q310.htm



 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-Q

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT 1934

For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2009
or

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

For the transition period from   to

Commission File Number:       0-27618

Columbus McKinnon Corporation
  
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
   
New York
 16-0547600
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
140 John James Audubon Parkway, Amherst, NY
14228-1197
(Address of principal executive offices)
 (Zip code)
   
(716) 689-5400
 
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
   
  
  
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)
 
Indicate by check mark 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.  : [X] Yes   [ ]  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes [ ]  No [  ]

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Act.
Large accelerated filer  [  ]     
Accelerated filer [X]     
Non-accelerated filer  [  ]  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller Reporting Company [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). [  ] Yes    [X] No

The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2009 was:  19,112,106 shares.

 
 
 

 

FORM 10-Q INDEX
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
December 31, 2009


   
Page #
Part I. Financial Information
 
     
Item 1.
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
     
 
2
     
 
3
     
 
4
     
 
5
     
 
6
     
Item 2.
22
     
Item 3.
31
     
Item 4.
31
     
Part II. Other Information
 
     
Item 1.
32
     
Item 1A.
32
     
Item 2.
32
     
Item 3.
32
     
Item 4.
32
     
Item 5.
32
     
Item 6.
32


 
 
- 1 -


Part I.     Financial Information
 
 
Item 1.     Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

   
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2009
 
   
(unaudited)
       
ASSETS:
 
(In thousands)
 
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 51,034     $ 39,236  
   Trade accounts receivable less allowance for doubtful accounts ($4,512 and $5,338, respectively)   
    65,105       80,168  
Inventories
    85,696       100,621  
Prepaid expenses
    16,647       18,115  
Total current assets
    218,482       238,140  
Property, plant, and equipment, net
    60,243       62,102  
Goodwill and other intangibles, net
    127,037       125,080  
Marketable securities
    30,860       28,828  
Deferred taxes on income
    36,607       32,521  
Other assets
    3,991       4,993  
Total assets
  $ 477,220     $ 491,664  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
               
Current liabilities:
               
Notes payable to banks
  $ 1,003     $ 4,787  
Trade accounts payable
    22,476       33,298  
Accrued liabilities
    50,193       50,443  
Restructuring reserve
    4,194       1,302  
Current portion of long-term debt
    1,165       1,171  
Total current liabilities
    79,031       91,001  
Senior debt, less current portion
    6,538       7,073  
Subordinated debt
    124,855       124,855  
Other non-current liabilities
    81,323       86,881  
Total liabilities
    291,747       309,810  
Shareholders' equity:
               
   Voting common stock; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 19,112,106  and 19,046,930 shares issued, respectively
    191       190  
Additional paid-in capital
    182,011       180,327  
Retained earnings
    34,418       41,891  
ESOP debt guarantee
    (1,963 )     (2,309 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (29,184 )     (38,245 )
Total shareholders' equity
    185,473       181,854  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 477,220     $ 491,664  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.





 
 
- 2 -



COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND RETAINED EARNINGS
(UNAUDITED)


   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
December 31,
   
December 28,
   
December 31,
   
December 28,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
                         
Net sales
  $ 118,971     $ 165,076     $ 353,213     $ 470,920  
Cost of products sold
    92,146       120,285       268,907       332,032  
Gross profit
    26,825       44,791       84,306       138,888  
                                 
Selling expenses
    15,791       19,861       47,873       55,227  
General and administrative expenses
    9,471       8,630       26,663       27,977  
Restructuring charges
    3,616       990       12,148       1,145  
Amortization of intangibles
    490       421       1,408       477  
      29,368       29,902       88,092       84,826  
                                 
Loss (income) from operations
    (2,543 )     14,889       (3,786 )     54,062  
Interest and debt expense
    3,257       3,604       10,001       9,929  
Investment (income) loss
    (361 )     3,335       (966 )     3,158  
Foreign currency exchange loss (gain)
    6       1,759       (633 )     2,548  
Other income, net
    (2,059 )     (761 )     (2,040 )     (3,194 )
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income tax (benefit) expense
    (3,386 )     6,952       (10,148 )     41,621  
Income tax (benefit) expense
    (909 )     2,454       (2,409 )     14,850  
(Loss) income from continuing operations
    (2,477 )     4,498       (7,739 )     26,771  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations - net of tax
    133       (685 )     266       (2,651 )
Net (loss) income
    (2,344 )     3,813       (7,473 )     24,120  
Retained earnings - beginning of period
    36,762       141,933       41,891       122,400  
Change in accounting principle (note 18)
    -       -       -       (774 )
Retained earnings - end of period
  $ 34,418     $ 145,746     $ 34,418     $ 145,746  
                                 
Average basic shares outstanding
    18,980       18,876       18,952       18,851  
Average diluted shares outstanding
    18,980       19,064       18,952       19,161  
                                 
Basic income per share:
                               
(Loss) income from continuing operations
  $ (0.13 )   $ 0.24     $ (0.40 )   $ 1.42  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    0.01       (0.04 )     0.01       (0.14 )
Net (loss) income
  $ (0.12 )   $ 0.20     $ (0.39 )   $ 1.28  
                                 
Diluted income per share:
                               
(Loss) income from continuing operations
  $ (0.13 )   $ 0.24     $ (0.40 )   $ 1.40  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    0.01       (0.04 )     0.01       (0.14 )
Net (loss) income
  $ (0.12 )   $ 0.20     $ (0.39 )   $ 1.26  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
 
- 3 -


 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
December 31,
   
December 28,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net (loss) income
  $ (7,473 )   $ 24,120  
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
(Income) loss from discontinued operations
    (266 )     2,651  
Depreciation and amortization
    9,231       7,521  
Deferred income taxes
    (4,054 )     8,684  
(Gain) loss on sale of real estate/investments
    (1,994 )     2,943  
    Gain on early retirement of bonds
    -       (300 )
Stock-based compensation
    1,527       1,001  
Amortization/write-off of deferred financing costs
    460       449  
Non-cash restructuring charges
    950       -  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities net of effects of business acquisitions and divestitures:
               
Trade accounts receivable
    15,672       10,577  
Inventories
    15,721       (4,372 )
Prepaid expenses
    1,510       (775 )
Other assets
    410       997  
Trade accounts payable
    (10,783 )     (2,581 )
Accrued and non-current liabilities
    (3,769 )     (6,532 )
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations
    17,142       44,383  
Net cash used by operating activities from discontinued operations
    -       (3,082 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    17,142       41,301  
                 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities
    3,246       338  
Purchases of marketable securities
    (3,171 )     (2,277 )
Capital expenditures
    (5,916 )     (8,504 )
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired
    -       (53,261 )
Proceeds from sale of businesses or assets
    3,380       1,269  
Net cash used by investing activities from continuing operations
    (2,461 )     (62,435 )
Net cash provided by investing activities from discontinued operations
    266       448  
Net cash used by investing activities
    (2,195 )     (61,987 )
                 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    201       391  
Net payments under revolving line-of-credit agreements
    (3,784 )     (5,067 )
Repayment of debt
    (392 )     (6,871 )
Other
    158       567  
Net cash used by financing activities from continuing operations
    (3,817 )     (10,980 )
Net cash used by financing activities from discontinued operations
    -       (14,612 )
Net cash used by financing activities
    (3,817 )     (25,592 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    668       (7,743 )
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    11,798       (54,021 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    39,236       75,994  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 51,034     $ 21,973  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
 
- 4 -



COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
(UNAUDITED)

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
December 31,
   
December 28,
   
December 31,
   
December 28,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                         
Net (loss) income
  $ (2,344 )   $ 3,813     $ (7,473 )   $ 24,120  
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
                               
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    (863 )     (4,900 )     7,047       (11,591 )
Unrealized loss on derivatives qualifying as hedges, net of deferred tax benefit of ($21), $0, ($21) and $0
    (35 )     -       (35 )     -  
Unrealized (loss) gain on investments:
                               
Unrealized holding (loss) gain arising during the period, net of deferred tax (benefit) of ($72), ($1,262), $1,135 and ($1,996)
    (133 )     (2,344 )     2,108       (3,707 )
Reclassification adjustment for (gain) loss included in net (loss) income, net of deferred tax (benefit) of ($32), $1,954, ($32) and $2,164
    (60 )     3,629       (59 )     4,019  
      (193 )     1,285       2,049       312  
Total other comprehensive (loss) income
    (1,091 )     (3,615 )     9,061       (11,279 )
Comprehensive (loss) income
  $ (3,435 )   $ 198     $ 1,588     $ 12,841  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.











 
 
- 5 -


COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)
December 31, 2009

1. Description of Business

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position of Columbus McKinnon Corporation (the Company) at December 31, 2009, the results of its operations for the three and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2009 and December 28, 2008, and cash flows for the nine-month periods ended December 31, 2009 and December 28, 2008, have been included. Results for the period ended December 31, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending March 31, 2010. The balance sheet at March 31, 2009 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Columbus McKinnon Corporation annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2009.

The Company is a leading designer, marketer and manufacturer of material handling products, systems and services which efficiently and ergonomically move, lift, position and secure material. Key products include hoists, cranes, rigging tools including chain and forged attachments, and actuators. The Company’s material handling products are sold, domestically and internationally, principally to third party distributors through diverse distribution channels, and to a lesser extent directly to end-users.

2. Acquisitions

On October 1, 2008, the Company acquired Pfaff Beteiligungs GmbH (“Pfaff-silberblau” or “Pfaff”), a Kissing, Germany based company with a leading European position in lifting, material handling and actuator products. Pfaff had revenue of approximately $90,000 USD in calendar 2007. This strategic acquisition continues the execution of the Company’s strategic plan to grow its revenue in complementary product lines and also broaden that revenue in international markets. Pfaff-silberblau complements the Company’s existing material handling business in Europe and the U.S. and creates a global actuator business when combined with the Company’s U.S. based Duff-Norton actuator business. The Company is creating value from this acquisition through integrating the Pfaff business with the Columbus McKinnon European and U.S. based material handling businesses and Duff-Norton. Value is being created by cross selling products among these groups as well as reducing costs through business integration and procurement activities. The results of Pfaff-silberblau are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.

This transaction was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. The aggregate purchase consideration for the acquisition of Pfaff-silberblau was $52,779 in cash and acquisition costs. The acquisition was funded with existing cash. The purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon a valuation of respective fair values. The identifiable intangible assets consisted of trademarks with a value of $6,101 (18 year estimated useful life), customer relationships with a value of $15,092 (11 year estimated useful life), and technology with a value of $806 (14 year estimated useful life). The excess consideration over fair value was recorded as goodwill and approximated $27,769, none of which is deductible for tax purposes. The allocation of purchase consideration to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is as follows:

Working capital
  $ 13,340  
Property, plant and equipment
    8,321  
Other long term liabilities, net
    (18,650 )
Identifiable intangible assets
    21,999  
Goodwill
    27,769  
Total
  $ 52,779  


 
 
- 6 -



3. Divestitures

As part of its continuing evaluation of its businesses, the Company determined that its integrated material handling conveyor systems business (Univeyor A/S) no longer provided a strategic fit with its long-term growth and operational objectives. On July 25, 2008, the Company completed the sale of Univeyor A/S, which business represented the majority of the Company’s former “Solutions” segment. In accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 205-20-45-1, “Presentation of Financial Statements – Discontinued Operations”, the results of operations of Univeyor A/S have been classified as discontinued operations in the condensed statements of operations and statements of cash flows presented herein. In connection with the sale of Univeyor A/S on July 25, 2008, the Company used cash on hand to repay $15,191 in amounts outstanding on Univeyor’s lines of credit and fixed term bank debt.

Income from discontinued operations presented herein includes payments received on a note receivable related to the fiscal 2002 disposal of Automatic Systems, Inc. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the financial viability of the debtor, the note has been recorded at the estimated net realizable value of $0.

Summarized statements of operations for discontinued operations follows:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
December 31,
   
December 28,
   
December 31,
   
December 28,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Net sales
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 8,982  
Gain (loss) from operations before income tax
    214       (1,136 )     428       (2,359 )
Income tax (benefit) expense
    81       (451 )     162       (288 )
Gain (loss) from operations, net of tax
    133       (685 )     266       (2,071 )
Loss on sale of discontinued operations
    -       -       -       (14,627 )
Gain (loss) from discontinued operations
    133       (685 )     266       (16,698 )
Tax benefit from sale
    -       -       -       14,047  
Gain (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
  $ 133     $ (685 )   $ 266     $ (2,651 )

During fiscal 2010, as part of the continuing strategic evaluation of its businesses, the Company determined that its American Lifts business no longer provided a strategic fit with its long-term growth and operational objectives. The American Lifts business manufactured powered lift tables which enhance workplace ergonomics and were sold primarily to customers in the general manufacturing, construction, and air cargo industries. On October 30, 2009, the Company sold this business to a strategic buyer for $2,400 in cash. A $1,055 pre-tax gain on the sale is included in other income, net in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2009. American Lifts has not been treated as a discontinued operation as its results from operations were immaterial to the overall financial results of the Company.

4. Fair Value Measurements

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

The Company applied the provisions of ASC Topic 820 in determining the fair value of its financial assets and financial liabilities effective April 1, 2008. The Company applied the provisions of ASC Topic 820- in determining the fair value of its nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities on a nonrecurring basis effective April 1, 2009 in accordance with ASC Topic 820-10-65-1.

 
 
- 7 -


ASC Topic 820-10-35-37 establishes a hierarchy for inputs that may be used to measure fair value. Level 1 is defined as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. The fair value of the Company’s marketable securities is based on Level 1 inputs. Level 2 is defined as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on the Company’s own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. 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.  As of December 31, 2009, the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on recurring bases were as follows:

         
Fair value measurements at reporting date using
 
Description
 
At December 31, 2009
   
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
   
Significant other observable inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant unobservable inputs
(Level 3)
 
Assets/(Liabilities):
                       
Marketable securities
  $ 30,860     $ 30,860     $ -     $ -  
Accrued severance costs
    (4,194 )     -       -       (4,194 )
Property, plant, and equipment
    175       -       -       175  
Derivative liabilities
    (1,979 )     -       (1,979 )     -  

Assets that are measured on a nonrecurring basis include the Company’s reporting units that are used to test goodwill for impairment on an annual or interim basis under the provisions of ASC Topic 350-20-35-1 “Intangibles, Goodwill and Other – Goodwill Subsequent Measurement”, as well as property, plant and equipment in circumstances when the Company determines that those assets are impaired under the provisions of ASC Topic 360-10-35-17 “Property Plant and Equipment – Subsequent Measurement” and the measurement of termination benefits in connection with the Company’s restructuring plan under the provisions of ASC Topic 420 “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations”.  Non-recurring fair value measurements made during the nine months ended December 31, 2009 used in the testing of goodwill for impairment, to determine the write-down of fixed assets to their estimated fair values in connection with the Company’s restructuring plan, and to measure the fair value of certain termination benefits offered to employees as part of the Company’s restructuring plan.

The Company applied the provisions of ASC Topic 350-20-35-1 during the goodwill impairment test performed as of September 30, 2009. Step I of the goodwill impairment test consisted of determining a fair value for the Company’s Duff- Norton reporting unit. The fair values for the Company’s reporting units cannot be determined using readily available quoted Level 1 inputs or Level 2 inputs that are observable in active markets. Therefore, the Company used a discounted cash flow valuation model to estimate the fair value of its Duff-Norton reporting unit, using Level 3 inputs. To estimate the fair values of reporting units, the Company uses significant estimates and judgmental factors. The key estimates and factors used in the discounted cash flow valuation model 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. See Note 7 of the condensed consolidated financial statements for the results of the Company’s September 30, 2009 goodwill impairment test.

The write-down of fixed assets to their estimated fair market values, as shown above, related to the closure of two manufacturing facilities and the significant downsizing of a third facility in connection with the Company’s restructuring plan. The fair value was determined based on management’s best estimate of the realizability of the assets, using Level 3 inputs given the lack of observable market data for the assets. The net book value of the assets was $1,125, and their estimated fair market value was $175.

During the nine months ended December 31, 2009 the Company offered termination benefits to certain employees in connection with its restructuring plan and the liabilities measured and recorded during the period have been determined based upon their ultimate payment amounts, which approximate fair value as determined using Level 3 inputs.

 
 
- 8 -


5. Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following:
   
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2009
 
At cost - FIFO basis:
           
Raw materials
  $ 39,492     $ 49,697  
Work-in-process
    11,332       12,497  
Finished goods
    54,698       59,896  
      105,522       122,090  
LIFO cost less than FIFO cost
    (19,826 )     (21,469 )
Net inventories
  $ 85,696     $ 100,621  

An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method can be made only at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations must necessarily be based on management's estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs. Because these are subject to many factors beyond management's control, estimated interim results are subject to change in the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation.

6. Marketable Securities

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

In accordance with ASC Topic 320-10-35-30 “Investments – Debt & Equity Securities – Subsequent Measurement,” the Company reviews its marketable securities for declines in market value that may be considered other-than-temporary. The Company generally considers market value declines to be other-than-temporary if they are declines for a period longer than six months and in excess of 20% of original cost, or when other evidence indicates impairment.  There were no other-than-temporary impairments for the nine-months ended December 31, 2009.  As a result of the decline in the financial markets, other-than-temporary impairments resulted in the recognition of a pre-tax charge to earnings of $3,628 and $4,014 for the three-months and nine-months ended December 28, 2008, which is classified within investment (income) loss in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2009:
   
Cost
   
Gross Unrealized Gains
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
   
Estimated Fair
Value
 
Equity securities
  $ 28,196     $ 2,674     $ 10     $ 30,860  

The aggregate fair value of investments and unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2009 are as follows:
   
Aggregate
   
Unrealized
 
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
 
Securities in a continuous loss position for less than 12 months
  $ 926     $ 2  
Securities in a continuous loss position for more than 12 months
    454       8  
    $ 1,380     $ 10  


 
 
- 9 -


Net realized (gain) loss related to sales of marketable securities (excluding other-than-temporary impairments) were ($60), $1, ($59) and $5 in the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2009 and December 28, 2008, respectively. In December 2009, the Company used the proceeds from the sale $3,111 of marketable securities to settle one product liability insurance claim.

The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities at March 31, 2009:
   
Cost
   
Gross Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross Unrealized
Losses
   
Estimated Fair
Value
 
Equity securities
  $ 29,315     $ 394     $ 881     $ 28,828  

7. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill is not amortized but is periodically tested for impairment, 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 regularly reviewed, whether those units constitute a business, and the extent of economic similarities between those reporting units for purposes of aggregation.  The Company’s reporting units identified under ASC Topic 350-20-35-33 are at the component level, or one level below the reporting segment level as defined under ASC Topic 280-10-50-10 “Segment Reporting – Disclosure.” The Company has four reporting units.  Only two of the four reporting units carry goodwill at December 31, 2009 and March 31, 2009. The Duff-Norton reporting unit (which designs and manufactures industrial components such as mechanical and electromechanical actuators and rotary unions) has goodwill of $9,919 at December 31, 2009 and the Rest of Products reporting unit (representing the core hoist, chain, and forgings design, manufacturing, and distribution businesses) has goodwill of $96,500 at December 31, 2009.

In accordance with ASC Topic 350-20-35-3, the measurement of impairment of goodwill consists of two steps. In the first step, the Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. As part of the impairment analysis, the Company determines the fair value of each of its reporting units with goodwill using the income approach. The income approach uses a discounted cash flow methodology to determine fair value. This methodology recognizes value based on the expected receipt of future economic benefits. Key assumptions in the income approach include a free cash flow projection, an estimated discount rate, a long-term growth rate and a terminal value. These assumptions are based upon the Company’s historical experience, current market trends and future expectations.  During fiscal 2009, the generally weak economic conditions resulted in a rapid decline in business, a reduction in forecasted cash flows, and an increase in capital costs as a result of tightening credit markets.  Based on this evaluation, the Company determined that the fair value of its Rest of Products reporting unit was less than its carrying value in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. Following this assessment, ASC Topic 350-20-35-8 required the Company to perform a second step in order to determine the implied fair value of goodwill in this reporting unit and to compare it to its carrying value. The activities in the second step included hypothetically valuing all of the tangible and intangible assets of the impaired reporting unit using market participant assumptions, as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination.

As a result of this assessment, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $107,000 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. None of the charge related to goodwill was deductible for tax purposes.

Key performance indicators for the Duff-Norton reporting unit were below budget levels for the first six months of the current fiscal year. Accordingly, the Company performed a Step I test for goodwill impairment for the Duff-Norton reporting unit as of September 30, 2009. No goodwill impairment charges were required during the quarter ended September 30, 2009 as a result of completion of Step I testing. Fair value of the reporting unit exceeded book value by 6% and a decline in terminal growth rate greater than 50 basis points or an increase in the weighted-average cost of capital greater than 50 basis points would have indicated a potential impairment for this reporting unit at September 30, 2009. Step I was not considered necessary of the Rest of Products reporting unit because, based on testing performed at March 31, 2009, year end fair value of this reporting unit sufficiently exceeded book value and therefore no risk of impairment existed at September 30, 2009. As of December 31, 2009, the Company concluded that no indicators of goodwill impairment existed, so an interim test was not performed.

 
 
- 10 -



Future impairment indicators, such as declines in forecasted cash flows, may cause additional significant impairment charges. Impairment charges could be based on such factors as the Company’s stock price, forecasted cash flows, assumptions used, control premiums or other variables.

A summary of changes in goodwill during the first nine months of fiscal 2010 is as follows:

Balance at April 1, 2009
  $ 104,744  
Currency translation
    1,675  
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 106,419  

Identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination are amortized over their useful lives unless their useful lives are indefinite, in which case those intangible assets are tested for impairment annually and not amortized until their lives are determined to be finite.

Intangible assets are summarized as follows:

   
December 31, 2009
   
March 31, 2009
 
   
Gross Carrying Amount
   
Accumulated Amortization
   
Net
   
Gross Carrying Amount
   
Accumulated Amortization
   
Net
 
Trademark
  $ 6,209     $ 425     $ 5,784     $ 5,743     $ 157     $ 5,586  
Customer relationships
    15,360       1,763       13,597       14,208       652       13,556  
Other
    1,507       270       1,237       1,342       148       1,194  
Total
  $ 23,076     $ 2,458     $ 20,618     $ 21,293     $ 957     $ 20,336  

Based on the current amount of intangible assets, the estimated amortization expense for each of the fiscal years 2010 through 2014 is expected to be approximately $1,800.

8. Derivative Instruments

The Company uses derivative instruments to manage selected foreign currency 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 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 derivative is reported in cost of products sold. For derivatives not classified as cash flow hedges, all changes in market value are recorded as a foreign currency exchange loss (gain) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

The Company has foreign currency forward agreements and a cross-currency swap in place to offset changes in the value of intercompany loans to certain foreign subsidiaries due to changes in foreign exchange rates. The notional amount of these derivatives is $21,780, and all contracts mature by September 30, 2013. These contracts are not designated as hedges.

In relation to certain of the derivative transactions discussed above, the Company issued a guarantee to a third party lender which secures any obligations of one of the Company’s wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries under the subsidiary’s agreement with the third party lender, regarding those derivative transactions.  The fair value of the derivative liabilities of the foreign subsidiary at December 31, 2009 relating to this guarantee was $1,689. In addition, the Company has foreign currency forward agreements in place to hedge changes in the value of booked foreign currency liabilities due to changes in foreign exchange rates at the settlement date. The notional amount of those derivatives is $1,215 and all contracts mature within twelve months. These contracts are not designated as hedges.

The Company has foreign currency forward agreements that are designated as cash flow hedges to hedge a small portion of forecasted inventory purchases denominated in a foreign currency. The notional amount of those derivates is $1,382 and all contracts mature within twelve months.

 
 
- 11 -



The Company is exposed to credit losses in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties on its financial instruments. All counterparties have investment grade credit ratings. The Company anticipates that these counterparties will be able to fully satisfy their obligations under the contracts.

The following is the pretax effect of derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended December 31, 2009:

Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow  Hedges
 
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income 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)
 
Foreign exchange contracts
  $ 56  
Foreign currency exchange loss (gain)
    -  

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
   
Location of (Gain) or Loss Recognized in Income on Derivatives
 
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Recognized in Income on Derivatives
 
Foreign exchange contracts
 
Foreign currency exchange loss (gain)
  $ 905  

The following is information relative to the Company’s derivative instruments in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2009:

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
   
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value of Liability
 
Foreign exchange contracts
 
Accrued Liabilities
  $ 67  

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
   
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value of Liability
 
Foreign exchange contracts
   
Accrued Liabilities
  $ 1,912  

9. Debt

The Company entered into an amended, restated and expanded revolving credit facility dated December 31, 2009. The new Revolving Credit Facility provides availability up to a maximum of $85,000.

The Revolving Credit Agreement has an initial term ending May 1, 2013, which can be extended to Dec 31, 2013 as long as the Company’s existing Senior Subordinated Notes are paid in full on or prior to May 1, 2013 from proceeds of permitted Indebtedness with a maturity of no earlier than January 5, 2014.

Provided there is no default, the Company may, on a one-time basis, request an increase in the availability of the Revolving Credit Facility by an amount not exceeding $65,000, subject to lender approval. The unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility totaled $77,726, net of outstanding borrowings of $0 and outstanding letters of credit of $7,274, as of December 31, 2009.  Interest on the revolver is payable at varying Eurodollar rates based on LIBOR or prime plus a spread determined by the Company’s total leverage ratio amounting to 325 or 225 basis points, respectively, at December 31, 2009. The Revolving Credit Facility is secured by all domestic inventory, receivables, equipment, real property, subsidiary stock (limited to 65% of foreign subsidiaries) and intellectual property.

The corresponding credit agreement associated with the Revolving Credit Facility places certain debt covenant restrictions on the Company, including certain financial requirements and restrictions on dividend payments, with which the Company was in compliance as of December 31, 2009. Key financial covenants include a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25x, a maximum total leverage ratio, net of cash, of 3.75x through June 30, 2010 and 3.5x thereafter, and maximum annual capital expenditures of $15,000 in fiscal 2010 and $18,000 thereafter excluding capital expenditures required for a global ERP system.

 
 
- 12 -



The carrying amount of the Company’s revolving credit facility, notes payable to banks and other senior debt approximate their fair values based on current market rates. The Company’s Senior Subordinated Notes, which have a carrying value of $124,855 at December 31, 2009, have an approximate fair value of $126,104, based on quoted market prices. The Company incurred approximately $1,055 of deferred financing charges related to the refinancing of its credit agreement, which will be amortized over the life of the agreement.

The Company’s Notes payable to banks consist primarily of secured and unsecured international lines of credit.  The Company’s Senior debt consists of capital lease obligations as well as any borrowings under the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility, if any.

Refer to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2009 for further information on the Company’s debt arrangements.

10. Restructuring Charges

In the nine-month period ended December 31, 2009, the Company continued its business reorganization plan. As part of that plan, the Company consolidated its North American sales force and offered certain of its employees an incentive to voluntarily retire early. The early retirement program consists of two benefits: a paid leave of absence and an enhanced pension benefit. Charges for the paid leave of absence of $3,826 were recorded in restructuring reserves during the nine-month period ended December 31, 2009. The payments are being made to the employees in installments on their regular pay dates. Charges for the enhanced pension benefit of $2,012 are recorded in long-term pension liabilities. Long-term pension liabilities are included in other non-current liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Furthermore, during fiscal 2010, as part of the business reorganization plan, the Company initiated strategic consolidation of its North American hoist and rigging operations.  The process includes the closure of two manufacturing facilities and the significant downsizing of a third facility. The closures will result in a reduction of approximately 500,000 square feet of manufacturing space and generation of annual savings estimated at approximately $9 - $11 million with approximately 75% of the total $9 - $10 million of restructuring charges related to manufacturing facility consolidation expected in fiscal 2010. The Company expects the majority of these charges to relate to both one-time and ongoing termination benefit arrangements and in total, including charges for the early retirement program and paid leave of absence discussed above, to record approximately $13 million in restructuring charges for fiscal 2010. Rationalization of North American hoist and rigging operations and the significant downsizing of the third facility resulted in $950 of non-cash fixed asset impairment charges, $724 of other facility related costs, $4,218 in expense for severance costs related to salaried and union workforce reductions, and $418 of pension plan curtailment charges recognized in the nine-month period ended December 31, 2009.

Restructuring reserves were $4,194 as of December 31, 2009, consisting primarily of accrued severance costs.  The majority of the severance costs will be paid during fiscal 2010.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the fiscal 2010 activity related to restructuring reserves:

   
Employee
   
Facility
   
Total
 
Reserve at April 1, 2009
  $ 1,302     $ -     $ 1,302  
Restructuring charges
    10,474       1,674       12,148  
Cash payments
    (5,152 )     (724 )     (5,876 )
Reclassification of long-term pension liability
    (2,430 )     -       (2,430 )
Reclassification of fixed asset impairment
    -       (950 )     (950 )
Reserve at December 31, 2009
  $ 4,194     $ -     $ 4,194  


 
 
- 13 -



11. Net Periodic Benefit Cost

The following table sets forth the components of net periodic pension cost for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
December 31, 2009
   
December 28, 2008
   
December 31, 2009
   
December 28, 2008
 
Service cost
  $ 983     $ 1,113     $ 2,948     $ 3,324  
Interest cost
    2,432       2,270       7,294       6,682  
Expected return on plan assets
    (1,717 )     (2,299 )     (5,150 )     (6,897 )
Net amortization
    1,168       294       3,506       883  
Net periodic pension cost
  $ 2,866     $ 1,378     $ 8,598     $ 3,992  

The increase in net periodic pension cost for the periods ended December 31, 2009 compared to the periods ended December 28, 2008 is primarily the result of an increase in the amortization of unrecognized losses due to the difference between the actual return on investments compared to the expected return from depressed asset values during fiscal 2009.

The Company currently plans to contribute approximately $18,000 to its pension plans in fiscal 2010.

The following table sets forth the components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the Company’s defined benefit postretirement plans:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
December 31, 2009
   
December 28, 2008
   
December 31, 2009
   
December 28, 2008
 
Service cost
  $ -     $ -     $ 1     $ 2  
Interest cost
    144       168       432       502  
Amortization of plan net losses
    73       115       218       346  
Net periodic postretirement cost
  $ 217     $ 283     $ 651     $ 850  


For additional information on the Company’s defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans, refer to Note 12 in the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2009.

12. Income Taxes

Income tax (benefit) expense as a percentage of (loss) income from continuing operations before income tax (benefit) expense was 26.8%, 35.3%, 23.7% and 35.7% in the fiscal 2010 and 2009 quarters and the nine-month periods ended December 31, 2009 and December 28, 2008, respectively. The Company estimates that its effective tax rate related to losses from continuing operations will be approximately 26%-27% for fiscal 2010. The percentages vary from the U.S. statutory rate due to varying effective tax rates at the Company’s foreign subsidiaries, the jurisdictional mix of taxable income forecasted for these subsidiaries, and the impact of U.S. state franchise taxes unrelated to income. The Company changed its forecasted effective tax rate for the full year of fiscal 2010 during the quarter ended December 31, 2009 primarily as a result of changes in its expectation of the jurisdictional mix of taxable income given its operating results year-to-date and the impact of U.S. state franchise taxes.

 
 
- 14 -



13. Earnings Per Share

The following sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (tabular amounts in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
December 31, 2009
   
December 28, 2008
   
December 31, 2009
   
December 28, 2008
 
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
                       
Net (loss) income
  $ (2,344 )   $ 3,813     $ (7,473 )   $ 24,120  
                                 
Denominators:
                               
Weighted-average common stock outstanding – denominator for basic EPS
    18,980       18,876       18,952       18,851  
                                 
Effect of dilutive employee stock options and awards
    -       188       -       310  
                                 
Adjusted weighted-average common stock outstanding and assumed conversions – denominator for diluted EPS
    18,980       19,064       18,952       19,161  

During the nine months ended December 31, 2009, a total of 35,500 shares of stock were issued upon the exercising of stock options related to the Company’s stock option plans, and 29,676 shares of stock were issued under the Company’s Long Term Incentive Plan to the Company’s non-executive directors as part of their annual compensation.  Options, restricted stock units, and performance shares with respect to approximately 855,000 and 463,000 shares were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the periods ended December 31, 2009 and December 28, 2008, respectively, because they were anti-dilutive.

14. Business Segment Information

ASC Topic 280-10-50-10 establishes the standards for reporting information about operating segments in financial statements. Historically, the Company had two operating and reportable segments, Products and Solutions. The Solutions segment engaged primarily in the design, fabrication and installation of integrated material handling conveyor systems and service and in the design and manufacture of tire shredders, lift tables and light-rail systems. In fiscal 2009, the Company re-evaluated its operating and reportable segments in connection with the divestiture of its integrated material handling conveyor systems and service business. With this divestiture, and in consideration of the quantitative contribution of the remaining portions of the Solutions segment to the Company as a whole and its products-orientated strategic growth initiatives, the Company determined that it now has only one operating and reportable segment for both internal and external reporting purposes. As part of the organizational restructuring announced in response to adverse market conditions, the Company has reevaluated its reportable segments and continues to believe that it has only one reportable and operating segment.

 
 
- 15 -



15. Summary Financial Information

The following information sets forth the condensed consolidating summary financial information of the parent and guarantors, which guarantee the 8 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes, and the nonguarantors. The guarantors are wholly owned and the guarantees are full, unconditional, joint and several.

As of December 31, 2009
 
Parent
   
Guarantors
   
Non
Guarantors
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
Current assets:
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 27,380     $ 28     $ 23,626     $     $ 51,034  
Trade accounts receivable
    34,225       28       30,852             65,105  
Inventories
    29,276       15,505       43,612       (2,697 )     85,696  
Other current assets
    4,688       1,014       10,101       844       16,647  
Total current assets
    95,569       16,575       108,191       (1,853 )     218,482  
Property, plant, and equipment, net
    28,383       11,643       20,217             60,243  
Goodwill and other intangibles, net
    41,023       31,029       54,985             127,037  
Intercompany
    (69,875 )     145,216       (76,993 )     1,652        
Other assets
    33,099       5,761       32,598             71,458  
Investment in subsidiaries
    242,427                   (242,427 )      
Total assets
  $ 370,626     $ 210,224     $ 138,998     $ (242,628 )   $ 477,220  
                                         
Current liabilities
    31,713       11,853       35,666       (201 )     79,031  
Long-term debt, less current portion
    124,855       2,530       4,008             131,393  
Other non-current liabilities
    28,585       13,848       38,890             81,323  
Total liabilities
    185,153       28,231       78,564       (201 )     291,747  
Shareholders' equity
    185,473       181,993       60,434       (242,427 )     185,473  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 370,626     $ 210,224     $ 138,998     $ (242,628 )   $ 477,220  

For the Nine Months Ended December 31, 2009
                             
Net sales
  $ 143,453     $ 87,692     $ 141,946     $ (19,878 )   $ 353,213  
Cost of products sold
    118,303       70,933       99,549       (19,878 )     268,907  
Gross profit
    25,150       16,759       42,397             84,306  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    30,645       9,959       33,932             74,536  
Restructuring charges
    11,597             551             12,148  
Amortization of intangibles
    85       2       1,321             1,408  
      42,327       9,961       35,804             88,092  
(Loss) income from operations
    (17,177 )     6,798       6,593             (3,786 )
Interest and debt expense
    8,751       415       835             10,001  
Other (income) and expense, net
    (528 )     (1,090 )     (2,021 )           (3,639 )
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income tax (benefit) expense and equity in income of subsidiaries
    (25,400 )     7,473       7,779             (10,148 )
Income tax (benefit) expense
    (6,501 )     2,196       1,896             (2,409 )
Equity in income from continuing operations of subsidiaries
    11,160                   (11,160 )      
(Loss) income from continuing operations
    (7,739 )     5,277       5,883       (11,160 )     (7,739 )
Gain from discontinued operations
    266                         266  
Net (loss) income
  $ (7,473 )   $ 5,277     $ 5,883     $ (11,160 )   $ (7,473 )


 
 
- 16 -



For the Nine Months Ended December 31, 2009
 
Parent
   
Guarantors
   
Non
Guarantors
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
Operating activities:
                             
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities
    18,098       (1,475 )     11,679       (11,160 )     17,142  
                                         
Investing activities:
                                       
Sale of marketable securities, net
                75             75  
Capital expenditures
    (4,229 )     (802 )     (885 )           (5,916 )
Investment in subsidiaries
    (11,160 )                 11,160        
Proceeds from sale of assets
          2,407       973             3,380  
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities from continuing operations
    (15,389 )     1,605       163       11,160       (2,461 )
Net cash provided by investing activities from discontinued operations
    266                         266  
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities
    (15,123 )     1,605       163       11,160       (2,195 )
                                         
Financing activities:
                                       
Proceeds from stock options exercised
    201                         201  
Net payments under revolving line-of-credit agreements
          (82 )     (4,094 )           (4,176 )
Other
    89       69                   158  
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
    290       (13 )     (4,094 )           (3,817 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
          (119 )     787             668  
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    3,265       (2 )     8,535             11,798  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    24,115       30       15,091             39,236  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 27,380     $ 28     $ 23,626     $     $ 51,034  

As of March 31, 2009
                             
Current assets:
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 24,115     $ 30     $ 15,091     $     $ 39,236  
Trade accounts receivable
    46,358       37       33,773             80,168  
Inventories
    33,268       21,113       48,937       (2,697 )     100,621  
Other current assets
    8,480       1,060       7,731       844       18,115  
Total current assets
    112,221       22,240       105,532       (1,853 )     238,140  
Property, plant, and equipment, net
    29,001       11,995       21,106             62,102  
Goodwill and other intangibles, net
    41,016       31,031       53,033             125,080  
Intercompany
    (58,739 )     140,495       (83,748 )     1,992        
Other assets
    36,099       4,659       25,584             66,342  
Investment in subsidiaries
    222,102                   (222,102 )      
Total assets
  $ 381,700     $ 210,420     $ 121,507     $ (221,963 )   $ 491,664  
                                         
Current liabilities
  $ 33,767     $ 17,162     $ 39,933     $ 139     $ 91,001  
Long-term debt, less current portion
    124,855       2,597       4,476             131,928  
Other non-current liabilities
    41,224       13,895       31,762             86,881  
Total liabilities
    199,846       33,654       76,171       139       309,810  
Shareholders' equity
    181,854       176,766       45,336       (222,102 )     181,854  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 381,700     $ 210,420     $ 121,507     $ (221,963 )   $ 491,664  

 
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For the Nine Months Ended December 28, 2008
 
Parent
   
Guarantors
   
Non
Guarantors
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
Net sales
  $ 228,521     $ 126,809     $ 149,362     $ (33,772 )   $ 470,920  
Cost of products sold
    169,209       96,677       99,918       (33,772 )     332,032  
Gross profit
    59,312       30,132       49,444             138,888  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    36,295       14,957       31,952             83,204  
Restructuring charges
    1,145                         1,145  
Amortization of intangibles
    83       2       392             477  
      37,523       14,959       32,344             84,826  
Income from operations
    21,789       15,173       17,100             54,062  
Interest and debt expense
    8,136       1,203       590             9,929  
Other (income) and expense, net
    (1,185 )     (943 )     4,640             2,512  
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense and equity in income of subsidiaries
    14,838       14,913       11,870             41,621  
Income tax expense
    5,959       5,919       2,972             14,850  
Equity in income from continuing operations of subsidiaries
    17,892                   (17,892 )      
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    26,771       8,994       8,898       (17,892 )     26,771  
Loss from discontinued operations (net of tax) before equity in income of subsidiaries
    (420 )           (2,231 )           (2,651 )
Equity in loss from discontinued operations of subsidiaries (net of tax)
    (2,231 )                 2,231        
Net income (loss)
  $ 24,120     $ 8,994     $ 6,667     $ (15,661 )   $ 24,120  

For the Nine Months Ended December 28, 2008
                             
Operating activities:
                             
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities from continuing operations
  $ 36,874     $ 261     $ 25,140     $ (17,892 )   $ 44,383  
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities from discontinued operations
    (3,095 )           (2,218 )     2,231       (3,082 )
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities
    33,779       261       22,922       (15,661 )     41,301  
                                         
Investing activities:
                                       
Purchase of marketable securities, net
                (1,939 )           (1,939 )
Capital expenditures
    (4,351 )     (1,176 )     (2,977 )           (8,504 )
Investment in subsidiaries
    (15,661 )                 15,661        
Purchases of businesses, net
                (53,261 )             (53,261 )
Proceeds from sale of assets
          1,269                   1,269  
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities from continuing operations
    (20,012 )     93       (58,177 )     15,661       (62,435 )
Net cash provided by investing activities from discontinued operations
    448                         448  
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities
    (19,564 )     93       (58,177 )     15,661       (61,987 )
                                         
Financing activities:
                                       
Proceeds from stock options exercised
    391                         391  
Net (payments) borrowings under revolving line-of-credit agreements
    (21,974 )           16,907             (5,067 )
Repayment of debt
    (4,700 )     (141 )     (2,030 )           (6,871 )
Other
    567                         567  
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities from continuing operations
    (25,716 )     (141 )     14,877             (10,980 )
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities from discontinued operations
    (15,191 )           579             (14,612 )
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities
    (40,907 )     (141 )     15,456             (25,592 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
          170       (7,913 )           (7,743 )
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    (26,692 )     383       (27,712 )           (54,021 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    31,800       (341 )     44,535             75,994  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 5,108     $ 42     $ 16,823     $     $ 21,973  
 
 

 
 
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16. Loss Contingencies

Like many industrial manufacturers, the Company is involved in asbestos-related litigation.  In continually evaluating costs associated with its estimated asbestos-related liability, the Company reviews, with the help of actuaries, 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 through March 31, 2027 and March 31, 2039 to range between $6,500 and $18,000 using actuarial parameters of continued claims for a period of 18 to 30 years. 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 $11,000 which has been reflected as a liability in the condensed consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2009. The recorded liability does not consider the impact of any potential favorable federal legislation. This liability may fluctuate based on the uncertainty in the number of future claims that will be filed and the cost to resolve those claims, which may be influenced by a number of factors, including the outcome of the ongoing broad-based settlement negotiations, defensive strategies, and the cost to resolve claims outside the broad-based settlement program. Of this amount, management expects to incur asbestos liability payments of approximately $500 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 after-tax effect on the financial condition of the Company or its liquidity, although the net after-tax effect of any future liabilities recorded could be material to earnings in a future period.

17. Shareholder Rights Plan

On May 19, 2009 the Company announced that its Board of Directors had adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan, pursuant to which a dividend distribution was declared of one preferred share purchase right to each outstanding common share of the Company. Subject to limited exceptions, the rights will be exercisable if a person or group acquires 20% or more of the Company’s common shares or announces a tender offer for 20% or more of the common shares. Under certain circumstances, each right will entitle shareholders to buy one one-thousandth of a share of the newly created series A junior participating preferred shares of the Company at an exercise price of $80.00.

18. New Accounting Standards

Effective July 1, 2009, the Company adopted ASC Topic 105-10, “Generally Accepted Accounting Principles – Overall” (“ASC 105-10”). ASC 105-10 establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification”) as the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative U.S. GAAP for SEC registrants. All guidance contained in the Codification carries an equal level of authority. The Codification superseded all existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. All other non-grandfathered, non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification is non-authoritative. The FASB will not issue new standards in the form of Statements, FASB Staff Positions or Emerging Issues Task Force Abstracts. Instead, it will issue Accounting Standards Updates (“ASUs”). The FASB will not consider ASUs as authoritative in their own right. ASUs will serve only to update the Codification, provide background information about the guidance and provide the bases for conclusions on the change(s) in the Codification. References made to FASB guidance throughout this document have been updated for the Codification.


 
 
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On April 1, 2009 the Company adopted the provisions of ASC Topic 855 “Subsequent Events” which establishes principles and requirements for subsequent events. These provisions set forth the period after the balance sheet date during which management shall evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, circumstances under which an entity shall recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date, as well as the disclosures that an entity shall make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. The adoption of these provisions did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through January 29, 2010, the date this quarterly report on Form 10-Q was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company made no significant changes to its condensed consolidated financial statements as a result of its subsequent events evaluation.

On April 1, 2009, the Company adopted the additional guidance issued under ASC Topic 820 through the issuance of  FSP Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly” (“FSP SFAS 157-4”). FSP SFAS 157-4 amends ASC Topic 820 to provide additional guidance on estimating fair value when the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability have significantly decreased in relation to normal market activity for the asset or liability. The FSP also provides additional guidance on circumstances that may indicate that a transaction is not orderly, and requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements in annual and interim reporting periods.  FSP SFAS No. 157-4 also supersedes FSP SFAS 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset is Not Active.” Disclosures required by this codification update are included in Notes 4, 8 and 9.

On April 1, 2009, the Company adopted the additional guidance issued under ASC Topic 320 and ASC Topic 325 through the issuance of FSP SFAS No. 115-2 and SFAS No. 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments” (“FSP SFAS 115-2 / 124-2”). This FSP extends existing disclosure requirements about debt and equity securities to interim reporting periods as well as provides new disclosure requirements. FSP SFAS 115-2 / 124-2 also provides new guidance on the recognition and presentation of an other-than-temporary impairment for debt securities classified as available for sale or held to maturity. Equity securities are excluded from the scope the FSP’s recognition and measurement provisions.  Refer to Note 6 for disclosures required as a result of the adoption of this codification update.

On April 1, 2009, the Company adopted additional guidance issued under ASC Topic 825 “Financial Instruments” through the issuance of FSP SFAS No. 107-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” (“FSP SFAS 107-1”) which requires disclosures about fair value of financial instruments in financial statements for interim reporting periods and in annual financial statements of publicly-traded companies. These provisions also require entities to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments in financial statements on an interim and annual basis and to highlight any changes from prior periods. The adoption of these provisions did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Disclosures required by this codification update are included in Notes 4, 8 and 9.

On April 1, 2009, the Company adopted the additional guidance issued under ASC Topic 815 “Derivatives and Hedging” through the issuance of SFAS No. 161 “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” which requires additional disclosures about the objectives of derivative instruments and hedging activities, the method of accounting for such instruments and a tabular disclosure of the effects of such instruments and related hedged items on the Company’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. The adoption of these provisions did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 
 
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On April 1, 2008, the Company adopted the additional guidance issued under ASC Topic 715 “Compensation – Retirement Benefits” through the issuance of FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 06-10, “Accounting for Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements” (“EITF 06-10”). In accordance with this codification update, an employer should recognize a liability for the postretirement benefit related to a collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangement. The provisions of EITF 06-10 were applied as a change in accounting principle through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings.  The adoption of EITF 06-10 resulted in a $774 reduction to the opening balance of retained earnings, recorded on April 1, 2008, the date of adoption.  The adoption of EITF 06-10 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows, basic or diluted per share amounts.

On April 1, 2009, the Company adopted the provisions of ASC Topic 805 “Business Combinations” which requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction; establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed; and requires the acquirer to disclose all of the information required to evaluate and understand the nature and financial effect of the business combination. The Company adopted these provisions effective April 1, 2009 for future acquisitions and for deferred tax adjustments related to acquisitions completed before its effective date.

In December 2008, the FASB issued additional guidance under ASC Topic 715 to require additional disclosures about assets held in an employer’s defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. This replaces the requirement to disclose the percentage of the fair value of total plan assets for each major category of plan assets, such as equity securities, debt securities, real estate and all other assets, with the fair value of each major asset category as of each annual reporting date for which a financial statement is presented. It also requires disclosure of the level within the fair value hierarchy in which each major category of plan assets falls, using the guidance in ASC Topic 820. This requirement is applicable for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. The Company will comply with these disclosure provisions after its effective date. The Company does not expect the adoption of this requirement to have a material impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 
 
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Item 2.                     
 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
(Dollar amounts in thousands)

Executive Overview

We are a leading designer, marketer and manufacturer of a wide variety of powered and manually operated wire rope and chain hoists, industrial crane systems, chain, hooks and other attachments, actuators, rotary unions, and tire shredders serving a wide variety of commercial and industrial end-user markets. Our products are used to efficiently and ergonomically move, lift, position or secure objects and loads.

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 135-year history by emphasizing technological innovation, manufacturing excellence and superior after-sale service. In addition, acquisitions significantly broadened our product lines and services and expanded our geographic reach, end-user markets and customer base. Ongoing initiatives include improving our productivity and increasing penetration of the European, Latin American, and Asian marketplaces. In accordance with our strategy, we have been investing in our Lean efforts across the Company, new product development and directed sales and marketing activities. Shareholder value will be enhanced through continued emphasis on improvement of the fundamentals including new product development, market expansion, manufacturing efficiency, cost containment, efficient capital investment and a high degree of customer satisfaction.

Over the course of its history, the Company has resiliently withstood many business cycles and its strong cash flow profile has helped it endure. Reflecting on the recent global economic recession and credit crisis, we stand with a strong capital structure which includes excess cash reserves, significant revolver availability with an expiration of May 2013, fixed-rate long-term debt which doesn’t expire until 2013 and a strong free cash flow business profile. We believe our liquidity strength will enable us to withstand this downturn as well. During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we consolidated our North American sales force and offered certain employees an incentive to voluntarily retire early. The early retirement program consisted of two benefits: a paid leave of absence and an enhanced pension benefit. In furtherance of our strategic reorganization, we completed the sale of one of our less strategic businesses, American Lifts, generating $2.4 million of proceeds during the third quarter of fiscal 2010. Further, we are managing our business through this cycle with a lower fixed cost footprint than prior cycles and are aggressively reducing our fixed cost base further as we strategically reorganize our North American hoist and rigging operations.  The process includes the closure of two manufacturing facilities and the significant downsizing of a third facility, of which two of the three projects were completed in the third quarter of fiscal 2010. The closures will result in a reduction of approximately 500,000 square feet of manufacturing space and generation of annual savings estimated at approximately $9 - $11 million with approximately 75% of the total $9 - $10 million of restructuring charges related to manufacturing facility consolidation expected in fiscal 2010. These costs were being recognized beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2010 and will continue into early fiscal 2011. We expect the majority of these charges to relate to both one-time and ongoing termination benefit arrangements and expect to record total restructuring charges, including costs related to the early retirement program and paid leave of absence, of approximately $13 million for fiscal 2010.

Additionally, our revenue base now is more geographically diverse than in our Company’s history, with over 40% derived outside the U.S., which we believe will help to balance the impact of changes that will occur in different global economies at different times. As in the past, we monitor U.S. Industrial Capacity Utilization as an indicator of anticipated U.S. demand for our product. This statistic weakened significantly between September 2008 and June 2009, but has since consistently improved for each of the six months ended December 31, 2009 by a total of over 300 basis points. In addition, we continue to monitor the potential impact of other global and U.S. trends, including European capacity utilization and industrial production, energy costs, steel price fluctuations, interest rates, currency exchange and activity in a variety of end-user markets around the globe.

 
 
- 22 -


Regardless of the economic climate, we constantly explore ways to manage our operating margins as well as further improve our productivity and competitiveness, regardless of the point in the economic cycle. We have specific initiatives related to improved customer satisfaction, reduction of defects, shortened lead times, improved inventory turns and on-time deliveries, reduction of warranty costs, and improved working capital utilization. The initiatives are being driven by the continued implementation of our Lean efforts which are fundamentally changing our manufacturing and business processes to be more responsive to customer demand and improving on-time delivery and productivity. In addition to Lean, we are working to achieve these strategic initiatives through product simplification, the creation of centers of excellence, and improved supply chain management.

We continuously monitor market prices of steel. We utilize approximately $20,000 to $25,000 of steel annually in a variety of forms including rod, wire, bar, structural and others. Generally, as we experience fluctuations in our costs, we reflect them as price increases or surcharges to our customers with the goal of being margin neutral. Our steel costs have been relatively stable during this quarter despite an increase in structural steel pricing experienced as the result of higher scrap surcharges and the outsourcing of cut-to-length processes in conjunction with our plant rationalization.

From a strategic perspective, we are investing in international markets and 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 and actuators. We seek to maintain and enhance our market share by continuing and focusing our sales and marketing activities directed toward select North American and global sectors including entertainment, energy, construction, mining and food processing. Our fiscal 2009 acquisition of Pfaff is enhancing our European market penetration as well as strengthening our global actuator offering. Further, we continue to invest in emerging market penetration, including the geographic regions of Eastern Europe, Latin America and Asia. We complement these activities with continued investments in new product development, particularly products with global reach.

We are also looking for opportunities for growth via acquisitions or joint ventures. The focus of our acquisition strategy centers on opportunities for international revenue growth and product line expansion in alignment with our existing core offering.

We continue to operate in a highly competitive and global business environment, effectively managing through a global economic cycle. We face a variety of opportunities in those markets and geographies, including trends toward increased utilization of the global labor force and the expansion of market opportunities in Asia and other emerging markets. While we continue to execute our long-term growth strategy, we are weathering this cycle with our strong capital structure, including a solid cash position and flexible cost base, aggressively addressing costs and implementing cost control measures and restructuring to buffer the impact on current margins.

Results of Operations

Three Months and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2009 and December 28, 2008

Net sales in the fiscal 2010 quarter ended December 31, 2009 were $118,971, down $46,105 or 27.9% from the fiscal 2009 quarter ended December 28, 2008 net sales of $165,076. Net sales for the nine month period ended December 31, 2009 were $353,213, down $117,707 or 25.0% from the nine months ended December 28, 2008 net sales of $470,920. The net sales for the nine month periods ended December 31, 2009 and December 28, 2008 include sales of Pfaff-silberblau, which was acquired October 1, 2008, of $52,502 and $26,839, respectively. Excluding the sales of Pfaff-silberblau, sales decreased $143,370 or 32.3% in the nine month period ended December 31, 2009. For the quarterly period, net sales were positively impacted $503 by price increases, $5,058 by foreign currency translation and negatively impacted $51,666 by decreased volume due to continued weakness in the global economy. For the nine month period excluding Pfaff-silberblau, sales were positively impacted by $4,077 of price increases and $2,455 for an additional shipping day and negatively impacted by $149,368 of decreased volume due to continued weakness in the global economy and $534 by foreign currency translation.

 
 
- 23 -


Gross profit in the fiscal 2010 quarter ended December 31, 2009 was $26,825, down $17,966 or 40.1% from the fiscal 2009 quarter ended December 28, 2008 gross profit of $44,791. Gross profit margin decreased to 22.5% in the fiscal 2010 third quarter from 27.1% compared to the same period in fiscal 2009. Gross profit in the nine month period ended December 31, 2009 was $84,306, down $54,582 or 39.3% from the nine month period ended December 28, 2008 gross profit of $138,888. Gross profit margin decreased to 23.9% in the nine month period ended December 31, 2009 from 29.5% in the nine month period ended December 28, 2008. The decline in gross profit margin was due mostly to lower volume in all markets as well as additional charges for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2009, respectively, related to the consolidation of our North American hoist and rigging operations and $2,900 for an atypical product liability reserve. The translation of foreign currencies had a $1,478 favorable and $282 unfavorable impact on gross profit for the quarter and nine month periods, respectively.

Selling expenses were $15,791 and $19,861 in the fiscal year third quarter 2010 and 2009, respectively. Selling expenses for the nine-months ended Fiscal 2010 and 2009 were $47,873 and $55,227, respectively. Decreases in the current quarter and the first nine months of the current fiscal year reflect aggressive efforts to reduce or eliminate costs, as well as $1,610 and $2,310 for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2009, respectively, of lower salaries, benefits and commissions on lower sales volume. Additionally, foreign currency translation had an $897 unfavorable and $167 of favorable impact on selling expenses for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2009, respectively.  As a percentage of consolidated net sales, selling expenses were 13.3% and 12.0% for the fiscal year third quarter 2010 and 2009, respectively. Selling expenses were 13.6% and 11.7% for the nine months ended fiscal year 2010 and 2009, respectively.

General and administrative expenses were $9,471, $8,630, $26,663, and $27,977 in the fiscal 2010 and 2009 quarters and the nine-month periods then ended, respectively. The increase in general and administrative expenses for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 was due primarily due to higher variable compensation expense of $1,486, and $300 of additional recruitment/relocation expenses, partially offset by $650 decrease in bad debt reserves and lower group health charge of $247 for fiscal 2010 compared fiscal 2009. Additionally, foreign currency translation had a $369 unfavorable and $61 favorable impact on general and administrative expenses for the three and nine month periods ended December 31, 2009. Decrease in the general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended December 31, 2009 compared to the same period prior year is primarily due to lower salaries and benefits as a result of the aggressive restructuring actions we have been implementing. As a percentage of consolidated net sales, general and administrative expenses were 8.0%, 5.2%, 7.5% and 5.9% in the fiscal 2010 and 2009 quarters and the nine-month periods, respectively.

Restructuring charges were $3,616, $990, $12,148, and $1,145 in the fiscal 2010 and 2009 quarters and the nine-month periods then ended, respectively. The fiscal 2010 restructuring costs for the three-month period include $3,045 in expense for severance costs related to workforce reductions, and $571 of other costs related to our reorganization plan. Costs for the nine-month period of fiscal 2010 include $950 of non-cash fixed asset impairment charges, the above items, as well as both voluntary $5,838 and involuntary $4,218 termination benefits related to workforce reductions in our North American sales force reorganization and other salaried workforce reductions, $724 of other costs related to our reorganization plan, and $418 of pension curtailment charges. The fiscal 2009 restructuring costs were $990 for severance related to workforce reductions and $155 for the consolidation of a U.S. crane manufacturing facility into another existing crane manufacturing facility.

Amortization of intangibles was $490, $421, $1,408, and $477 in the fiscal 2010 and 2009 quarters and the nine-month periods then ended, respectively. The increase was the result of amortization of intangibles acquired in the Pfaff-silberblau acquisition.

Interest and debt expense was $3,257, $3,604, $10,001, and $9,929 in the fiscal 2010 and 2009 quarters and the nine-month periods then ended, respectively. The decrease in the quarterly expense is the result of lower debt levels.

Investment (income) loss was ($361), $3,335, ($966), and $3,158 in the fiscal 2010 and 2009 quarters and the nine-month periods then ended, respectively. Fiscal 2009 included $3,628 and $4,014 of losses on investments deemed to be impaired on an other-than-temporary basis in the quarter and nine month periods, respectively.

Foreign currency exchange loss (gain) was $6, $1,759, ($633), and $2,548 in the fiscal 2010 and 2009 quarters and the nine-month periods then ended, respectively, as a result of foreign currency volatility related to purchases and intercompany debt.

 
 
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Other income, net was ($2,059), ($761), ($2,040) and ($3,194) in the fiscal 2010 and 2009 quarters and the nine-month periods then ended, respectively. The increase in other income, net in the 2010 quarter compared to the prior year is due to additional gains on the sale of assets.  The decrease in the 2010 nine-month period compared to the 2009 nine-month period is the result of reduced interest income resulting from lower interest rates and lower average cash balance.

Income tax (benefit) expense as a percentage of (loss) income from continuing operations before income tax (benefit) expense was 26.8%, 35.3%, 23.7% and 35.7% in the fiscal 2010 and 2009 quarters and the nine-month periods ended December 31, 2009 and December 28, 2008, respectively. The percentages vary from the U.S. statutory rate due to varying effective tax rates at our foreign subsidiaries, the jurisdictional mix of taxable income forecasted for these subsidiaries, and the impact of U.S. state franchise taxes unrelated to income.

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, was $133, ($685), $266, and ($2,651) in the fiscal 2010 and 2009 quarters and the nine-month periods then ended, respectively. The loss during the fiscal 2009 nine-month period ended December 28, 2008 related primarily to the Univeyor business that was divested in July 2008.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $51,034 at December 31, 2009, an increase of $11,798 from the March 31, 2009 balance of $39,236.

Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations was $17,142 for the nine months ended December 31, 2009 compared with $44,383 for the nine months ended December 28, 2008. The decrease was primarily due to lower operating performance on lower sales. The net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations for the nine months ended December 31, 2009 was primarily the result of $18,761 of cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities, which was driven by a $15,672 decrease in accounts receivable and a $15,721 decrease in inventory.  These were partially offset by a $10,783 decrease in accounts payable and a $3,769 decrease in accrued and non-current liabilities. The changes in accounts receivable, inventory, accounts payable, and accrued and non-current liabilities were the result of the decline in net sales due to the continued weakness in the global economy. The positive effect on cash from non-cash charges of $9,231 for depreciation and amortization and $1,527 for stock-based compensation were largely offset by a net loss from continuing operations of $7,739 and a $4,054 non-cash benefit from deferred income taxes. The net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations for the nine months ended December 28, 2008 was primarily the result of $26,771 of income from continuing operations plus non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization of $7,521, deferred income taxes of $8,684, loss on sale of real estate and investments of $2,943, stock-based compensation of $1,001, and $149 of other non-cash charges. These amounts were partially offset by $2,686 of cash used for changes in operating assets and liabilities, as a result of a $10,577 decrease in accounts receivable, $4,372 increase in inventory, and $9,113 decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The increase in inventory resulted from support for penetration of new European markets, upcoming new product launches, longer-duration projects and timing of offshore purchases. Net cash used by operating activities from discontinued operations, attributable to our former Univeyor A/S business, was $3,082 for the nine months ended December 28, 2008.

Net cash used by investing activities from continuing operations was $2,461 for the nine months ended December 31, 2009 compared with $62,435 for the nine months ended December 28, 2008. The net cash used by investing activities from continuing operations for the nine months ended December 31, 2009 consisted of $5,916 for capital expenditures and $75 for the net purchases of marketable securities. The net cash used by investing activities from continuing operations for the nine months ended December 28, 2008 was the result of $53,261 used to acquire Pfaff-silberblau, net of cash acquired, $8,504 for capital expenditures, and $1,939 for the net purchases of marketable securities, partially offset by $1,269 of proceeds from the sale of facilities and surplus real estate. Net cash provided by investing activities from discontinued operations, primarily attributable to payments received on our note receivable related to our 2002 sale of Automatic Systems, Inc, was $266 and $448 for the nine months ended December 31, 2009 and December 28, 2008, respectively.
 
 

 
 
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Net cash used by financing activities from continuing operations was $3,817 for the nine months ended December 31, 2009 compared with $10,980 for the nine months ended December 28, 2008. The net cash used by financing activities for the nine months ended December 31, 2009 consisted primarily of $4,176 of net debt payments and $188 of deferred financing fees, partially offset by $201 of proceeds from stock options exercised and $346 from the change in ESOP debt guarantee. The net cash used by financing activities from continuing operations for nine months ended December 28, 2008 consisted of $11,938 of net debt repayments, partially offset by $391 of proceeds from stock options exercised, $187 of tax benefit from exercise of stock options, and $380 from the change in ESOP debt guarantee. Net cash used by financing activities from discontinued operations, attributable to the repayments of amounts outstanding on lines of credit and fixed term bank debt of our former Univeyor A/S business, was $14,612 for the nine months ended December 28, 2008.

We believe that our cash on hand, cash flows, and borrowing capacity under our 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 which includes aggressive cost management, facility consolidations and effective working capital utilization. This is complemented by the fact that throughout the last economic recession spanning 2000 - 2004, we generated positive cash flows from operating activities.

We entered into an amended, restated and expanded revolving credit facility dated December 31, 2009. The new Revolving Credit Facility provides availability up to a maximum of $85,000.

The Revolving Credit Agreement has an initial term ending May 1, 2013, which can be extended to Dec 31, 2013 as long as our existing Senior Subordinated Notes are paid in full on or prior to May 1, 2013 from proceeds of permitted Indebtedness with a maturity of no earlier than January 5, 2014.

Provided there is no default, we may, on a one-time basis, request an increase in the availability of the Revolving Credit Facility by an amount not exceeding $65,000, subject to lender approval. The unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility totaled $77,726, net of outstanding borrowings of $0 and outstanding letters of credit of $7,274, as of December 31, 2009.  Interest on the revolver is payable at varying Eurodollar rates based on LIBOR or prime plus a spread determined by our total leverage ratio amounting to 325 or 225 basis points, respectively, at December 31, 2009. The Revolving Credit Facility is secured by all domestic inventory, receivables, equipment, real property, subsidiary stock (limited to 65% of foreign subsidiaries) and intellectual property.

The corresponding credit agreement associated with the Revolving Credit Facility places certain debt covenant restrictions on us, including certain financial requirements and restrictions on dividend payments, with which we were in compliance as of December 31, 2009. Key financial covenants include a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25x, a maximum total leverage ratio, net of cash, of 3.75x through June 30, 2010 and 3.5x thereafter, and maximum annual capital expenditures of $15,000 in fiscal 2010 and $18,000 thereafter excluding capital expenditures required for a global ERP system.

The Senior Subordinated 8 7/8% Notes (8 7/8% Notes) issued on September 2, 2005 amounted to $124,855 at December 31, 2009 and are due November 1, 2013. Provisions of the 8 7/8% Notes include limitations on indebtedness, asset sales, and dividends and other restricted payments. On or after November 1, 2009, the 8 7/8% Notes are redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, at prices declining annually from 104.438% to 100% on and after November 1, 2011. In the event of a Change of Control (as defined in the indenture for such notes), each holder of the 8 7/8% Notes may require us to repurchase all or a portion of such holder’s 8 7/8% Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof. The 8 7/8% Notes are guaranteed by certain existing and future U.S. subsidiaries and are not subject to any sinking fund requirements.

Our capital lease obligations related to property and equipment leases amounted to $7,692 at December 31, 2009. Capital lease obligations are included in senior debt in the consolidated balance sheets.

 
 
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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 December 31, 2009, significant unsecured credit lines totaled approximately $7,520, of which $998 was drawn.

In addition to the above facilities, our foreign subsidiaries have certain secured credit lines. As of December 31, 2009, significant secured credit lines totaled $2,148, of which $0 was drawn.

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, reduce production costs, increase flexibility to respond effectively to market fluctuations and changes, meet environmental requirements, enhance safety, and promote ergonomically correct work stations. Consolidated capital expenditures for the nine months ended December 31, 2009 and December 28, 2008 were $5,916 and $8,504, respectively. We expect capital spending for fiscal 2010 to be approximately $8,000 to $10,000 compared with $12,245 in fiscal 2009. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2010 primarily consist of investments required to accommodate facility consolidation and new product development activities.

Goodwill impairment testing

We test goodwill for impairment at least annually or more frequently whenever events or circumstances indicate that there is potential for impairment.  We currently have four reporting units of which two carry goodwill as of December 31, 2009. Key performance indicators for the Duff-Norton reporting unit were below budget and prior year levels for the six months ended September 30, 2009. Accordingly, we performed Step I impairment testing as of the end of the second quarter.  Step I testing was not considered necessary for the other reporting unit because, based on testing performed for prior year end, fair value of the reporting unit sufficiently exceeded book value and no new risk of impairment existed at September 30, 2009.

The goodwill impairment test consists of comparing the fair value of a reporting unit, determined using discounted cash flows, with its carrying amount including goodwill.  If the carrying amount of the reporting unit is less than the reporting unit’s fair value no impairment is recognized and Step two of the goodwill impairment testing is not necessary.

Based on our assessment as of September 30, 2009, fair value of the Duff-Norton reporting unit exceeded its book value by 6%; as such, no impairment charges related to goodwill or intangible assets were recorded during the six month period ended September 30, 2009. A decline in terminal growth rate greater than 50 basis points or an increase in the weighted-average cost of capital greater than 50 basis points would have indicated a potential impairment for this reporting unit at September 30, 2009. Step I was not considered necessary for the Rest of Products reporting unit because, based on testing performed at March 31, 2009, year end fair value of this reporting unit sufficiently exceeded book value and therefore no risk of impairment existed at September 30, 2009.

As of December 31, 2009, we concluded that no indicators of goodwill impairment existed, so an interim test was not performed. However, future impairment indicators, such as declines in forecasted cash flows, may cause additional significant impairment charges. Impairment charges could be based on such factors as our stock price, forecasted cash flows, assumptions used, control premiums or other variables.

 
 
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Inflation and Other Market Conditions

Our costs are affected by inflation in the U.S. economy and, to a lesser extent, in foreign economies including those of Europe, Canada, Mexico, South America, and the Asia Pacific region. We have been impacted by fluctuations in steel costs, which vary by type of steel and we continue to monitor them and address our pricing policies accordingly. In addition, U.S. employee benefits costs such as health insurance and pension, as well as energy costs have exceeded general inflation levels. Otherwise, we do not believe that general inflation has had a material effect on results of operations over the periods presented primarily due to overall low inflation levels of most costs over such periods and our ability to generally pass on rising costs through price increases or surcharges.  In the future, we may be further affected by inflation that we may not be able to offset with price increases or surcharges. Additionally, we are impacted by fluctuations in currency exchange rates which are primarily translational, but transactional fluctuations could also impact our financial results.

Seasonality and Quarterly Results

Quarterly results may be materially affected by the timing of large customer orders, periods of high vacation and holiday concentrations, gains or losses on early retirement of bonds, gains or losses in our portfolio of marketable securities, restructuring charges, favorable or unfavorable foreign currency translation, divestitures and acquisitions. Therefore, the operating results for any particular fiscal quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for any subsequent fiscal quarter or for the full fiscal year.

Effects of New Accounting Pronouncements

Effective July 1, 2009, we adopted ASC Topic 105-10, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles – Overall (“ASC 105-10”). ASC 105-10 establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification”) as the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative U.S. GAAP for SEC registrants. All guidance contained in the Codification carries an equal level of authority. The Codification superseded all existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. All other non-grandfathered, non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification is non-authoritative. The FASB will not issue new standards in the form of Statements, FASB Staff Positions or Emerging Issues Task Force Abstracts. Instead, it will issue Accounting Standards Updates (“ASUs”). The FASB will not consider ASUs as authoritative in their own right. ASUs will serve only to update the Codification, provide background information about the guidance and provide the bases for conclusions on the change(s) in the Codification. References made to FASB guidance throughout this document have been updated for the Codification.

On April 1, 2009 we adopted the provisions of ASC Topic 855 “Subsequent Events” which establishes principles and requirements for subsequent events. These provisions set forth the period after the balance sheet date during which management shall evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, circumstances under which an entity shall recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date, as well as the disclosures that an entity shall make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date.  The adoption of these provisions did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. We have evaluated subsequent events through January 29, 2010, the date this quarterly report on Form 10-Q was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We made no significant changes to our condensed consolidated financial statements as a result of our subsequent events evaluation.

 
 
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On April 1, 2009, we adopted the additional guidance issued under ASC Topic 820 through the issuance of  FSP Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly” (“FSP SFAS 157-4”). FSP SFAS 157-4 amends ASC Topic 820 to provide additional guidance on estimating fair value when the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability have significantly decreased in relation to normal market activity for the asset or liability. The FSP also provides additional guidance on circumstances that may indicate that a transaction is not orderly, and requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements in annual and interim reporting periods.  FSP SFAS No. 157-4 also supersedes FSP SFAS 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset is Not Active.” Disclosures required by this codification update are included in Notes 4, 8 and 9.

On April 1, 2009, we adopted the additional guidance issued under ASC Topic 320 and ASC Topic 325 through the issuance of FSP SFAS No. 115-2 and SFAS No. 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments” (“FSP SFAS 115-2 / 124-2”). This FSP extends existing disclosure requirements about debt and equity securities to interim reporting periods as well as provides new disclosure requirements. FSP SFAS 115-2 / 124-2 also provides new guidance on the recognition and presentation of an other-than-temporary impairment for debt securities classified as available for sale or held to maturity. Equity securities are excluded from the scope the FSP’s recognition and measurement provisions.  Refer to Note 6 for disclosures required as a result of the adoption of this codification update.

On April 1, 2009, we adopted additional guidance issued under ASC Topic 825 “Financial Instruments” through the issuance of FSP SFAS No. 107-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” (“FSP SFAS 107-1”) which requires disclosures about fair value of financial instruments in financial statements for interim reporting periods and in annual financial statements of publicly-traded companies. These provisions also require entities to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments in financial statements on an interim and annual basis and to highlight any changes from prior periods. The adoption of these provisions did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Disclosures required by this codification update are included in Notes 4, 8 and 9.

On April 1, 2009, we adopted the additional guidance issued under ASC Topic 815 “Derivatives and Hedging” through the issuance of SFAS No. 161 “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” which requires additional disclosures about the objectives of derivative instruments and hedging activities, the method of accounting for such instruments and a tabular disclosure of the effects of such instruments and related hedged items on our financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. The adoption of these provisions did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

On April 1, 2008, we adopted the additional guidance issued under ASC Topic 715 “Compensation – Retirement Benefits” through the issuance of FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 06-10, “Accounting for Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements” (“EITF 06-10”). In accordance with this codification update, an employer should recognize a liability for the postretirement benefit related to a collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangement. The provisions of EITF 06-10 were applied as a change in accounting principle through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings.  The adoption of EITF 06-10 resulted in a $774 reduction to the opening balance of retained earnings, recorded on April 1, 2008, the date of adoption.  The adoption of EITF 06-10 did not have a significant impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows, basic or diluted per share amounts.

On April 1, 2009, we adopted the provisions of ASC Topic 805 “Business Combinations” which requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction; establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed; and requires the acquirer to disclose all of the information required to evaluate and understand the nature and financial effect of the business combination. We adopted these provisions effective April 1, 2009 for future acquisitions and for deferred tax adjustments related to acquisitions completed before its effective date.

 
 
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In December 2008, the FASB issued additional guidance under ASC Topic 715 to require additional disclosures about assets held in an employer’s defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. This replaces the requirement to disclose the percentage of the fair value of total plan assets for each major category of plan assets, such as equity securities, debt securities, real estate and all other assets, with the fair value of each major asset category as of each annual reporting date for which a financial statement is presented. It also requires disclosure of the level within the fair value hierarchy in which each major category of plan assets falls, using the guidance in ASC Topic 820. This requirement is applicable for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. We will comply with these disclosure provisions after its effective date. We do not expect the adoption of this requirement to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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 3.      Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There have been no material changes in the market risks since the end of Fiscal 2009.


Item 4.
Controls and Procedures

As of December 31, 2009, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2009, to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is made known to them on a timely basis, and that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms.

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the most recent quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.




 
 
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Part II.    Other Information

Item 1.
Legal Proceedings – none.

Item 1A.
Risk Factors

There have been no material changes from the risk factors as previously disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2009.

Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds – none.

Item 3.
Defaults upon Senior Securities – none.

Item 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders – none.

Item 5.        Other Information – none.

Item 6.
Exhibits

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002



 
 
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SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements 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.


 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
 
 
(Registrant)
   
   
   
   
Date: January 29, 2010
 
/s/ Karen L. Howard
 
 
Karen L. Howard
 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial Officer)