Columbus McKinnon (Nasdaq: CMCO) reported earnings on May 24. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended March 31 (Q4), Columbus McKinnon beat slightly on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

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

Margins improved across the board.

Revenue details
Columbus McKinnon chalked up revenue of $159.6 million. The four analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected net sales of $156.9 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 11% higher than the prior-year quarter's $144.0 million.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
EPS came in at $0.43. The four earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $0.39 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.46 for Q4 were 254% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.13 per share. (The prior-year quarter included $0.01 per share in earnings from discontinued operations.)

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 27.7%, 450 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 8.5%, 460 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 5.6%, 380 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $149.5 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.29.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $604.9 million. The average EPS estimate is $1.07.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 116 members out of 126 rating the stock outperform, and 10 members rating it underperform. Among 41 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 38 give Columbus McKinnon a green thumbs-up, and three 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 $19.67.

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