Strong Order Activity and Backlog
Orders in Q1 were approximately $646–$650 million (flat year-over-year on a currency-neutral basis). Backlog ended the quarter at $940 million, up $146 million sequentially. April orders were strong, expected between $225 million and $250 million, above the Q1 run rate.
Non-New Machine Sales Growth and Strategic Progress
Non-new machine sales grew 3% year-over-year for the quarter and improved 8% on a trailing twelve-month basis to a record $696 million. Management highlighted expansion of service footprint, addition of 50 field service technicians (ending Q1 with 567), direct model transition in India, and increased sales of complementary accessories.
Product Development and Service Technology
Introduced an 80-ton boom truck and an 800-ton eight-axle all-terrain crane (showcased at CONEXPO) with positive customer feedback. Completed implementation of ServiceMax asset management in April and progressing dispatch/work-order modules to capture incremental service revenue.
Financial Improvement: Cash Flow, Liquidity and Rating Upgrade
Operating activities generated $27 million of cash in Q1; capital expenditures were $8 million (including $6 million rental fleet), yielding free cash flow of $19 million — a $17 million improvement year-over-year. Liquidity ended at $316 million and S&P upgraded the corporate credit rating from B to B+.
Guidance Reaffirmed
Management reaffirmed full-year guidance: net sales of $2.25 billion to $2.35 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $125 million to $150 million, reflecting confidence in the outlook despite near-term headwinds.
Regional Demand Strength
Positive end-market commentary: Americas customer sentiment constructive with dealer inventories declining and all-terrain inventory at a ten-year low; Asia-Pacific momentum with large semiconductor projects (e.g., SK Hynix and Samsung); Europe tower crane new machine orders up 76% year-over-year.
Operational Safety and Continuous Improvement Wins
Manitowoc Way initiatives are yielding tangible results (e.g., elimination of 264 hammers at a single plant) and early productivity/quality gains from kaizens and process improvements.