Columbus McKinnon (Nasdaq: CMCO) reported earnings on Jan. 27. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q3), Columbus McKinnon beat expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue grew and GAAP earnings per share expanded.

Margins improved across the board.

Revenue details
Columbus McKinnon chalked up revenue of $142.8 million. The two analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected to see revenue of $139.8 million. Sales were 11% higher than the prior-year quarter's $128.7 million.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions.

EPS details
Non-GAAP EPS came in at $0.33. The four earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated $0.24 per share on the same basis. GAAP EPS were $0.44 for Q3 compared to -$2.08 per share for the prior-year quarter.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Figures may be non-GAAP to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 27.0%, 420 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 7.4%, 500 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 6.0%, 3,680 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $153.3 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.36.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $577.0 million. The average EPS estimate is $1.13.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a three-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 115 members out of 125 rating the stock outperform, and 10 members rating it underperform. Among 49 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 47 give Columbus McKinnon a green thumbs-up, and two give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Columbus McKinnon is outperform, with an average price target of $19.75.

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