q209.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 September 28, 2008
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 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 October 31, 2008 was:  19,037,151 shares.

 
 

 

FORM 10-Q INDEX
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
September 28, 2008


   
Page #
Part I. Financial Information
 
     
Item 1.
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
     
 
2
     
 
3
     
 
4
     
 
5
     
 
6
     
Item 2.
16
     
Item 3.
23
     
Item 4.
23
     
Part II. Other Information
 
     
Item 1.
24
     
Item 1A.
24
     
Item 2.
24
     
Item 3.
24
     
Item 4.
24
     
Item 5.
24
     
Item 6.
25


- 1 -


Part I.     Financial Information

Item 1.     Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

   
September 28,
   
March 31,
 
   
2008
   
2008
 
             
ASSETS:
 
(In thousands)
 
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 82,034     $ 75,994  
Trade accounts receivable
    94,165       93,833  
Inventories
    89,232       84,286  
Prepaid expenses
    24,796       17,320  
Current assets of discontinued operations
    -       17,334  
Total current assets
    290,227       288,767  
Property, plant, and equipment, net
    52,973       53,420  
Goodwill and other intangibles, net
    186,450       187,376  
Marketable securities
    29,130       29,807  
Deferred taxes on income
    16,954       17,570  
Other assets
    6,724       8,094  
Assets of discontinued operations
    -       5,001  
Total assets
  $ 582,458     $ 590,035  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
               
Current liabilities:
               
Notes payable to banks
  $ 17     $ 36  
Trade accounts payable
    35,135       35,149  
Accrued liabilities
    53,996       52,265  
Restructuring reserve
    -       58  
Current portion of long-term debt
    327       326  
Current liabilities of discontinued operations
    -       24,955  
Total current liabilities
    89,475       112,789  
Senior debt, less current portion
    2,917       3,066  
Subordinated debt
    129,855       129,855  
Other non-current liabilities
    50,882       48,844  
Total liabilities
    273,129       294,554  
Shareholders' equity
               
Common stock
    190       189  
Additional paid-in capital
    180,181       178,457  
Retained earnings
    141,933       122,400  
ESOP debt guarantee
    (2,570 )     (2,824 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (10,405 )     (2,741 )
Total shareholders' equity
    309,329       295,481  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 582,458     $ 590,035  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.





- 2 -




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


   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
September 28,
   
September 30,
   
September 28,
   
September 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
                         
Net sales
  $ 154,680     $ 144,977     $ 305,844     $ 286,427  
Cost of products sold
    109,108       99,681       211,747       197,799  
Gross profit
    45,572       45,296       94,097       88,628  
                                 
Selling expenses
    17,164       16,882       35,366       32,426  
General and administrative expenses
    9,446       8,311       19,347       16,588  
Restructuring charges
    155       394       155       402  
Amortization of intangibles
    29       25       56       53  
      26,794       25,612       54,924       49,469  
                                 
Income from operations
    18,778       19,684       39,173       39,159  
Interest and debt expense
    3,132       3,369       6,325       7,329  
Cost of bond redemptions
    -       1,443       -       1,443  
Investment loss (income)
    114       (257 )     (177 )     (551 )
Other (income) and expense, net
    (872 )     (439 )     (1,644 )     (1,378 )
Income before income tax expense
    16,404       15,568       34,669       32,316  
Income tax expense
    5,897       5,698       12,396       11,992  
Income from continuing operations
    10,507       9,870       22,273       20,324  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (net of tax benefit)
    130       (417 )     (1,966 )     (1,351 )
Net income
    10,637       9,453       20,307       18,973  
Retained earnings - beginning of period
    131,296       94,571       122,400       85,237  
Change in accounting principle (note 11)
    -       -       (774 )     (186 )
Retained earnings - end of period
  $ 141,933     $ 104,024     $ 141,933     $ 104,024  
                                 
Basic income per share:
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 0.55     $ 0.53     $ 1.18     $ 1.09  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    0.01       (0.02 )     (0.10 )     (0.07 )
Net income
  $ 0.56     $ 0.51     $ 1.08     $ 1.02  
                                 
Diluted income per share:
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 0.54     $ 0.51     $ 1.16     $ 1.06  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    0.01       (0.02 )     (0.10 )     (0.07 )
Net income
  $ 0.55     $ 0.49     $ 1.06     $ 0.99  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

- 3 -



 COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
September 28,
   
September 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net income
  $ 20,307     $ 18,973  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Loss from discontinued operations
    1,966       1,351  
Depreciation and amortization
    4,512       4,057  
Deferred income taxes
    8,016       10,115  
Gain on sale of real estate/investments
    (649 )     (333 )
Loss on early retirement of bonds
    -       1,106  
Stock-based compensation
    974       395  
Amortization/write-off of deferred financing costs
    266       643  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
net of effects of business divestitures:
               
Trade accounts receivable
    (584 )     603  
Inventories
    (5,301 )     (12,146 )
Prepaid expenses
    (837 )     1,203  
Other assets
    1,042       (981 )
Trade accounts payable
    88       2,643  
Accrued and non-current liabilities
    1,443       (108 )
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations
    31,243       27,521  
Net cash used by operating activities from discontinued operations
    (2,214 )     (3,637 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    29,029       23,884  
                 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities
    313       12,776  
Purchases of marketable securities
    (999 )     (13,487 )
Capital expenditures
    (5,014 )     (4,954 )
Proceeds from sale of assets
    1,269       5,454  
Net cash used by investing activities from continuing operations
    (4,431 )     (211 )
Net cash provided by investing activities from discontinued operations
    265       253  
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities
    (4,166 )     42  
                 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    391       1,061  
Net payments under revolving line-of-credit agreements
    (19 )     (777 )
Repayment of debt
    (125 )     (23,326 )
Other
    441       281  
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities from continuing operations
    688       (22,761 )
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities from discontinued operations
    (14,612 )     780  
Net cash used by financing activities
    (13,924 )     (21,981 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    (4,899 )     3,028  
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    6,040       4,973  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    75,994       48,655  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 82,034     $ 53,628  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

- 4 -


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

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
September 28,
   
September 30,
   
September 28,
   
September 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                         
Net income
  $ 10,637     $ 9,453     $ 20,307     $ 18,973  
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
                               
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    (7,638 )     3,738       (6,691 )     5,375  
Unrealized (loss) gain on investments:
                               
Unrealized holding (loss) gain arising during the period
    (1,157 )     106       (1,363 )     107  
Reclassification adjustment for loss (gain) included in net income
    388       (1 )     390       (45 )
      (769 )     105       (973 )     62  
Total other comprehensive (loss) income
    (8,407 )     3,843       (7,664 )     5,437  
Comprehensive income
  $ 2,230     $ 13,296     $ 12,643     $ 24,410  

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)
September 28, 2008

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 September 28, 2008 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the three and six-month periods ended September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007, have been included. Results for the period ended September 28, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended March 31, 2009. The balance sheet at March 31, 2008 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, 2008.

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

2. Discontinued  Operations

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 Solutions segment. In accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” the results of operations of the Univeyor business have been classified as discontinued operations in the condensed, consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations and statements of cash flows presented herein.  Income from discontinued operations presented herein also includes payments received on a note receivable related to our 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:
   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
September 28,
   
September 30,
   
September 28,
   
September 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Net sales
  $ -     $ 6,433     $ 8,982     $ 13,093  
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
    218       (496 )     (1,223 )     (1,693 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    88       (79 )     163       (342 )
Income (loss) from operations, net of tax expense (benefit)
    130       (417 )     (1,386 )     (1,351 )
Loss on sale of discontinued operations
    -       -       (14,627 )     -  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    130       (417 )     (16,013 )     (1,351 )
Tax benefit from sale
    -       -       14,047       -  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax expense (benefit)
  $ 130     $ (417 )   $ (1,966 )   $ (1,351 )

- 6 -



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.

Prior to the disposal of Univeyor A/S, during the past year as part of Univeyor’s ongoing business, the Company had provided performance guarantees to certain customers and a third party for the satisfactory completion of contracts to design, manufacture and install its integrated material handling conveyor systems. Pursuant to the terms of the share purchase agreement, the Company has agreed to continue to provide performance guarantees on certain pre-existing contracts totaling approximately $9,200 as of September 28, 2008 based on current exchange rates. Approximately $5,000 of these guarantees is expected to expire by the end of fiscal 2009 unless released by the third parties prior thereto, with the remaining guarantees expiring at various times during 2010 through fiscal 2012. Historically, none of Univeyor’s customers has ever made a claim against either Univeyor A/S or the Company for indemnification on the performance guarantees. The terms of the share purchase agreement provide that the purchaser indemnify the Company for and hold it harmless against any loss, liability, or claim arising from the guarantees after the date of sale. However, as a result of the global credit crisis, liquidity has become an area of growing concern as it affects Univeyor, the purchaser and the purchaser’s affiliated companies. Performance under these guarantees is dependent upon Univeyor’s ability to generate sufficient cash flow and secure performance bonds for future projects. Accordingly, the Company’s potential loss under these guarantees, if any, cannot be reasonably estimated at this time, and no liability has been recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets relating to these guarantees.

3. Fair Value Measurements

Beginning in fiscal year 2009, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” (“SFAS 157”) for all 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 this standard, 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 adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

SFAS No. 157 establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company's assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is separated into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:

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

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

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

- 7 -



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

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

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

         
Fair value measurements at reporting date using
 
Description
 
At September 28, 2008
   
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
   
Significant other observable inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant unobservable inputs
(Level 3)
 
Assets:
                       
Marketable securities
  $ 29,130     $ 29,130     $ -     $ -  

As of September 28, 2008, the Company did not have any nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company did not elect to implement the fair value options allowed under this standard.

4. Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following:

   
September 28,
   
March 31,
 
   
2008
   
2008
 
At cost - FIFO basis:
           
Raw materials
  $ 47,062     $ 44,594  
Work-in-process
    12,483       10,454  
Finished goods
    47,472       44,102  
      107,017       99,150  
LIFO cost less than FIFO cost
    (17,785 )     (14,864 )
Net inventories
  $ 89,232     $ 84,286  

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 forces beyond management's control, interim results are subject to the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation.

- 8 -


5. 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
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
September 28,
   
September 30,
   
September 28,
   
September 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Service costs
  $ 1,105     $ 1,094     $ 2,211     $ 2,188  
Interest cost
    2,206       2,019       4,412       4,038  
Expected return on plan assets
    (2,299 )     (2,043 )     (4,598 )     (4,086 )
Net amortization
    295       450       589       900  
Net periodic pension cost
  $ 1,307     $ 1,520     $ 2,614     $ 3,040  

The following table sets forth the components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the Company’s defined benefit postretirement plans:
   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
September 28,
   
September 30,
   
September 28,
   
September 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Service costs
  $ 1     $ 1     $ 2     $ 2  
Interest cost
    167       146       334       292  
Amortization of plan net losses
    116       96       231       192  
Net periodic postretirement cost
  $ 284     $ 243     $ 567     $ 486  

For additional information on the Company’s defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans, refer to Note 11 in the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2008.

6. Income Taxes

Income tax expense as a percentage of income from continuing operations before income tax expense was 35.9%, 36.6%, 35.8%, and 37.1% in the fiscal 2009 and 2008 quarters and the six-month periods then ended, respectively. The percentages vary from the U.S. statutory rate due to varying effective tax rates at our foreign subsidiaries, and the jurisdictional mix of taxable income forecasted for these subsidiaries.

7. Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
September 28,
   
September 30,
   
September 28,
   
September 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
                       
Net income
  $ 10,637     $ 9,453     $ 20,307     $ 18,973  
                                 
Denominators:
                               
Weighted-average common stock outstanding -denominator for basic EPS
    18,857       18,717       18,838       18,677  
                                 
Effect of dilutive employee stock options and awards
    341       426       372       438  
                                 
Adjusted weighted-average common stock outstanding and assumed conversions – denominator for diluted EPS
    19,198       19,143       19,210       19,115  

- 9 -



During the first six months of fiscal 2009, a total of 40,750 shares of stock were issued upon the exercising of stock options related to the Company’s stock option plans, and 13,863 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.

8. Business Segment Information

SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” 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 the first quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company re-evaluated its operating and reportable segments in connection with the discontinuation 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 our 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. Prior period financial information included herein has been restated to reflect the financial position and results of operations as one segment.

9. 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.

   
Parent
   
Guarantors
   
Non
Guarantors
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
As of September 28, 2008
                             
Current assets:
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 12,311     $ 43     $ 69,680     $     $ 82,034  
Trade accounts receivable
    65,365             28,800             94,165  
Inventories
    37,139       19,843       34,615       (2,365 )     89,232  
Other current assets
    13,833       820       10,143             24,796  
Total current assets
    128,648       20,706       143,238       (2,365 )     290,227  
Property, plant, and equipment, net
    26,354       11,751       14,868             52,973  
Goodwill and other intangibles, net
    89,014       57,032       40,404             186,450  
Intercompany
    63,430       (52,736 )     (82,701 )     72,007        
Other assets
    61,978       194,881       30,571       (234,622 )     52,808  
Total assets
  $ 369,424     $ 231,634     $ 146,380     $ (164,980 )   $ 582,458  
                                         
Current liabilities
    43,261       17,689       31,772       (3,247 )     89,475  
Long-term debt, less current portion
    129,855       2,709       208             132,772  
Other non-current liabilities
    12,911       10,577       27,394             50,882  
Total liabilities
    186,027       30,975       59,374       (3,247 )     273,129  
Shareholders' equity
    183,397       200,659       87,006       (161,733 )     309,329  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 369,424     $ 231,634     $ 146,380     $ (164,980 )   $ 582,458  


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Parent
   
Guarantors
   
Non
Guarantors
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
For the Six Months Ended September 28, 2008
                             
Net sales
  $ 155,392     $ 85,901     $ 87,368     $ (22,817 )   $ 305,844  
Cost of products sold
    114,114       64,984       55,466       (22,817 )     211,747  
Gross profit
    41,278       20,917       31,902             94,097  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    25,347       10,030       19,336             54,713  
Restructuring charges
    155                         155  
Amortization of intangibles
    54       2                   56  
      25,556       10,032       19,336             54,924  
Income from operations
    15,722       10,885       12,566             39,173  
Interest and debt expense
    5,478       828       19             6,325  
Other (income) and expense, net
    (577 )     (942 )     (302 )           (1,821 )
Income before income tax expense
    10,821       10,999       12,849             34,669  
Income tax expense
    4,590       4,279       3,527             12,396  
Income from continuing operations
    6,231       6,720       9,322             22,273  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    265             (2,231 )           (1,966 )
Net income
  $ 6,496     $ 6,720     $ 7,091     $     $ 20,307  


For the Six Months Ended September 28, 2008
                             
Operating activities:
                             
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities from continuing operations
  $ 19,725     $ (6 )   $ 11,524     $     $ 31,243  
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities from discontinued operations
    4             (2,218 )           (2,214 )
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities
    19,729       (6 )     9,306             29,029  
                                         
Investing activities:
                                       
Purchase of marketable securities, net
                (686 )           (686 )
Capital expenditures
    (2,124 )     (903 )     (1,987 )           (5,014 )
Proceeds from sale of assets
          1,269                   1,269  
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities from continuing operations
    (2,124 )     366       (2,673 )           (4,431 )
Net cash provided by investing activities from discontinued operations
    265                         265  
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities
    (1,859 )     366       (2,673 )           (4,166 )
                                         
Financing activities:
                                       
Proceeds from stock options exercised
    391                         391  
Net (payments) borrowings under revolving       line-of-credit agreements
    (23,000 )           22,981             (19 )
Repayment of debt
          (93 )     (32 )           (125 )
Other
    441                         441  
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities from continuing operations
    (22,168 )     (93 )     22,949             688  
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities from discontinued operations
    (15,191 )           579             (14,612 )
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities
    (37,359 )     (93 )     23,528             (13,924 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
          117       (5,016 )           (4,899 )
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    (19,489 )     384       25,145             6,040  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    31,800       (341 )     44,535             75,994  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 12,311     $ 43     $ 69,680     $     $ 82,034  

 

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Parent
   
Guarantors
   
Non
Guarantors
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
As of March 31, 2008
                             
Current assets:
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 31,800     $ (341 )   $ 44,535     $     $ 75,994  
Trade accounts receivable
    62,992             30,841             93,833  
Inventories
    35,375       18,797       32,479       (2,365 )     84,286  
Other current assets
    8,264       1,025       8,031             17,320  
Current assets of discontinued operations
                17,334             17,334  
Total current assets
    138,431       19,481       133,220       (2,365 )     288,767  
Property, plant, and equipment, net
    26,834       11,916       14,670             53,420  
Goodwill and other intangibles, net
    89,008       57,034       41,334             187,376  
Intercompany
    50,555       (59,869 )     (64,821 )     74,135        
Other assets
    79,909       194,783       30,636       (249,857 )     55,471  
Assets of discontinued operations
                5,001             5,001  
Total assets
  $ 384,737     $ 223,345     $ 160,040     $ (178,087 )   $ 590,035  
                                         
Current liabilities of continuous operations
  $ 42,714     $ 15,951     $ 30,288     $ (1,119 )   $ 87,834  
Current liabilities of discontinued operations
                24,955             24,955  
Current liabilities
    42,714       15,951       55,243       (1,119 )     112,789  
Long-term debt, less current portion
    129,855       2,815       251             132,921  
Other non-current liabilities
    12,312       10,757       25,775             48,844  
Total liabilities
    184,881       29,523       81,269       (1,119 )     294,554  
Shareholders' equity
    199,856       193,822       78,771       (176,968 )     295,481  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 384,737     $ 223,345     $ 160,040     $ (178,087 )   $ 590,035  


For the Six Months Ended September 30, 2007
                             
Net sales
  $ 145,976     $ 85,899     $ 74,469     $ (19,917 )   $ 286,427  
Cost of products sold
    106,731       63,341       47,644       (19,917 )     197,799  
Gross profit
    39,245       22,558       26,825             88,628  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    23,074       8,657       17,283             49,014  
Restructuring charges
    402                         402  
Amortization of intangibles
    51       2                   53  
      23,527       8,659       17,283             49,469  
Income from operations
    15,718       13,899       9,542             39,159  
Interest and debt expense
    5,228       2,037       64             7,329  
Other (income) and expense, net
    806       (227 )     (1,065 )           (486 )
Income before income tax expense
    9,684       12,089       10,543             32,316  
Income tax expense
    4,083       4,901       3,008             11,992  
Income from continuing operations
    5,601       7,188       7,535             20,324  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    278             (1,629 )           (1,351 )
Net income
  $ 5,879     $ 7,188     $ 5,906     $     $ 18,973  



- 12 -



   
Parent
   
Guarantors
   
Non
Guarantors
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
For the Six Months Ended September 30, 2007
                             
Operating activities:
                             
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities from continuing operations
  $ 26,428     $ (4,675 )   $ 5,768     $     $ 27,521  
Net cash used by operating activities from discontinued operations
                (3,637 )           (3,637 )
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities
    26,428       (4,675 )     2,131             23,884  
                                         
Investing activities:
                                       
Purchases of marketable securities, net
                (711 )           (711 )
Capital expenditures
    (2,965 )     (1,071 )     (918 )           (4,954 )
Proceeds from sale of assets
          5,454                   5,454  
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities from continuing operations
    (2,965 )     4,383       (1,629 )           (211 )
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities from discontinued operations
    278             (25 )           253  
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities
    (2,687 )     4,383       (1,654 )           42  
                                         
Financing activities:
                                       
Proceeds from stock options exercised
    1,061                         1,061  
Net payments under revolving line-of-creditagreements
                (777 )           (777 )
(Repayment) borrowings of debt
    (23,481 )     (55 )     210             (23,326 )
Other
    281                         281  
Net cash used by financing activities from continuing operations
    (22,139 )     (55 )     (567 )           (22,761 )
Net cash provided by financing activities from discontinued operations
                780             780  
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities
    (22,139 )     (55 )     213             (21,981 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
          (121 )     3,149             3,028  
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    1,602       (468 )     3,839             4,973  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    18,366       (1,162 )     31,451             48,655  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 19,968     $ (1,630 )   $ 35,290     $     $ 53,628  

10. 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, 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 through March 2026 and March 2038 to range between $5,000 and $15,000 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 $7,900 which has been reflected as a liability in the consolidated financial statements as of September 28, 2008. 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,

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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 $400 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.

11. New Accounting Standards

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS 161”), which requires additional disclosures about the objectives of derivative instruments and hedging activities, the method of accounting for such instruments under SFAS No. 133 and its related interpretations, 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. SFAS No. 161 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 161 to have a material impact on its financial statements.

On April 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation ("FIN") No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” (“FIN 48”) an interpretation of SFAS No. 109. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized under SFAS 109. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and also provides guidance on various related matters such as derecognition, interest and penalties, and disclosure. The adoption of FIN 48 resulted in a $186 reduction to the opening balance of retained earnings, recorded on April 1, 2007, the date of adoption.

On April 1, 2008, the Company adopted the provisions 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 EITF 06-10, an employer should recognize a liability for the postretirement benefit related to a collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangement in accordance with either SFAS No. 106, Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions, or APB Opinion 12, Omnibus Opinion—1967. The provisions of EITF 6-10 were applied as a change in accounting principle through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings.  The adoption of EITF 6-10 resulted in a $774 reduction to the opening balance of retained earnings, recorded on April 1, 2008, the date of adoption.

On April 1, 2008, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands the required disclosure for fair value measurements. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. See Footnote No. 3, “Fair Value Measurements,” for additional information.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings. SFAS No. 159 was effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company did not elect to implement the fair value options allowed under this standard.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)” (“SFAS 158”). Among other items, SFAS 158 requires recognition of the overfunded or underfunded status of an entity’s defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in the financial statements and requires recognition of the funded status of defined benefit postretirement plans in other comprehensive income. The Company adopted all of the currently required provisions of SFAS 158 in fiscal 2007. This statement also requires an entity to measure a defined benefit postretirement plan’s assets and obligations that determine its funded status as of the end of the employers’ fiscal year. This requirement is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. The Company does not expect the adoption of this requirement to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

- 14 -



In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007) “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141(R)”). SFAS 141(R) 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. This statement is effective for acquisition dates on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS 141(R) will have on its consolidated financial statements.

12. Subsequent Events

On October 1, 2008, the Company acquired  Pfaff Beteiligungs GmbH (“Pfaff-silberblau”), a leading European supplier of lifting, material handling and actuator products with revenue of approximately $90 million USD, in 2007. Pfaff-silberblau is a leading European hoist and material handling equipment brand which complements the Company’s existing business in the region. Its actuator business provides the Company with technical engineering expertise, access to the growing European market and diversifies the Company’s existing North American business. The Pfaff-silberblau acquisition will strengthen the Company’s global sales to help level geographic economic cycles and meet its strategic objectives. The Company acquired the Kissing, Germany based Pfaff-silberblau for approximately $53 million USD. The acquisition was funded with existing cash.

On October 8, 2008, the Company used cash on hand to redeem $5,000 of the outstanding 8 7/8% Notes. The redemption included a $300 discount.  As a result of the redemption, $56 of unamortized financing costs were written-off.
 
Subsequent to the second quarter of fiscal 2009, we have entered into cross currency swaps and foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge changes in the value of intercompany loans to a certain foreign subsidiary due to changes in foreign exchange rates. The notional amount of these hedges is approximately $14.5 million.

 


- 15 -



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

Executive Overview

We are a leading manufacturer and marketer of a wide variety of powered and manually operated wire rope and chain hoists, industrial crane systems, chain, hooks and attachments, actuators, rotary unions, lift tables and industrial components 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 have developed our leading market position over our 133-year history by emphasizing technological innovation, manufacturing excellence and superior after-sale service. In addition, acquisitions have significantly broadened our product lines and services and expanded our geographic reach, end-user markets and customer base. Ongoing operation of these businesses includes extending our sales activities to the European and Asian marketplaces and improving our productivity. We are executing those initiatives through expanded sales activities, our Lean manufacturing efforts and new product development. Shareholder value will be enhanced through continued emphasis on improvement of the fundamentals including manufacturing efficiency, cost containment, efficient capital investment, market expansion and excellent customer satisfaction.

We maintain a strong North American market share with significant leading market positions in hoists, lifting and sling chain, and forged attachments. To broaden our product offering in markets where we have a strong competitive position as well as to facilitate penetration into new geographic markets, we have heightened our new product development activities. Such activities have been focused on product line offerings of hoist and rigging products in accordance with international standards, to complement our offering of products designed in accordance with U.S. standards. Our efforts to expand our global sales are being accomplished through the introduction of certain of our products that historically have been distributed only in North America and also by introducing new products through our existing European distribution network. Furthermore, we continue to leverage our on-the-ground sales forces as well as distribution relationships in China to capture the growing demand for material handling products as that economy continues to industrialize. Our internal organization supports these strategic initiatives through division of responsibility for North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific. Strategically, the investments in international markets and new products are part of our focus on our greatest opportunities for growth. To compliment our organic growth activities, we are also seeking acquisitions or joint ventures. Over the long term, the focus of our acquisition strategy centers on opportunities for international revenue growth and product line expansion in alignment with our existing offering.

The recently evolved global credit crisis has caused us to reflect on the current state of our business.  First, we currently stand with a strong capital structure which includes excess cash reserves, significant revolver availability with expiration dating to 2011, 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 the external credit crisis.  Secondly, we are prepared to manage our business through this cycle, with a lower fixed cost footprint than prior cycles and flexibility to manage costs and deliveries enabled through our Lean manufacturing profile.  Additionally, our revenue base is more geographically diverse than in our Company’s history, with approximately 40% derived outside the U.S., pro forma for the effects of our October 1, 2008 Pfaff acquisition, 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, which has weakened over recent months, as an indicator of anticipated U.S. demand for our product. In addition, we continue to monitor the potential impact of other global and U.S. trends, including energy costs, steel price fluctuations, interest rates, currency impact and activity in a variety of end-user markets around the globe, which have been volatile of late.

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

- 16 -


implementation of our Lean manufacturing 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 manufacturing, 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 $40,000 to $45,000 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. However, during the second quarter of fiscal 2009, we were impacted by rapid increases in the cost of materials (steel and other components), freight, and utilities, especially in the latter half of the quarter. Certain of these costs are expected to decline in the fiscal third quarter, and we are taking aggressive measures to manage our pricing practices and fine tune our cost structure to be prepared for potential slower demand for our products.

As part of the continuing evaluation of our business strategy, we determined that our integrated material handling conveyor systems business (Univeyor A/S) no longer provided a strategic fit with our long-term growth and operational objectives. On July 25, 2008, we completed the sale of our Univeyor business. The results of this business were accounted for as discontinued operations for the quarters presented herein.

Also, as part of our strategic growth plan, on October 1, 2008, we acquired Pfaff Beteiligungs GmbH (“Pfaff-silberblau”), a leading European supplier of lifting, material handling and actuator products with revenue of approximately $90 million USD, in 2007. Pfaff-silberblau is a leading European hoist material handling equipment and actuator brand which complements our existing business in the region. Its actuator business provides us with technical engineering expertise, access to the growing European market and diversifies our existing North American business. The Pfaff-silberblau acquisition will strengthen our global sales and meet our strategic objectives. We acquired the Kissing, Germany based Pfaff-silberblau for approximately $53 million USD, funded with existing cash.

We continue to operate in a highly competitive and global business environment faced with significant uncertainty at the present time. We face a variety of challenges and 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 growth strategy, we are prepared to weather a downturn with our strong capital structure, solid cash position and flexible cost base.  We are aggressively addressing costs to buffer the impact on margins and will rapidly implement change where needed.

Results of Operations

Three Months and Six Months Ended September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007
Net sales in the fiscal 2009 quarter ended September 28, 2008 were $154,680, up $9,703 or 6.7% from the fiscal 2008 quarter ended September 30, 2007 net sales of $144,977. Net sales for the six month period ended September 28, 2008 were $305,844, up $19,417 or 6.8% from the six months ended September 30, 2007 net sales of $286,427. The increase is due to the continued strength of the U.S. and European industrial markets, as well as the impact of price increases/surcharges of $7,200 and $10,900 in the quarter and six month period ended September 28, 2008, respectively. Translation of foreign currencies, particularly the Euro and Canadian dollar, into U.S. dollars contributed $2,000 and $6,000 toward the increase in sales for the quarter and six month period ended September 28, 2008, respectively.

Gross profit in the fiscal 2009 quarter ended September 28, 2008 was $45,572, up $276 or 0.6% from the fiscal 2008 quarter ended September 30, 2007 gross profit of $45,296. Gross profit margin decreased to 29.5% in the fiscal 2009 quarter from 31.2% in the fiscal 2008 quarter. Gross profit in the six month period ended September 28, 2008 was $94,097, up $5,469 or 6.2% from the six month period ended September 30, 2007 gross profit of $88,628. Gross profit margin decreased to 30.8% in the six month period ended September 28, 2008 from 30.9% in the six month period ended September 30, 2007. The fiscal 2009 quarter gross profit margin was negatively impacted by rapid unrecovered increases in the cost of materials, freight, and utilities and the effect of hurricane Ike in the United States gulf coast region.

Selling expenses were $17,164, $16,882, $35,366 and $32,426 in the fiscal 2009 and 2008 quarters and the six-month periods then ended, respectively. The increase in fiscal 2009 quarter compared to the fiscal 2008 quarter is primarily due

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to an additional $400 resulting from translation of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars. The increase in fiscal 2009 six-month period compared to the fiscal 2008 six-month period is primarily due to our increased investment to support our strategic growth initiatives which include international markets, especially Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America ($1,100), the Company’s marketing efforts in the energy and non-residential construction markets in North America ($800), and translation of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars ($1,100). As a percentage of consolidated net sales, selling expenses were 11.1%, 11.6%, 11.6%, and 11.3% in the fiscal 2009 and 2008 quarters and the six-month periods then ended, respectively.

General and administrative expenses were $9,446, $8,311, $19,347 and $16,588 in the fiscal 2009 and 2008 quarters and the six-month periods then ended, respectively. The increase in administrative expenses was primarily the result of increased personnel costs for new market investments and global management ($400 for the six-month period ended September 28, 2008), increased new product development costs ($100 and $250 for the quarter and six-month period ended September 28, 2008, respectively), an increase in our accounts receivable reserves ($600 and $1,400 for the quarter and six-month period ended September 28, 2008, respectively) and the translation of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars ($100 and $400 for the quarter and six-month period ended September 28, 2008, respectively). As a percentage of consolidated net sales, general and administrative expenses were 6.1%, 5.7%, 6.3%, and 5.8% in the fiscal 2009 and 2008 quarters and the six-month periods then ended, respectively.

Restructuring charges were $155, $394, $155, and $402 in the fiscal 2009 and 2008 quarters and the six-month periods then ended, respectively. The fiscal 2009 restructuring costs were related to the consolidation of a U.S. crane manufacturing facility into another existing crane manufacturing facility. The 2008 restructuring costs related to the partial demolition of an older and underutilized U.S. facility.

Interest and debt expense was $3,132, $3,369, $6,325, and $7,329 in the fiscal 2009 and 2008 quarters and the six-month periods then ended, respectively. This decrease is the result of lower debt levels.

Cost of bond redemptions of $1,443 in both the quarter and six-month periods ended September 30, 2007 were related to the redemption of all of our outstanding Senior Secured 10% Notes.  There were no bond redemptions in the fiscal 2009 six-month period ended September 28, 2008.

Income tax expense as a percentage of income from continuing operations before income tax expense was 35.9%, 36.6%, 35.8%, and 37.1% in the fiscal 2009 and 2008 quarters and the six-month periods then ended, respectively. The percentages vary from the U.S. statutory rate due to varying effective tax rates at our foreign subsidiaries and the jurisdictional mix of taxable income forecasted for these subsidiaries.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $82,034 at September 28, 2008, an increase of $6,040 from the March 31, 2008 balance of $75,994. On October 1, 2008, we used approximately $53 million of cash on hand to acquire Pfaff-silberblau.

Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations was $31,243 for the six months ended September 28, 2008 compared with $27,521 for the six months ended September 30, 2007. The net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations for the six months ended September 28, 2008 is primarily the result of $22,273 of income from continuing operations plus non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization of $4,512, deferred income taxes of $8,016, and $591 of other non-cash charges. These amounts were partially offset by $4,149 of cash used for changes in operating assets and liabilities, primarily the result of a $5,301 increase in inventory. The net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations for the six months ended September 30, 2007 is primarily the result of $20,324 of income from continuing operations plus a $1,106 loss on early retirement of bonds and non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization of $4,057 and deferred income taxes of $10,115. These amounts were partially offset by $8,786 of cash used for changes in operating assets and liabilities, primarily the result of a $12,146 increase in inventory offset by a $2,643 increase in accounts payable. The increase in inventory in both periods 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 Univeyor business, was $2,214 and $3,637 for the six months ended September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively.

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Net cash used by investing activities from continuing operations was $4,431 for the six months ended September 28, 2008 compared with $211 for the six months ended September 30, 2007. The net cash used by investing activities from continuing operations for the six ended September 28, 2008 was the result of $5,014 used for capital expenditures and $686 for the net purchases of marketable securities, partially offset by $1,269 of proceeds from the sale of facilities and surplus real estate. The net cash used by investing activities from continuing operations for the six months ended September 30, 2007 was the result of $4,954 used for capital expenditures and $711 for the net purchases of marketable securities, partially offset by $5,454 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 sale of Automatic Systems, Inc, was $265 and $253 for the six months ended September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively.

Net cash provided by financing activities from continuing operations was $688 for the six months ended September 28, 2008 compared with $22,761 of cash used by financing activities from continuing operations for the six months ended September 30, 2007. The net cash provided by financing activities from continuing operations for six months ended September 28, 2008 consisted primarily of $391 of proceeds from stock options exercised, $187 of tax benefit from exercise of stock options and $254 from the change in ESOP debt guarantee, partially offset by $144 of net debt repayments. The net cash provided by financing activities from continuing operations for the six months ended September 30, 2007 consisted primarily of $24,103 of net debt repayments, including the repurchase of all $22,125 of our outstanding 10% notes in August 2007. Cash used for debt repayments was partially offset by $1,061 of proceeds from stock options exercised and $281 from the change in ESOP debt guarantee. Net cash provided by financing activities from discontinued operations, attributable to borrowings on revolving lines of credit agreements at our Univeyor business, was $579 for the six months ended September 28, 2008, compared with $780 for the six months ended September 30, 2007. In addition, the Company repaid $15,191 of amounts outstanding on Univeyor’s lines of credit and fixed term bank debt during the six months ended September 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 continued implementation of new market penetration, new product development, Lean manufacturing and improving 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.

Our Revolving Credit Facility provides availability up to $75,000. Provided there is no default, the Company may request an increase in the availability of the Revolving Credit Facility by an amount not exceeding $50,000 subject to lender approval. The Revolving Credit Facility matures February 2011.

The unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility totaled $64,187, net of outstanding borrowings of zero and outstanding letters of credit of $10,813 as of September 28, 2008. Interest is payable at a Eurodollar Rate or a prime rate plus an applicable margin determined by our leverage ratio. At our current leverage ratio, we qualify for the lowest applicable margin level, which amounts to 87.5 basis points for Eurodollar borrowings and zero basis points for prime rate based borrowings. The Revolving Credit Facility is secured by all domestic inventory, receivables, equipment, real property, subsidiary stock (limited to 65% for 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 a limitation on dividend payments.  The financial covenants are limited to a senior leverage ratio and a fixed charge coverage ratio with which the Company is in compliance as of September 28, 2008.  These covenants are set at levels which allow the Company extreme flexibility relative to deteriorating market conditions given the Company’s low level of outstanding senior debt and its favorable cash flow profile.

The Senior Subordinated 8 7/8% Notes (8 7/8% Notes) issued on September 2, 2005 amounted to $129,855 at September 28, 2008 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. Until November 1, 2008, we may redeem up to 35% of the outstanding notes at a redemption price of 108.875% with the proceeds of equity offerings, subject to certain restrictions. 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

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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. On October 8, 2008 the Company used cash on hand to redeem $5,000 of the outstanding 8 7/8% Notes. The redemption included a $300 discount.  As a result of the redemption, $56 of unamortized financing costs were written-off in the third quarter of fiscal 2009.

International lines of credit are available to meet short-term working capital needs for our subsidiaries operating outside of the United States. 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. In addition to these facilities, our foreign subsidiaries have certain fixed term bank loans. The outstanding balance of international lines of credit and foreign subsidiary fixed bank debt was $348 at September 28, 2008.

Prior to the disposal of Univeyor A/S, during the past year as part of Univeyor’s ongoing business, the Company had provided performance guarantees to certain customers and a third party for the satisfactory completion of contracts to design, manufacture and install its integrated material handling conveyor systems. Pursuant to the terms of the share purchase agreement, the Company has agreed to continue to provide performance guarantees on certain pre-existing contracts totaling approximately $9,200 as of September 28, 2008 based on current exchange rates. Approximately $5,000 of these guarantees is expected to expire by the end of fiscal 2009 unless released by the third parties prior thereto, with the remaining guarantees expiring at various times during 2010 through fiscal 2012. Historically, none of Univeyor’s customers has ever made a claim against either Univeyor A/S or the Company for indemnification on the performance guarantees. The terms of the share purchase agreement provide that the purchaser indemnify the Company for and hold it harmless against any loss, liability, or claim arising from the guarantees after the date of sale. However, as a result of the global credit crisis, liquidity has become an area of growing concern as it affects Univeyor, the purchaser and the purchaser’s affiliated companies. Performance under these guarantees is dependent upon Univeyor’s ability to generate sufficient cash flow and secure performance bonds for future projects. Accordingly, the Company’s potential loss under these guarantees, if any, cannot be reasonably estimated at this time, and no liability has been recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets relating to these guarantees.

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 six months ended September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007 were $5,014 and $4,954, respectively. We expect capital spending for fiscal 2009 to be approximately $12 to $14 million compared with $13.1 million in fiscal 2008. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2009 are primarily directed toward new product development and productivity improvement.

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 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.

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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, restructuring charges, 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

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS 161”), which requires additional disclosures about the objectives of derivative instruments and hedging activities, the method of accounting for such instruments under SFAS No. 133 and its related interpretations, and a tabular disclosure of the effects of such instruments and related hedged items on our financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 161 to have a material impact on our financial statements.

On April 1, 2007, we adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation ("FIN") No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” (“FIN 48”) an interpretation of SFAS No. 109. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized under SFAS 109. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and also provides guidance on various related matters such as derecognition, interest and penalties, and disclosure.  The adoption of FIN 48 resulted in a $186 reduction to the opening balance of retained earnings, recorded on April 1, 2007, the date of adoption.

On April 1, 2008, we adopted the provisions 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 EITF 06-10, an employer should recognize a liability for the postretirement benefit related to a collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangement in accordance with either SFAS No. 106, Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions, or APB Opinion 12, Omnibus Opinion—1967. The provisions of EITF 6-10 were applied as a change in accounting principle through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings.  The adoption of EITF 6-10 resulted in a $774 reduction to the opening balance of retained earnings, recorded on April 1, 2008, the date of adoption.

On April 1, 2008, we adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands the required disclosure for fair value measurements. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. See Footnote No. 3, “Fair Value Measurements,” for additional information.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We did not elect to implement the fair value options allowed under this standard.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)” (“SFAS 158”). Among other items, SFAS 158 requires recognition of the overfunded or underfunded status of an entity’s defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in the financial statements and requires recognition of the funded status of defined benefit postretirement plans in other comprehensive income. We adopted all of the currently required provisions of SFAS 158 in fiscal 2007. This statement also requires an entity to measure a defined benefit postretirement plan’s assets and obligations that determine its funded status as of the end of the employers’ fiscal year. This requirement is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. We do not expect the adoption of this requirement to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007) “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141(R)”). SFAS 141(R) 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. This statement is effective for acquisition dates on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS 141(R) will have on our consolidated financial statements.

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, 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


Subsequent to the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2009, we have entered into cross currency swaps and foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge changes in the value of intercompany loans to a certain foreign subsidiary due to changes in foreign exchange rates. The notional amount of these hedges is approximately $14.5 million. There have been no other material changes in the market risks since the end of Fiscal 2008.


Item 4.
Controls and Procedures

As of September 28, 2008, 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 September 28, 2008, 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 speicified 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

Subsequent to the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2009, we have entered into cross currency swaps and foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge changes in the value of intercompany loans to a certain foreign subsidiary due to changes in foreign exchange rates. The notional amount of these hedges is approximately $14.5 million.

Due to the general weakening of the U.S. economy, certain of the lenders in our senior credit facility may have a weakened financial condition related to their lending and other financial relationships.  As a result, they may tighten their lending standards, which could make it more difficult for us to borrow under our credit facility or to obtain other financing on favorable terms or at all. Also, any cash balances with our banks are insured only up to $250,000 per bank by the FDIC, and any deposits in excess of this limit are also subject to risk. In addition, the weakening of the national economy and the recent reduced availability of credit may have decreased the financial stability of our major customers and suppliers.  As a result, it may become more difficult for us to collect our accounts receivable and outsource products and services from our suppliers. If any of these conditions were to occur, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

There have been no other material changes from the risk factors as previously disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2008.

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

At the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on July 30, 2008, the stockholders approved the following:

(a)  A proposal to elect directors of the Company as follows:

 
16,573,270 votes cast for:
Timothy T. Tevens;
 
16,562,173 votes cast for:
Richard H. Fleming;
 
16,564,880 votes cast for:
Ernest R. Verebelyi;
 
16,562,113 votes cast for:
Wallace W. Creek;
 
16,563,785 votes cast for:
Linda A. Goodspeed;
 
16,549,884 votes cast for:
Stephen Rabinowitz;
 
16,574,202 votes cast for:
Nicholas T. Pinchuk.
 
 
 
(b)  The ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors of the Company for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009.
 
 
Votes for:
17,058,596
 
 
Votes against:
943,722
 
 
Abstentions:
7,102
 

Item 5.    Other Information – none.


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Item 6.

(a)  
Exhibits:

 
Form of Change in Control Agreement as entered into between Columbus McKinnon Corporation and each of Timothy T. Tevens, Derwin R. Gilbreath, Karen L. Howard, Joseph J. Owen, Richard A. Steinberg, and Timothy R. Harvey.

 
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: November 6, 2008
 
/s/ Karen L. Howard
 
 
Karen L. Howard
 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial Officer)


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