Columbus McKinnon's Q1 FY26 Performance and Future Outlook

Columbus McKinnon Reports First Quarter Fiscal Year 2026 Results
Columbus McKinnon Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCO), a top-tier designer and manufacturer of intelligent motion solutions, recently reported their financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026. As of June 30, the company demonstrated resilience amidst ongoing global economic fluctuations.
Financial Overview
In the first quarter, the company's orders reached $258.6 million, reflecting a 2% increase fueled by an 8% rise in project-related orders. Furthermore, Columbus McKinnon recorded a backlog of $360.1 million, showcasing a substantial increase of $67.3 million or 23%, leading to a book-to-bill ratio of 1.1x.
Sales and Profit Margins
Total net sales for the quarter were reported at $235.9 million, resulting in a 2.3% operating margin and a 7.8% margin on an adjusted basis, which included a $4.2 million impact from tariffs. Despite a net loss of $1.9 million, the adjusted EBITDA was $30.8 million, maintaining an adjusted EBITDA margin of 13.0%.
Management Insights
David J. Wilson, President and CEO of Columbus McKinnon, commented on the results, stating, "The first quarter largely played out as anticipated. We achieved continued order growth, although global tariff policies exerted pressure on our near-term results. We expect ongoing tariff impacts, estimating around $10 million during the first half of the fiscal year, consistent with previous forecasts."
Strategic Growth Initiatives
Wilson emphasized that despite these challenges, the overall demand environment remains positive. Columbus McKinnon continues to focus on enhancing operational efficiency, managing costs, and advancing its strategic plan, especially in light of the impending Kito Crosby acquisition. This acquisition is anticipated to provide long-term scalability and improved service offerings, setting a firm foundation for future growth.
Capital Allocation Strategy
The company plans to prioritize capital allocation toward debt reduction while sustaining ongoing dividend payments. Columbus McKinnon is prepared to leverage anticipated free cash flow for future advancements in their Intelligent Motion plans.
Fiscal Year 2026 Guidance
The guidance provided for fiscal 2026 reaffirms the company's outlook, although it does not factor in the pending Kito Crosby acquisition. With ongoing tariffs impacting overall expenses and product availability expected, Columbus McKinnon remains cautiously optimistic as they approach the second half of the fiscal year.
Contact Information
For more details, please reach out to:
Gregory P. Rustowicz
EVP Finance and CFO
Columbus McKinnon Corporation
Phone: 716-689-5442
Email: greg.rustowicz@cmco.com
Kristine Moser
VP IR and Treasurer
Columbus McKinnon Corporation
Phone: 704-322-2488
Email: kristy.moser@cmco.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Columbus McKinnon's total orders in Q1 FY26?
The total orders for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 reached $258.6 million.
What impacted the company's profit margins this quarter?
The company's profit margins were affected by a $4.2 million tariff impact.
What is Columbus McKinnon's stock ticker?
Columbus McKinnon's stock ticker is CMCO, which is listed on NASDAQ.
What is Columbus McKinnon's capital allocation strategy?
The company aims to pay down debt while ensuring consistent dividend payments and investing in their future growth strategies.
How does Columbus McKinnon plan to navigate tariff impacts?
Columbus McKinnon anticipates continued tariff impacts and is focusing on managing costs effectively while maintaining operational efficiencies.
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