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COLUMBUS MCKINNON CORP - Annual Report: 2019 (Form 10-K)

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

FORM 10-K

ý
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, 2019

Commission file number 0-27618
_________________

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

New York
 
16-0547600
(State of Incorporation)
 
(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   o     No   ý
 
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   o   No   ý
 
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 ý  No o
 
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 ý  No o
 
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    ý.
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.
 
Large accelerated filer  x
Accelerated filer o   
Non-accelerated filer o   
Smaller reporting company o
Emerging Growth Company o   

 
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. o   
     
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).        Yes o   No ý
 
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of September 30, 2018 (the second fiscal quarter in which this Form 10-K relates) was approximately $919 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 17, 2019 was 23,403,782 shares.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Registrant’s proxy statement for its 2019 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, 2019 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.

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COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
2019 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.


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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

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PART I

Item 1.        Business
 
General

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, rigging tools, digital power control systems, and actuators. The Company is focused on commercial and industrial applications that require safety and productivity in moving material provided by our 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 include 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 digital power control 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 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 Blueprint for Growth Strategy 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 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 about simplifying the business utilizing our 80/20 process, improving our operational excellence, and ramping the growth engine by investing in new product development and a digital platform 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 $13,491,000, $13,617,000, and $10,482,000 in fiscal years 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

In addition to restructuring our organization to simplify how we do business, we have divested three businesses, which were not a fit with our product offerings and strategy. In March 2019, the Company announced that it had completed the divestiture of these three businesses that it had identified as not being core to its growth strategy through its simplification process. The Tire Shredder business was sold in December 2018. The remaining two businesses, which were sold in February 2019, included Crane Equipment and Service, Inc. and Stahlhammer Bommern GmbH.

Phase III of the strategy is centered on evolving the business model including optimizing our current product portfolio as well as pursuing acquisitions 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.

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.


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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, 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; and below-the-hook special purpose lifters; 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 2019 sales, $473,809,000, or 54%, were U.S. and $402,473,000 or 46% were non-U.S. The following table sets forth certain sales data for our products, expressed as a percentage of net sales for fiscal 2019 and 2018:
 
 
 
Fiscal Years Ended March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Hoists
 
62
%
 
63
%
Chain and rigging tools
 
10

 
10

Digital power control and delivery systems
 
11

 
10

Actuators and rotary unions
 
9

 
9

Industrial cranes
 
4

 
4

Elevator application drive systems
 
3

 
3

Other
 
1

 
1

 
 
100
%
 
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.
 
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.
 

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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 Original Equipment Manufacturers ("OEMs").
 
Digital Power Control and Delivery Systems - Through our Magnetek brand, 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 brands, 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.

Elevator Application Drive Systems - Through our Magnetek brand we also 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.
 
Distribution and Markets
 
Our distribution channels include a variety of commercial distributors. In addition, we sell 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.
 
— 
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.


6


— 
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.
 
Service-After-Sale Distribution Channel -   Service-after-sale distributors include our authorized network of 23 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 non-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, 2019 was approximately $161,456,000 compared to approximately $177,387,000 at March 31, 2018. The decrease is largely a result of divestitures and changing foreign currency rates. 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.

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, and elevator DC drives. These product categories represent 65% 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; and for actuators and rotary unions are Deublin, Joyce-Dayton, and Nook Industries.
 

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Employees
 
At March 31, 2019, we had 3,128 employees globally. Approximately 10% of our employees are represented under three separate U.S. 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 rod, wire, bar, structural, and other forms of 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. Generally, as we experience fluctuations in our costs, we reflect them as price increases to our customers with the goal of being margin neutral. In addition, as a result of the recent trade tariff actions with China, the Company determined its fiscal 2019 exposure for tariffs to be approximately $1,700,000 which resulted in increased cost of products sold. The Company is monitoring the impact of tariffs and is actively working to mitigate this impact through material productivity actions and pricing strategies. For all other raw materials and components, 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 comply, 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 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.  Our share of these costs is 13.4% and reserves on the books are sufficient to cover these costs for the remainder of the operations and maintenance period.

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.


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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 $456,000 as of March 31, 2019 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.

For all of the currently known environmental matters, we have accrued as of March 31, 2019 a total of $1,075,000 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.

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, 2019 the Company has recorded $100,000 for legal costs 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.

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.


9

Table of Contents
 


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, like Brexit or the China trade wars, 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 required the Company to dedicate a large portion of its cash flow to the servicing and repayment of its outstanding indebtedness.  While the indebtedness has significantly declined, we continue to pay down debt with free cash flow thereby reducing funds available for other operating activities, which could adversely affect our investments in our business

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 $80,877,000 at March 31, 2019. 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.

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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, 2019, approximately 46% 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.

Other risks of doing business in international markets include the increased risks and burdens of complying with different legal and regulatory standards, difficulties in managing and staffing foreign operations, recruiting and retaining talented direct sales personnel, limitations on the repatriation of funds and fluctuations of foreign exchange rates, varying levels of internet technology adoption and infrastructure and our ability to enforce contracts and our intellectual property rights in foreign jurisdictions. Additionally there are risks associated with fundamental changes to international markets, such as those that may occur as a result of the United Kingdom's potential withdrawal from the European Union ("Brexit"). Brexit may adversely affect global economic and market conditions and could contribute to volatility in the foreign exchange markets, which we may be unable to effectively manage.
In addition, our success in international expansion could be limited by barriers to international expansion such as adverse tax consequences and export controls. If we cannot manage these risks effectively, the costs of doing business in some international markets may be prohibitive or our costs may increase disproportionately to our revenue.

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

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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 16 to our March 31, 2019 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.
 
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 $402,473,000 in our fiscal year ended March 31, 2019) 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 price fluctuations and trade tariffs on steel, aluminum, and other raw materials purchased to manufacture our products. We may not be able to pass on increases in raw material costs to our customers.

The primary raw materials used in our chain, forging and crane building operations are steel, aluminum, and other raw materials such as motors, electrical and electronic components, castings and machined parts and components. These industries are 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 and new trade tariffs, competitive conditions will determine how much of the price increases we can pass on to our customers. In the future, to the extent we are unable to pass on any steel, aluminum, or other raw material 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.


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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 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.

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Item 2.        Properties
 
We maintain our corporate headquarters in Getzville, New York (an owned property) and, as of March 31, 2019, conducted our principal manufacturing at the following facilities:

 
 
Location
 
Products/Operations
 
Square
Footage
 
Owned or
Leased
1
 
Kunzelsau, Germany
 
Hoists
 
345,000

 
Leased
2
 
Wadesboro, NC
 
Hoists
 
180,000

 
Owned
3
 
Lexington, TN
 
Chain
 
164,000

 
Owned
 
 
Asia operation:
 
 
 
 

 
 
4
 
Hangzhou, China
 
Hoists
 
70,000

 
Owned
5
 
Hangzhou, China
 
Hoists
 
82,000

 
Owned
6
 
Charlotte, NC
 
Actuators and Rotary Unions
 
146,000

 
Leased
7
 
Menomonee Falls, WI
 
Power control systems
 
144,000

 
Leased
 
 
Tennessee forging operation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
8
 
Chattanooga, TN
 
Forged attachments
 
81,000

 
Owned
9
 
Chattanooga, TN
 
Forged attachments
 
59,000

 
Owned
10
 
Wuppertal, Germany
 
Hoists
 
124,000

 
Leased
11
 
Kissing, Germany
 
Hoists, winches, and actuators
 
107,000

 
Leased
12
 
Damascus, VA
 
Hoists
 
97,000

 
Owned
13
 
Brighton, MI
 
Overhead light rail workstations
 
71,000

 
Leased
14
 
Lisbon, OH
 
Hoists
 
37,000

 
Owned
15
 
Chester, England
 
Plate clamps
 
56,000

 
Owned
16
 
Santiago Tianguistenco, Mexico
 
Hoists
 
54,000

 
Owned
17
 
Szekesfehervar, Hungary
 
Textiles and textile strappings
 
24,000

 
Leased
18
 
Romeny-sur-Marne, France
 
Rotary unions
 
22,000

 
Owned

In addition, we have a total of 49 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.


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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 2019.  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 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. During fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018, the Company received settlement payments $484,000 and $2,362,000, respectively, net of legal fees, from its insurance carriers as partial reimbursement for asbestos-related expenses.  These partial payments have been recorded as gains in cost of products sold. The Company is continuing its actions to recover further past costs and to cover future costs.

See Note 16 to our March 31, 2019 consolidated financial statements for more information on our matters involving litigation.

Item 4.        Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not Applicable.    
 


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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, 2019, there were 407 holders of record of our common stock.

During fiscal 2019, the Company declared quarterly cash dividends totaling $4,903,000. On March 26, 2019, the Company's Board of Directors declared regular quarterly dividends of $0.06 per common share. The dividend was paid on May 13, 2019 to shareholders of record on May 3, 2019 and totaled approximately $1,405,000.

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

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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, 2014 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.


a5yearcumulativetotalreturnc.jpg

 


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Item 6.        Selected Financial Data

The consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2019 and 2018, and the related statements of operations, cash flows, and shareholders’ equity for each of the three years ended March 31, 2019 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.

 
 
 
 
 
(In million's, except per share data)
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017 (4)
 
2016
 
2015
Statements of Operations Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
 
$
876.3

 
$
839.4

 
$
637.1

 
$
597.1

 
$
579.6

Cost of products sold (1)
 
571.3

 
554.4

 
444.2

 
411.5

 
398.5

Gross profit
 
305.0

 
285.0

 
192.9

 
185.6

 
181.1

Selling expenses
 
97.9

 
102.0

 
77.3

 
72.9

 
69.8

General and administrative expenses (1) (2)
 
83.6

 
85.6

 
72.1

 
62.9

 
49.7

Research and development expenses (2)
 
13.5

 
13.6

 
10.5

 
7.4

 
5.2

Impairment of intangible asset
 

 

 
1.1

 

 

Net loss on sales of businesses
 
25.7

 

 

 

 

Amortization of intangibles
 
14.9

 
15.6

 
8.1

 
5.0

 
2.3

Income (loss) from operations
 
69.4

 
68.2

 
23.8

 
37.4

 
54.1

Interest and debt expense
 
17.1

 
19.7

 
11.0

 
7.9

 
12.4

Cost of debt refinancing
 

 

 
1.3

 

 
8.6

Other (income) and expense, net (1)
 
(0.6
)
 
(1.2
)
 
(1.5
)
 
(2.1
)
 
(2.9
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
52.9

 
49.7

 
13.0

 
31.6

 
36.0

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
10.3

 
27.6

 
4.0

 
12.0

 
8.8

Net income (loss)
 
$
42.6

 
$
22.1

 
$
9.0

 
$
19.6

 
$
27.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
 
$
1.83

 
$
0.97

 
$
0.44

 
$
0.98

 
$
1.36

Diluted earnings (loss) per share
 
$
1.80

 
$
0.95

 
$
0.43

 
$
0.96

 
$
1.34

Weighted average shares outstanding – basic
 
23.3

 
22.8

 
20.6

 
20.1

 
19.9

Weighted average shares outstanding – assuming dilution
 
23.7

 
23.3

 
20.9

 
20.3

 
20.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet Data (at end of period):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Total assets
 
$
1,061.6

 
$
1,142.4

 
$
1,113.8

 
$
772.9

 
$
566.1

Total debt (3)
 
300.3

 
363.3

 
421.3

 
267.6

 
126.5

Total debt, net of cash and cash equivalents
 
229.2

 
300.3

 
343.7

 
216.0

 
63.5

Total shareholders’ equity
 
431.2

 
408.2

 
341.4

 
286.3

 
268.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
79.5

 
69.7

 
60.5

 
52.6

 
38.3

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
 
2.5

 
(32.6
)
 
(224.0
)
 
(203.2
)
 
(34.1
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
(67.8
)
 
(59.5
)
 
190.7

 
137.0

 
(48.4
)
Capital expenditures
 
(12.3
)
 
(14.5
)
 
(14.4
)
 
(22.3
)
 
(17.2
)

(1)
The Company adopted ASU 2017-07 in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The service cost component of net periodic benefit cost above is recorded in Cost of products sold, Selling expense, and General and administrative expenses while the remaining components are recorded to Other (income) expense, net. The prior year amounts have been reclassified to

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provide comparable presentation in line with the guidance in ASU 2017-07 based on amounts previously disclosed for the various components of net periodic pension cost (benefit).

(2)
Beginning in fiscal 2018, the Company reclassified research and development expenses previously recorded in general and administrative expense into a separate line item on the consolidated statements of operations. All prior 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.

(3)
Total debt includes all debt, including the current portion, notes payable, term loan, and subordinated debt.

(4)
The Company acquired STAHL in fiscal 2017 which was deemed to be a significant acquisition.

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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, digital power control systems, and actuators. We are focused on serving commercial and industrial applications that require safety and productivity 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 144-year history by emphasizing technological innovation, manufacturing excellence and superior customer service. In addition, acquisitions significantly broadened our product lines and services and expanded our geographic reach, end-user markets and customer base. In accordance with our Blueprint for Growth Strategy, we are simplifying the business utilizing our 80/20 process, improving our operational excellence, and ramping the growth engine by investing in new product development and a digital platform to grow profitably. Shareholder value will be enhanced by expanding EBITDA margins and return on invested capital ("ROIC").

Our revenue base is geographically diverse with approximately 46% derived from customers outside the U.S. for the year ended March 31, 2019. 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, trade tariffs, raw material cost inflation, 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 to reduce quote lead-times, improve on-time deliveries, reduce warranty costs, and improve material and factory productivity. The initiatives are being driven by the implementation of our business operating system E-PAS™. We are working to achieve these strategic initiatives through business simplification, operational excellence, and profitable growth initiatives. We believe these initiatives will enhance future operating 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 to our customers with the goal of being margin neutral. However, as a result of the recent trade tariff actions with China, the Company determined its fiscal 2019 exposure for tariffs to be approximately $1,700,000 which resulted in increased cost of products sold. The Company is monitoring the impact of tariffs and is actively working to mitigate this impact through material productivity actions and pricing strategies.

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 strong free cash flow as well as our liquidity position and flexible debt structure.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Fiscal 2019 Compared to 2018

Fiscal 2019 sales were $876,282,000, an increase of 4.4%, or $36,863,000 compared with fiscal 2018 sales of $839,419,000. Sales for the year were positively impacted by $39,761,000 due to increased sales volume and $10,628,000 by price increases, offset by $5,957,000 in prior year sales from sold businesses.  Unfavorable foreign currency translation decreased sales by $7,569,000.

Our gross profit was $304,997,000 and $285,061,000 or 34.8% and 34.0% of net sales in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively.  The fiscal 2019 increase in gross profit of $19,936,000 or 7.0% is the result of $12,986,000 in increased volume, $8,573,000 in increased productivity and favorable manufacturing costs, $6,476,000 of price increases net of material inflation, and $1,078,000 in decreased product liability costs. These increases were offset by a prior year insurance settlement for $2,362,000 which did not reoccur in the current year, $1,717,000 in increased tariffs, $1,473,000 in costs incurred to consolidate the Salem, Ohio facility, and $1,223,000 in gross profit from sold businesses. The translation of foreign currencies had a $2,423,000 unfavorable impact on gross profit for the year ended March 31, 2019.

Selling expenses were $97,925,000 and $101,956,000, or 11.2% and 12.1% of net sales in fiscal years 2019 and 2018. Selling expenses from sold businesses decreased selling expenses by $346,000 in fiscal 2019.  Additionally, foreign currency translation had a $1,016,000 favorable impact on selling expenses. The remaining decrease is largely due to lower warehouse and personnel costs.
 
General and administrative expenses were $83,567,000 and $85,605,000 or 9.5% and 10.2% of net sales in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. The fiscal 2019 decrease was due to a $7,031,000 net reduction of STAHL integration costs that are classified as general and administrative expense, a $1,666,000 net decrease in legal costs for an insurance recovery legal action, a $300,000 net reduction in legal costs for a former subsidiary of Magnetek involved in a litigation matter, and $619,000 in debt repricing fees incurred in the prior year. These decreases were offset by higher incentive compensation and stock compensation expense of $1,347,000, $2,317,000 in costs incurred to execute the Company's Blueprint for Growth Strategy, and increased environmental remediation accruals of $585,000. The remaining increases in general and administrative expense relates to investments in various initiatives and general inflation. Foreign currency translation had a $495,000 favorable impact on general and administrative expenses.

Research and development expenses were $13,491,000 and $13,617,000 in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. As a percentage of consolidated net sales, research and development expenses were 1.5% and 1.6% in fiscal 2019 and 2018. The decrease is attributable to prior year expenses incurred by the sold business in the amount of $119,000.

A Net loss on sales of businesses in the amount of $25,672,000 was recorded in the year ended March 31, 2019. Included in the Net loss on sales of businesses is a loss on Crane Equipment and Service Inc. and Stahlhammer Bommern GmbH in the amount of $26,731,000, offset by a gain on the sale of the Tire Shredder business in the amount of $1,059,000 during the twelve months ended March 31, 2019. Included in the Net loss on sales of businesses were impairment charges of $27,753,000 recorded in fiscal 2019.
 
Amortization of intangibles remained relatively consistent at $14,900,000 and $15,552,000 in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. The decrease is primarily related to foreign currency translation.
 
Interest and debt expense was $17,144,000 and $19,733,000 in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively, and primarily related to a decrease in interest and debt expense on the Company's Term Loan due to lower average borrowings outstanding during the fiscal 2019 period.
 
Investment income of $727,000 and $157,000, in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively, related to earnings on marketable securities held in the Company’s wholly owned captive insurance subsidiary and the Company's equity method investment in EMC, described in Note 7. In accordance with ASU 2016-01, investment income for fiscal 2019 included net unrealized gains of marketable securities of $183,000.

Foreign currency exchange loss was $843,000 and $1,539,000 in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively, as a result of foreign currency volatility related to foreign currency denominated sales and purchases and intercompany debt.

Other income, net, was $716,000 and $2,469,000 in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. This includes components of pension expense (all except service costs, described in Note 13) and various non-operating income and expense related activities.


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Income tax expense as a percentage of income from continuing operations before income tax expense was 19.5% and 55.6% in fiscal 2019 and 2018, 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 fiscal 2019 was affected favorably by 6.2 percentage points by certain favorable permanent adjustments, including generation and utilization of certain foreign tax credits, and by 2.8 percentage points by the reduction of the Company's one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries to zero. These favorable effects were offset unfavorably by 7.6 percentage points related to certain non-deductible losses on the sale of businesses.

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 $285,061,000 and $192,885,000 or 34.0% and 30.3% of net sales in fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively.  The fiscal 2018 increase in gross profit of $92,176,000 or 47.8% is the result of $53,794,000 from the acquisition of STAHL, $5,362,000 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 $85,605,000 and $72,129,000 or 10.2% and 11.3% 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.


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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 purchases and intercompany debt.

Other income, net, includes components of pension expense (all except service costs, described in Note 13) and various non-operating income and expense related activities. The balance was $2,469,000 and $2,341,000 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 17 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. The one-time transition tax was subsequently reversed in fiscal 2019 when our provisional accounting under the Act was finalized.


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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash totaled $71,343,000, $63,565,000, and $78,429,000 at March 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.
 
Cash flow from operating activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $79,499,000, $69,661,000, and $60,450,000 in fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. In fiscal 2019, net income of $42,577,000 and non-cash adjustments to net income of $66,436,000 contributed the most to cash provided by operating activities as well as an increase in trade accounts payable of $3,881,000. The increase in cash was offset by an increase in inventory of $15,411,000, an increase in trade accounts receivable of $11,328,000, and a decrease in accrued expenses and non-current liabilities of $6,759,000. The increase in inventory is due to the Company's initiatives to improve inventory availability. The net decrease in non-current liabilities is largely due to U.S. pension plan contributions of $11,018,000.

In addition to net income and non-cash adjustments to net income in fiscal 2018, net cash provided by operating activities increased from fiscal 2017 as a result of an increase in accrued liabilities of $11,918,000 (of which approximately $7,900,000 is due to additional 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, excluding the effects of acquisitions.

Cash flow from investing activities

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities was $2,486,000, $(32,592,000), and $(224,039,000) in fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. In fiscal 2019, the most significant source of cash used by investing activities was $14,230,000 in cash received from the Sold Businesses, offset by $12,288,000 in capital expenditures. The Company also received $662,000 in net cash proceeds from the sale of marketable equity securities.

The most significant uses of cash for investing activities in fiscal 2018 related to $14,750,000 in cash paid to the former owner of STAHL related to a profit sharing agreement, net of a purchase price working capital refund, and capital expenditures of $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.

Cash flow from by financing activities

Net cash (used) provided by financing activities was $(67,778,000), $(59,502,000), and $190,709,000 in fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. In fiscal 2019, the most significant uses of cash were $65,088,000 in repayments on our Term Loan and dividends paid in the amount $4,652,000, offset by $1,962,000 in net inflows from stock related transactions, which includes proceeds of $4,152,000 from stock options exercised.

The most significant use of cash in fiscal 2018 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 cash used for financing activities related to dividends paid of $3,658,000, offset by $4,919,000 in net inflows from stock related transactions, which included proceeds of $6,332,000 from stock options exercised.

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, 2019, $46,322,000 of cash and cash equivalents were held by foreign subsidiaries.

On January 31, 2017 the Company entered into a Credit Agreement ("Credit Agreement") and $545,000,000 of debt facilities ("Facilities") in connection with the STAHL acquisition. The Facilities consist of a Revolving Facility ("Revolver") in the amount of $100,000,000 and a $445,000,000 1st Lien Term Loan ("Term Loan"). The Term Loan has a seven-year term maturing in 2024 and the Revolver has a five-year term maturing in 2022. At March 31, 2019 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

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in the 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 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 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 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 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, 2019 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, 2019 and 2018.

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

On February 26, 2018, the Company amended the 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 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 Credit Agreement (discussed below) remain unchanged.

The outstanding balance of the Term Loan was $310,463,000 and $375,463,000 as of March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company made $65,000,000 of principal payment on the Term Loan during fiscal 2019 and $57,037,000 of principal payment on the Term Loan during fiscal 2018. The Company is obligated to make $4,450,000 of principal payments over the next 12 months, however, plans to pay down $65,000,000 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 Revolving Credit Facility and $17,329,000 outstanding letters of credit as of March 31, 2019. The outstanding letters of credit at March 31, 2019 consisted of $1,236,000 in commercial letters of credit and $16,093,000 of standby letters of credit.

The gross balance of deferred financing costs on the term loan was $14,690,000 as of March 31, 2019 and 2018. The accumulated amortization balances were $4,547,000 and $2,447,000 as of March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The gross balance of deferred financing costs associated with the Revolving Credit Facility is included in other assets is $2,789,000 as of March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018. The accumulated amortization balance is $1,209,000 and $651,000 as of March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018 respectively. These balances are classified in Other assets since no funds were drawn on the Revolving Credit Facility in fiscal 2019 and 2018.


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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, 2019, unsecured credit lines totaled approximately $2,468,000, of which $0 was drawn. In addition, unsecured lines of $16,437,000 were available for bank guarantees issued in the normal course of business of which $10,275,000 was utilized.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The following table reflects a summary of our contractual obligations in millions of dollars as of March 31, 2019, by period of estimated payments due:
 
 
Total
 
Fiscal
2020
 
Fiscal
 2021-
Fiscal 2022
 
Fiscal
 2023-
Fiscal 2024
 
More
 Than
Five Years
Long-term debt obligations (a)
 
$
310.5

 
$
4.5

 
$
8.9

 
$
297.1

 
$

Operating lease obligations (b)
 
43.5

 
11.4

 
13.2

 
8.6

 
10.3

Purchase obligations (c)
 

 

 

 

 

Interest obligations (d)
 
70.3

 
15.9

 
31.4

 
23.0

 

Letter of credit obligations
 
17.3

 
14.6

 
2.7

 

 

Bank guarantees
 
10.3

 
10.3

 

 

 

Uncertain tax positions
 
1.0

 
1.0

 

 

 

Other long-term liabilities reflected on the Company’s balance sheet under GAAP
 
183.8

 

 
32.4

 
14.9

 
136.5

Total
 
$
636.7

 
$
57.7

 
$
88.6

 
$
343.6

 
$
146.8


(a)
As described in Note 12 to consolidated financial statements.
(b)
As described in Note 18 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 $83 million.
(d)
Estimated for our Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility and interest rate swaps as described in Note 10 and Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements. Calculated using a Eurocurrency rate of 2.60% plus an applicable margin of 2.50%.

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 2019, 2018, and 2017 were $12,288,000, $14,515,000, and $14,368,000 respectively. Excluded from fiscal 2019 capital expenditures is $227,000, $0, and $0 in property, plant and equipment purchases included in accounts payable at March 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. We expect capital expenditure spending in fiscal 2020 of approximately $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. 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 to our customers.  We believe we have been successful in instituting price increases to pass on these material cost increases.  We will continue to monitor our costs and reevaluate our pricing policies.

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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.

Insurance Reserves.  Our accrued general and product liability reserves as described in Note 16 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.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment testing.  Our goodwill balance of $322,816,000 as of March 31, 2019 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 $9,611,000, and $313,205,000, respectively, at March 31, 2019.

Interim Goodwill Impairment Test

During fiscal 2019 we classified the assets and liabilities of certain businesses as held for sale during fiscal 2019. These businesses were sold prior to the end of fiscal 2019. As a result of this interim classification, we determined an indicator of impairment existed and was required to perform an interim goodwill impairment test on the Rest of Products goodwill reporting unit (representing the hoist, chain, forgings, digital power, motion control, manufacturing, and distribution businesses). The net assets of the Rest of Products reporting unit were measured on a non-recurring basis as of May 31, 2018 in order to perform the interim quantitative goodwill impairment test.

The interim quantitative goodwill impairment test consisted of determining the fair value of the Rest of Products reporting units on a quantitative basis. To estimate the fair value of the Rest of Products reporting unit, we 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.


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The compound annual growth rate for revenue during the first five years of the projections was approximately 3.75%. 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 Rest of Products reporting unit was determined to be 11.1% based upon an analysis of similar companies and their debt to equity mix, their related volatility and the size of their market capitalization. The interim quantitative goodwill impairment test for the Rest of Products reporting unit did not indicate that goodwill was impaired. Future changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the results of our goodwill impairment tests. For example, a decline in the terminal growth rate by 50 basis points would decrease fair market value by $16,000,000 and an increase in the weighted-average cost of capital by 100 basis points would result in a decrease in fair market value by $45,000,000 for the Rest of Products reporting unit. Even with such changes the fair value of the reporting unit would be greater than its net book value, therefore indicating no impairment.

Annual Goodwill Impairment Test

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, 2019 and determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of our Rest of Products unit was less than that its applicable carrying value. Accordingly, we did not perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test for the fiscal 2019 Rest of Products unit as a result of the annual impairment analysis. For our Duff-Norton unit, we decided to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test due to increases in its net book value since the last time the quantitative test was performed.

In order to perform the quantitative impairment test for the Duff-Norton unit, we use the discounted cash flow method and comparable market method to estimate fair value. 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. Management 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, we consider our historical and projected results, as well as the economic environment in which the reporting unit operates. The discount rates utilized for each reporting unit reflect management’s assumptions of marketplace participants’ cost of capital and risk assumptions, both specific to the reporting unit and overall in the economy. The comparable market method estimates fair value based on prices obtained in actual transactions. The method consists of examining selling prices for comparable assets. After studying the selling prices, value adjustments are made for any dissimilarities.

Testing goodwill for impairment under the quantitative method described above requires us to estimate fair value of the reporting unit using significant estimates and judgmental factors. The compound annual growth rate for revenue during the first five years of our projections was approximately 5.83% for the Duff-Norton reporting unit. The terminal value was calculated assuming a projected growth rate of 3.5% after five years for both reporting units. These rates reflect our estimate of long-term growth into perpetuity and approximate the long-term gross domestic product growth expected on a global basis as well as our normal annual price increases. The estimated weighted-average cost of capital for the reporting units was determined to be 12.3% for the Duff-Norton reporting unit. This was estimated initially based on the Company's consolidated weighted-average cost of capital and increased for additional market risk. We also consider any additional risk of the Duff-Norton reporting unit achieving its forecast, and adjust the weighted-average cost of capital applied when determining the reporting unit’s estimated fair value. Future changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the results of our goodwill impairment tests. For example, a decline in the terminal growth rate by 50 basis points would decrease fair market value by $2,415,000 and an increase in the weighted-average cost of capital by 100 basis points would result in a decrease in fair market value by $6,877,000 for the Duff-Norton reporting unit. Even with such changes the fair value of the reporting unit would be greater than its net book value as of February 28, 2019, therefore indicating no impairment.

We further test our indefinite-lived intangible asset balance of $46,981,000 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 which includes an assessment using the relief from royalty method. We performed the qualitative assessment as of February 28, 2019 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.


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Effects of New Accounting Pronouncements

Information regarding the effects of new accounting pronouncements is included in Note 22 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included in this March 31, 2019 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.


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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 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. 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 to our customers. We believe we have been successful in instituting price increases to pass on these material cost increases. Further, recent trade tariffs with China are expected to increase our material costs at a rate greater than recent historical inflation.

The Company has estimated its exposure related to these tariffs to be approximately $1,700,000, which will result in increased cost of products sold based on today's regulations. The Company is monitoring the impact of tariffs and is actively working to mitigate this impact through material productivity actions and pricing strategies. We will continue to monitor our costs and reevaluate our pricing policies.

In fiscal 2019, 46% 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 $10,000,000. 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, excluding the impairment on the held for sale business, 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 $4,500,000 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. These intercompany loans are related to the acquisition of STAHL. The notional amount of these derivatives is $198,260,000, and all of the contracts mature by January 31, 2022. From its March 31, 2019 balance of AOCL, the Company expects to reclassify approximately $1,276,000 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 $3,461,000 and all of the contracts mature by June 30, 2019. 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 $11,185,000 and all contracts mature by March 31, 2020. From its March 31, 2019 balance of AOCL, the Company expects to reclassify approximately $1,000 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 $197,160,000 as of March 31, 2019. The effective

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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, 2019 balance of AOCL, the Company expects to reclassify approximately $565,000 out of AOCL, and into interest expense, during the next 12 months.

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Item 8.        Financial Statements and Supplemental Data.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Columbus McKinnon Corporation

Audited Consolidated Financial Statements as of March 31, 2019:
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
Description of Business
2
Accounting Principles and Practices
3
Acquisitions
4
Revenue Recognition
5
Fair Value Measurements
6
Inventories
7
Marketable Securities and Other Investments
8
Property, Plant, and Equipment
9
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
10
Derivative Instruments
11
Accrued Liabilities and Other Non-current Liabilities
12
Debt
13
Pensions and Other Benefit Plans
14
Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP")
15
Earnings per Share and Stock Plans
16
Loss Contingencies
17
Income Taxes
18
Rental Expense and Lease Commitments
19
Business Segment Information
20
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)
21
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
22
Effects of New Accounting Pronouncements
 
 
 
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.

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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, 2019 and 2018, 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, 2019, and the related notes and 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, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2019, 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, 2019, 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 29, 2019, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Adoption of ASU No. 2014-09

As discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method for recognizing revenue as a result of the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), and the amendments in ASUs 2015-14, 2016-08, 2016-10 and 2016-12 effective April 1, 2018.

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 29, 2019

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COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
(In thousands, except share data)
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

Current assets:
 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
71,093

 
$
63,021

Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts ($3,264 and $3,520, respectively)
 
129,157

 
127,806

Inventories
 
146,263

 
152,886

Prepaid expenses and other
 
16,075

 
16,582

Total current assets
 
362,588

 
360,295

Net property, plant, and equipment
 
87,303

 
113,079

Goodwill
 
322,816

 
347,434

Other intangibles, net
 
232,940

 
263,764

Marketable securities
 
7,028

 
7,673

Deferred taxes on income
 
27,707

 
32,442

Other assets
 
21,189

 
17,759

Total assets
 
$
1,061,571

 
$
1,142,446

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 

Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 

Trade accounts payable
 
$
46,974

 
$
46,970

Accrued liabilities
 
99,304

 
99,963

Current portion of long-term debt
 
65,000

 
60,064

Total current liabilities
 
211,278

 
206,997

Senior debt, less current portion
 

 
33

Term loan and revolving credit facility
 
235,320

 
303,221

Other non-current liabilities
 
183,814

 
223,966

Total liabilities
 
630,412

 
734,217

Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 

Voting common stock: 50,000,000 shares authorized; 23,391,101 and 23,045,479 shares issued and outstanding
 
234

 
230

Additional paid-in capital
 
277,518

 
269,360

Retained earnings
 
236,459

 
197,897

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(83,052
)
 
(59,258
)
Total shareholders’ equity
 
431,159

 
408,229

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
1,061,571

 
$
1,142,446

 
See accompanying notes.

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COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 
 
Year Ended March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
Net sales
 
$
876,282

 
$
839,419

 
$
637,123

Cost of products sold
 
571,285

 
554,358

 
444,238

Gross profit
 
304,997

 
285,061

 
192,885

Selling expenses
 
97,925

 
101,956

 
77,319

General and administrative expenses
 
83,567

 
85,605

 
72,129

Research and development expenses
 
13,491

 
13,617

 
10,482

Impairment of intangible asset
 

 

 
1,125

Net loss on sales of businesses
 
25,672

 

 

Amortization of intangibles
 
14,900

 
15,552

 
8,105

Income from operations
 
69,442

 
68,331

 
23,725

Interest and debt expense
 
17,144

 
19,733

 
10,966

Cost of debt refinancing
 

 

 
1,303

Investment (income) loss, net
 
(727
)
 
(157
)
 
(462
)
Foreign currency exchange loss (gain), net
 
843

 
1,539

 
1,232

Other (income) expense, net
 
(716
)
 
(2,469
)
 
(2,341
)
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense
 
52,898

 
49,685

 
13,027

Income tax expense
 
10,321

 
27,620

 
4,043

Net income
 
$
42,577

 
$
22,065

 
$
8,984

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average basic shares outstanding
 
23,276

 
22,841

 
20,591

Average diluted shares outstanding
 
23,660

 
23,335

 
20,888

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic income per share
 
$
1.83

 
$
0.97

 
$
0.44

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted income per share
 
$
1.80

 
$
0.95

 
$
0.43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends declared per common share
 
$
0.21

 
$
0.17

 
$
0.16

 
See accompanying notes.

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COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 
 
March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(In thousands)
Net income
 
$
42,577

 
$
22,065

 
$
8,984

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 


 
 

 
 

Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
(16,708
)
 
21,717

 
(9,379
)
Pension liability adjustments, net of taxes of $2,242, $(4,981), and $(6,043)
 
(5,711
)
 
12,047

 
9,453

Other post retirement obligations adjustments, net of taxes of $(126), $(153), and $(317)
 
475

 
484

 
524

Split-dollar life insurance arrangement adjustments, net of taxes of $(18), $(70), and $(82)
 
69

 
206

 
131

Change in derivatives qualifying as hedges, net of taxes of $469, $(1,519), and $900
 
(1,037
)
 
3,563

 
(3,514
)
Change in investments:
 


 
 

 
 

Unrealized holding (loss) gain arising during the period, net of taxes of $0, $(124), and $(93)
 

 
189

 
173

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

 

 
(105
)
Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments
 

 
189

 
68

Total other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(22,912
)
 
38,206

 
(2,717
)
Comprehensive income
 
$
19,665

 
$
60,271

 
$
6,267

 
See accompanying notes.

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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, 2016
 
$
201

 
$
206,682

 
$
174,173

 
$
(94,747
)
 
$
286,309

Net income 2017
 

 

 
8,984

 

 
8,984

Dividends declared
 

 

 
(3,422
)
 

 
(3,422
)
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment
 

 

 

 
(9,379
)
 
(9,379
)
Change in net unrealized gain on investments, net of tax of $(37)
 

 

 

 
68

 
68

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

 

 

 
(3,514
)
 
(3,514
)
Change in pension liability and postretirement obligations, net of tax of $(6,442)
 

 

 

 
10,108

 
10,108

Stock compensation - directors
 

 
440

 

 

 
440

Stock options exercised, 27,848 shares
 
2

 
439

 

 

 
441

Stock compensation expense
 

 
5,474

 

 

 
5,474

Tax effect of exercise of stock options
 

 
(197
)
 

 

 
(197
)
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
 
23

 
47,283

 

 

 
47,306

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

 
(1,268
)
 

 

 
(1,268
)
Balance at March 31, 2017
 
$
226

 
$
258,853

 
$
179,735

 
$
(97,464
)
 
$
341,350

Net income 2018
 

 

 
22,065

 

 
22,065

Dividends declared
 

 

 
(3,903
)
 

 
(3,903
)
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment
 

 

 

 
21,717

 
21,717

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

 

 

 
189

 
189

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

 

 

 
3,563

 
3,563

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

 

 

 
12,737

 
12,737

Stock compensation - directors
 

 
430

 

 

 
430

Stock options exercised, 363,091 shares
 
4

 
6,328

 

 

 
6,332

Stock compensation expense
 

 
5,156

 

 

 
5,156

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

 
(1,407
)
 

 

 
(1,407
)
Balance at March 31, 2018
 
$
230

 
$
269,360

 
$
197,897

 
$
(59,258
)
 
$
408,229

Net income 2019
 

 

 
42,577

 

 
42,577

Dividends declared
 

 

 
(4,903
)
 

 
(4,903
)
Change in accounting principle
 

 

 
888

 

 
888

Change in foreign currency translation adjustment
 

 

 

 
(16,708
)
 
(16,708
)
Change in net unrealized gain on investments
 

 

 

 
(883
)
 
(883
)
Change in derivatives qualifying as hedges, net of tax of $469
 

 

 

 
(1,037
)
 
(1,037
)
Change in pension liability and postretirement obligations, net of tax of $2,097
 

 

 

 
(5,166
)
 
(5,166
)
Stock compensation - directors
 

 
430

 

 


 
430

Stock options exercised, 187,907 shares
 
4

 
4,148

 

 


 
4,152

Stock compensation expense
 

 
5,768

 

 


 
5,768

Restricted stock units released, 157,715 shares, net of shares withheld for minimum statutory tax obligation
 

 
(2,188
)
 

 


 
(2,188
)
Balance at March 31, 2019
 
$
234

 
$
277,518

 
$
236,459

 
$
(83,052
)
 
$
431,159


 See accompanying notes.

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COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
 
Year ended March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Operating activities:
 
(In thousands)
Net income
 
$
42,577

 
$
22,065

 
$
8,984

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

 
 

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
 
32,675

 
36,136

 
25,162

Deferred income taxes
 
(958
)
 
19,968

 
489

Loss on sale of real estate/investments and other
 
194

 
47

 
14

Cost of debt repricing/refinancing
 

 
619

 
1,303

Loss on sales of businesses
 
25,672

 

 

Amortization/write-off of deferred financing costs
 
2,655

 
2,681

 
1,015

Stock-based compensation
 
6,198

 
5,586

 
5,914

Write-off of inventory step-up from purchase of business
 

 

 
8,852

Net loss on foreign exchange option
 

 

 
1,590

Write-off of trademark
 

 

 
1,125

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

 
 
 
 

Trade accounts receivable
 
(11,328
)
 
(9,308
)
 
(785
)
Inventories
 
(15,411
)
 
(12,249
)
 
8,173

Prepaid expenses and other
 
(128
)
 
1,727

 
6,121

Other assets
 
231

 
3,338

 
(3,044
)
Trade accounts payable
 
3,881

 
3,833

 
1,002

Accrued liabilities
 
6,397

 
11,918

 
(2,380
)
Non-current liabilities
 
(13,156
)
 
(16,700
)
 
(3,085
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
79,499

 
69,661

 
60,450

Investing activities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Proceeds from sale of marketable securities
 
3,266

 
653

 
12,336

Purchases of marketable securities
 
(2,604
)
 
(327
)
 
(1,571
)
Capital expenditures
 
(12,288
)
 
(14,515
)
 
(14,368
)
Proceeds from sale of real estate
 
176

 

 

Net proceeds from the sales of businesses
 
14,230

 

 

Purchases of businesses, net of cash
 

 

 
(218,846
)
Net payment to former STAHL owner
 

 
(14,750
)
 

Payment of restricted cash to former owner (see note 2)
 
(294
)
 
(294
)
 

Cash paid for equity investment
 

 
(3,359
)
 

Foreign currency option
 

 

 
(1,590
)
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
 
2,486

 
(32,592
)
 
(224,039
)
Financing activities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock
 
4,152

 
6,332

 
50,439

Payment of dividends
 
(4,652
)
 
(3,658
)
 
(3,326
)
Net borrowings under line-of-credit agreements
 

 

 
(155,000
)
Repayment of debt
 
(65,088
)
 
(60,144
)
 
(125,730
)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
 

 

 
445,000

Fees related to debt repricing/refinancing and equity offerings
 

 
(619
)
 
(19,409
)
Other
 
(2,190
)
 
(1,413
)
 
(1,265
)
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities
 
(67,778
)
 
(59,502
)
 
190,709

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 
(6,429
)
 
7,569

 
(544
)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
 
7,778

 
(14,864
)
 
26,576

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year
 
63,565

 
78,429

 
51,853

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year
 
$
71,343

 
$
63,565

 
$
78,429

Supplementary cash flows data:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest paid
 
$
14,411

 
$
18,914

 
$
10,633

Income taxes paid, net of refunds
 
$
4,840

 
$
706

 
$
1,893

Property, plant and equipment purchases included in trade accounts payable
 
$
227

 
$

 
$

See accompanying notes.

38

Table of Contents
 


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 worldwide designer, manufacturer, and marketer of hoists, actuators, rigging tools, digital power control systems, motion control products, and other technologies, systems, and services that efficiently and ergonomically move, lift, position, and secure materials. Key products include hoists, rigging tools, digital power control systems, actuators, elevator application drive systems, and explosion-protected hoists. The Company is focused on commercial and industrial applications that require safety and productivity in moving material. The Company’s targeted market verticals include general industrial, construction and infrastructure, mining, oil & gas, energy, aerospace, transportation, automotive, heavy equipment manufacturing, and entertainment.

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 2019, approximately 54% 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 $2,452,000, $2,683,000, and $1,748,000 in fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, 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 conduct their business.  Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are reported in foreign currency exchange loss (gain).

39

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


 
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.”  As of March 31, 2019, the Company’s one segment is subdivided into two reporting units. Further, the Company adopted ASU No. 2017-04, "Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (Topic 350)," in fiscal 2018, therefore, is no longer required to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying value amount as part of step two of the goodwill test. 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, 2019 and determined that the quantitative goodwill impairment test was not required for the Rest of Products reporting unit. Based on various conditions in the current fiscal year, such as financial performance, macroeconomic conditions, and other company specific events, the Rest of Products reporting unit's fair value was likely not less than its applicable carrying value. The qualitative assessment for the Duff-Norton reporting unit indicated that a quantitative test should be performed. Based on results of the quantitative impairment test for the Duff-Norton reporting unit, the Company determined the fair value was not less than its carrying value. See Note 9 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 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

40

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


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. Other than the impairment on Held for Sale Businesses, discussed in Note 3, 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 an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value or if economic or other business factors indicate that the fair value of our indefinite-lived intangible assets 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 a qualitative assessment as of February 28, 2019, it was determined that the trademarks were not impaired.

Inventories
 
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost of approximately 36% and 30% of inventories at March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018, 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
 
The Company’s marketable securities, which consist of equity and fixed income securities, are recorded at fair value. As described in Note 7, in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 the Company adopted ASU 2016-01 whereas all equity investments (including certain fixed income securities) in unconsolidated entities are measured at fair value through earnings. Therefore, gains and losses on marketable securities are no longer recorded in Shareholders' equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, rather, are realized within Investment (income) loss on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. 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 also included in Investment (income) loss on 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.



41

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.

Research and Development
 
With the acquisitions of Magnetek in September 2015 and STAHL CraneSystems (“STAHL”) in January 2017, the Company expects research and development ("R&D") costs to factor more prominently into its cost structure. Therefore, R&D costs are presented on the Consolidated Statement of Operations in order to provide 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
 
As described in Note 4, the Company adopted ASC 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," in fiscal 2019. Revenue from contracts with customers for standard products is recognized when legal title and significant risk and rewards has transferred to the customer, which is generally at the time of shipment. This is the point in time when control is deemed to transfer to the customer. The Company also sells custom engineered products and services which are contracts that are typically completed within one quarter but can extend beyond one year in duration. The Company generally recognizes revenue for customer engineered products upon satisfaction of its performance obligation under the contract which typically coincides with project completion which is when the products and services are controlled by the customer. Control is typically achieved at the later of when legal title and significant risk and rewards have transferred to the customer or the customer has accepted the asset. For both standard products and custom engineered products, the transaction price is based upon the price stated in either the purchase order or contract. Refer to Note 4 for further details.

Additionally, 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.
 
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 products 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 compensation expense, subject to minimum levels of expense, based on vesting. See Note 15 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. As a result of ASC 842, "Leases," which is discussed in Note 22 and effective in fiscal 2020, the Company is currently updating existing lease policies to comply with the new standard. In the current year, the Company implemented a policy requiring leases to be centralized and tracked in the Company's leasing software.

42

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


The existing policy requiring a classification test prior to commencement in order to determine if the lease is operating or capital is not significantly impacted by the adoption of ASC 842, however, capital leases will be known as finance leases.

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.

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. As noted in the Revenue Recognition note (Note 4), the Company offers standard warranties which are typically 12 months in duration for standard products and 24 to 36 months for custom engineered products. These are assurance-type warranties that do not qualify as separate performance obligations under ASC 606. The Company estimates the costs that may be incurred under its standard warranties, based largely upon actual warranty repair costs history, and records a liability in the amount of such costs in the month that 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:

 
 
March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Balance at beginning of year
 
$
3,791

 
$
4,081

Accrual for warranties issued
 
3,405

 
2,716

Warranties settled
 
(3,625
)
 
(3,006
)
Warranties on Sold Businesses (Note 3)
 
(66
)
 

Foreign currency translation
 
129

 

Balance at end of year
 
$
3,634


$
3,791



3.    Acquisitions and Disposals

As part of our business strategy, Blueprint for Growth, in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 the Company started the process to sell its Tire Shredder business, its crane builder business, Crane Equipment and Service Inc., and Stahlhammer Bommern GmbH, its European forging business acquired in 2014 (the "Sold Businesses") as they were no longer considered part of the core business or a strategic fit with the Company's long-term growth and operational objectives. On December 28, 2018, the Company sold its Tire Shredder business and recognized a gain. On February 28, 2019, the Company sold the remaining two businesses, Crane Equipment and Service Inc. and Stahlhammer Bommern GmbH, and recognized a loss. As such, there are no remaining businesses which meet the criteria as being held for sale as of March 31, 2019 in accordance with ASC 360-10-45-9, "Property, Plant, and Equipment." The businesses were not deemed a strategic shift or significant to be considered discontinued operations.

When businesses or asset groups meet the criteria as held for sale, they are recorded at the lesser of their carrying value or fair value less cost to sell. The Company recognized a gain on the sale of its Tire Shredder business in the amount of $1,059,000 during the twelve months ending March 31, 2019, a $44,000 decrease from the third quarter as a result of a final working capital adjustment. The Company recognized a loss on Crane Equipment and Service Inc., and Stahlhammer Bommern GmbH in the amount of $26,731,000 during the twelve months ended March 31, 2019, which is $1,022,000 less than the third quarter estimate primarily as a result of an increase in the previously estimated selling price for one of the businesses. The recognized loss of $26,731,000 recognized during fiscal 2019 includes an impairment loss on the Sold Businesses in the amount of $27,753,000 which was recorded through December 31, 2018. The impairment loss included a $6,174,000 reduction to goodwill, a $1,872,000 reduction to other intangible assets, a $12,830,000 reduction to property, plant, and equipment, and a $6,877,000 reduction to inventory. Both the gain and loss on sale of business were recorded in Net loss on sales of businesses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and was determined based on the selling price less carrying value, described further in Note 5. Additionally, net sales and pre-tax income (loss) before recognized gain or loss on sales for the three Sold Businesses was $34,195,000 and $3,623,000 for the twelve

43

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


months ended March 31, 2019, $38,299,000 and $1,373,000 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2018, and $36,055,000 and $(1,212,000) for the twelve months ended March 31, 2017, respectively.

Additionally as part of the business strategy, the Company announced on October 26, 2018 that it plans to consolidate its hoist manufacturing facility in Salem, Ohio into the Lisbon, Ohio and Wadesboro, NC facilities early in fiscal 2020. Consolidation costs of $1,473,000 are included in Cost of Products sold on the Consolidated Statements of Operations during the twelve months ended March 31, 2019, of which $1,007,000 is accrued as of March 31, 2019. Costs incurred include accelerated depreciation, accelerated lease costs, severance and other payroll related costs, and a potential refund of a previously recorded tax credit which may need to be refunded to the state. See Note 5 for further details.

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. In connection with the acquisition of Ergomatic, the Company withheld $588,000 to be paid to the seller upon satisfaction of certain conditions. The amounts withheld were classified as restricted cash at that time. Of this amount,$294,000 was paid to the seller in July 2017 and the remaining $294,000 was paid in July 2018.

4.    Revenue Recognition
 
Transition

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASC 606”). ASC 606 outlines a new, single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. ASC 606 requires the recognition of revenue when control transfers under the terms of the contract to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The standard became effective for the Company on April 1, 2018. As part of the adoption of ASC 606, the Company applied the new standard using the modified retrospective method to contracts not completed at the date of adoption and prior period results have not been retrospectively adjusted to give effect to the adoption of ASC 606. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the timing or amount of revenue or costs recognized by the Company, therefore no cumulative effect or catch up adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings was recorded. Further, disclosures of what our revenues and costs would have been during fiscal 2019 under legacy U.S. GAAP have not been disclosed as there are no material differences between the reported results under the new standard and those that would have been reported under legacy U.S. GAAP.

The core principle under ASC 606 is for revenue to be recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve this core principle, the Company applies the following five steps:

1) Identifying contracts with customers

A contract with a customer exists when (i) the Company enters into an enforceable contract with a customer that defines each party’s rights regarding the goods or services to be transferred and identifies the related payment terms, (ii) the contract has commercial substance, and (iii) the Company determines that collection of substantially all consideration for goods and services that are transferred is probable based on the customer’s intent and ability to pay the promised consideration.

2) Identify the performance obligations in the contract

Performance obligations promised in a contract are identified based on the products and services that will be transferred to the customer that are both capable of being distinct, whereby the customer can benefit from the good or service either on its own or together with other available resources, and are distinct in the context of the contract, whereby the transfer of the good or service is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract. To the extent a contract includes multiple promised goods and services, the Company must apply judgment to determine whether promised goods and services are capable of being distinct and distinct in the context of the contract. If these criteria are not met, the promised goods and services are accounted for as a combined performance obligation.

3) Determine the transaction price


44

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


The transaction price is determined based on the consideration to which the Company will be entitled in exchange for transferring products and services to the customer. To the extent the transaction price includes variable consideration, the Company estimates the amount of variable consideration that should be included in the transaction price utilizing either the expected value method or the most likely amount method depending on the nature of the variable consideration. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price if, in the Company’s judgment, it is probable that a significant future reversal of cumulative revenue under the contract will not occur. Any estimates, including the effect of the constraint on variable consideration, are evaluated at each reporting period for any changes. In applying this guidance, the Company also considers whether any significant financing components exist.

4) Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract

If the contract contains a single performance obligation, the entire transaction price is allocated to the single performance obligation. Contracts that contain multiple performance obligations require an allocation of the transaction price to each performance obligation on a relative standalone selling price basis unless the transaction price is variable and meets the criteria to be allocated entirely to a performance obligation or to a distinct service that forms part of a single performance obligation.

5) Recognize revenue when or as the Company satisfies a performance obligation

The Company determines whether it satisfies performance obligations either over time or at a point in time. Revenue is recognized over time if either 1) the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the entity’s performance, 2) the entity’s performance creates or enhances an asset that the customer controls as the asset is created or enhanced, or 3) the entity’s performance does not create an asset with an alternative use to the entity and the entity has an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date. If the entity does not satisfy a performance obligation over time, the related performance obligation is satisfied at a point in time by transferring the control of a promised good or service to a customer. Examples of control are using the asset to produce goods or services, enhancing the value of other assets, settling liabilities, and holding or selling the asset. For over time recognition, ASC 606 requires the Company to select a single revenue recognition method for the performance obligation that faithfully depicts the Company’s performance in transferring control of the goods and services. The guidance allows entities to choose between either an input method or an output method to measure progress toward complete satisfaction of a performance obligation.

Performance obligations

The Company has contracts with customers for standard products and custom engineered products and determines when and how to recognize revenue for each performance obligation based on the nature and type of contract following the five steps above.

Revenue from contracts with customers for standard products is recognized when legal title and significant risk and rewards has transferred to the customer, which is generally at the time of shipment. This is the point in time when control is deemed to transfer to the customer. The Company sells standard products to customers utilizing purchase orders. Payment terms for these types of contracts generally require payment within 30-60 days. Each standard product is deemed to be a single performance obligation and the amount of revenue recognized is based on the negotiated price. The transaction price for standard products is based on the price reflected in each purchase order. Sales incentives are offered to customers who purchase standard products and include offers such as volume-based discounts, rebates for priority customers, and discounts for early cash payments. These sales incentives are accounted for as variable consideration included in the transaction price. Accordingly, the Company reduces revenue for these incentives in the period which the sale occurs and is based on the most likely amount method for estimating the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive. These sales incentive estimates are updated each reporting period as additional information becomes available.

The Company also sells custom engineered products and services which are contracts that are typically completed within one quarter but can extend beyond one year in duration. For custom engineered products, the transaction price is based upon the price stated in the contract. The Company generally recognizes revenue for custom engineered products upon satisfaction of its performance obligation under the contract which typically coincides with project completion which is when the products and services are controlled by the customer. Control is typically achieved at the later of when legal title and significant risk and rewards have transferred to the customer or the customer has accepted the asset. These contracts often require either up front or installment payments. These types of contracts are generally accounted for as one performance obligation as the products and services are not separately identifiable. The promised services (such as inspection, commissioning, and installation) are essential in order for the

45

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


delivered product to operate as intended on the customer’s site and the services are therefore highly interrelated with product functionality. Further, while there is no alternative use for most custom engineered products, the Company typically does not have an enforceable right to payment (which must include a reasonable profit margin) for performance completed to date in order to meet the over time revenue recognition criteria. Therefore, under these circumstances the total contract price is recognized at a point in time (when the contract is complete). Variable consideration has not been identified as a significant component of transaction price for custom engineered products and services.

Sales and other taxes collected with revenue are excluded from revenue, consistent with the previous revenue standard. Shipping and handling costs incurred prior to shipment are considered activities required to fulfill the Company’s promise to transfer goods, and do not qualify as a separate performance obligation. Additionally, the Company offers standard warranties which are typically 12 months in duration for standard products and 24 to 36 months for custom engineered products. These types of warranties are included in the purchase price of the product and are deemed to be assurance-type warranties which are not accounted for as a separate performance obligation. Other performance obligations included in a contract (such as drawings, owner’s manuals, and training services) are immaterial in the context of the contract and are not recognized as a separate performance obligation.

Reconciliation of contract balances

The Company records a contract liability when cash is received prior to recording revenue. Some standard contracts require a down payment while most custom engineered contracts require installment payments. Installment payments for the custom engineered contracts typically require a portion due at inception while the remaining payments are due upon completion of certain performance milestones. For both types of contracts, these contract liabilities, referred to as customer advances, are recorded at the time payment is received and are included in Accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. When the related performance obligation is satisfied, the contract liability is released into revenue.

The following table illustrates the balance and related activity for customer advances in fiscal 2019 (in thousands):
Customer advances (contract liabilities)
March 31, 2018, beginning balance
$
15,909

Additional customer advances received
39,868

Revenue recognized from customer advances included in the beginning balance
(15,909
)
Other revenue recognized from customer advances
(27,247
)
Customer deposits on Sold Businesses (Note 3)
(139
)
Other (1)
(981
)
March 31, 2019, ending balance
$
11,501

    
(1) Other includes the impact of foreign currency translation

As of March 31, 2019, recognized revenue prior to the right to invoice the customer in accordance with the contract terms was not material. As such, there are no material contract asset balances, which represent revenue in excess of billings, as of the date of adoption of ASC 606 or as of March 31, 2019.

Disaggregated revenue

In accordance with ASC 606, the Company is required to disaggregate revenue into categories that depict how economic factors affect the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows. The following table illustrates the disaggregation of revenue by product grouping for the year ending March 31, 2019 (in thousands):


46

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


 
Twelve Months Ended
Net Sales by Product Grouping
March 31, 2019
Industrial Products
$
379,845

Crane Solutions
379,836

Engineered Products
82,406

All other
34,195

Total
$
876,282


Industrial products include: manual chain hoists, electrical chain hoists, rigging/ clamps, industrial winches, hooks, shackles, and other forged attachments. Crane solutions products include: wire rope hoists, drives and controls, crane kits and components, and workstations. Engineered products include: linear and mechanical actuators, lifting tables, rail projects, and actuations systems. The All other product grouping includes the Sold Businesses.

Practical expedients

Incremental costs to obtain a contract incurred by the Company primarily relate to sales commissions for contracts with a duration of one year or less. Therefore, these costs are expensed as incurred and are recorded in Selling Expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an expected length of one year or less are not disclosed. Further, revenue from contracts with customers do not include a significant financing component as payment is generally expected within one year from when the performance obligation is controlled by the customer.

5.     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.

47

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)



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

 
 
 
 
Fair value measurements at reporting date using
 
 
 
 
Quoted prices in
active markets for
identical assets
 
Significant
other observable
inputs
 
Significant
 unobservable
inputs
Description
 
At March
31, 2019
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
Assets/(Liabilities)
Measured at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketable securities
 
$
7,028

 
$
7,028

 
$

 
$

Annuity contract
 
2,285

 

 
2,285

 

Derivative assets (liabilities):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Foreign exchange contracts
 
(70
)
 

 
(70
)
 

  Interest rate swap asset
 
1,213

 

 
1,213

 

  Cross currency swap liability
 
(16,184
)
 

 
(16,184
)
 

  Cross currency swap asset
 
2,476

 

 
2,476

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Disclosed at fair value:
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Term loan
 
$
(310,463
)
 
$

 
$
(310,463
)
 
$



48

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


 
 
 
 
Fair value measurements at reporting date using
 
 
 
 
Quoted prices in
active markets for
identical assets
 
Significant
other observable
inputs
 
Significant
 unobservable
inputs
Description
 
At March
31, 2018
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
Assets/(Liabilities)
Measured at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketable securities
 
$
7,673

 
$
7,673

 
$

 
$

Annuity contract
 
2,575

 

 
2,575

 

Derivative assets (liabilities):
 


 


 


 


  Foreign exchange contracts
 
107

 

 
107

 

  Interest rate swap asset
 
3,961

 

 
3,961

 

  Cross currency swap liability
 
(40,237
)
 

 
(40,237
)
 

  Cross currency swap asset
 
2,204

 

 
2,204

 

 
 


 


 


 


Disclosed at fair value:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Term loan
 
$
(378,504
)
 
$

 
$
(378,504
)
 
$

Senior debt
 
(98
)
 

 
(98
)
 


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

At March 31, 2019, the term loan and revolving credit facility have been recorded at carrying value which approximates fair value.

Market gains, 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 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 2019 Non-Recurring Measurements

Interim goodwill impairment test:

As described in Note 9, the Company classified the assets and liabilities of certain businesses as held for sale during fiscal 2019. These businesses were sold prior to the end of fiscal 2019. As a result of this interim classification, the Company determined an indicator of impairment existed and was required to perform an interim goodwill impairment test on the Rest of Products goodwill reporting unit (representing the hoist, chain, forgings, digital power, motion control, manufacturing, and distribution businesses). The net assets of the Rest of Products reporting unit were measured on a non-recurring basis as of May 31, 2018 in order to perform the interim quantitative goodwill impairment test.

The interim quantitative goodwill impairment test consisted of determining the fair value of the Rest of Products reporting units on a quantitative basis. The fair value for the Company’s Rest of Products reporting unit 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 using Level 3 inputs. To estimate the fair value of the Rest of Products reporting unit, 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.

The compound annual growth rate for revenue during the first five years of the projections was approximately 3.75%. 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 Rest of Products reporting unit was determined to be 11.1% based upon an analysis of similar companies and their debt to

49

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


equity mix, their related volatility and the size of their market capitalization. The interim quantitative goodwill impairment test for the Rest of Products reporting unit did not indicate that goodwill was impaired.

Annual goodwill impairment test:

During fiscal 2019 the Company performed a qualitative analysis of the fair value of its Rest of Products and Duff-Norton reporting units for its annual 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, Magnetek, and Unified Industries indefinite-lived intangible assets. After performing the qualitative analysis, the Company determined that a quantitative analysis was not required for its goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets other than for the goodwill of the Duff-Norton reporting unit.

The quantitative goodwill impairment test for the Duff-Norton reporting unit required determining the fair value of the unit. The fair value for the Company’s Duff-Norton reporting unit 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 the Duff-Norton reporting unit, using Level 3 inputs. To estimate the fair value of the Duff-Norton reporting unit, 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.

In performing the above analysis, the compound annual growth rate for revenue during the first five years of the projections was approximately 5.83%. The terminal value was calculated assuming a projected growth rate of 3.5% after five years. The estimated weighted-average cost of capital for the reporting units was determined to be 12.3% based upon an analysis of similar companies and their debt to equity mix, their related volatility, and the size of their market capitalization. After performing the quantitative analysis, the Company concluded that the goodwill of the Duff-Norton reporting unit was not impaired.

Other non-recurring measurements:

During fiscal 2019, the Company initiated the process to close its Salem, Ohio facility and moved its operations to other facilities. In doing so the Company incurred $1,473,000 in costs, of which $436,000 relate to 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.

Fiscal 2018 Non-Recurring Measurements

During fiscal 2019 and 2018, the Company terminated certain employees in connection with its overall STAHL integration plan. The Company incurred $5,765,000 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 was unpaid and included within accrued liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2018. As of March 31, 2019, this has nearly all been paid.

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.

See Note 9 for additional discussion on the Company's goodwill impairment assessment and the conclusions reached.


6.     Inventories
 
Inventories consisted of the following:

50

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)



 
 
March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
At cost—FIFO basis:
 
 
 
 
Raw materials
 
$
88,786

 
$
84,492

Work-in-process
 
32,547

 
43,140

Finished goods
 
40,523

 
40,321

 
 
161,856


167,953

LIFO cost less than FIFO cost
 
(15,593
)
 
(15,067
)
Net inventories
 
$
146,263


$
152,886


There were LIFO liquidations resulting in $109,000 and $547,000 of additional income in fiscal 2019 and 2017 income, respectively. LIFO liquidations were not material during fiscal 2018.

During fiscal year 2019, the Company divested three of its businesses. Net inventories for the three Sold Businesses were $11,534,000 at March 31, 2018.

7.     Marketable Securities and Other Investments
 
In accordance with ASU 2016-01 "Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities," adopted by the Company on April 1, 2018, all equity investments in unconsolidated entities (other than those accounted for using the equity method of accounts) are measured at fair value through earnings. There is no longer an available-for-sale classification for equity securities or certain mutual funds (such as bond funds and fixed-income funds) with readily determinable fair values. As such, the Company's marketable securities (both equity and fixed-income securities) are no longer classified as available-for-sale securities. The Company's marketable securities are still recorded at their fair values, however, gains and losses are realized within Investment (income) loss on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company adopted this standard on a modified retrospective basis. A cumulative effect adjustments of $888,000 was recorded on April 1, 2018 to the beginning balance of Retained Earnings with an offset to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. The impact on earnings was an unrealized loss of $183,000 in the year ended March 31, 2019.

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.

Net realized gains related to sales of marketable securities were $201,000, $0, and $161,000 in fiscal years 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively, and are included in Investment (income) loss in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities at March 31, 2018 (in thousands, prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-01):

 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
 Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Marketable securities
 
$
7,149

 
$
588

 
$
64

 
$
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, prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-01):


51

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


 
 
Aggregate
 Fair Value
 
Unrealized
 Losses
Securities in a continuous loss position for less than 12 months
 
$
1,859

 
$
26

Securities in a continuous loss position for more than 12 months
 
1,285

 
38

 
 
$
3,144

 
$
64


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

On December 21, 2017, the Company purchased a 49% ownership interest in 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, offset by changes in foreign currency revaluation. Investment income for the Company's ownership interest in EMC was $449,000 in the twelve months ended March 31, 2019 and was not material for the twelve months ended March 31, 2018. The investment's carrying value as of March 31, 2019 is $3,602,000 and has been accounted for as an equity method investment. It is presented in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The March 31, 2019 trade accounts receivable balance due from EMC is $2,986,000 and is comprised of amounts due for the sale of goods and services in the ordinary course of business.


8.     Property, Plant, and Equipment
 
Consolidated property, plant, and equipment of the Company consisted of the following:

 
 
March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Land and land improvements
 
$
5,105

 
$
7,031

Buildings
 
39,121

 
42,330

Machinery, equipment, and leasehold improvements
 
230,754


275,685

Construction in progress
 
12,242

 
13,461

 
 
287,222


338,507

Less accumulated depreciation
 
199,919


225,428

Net property, plant, and equipment
 
$
87,303


$
113,079

 
The Company no longer has assets recorded under capital leases as of March 31, 2019. Buildings include assets recorded under capital leases amounting to $4,838,000 as of March 31, 2018.  Machinery, equipment, and leasehold improvements include assets recorded under capital leases amounting to $1,434,000 as of March 31, 2018, respectively.  Accumulated depreciation includes accumulated amortization of the assets recorded under capital leases amounting to $4,329,000 at March 31, 2018.

Depreciation expense, including amortization of assets recorded under capital leases, was $17,775,000, $20,584,000, and $17,057,000 for the years ended March 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Gross property, plant, and equipment includes capitalized software costs of $37,832,000 and $38,937,000 at March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  Accumulated depreciation includes accumulated amortization on capitalized software costs of $20,225,000 and $17,754,000 at March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  Amortization expense on capitalized software costs was $3,045,000, $3,151,000, and $4,357,000 during the years ended March 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

During fiscal year 2019, the Company divested three of its businesses. The net property, plant, and equipment of these Sold Businesses totaled $15,363,000 at March 31, 2018.



52

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


9.     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 below the operating segment level as defined under ASC Topic 280-10-50-10 “Segment Reporting – Disclosure.” At March 31, 2018, the Company had four reporting units. Two of these reporting units were sold in connection with the Sold Businesses described in Note 3. As such, the Company has two reporting units as of March 31, 2019, both of which have goodwill. The Duff-Norton reporting unit (which designs, manufactures, and sources mechanical and electromechanical actuators and rotary unions) had goodwill of $9,611,000 and $9,721,000 at March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and the Rest of Products reporting unit (representing the hoist, chain, and forgings, digital power control systems, and distribution businesses) had goodwill of $313,205,000 and $337,713,000 at March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Fiscal 2019 Interim Impairment Test

During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company classified the assets and liabilities of certain businesses as held for sale. These businesses were sold later in the year which is described in Note 3. As a result of this classification, the Company determined an indicator of impairment existed and was required to perform an interim goodwill impairment test on the Rest of Products goodwill reporting unit. The net assets of the Rest of Products reporting unit were measured on a non-recurring basis in order to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test. The interim quantitative goodwill impairment test for Rest of Products did not indicate that goodwill was impaired.

The held for sale classification described above further required the Company to assign a portion of goodwill to the business that was a part of the Rest of Products reporting unit based on its relative fair value and to record the assets and liabilities of the businesses held for sale at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Based on this analysis, the Company recorded a $6,174,000 goodwill impairment charge at the time the businesses were classified as held for sale.

Fiscal 2019 Annual Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment Test

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. 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 rates, 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.

We performed the qualitative assessment as of February 28, 2019 and determined that the quantitative goodwill impairment test was not required for the Rest of Products reporting unit. The qualitative assessment for the Duff-Norton reporting unit indicated that a quantitative test should be performed. Based on results of the quantitative impairment test for the Duff-Norton reporting unit, the Company determined the fair value was not less than its carrying value.

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

53

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


that it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is greater than its carrying value, we conclude that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is not impaired. 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 or if economic or other business factors indicate that the fair value of our indefinite-lived intangible assets 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 a qualitative assessment as of February 28, 2019, it was determined that the trademarks were not impaired.

A summary of changes in goodwill during the years ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 is as follows:

Balance at April 1, 2017
$
319,299

STAHL measurement period adjustment
$
64

Currency translation
28,071

Balance at March 31, 2018
$
347,434

Interim Goodwill Impairment
(6,174
)
Currency translation
(18,444
)
Balance at March 31, 2019
$
322,816


Goodwill is recognized net of accumulated impairment losses of $113,174,000 and $107,000,000 as of March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. There was $6,174,000 of goodwill impairment losses recorded in fiscal 2019 related to the interim goodwill impairment test described above and none recorded in 2018 and 2017.

Identifiable intangible assets at March 31, 2019 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 
 
Gross
Carrying 
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
 
Net
Trademark
 
$
6,212

 
$
(4,138
)
 
$
2,074

Indefinite-lived trademark
 
46,981

 

 
46,981

Customer relationships
 
182,328

 
(35,344
)
 
146,984

Acquired technology
 
46,715

 
(10,412
)
 
36,303

Other
 
3,254

 
(2,656
)
 
598

Balance at March 31, 2019
 
$
285,490

 
$
(52,550
)
 
$
232,940


Identifiable intangible assets at March 31, 2018 were as follows (in thousands):

 
 
Gross
 Carrying
 Amount
 
Accumulated
 Amortization
 
 
Net
Trademark
 
$
5,875

 
$
(3,299
)
 
$
2,576

Indefinite-lived trademark
 
48,874

 

 
48,874

Customer relationships
 
199,045

 
(27,887
)
 
171,158

Acquired technology
 
46,898

 
(7,436
)
 
39,462

Other
 
3,936

 
(2,242
)
 
1,694

Balance at March 31, 2018
 
$
304,628

 
$
(40,864
)
 
$
263,764


Customer relationships with a gross carrying amount of $2,815,000 and accumulated amortization of $957,000 were written off during fiscal 2019, in connection with the loss on the Sold Businesses discussed in Note 3. Further, other intangible assets with a

54

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


gross carrying amount of $226,000 and accumulated amortization of $211,000 were also written off during fiscal 2019 as a result of the loss on the Sold Businesses.

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.  Identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The weighted-average amortization periods are 14 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 $46,981,000 have an indefinite useful life and are therefore not being amortized.

Total amortization expense was $14,900,000, $15,552,000, and $8,105,000 for fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, 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 $13,500,000.


10.     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, 2019.

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, 2019, the Company had not posted any collateral related to these agreements. If the Company had breached any of these provisions as of March 31, 2019, it could have been required to settle its obligations under these agreements at amounts which approximate the March 31, 2019 fair values reflected in the table below. During the year ended March 31, 2019, the Company was not in default of any of its derivative obligations.

As of March 31, 2019 and 2018, 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 $198,260,000, and all of the contracts mature by January 31, 2022. From its March 31, 2019 balance of AOCL, the Company expects to reclassify approximately $1,276,000 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 $3,461,000 and all of the contracts mature by June 30, 2019. 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 $11,185,000 and all contracts mature by March 31, 2020. From its March 31, 2019 balance of AOCL, the Company expects to reclassify approximately $1,000 out of AOCL during the next 12 months based on the underlying transactions of the sales of the goods purchased.


55

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


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 $197,160,000 as of March 31, 2019. 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. From its March 31, 2019 balance of AOCL, the Company expects to reclassify approximately $565,000 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, 2019, 2018, and 2017 (in thousands):
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow  
Hedges
 
Type of Instrument
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)
March 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
 
Foreign exchange contracts
$
(24
)
 
Cost of products sold
 
$
(16
)
2019
 
Interest rate swap
$
(1,275
)
 
Interest expense
 
$
765

2019
 
Cross currency swap
$
18,242

 
Foreign currency exchange loss (gain)
 
$
17,231

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2018
 
Foreign exchange contracts
$
(219
)
 
Cost of products sold
 
$
(196
)
2018
 
Interest rate swap
$
1,339

 
Interest expense
 
$
(1,879
)
2018
 
Cross currency swap
$
(24,838
)
 
Foreign currency exchange loss (gain)
 
$
(25,206
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
Foreign exchange contracts
$
200

 
Cost of products sold
 
$
(40
)
2017
 
Interest rate swap
$
281

 
Interest expense
 
$
(819
)
2017
 
Cross currency swap
$
(3,686
)
 
Foreign currency exchange loss (gain)
 
$
1,168

 
 
Derivatives Not Designated as
 Hedging Instruments (Foreign
Exchange Contracts)
 
 
Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in
Income on Derivatives
 
Amount of
Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in
 Income on
 Derivatives
March 31,
 
 
 
 
2019
 
Foreign currency exchange loss (gain)
 
$
13

2018
 
Foreign currency exchange loss (gain)
 
$
(11
)
2017
 
Foreign currency exchange loss (gain)
 
$
(110
)


The following is information relative to the Company’s derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):


56

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


 
 
 
 
Fair Value of Asset (Liability)
March 31,
Derivatives Designated as
Hedging Instruments
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
2019
 
2018
Foreign exchange contracts
 
Prepaid expenses and other
 
$
43

 
$
213

Foreign exchange contracts
 
Accrued Liabilities
 
(96
)
 
(75
)
Interest rate swap
 
Prepaid expenses and other
 
743

 
662

Interest rate swap
 
Other Assets
 
470

 
3,299

Cross currency swap
 
Prepaid expenses and other
 
2,476

 
2,204

Cross currency swap
 
Accrued liabilities
 
(774
)
 
(2,028
)
Cross currency swap
 
Other non current liabilities
 
(15,410
)
 
(38,209
)

 
 
 
 
Fair Value of Asset (Liability)
 
 
 
 
March 31,
Derivatives Not Designated as
Hedging Instruments
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
2019
 
2018
Foreign exchange contracts
 
Accrued Liabilities
 
(17
)
 
(31
)
 



11.     Accrued Liabilities and Other Non-current Liabilities
 
Consolidated accrued liabilities of the Company consisted of the following:  

 
 
March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Accrued payroll
 
$
36,946

 
$
37,391

Accrued income taxes payable
 
12,864

 
5,568

Accrued health insurance
 
2,806

 
1,606

Accrued general and product liability costs
 
3,500

 
3,500

Customer advances, deposits, and rebates
 
14,922

 
18,911

Other accrued liabilities
 
28,266

 
32,987

 
 
$
99,304

 
$
99,963


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

 
 
March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
 
$
2,022

 
$
2,835

Accrued general and product liability costs
 
9,186

 
10,082

Accrued pension cost
 
127,373

 
131,725

Cross currency swap
 
15,410

 
38,209

Deferred income tax
 
20,082

 
30,262

Other non-current liabilities
 
9,741

 
10,853

 
 
$
183,814

 
$
223,966



57

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)



12.     Debt
 
Consolidated long-term debt of the Company consisted of the following:

 
 
March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Capital lease obligations
 
$

 
$
98

Total senior debt
 


98

Term loan
 
310,463

 
375,463

Unamortized deferred financing costs, net
 
(10,143
)
 
(12,243
)
Total debt
 
300,320


363,318

Less: current portion
 
65,000

 
60,064

Total debt, less current portion
 
$
235,320


$
303,254


On January 31, 2017 the Company entered into a Credit Agreement ("Credit Agreement") and $545,000,000 of debt facilities ("Facilities") in connection with the STAHL acquisition. The Facilities consist of a Revolving Facility ("Revolver") in the amount of $100,000,000 and a $445,000,000 1st Lien Term Loan ("Term Loan"). The Term Loan has a seven-year term maturing in 2024 and the Revolver has a five-year term maturing in 2022. At March 31, 2019 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 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 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 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 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 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

58

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


thereafter. As there is no amount drawn on the Revolver as of March 31, 2019 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, 2019 and 2018.

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

On February 26, 2018, the Company amended the 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 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 Credit Agreement (discussed below) remain unchanged.

The outstanding balance of the Term Loan was $310,463,000 and $375,463,000 as of March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company made $65,000,000 of principal payment on the Term Loan during fiscal 2019 and $57,037,000 of principal payment on the Term Loan during fiscal 2018. The Company is obligated to make $4,450,000 of principal payments over the next 12 months, however, plans to pay down $65,000,000 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 Revolving Credit Facility and $17,329,000 outstanding letters of credit as of March 31, 2019. The outstanding letters of credit at March 31, 2019 consisted of $1,236,000 in commercial letters of credit and $16,093,000 of standby letters of credit.

The gross balance of deferred financing costs on the term loan was $14,690,000 as of March 31, 2019 and 2018. The accumulated amortization balances were $4,547,000 and $2,447,000 as of March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The gross balance of deferred financing costs associated with the Revolving Credit Facility is included in Other assets is $2,789,000 as of March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018. The accumulated amortization balance is $1,209,000 and $651,000 as of March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018 respectively. These balances are classified in Other assets since no funds were drawn on the Revolving Credit Facility in fiscal 2019 and 2018.
 
The principal payments obligated to be made as of March 31, 2019 on the Term Loan are as follows:

2020
4,450

2021
4,450

2022
4,450

2023
4,450

2024
292,663

Thereafter

 
$
310,463


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, 2019, unsecured credit lines totaled approximately $2,468,000, of which $0 was drawn. In addition, unsecured lines of $16,437,000 were available for bank guarantees issued in the normal course of business of which $10,275,000 was utilized.

13.     Pensions and Other Benefit Plans
    

59

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


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.

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:

 
 
March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Change in benefit obligation:
 
 
 
 
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
 
$
462,284

 
$
471,871

Service cost
 
1,078

 
2,580

Interest cost
 
15,526

 
16,488

Actuarial (gain) loss
 
4,074

 
(2,467
)
Benefits paid
 
(27,068
)
 
(35,888
)
Settlement
 

 
(65
)
Curtailment
 

 
(4,082
)
Foreign exchange rate changes
 
(9,497
)
 
13,847

Benefit obligation at end of year
 
$
446,397

 
$
462,284

 
 
 
 
 
Change in plan assets:
 
 

 
 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
 
$
326,745

 
$
321,440

Actual gain (loss) on plan assets
 
11,333

 
29,930

Employer contribution
 
11,018

 
11,211

Benefits paid
 
(27,068
)
 
(35,888
)
Settlement
 

 
(65
)
Foreign exchange rate changes
 
(126
)
 
117

Fair value of plan assets at end of year
 
$
321,902

 
$
326,745

 
 
 
 
 
Funded status
 
$
(124,495
)
 
$
(135,539
)
Unrecognized actuarial loss
 
73,836

 
65,832

Net amount recognized
 
$
(50,659
)
 
$
(69,707
)


Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
                         
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Other assets
 
$
6,424

 
$

Accrued liabilities
 
(3,546
)
 
(3,814
)
Other non-current liabilities
 
(127,373
)
 
(131,725
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax
 
73,836

 
65,832

Net amount recognized
 
$
(50,659
)
 
$
(69,707
)

60

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


 
Other assets are presented separately in fiscal 2019 as one of the Company's U.S. plans is now overfunded, therefore, it is no longer presented as a liability.

In fiscal 2020, an estimated net loss of $2,275,000 and no prior service costs for the defined benefit pension plans will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net periodic benefit cost.

Net periodic pension cost included the following components:

 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Service costs—benefits earned during the period
 
$
1,078

 
$
2,580

 
$
1,779

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
 
15,526

 
16,488

 
16,648

Expected return on plan assets
 
(18,454
)
 
(21,483
)
 
(22,428
)
Net amortization
 
2,339

 
3,083

 
3,190

Curtailment
 

 
5

 

Settlement
 

 

 
247

Other
 

 
17

 
(57
)
Net periodic pension cost (benefit)
 
$
489

 
$
690

 
$
(621
)

The Company adopted ASU 2017-07 in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The service cost component of net periodic benefit cost above is recorded in Cost of products sold, Selling expense, and General and administrative expenses within the Consolidated Statements of Operations, while the remaining components are recorded to Other (income) expense, net. The prior year amounts have been reclassified to provide comparable presentation in line with the guidance in ASU 2017-07 based on amounts previously disclosed for the various components of net periodic pension cost (benefit).

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

 
 
March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Projected benefit obligation
 
$
395,202

 
$
462,284

Fair value of plan assets
 
264,211

 
326,745


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

 
 
March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Accumulated benefit obligation
 
$
389,509

 
$
457,323

Fair value of plan assets
 
264,211

 
326,745


Unrecognized gains and losses are amortized through March 31, 2019 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:


61

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Discount rate
 
3.42
%
 
3.49
%
 
3.65
%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
 
5.77
%
 
6.77
%
 
7.23
%
Rate of compensation increase on active plans
 
0.61
%
 
0.39
%
 
0.39
%

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

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

 
 
Target
 
Actual
 
 
2020
 
2019
 
2018
Equity securities
 
40% - 35%
 
35%
 
46%
Fixed income
 
60% - 65%
 
65%
 
54%
Total plan assets
 
100%
 
100%
 
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 $11,094,000 to its pension plans in fiscal 2020.

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

2020
$
27,018

2021
26,970

2022
27,268

2023
27,622

2024
27,568

2025-2029
134,589


Postretirement Benefit Plans
 
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.


62

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:

 
 
March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Change in benefit obligation:
 
 
 
 
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
 
$
3,284

 
$
4,111

Interest cost
 
92

 
126

Actuarial gain
 
(778
)
 
(642
)
Benefits paid
 
(250
)
 
(311
)
Benefit obligation at end of year
 
$
2,348

 
$
3,284

 
 
 
 
 
Funded status
 
$
(2,348
)
 
$
(3,284
)
Unrecognized actuarial gain
 
(1,282
)
 
(660
)
Net amount recognized
 
$
(3,630
)
 
$
(3,944
)

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:

 
 
March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Accrued liabilities
 
$
(326
)
 
$
(449
)
Other non-current liabilities
 
(2,022
)
 
(2,835
)
Accumulated other comprehensive gain, before tax
 
(1,282
)
 
(660
)
Net amount recognized
 
$
(3,630
)
 
$
(3,944
)

In fiscal 2020, an estimated gain of $161,000 for the defined benefit postretirement health care plans will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net periodic benefit cost. In fiscal 2019, net periodic postretirement benefit cost included the following:

 
 
Year Ended March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Interest cost
 
$
92

 
$
126

 
$
152

Net amortization
 
(156
)
 
(5
)
 

Net periodic postretirement benefit cost
 
$
(64
)
 
$
121

 
$
152


For measurement purposes, healthcare costs are assumed to increase 6.00% in fiscal 2020, grading down over time to 5.0% in five years. The discount rate used in determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was 3.63% and 3.75% as of March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

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

2020
$
326

2021
302

2022
273

2023
252

2024
233

2025-2029
829


63

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

 
 
One Percentage
Point Increase
 
One Percentage
Point Decrease
Effect on total of service and interest cost components
 
$
4

 
$
(3
)
Effect on postretirement obligation
 
103

 
(94
)

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 2019 was $178,000 and the liability at March 31, 2019 is $4,543,000 with $4,406,000 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 $3,207,000 and $3,060,000 at March 31, 2019 and 2018, 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 and certain international 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 $5,260,000, $4,198,000, and $3,543,000 for the years ended March 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively which are included in Cost of Products Sold, Selling Expenses, and General and Administrative Expenses within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company expects its contributions for the defined contribution plans in future years to remain comparable to its fiscal 2019 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:

 
 
March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Asset categories:
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
 
$
103,017

 
$
136,777

Fixed income securities
 
205,957

 
174,359

Alternative real estate
 
9,978

 
13,230

Cash equivalents
 
2,950

 
2,379

Total
 
$
321,902

 
$
326,745

 
The fair values of our defined benefit plans’ consolidated assets were determined using the fair value hierarchy of inputs described in Note 5. The fair values by category of inputs as of March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018 were as follows:


64

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


 
 
Measured at NAV (1)
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
 
Significant other
observable
Inputs
 
Significant
unobservable
Inputs
 
 
As of March 31, 2019:
 
 
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
Total
Asset categories:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
 
$
43,314

 
$
59,703

 
$

 
$

 
$
103,017

Fixed income securities
 
45,713

 
602

 
153,941

 
5,701

 
205,957

Alternative real estate
 
7,161

 
2,817

 

 

 
9,978

Cash equivalents
 

 
2,950

 

 

 
2,950

Total
 
$
96,188

 
$
66,072

 
$
153,941

 
$
5,701

 
$
321,902

(1) Reflects the net asset value (NAV) practical expedient used to approximate fair value.

 
 
Measured at NAV
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
 
Significant other
observable
Inputs
 
Significant
unobservable
Inputs
 
 
As of March 31, 2018:
 
 
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
Total
Asset categories:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
 
$
58,433

 
$
78,344

 
$

 
$

 
$
136,777

Fixed income securities
 
34,620

 

 
121,271

 
18,468

 
174,359

Alternative real estate
 
8,945

 
4,285

 

 

 
13,230

Cash equivalents
 

 
2,379

 

 

 
2,379

Total
 
$
101,998


$
85,008


$
121,271


$
18,468

 
$
326,745

 
During fiscal 2019, the Company liquidated a portion of fixed income securities categorized as level 3 in the prior year. These funds were reinvested in fixed income securities categorized as level 1 and level 2 as of March 31, 2019. A portion of these funds are valued using the NAV practical expedient as the fair value is not publicly available. The Company also sold a portion of equity securities categorized as level 1 in the prior year. These funds were reinvested in fixed income funds categorized as level 2 as of March 31, 2019.

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 $18,468,000. During fiscal 2019 fixed income securities earned investment return of $198,000 and had disbursements of $12,965,000, which includes liquidations, resulting in an ending balance of $5,701,000.  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.


65

Table of Contents
 


14.     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 2019, 2018, or 2017.

At March 31, 2019 and 2018, 280,000 and 308,000 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, 2019 and no ESOP shares were pledged as collateral to guarantee the ESOP term loans.
 

15.     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.  Stock options and performance shares with respect to 128,000 and 340,000 common shares were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively, because they were antidilutive. For the years ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, an additional 153,000 and 127,000, respectively, 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):
 
 
 
Year Ended March 31,
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Net income
 
$
42,577

 
$
22,065

 
$
8,984

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominators:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Weighted-average common stock outstanding— denominator for basic EPS
 
23,276

 
22,841

 
20,591

Effect of dilutive employee stock options, RSU's and performance shares
 
384

 
494

 
297

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted weighted-average common stock outstanding and assumed conversions— denominator for diluted EPS
 
23,660

 
23,335

 
20,888

 
The weighted-average common stock outstanding shown above is net of unallocated ESOP shares (see Note 14).

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 17 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

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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 $6,198,000, $5,586,000, and $5,914,000 for fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.  

Stock compensation expense is included in cost of products 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, 2019, 526,213 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 have an 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.


67

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, 2019 is as follows:
 
 
Shares
 
Weighted-
average
Exercise Price per share
 
Weighted-
average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (in years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding at April 1, 2016
 
718,801

 
20.13

 
6.64
 
$
465

Granted
 
398,945

 
17.00

 
 
 
 
Exercised
 
(27,848
)
 
15.76

 
 
 
 
Cancelled
 
(26,004
)
 
19.06

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at March 31, 2017
 
1,063,894

 
19.10

 
6.98
 
$
6,477

Granted
 
227,783

 
24.33

 
 
 
 
Exercised
 
(363,091
)
 
17.43

 
 
 
 
Cancelled
 
(6,136
)
 
19.83

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at March 31, 2018
 
922,450

 
21.04

 
7.56
 
$
13,654

Granted
 
133,743

 
38.70

 
 
 
 
Exercised
 
(187,907
)
 
22.09

 
 
 
 
Cancelled
 
(33,509
)
 
23.94

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at March 31, 2019
 
834,777

 
23.52

 
7.04
 
$
9,602

Exercisable at March 31, 2019
 
342,921

 
$
20.71

 
5.74
 
$
4,686


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, 2019. The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding options as of March 31, 2019 is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying options and the market price of our common shares for the 706,752 options that were in-the-money at that date. The aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable options as of March 31, 2019 is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying options and the market price of our common shares for the 341,420 exercisable options that were in-the-money at that date. The Company's closing stock price was $34.35 as of March 31, 2019. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $3,577,000, $5,851,000, and $252,000 during fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

The grant date fair value of options that vested was $7.36, $7.42, and $8.56 during fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

As of March 31, 2019, $2,727,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.5 years.

Exercise prices for options outstanding as of March 31, 2019, ranged from $13.27 to $38.70. The following table provides certain information with respect to stock options outstanding at March 31, 2019:

 
 
Stock Options
Outstanding
 
Weighted-average
Exercise Price
 
Weighted-average
Remaining
Contractual Life
Range of Exercise Prices
 
 
 
 
 
 
$10.01 to 20.00
 
317,938

 
$
15.56

 
5.88
$20.01 to 30.00
 
388,814

 
25.02

 
7.33
$30.01 to $40.00
 
128,025

 
38.70

 
9.04
 
 
834,777

 
$
23.52

 
7.04


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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, 2019:

Range of Exercise Prices
 
Stock Options
Exercisable
 
Weighted- average
Exercise Price per share
$10.01 to $20.00
 
172,842

 
$
15.90

$20.01 to $30.00
 
168,578

 
25.47

$30.01 to $40.00
 
1,501

 
38.70

 
 
342,921

 
$
20.71


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 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 $13.56, $7.66, and $5.59 for options granted during fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. The following table provides the weighted-average assumptions used to value stock options granted during fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017:

 
 
Year Ended
March 31,
2019
 
Year Ended
March 31,
2018
 
Year Ended
March 31,
2017
Assumptions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk-free interest rate
 
2.64
%
 
1.42
%
 
1.07
%
Dividend yield
 
0.52
%
 
0.66
%
 
0.98
%
Volatility factor
 
0.352

 
0.343

 
0.379

Expected life
 
5.5 years

 
5.5 years

 
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 2019, 2018, and 2017 to employees as well as to the Company’s non-executive directors as part of their annual compensation.  Restricted stock units for employees vest ratably based on service one-quarter after each of years one, two, three, and four.


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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, 2019 is as follows:

 
 
Shares
 
Weighted-average
Grant Date
Fair Value per share
Unvested at April 1, 2016
 
371,502

 
$
20.26

Granted
 
171,407

 
18.06

Vested
 
(162,502
)
 
19.93

Forfeited
 
(10,151
)
 
22.81

Unvested at March 31, 2017
 
370,256

 
$
19.32

Granted
 
136,935

 
29.38

Vested
 
(157,448
)
 
20.39

Forfeited
 
(12,954
)
 
17.99

Unvested at March 31, 2018
 
336,789

 
$
22.62

Granted
 
116,942

 
37.90

Vested
 
(211,932
)
 
22.66

Forfeited
 
(11,602
)
 
25.18

Unvested at March 31, 2019
 
230,197

 
$
30.22

 
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock units as of March 31, 2019 is $4,564,000 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.6 years.  The fair value of restricted stock units that vested during the year ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 was $4,802,000 and $3,210,000, respectively.

Performance Shares

The Company granted performance shares under the LTIP during fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017. Performance based shares are recognized as compensation expense based upon their grant date fair value and to the extent it is probable that the performance conditions will be met.  This expense is recognized ratably over the three year period that these shares are restricted.  Fiscal 2017 performance shares granted vest pursuant to a performance condition based upon the Company’s Consolidated Net Sales. During fiscal 2019, the Company determined that the fiscal year 2017 performance shares would not vest due to the performance condition not being met. Fiscal 2018 performance shares granted vest pursuant to a performance condition based upon the Company’s Consolidated Net Sales. During fiscal 2019, the Company determined that the fiscal year 2018 performance shares were earned based on the performance condition being met. Fiscal 2019 performance shares granted vest pursuant to a performance condition based upon the Company’s Consolidated EBITDA margin for the twelve months ended March 31, 2020. At this time we believe it is probable that the March 31, 2020 performance condition will be met.


70

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


A summary of the performance shares transactions during each of the three fiscal years in the period ended March 31, 2019 is as follows:

 
 
Shares
 
Weighted-average
Grant Date
Fair Value per share
Unvested at April 1, 2016
 
101,653

 
$
26.15

Granted
 
77,349

 
15.69

Vested
 
(25,148
)
 
26.79

Forfeited
 
(35,001
)
 
27.12

Unvested at March 31, 2017
 
118,853

 
$
18.92

Granted
 
49,221

 
25.28

Forfeited
 
(41,504
)
 
24.94

Unvested at March 31, 2018
 
126,570

 
$
19.42

Granted
 
34,695

 
36.43

Forfeited
 
(7,879
)
 
22.40

Unvested at March 31, 2019
 
153,386

 
$
23.11


The Company had $2,051,000 in unrecognized compensation costs related to the unvested performance share awards as of March 31, 2019 as the performance criteria is not expected to be met.

Directors Stock

During fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, a total of 10,031, 16,667, and 27,960 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 $41.88, $25.80, and $15.74 for fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. The expense related to the shares for fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017 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, 2019 the Company's Board of Directors approved payment of a quarterly dividend of $0.06 per common share, representing an annual dividend rate of $0.24 per share. The dividend was paid on May 13, 2019 to shareholders of record on May 3, 2019 and totaled approximately $1,405,000.

Stock Repurchase Plan

On March 26, 2019, the Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to $20 million of the Company's common stock. No repurchases were made during the year ended March 31, 2019.


16.     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 $12,686,000 and $13,582,000 of which $9,185,000 and $10,082,000 are included in Other non current liabilities and $3,500,000 in Accrued liabilities for both years as of March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  The liability for accrued general and product liability costs are funded by investments in marketable securities (see Notes 2 and 7).

71

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


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

 
 
Year Ended March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Accrued general and product liability, beginning of year
 
$
13,582

 
$
13,335

 
$
14,535

Add provision for claims
 
2,887

 
3,965

 
7,223

Deduct payments for claims
 
(3,783
)
 
(3,718
)
 
(8,423
)
Accrued general and product liability, end of year
 
$
12,686

 
$
13,582

 
$
13,335


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 2019.

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 utilizes 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 2020.

We have entered a voluntary environmental cleanup program in certain states where we operate and believe that our current reserves are sufficient to remediate these locations. For all of the currently known environmental matters, we have accrued as of March 31, 2019, a total of $1,075,000 which, in our opinion, is sufficient to deal with such matters. 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 to have 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 $4,100,000 and $8,000,000 using actuarial parameters of continued claims for a period of 37 years from March 31, 2019.  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 $5,697,000, which has been reflected as a liability in the consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2019. 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,

72

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


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. During fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018, the Company received settlement payments $484,000 and $2,362,000, respectively, net of legal fees, from its insurance carriers as partial reimbursement for asbestos-related expenses.  These partial payments have been recorded as gains in cost of products sold. 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 $6,100,000, which has been reflected as a liability in the consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2019. 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:

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 $889,000 which has been reflected as a liability in the consolidated financial statements at March 31, 2019.

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 $2,100,000 (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 $2,900,000 (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.


73

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


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 $7,500,000 (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 $3,100,000 (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. In October 2018 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 2002/2003. In November 2018 Magnetek filed a memorandum with the Italian Supreme Court in response to the appeal made by the tax authority.

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 2019.

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 2019. 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

74

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


has recorded a liability of $456,000, 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.

The Company has recorded total liabilities of $595,000 for all environmental matters related to Magnetek in the consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2019 on an undiscounted basis.

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; and (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.  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 legal costs related to such matters 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.

As of March 31, 2019 the Company has recorded a reserve of $100,000 for legal costs incurred to date and expected to be incurred related to this matter.

17.     Income Taxes
 
On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Reform Act” or “the Act”). The legislation significantly changed U.S. tax law by, among other things, lowering corporate income tax rates, assessing a one-time transition tax on a deemed repatriation of non-previously taxed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, and implementing a territorial tax system.

While the Tax Reform Act provides for a territorial tax system, beginning in 2018, it includes two new U.S. tax base erosion provisions, the global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) provisions and the base-erosion and anti-abuse tax (“BEAT”) provisions. The Act also provides for the foreign-derived intangible income (“FDII”) deduction for corporations that derive gross income from export activities

The GILTI provisions require the Company to include in its U.S. income tax return any foreign subsidiary earnings in excess of an allowable return on the foreign subsidiary’s tangible assets. The Company recorded no additional income tax expense as a result of GILTI for the year ended March 31, 2019. This was primarily the result of the impact of the loss on sale of a foreign subsidiary during the current year. The Company has elected to account for GILTI tax in the period in which it is incurred, and therefore has not provided any deferred tax impacts of GILTI in its consolidated financial statements for the years ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.

The BEAT provisions in the Tax Reform Act eliminate the deduction of certain base-erosion payments made to related foreign corporations, and impose a minimum tax if greater than regular tax. The BEAT tax had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements for the years ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.

The FDII provisions of the Act provide an incentive to domestic corporations in the form of a lower tax rate on income derived from tangible and intangible products and services in foreign markets. This lower tax rate is accomplished via an additional tax deduction based on a percentage of qualifying sales. The FDII deduction provided the Company an additional tax benefit of $945,000 in the year ended March 31, 2019.


75

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


SAB 118 measurement period adjustments

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 Tax Reform Act.

We applied the guidance in SAB 118 when accounting for the enactment-date effects of the Act in 2017 and throughout 2018. At December 31, 2017, we had not completed our accounting for all of the enactment-date income tax effects of the Act under ASC 740, Income Taxes, for the following aspects: remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities and one-time transition tax. As of December 31, 2018, we completed our accounting for all of the enactment-date income tax effects of the Act, the impacts of which are summarized below.
One-time transition tax
The one-time transition tax is based on our total post-1986 earnings and profits ("E&P"), the tax on which we previously substantially deferred from U.S. income taxes under U.S. law. We recorded a provisional amount for our one-time transition tax liability for each of our foreign subsidiaries, resulting in a transition tax liability of $1,500,000 at March 31, 2018.
Upon further analysis of the Act, Notices and regulations issued and proposed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service, we finalized our calculations of the transition tax liability during the quarter ended December 31, 2018. We decreased our March 31, 2018 provisional amount of $1,500,000 to zero, the effect of which is included as a component of income tax expense in fiscal 2019.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities
As of December 31, 2017 we remeasured certain deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rates at which they were expected to reverse in the future (which was generally 21%), by recording a provisional amount of $16,128,000. Based upon further analysis completed during the measurement period, we reduced this estimate by $26,000 during the year ended March 31, 2018. No further adjustments were made to this provisional amount during the measurement period.
Global intangible low-taxed income

The Company has elected to account for Global Intangible Low Taxed Income ("GILTI") tax in the period in which it is incurred, and therefore has not recorded any deferred tax impacts of GILTI in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2019 or 2018. As noted above, the current year GILTI tax had no effect on our annual effective tax rate.

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:
 
 
 
Year Ended March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Statutory federal income tax rate (1)
 
21.00
%
 
31.55
%
 
35.00
%
Expected tax at statutory rate
 
$
11,108

 
$
15,676

 
$
4,560

Effect of Tax Reform Act (2), (3)
 
(1,500
)
 
17,602

 

State income taxes net of federal benefit
 
1,728

 
(37
)
 
893

Foreign taxes at rates other than statutory federal rate
 
(145
)
 
(2,667
)
 
(1,921
)
Net loss on sale of businesses (5)
 
4,041

 

 

Permanent items
 
(1,694
)
 
(2,220
)
 
2,521

Valuation allowance (4)
 
13,190

 
(104
)
 
(829
)
Foreign tax credits (4)
 
(15,371
)
 

 

Research and development credits
 
(1,411
)
 
(612
)
 
(643
)
Other
 
375

 
(18
)
 
(538
)
Actual tax provision expense
 
$
10,321

 
$
27,620

 
$
4,043



76

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


(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) For fiscal 2018, 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).
(3) For fiscal 2019, represents the discrete benefit of the reduction of the one-time transition tax of $1,500,000 recorded in fiscal 2018 to zero.
(4) For fiscal 2019, primarily represents foreign tax credits generated by the one-time transition tax calculation and valuation allowance as the Company believes their utilization is uncertain.
(5) For fiscal 2019, represents losses on sales of businesses that are not deductible for income tax purposes.

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

 
 
Year Ended March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Current income tax expense (benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States Federal
 
$
(1,663
)
 
$
1,109

 
$
41

State taxes
 
394

 
402

 
217

Foreign
 
12,548

 
6,141

 
3,296

Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States
 
5,873

 
21,177

 
5,797

Foreign
 
(6,831
)
 
(1,209
)
 
(5,308
)
 
 
$
10,321

 
$
27,620

 
$
4,043



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:

 
 
March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
 
Federal net operating loss carryforwards
 
$
21,990

 
$
26,450

State and foreign net operating loss carryforwards
 
8,069

 
10,376

Employee benefit plans
 
27,955

 
28,390

Insurance reserves
 
3,204

 
3,578

Accrued vacation and incentive costs
 
4,766

 
4,625

Federal tax credit carryforwards
 
17,685

 
2,476

Equity compensation
 
2,285

 
2,285

Other
 
4,449

 
3,666

Valuation allowance
 
(16,881
)
 
(4,671
)
Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance
 
73,522

 
77,175

Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Property, plant, and equipment
 
(2,429
)
 
(2,785
)
Intangible assets
 
(63,468
)
 
(72,210
)
Total deferred tax liabilities
 
(65,897
)
 
(74,995
)
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)
 
$
7,625


$
2,180

 
The net deferred tax asset increased in fiscal 2019 primarily as a result of the amortization of certain intangible assets, offset by the utilization of federal and state net operating losses and the net increase to foreign tax credits after valuation allowance.

77

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)



The gross amount of the Company’s deferred tax assets were $90,403,000 and $81,846,000 at March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The valuation allowance includes $$2,372,000, $3,837,000, and $4,370,000 related to foreign net operating losses at March 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. The increase in the domestic valuation allowance is primarily due to uncertainty related to the utilization of certain foreign tax credits generated by the one-time transition tax. 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 2032 to indefinite.

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

 
 
March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Net non-current deferred tax assets
 
$
27,707

 
$
32,442

Net non-current deferred tax liabilities
 
(20,082
)
 
(30,262
)
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)
 
$
7,625

 
$
2,180


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

Income from continuing operations before income tax expense includes foreign subsidiary income of $14,362,000, $25,144,000, and $3,071,000 for the years ended March 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. As of March 31, 2019, the Company had approximately $114,000,000 of 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 due to the one-time transition tax and the new U.S. territorial tax system. 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, 2019 and 2018. The tax effect to the Company from these share transactions during fiscal 2019 and 2018 was a reduction to income tax expense of ($1,129,000) and ($1,230,000), respectively.

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

 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Beginning balance
 
$
592

 
$
975

 
$
1,092

Additions for tax positions of the current year
 
550

 
444

 

Reductions for prior year tax positions
 
(141
)
 

 

Settlements
 

 

 

Foreign currency translation
 
(65
)
 
20

 
(9
)
Lapses in statutes of limitation
 

 
(847
)
 
(108
)
Ending balance
 
$
936

 
$
592


$
975



78

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


The Company had $38,000 and $33,000 accrued for the payment of interest and penalties at March 31, 2019 and 2018, 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, 2019 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, 2016 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 anticipates that total unrecognized tax benefits will change due to the expiration of statutes and the enactment of legislation in certain foreign jurisdictions prior to March 31, 2020.



18.     Rental Expense and Lease Commitments
 
Rental expense for the years ended March 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 was $12,248,000, $13,020,000, and $9,216,000, respectively. The following amounts represent future minimum payment commitments as of March 31, 2019 under non-cancelable operating leases extending beyond one year:

Year Ended March 31,
 
Real Property
 
Vehicles/Equipment
 
Total
2020
 
$
10,018

 
$
1,373

 
$
11,391

2021
 
7,283

 
318

 
7,601

2022
 
5,430

 
185

 
5,615

2023
 
4,806

 
138

 
4,944

2024
 
3,570

 
52

 
3,622

Thereafter
 
10,185

 
87

 
10,272

Total
 
$
41,292

 
$
2,153

 
$
43,445



19.     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:


79

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


 
 
Year Ended March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Net sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States
 
$
485,969

 
$
455,483

 
$
408,911

Europe, Middle East, and Africa
 
323,508

 
316,694

 
169,074

Canada
 
22,206

 
20,672

 
19,718

Asia Pacific
 
17,749

 
19,082

 
13,857

Latin America
 
26,850

 
27,488

 
25,563

Total
 
$
876,282

 
$
839,419


$
637,123


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.
 
 
Year Ended March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Total assets:
 
 

 
 

 
 

United States
 
$
496,580

 
$
477,712

 
$
474,440

Europe, Middle East, and Africa
 
515,539

 
613,842

 
581,981

Canada
 
8,688

 
7,469

 
9,825

Asia Pacific
 
22,129

 
23,630

 
23,260

Latin America
 
18,635

 
19,793

 
24,337

Total
 
$
1,061,571

 
$
1,142,446


$
1,113,843

 
 
Year Ended March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Long-lived assets:
 
 

 
 

 
 

United States
 
$
282,456

 
$
293,576

 
$
301,715

Europe, Middle East, and Africa
 
352,313

 
421,183

 
377,285

Canada
 
1,319

 
1,172

 
1,156

Asia Pacific
 
5,781

 
6,847

 
6,853

Latin America
 
1,190

 
1,499

 
1,501

Total
 
$
643,059

 
$
724,277

 
$
688,510


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

Sales by major product group are as follows:
 
Year Ended March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Hoists
 
$
546,924

 
$
532,925

 
$
357,447

Chain and rigging tools
 
89,215

 
79,884

 
71,832

Industrial cranes
 
30,967

 
35,071

 
29,151

Actuators and rotary unions
 
77,719

 
71,525

 
67,468

Digital power control and delivery systems
 
98,187

 
84,565

 
78,660

Elevator application drive systems
 
25,548

 
24,423

 
21,998

Other
 
7,722

 
11,026

 
10,567

Total
 
$
876,282

 
$
839,419

 
$
637,123


20.     Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

80

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)



Below is selected quarterly financial data for fiscal 2019 and 2018:

 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
June 30, 2018
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2018
 
March 31, 2019
Net sales
 
$
224,992

 
$
217,142

 
$
217,415

 
$
216,733

Gross profit
 
79,647

 
75,900

 
73,405

 
76,045

Income from operations
 
13,503

 
24,825

 
6,646

 
24,468

Net income (loss)
 
$
7,706

 
$
15,912

 
$
(782
)
 
$
19,741

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per share – basic
 
$
0.33

 
$
0.68

 
$
(0.03
)
 
$
0.84

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per share – diluted
 
$
0.33

 
$
0.67

 
$
(0.03
)
 
$
0.83



 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
June 30, 2017
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2017
 
March 31, 2018
Net sales
 
$
203,726

 
$
212,828

 
$
208,725

 
$
214,140

Gross profit
 
69,430

 
71,778

 
69,137

 
74,716

Income from operations
 
19,595

 
19,219

 
13,710

 
15,807

Net income (loss)
 
$
11,656

 
$
12,508

 
$
(10,565
)
 
$
8,466

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per share – basic
 
$
0.52

 
$
0.55

 
$
(0.46
)
 
$
0.37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per share – diluted
 
$
0.51

 
$
0.54

 
$
(0.46
)
 
$
0.36



81

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


21.     Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss is as follows:

 
 
March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Foreign currency translation adjustment – net of tax
 
$
(25,355
)
 
$
(8,647
)
Pension liability – net of tax
 
(55,601
)
 
(49,889
)
Postretirement obligations – net of tax
 
1,847

 
1,372

Split-dollar life insurance arrangements – net of tax
 
(1,391
)
 
(1,462
)
Derivatives qualifying as hedges – net of tax
 
(2,552
)
 
(1,515
)
Net unrealized investment gain – net of tax
 

 
883

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
$
(83,052
)
 
$
(59,258
)
 
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 $2,566,000, $(6,848,000), and $(5,579,000) for fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017 respectively.  Refer to Note 17 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 17, the Company recorded as an offsetting entry a $(9,477,000) stranded tax effect in the minimum pension liability component and a $(194,000) stranded tax effect in the split dollar life insurance arrangement component of other comprehensive income in fiscal 2018. 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 and a $747,000 stranded tax effect in the split dollar life insurance arrangement 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 22, the Company is evaluating the impact ASU 2018-02 will have accumulated other comprehensive income. Refer to Note 22 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)


 
 
Year Ended March 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Net unrealized investment gain (loss) at beginning of year
 
$
888

 
$
699

 
$
631

Unrealized holdings gain (loss) arising during the period
 

 
189

 
173

Reclassification adjustments for gain included in earnings
 

 

 
(105
)
Adoption of ASU 2016-01
 
(888
)
 

 

Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments
 
(888
)
 
189

 
68

Net unrealized investment gain at end of year
 
$

 
$
888

 
$
699



Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component for the year ended March 31, 2019 are as follows (in thousands):

 
 
March 31, 2019
 
 
Unrealized Investment Gain
 
Retirement Obligations
 
Foreign Currency
 
Change in Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges
 
Total
Beginning balance net of tax
 
$
888

 
$
(49,984
)
 
$
(8,647
)
 
$
(1,515
)
 
(59,258
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification
 

 
(6,720
)
 
(16,708
)
 
16,943

 
(6,485
)
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive loss to net income
 

 
1,559

 


 
(17,980
)
 
(16,421
)
Adoption of ASU 2016-01
 
(888
)
 

 

 

 
(888
)
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(888
)
 
(5,161
)
 
(16,708
)
 
(1,037
)
 
(23,794
)
Ending balance net of tax
 
$

 
$
(55,145
)
 
$
(25,355
)
 
$
(2,552
)
 
$
(83,052
)


Details of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the year ended March 31, 2019 are as follows (in thousands):


Details of AOCL Components
 
Amount reclassified from AOCL
 
Affected line item on consolidated statement of operations
Net pension amount unrecognized
 
 

 
 
 
 
$
2,189

 
(1)
 
 
2,189

 
Total before tax
 
 
(630
)
 
Tax benefit
 
 
$
1,559

 
Net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
Change in derivatives qualifying as hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
23

 
Cost of products sold
 
 
(1,111
)
 
Interest expense
 
 
(25,024
)
 
Foreign currency
 
 
(26,112
)
 
Total before tax
 
 
8,132

 
Tax benefit
 
 
$
(17,980
)
 
Net of tax

83

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)



(1)
These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. (See Note 13 — Pensions and Other Benefit Plans for additional details.)


22.     Effects of New Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-01, "Codification Improvements: Leases (Topic 842)." The ASU clarifies transition disclosure requirements, specifically that entities are not subject to the transition disclosure requirements in ASC 250 related to the effect on income of an accounting change on certain interim period information. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted no earlier than when the entity adopts ASC 842.

In December 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-20, "Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors (Topic 842)." The ASU gives lessors elections to account for the following under the new lease standard: sales taxes and other similar taxes collected from lessees, lessor costs paid directly by a lessee, and recognition of variable payments for contracts with lease and nonlease components. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted no earlier than when the entity adopts ASC 842.

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11, "Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements." Under the ASU, entities may elect not to recast the comparative periods presented when transitioning to ASC 842 and lessors may elect not to separate lease and nonlease components when certain conditions are met. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted no earlier than when the entity adopts ASC 842.

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-10, "Codification Improvements to Topic 842." Under the ASU, various aspects within ASC 842 were improved, such as the rate implicit in the lease, lessee's reassessment of lease classification, lease term and purchase option, as well as many others aspects of the guidance. The ASU is effective when the entity adopts ASC 842.

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 as right-of-use ("ROU") assets and leases liabilities. This ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, although early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt ASC 842 in fiscal 2020 using the modified retrospective transition approach whereas prior periods will not be restated, therefore, presented in accordance with the previous lease standard (ASC 840). The Company intends to utilize the transition practical expedients that are permitted with the new standard when elected as a package, which allows the Company to not reassess the lease classification of existing leases. The Company will also elect the practical expedient to not separate lease and nonlease components from the ROU asset and leases liability as well as the practical expedient to not record leases with an initial term of 12 months or less (short-term leases) on the balance sheet. We are currently updating existing lease policies and developing new controls and business processes to comply with the new standard. The Company expects the ROU assets and lease liabilities to be less than 5% of total assets. During the first quarter of fiscal 2020 the Company will finalize its accounting assessment and quantification of the impact on the Company’s financial statements and corresponding disclosures.

In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-19, "Codification Improvements to Topic 326: Financial Instruments - Credit Losses." The ASU changes the effective date of ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the impact the standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13”). The standard changes the methodology for measuring credit losses on financial instruments and the timing of when such losses are recorded. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018. We are currently evaluating the impact the standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") issued its rule Disclosure Update and Simplification ("DUSTR") to eliminate, modify, or integrate into other SEC requirements certain disclosure rules. The DUSTR is part of the

84

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


SEC’s overall project to improve disclosure effectiveness and is intended to simplify compliance without significantly altering the total mix of information provided to investors. In a limited number of situations, the DUSTR expanded the disclosure requirements. For example, an analysis of changes in stockholders’ equity will now be required for the current and comparative quarter and year-to-date interim periods. The DUSTR rules became effective on November 5, 2018 and must be applied to any filings after that date. The Company adopted this rule during the quarter ended December 31, 2018.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, "Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (Topic 350)." The ASU amends ASC 350 to include in its scope implementation costs of a Cloud Computing Arrangement ("CCA") that is a service contract and clarifies that a customer should apply ASC 350-40 to determine which implementation costs should be capitalized in a CCA that is considered a service contract. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the standard on a prospective basis effective July 1, 2018. The standard did not have a material impact on the financial statements for the twelve months ended as of March 31, 2019.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, "Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plan (Topic 715)." The ASU amends ASC 715 to add, remove, and clarify disclosure requirements related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans such as a narrative description describing the reasons for significant gains and losses affecting the benefit obligation for the period and the removal of disclosing amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as part of net periodic benefit cost over the next year. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 with early adoption permitted. We anticipate this standard will change the disclosures in the Net Periodic Benefit Cost footnote in the Company's Form 10-K upon adoption.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, "Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820)." The ASU changes the fair value measurement disclosure requirements including new, eliminated, and modified disclosure requirements of ASC 820. For instance, the ASU requires the addition of disclosures for Level 3 fair value measurements with unrealized gains and losses included in other comprehensive income and disclosure of the range of the weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 measurements. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted for any eliminated or modified disclosures. We anticipate this standard will modify the disclosures in the Derivative Instruments footnote upon adoption.

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-09, "Codification Improvements." The ASU amendments represent changes to clarify, correct errors in, or make minor improvements to the Accounting Standards Codification ("Codification"). The amendments make the Codification easier to understand and easier to apply by eliminating inconsistencies and providing clarifications. The transition and effective date guidance is based on the facts and circumstances of each amendment, however, many of the amendments in the ASU have transition guidance with effective dates for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 for public business entities. The standard did not have a material impact on the financial statements for the twelve months ended as of March 31, 2019.

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, "Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting (Topic 550 and 718)." The standard simplifies the accounting for share-based payments granted to nonemployees for goods and services. Under the ASU, most of the guidance on such payments to nonemployees (accounted for under ASC 550) would be aligned with the requirements for share-based payments granted to employees (accounted for under ASC 718). The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted no earlier than when the entity adopts ASC 606. We do not anticipate that this standard will have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

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 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

85

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


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. 2017-09, "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 adopted this standard effective April 1, 2018 and the standard did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

On April 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU No. 2017-07, "Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (Topic 715)." The standard requires the current-service-cost component be disaggregated from the other components of net benefit cost. The current service cost is now presented with current compensation costs for related employees and the other components of net benefit cost is presented in Other (income) expense, net. In accordance with the ASU, the Company adopted the standard on a retrospective basis to all periods presented. As a result, the Company reclassified other components of net periodic benefit cost from Cost of products sold and General and administrative expenses to Other (income) expense, net in the amount of $1,768,000 and $2,248,000 on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the twelve months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. As a basis for the retrospective application of the ASU, the practical expedient was applied which permits the use of amounts disclosed for the various components of net periodic benefit cost in Note 13.

In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-05, "Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets (Topic 606)." The standard clarifies the scope of nonfinancial asset derecognition to include in-substance nonfinancial assets thereby requiring the nonfinancial asset to be derecognized in a partial sale transactions when the company no longer has a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary and control of the asset is transferred in accordance with ASC 606. The ASU amends industry specific guidance to align with the new revenue standard (ASC 606). The effective date is aligned with the new revenue standard, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. As described in Note 4, the Company adopted this standard effective April 1, 2018 and the standard did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, "Clarifying the Definition of a Business (Topic 805)." The amendment narrows the definition of a business as the guidance requires that when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired or disposed of is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets, the asset is not a business. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted this standard effective April 1, 2018 and the standard did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, "Restricted Cash (Topic 230)." The standard clarifies the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The standard requires that restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included in the cash and cash equivalent balance in the statement of cash flows. Further, a reconciliation between the balance sheet and statement of cash flows is required when the balance sheet includes more than one line item for cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, transfers between these balances should no longer be presented as a cash flow activity.

The Company adopted this standard effective April 1, 2018. The following table provides a reconciliation of Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted Cash reported within the Consolidated Balance Sheets that agree to the total of the amount presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands):


86

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
 
(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)


 
March 31, 2019
March 31, 2018
March 31, 2017
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period, shown in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
$
71,093

$
63,021

$
77,591

Restricted cash within Prepaid expenses and other

294

588

Restricted cash within Other assets
250

250

250

Total Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period, shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
$
71,343

$
63,565

$
78,429



In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, "Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory (Topic 740)." The standard requires immediate recognition of the current and deferred income tax effects of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this standard effective April 1, 2018 and the standard did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, "Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (Topic 230)." The standard clarifies the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this standard effective April 1, 2018 and the standard did not have a significant impact on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, “Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” The update addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments, including the Company's marketable securities. Under the new guidance, all equity investments in unconsolidated entities (other than those accounted for using the equity method of accounting) will generally be measured at fair value through earnings. There will no longer be an available-for-sale classification for equity securities with readily determinable fair values. The Company adopted this standard effective April 1, 2018 and was applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative effect adjustment of $888,000 to the beginning balance of retained earnings. Refer to Note 7 for additional information.


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COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

SCHEDULE II—Valuation and qualifying accounts
March 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017
Dollars in thousands

 
 
 
 
Additions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Description
 
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
 
Charged
to Costs
and
Expenses
 
Charged
to Other
Accounts
Acquisition/Divestiture
 
Deductions
 
 
Balance
at End of
Period
Year ended March 31, 2019:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deducted from asset accounts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
 
$
3,520

 
$
784

 
$
(112
)
$
(26
)
 
$
902

(1)
 
$
3,264

Deferred tax asset valuation allowance
 
4,671

 
13,190

 
(848
)
(132
)
 

 
 
16,881

Total
 
$
8,191

 
$
13,974

 
$
(960
)
$
(158
)
 
$
902

 
 
$
20,145

Reserves on balance sheet:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 

 
 

 
 


Accrued general and product liability costs
 
$
13,582

 
$
2,887

 
$

$

 
$
3,783

(2)
 
$
12,686

Year ended March 31, 2018:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 

 
 

 
 
 

Deducted from asset accounts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
 
$
2,676

 
$
1,184

 
$
153

$

 
$
493

(1)
 
$
3,520

Deferred tax asset valuation allowance
 
4,585

 
(104
)
 
190


 

 
 
4,671

Total
 
$
7,261

 
$
1,080

 
$
343

$

 
$
493

 
 
$
8,191

Reserves on balance sheet:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 

 
 

 
 


Accrued general and product liability costs
 
$
13,335

 
$
3,965

 
$

$

 
$
3,718

(2)
 
$
13,582

Year ended March 31, 2017:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 

 
 

 
 
 

Deducted from asset accounts:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 

 
 

 
 
 

Allowance for doubtful accounts
 
$
2,177

 
$
484

 
$
1,368

$

 
$
1,353

(1)
 
$
2,676

Deferred tax asset valuation allowance
 
4,131

 
(829
)
 
547

736

 

 
 
4,585

Total
 
$
6,308

 
$
(345
)
 
$
1,915

$
736

 
$
1,353

 
 
$
7,261

Reserves on balance sheet:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 

 
 

 
 


Accrued general and product liability costs
 
$
14,535

 
$
7,223

 
$

$

 
$
8,423

(2)
 
$
13,335

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


88

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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, 2019, 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, 2019

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 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, 2019.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2019 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, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.




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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, 2019, 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, 2019, 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, 2019 and 2018, 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, 2019, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(2) and our report dated May 29, 2019 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 29, 2019

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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, 2019 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, 2019 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, 2019 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, 2019 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, 2019 and upon the filing of such Proxy Statement, is incorporated by reference herein.



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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
Page No.
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets - March 31, 2019 and 2018
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations – Years ended March 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income – Years ended March 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity – Years ended March 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Years ended March 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017
 
 
Notes to consolidated financial statements

(2)
Financial Statement Schedule:
Page No.
 
 
 
 
Schedule II - Valuation and qualifying accounts
 
 
 
 
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).
 
 
 

 
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).
 
 
 

 
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).
 
 
 

 
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.)
 
 
 

 
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).
 
 
 

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#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).
 
 
 

 
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).
 
 
 

 
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).
 
 
 
#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).
 
 
 

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#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).
 
 
 

 
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).
 
 
 

 
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).
 
 
 
#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).
 
 
 

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#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).
 
 
 

 
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).
 
 
 

 
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).
 
 
 

 
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).
 
 
 

 
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.
 
 
 

 
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)
 
 
 

 
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)
 
 
 

 
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.
 
 
 

 
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)
 
 
 

 
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)
 
 
 

 
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.
 
 
 

 
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.
 
 
 

 
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
 
 
 

 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
 
 
 

 
Certification of the principal executive officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
 
 

 
Certification of the principal financial officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
 
 

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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

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SIGNATURES

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.

Date:  May 29, 2019
 
 
 
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.
 

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Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
 
 
 
 
/s/    Mark D. Morelli
 
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
May 29, 2019
Mark D. Morelli
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/   Gregory P. Rustowicz
 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
May 29, 2019
Gregory P. Rustowicz
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/   Richard H. Fleming
 
Chairman of the Board of Directors
 
May 29, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Richard H. Fleming
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Aziz S. Aghili
 
Director
 
May 29, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Aziz S. Aghili
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/   Liam G. McCarthy
 
Director
 
May 29, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Liam G. McCarthy
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/   Heath A. Mitts
 
Director
 
May 29, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Heath A. Mitts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/   Nicholas T. Pinchuk
 
Director
 
May 29, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Nicholas T. Pinchuk
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/   Kathryn V. Roedel
 
Director
 
May 29, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Kathryn V. Roedel
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/   R. Scott Trumbull
 
Director
 
May 29, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
R. Scott Trumbull
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/   Ernest R. Verebelyi
 
Chairman Emeritus
 
May 29, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Ernest R. Verebelyi
 
 
 
 


98