previously authorized for issuance under any of the prior stock plans and any shares not issued or subject to 
outstanding awards under the prior stock plans.  As of March 31, 2018, 903,975 shares remain for future grants. The LTIP was 
designed as an omnibus plan and awards may consist of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation 
rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, or stock bonuses.

Under the Plan, the granting of awards to employees may take the form of options, restricted shares, and performance shares. The 
Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors determines the number of shares, the term, the frequency and date, the type, 
the exercise periods, any performance criteria pursuant to which awards may be granted, and the restriction and other terms and 
conditions of each grant in accordance with terms of the Plan.

In connection with the acquisition of Magnetek, the Company agreed to continue the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan of Magnetek, Inc. 
(the "Magnetek Stock Plan"). In doing so, the Company has available under the Magnetek Stock Plan 164,461 of the Company's 
shares which can be granted to certain employees as stock based compensation.

Stock Option Plans

Existing prior to the adoption of the LTIP, the Company maintained two stock option plans, a Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan 
("Non-Qualified Plan") and an Incentive Stock Option Plan ("Incentive Plan").  Effective with adoption of the LTIP no new grants 
can be made from the Non-Qualified Plan or the Incentive Stock Plan.  Options outstanding under the Non-Qualified Plan or the 
Incentive Stock Plan generally become exercisable over a four-year period at a rate of 25% per year commencing one year from 
the date of grant and exercise price of not less than 100% of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. Options 
granted under the Non-Qualified Plan or the Incentive Stock Plan are exercisable not earlier than one year and not later than ten
years from the date such option was granted.

68

 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

A summary of option transactions during each of the three fiscal years in the period ended March 31, 2018 is as follows:

Outstanding at April 1, 2015

Granted
Exercised
Cancelled

Outstanding at March 31, 2016

Granted
Exercised
Cancelled

Outstanding at March 31, 2017

Granted
Exercised
Cancelled

Outstanding at March 31, 2018
Exercisable at March 31, 2018

Weighted-
average
Exercise Price
18.86
$
24.94
15.07
21.90
20.13
17.00
15.76
19.06
19.10
24.33
17.43
19.83
21.04
20.84

$

Shares
612,149
157,999
(16,033)
(35,314)
718,801
398,945
(27,848)
(26,004)
1,063,894
227,783
(363,091)
(6,136)
922,450
306,218

Weighted-
average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (in years)

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

6.64 $

465

6.98 $

6,477

7.56 $
5.94 $

13,654
4,585

The Company calculated intrinsic value for those options that had an exercise price lower than the market price of our common 
shares as of March 31, 2018. The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding options as of March 31, 2018 is calculated as the difference 
between the exercise price of the underlying options and the market price of our common shares for the 922,450 options that were 
in-the-money at that date. The aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable options as of March 31, 2018 is calculated as the difference 
between the exercise price of the underlying options and the market price of our common shares for the 306,218 exercisable options 
that were in-the-money at that date. The Company's closing stock price was $35.84 as of March 31, 2018. The total intrinsic value 
of stock options exercised was $5,851,000, $252,000, and $81,000 during fiscal 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. 

The grant date fair value of options that vested was $7.42, $8.56, and $8.85 during fiscal 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

Cash received from option exercises under all share-based payment arrangements during fiscal 2018 and 2017 was approximately 
$6,332,000 and $439,000, respectively. Proceeds from the exercise of stock options under stock option plans are credited to common 
stock at par value and the excess is credited to additional paid-in capital.

As  of  March  31,  2018,  $2,515,000  of  unrecognized  compensation  cost  related  to  non-vested  stock  options  is  expected  to  be 
recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.7 years.

Exercise prices for options outstanding as of March 31, 2018, ranged from $13.10 to $28.45. The following table provides certain 
information with respect to stock options outstanding at March 31, 2018:

Range of Exercise Prices

$10.01 to 20.00
$20.01 to 30.00

Stock Options
Outstanding

Weighted-average
Exercise Price

Weighted-average
Remaining
Contractual Life

15.55
25.19
21.04

6.92
8.04
7.56

397,220
525,230
922,450

$

$

69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

The following table provides certain information with respect to stock options exercisable at March 31, 2018:

Range of Exercise Prices

Stock Options
Exercisable

Weighted- average
Exercise Price

$10.01 to $20.00
$20.01 to $30.00

159,766
146,452
306,218

$

$

16.13
26.04
20.84

The fair value of stock options granted was estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-
Scholes  option  valuation  model  was  developed  for  use  in  estimating  the  fair  value  of  traded  options  which  have  no  vesting 
restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions 
including the expected stock price volatility. Because the Company’s employee stock options have characteristics significantly 
different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value 
estimate, in management’s opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of 
its employee stock options. The weighted-average grant date fair value of the options was $7.66, $5.59, and $8.58 for options 
granted during fiscal 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. The following table provides the weighted-average assumptions used to 
value stock options granted during fiscal 2018, 2017, and 2016:

Assumptions:

Risk-free interest rate
Dividend yield
Volatility factor
Expected life

Year Ended
March 31,
2018

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

1.42%
0.66%
0.343
5.5 years

1.07%
0.98%
0.379
5.5 years

0.82%
0.60%
0.391
5.5 years

To determine expected volatility, the Company uses historical volatility based on daily closing prices of its Common Stock over 
periods that correlate with the expected terms of the options granted. The risk-free rate is based on the United States Treasury yield 
curve at the time of grant for the appropriate term of the options granted. Expected dividends are based on the Company's history 
and expectation of dividend payouts. The expected term of stock options is based on vesting schedules, expected exercise patterns 
and contractual terms.

Restricted Stock Units

The Company granted restricted stock units under the LTIP during fiscal 2018, 2017, and 2016 to employees as well as to the 
Company’s non-executive directors as part of their annual compensation.  Restricted stock units for employees prior to fiscal 2018
vest ratably based on service one-third after each of years three, four, and five. Beginning in fiscal 2018 restricted stock units for 
employees vest ratably based on service one-quarter after each of years one, two, three, and four.

70

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

A summary of the restricted stock unit awards granted under the Company’s LTIP plan as of March 31, 2018 is as follows:

Unvested at April 1, 2015

Granted
Vested
Forfeited

Unvested at March 31, 2016

Granted
Vested
Forfeited

Unvested at March 31, 2017

Granted
Vested
Forfeited

Unvested at March 31, 2018

Weighted-average
Grant Date
Fair Value

$

$

$

$

20.99
19.86
20.20
22.65
20.26
18.06
19.93
22.81
19.32
29.38
20.39
17.99
22.62

Shares

181,015
287,585
(87,380)
(9,718)
371,502
171,407
(162,502)
(10,151)
370,256
120,271
(157,448)
(12,954)
320,125

Total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock units as of March 31, 2018 is $4,994,000 and is expected 
to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.4 years.  The fair value of restricted stock units that vested during the year 
ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was $3,210,000 and $3,238,000, respectively.

Performance Shares

The Company granted performance shares under the LTIP during fiscal 2018, 2017, and 2016. Performance shares granted are 
based upon the Company’s Consolidated Net Revenue for the two year period ended March 31, 2018, March 31, 2017, and March 
31, 2016, respectively.  Fiscal year 2018, 2017, and 2016 performance based nonvested shares are recognized as compensation 
expense based upon their grant date fair value.  This expense is recognized ratably over the three year period that these shares are 
restricted.  During fiscal 2017, the Company determined that the fiscal year 2017 and 2016 performance shares would not vest 
due to the performance condition not being met. 

A summary of the performance shares transactions during each of the three fiscal years in the period ended March 31, 2018 is 
as follows:

Unvested at April 1, 2015

Granted
Vested
Forfeited

Unvested at March 31, 2016

Granted
Vested
Forfeited

Unvested at March 31, 2017

Granted
Forfeited

Unvested at March 31, 2018

71

Weighted-average
Grant Date
Fair Value

Shares

113,447
41,504
(53,298)
—
101,653
77,349
(25,148)
(35,001)
118,853
49,221
(41,504)
126,570

$

$

$

$

23.35
24.94
19.25
—
26.15
15.69
26.79
27.12
18.92
25.28
24.94
19.42

 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

The Company had $946,000 in unrecognized compensation costs related to the unvested performance share awards as of March 
31, 2018 as the performance criteria is not expected to be met. 

Directors Stock

During fiscal 2018, 2017, and 2016, a total of 16,667, 27,960, and 19,384 shares of stock, respectively, were granted under the 
LTIP to the Company’s non-executive directors as part of their annual compensation. The weighted average fair value grant price 
of those shares was $25.80, $15.74, and $22.70 for fiscal 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. The expense related to the shares 
for fiscal 2018, 2017, and 2016 was $430,000 for each of the three years.

Shareholder Rights Plan

On March 29, 2018 the Company announced that its Board of Directors had amended the Company's Shareholder Rights Plan, 
which accelerated the expiration of the Company's preferred share purchase rights to March 31, 2018.  Prior to its expiration, 
preferred share purchase right holders could exercise their rights if a person or group acquired 20% or more of the Company’s 
common shares or announced a tender offer for 20% or more of the common shares. 

Dividends

On March 26, 2018 the Company's Board of Directors approved payment of a quarterly dividend of $0.05 per common share, 
representing an annual dividend rate of $0.20 per share. The dividend was paid on May 14, 2018 to shareholders of record on May 
4, 2018 and totaled approximately $1,150,000.

15.  

Loss Contingencies

From time to time, the Company is named a defendant in legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. The Company 
is not a party to any pending legal proceeding other than ordinary, routine litigation incidental to our business. The Company does 
not believe that any of our pending litigation will have a material impact on its business.

Accrued general and product liability costs are actuarially estimated reserves based on amounts determined from loss reports, 
individual cases filed with the Company, and an amount for losses incurred but not reported. The aggregate amounts of reserves 
were  $13,582,000  and  $13,335,000  of  which  $10,082,000  and  $9,835,000  are  included  in  Other  non  current  liabilities  and 
$3,500,000 in Accrued liabilities for both years as of March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  The liability for accrued general 
and product liability costs are funded by investments in marketable securities (see Notes 2 and 6).

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for accrued general and product liability:

Accrued general and product liability, beginning of year
Add provision for claims
Additional product liability assumed from Magnetek
Deduct payments for claims
Accrued general and product liability, end of year

Year Ended March 31,
2017

2016

2018

$

$

13,335
3,965
—
(3,718)
13,582

$

$

14,535
7,223
—
(8,423)
13,335

$

$

12,530
5,277
1,523
(4,795)
14,535

The per occurrence limits on the self-insurance for general and product liability coverage to Columbus McKinnon through its 
wholly-owned captive insurance company were $2,000,000 from inception through fiscal 2003 and $3,000,000 for fiscal 2004 
and thereafter. In addition to the per occurrence limits, the Company’s coverage is also subject to an annual aggregate limit, 
applicable to losses only. These limits range from $2,000,000 to $6,000,000 for each policy year from inception through fiscal 
2018. 

72

 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

Along with other manufacturing companies, the Company is subject to various federal, state, and local laws relating to the protection 
of the environment. To address the requirements of such laws, the Company has adopted a corporate environmental protection 
policy which provides that all of its owned or leased facilities shall, and all of its employees have the duty to, comply with all 
applicable environmental regulatory standards, and the Company has initiated an environmental auditing program for its facilities 
to ensure compliance with such regulatory standards.  The Company has also established managerial responsibilities and internal 
communication channels for dealing with environmental compliance issues that may arise in the course of its business. Because 
of the complexity and changing nature of environmental regulatory standards, it is possible that situations will arise from time to 
time requiring the Company to incur expenditures in order to ensure environmental regulatory compliance. However, the Company 
is not aware of any environmental condition or any operation at any of its facilities, either individually or in the aggregate, which 
would cause expenditures having a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial condition or cash flows and, 
accordingly, has not budgeted any material capital expenditures for environmental compliance for fiscal 2019.

Like many industrial manufacturers, the Company is involved in asbestos-related litigation.  In continually evaluating costs relating 
to its estimated asbestos-related liability, the Company reviews, among other things, the incidence of past and recent claims, the 
historical case dismissal rate, the mix of the claimed illnesses and occupations of the plaintiffs, its recent and historical resolution 
of the cases, the number of cases pending against it, the status and results of broad-based settlement discussions, and the number 
of years such activity might continue. Based on this review, the Company has estimated its share of liability to defend and resolve 
probable asbestos-related personal injury claims. This estimate is highly uncertain due to the limitations of the available data and 
the difficulty of forecasting with any certainty the numerous variables that can affect the range of the liability. The Company will 
continue to study the variables in light of additional information in order to identify trends that may become evident and to assess 
their impact on the range of liability that is probable and estimable.

Based on actuarial information, the Company has estimated its asbestos-related aggregate liability including related legal costs to 
range between $4,000,000 and $7,700,000 using actuarial parameters of continued claims for a period of 37 years from March 31, 
2018.  The Company's estimation of its asbestos-related aggregate liability that is probable and estimable, in accordance with U.S. 
generally accepted accounting principles approximates $6,235,000, which has been reflected as a liability in the consolidated 
financial statements as of March 31, 2018. The recorded liability does not consider the impact of any potential favorable federal 
legislation. This liability will fluctuate based on the uncertainty in the number of future claims that will be filed and the cost to 
resolve those claims, which may be influenced by a number of factors, including the outcome of the ongoing broad-based settlement 
negotiations, defensive strategies, and the cost to resolve claims outside the broad-based settlement program. Of this amount, 
management expects to incur asbestos liability payments of approximately $2,000,000 over the next 12 months. Because payment 
of the liability is likely to extend over many years, management believes that the potential additional costs for claims will not have 
a material effect on the financial condition of the Company or its liquidity, although the effect of any future liabilities recorded 
could be material to earnings in a future period.

The Company believes that a share of its previously incurred asbestos-related expenses and future asbestos-related expenses are 
covered by pre-existing insurance policies.  The Company has engaged in a legal action against the insurance carriers for those 
policies to recover these expenses and future costs incurred.  When the Company resolves this legal action, it is expected that a 
gain will be recorded for previously expensed cost that is recovered.  In July 2017, the Company received a $1,741,000 settlement 
payment, net of legal fees, from one of its insurance carriers as partial reimbursement for asbestos-related expenses.  This partial 
payment has been recorded as a gain in cost of products sold.  In February 2018, an additional settlement payment of $621,000
was received from another insurance carrier as partial reimbursement for asbestos-related expenses.  The Company is continuing 
its actions to recover further past costs and to cover future costs.

The Company is also involved in other unresolved legal actions that arise in the normal course of business. The most prevalent of 
these  unresolved  actions  involve  disputes  related  to  product  design,  manufacture  and  performance  liability.  The  Company's 
estimation of its product-related aggregate liability that is probable and estimable, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted 
accounting principles approximates $6,273,000, which has been reflected as a liability in the consolidated financial statements as 
of March 31, 2018. In some cases, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of loss because there is insufficient information regarding 
the matter.  Management believes that the potential additional costs for claims will not have a material effect on the financial 
condition of the Company or its liquidity, although the effect of any future liabilities recorded could be material to earnings in a 
future period.

The following loss contingencies relate to the Company's Magnetek subsidiary:

73

 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

Product Liability
Magnetek has been named, along with multiple other defendants, in asbestos-related lawsuits associated with business operations 
previously  acquired  but  which  are  no  longer  owned.  During  Magnetek's  ownership,  none  of  the  businesses  produced  or  sold 
asbestos-containing products. For such claims, Magnetek is uninsured and either contractually indemnified against liability, or 
contractually obligated to defend and indemnify the purchaser of these former business operations.  The Company aggressively 
seeks  dismissal  from  these  proceedings.  Based  on  actuarial  information,  the  asbestos  related  liability  including  legal  costs  is 
estimated to be approximately $1,074,000 which has been reflected as a liability in the consolidated financial statements at March 
31, 2018.

Litigation-Other
In October 2010, Magnetek received a request for indemnification from Power-One, Inc. ("Power-One") for an Italian tax matter 
arising out of the sale of Magnetek's power electronics business to Power-One in October 2006. With a reservation of rights, 
Magnetek affirmed its obligation to indemnify Power-One for certain pre-closing taxes.  The sale included an Italian company, 
Magnetek,  S.p.A.,  and  its  wholly  owned  subsidiary,  Magnetek  Electronics  (Shenzhen)  Co.  Ltd.  (the  “Power-One  China 
Subsidiary”). The tax authority in Arezzo, Italy, issued a notice of audit report in September 2010 wherein it asserted that the 
Power-One China Subsidiary had its administrative headquarters in Italy with fiscal residence in Italy and, therefore, is subject to 
taxation in Italy.  In November 2010, the tax authority issued a notice of tax assessment for the period of July 2003 to June 2004, 
alleging that taxes of approximately $2,300,000 (Euro 1,900,000) were due in Italy on taxable income earned by the Power-One 
China Subsidiary during this period.  In addition, the assessment alleges potential penalties together with interest in the amount 
of approximately $3,200,000 (Euro 2,600,000) for the alleged failure of the Power-One China Subsidiary to file its Italian tax 
return.  The Power-One China Subsidiary filed its response with the provincial tax commission of Arezzo, Italy in January 2011. 
The tax authority in Arezzo, Italy issued a tax inspection report in January 2011 for the periods July 2002 to June 2003 and July 
2004 to December 2006 claiming that the Power-One China Subsidiary failed to file Italian tax returns for the reported periods. 
A hearing before the Tax Court was held in July 2012 on the tax assessment for the period of July 2003 to June 2004. In September 
2012, the Tax Court ruled in favor of the Power-One China Subsidiary dismissing the tax assessment for the period of July 2003 
to June 2004. In February 2013, the tax authority filed an appeal of the Tax Court's September 2012 ruling. The Regional Tax 
Commission of Florence heard the appeal of the tax assessment dismissal for the period of July 2003 to June 2004 and thereafter 
issued its ruling finding in favor of the tax authority. Magnetek believes the court’s decision was based upon erroneous interpretations 
of the applicable law and appealed the ruling to the Italian Supreme Court in April 2015.  

In August 2012, the tax authority in Arezzo, Italy issued notices of tax assessment for the periods July 2002 to June 2003 and July 
2004 to December 2006, alleging that taxes of approximately $8,300,000 (Euro 6,700,000) were due in Italy on taxable income 
earned by the Power-One China Subsidiary together with an allegation of potential penalties in the amount of approximately 
$3,500,000 (Euro 2,800,000) for the alleged failure of the Power-One China Subsidiary to file its Italian tax returns. On June 3, 
2015, the Tax Court ruled in favor of the Power-One China Subsidiary dismissing the tax assessments for the periods of July 2002 
to June 2003 and July 2004 to December 2006. On July 27, 2015, the tax authority filed an appeal of the Tax Court's ruling of June 
3, 2015.  In May 2016, the Regional Tax Court of Florence rejected the appeal of the tax authority and at the same time canceled 
the notices of assessment for the fiscal years of 2004/2005 and 2005/2006. The tax authority had up to six months to appeal the 
decision. In December 2016, Magnetek was served by the Italian Revenue Service with two appeals to the Italian Supreme Court 
regarding the two positive judgments on the tax assessments for the fiscal periods 2004/2005 and 2005/2006. In March 2017, the 
tax authority rejected the appeal of the assessment for 2005/2006 fiscal year.  The tax authority had until October 2017 to appeal 
this decision.  In October 2017, Magnetek was served by the Italian Revenue Service with an appeal to the Italian Supreme Court 
against the positive judgment on the tax assessment for fiscal year 2005/2006.  In November 2017 Magnetek filed a memorandum 
with the Italian Revenue Service and the Italian Supreme Court in response to the appeal made by the tax authority.  In February 
2018 an appeal hearing was held at the Regional Tax Court of Florence regarding the Italian tax authority's claim for taxes due for 
fiscal 2002/2003.  The tax court rejected the appeal of the tax authority and canceled the notice of assessment for fiscal 2002/2003.  
The tax authority may appeal this decision before the Italian Supreme Court by October 15, 2018.  The Company believes it will 
be successful and does not expect to incur a liability related to these assessments.

Environmental Matters
From time to time, Magnetek has taken action to bring certain facilities associated with previously owned businesses into compliance 
with applicable environmental laws and regulations. Upon the subsequent sale of certain businesses, Magnetek agreed to indemnify 
the buyers against environmental claims associated with the divested operations, subject to certain conditions and limitations. 
Remediation activities, including those related to indemnification obligations, did not involve material expenditures during fiscal 
year 2018.

74

 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

Magnetek has also been identified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and certain state agencies as a potentially 
responsible party for cleanup costs associated with alleged past waste disposal practices at several previously utilized, owned or 
leased facilities and offsite locations. Its remediation activities as a potentially responsible party were not material in fiscal year 
2018. Although  the  materiality  of  future  expenditures  for  environmental  activities  may  be  affected  by  the  level  and  type  of 
contamination, the extent and nature of cleanup activities required by governmental authorities, the nature of Magnetek's alleged 
connection to the contaminated sites, the number and financial resources of other potentially responsible parties, the availability 
of indemnification rights against third parties, and the identification of additional contaminated sites, Magnetek's estimated share 
of liability, if any, for environmental remediation, including its indemnification obligations, is not expected to be material. 

In 1986, Magnetek acquired the stock of Universal Manufacturing Corporation (“Universal”) from a predecessor of Fruit of the 
Loom (“FOL”), and the predecessor agreed to indemnify Magnetek against certain environmental liabilities arising from pre-
acquisition activities at a facility in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Environmental liabilities covered by the indemnification agreement 
included completion of additional cleanup activities, if any, at the Bridgeport facility and defense and indemnification against 
liability for potential response costs related to offsite disposal locations. Magnetek's leasehold interest in the Bridgeport facility 
was assigned to the buyer in connection with the sale of Magnetek's transformer business in June 2001. FOL, the successor to the 
indemnification obligation, filed a petition for Reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in 1999 and Magnetek 
filed a proof of claim in the proceeding for obligations related to the environmental indemnification agreement. Magnetek believes 
that FOL had substantially completed the clean-up obligations required by the indemnification agreement prior to the bankruptcy 
filing. In November 2001, Magnetek and FOL entered into an agreement involving the allocation of certain potential tax benefits 
and Magnetek withdrew its claims in the bankruptcy proceeding. Magnetek further believes that FOL's obligation to the state of 
Connecticut was not discharged in the reorganization proceeding. 

In January 2007, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (“DEP”) requested parties, including Magnetek, to 
submit  reports  summarizing  the  investigations  and  remediation  performed  to  date  at  the  site  and  the  proposed  additional 
investigations and remediation necessary to complete those actions at the site. DEP requested additional information relating to 
site investigations and remediation. Magnetek and the DEP agreed to the scope of the work plan in November 2010. The Company 
has recorded a liability of $283,000, included in the amount specified above, related to the Bridgeport facility, representing the 
best estimate of future site investigation costs and remediation costs which are expected to be incurred in the future. 

FOL's inability to satisfy its remaining obligations to the state of Connecticut related to the Bridgeport facility and any offsite 
disposal locations, or the discovery of additional environmental contamination at the Bridgeport facility is not expected to have a 
material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, cash flows or results of operations.

In September of 2017, Magnetek received a request for defense and indemnification from Monsanto Company, Pharmacia, LLC, 
and Solutia, Inc. (collectively, “Monsanto”) with respect to: (1) lawsuits brought by plaintiffs claiming that Monsanto manufactured 
polychlorinated biphenyls ("PCBs"), exposure to which allegedly caused injury to plaintiffs; (2) lawsuits brought by municipalities 
and municipal entities claiming that Monsanto should be responsible for a variety of damages due to the presence of PCBs in 
bodies of water in those municipalities and/or in water treated by those municipal entities.  Monsanto claims to be entitled to 
defense and indemnification from Magnetek under a so-called “Special Undertaking” apparently executed by Universal in January 
of 1972, which purportedly required Universal to defend and indemnify Monsanto from liabilities “arising out of or in connection 
with the receipt, purchase, possession, handling, use, sale or disposition of” PCBs by Universal.

Magnetek has declined Monsanto’s tender, and believes that it has meritorious legal and factual defenses to the demands made by 
Monsanto.  Magnetek is vigorously defending against those demands and has commenced litigation to, among other things, declare 
the Special Undertaking void and unenforceable.  Monsanto has, in turn, commenced an action to enforce the Special Undertaking.  
Magnetek intends to continue to vigorously prosecute its declaratory judgment action and to defend against Monsanto’s action 
against it.  As of March 31, 2018 the Company has recorded $400,000 for legal costs incurred to date and expected to be incurred 
related to this matter.  We cannot reasonably estimate a potential range of loss with respect to Monsanto’s tender because there is 
insufficient  information  regarding  the  underlying  matters.   Management  believes,  however,  that  the  potential  additional  costs 
related to such matters, if any, will not have a material effect on the financial condition of the Company or its liquidity, although 
the effect of any future liabilities recorded could be material to earnings in a future period. 

The Company has recorded total liabilities of $804,000 for all environmental matters related to Magnetek in the consolidated 
financial statements as of March 31, 2018 on an undiscounted basis.

75

 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

16.  

Income Taxes

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act tax reform legislation (the Act), which among 
other matters reduced the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent effective January 1, 2018. As a result of 
the reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, under the Act, the Company revalued its ending U.S. net 
deferred tax assets and recognized a provisional $16,102,000 tax expense in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations 
for the fiscal year 2018.  

The Act implements a territorial tax system and imposes a one-time transition tax based on the Company's total post-1986 earnings 
and profits (E&P) that it previously deferred from U.S. income taxes. The Company recorded a provisional amount for its one-
time transition tax liability for its foreign subsidiaries, resulting in an increase in income tax expense of $1,500,000. The Company 
has not yet completed its calculation of the total post-1986 E&P for these foreign subsidiaries. Further, the transition tax is based 
in part on the amount of those earnings held in cash and other specified assets. This amount may change when the Company 
finalizes the calculation of post-1986 foreign E&P previously deferred from U.S. federal taxation and finalizes the amounts held 
in cash or other specified assets. No additional income taxes have been provided for any remaining undistributed foreign earnings 
not subject to the transition tax, or any additional outside basis difference inherent in these entities, as these amounts continue to 
be indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. Determining the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability related to any 
remaining undistributed foreign earnings not subject to the transition tax and additional outside basis difference in these entities 
(i.e., basis difference in excess of that subject to the one-time transition tax) is not practicable. 

The Company originally recorded a provisional amount for its one-time transition tax liability of $2,500,000 recorded at December 
31, 2017. Upon further analysis of certain aspects of the Act and refinement of our calculations for these foreign subsidiaries during 
the three months ended March 31, 2018, we decreased that provisional amount by $1,000,000, which is included as a component 
of income tax expense. 

On December 22, 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address the application of U.S. 
GAAP  in  situations  when  a  registrant  does  not  have  the  necessary  information  available,  prepared,  or  analyzed  (including 
computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Act. The Company has recognized 
the provisional tax impacts related to the one-time transition tax, withholding tax and the revaluation of deferred tax assets and 
liabilities and included these amounts in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2018. Our preliminary 
estimate of the one-time transition tax and the re-measurement of our deferred tax assets and liabilities is subject to the finalization 
of management’s analysis related to certain matters, such as developing interpretations of the provisions of the Act, changes to 
certain estimates and amounts related to the earnings and profits of certain subsidiaries and the filing of our tax returns. U.S. 
Treasury regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions interpreting the Act may require further adjustments and 
changes in our estimates.

The final determination of the one-time transition tax and the re-measurement of our deferred assets and liabilities will be completed 
as additional information becomes available, but no later than one year from the enactment of the Act.

76

 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income 
from continuing operations before income tax expense. The sources and tax effects of the differences were as follows:

Statutory federal income tax rate (1)
Expected tax at statutory rate
Effect of Tax Reform Act (2)
State income taxes net of federal benefit
Foreign taxes less than statutory federal rate
Permanent items
Valuation allowance
(Utilization)/Expiration of foreign tax credits
Research and development credits
Other
Actual tax provision expense

Year Ended March 31,
2017

2016

2018

31.55%

15,676
17,602
(37)
(2,667)
(2,220)
(104)
—
(612)
(18)
27,620

$

$

$

$

35.00%
4,560
—
893
(1,921)
2,521
(829)
—
(643)
(538)
4,043

$

$

35.00%

11,068
—
717
(2,370)
1,187
2,860
(945)
(200)
(272)
12,045

(1)  For fiscal 2018, represents the blended rate of 35 percent for the first three quarters of the fiscal year and 21 percent for 
the fourth quarter.
(2)  Represents the discrete expense of the one-time transition tax ($1,500,000) and the remeasurement of our net U.S. 
deferred tax assets at the new lower U.S. corporate income tax rate ($16,102,000).

The provision for income tax expense (benefit) consisted of the following:

Current income tax expense (benefit):

United States Federal
State taxes
Foreign

Deferred income tax expense (benefit):

United States
Foreign

Year Ended March 31,
2017

2016

2018

$

$

1,109
402
6,141

21,177
(1,209)
27,620

$

$

41
217
3,296

5,797
(5,308)
4,043

$

$

1,905
441
2,363

7,235
101
12,045

77

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

The Company applies the liability method of accounting for income taxes as required by ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes.” The 
tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are 
as follows:

Deferred tax assets:

Federal net operating loss carryforwards
State and foreign net operating loss carryforwards
Employee benefit plans
Insurance reserves
Accrued vacation and incentive costs
Federal tax credit carryforwards
Equity compensation
Other
Valuation allowance

Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance
Deferred tax liabilities:

Property, plant, and equipment
Intangible assets
Total deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)

March 31,

2018

2017

$

$

26,450
10,376
28,390
3,578
4,625
2,476
2,285
3,666
(4,671)
77,175

50,786
12,151
42,694
5,355
3,984
1,601
3,711
5,330
(4,585)
121,027

(2,785)
(72,210)
(74,995)
2,180

$

(4,016)
(83,843)
(87,859)
33,168

$

The net deferred tax asset decreased in fiscal 2018 primarily as a result of the revaluation of the U.S. deferred tax assets and 
liabilities to the lower U.S. federal tax rate provided in the Act, discussed above.

The  gross  amount  of  the  Company’s  deferred  tax  assets were  $81,846,000  and  $125,612,000  at  March  31,  2018  and  2017, 
respectively.

The valuation allowance includes $3,837,000, $4,370,000, and $3,426,000 related to foreign net operating losses at March 31, 
2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. The decrease in the foreign valuation allowance is primarily due to the use of net operating 
losses which had valuation allowances recorded against them for certain foreign subsidiaries of the Company.  The Company’s 
foreign subsidiaries have net operating loss carryforwards that expire in periods ranging from five years to indefinite.

The federal net operating losses arose from the acquisition of Magnetek and have expiration dates ranging from 2020 through 
2035.  The state net operating losses have expiration dates ranging from 2019 through 2038.  The federal tax credits have expiration 
dates ranging from 2036 to indefinite.

Deferred income taxes are classified within the consolidated balance sheets based on the following breakdown:

Net non-current deferred tax assets
Net non-current deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)

Net non-current deferred tax liabilities are included in other non-current liabilities.

March 31,

2018

2017

$

$

32,442
(30,262)
2,180

$

$

61,857
(28,689)
33,168

78

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

Income from continuing operations before income tax expense includes foreign subsidiary income of $25,144,000, $3,071,000, 
and $5,448,000 for the years ended March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. As of March 31, 2018, the Company had 
unrecognized  deferred  tax  liabilities  related  to  approximately  $120,000,000  of  cumulative  undistributed  earnings  of  foreign 
subsidiaries. These earnings are considered to be permanently invested in operations outside the U.S. with the exception of the 
current earnings from two foreign subsidiaries. Any repatriation of these amounts would not be expected to result in a material 
increase to income tax expense. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred U.S. income tax liability with respect to 
such earnings is not practicable.  

During fiscal 2018, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-09. There were shares of common stock issued through restricted stock 
units, the exercise of non-qualified stock options, or through the disqualifying disposition of incentive stock options in the years 
ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. The tax effect to the Company from these share transactions during fiscal 2018 was a (reduction 
to) income tax expense of ($1,230,000). Prior to the adoption of this ASU, in fiscal 2017 the tax effect to the Company from these 
transactions, recorded in additional paid-in capital rather than recognized as a (reduction to) income tax expense, was $(197,000).

Changes in the Company’s uncertain income tax positions, excluding the related accrual for interest and penalties, are as follows:

2018

2017

2016

Beginning balance

Additions for tax positions of the current year

Reductions for prior year tax positions
Settlements

Foreign currency translation

Lapses in statutes of limitation

Ending balance

$

$

975

444

—
—

20
(847)
592

$

$

1,092

$

1,833

—

—
—
(9)
(108)
975

—

—
(771)
30

—

$

1,092

The Company had $33,000 and $21,000 accrued for the payment of interest and penalties at March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 
The Company recognizes interest expense or penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a part of income tax expense in its 
consolidated statements of operations.

All of the unrecognized tax benefits as of March 31, 2018 would impact the effective tax rate if recognized.

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S., various state, local, and foreign jurisdictions. The Internal 
Revenue Service has completed an examination of the Company’s U.S. income tax returns for fiscal 2015 resulting in no adjustments. 
The Company has no current U.S. income tax examinations or audits.

The Company’s major tax jurisdictions are the United States and Germany.  With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject 
to tax examinations by tax authorities in the United States for tax years prior to March 31, 2015 and in Germany for tax years prior 
to March 31, 2011. The Company has a current tax examination in Germany for fiscal years 2012 to 2014.

The Company does not anticipate that total unrecognized tax benefits will change significantly due to the settlement of audits or 
the expiration of statutes of limitation prior to March 31, 2019.

17.  

Rental Expense and Lease Commitments

Rental expense for the years ended March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 was $13,020,000, $9,216,000, and $7,532,000, respectively. 
The fiscal 2018 increase is largely due to the transition to and rental of a new warehouse in North America. The following amounts 
represent future minimum payment commitments as of March 31, 2018 under non-cancelable operating leases extending beyond 
one year:

79

 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended March 31,
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Thereafter
Total

Real
Property

8,412
5,741
4,789
3,800
3,242
8,463
34,447

$

Vehicles/
Equipment
1,776
1,316
847
421
309
303
4,972

$

Total

10,188
7,057
5,636
4,221
3,551
8,766
39,419

$

18.  

Business Segment Information

ASC Topic 280, “Segment Reporting,” establishes the standards for reporting information about operating segments in financial 
statements. The Company has one operating and reportable segment for both internal and external reporting purposes.

Financial information relating to the Company’s operations by geographic area is as follows:

Net sales:
United States
Europe
Canada
Asia Pacific
Latin America
Total

Year Ended March 31,
2017

2016

2018

$

$

455,483
316,694
20,672
19,082
27,488
839,419

$

$

408,911
169,074
19,718
13,857
25,563
637,123

$

$

382,923
151,702
20,750
14,310
27,418
597,103

Note: Net sales to external customers are attributed to geographic areas based upon the location from which the product was 
shipped from the Company to the customer.

Total assets:

United States

Europe

Canada
Asia Pacific
Latin America
Total

Long-lived assets:

United States
Europe

Canada
Asia Pacific

Latin America

Total

Year Ended March 31,

2018

2017

2016

$

477,712

$

474,440

$

519,168

613,842

581,981

7,469
23,630
19,793
$ 1,142,446

9,825
23,260
24,337
$ 1,113,843

$

199,385

9,665
21,481
23,152
772,851

Year Ended March 31,
2017

2016

2018

$

$

293,576
421,183

$

301,715
377,285

308,504
78,831

1,172
6,847

1,499

1,156
6,853

1,501

1,129
7,683

1,488

$

724,277

$

688,510

$

397,635

80

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

Note: Long-lived assets include net property, plant, and equipment, goodwill, and other intangibles, net.

Sales by major product group are as follows:

Hoists
Chain and rigging tools
Industrial cranes
Actuators and rotary unions
Digital power control and delivery systems
Elevator application drive systems
Other
Total

19.  

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Below is selected quarterly financial data for fiscal 2018 and 2017:

$

$

$

$

Year Ended March 31,
2017
357,447
71,832
29,151
67,468
78,660
21,998
10,567
637,123

2018
532,925
79,884
35,071
71,525
84,565
24,423
11,026
839,419

$

$

2016
351,965
75,432
30,526
63,923
50,361
14,554
10,342
597,103

Net sales
Gross profit
Income (loss) from operations
Net income (loss)

Net income (loss) per share – basic

Net income (loss) per share – diluted

Net sales
Gross profit
Income from operations
Net income (loss)

Net income (loss) per share – basic

Net income (loss) per share – diluted

June 30,
2017
203,726
69,308
20,015
11,656

0.52

0.51

June 30,
2016
149,013
48,047
11,201
6,401

0.32

0.32

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

81

Three Months Ended

September 30,
2017

December 31,
2017

$

$

$

$

212,828
71,619
19,587
12,508

0.55

0.54

$

$

$

$

March 31,
2018
214,140
74,602
16,324
8,466

$

208,725
69,045
14,173
(10,565) $

(0.46) $

0.37

(0.46) $

0.36

Three Months Ended

September 30,
2016

December 31,
2016

$

$

$

$

151,925
49,729
12,619
6,816

0.34

0.33

$

$

$

$

March 31,
2017
183,688
50,335
(3,164)
(4,738)

$

$

152,497
44,821
5,317
505

0.02

0.02

$

$

(0.22)

(0.22)

 
 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

20.  

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss is as follows:

Foreign currency translation adjustment – net of tax
Pension liability – net of tax
Postretirement obligations – net of tax
Split-dollar life insurance arrangements – net of tax
Derivatives qualifying as hedges – net of tax
Net unrealized investment gain – net of tax
Accumulated other comprehensive loss

March 31,

2018

(8,647) $
(49,889)
1,372
(1,462)
(1,515)
883
(59,258) $

2017
(30,364)
(61,936)
888
(1,668)
(5,078)
694
(97,464)

$

$

The deferred taxes related to the adjustments associated with the items included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of 
deferred  tax  asset  valuation  allowances,  were  $(6,848,000),  $(5,579,000),  and  $4,753,000  for  fiscal  2018,  2017,  and  2016
respectively.  Refer to Note 16 for discussion of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance.  In the period subsequent to our initial 
recording of the valuation allowance in fiscal 2011, increases and decreases to both the deferred tax assets associated with items 
in accumulated other comprehensive loss, and the valuation allowance, have been recorded as offsets to comprehensive income.

As a result of the Act as described in Note 16, the Company recorded as an offsetting entry a ($9,477,000) stranded tax effect in 
the minimum pension liability component, ($194,000) stranded tax effect in the split dollar life insurance arrangement component, 
and a ($88,000) stranded tax effect in the net unrealized investment gain component of other comprehensive income.   The stranded 
tax effect related to the other post retirement obligations component was not material.

As a result of the recording of a deferred tax asset valuation allowance in fiscal 2011, the Company recorded as an offsetting entry 
a $10,006,000 stranded tax effect in the minimum pension liability component, $935,000 stranded tax effect in the other post 
retirement obligations component, $747,000 stranded tax effect in the split dollar life insurance arrangement component, and a 
$557,000 stranded tax effect in the net unrealized investment gain component of other comprehensive income. With the reversal 
of that valuation allowance in fiscal 2013, the Company recorded the reversal of the valuation allowance as a reduction of income 
taxes in the consolidated statement of operations. 

As a result of the recording of a deferred tax asset valuation allowance in fiscal 2005, the Company recorded as an offsetting entry 
a $534,000 stranded tax effect in the minimum pension liability component of other comprehensive income. With the reversal of 
that valuation allowance in fiscal 2006, the Company recorded the reversal of the valuation allowance as a reduction of income 
taxes in the consolidated statement of operations. 

The stranded tax effects described above are in accordance with ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes” even though the impact of the 
act and the deferred tax asset valuation allowance described above were initially established as an adjustment to comprehensive 
income. This amount will remain indefinitely as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss.  As described in Note 21, 
the Company is evaluating the impact ASU 2018-02 will have accumulated other comprehensive income.  Refer to Note 21 for 
additional information.

The activity by year related to investments, including reclassification adjustments for activity included in earnings are as follows 
(all items shown net of tax):

82

 
 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

Net unrealized investment gain (loss) at beginning of year
Unrealized holdings gain (loss) arising during the period

Reclassification adjustments for gain included in earnings

Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments
Net unrealized investment gain at end of year

Year Ended March 31,
2017

2016

2018

$

$

694
189

—
189
883

$

$

626
173

(105)
68
694

$

$

859
(79)

(154)
(233)
626

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component for the year ended March 31, 2018 are as follows (in 
thousands):

Unrealized
Investment
Gain

Beginning balance net of tax
Other comprehensive income (loss) before
reclassification
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive
loss to net income
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)
income
Ending balance

$

$

694

189

—

189
883

March 31, 2018

Foreign
Currency

Change in
Derivatives
Qualifying
as Hedges

(30,364) $

(5,078)

Retirement
Obligations
$

(62,716) $

Total
(97,464)

10,722

21,717

(23,718)

8,910

2,015

—

27,281

29,296

12,737
(49,979) $

$

21,717
(8,647) $

3,563
(1,515) $

38,206
(59,258)

Details of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the year ended March 31, 2018 are as follows 
(in thousands):

Details of AOCL Components
Net pension amount unrecognized

Amount
reclassified
from AOCL

Affected line item on consolidated statement of
operations

Change in derivatives qualifying as hedges

$

$

$

$

(1)

3,100
3,100 Total before tax
(1,085) Tax benefit
2,015 Net of tax

264 Cost of products sold
2,530
Interest expense
33,935 Foreign currency
36,729 Total before tax
(9,448) Tax benefit
27,281 Net of tax

(1)  These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic pension 

cost. (See Note 12 — Pensions and Other Benefit Plans for additional details.)

83

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

21.  

Effects of New Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-05, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to 
SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118." This ASU adds guidance to ASC 740, Income Taxes, that contain SEC guidance related 
to SAB 118 (codified as SEC SAB Topic 5.EE, “Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act”). The standard 
is effective upon issuance. Refer to Note 16 for further information regarding the impact of the standard.

In  February  2018,  the  FASB  issued ASU  No.  2018-02,  "Income  Statement  -  Reporting  Comprehensive  Income  (Topic  220): 
Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income." This ASU amends ASC 220, Income 
Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income, to allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to 
retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. In addition, under the ASU, an entity will be 
required to provide certain disclosures regarding stranded tax effects. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods 
within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact 
the standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)." ASU 2014-09 outlines 
a new, single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes 
most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. This new revenue recognition model provides 
a five-step analysis in determining when and how revenue is recognized. The new model will require revenue recognition to depict 
the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration a company expects to receive 
in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-14, “Revenue 
from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date,” which delays the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by 
one year. This ASU and various other amendments below which clarify the new revenue standard are effective for fiscal years, 
and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017.    

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent 
Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)." This ASU amends the principal-versus-agent implementation guidance 
and illustrations in the FASB’s new revenue standard (ASC 606). The FASB issued the ASU in response to concerns identified by 
stakeholders, including those related to (1) determining the appropriate unit of account under the revenue standard’s principal-
versus-agent guidance and (2) applying the indicators of whether an entity is a principal or an agent in accordance with the revenue 
standard’s control principle. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after 
December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. 

In  May  2016,  the  FASB  issued ASU  No.  2016-12,  "Revenue  from  Contracts  with  Customers  (Topic  606):  Narrow-Scope 
Improvements and Practical Expedients." ASU 2016-12 provides for amendments to ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts 
with Customers, amending the guidance on transition, collectability, noncash consideration and the presentation of sales and other 
similar taxes. Specifically, ASU 2016-12 clarifies that, for a contract to be considered completed at transition, all (or substantially 
all) of the revenue must have been recognized under legacy GAAP. In addition, ASU 2016-12 clarifies how an entity should 
evaluate the collectability threshold and when an entity can recognize nonrefundable consideration received as revenue if an 
arrangement does not meet the standard’s contract criteria. 

In November 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-14, "Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), 
Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), and Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Topic 606)." The standard amends various 
paragraphs in ASC 220, ASC 605, and ASC 606 that contains SEC guidance, specifically Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 116 (SAB 
116). The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. 

The new revenue standard is effective for the Company on April 1, 2018 and the Company plans to adopt using the modified 
retrospective method whereas prior periods are not restated. We have evaluated revenue from contracts with customers and have 
concluded that the new standard will not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements at transition. Therefore, 
we do not expect to record a material cumulative catch up adjustment to retained earnings for revenue differences identified due 
to the timing or amount of revenue. We have updated our policies and internal control framework and implemented additional 
controls to facilitate accounting for certain projects under the new standard, specifically for certain rail and road and other custom 
projects in the EMEA region. Lastly, the Company is still evaluating the impact of certain disclosures which are required under 
the new standard during the first quarter in fiscal 2019.

84

 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, "Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities (Topic 815)." 
The standard better aligns an entity’s financial reporting for hedging relationships with risk management activities and reduces 
the complexity for the application of hedge accounting. Changes include the ability to elect to perform subsequent effectiveness 
assessments qualitatively and the elimination of the concept of recognizing periodic hedge ineffectiveness for cash flow hedges. 
The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating 
the impact the standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-10, "Service Concession Arrangements (Topic 853)." The standard clarifies how 
an operating entity determines the customer of the operation services for transactions within the scope of ASC 853 by clarifying 
that the grantor is the customer of the operation services in all cases for those arrangements. The effective date is aligned with that 
of ASC 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," which is April 1, 2018 for the Company. We do not anticipate that this 
standard will have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718)." The standard provides 
guidance on the types of changes to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards to which an entity would be required 
to apply modification accounting under ASC 718. Specifically, an entity would not apply modification accounting if the fair value, 
vesting conditions, and classification of the awards are the same immediately before and after the modification. The ASU is effective 
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within the fiscal year, with early adoption permitted. The 
Company does not expect that the adoption of this standard will have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, "Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (Topic 350)." The standard 
removes the requirement to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying value amount as part of step 2 of the 
goodwill test. Therefore, the impairment charge is the amount by which the carrying value is greater than the reporting unit's fair 
value. The ASU is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for 
interim and annual goodwill impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. The Company has adopted this standard effective 
April 1, 2017. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-17, "Interest Held Through Related Parties That Are Under Common Control." 
The standard requires that a single decision maker consider indirect interests held by related parties under common control on a 
proportionate basis in a manner consistent with its evaluation of indirect interests held through other related parties. The ASU is 
effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption 
permitted. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In  March  2016,  the  FASB  issued ASU  No.  2016-09,  "Compensation—Stock  Compensation  (Topic  718):  Improvements  to 
Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting." This ASU makes several modifications to Topic 718 related to the accounting for 
forfeitures, employer tax withholding on share-based compensation and the financial statement presentation of excess tax benefits 
or deficiencies. ASU 2016-09 also clarifies the statement of cash flows presentation for certain components of share-based awards. 
The Company adopted this standard effective April 1, 2017. Refer to Note 14 for further information regarding the impact of the 
standard in fiscal 2018.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)." This standard will require all leases with durations 
greater than twelve months to be recognized on the balance sheet. This ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods 
beginning after December 15, 2018, although early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact that the standard 
will have on our consolidated financial statements and internal control framework and have started gathering lease agreements in 
order to compile a complete list.  Information about our undiscounted future lease payments and the timing of those payments is 
included in Note 17.

85

 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

SCHEDULE II—Valuation and qualifying accounts
March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 
Dollars in thousands

Description

Year ended March 31, 2018:

Deducted from asset accounts:

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Deferred tax asset valuation allowance

Total

Reserves on balance sheet:

Accrued general and product liability costs

Year ended March 31, 2017:

Deducted from asset accounts:

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Deferred tax asset valuation allowance

Total

Reserves on balance sheet:

Accrued general and product liability costs

Year ended March 31, 2016:

Deducted from asset accounts:

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Deferred tax asset valuation allowance

Total

Reserves on balance sheet:

Accrued general and product liability costs

_________________

Additions

Balance at
Beginning
of Period

Charged
to Costs
and
Expenses

Charged
to Other
Accounts Acquisition Deductions

Balance
at End of
Period

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

2,676

$

1,184

$

153 $

— $

493 (1)

$

3,520

4,585

(104)

190

7,261

$

1,080

$

343 $

—

— $

—  

493

  $

4,671

8,191

13,335

$

3,965

$

— $

— $

3,718 (2)

$

13,582

2,177

4,131

6,308

$

$

484

$

1,368 $

— $

1,353 (1)

$

(829)

547

(345) $

1,915 $

736

736

—  

$

1,353

  $

2,676

4,585

7,261

14,535

$

7,223

$

— $

— $

8,423 (2)

$

13,335

2,155

1,977

4,132

$

$

(13) $

401 $

2,860

(706)

2,847

$

(305) $

— $

—

— $

366 (1)

$

—  

366

  $

2,177

4,131

6,308

12,530

$

5,277

$

— $

1,523

$

4,795 (2)

$

14,535   

(1)  Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries
(2)  Insurance claims and expenses paid

86

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 9.   

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures

None.

 Item 9A. 

Controls and Procedures

Management’s Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of March 31, 2018, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including 
the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls 
and procedures. Based on that evaluation, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, 
concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2018. 

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term 
is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, 
including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal 
control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2016 based on the framework in Internal Control--Integrated Framework issued 
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (COSO). Based on that evaluation, 
our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of March 31, 2018.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2018 has been audited by Ernst & 
Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

Our management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal control over financial 
reporting will prevent or detect all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide 
only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. The design of a control system must 
reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Further, 
because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements 
due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. These inherent 
limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple 
error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, 
or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the 
likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all 
potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, 
controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or 
procedures.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended March 31, 2018 that have 
materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

87

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Columbus McKinnon Corporation

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

We have audited Columbus McKinnon Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2018, based on 
criteria  established  in  Internal  Control-Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the 
Treadway Commission (2013 framework), (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Columbus McKinnon Corporation (the Company) 
maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2018, based on the COSO 
criteria. 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) 
(PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, 
comprehensive income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2018, and 
the related notes and the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(2) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated 
financial statements”) of the Company and our report dated May 30, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion 

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment 
of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal 
Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial 
reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with 
respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities 
and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the 
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material 
respects.  

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness 
exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing 
such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for 
our opinion. 

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability 
of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted 
accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain 
to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets 
of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial 
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are 
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable 
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that 
could have a material effect on the financial statements. 

Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect  misstatements. Also, 
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because 
of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Buffalo, New York
May 30, 2018 

88

Item 9B. 

Other Information

None.

PART III

Item 10.  

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

The information regarding Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant will be included in a Proxy Statement to be filed 
with the Commission prior to July 31, 2018 and upon the filing of such Proxy Statement, is incorporated by reference herein.

The charters of our Audit Committee, Compensation and Succession Committee, and Governance and Nomination Committee 
are available on our website at www.cmworks.com and are available to any shareholder upon request to the Corporate Secretary. 
The information on the Company's website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to all of our employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial 
officer and principal accounting officer, as well as our directors.  Our code of ethics, the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Legal 
Compliance & Business Ethics Manual, is available on our website at www.cmworks.com.  We intend to disclose any amendment 
to, or waiver from, the code of ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting 
officer otherwise required to be disclosed under Item 10 of Form 8-K by posting such amendment or waiver, as applicable, on our 
website.

Item 11.  

Executive Compensation

The information regarding Executive Compensation will be included in a Proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission prior 
to July 31, 2018 and upon the filing of such Proxy Statement, is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 12.  

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The information regarding Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and regarding equity compensation 
plan incorporation will be included in a Proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission prior to July 31, 2018 and upon the 
filing of such Proxy Statement, is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 13.  

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information regarding Certain Relationships and Related Transactions will be included in a Proxy Statement to be filed with 
the Commission prior to July 31, 2018 and upon the filing of such Proxy Statement, is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 14.  

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information regarding Principal Accountant Fees and Services will be included in a Proxy Statement to be filed with the 
Commission prior to July 31, 2018 and upon the filing of such Proxy Statement, is incorporated by reference herein.

89

PART IV

Item 15.  

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(1) 

Financial Statements:

The following consolidated financial statements of Columbus McKinnon Corporation are included in Item 8:

Reference

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated balance sheets - March 31, 2018 and 2017

Consolidated statements of operations – Years ended March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity – Years ended March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016

Consolidated statements of cash flows – Years ended March 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016

Notes to consolidated financial statements

(2) Financial Statement Schedule:

Schedule II - Valuation and qualifying accounts

Page
No.

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

Page
No.

86

All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange
Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.

(3) 

Exhibits:

Exhibit
Number

Exhibit

3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s

Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated December 21, 1995).

3.2 Amended By-Laws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K

dated March 28, 2013).

3.3 Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Columbus McKinnon Corporation, dated as of May
18, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 18, 2009).

3.4 Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to the Company’s Current Report

on Form 8-K dated March 29, 2018).

4.1 Specimen common share certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement No.

33-80687 on Form S-1 dated December 21, 1995.)

4.2 Rights Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2009, between Columbus McKinnon Corporation and American Stock Transfer & 

Trust Company, LLC, which includes the form of Right Certificate as Exhibit B and the Summary of Rights to Purchase 
Preferred Stock as Exhibit C (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated 
May 18, 2009).

4.3

Indenture related to the Company’s 7.875% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2019 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.1 to
the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 28, 2011)

90

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.4 Supplemental Indenture related to the Company’s subsidiary guarantors as defined in the Indenture agreement related to the
Company’s 7.875% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2019 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K filed on January 28, 2011)

#10.1 Agreement by and among Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Trust, Columbus McKinnon

Corporation and Marine Midland Bank, dated November 2, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s
Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated December 21, 1995).

#10.2 Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan Restatement Effective April 1, 1989 (incorporated by

reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated December 21, 1995).

#10.3 Amendment No. 1 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan as Amended and Restated as of
April 1, 1989, dated March 2, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Company’s Registration Statement No.
33-80687 on Form S-1 dated December 21, 1995).

#10.4 Amendment No. 2 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan, dated October 17, 1995

(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March
31, 1997).

#10.5 Amendment No. 3 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan, dated March 27, 1996

(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March
31, 1997).

#10.6 Amendment No. 4 of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan as Amended and Restated as of

April 1, 1989, dated September 30, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1996).

#10.7 Amendment No. 5 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan as Amended and Restated as of

April 1, 1989, dated August 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1998).

#10.8 Amendment No. 6 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan as Amended and Restated as of
April 1, 1989, dated June 24, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-
K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1998).

#10.9 Amendment No. 7 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan as Amended and Restated as of
April 1, 1989, dated April 30, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-
K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000).

#10.10 Amendment No. 8 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan as Amended and Restated as of

April 1, 1989, dated March 26, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002).

#10.11 Amendment No. 9 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan as Amended and Restated as of

April 1, 1989, dated March 27, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003).

#10.12 Amendment No. 10 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan as Amended and Restated as

of April 1, 1989, dated February 28, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004).

#10.13 Amendment No. 11 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan as Amended and Restated as
of April 1, 1989, dated December 19, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended December 28, 2003).

#10.14 Amendment No. 12 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan as Amended and Restated as

of April 1, 1989, dated March 17, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005).

#10.15 Amendment No. 13 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan as Amended and Restated as
of April 1, 1989, dated December 19, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended December 28, 2008).

#10.16 Columbus McKinnon Corporation Personal Retirement Account Plan Trust Agreement, dated April 1, 1987 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated December 21, 1995).

#10.17 Second Amendment to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Restricted Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit

10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 29, 2002).

#10.18 Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] Plan 1989 Restatement Effective January 1, 1998 (incorporated by

reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended December 27,
1998).

#10.19 Amendment No. 1 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] Plan, dated

December 10, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended March 31, 1999).

91

#10.20 Amendment No. 2 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401 (k)] Plan, dated June 1,

2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2000).

#10.21 Amendment No. 3 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401 (k)] Plan, dated  March
26, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2002).

#10.22 Amendment No. 4 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] Plan, dated May 10,

2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended September 29, 2002).

#10.23 Amendment No. 5 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] Plan, dated

December 20, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended December 29, 2002).

#10.24 Amendment No. 6 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] Plan, dated May 22,

2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.46 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2003).

#10.25 Amendment No. 7 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] Plan, dated April

14, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2004).

#10.26 Amendment No. 8 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] Plan, dated

December 19, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended December 28, 2003).

#10.27 Amendment No. 9 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] Plan, dated March

16, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2004).

#10.28 Amendment No. 10 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] Plan, dated July

12, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly
period ended July 4, 2004).

#10.29 Amendment No. 11 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] Plan, dated March
31, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2005).

#10.30 Amendment No. 12 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] Plan, dated

December 27, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2006).

#10.31 Amendment No. 13 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] Plan, dated

December 21, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended March, 31, 2007).

#10.32 Amendment No. 14 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] Plan, dated

December 21, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2008).

#10.33 Amendment No. 15 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] Plan, dated
January 29, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended December 28, 2008).

#10.34 Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift 401(k) Plan Trust Agreement Restatement Effective August 9, 1994 (incorporated

by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated December 21,
1995).

#10.35 Columbus McKinnon Corporation Monthly Retirement Benefit Plan Restatement Effective April 1, 1998 (incorporated by

reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended December 27,
1998).

#10.36 Amendment No. 1 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Monthly Retirement Benefit Plan,
dated December 10, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended March 31, 1999).

#10.37 Amendment No. 2 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Monthly Retirement Benefit Plan,
dated May 26, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended March 31, 1999).

#10.38 Amendment No. 3 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Monthly Retirement Benefit Plan,

dated March 26, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.44 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2002).

92

#10.39 Amendment No. 4 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Monthly Retirement Benefit Plan,

dated December 20, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the quarterly period ended December 29, 2002).

#10.40 Amendment No. 5 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Monthly Retirement Benefit Plan,
dated February 28, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2004).

#10.41 Amendment No. 6 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Monthly Retirement Benefit Plan,

dated March 17, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2005).

#10.42 Amendment No. 7 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Monthly Retirement Benefit Plan,
dated December 28, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2006).

#10.43 Amendment No. 8 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Monthly Retirement Benefit Plan,

dated December 28, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the quarterly period ended December 31, 2006).

#10.44 Amendment No. 9 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Monthly Retirement Benefit Plan,

dated April 21, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.47 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2008).

#10.45 Amendment No. 10 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Monthly Retirement Benefit Plan,

dated December 19, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the quarterly period ended December 28, 2008).

#10.46 Columbus McKinnon Corporation Monthly Retirement Benefit Plan Trust Agreement Effective as of April 1, 1987

(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated
December 21, 1995).

#10.47 Columbus McKinnon Corporation 2006 Long Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the definitive

Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Columbus McKinnon Corporation held on July 31, 2006).

#10.48 Amendment No. 1 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation 2006 Long Term Incentive Plan, dated December 30, 2008

(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
December 28, 2008).

#10.49 Form of Change in Control Agreement as entered into between Columbus McKinnon Corporation and certain of its executive
officers. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 1998).

#10.50 Form of Omnibus Code Section 409A Compliance Policy as entered into between Columbus McKinnon Corporation and
certain of its executive officers. (incorporated by reference to Appendix to the definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders of Columbus McKinnon Corporation held on July 31, 2006).

#10.51 Fourth amended and restated credit agreement dated as of December 31, 2009 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to

the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 14, 2010)

#10.52

2010 Long Term Incentive Plan effective July 26, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s S-8 filed
on August 12, 2010.

#10.53 First Amendment to the Company’s Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated December 31, 2009.

(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 26, 2010)

#10.54 Second Amendment to the Company’s Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated December 31, 2009.

(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 22, 2010)

#10.55 Third Amendment to the Company’s Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated December 31, 2009.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 20, 2011)

#10.56 Fourth Amendment to the Company’s Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated December 31, 2009.

(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 15, 2012)

#10.57 Amendment to the Company’s non-qualified deferred compensation plan, effective January 1, 2013. (incorporated by

reference to Exhibit 5.02 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 19, 2012)

#10.58 Fifth Amendment to the Company’s Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated December 31, 2009.

(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October  24, 2012)

#10.59 Credit agreement dated January 23, 2015. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on

Form 8-K filed on January 27, 2015)

#10.60 Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of September 2, 2015. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the

Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 2, 2015)

93

#10.61 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated July 26, 2015 and completed on September 2, 2015. (incorporated by reference to

Exhibit 2.1 and 2.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 2, 2015)

#10.62

2016 Long Term Incentive Plan effective August 3, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s S-8 filed
on August 3, 2016.

#10.63 Share Purchase Agreement, dated November 30, 2016 and completed on January 31, 2017. (incorporated by reference to

Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 26, 2017)

#10.64 Credit agreement dated January 31, 2017. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on

Form 8-K filed on January 31, 2017)

#10.65 Share Purchase Agreement dated December 18, 2016 and completed on January 30, 2017. (incorporated by reference to

Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2016.

#10.66 Registration Rights Agreement dated December 18, 2016 and completed on January 30, 2017. (incorporated by reference to

Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2016.

*21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

*23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

*31.1 Certification of the principal executive officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as

amended.

*31.2 Certification of the principal financial officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

*32.1 Certification of the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities

Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted by pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002.  The information contained in this exhibit shall not be deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission nor incorporated by reference in any registration statement foiled by the Registrant under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended.

*101.INS XBRL Instance Document

*101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

*101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

*101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

*101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

*101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

*     Filed herewith
#     Indicates a Management contract or compensation plan or arrangement

94

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly 

caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

SIGNATURES

Date:  May 30, 2018

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

By:

/s/  Mark D. Morelli
Mark D. Morelli
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following 

persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Signature

Title

Date

/s/    Mark D. Morelli

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

  May 30, 2018

(Principal Executive Officer)

Mark D. Morelli

/s/   Gregory P. Rustowicz

Gregory P. Rustowicz

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

  May 30, 2018

/s/   Ernest R. Verebelyi

Chairman of the Board of Directors

  May 30, 2018

Ernest R. Verebelyi

/s/   Richard H. Fleming

Director

  May 30, 2018

Richard H. Fleming

/s/   Liam G. McCarthy

Director

  May 30, 2018

Liam G. McCarthy

/s/   Heath A. Mitts

Director

  May 30, 2018

Heath A. Mitts

/s/   Nicholas T. Pinchuk

Director

  May 30, 2018

Nicholas T. Pinchuk

/s/   Stephen Rabinowitz

Director

  May 30, 2018

Stephen Rabinowitz

/s/   Kathryn V. Roedel

Director

  May 30, 2018

Kathryn V. Roedel

/s/   R. Scott Trumbull

Director

  May 30, 2018

R. Scott Trumbull

96

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 21.1

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
SUBSIDIARIES
(as of March 31, 2018)

CM Insurance Company, Inc. (US-NY)
Crane Equipment & Service, Inc. (US-OK)
Unified Industries Inc. (US-MI)
Magnetek, Inc. (US-DE)

Magnetek National Electric Coil, Inc. (US-DE)

STAHL Cranesystems Inc. (US-SC)
Yale Industrial Products, Inc. (US-DE)

Yale Industrial Products Ltd. (England)
Columbus McKinnon Dutch Holdings 1 B.V. (The Netherlands)

Columbus McKinnon Dutch Holdings 2 B.V. (The Netherlands)

Columbus McKinnon Dutch Holdings 3 B.V. (The Netherlands)

Morris Middle East, Ltd. (Cayman Islands)

Eastern Morris Cranes Company Limited (49% Investment) (Saudi Arabia)

Columbus McKinnon Limited (Canada)
Magnetek Canada ULC (Canada)
Columbus McKinnon Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. (Singapore)

Columbus McKinnon (Shanghai) International Trading Co. LTD (China)
Columbus McKinnon Asia Pacific Ltd. (Hong Kong)
Columbus McKinnon Industrial Products Co. Ltd. (China)
Columbus McKinnon (Hangzhou) Industries Co. Ltd. (China)
Yale Industrial Products Asia Co. Ltd. (Thailand)
Columbus McKinnon Singapore Pte. Ltd. (Singapore)

STAHL Cranesystems Pte. Ltd. (Singapore)
STAHL Cranesystems India Private Ltd. (India)

Columbus McKinnon EMEA GmbH (Germany)

Columbus McKinnon Industrial Products GmbH (Germany)
Columbus McKinnon Corporation Ltd. (England)

Magnetek (UK) Limited (England)
Stahl Cranesystems Ltd. (England)
Columbus McKinnon France S.a.r.l. (France)

STAHL Cranesystems S.A.S (France)
Columbus McKinnon Maghreb S.a.r.l AAU (Morocco)

Société d’Exploitation des Raccords Gautier (France)
Columbus McKinnon Italia S.r.l. (Italy)
Columbus McKinnon Ibérica S.L.U. (Spain)
STAHL Cranesystems S.L. (Spain)

Columbus McKinnon Benelux, B.V. (The Netherlands)
CMCO Material Handling (Pty), Ltd. (South Africa)

Yale Engineering Products (Pty.) Ltd. (South Africa)
Yale Lifting Solutions (Pty.) Ltd. (South Africa)
Yale Lifting Solutions Industrial (Pty.) Ltd. (South Africa)

Columbus McKinnon Austria GmbH (Austria)

Hebetechnik Gesellschaft GmbH (Austria)

Columbus McKinnon Hungary Kft. (Hungary)
Columbus McKinnon Russia LLC (Russia)
Columbus McKinnon Kaldirma ESVT, Ltd. (Turkey)
Columbus McKinnon Polska Sp.z.o.o (Poland)
Columbus McKinnon Switzerland AG (Switzerland)
Columbus McKinnon Ireland, Ltd. (Ireland)
Stahlhammer Bommern GmbH (Germany)
Ferromet al Limitada (Portugal)
Stahl Cranesystems GmbH (Germany)

STAHL Cranesystems FZE (UAE)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STAHL Cranesystems Shanghai Co. Ltd. (China)
Columbus McKinnon Engineered Products GmbH (Germany)

Pfaff Silberblau Utilaje de Ridicat si Transportat S.R.L. (Romania)
Verkehrstechnik Gmbh (Germany)

Columbus McKinnon Latin America B.V. (The Netherlands)

Columbus McKinnon de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (Mexico)
Columbus McKinnon de Uruguay, S.A. (Uruguay)
Columbus McKinnon do Brazil Ltda. (Brazil)
Columbus McKinnon de Panama S.A. (Panama)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:

(1)  Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-3212) pertaining to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation 1995 Incentive Stock 
Option Plan, the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, the Columbus McKinnon Corporation 
Restricted Stock Plan and the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan Restatement Effective 
April 1, 1989 of Columbus McKinnon Corporation,

(2)  Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-137212) pertaining to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation 2006 Long Term 

Incentive Plan,

(3)  Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-168777) pertaining to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation 2010 Long Term 

Incentive Plan,

(4)  Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-207165) pertaining to the 2014 Incentive Plan of Magnetek, Inc.,

(5)  Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-212865) pertaining to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation 2016 Long Term 

Incentive Plan,

(6)  Registration  Statement  (Form  S-3  No.  333-212862)  and  related  Prospectus  of  Columbus  McKinnon  Corporation  for  the 
registration of common stock, preferred stock, warrants, rights, stock purchase contracts, debt securities, units and guarantees 
of debt securities of Columbus McKinnon Corporation, and

(7)  Registration  Statement  (Form  S-3  No.  333-217382)  and  related  Prospectus  of  Columbus  McKinnon  Corporation  for  the 

registration of 2,273,000 shares of common stock of Columbus McKinnon Corporation;

of our reports dated May 30, 2018, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Columbus McKinnon 
Corporation and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Columbus McKinnon Corporation included in 
this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Columbus McKinnon Corporation for the year ended March 31, 2018.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP 

Buffalo, New York
May 30, 2018

 
 
 
 
 
CERTIFICATION

I, Mark D. Morelli, certify that:

1. 

I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of Columbus McKinnon Corporation;

EXHIBIT 31.1

2.  Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material 
fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not 
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.  Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly 

present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and 
for, the periods presented in this report;

4.  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and 
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting 
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a.  designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be 
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its 
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period 
in which this report is being prepared;

b.  designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial 

reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of 
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with 
generally accepted accounting principles;

c.  evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report 
our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period 
covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d.  disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred 

during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter, the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual 
report, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control 
over financial reporting; and

5.  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control 
over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or 
persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.  all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over 
financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, 
summarize and report financial information; and

b.  any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role 
in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:  May 30, 2018 

  /s/    MARK D. MORELLI
Mark D. Morelli
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

 
 
 
 
 
CERTIFICATION

I, Gregory P. Rustowicz, certify that:

1. 

I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of Columbus McKinnon Corporation;

Exhibit 31.2

2.  Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material 
fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not 
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.  Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly 

present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and 
for, the periods presented in this report;

4.  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and 
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting 
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a.  designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be 
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its 
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period 
in which this report is being prepared;

b.  designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial 

reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of 
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with 
generally accepted accounting principles;

c.  evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report 
our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period 
covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d.  disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred 

during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter, the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual 
report, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control 
over financial reporting; and

5.  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control 
over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or 
persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.  all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over 

financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, 
summarize and report financial information; and

b.  any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role 

in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:  May 30, 2018

/s/   GREGORY P. RUSTOWICZ
Gregory P. Rustowicz
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

 
 
 
 
CERTIFICATION

Exhibit 32.1

Each of the undersigned hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the 
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that the Annual Report of Columbus McKinnon Corporation (the "Company") on Form 10-K for 
the year ended March 31, 2018, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 and that information contained in the such Annual Report on Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial 
condition and result of operations of the Company.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained 

by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

Dated:  May 30, 2018

/s/ MARK D. MORELLI
Mark D. Morelli
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ GREGORY P. RUSTOWICZ
Gregory P. Rustowicz
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Executive Officers 

Board of Directors 

Mark D. Morelli 
President and Chief Executive Officer 

Gregory P. Rustowicz 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 

Benjamin AuYeung 
Vice President - Asia Pacific 

Ernest R. Verebelyi, Chairman 
Terex Corporation (NYSE: TEX) (retired) 

Mark D. Morelli 
Columbus McKinnon Corporation 

Richard H. Fleming 1,3* 
USG Corporation (NYSE: USG) (retired) 

Bert A Brant 
Vice President - Global Manufacturing Operations 

Liam G. McCarthy 2,3 
Molex Inc. (retired) 

Alan S. Korman 
Vice President Corporate Development, General Counsel 
and Chief Human Resources Officer 

Peter M. McCormick 
Vice President - Crane Solutions 

Mark R. Paradowski 
Vice President - Information Services 

John H. Stewart 
Vice President - Engineered Solutions

Kurt F. Wozniak 
Vice President - Industrial Products 

Heath A. Mitts 1*,3 
TE Connectivity Ltd. (NYSE: TEL) 

Nicholas T. Pinchuk 2,3 
Snap-on Inc. (NYSE: SNA) 

Stephen Rabinowitz 1,2 
General Cable Corporation (NYSE: BGC) (retired) 

Kathryn V. Roedel 1,2 
Sleep Number Corporation (NASDAQ: SCSS) (retired) 

R. Scott Trumbull 1,2*
Franklin Electric Company (NASDAQ: FELE) (retired) 

1 Audit 
2 Compensation and Succession 
3 Corporate Governance and Nomination 
* Chairperson

Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income & EPS to 
Non-GAAP Net Income & EPS

2018

Year Ended March 31,
2016

2017

2015

2014

$      

22,065

$        

8,984

$      

19,579

$      

27,190

$      

30,421

Net Income
Add back (deduct):

Acquisition inventory step-up expense & real estate transfer taxes
Acquisition deal, integration and severance costs
CEO retirement pay and search costs
Insurance recovery legal costs
Impairment of intangible asset
Cost of debt refinancing
Loss on foreign exchange option for acquisition
Canadian pension lump sum settlements
Product liability costs for legal settlement
Building held for sale impairment charge
Facility consolidation costs
Acquisition amortization of backlog
Debt repricing fees
Magnatek litigation
Insurance settlement
Normalize tax rate to 22% *

- 
8,763
- 
2,948
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
619
400
(2,362)
14,408

8,852
8,815
3,085
1,359
1,125
1,303
1,590
247 
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(4,626)

1,446
8,046
-
-
-
- 
- 
- 
1,100
429
1,444
581
- 
- 
- 
2,218

659
- 
- 
- 
- 
8,567
-
-
-
-
1,726
-
-
-
-
(1,508)

-
1,657
- 
-
-
-
-
-
- 
- 
-
- 
- 
- 
- 
2,538

Non-GAAP adjusted net income

$      

46,841

$      

30,734

$      

34,843

$      

36,634

$      

34,616

Average diluted shares outstanding

23,335

20,888

20,315

20,224

19,950

Net income per diluted share - GAAP
Net income per diluted share - Non-GAAP

0.95
2.01

0.43
1.47

0.96
1.72

1.34
1.81

1.52
1.74

* Applies a normalized tax rate of 22% to GAAP pre-tax income and non-GAAP adjustments above, pre-tax.

 
          
             
              
          
 
          
 
 
              
          
 
              
              
 
              
              
 
 
              
 
              
              
          
              
             
              
          
          
              
             
              
             
              
              
             
              
              
         
              
              
        
         
          
         
          
        
        
        
        
        
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
Shareholder and Corporate Information 

Common Stock 

Columbus McKinnon’s common stock is traded  
on NASDAQ under the symbol CMCO.  As of  
June 1, 2018, there were 364 shareholders  
of record and 23,137,457 total shares of common 
stock outstanding.  According to SEC filings, as  
of March 31, 2018, there were 188 institutional  
and mutual fund investors who own approximately 
96.4% of Columbus McKinnon’s outstanding 
common shares.  

Annual Meeting of Shareholders 

July 23, 2018 
10:00 a.m. Central Time 
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago   
120 East Delaware Place 
Chicago, Illinois 60611 

Transfer Agent 

Please direct questions about lost certificates,  
change of address and consolidation of accounts  
to the Company’s transfer agent and registrar: 

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company 
620 15th Avenue 
Brooklyn, New York 11219 
800-937-5449 
718-921-8124 
www.amstock.com 

Corporate Headquarters 

Columbus McKinnon Corporation 
205 Crosspoint Parkway 
Buffalo, New York 14068 
716-689-5400 
www.cmworks.com  

Investor Relations 

Gregory P. Rustowicz 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 
Columbus McKinnon Corporation 
716-689-5442 
greg.rustowicz@cmworks.com 

Deborah K. Pawlowski 
Kei Advisors LLC 
716-843-3908 
dpawlowski@keiadvisors.com 

Investor information is available on the  
Company’s website: www.cmworks.com 

Independent Auditors 

Ernst & Young LLP 
1500 Key Tower 
50 Fountain Plaza 
Buffalo, New York 14202-2297 

Reconciliation of GAAP Income from Operations & Margin to
Non-GAAP Income from Operations & Margin

Income from operations

Add back (deduct):

Year Ended March 31,

2018
70,099

$   

2017
25,973

$   

Acquisition inventory step-up expense & real estate transfer taxes
Acquisition deal, integration and severance costs
CEO retirement pay and search costs
Insurance recovery legal costs
Impairment of intangible asset
Canadian pension lump sum settlements
Debt repricing fees
Magnatek litigation
Insurance settlement

-
8,763
-
2,948
-
-
619
400
(2,362)

8,852
8,815
3,085
1,359
1,125
247
-
-
-

Non-GAAP income from operations

$   

80,467

$   

49,456

Adjusted operating margin

9.6%

7.8%

Forward-Looking Information 

The Columbus McKinnon annual report contains 
“forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the 
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such 
statements include, but are not limited to, statements 
concerning future revenue and earnings, involve known 
and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that 
could cause the actual results of the Company to differ 
materially from the results expressed or implied by such 
statements, including general economic and business 
conditions, conditions affecting the industries served by 
the Company and its subsidiaries, conditions affecting 
the Company’s customers and suppliers, competitor 
responses to the Company’s products and services,  
the overall market acceptance of such products and 
services and other factors disclosed in the Company’s 
periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to 
update the forward-looking information contained in this 
report. 

 
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
           
       
       
       
           
       
       
       
           
       
           
          
           
           
      
           
205 Crosspoint Parkway  |  Buffalo, New York 14068 

General 716-689-5400  |  Investor Relations 716-689-5442 

cmworks.com  |  NASDAQ: CMCO