Columbus McKinnon(CMCO)2025-05-28 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Columbus McKinnon reported fiscal year 2025 net sales of $963 million, down 4% year over year on a constant currency basis, reflecting lower volume due to short cycle order softness [14] - In the fourth quarter, sales were $246.9 million, a decrease of 5% from the prior year on a constant currency basis, primarily due to a 9% decrease in short cycle sales [14] - Gross profit for the quarter was $79.8 million, down $14.5 million year over year, impacted by factory closure costs and lower sales volume [15] - Adjusted earnings per diluted share decreased by $0.15 versus the prior year, driven by lower volume and unfavorable mix [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Record orders increased by 4% year over year on a constant currency basis, driven by 8% growth in project-related orders and strength in precision conveyance [5] - Short cycle orders were flat on a constant currency basis in the quarter, with improved comparison trends from the third quarter [6] - Backlog increased by 15% year over year to $322.5 million, reflecting strength in project-related orders, particularly in precision conveyance [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Demand remains strong in vertical end markets such as battery production, life sciences, e-commerce, food and beverage, and aerospace [8] - The company is seeing potential early benefits from industries impacted by tariffs, particularly in steel and heavy equipment [9] - Order activity through mid-May remains encouraging, with orders up year over year and continued overperformance in precision conveyance [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational execution, managing costs, and executing its strategic plan while navigating a challenging macroeconomic environment [12] - Columbus McKinnon is excited about the pending acquisition of Keto Crosby, which is expected to scale the business and enhance customer capabilities [11] - The company aims to achieve tariff cost neutrality by the second half of fiscal 2026 and margin neutrality over time, likely in fiscal 2027 [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about order performance and quotation activity despite macro uncertainty [9] - The company anticipates that the current project versus short cycle mix dynamics will continue to impact sales and margins in the first quarter [9] - Management remains focused on meeting customer needs and delivering long-term value to shareholders despite geopolitical and trade policy uncertainties [56] Other Important Information - The company paid down $60 million of debt in fiscal 2025, including $15 million in the fourth quarter, and continues to prioritize debt repayment [17] - Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was $36.1 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 14.6% [17] - The company expects a $40 million EBITDA impact from unmitigated tariff exposure based on current knowledge [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the tariff rate embedded for China and EU for the $0.20 to $0.30 headwind in the first half of the year? - The company is factoring in 14.5% on China tariffs and 10% on EU tariffs [25] Question: Can you discuss the near-term outlook and how short cycle sales have trended? - Short cycle sales improved in the latter portion of Q4, with flat year-over-year performance, and growth in order demand is expected [27] Question: Can you elaborate on the tariff situation and the expected net mitigation? - The company anticipates that demand remains uncertain, with potential positive impacts from surcharges and tariffs, but volume reductions may occur due to price increases [32] Question: Where is the strength in precision conveyance orders coming from? - Precision conveyance orders have seen robust demand, particularly from Montrotech and Dorner businesses, with strength in end markets like battery production and e-commerce [35] Question: How does the mix impact margins given the strong precision conveyance orders? - While precision conveyance orders were up, sales were down, leading to a negative impact on margins due to lower volume and mix [41]