form_10q.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
 
FORM 10-Q

[ü]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011
 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 1-16191

 
TENNANT COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 

Minnesota
41-0572550
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

701 North Lilac Drive
P.O. Box 1452
Minneapolis, Minnesota  55440
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
(763) 540-1200
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 

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.
Yes
ü
No
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
 
Yes
ü
No
 
 
Indicate by check mark 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 Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer 
   
Accelerated filer
ü
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
 
No
ü
 
As of October 26, 2011, there were 18,808,726 shares of Common Stock outstanding.



 
 
 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Page
 
Item 1
     
     
     
     
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
 
Item 2
 
Item 3
 
Item 4
               
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
Item 1
 
Item 1A
 
Item 2
 
Item 6
   
 
Signatures
         
25




PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements

TENNANT COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
(In thousands, except shares and per share data)
 
September 30
   
September 30
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Net Sales
  $ 186,990     $ 168,637     $ 560,839     $ 484,879  
Cost of Sales
    106,737       96,775       325,188       277,715  
Gross Profit
    80,253       71,862       235,651       207,164  
Operating Expense:
                               
Research and Development Expense
    7,240       7,114       20,236       19,058  
Selling and Administrative Expense
    57,250       54,227       181,222       160,463  
Total Operating Expense
    64,490       61,341       201,458       179,521  
Profit from Operations
    15,763       10,521       34,193       27,643  
Other Income (Expense):
                               
Interest Income
    224       52       476       129  
Interest Expense
    (654 )     (390 )     (1,614 )     (1,219 )
Net Foreign Currency Transaction (Losses) Gains
    (1,390 )     130       49       (432 )
Other Income (Expense), Net
    -       57       (33 )     115  
Total Other Expense, Net
    (1,820 )     (151 )     (1,122 )     (1,407 )
                                 
Profit Before Income Taxes
    13,943       10,370       33,071       26,236  
Income Tax Expense
    4,215       2,844       11,622       8,445  
Net Earnings
  $ 9,728     $ 7,526     $ 21,449     $ 17,791  
                                 
Earnings per Share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.52     $ 0.40     $ 1.14     $ 0.95  
Diluted
  $ 0.50     $ 0.39     $ 1.10     $ 0.92  
                                 
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
                 
Basic
    18,741,524       18,873,249       18,881,132       18,782,404  
Diluted
    19,271,074       19,402,902       19,417,061       19,299,783  
                                 
Cash Dividend Declared per Common Share
  $ 0.17     $ 0.14     $ 0.51     $ 0.42  

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 

TENNANT COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
(In thousands, except shares and per share data)
 
2011
   
2010
 
ASSETS
           
Current Assets:
           
Cash and Cash Equivalents
  $ 44,273     $ 39,529  
Accounts Receivable, less Allowances of $4,622 and $4,311, respectively
    128,844       127,542  
Inventories
    77,408       61,746  
Prepaid Expenses
    8,852       7,993  
Deferred Income Taxes, Current Portion
    8,956       11,459  
Other Current Assets
    123       -  
Total Current Assets
    268,456       248,269  
Property, Plant and Equipment
    280,533       287,751  
Accumulated Depreciation
    (198,179 )     (200,123 )
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
    82,354       87,628  
Deferred Income Taxes, Long-Term Portion
    14,650       14,182  
Goodwill
    20,385       20,423  
Intangible Assets, Net
    24,793       25,339  
Other Assets
    7,427       7,827  
Total Assets
  $ 418,065     $ 403,668  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current Liabilities:
               
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt
  $ 4,204     $ 3,154  
Accounts Payable
    51,499       40,498  
Employee Compensation and Benefits
    31,649       31,281  
Income Taxes Payable
    14       509  
Other Current Liabilities
    40,571       40,702  
Total Current Liabilities
    127,937       116,144  
Long-Term Liabilities:
               
Long-Term Debt
    32,733       27,674  
Employee-Related Benefits
    32,023       33,898  
Deferred Income Taxes, Long-Term Portion
    3,555       4,525  
Other Liabilities
    4,804       5,294  
Total Long-Term Liabilities
    73,115       71,391  
Total Liabilities
    201,052       187,535  
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12)
               
                 
Shareholders' Equity:
               
Preferred Stock, $0.02 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding
    -       -  
Common Stock, $0.375 par value; 60,000,000 shares authorized; 18,805,425 and 19,038,843 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
    7,052       7,140  
Additional Paid-In Capital
    13,372       10,876  
Retained Earnings
    219,507       220,391  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
    (22,918 )     (22,274 )
Total Shareholders’ Equity
    217,013       216,133  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 418,065     $ 403,668  
 
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
4


TENNANT COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

   
Nine Months Ended
 
(In thousands)
 
September 30
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
           
Net Earnings
  $ 21,449     $ 17,791  
Adjustments to reconcile Net Earnings to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
               
Depreciation
    12,800       13,668  
Amortization
    2,533       2,356  
Impairment of Intangible Assets
    1,805       -  
Deferred Income Taxes
    945       (2,119 )
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
    3,569       2,471  
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Returns
    747       1,206  
Other, Net
    400       (3 )
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities, Excluding the Impact of Acquisitions:
               
Accounts Receivable
    (2,672 )     4,486  
Inventories
    (17,461 )     (12,561 )
Accounts Payable
    11,277       2,620  
Employee Compensation and Benefits
    134       (311 )
Other Current Liabilities
    2,433       1,167  
Income Taxes
    1,628       (339 )
Other Assets and Liabilities
    (3,568 )     (248 )
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
    36,019       30,184  
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Purchases of Property, Plant and Equipment
    (7,663 )     (6,651 )
Proceeds from Disposals of Property, Plant and Equipment
    485       566  
Acquisition of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired
    (2,916 )     (26 )
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities
    (10,094 )     (6,111 )
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Change in Short-Term Borrowings, Net
    (35 )     (7 )
Payment of Long-Term Debt
    (18,099 )     (3,194 )
Issuance of Long-Term Debt
    20,000       -  
Purchases of Common Stock
    (17,134 )     (3,153 )
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock
    3,257       4,707  
Tax Benefit on Stock Plans
    801       1,281  
Dividends Paid
    (9,660 )     (7,950 )
Net Cash Used for Financing Activities
    (20,870 )     (8,316 )
                 
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents
    (311 )     (89 )
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    4,744       15,668  
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
    39,529       18,062  
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
  $ 44,273     $ 33,730  
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
               
Cash Paid for Income Taxes
  $ 8,110     $ 9,872  
Cash Paid for Interest
  $ 1,450     $ 1,143  
Supplemental Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities:
               
Capital Expenditures Funded Through Capital Leases
  $ 2,621     $ 2,599  
Collateralized Borrowings
  $ 194     $ 582  
Notes Payable Related to Water Star, Inc. Acquisition
  $ 1,500     $ -  
 
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
5

TENNANT COMPANY
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except shares and per share data)
 
1. Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) requirements for interim reporting, which allows certain footnotes and other financial information normally required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America to be condensed or omitted. In our opinion, the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for the fair presentation of our financial position and results of operations.
 
These statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
  
2. Newly Adopted Accounting Guidance
 
Intangibles – Goodwill and Other
 
In December 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued amended guidance to modify Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. For those reporting units, an entity is required to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. In determining whether it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists, an entity should consider whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that an impairment may exist. We adopted the modified guidance on January 1, 2011. The adoption of the modified guidance did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.
 
Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements
 
In October 2009, the FASB issued new guidance that sets forth the requirements that must be met for an entity to recognize revenue for the sale of a delivered item that is part of a multiple-element arrangement when other elements have not yet been delivered. We adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2011. The adoption of the new guidance did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.
 
Business Combinations
 
In December 2010, the FASB updated guidance to clarify the acquisition date that should be used for reporting the pro forma financial information disclosures when comparative financial statements are presented. We adopted the updated guidance on January 1, 2011. The adoption of the updated guidance did not have an impact on our financial statement disclosures.
 
Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures
 
In January 2010, the FASB updated the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The updated guidance requires companies to disclose separately the investments that transfer in and out of Levels 1 and 2 and the reasons for those transfers. Additionally, in the reconciliation for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), companies should present separately information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements. We adopted the updated guidance on January 1, 2010, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the Level 3 reconciliation, which we adopted on January 1, 2011. The adoption of the updated guidance did not have an impact on our financial statement disclosures.
 
 
3. Management Actions
 
2010 Action - During the fourth quarter of 2010, we implemented a restructuring action. A pretax charge of $1,671 was recognized in the fourth quarter as a result of this action. The pretax charge consisted of severance and outplacement services and was included within Selling and Administrative Expense in the 2010 Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
 
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending liability balances is as follows:

   
Severance, Early Retirement and Related Costs
 
2010 restructuring action
  $ 1,671  
Cash payments
    (87 )
December 31, 2010 balance
  $ 1,584  
2011 utilization:
       
Cash payments
    (1,261 )
Foreign currency adjustments
    53  
Adjustment of accrual
    32  
September 30, 2011 balance
  $ 408  

4. Acquisitions
 
On May 31, 2011, we acquired Water Star, Inc. ("Water Star"), a Newbury, Ohio firm specializing in electrochemistry for $4,456. The total purchase price of $4,456 is comprised of $2,956 paid at closing and two $750 installment payments which will be paid in cash on the first and second anniversary dates of the acquisition. These installment payments are not contingent on any future services or other financial targets. This acquisition is consistent with our strategy to expand our intellectual property in support of our long-term vision to deliver sustainable, breakthrough innovations.
The components of the purchase price of the business combination described above have been preliminarily allocated as follows:
 
Current Assets
  $ 426  
Property, Plant and Equipment, net
    167  
Identified Intangible Asset
    3,800  
Goodwill
    472  
Total Assets Acquired
    4,865  
Current Liabilities
    409  
Total Liabilities Assumed
    409  
Net Assets Acquired
  $ 4,456  

5. Inventories
 
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Inventories at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 consisted of the following:
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Inventories carried at LIFO:
           
Finished goods
  $ 38,067     $ 31,355  
Raw materials, production parts and work-in-process
    19,728       15,414  
LIFO reserve
    (26,462 )     (26,462 )
Total LIFO inventories
    31,333       20,307  
                 
Inventories carried at FIFO:
               
Finished goods
    32,573       23,770  
Raw materials, production parts and work-in-process
    13,502       17,669  
Total FIFO inventories
    46,075       41,439  
Total inventories
  $ 77,408     $ 61,746  

The LIFO reserve approximates the difference between LIFO carrying cost and FIFO.
 
 
6. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
 
The changes in the carrying value of Goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were as follows:
 
         
Accumulated
       
         
Impairment
       
   
Goodwill
   
Losses
   
Total
 
Balance as of December 31, 2010
  $ 67,008     $ (46,585 )   $ 20,423  
Additions
    639       -       639  
Foreign currency fluctuations
    (701 )     24       (677 )
Balance as of September 30, 2011
  $ 66,946     $ (46,561 )   $ 20,385  

The balances of acquired Intangible Assets, excluding Goodwill, as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 were as follows:

   
Customer Lists
and
Service Contracts
   
Trade
Name
   
Technology
   
Total
 
Balance as of September 30, 2011:
                       
Original cost
  $ 26,239     $ 4,714     $ 7,245     $ 38,198  
Accumulated amortization
    (9,927 )     (1,158 )     (2,320 )     (13,405 )
Carrying value
  $ 16,312     $ 3,556     $ 4,925     $ 24,793  
Weighted-average original life (in years)
    14       14       13          
                                 
Balance as of December 31, 2010:
                               
Original cost
  $ 26,662     $ 4,709     $ 3,441     $ 34,812  
Accumulated amortization
    (7,344 )     (901 )     (1,228 )     (9,473 )
Carrying value
  $ 19,318     $ 3,808     $ 2,213     $ 25,339  
Weighted-average original life (in years)
    14       14       11          
 
The additions to Goodwill and Intangible Assets during the first nine months of 2011 were based on the preliminary purchase price allocation of Water Star as described in Note 4. The Water Star intangible asset consisted of technology with an estimated useful life of 15 years.
 
We recorded an impairment loss on a customer list and technology intangible assets during the second quarter of 2011, totaling $1,805 due to our strategic decision to discontinue our two Hofmans outdoor city cleaning products. The impairment was included within Selling and Administrative Expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
 
Amortization expense on Intangible Assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $829 and $2,533, respectively. Amortization expense on Intangible Assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $793 and $2,356, respectively.
 
Estimated aggregate amortization expense based on the current carrying value of amortizable Intangible Assets for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter is as follows:

Remaining 2011
  $ 850  
2012
    2,398  
2013
    2,379  
2014
    2,315  
2015
    2,303  
Thereafter
    14,548  
Total
  $ 24,793  

 
8


7. Debt
 
Debt outstanding is summarized as follows:

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Long-Term Debt:
           
Bank borrowings
  $ 59     $ 128  
Credit facility borrowings
    30,000       25,000  
Notes payable
    1,500       -  
Collateralized borrowings
    194       471  
Capital lease obligations
    5,184       5,229  
Total Long-Term Debt
    36,937       30,828  
Less: Current Portion
    4,204       3,154  
Long-Term Portion
  $ 32,733     $ 27,674  
 
As of September 30, 2011, we had committed lines of credit totaling $125,000 and uncommitted lines of credit totaling $82,677. There was $30,000 in outstanding borrowings under our available lines of credit as of September 30, 2011. In addition, we had stand alone letters of credit of $1,910 outstanding and bank guarantees in the amount of $705. Commitment fees on unused lines of credit for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were $259.
 
Our most restrictive covenants are part of our 2011 Credit Agreement (as defined below) with JPMorgan (as defined below), which are the same covenants in the Shelf Agreement (as defined below) with Prudential (as defined below), and require us to maintain an indebtedness to EBITDA ratio of not greater than 3.00 to 1 and to maintain an EBITDA to interest expense ratio of no less than 3.50 to 1 as of the end of each quarter. As of September 30, 2011, our indebtedness to EBITDA ratio was 0.61 to 1 and our EBITDA to interest expense ratio was 32.33 to 1.
 
Credit Facilities
 
JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association
 
On May 5, 2011, we entered into a Credit Agreement (the “2011 Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N. A. (“JPMorgan”), as administrative agent and collateral agent, U.S. Bank National Association, as syndication agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, and RBS Citizens, N.A., as co-documentation agents, and the Lenders (including JPMorgan) from time to time party thereto. Upon entry into the 2011 Credit Agreement, we repaid and terminated our June 19, 2007 Credit Agreement. The 2011 Credit Agreement provides us and certain of our foreign subsidiaries access to a senior unsecured credit facility until May 5, 2016, in the amount of $125,000, with an option to expand by up to $62,500 to a total of $187,500. Borrowings may be denominated in U.S. Dollars or certain other currencies. The 2011 Credit Agreement contains a $100,000 sublimit on borrowings by foreign subsidiaries.
 
The fee for committed funds under the 2011 Credit Agreement ranges from an annual rate of 0.25% to 0.40%, depending on our leverage ratio. Borrowings under the 2011 Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the prime rate, (b) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% and (c) the adjusted LIBOR rate for a one month period plus 1.0%, plus, in any such case, an additional spread of 0.50% to 1.10%, depending on our leverage ratio. 
 
The 2011 Credit Agreement gives the lenders a pledge of 65% of the stock of certain first tier foreign subsidiaries. The obligations under the 2011 Credit Agreement are also guaranteed by our first tier domestic subsidiaries.
 
The 2011 Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants, including but not limited to covenants restricting our ability to incur indebtedness and liens and merge or consolidate with another entity. Further, the 2011 Credit Agreement contains the following covenants:
 
·  
a covenant requiring us to maintain an indebtedness to EBITDA ratio as of the end of each quarter of not greater than 3.00 to 1;
 
·  
a covenant requiring us to maintain an EBITDA to interest expense ratio as of the end of each quarter of no less than 3.50 to 1;
 
·  
a covenant restricting us from paying dividends or repurchasing stock if, after giving effect to such payments, our leverage ratio is greater than 2.00 to 1, in such case limiting such payments to an amount ranging from $50,000 to $75,000 during any fiscal year based on our leverage ratio after giving effect to such payments; and
 
·  
a covenant restricting our ability to make acquisitions, if, after giving pro-forma effect to such acquisition, our leverage ratio is greater than 2.75 to 1, in such case limiting acquisitions to $25,000.
 
As of September 30, 2011, we were in compliance with all covenants under the 2011 Credit Agreement. There was $10,000 in outstanding borrowings under this facility at September 30, 2011, with a weighted average interest rate of 1.70%.
 
 
Prudential Investment Management, Inc.
 
On May 5, 2011, we entered into Amendment No. 1 to our Private Shelf Agreement (the “Amendment”), which amends the Private Shelf Agreement, dated as of July 29, 2009, with Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (“Prudential”) and Prudential affiliates from time to time party thereto (the “Shelf Agreement”).
 
The Amendment principally provides the following changes to the Shelf Agreement:
 
·  
elimination of the security interest in our personal property and subsidiaries;
 
·  
an amendment to the Maximum Leverage Ratio to not greater than 3.00 to 1 for any period ending on or after March 31, 2011;
 
·  
an amendment to our restriction regarding the payment of dividends or repurchase of stock to restrict us from paying dividends or repurchasing stock if, after giving effect to such payments, our leverage ratio is greater than 2.00 to 1, in such case limiting such payments to an amount ranging from $50,000 to $75,000 during any fiscal year based on our leverage ratio after giving effect to such payments; and
 
·  
an amendment to Permitted Acquisitions restricting our ability to make acquisitions, if, after giving pro-forma effect to such acquisition, our leverage ratio is greater than 2.75 to 1, in such case limiting acquisitions to $25,000.
 
As of September 30, 2011, there was $20,000 in outstanding borrowings under this facility; the $10,000 Series A notes issued in March 2011 with a fixed interest rate of 4.00% and a 7 year term; and the $10,000 Series B notes issued in June 2011 with a fixed interest rate of 4.10% and a 10 year term. We were in compliance with all covenants of the Shelf Agreement as of September 30, 2011.
 
The Royal Bank of Scotland Citizens, N.A.
 
On September 14, 2010, we entered into an overdraft facility with The Royal Bank of Scotland Citizens N.A. in the amount of 2,000 Euros or approximately $2,677. There was no balance outstanding on this facility as of September 30, 2011.
 
Notes Payable
 
On May 31, 2011, we incurred $1,500 in debt related to installment payments due to the former owners of Water Star in connection with our acquisition of Water Star.
 
8. Warranty
 
We record a liability for warranty claims at the time of sale. The amount of the liability is based on the trend in the historical ratio of claims to sales, the historical length of time between the sale and resulting warranty claim, new product introductions and other factors. Warranty terms on machines generally range from one to four years.
 
The changes in warranty reserves for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:
 
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Beginning balance
  $ 7,043     $ 5,985  
Additions charged to expense
    9,404       7,668  
Reserve acquired
    10       -  
Foreign currency fluctuations
    (45 )     (162 )
Claims paid
    (8,433 )     (6,653 )
Ending balance
  $ 7,979     $ 6,838  
 
9. Fair Value Measurements
 
Estimates of fair value for financial assets and financial liabilities are based on the framework established in the accounting guidance for fair value measurements. The framework defines fair value, provides guidance for measuring fair value and requires certain disclosures. The framework discusses valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow) and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost). The framework utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three levels:
 
·  
Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
 
·  
Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.
 
 
·  
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions.
 
Our population of assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements at September 30, 2011 is as follows:

   
Fair
                     
Valuation
   
Value
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Technique
Assets:
                           
Water Star technology
  $ 3,800     $ -     $ -     $ 3,800    
(a)
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
    123       -       123       -    
(b)
Total Assets
  $ 3,923     $ -     $ 123     $ 3,800      
Liabilities:
                                   
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
  $ 469     $ -     $ 469     $ -    
(b)
Total Liabilities
  $ 469     $ -     $ 469     $ -      
 
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are based on one or more valuation techniques. The valuation techniques are identified in the table above and are as follows:
 
(a)  
We used a loss of income method to value Water Star technology. Inputs for this valuation model were based on estimated costs to replace and hypothetical lost profits.
 
(b)  
Our foreign currency forward exchange contracts are valued based on quoted forward foreign exchange prices at the reporting date.
 
We use derivative instruments to manage exposures to foreign currency only in an attempt to limit underlying exposures from currency fluctuations and not for trading purposes. Gains or losses on forward foreign exchange contracts to economically hedge foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities are recognized in Other Current Assets and Other Current Liabilities within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and are recognized in Other Income (Expense), Net under Net Foreign Currency Transaction (Losses) Gains within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. As of September 30, 2011 the fair value of such contracts outstanding was an asset of $123 and a liability of $469. As of September 30, 2010 the fair value of such contracts outstanding was an asset of $33 and a liability of $207. We recognized a net loss of $1,302 and a net gain of $1,350 on these contracts during the first nine months of 2011 and 2010, respectively. At September 30, 2011 and 2010, the notional amounts of foreign currency forward exchange contracts outstanding were $40,027 and $47,318, respectively.
 
The carrying amounts reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for Cash and Cash Equivalents, Accounts Receivable, Other Current Assets, Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities approximate fair value.
 
The fair value of our Long-Term Debt approximates cost based on the borrowing rates currently available to us for bank loans with similar terms and remaining maturities.
 
 
10. Retirement Benefit Plans
 
Our defined benefit pension plans and postretirement medical plan are described in Note 11 of the 2010 annual report on Form 10-K. We have contributed $68 and $179 during the third quarter of 2011 and $202 and $387 during the first nine months of 2011 to our pension plans and to our postretirement medical plan, respectively.
 
The components of the net periodic benefit cost for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
September 30
 
   
Pension Benefits
   
Postretirement
 
   
U.S. Plans
   
Non-U.S. Plans
   
Medical Benefits
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Service cost
  $ 163     $ 165     $ 25     $ 13     $ 33     $ 30  
Interest cost
    503       508       122       52       153       171  
Expected return on plan assets
    (581 )     (586 )     (109 )     (36 )     -       -  
Amortization of net actuarial loss
    7       5       -       -       -       -  
Amortization of prior service cost
    137       138       40       -       (145 )     (145 )
Foreign currency
    -       -       (325 )     95       -       -  
Net periodic cost (benefit)
  $ 229     $ 230     $ (247 )   $ 124     $ 41     $ 56  
 
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30
 
   
Pension Benefits
   
Postretirement
 
   
U.S. Plans
   
Non-U.S. Plans
   
Medical Benefits
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Service cost
  $ 489     $ 493     $ 75     $ 40     $ 99     $ 91  
Interest cost
    1,509       1,524       366       157       459       511  
Expected return on plan assets
    (1,744 )     (1,755 )     (325 )     (109 )     -       -  
Amortization of net actuarial loss
    21       16       -       -       -       -  
Amortization of prior service cost
    412       415       118       -       (435 )     (435 )
Foreign currency
    -       -       (248 )     (42 )     -       -  
Net periodic cost (benefit)
  $ 687     $ 693     $ (14 )   $ 46     $ 123     $ 167  
 
11. Comprehensive Income
 
We report Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss as a separate item in the Shareholders’ Equity section of the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Comprehensive Income is comprised of Net Earnings and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, Other Comprehensive Income consisted of foreign currency translation adjustments and amortization and remeasurement of pension items.
 
The reconciliations of Net Earnings to Comprehensive Income were as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30
   
September 30
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Net Earnings
  $ 9,728     $ 7,526     $ 21,449     $ 17,791  
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    (7,614 )     4,797       (2,249 )     (1,173 )
Pension adjustments
    (12 )     (1 )     1,605       2,141  
Comprehensive Income
  $ 2,102     $ 12,322     $ 20,805     $ 18,759  
 
 
12. Commitments and Contingencies
 
Certain operating leases for vehicles contain residual value guarantee provisions, which would become due at the expiration of the operating lease agreement if the fair value of the leased vehicles is less than the guaranteed residual value. As of September 30, 2011, of those leases that contain residual value guarantees, the aggregate residual value at lease expiration was $8,202, of which we have guaranteed $6,319. As of September 30, 2011, we have recorded a liability for the estimated end of term loss related to this residual value guarantee of $999 for certain vehicles within our fleet. Our fleet also contains vehicles we estimate will settle at a gain. Gains on these vehicles will be recognized at the end of the lease term.
 
During the second quarter of 2011, we entered into a three year software licensing agreement with a total commitment of $2,891 of which $1,805 is still outstanding as of September 30, 2011.
 
13. Income Taxes
 
We and our subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of numerous state and foreign jurisdictions. We are generally no longer subject to U.S. federal tax examinations for taxable years before 2008 and with limited exceptions, state and foreign income tax examinations for taxable years before 2004.
 
We recognize potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in Income Tax Expense. Included in the net liability of $4,804 for unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2011 was approximately $476 for accrued interest and penalties. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate as of September 30, 2011 was $3,411. To the extent interest and penalties are not assessed with respect to uncertain tax positions, amounts accrued will be revised and reflected as an adjustment of the Income Tax Expense.
 
Unrecognized tax benefits were reduced by $864 during the first nine months of 2011 for expiration of the statute of limitations in various jurisdictions and settlement of foreign audits.
 
We are currently undergoing income tax examinations in various foreign jurisdictions covering 2004 to 2008 for which settlement is expected prior to year end. Although the final outcome of these examinations cannot be currently determined, we believe that we have adequate reserves with respect to these examinations.
 
14. Stock-Based Compensation
 
The following table presents the components of Stock-Based Compensation Expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010:
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30
   
September 30
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Stock options and stock appreciation rights
  $ 597     $ 429     $ 1,674     $ 1,315  
Restricted share awards
    241       213       745       633  
Performance share awards
    247       107       941       370  
Share-based liabilities
    (6 )     43       209       153  
Total Stock-Based Compensation Expense
  $ 1,079     $ 792     $ 3,569     $ 2,471  

During the first nine months of 2011 we granted 29,115 restricted shares. The weighted average grant date fair value of each share awarded was $40.42. Restricted share awards generally have a three year vesting period from the effective date of the grant. The total fair value of shares vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was $623 and $131, respectively.
 
 
15. Earnings Per Share
 
The computations of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share were as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30
   
September 30
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Numerator:
                       
Net Earnings
  $ 9,728     $ 7,526     $ 21,449     $ 17,791  
Denominator:
                               
Basic - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
    18,741,524       18,873,249       18,881,132       18,782,404  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                               
Employee stock options
    529,550       529,653       535,929       517,379  
Diluted - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
    19,271,074       19,402,902       19,417,061       19,299,783  
Basic Earnings per Share
  $ 0.52     $ 0.40     $ 1.14     $ 0.95  
Diluted Earnings per Share
  $ 0.50     $ 0.39     $ 1.10     $ 0.92  
 
Excluded from the dilutive securities shown above were options to purchase 180,551 and 299,799 shares of Common Stock during the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Excluded from the dilutive securities shown above were options to purchase 145,238 and 247,759 shares of Common Stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. These exclusions are made if the exercise prices of these options are greater than the average market price of our Common Stock for the period, if the number of shares we can repurchase exceeds the weighted shares outstanding in the options, or if we have a net loss, as the effects are anti-dilutive.
 
16. Segment Reporting
 
We are organized into four operating segments: North America; Latin America; Europe, Middle East, Africa; and Asia Pacific. We combine our North America and Latin America operating segments into the “Americas” for reporting Net Sales by geographic area. In accordance with the objective and basic principles of the applicable accounting guidance, we aggregate our operating segments into one reportable segment that consists of the design, manufacture and sale of products used primarily in the maintenance of nonresidential surfaces.
 
Net Sales attributed to each geographic area for the three and nine months ended were as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30
   
September 30
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Americas
  $ 121,280     $ 111,756     $ 358,912     $ 312,023  
Europe, Middle East, Africa
    44,599       38,746       139,591       123,330  
Asia Pacific
    21,111       18,135       62,336       49,526  
Total
  $ 186,990     $ 168,637     $ 560,839     $ 484,879  
 
Net Sales are attributed to each geographic area based on the country from which the product was shipped and are net of intercompany sales.
 
17. Related Party Transactions
 
Our May 31, 2011 acquisition of Water Star includes installment payments totaling $1,500 to the former owners of Water Star, as further discussed in Note 4. As of the acquisition date, the former owners of Water Star are current employees of Tennant.
 
We have an exclusive technology license agreement with Global Opportunities Investment Group, LLC. A current employee of Tennant owns a minority interest in Activeion Cleaning Solutions, LLC (“Activeion”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Global Opportunities Investment Group, LLC. Royalties under this license agreement are not material to our financial position or results of operations.
 
During the second quarter of 2008, we acquired Sociedade Alfa Ltda. and entered into lease agreements for certain properties owned by or partially owned by the former owners of these entities. Some of these individuals are current employees of Tennant. Lease payments made under these lease agreements are not material to our financial position or results of operations.

 
14

 
Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Overview
 
Tennant Company is a world leader in designing, manufacturing and marketing solutions that help create a cleaner, safer, healthier world. Our products include equipment for maintaining surfaces in industrial, commercial and outdoor environments; chemical-free and other sustainable cleaning technologies; and coatings for protecting, repairing and upgrading surfaces. We sell our products through our direct sales and service organization and a network of authorized distributors worldwide. Geographically, our customers are located in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. We strive to be an innovator in our industry through our commitment to understanding our customers’ needs and using our expertise to create innovative products and solutions.
 
Net Earnings for the third quarter of 2011 were $9.7 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, as compared to Net Earnings of $7.5 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2010. Net Earnings during the third quarter of 2011 were favorably impacted by increased equipment sales, primarily driven by our ec-H2O™ technology. Net Earnings for the third quarter of 2011 were also impacted by $1.4 million, or a loss of $0.05 per diluted share, of net foreign currency transaction losses due to the volatility of foreign exchange rates, partially offset by $0.5 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, of favorable discrete tax items primarily related to the settlement of routine tax audits.
 
Net Earnings for the first nine months of 2011 were $21.4 million, or $1.10 per diluted share, as compared to a Net Earnings of $17.8 million, or $0.92 per diluted share, for the first nine months of 2010. Net Earnings during the first nine months of 2011 were favorably impacted by increased equipment sales, primarily driven by our ec-H2O technology, as well as impacts from the second quarter 2011 charges for the Hofmans product discontinuance of $3.8 million after-tax, or a loss of $0.20 per diluted share, and international executive severance of $1.2 million after-tax, or a loss of $0.06 per diluted share.
 
Historical Results
 
The following table compares the historical results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and as a percentage of Net Sales (in thousands, except per share data and percentages):
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30
   
September 30
 
   
2011
   
%
   
2010
   
%
   
2011
   
%
   
2010
   
%
 
Net Sales
  $ 186,990       100.0     $ 168,637       100.0     $ 560,839       100.0     $ 484,879       100.0  
Cost of Sales
    106,737       57.1       96,775       57.4       325,188       58.0       277,715       57.3  
Gross Profit
    80,253       42.9       71,862       42.6       235,651       42.0       207,164       42.7  
Operating Expense:
                                                               
Research and Development Expense
    7,240       3.9       7,114       4.2       20,236       3.6       19,058       3.9  
Selling and Administrative Expense
    57,250       30.6       54,227       32.2       181,222       32.3       160,463       33.1  
Total Operating Expense
    64,490       34.5       61,341       36.4       201,458       35.9       179,521       37.0  
Profit from Operations
    15,763       8.4       10,521       6.2       34,193       6.1       27,643       5.7  
Other Income (Expense):
                                                               
Interest Income
    224       0.1       52       -       476       0.1       129       -  
Interest Expense
    (654 )     (0.3 )     (390 )     (0.2 )     (1,614 )     (0.3 )     (1,219 )     (0.3 )
Net Foreign Currency Transaction (Losses) Gains
    (1,390 )     (0.7 )     130       0.1       49       -       (432 )     (0.1 )
Other Income (Expense), Net
    -       -       57       -       (33 )     -       115       -  
Total Other Expense, Net
    (1,820 )     (1.0 )     (151 )     (0.1 )     (1,122 )     (0.2 )     (1,407 )     (0.3 )
                                                                 
Profit Before Income Taxes
    13,943       7.5       10,370       6.1       33,071       5.9       26,236       5.4  
Income Tax Expense
    4,215       2.3       2,844       1.7       11,622       2.1       8,445       1.7  
Net Earnings
  $ 9,728       5.2     $ 7,526       4.5     $ 21,449       3.8     $ 17,791       3.7  
Earnings per Diluted Share
  $ 0.50             $ 0.39             $ 1.10             $ 0.92          
 
 
Net Sales
 
Consolidated Net Sales for the third quarter of 2011 totaled $187.0 million, a 10.9% increase as compared to consolidated Net Sales of $168.6 million in the third quarter of 2010. Consolidated Net Sales for the first nine months of 2011 totaled $560.8 million, a 15.7% increase as compared to consolidated Net Sales of $484.9 million in the same period of 2010.
 
The components of the consolidated Net Sales change for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same periods in 2010 were as follows:

   
2011 v. 2010
Growth Elements
 Three Months Ended
September 30
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30
Organic Growth:
     
 
Volume
5.9%
 
11.2%
 
Price
1.5%
 
1.0%
Organic Growth
7.4%
 
12.2%
Foreign Currency
3.5%
 
3.5%
Total
10.9%
 
15.7%
 
The 10.9% increase in consolidated Net Sales in the third quarter of 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010 was driven by:
 
·  
an organic sales increase of approximately 7.4%, excluding the effects of acquisitions and foreign currency exchange, primarily due to an approximate 5.9% volume increase primarily in equipment sales and an approximate 1.5% increase in pricing; and
 
·  
a favorable direct foreign currency exchange impact of approximately 3.5%.
 
The 15.7% increase in consolidated Net Sales in the first nine months of 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010 was driven by:
 
·  
an organic sales increase of approximately 12.2% primarily due to an approximate 11.2% volume increase primarily in equipment sales and an approximate 1.0% increase in pricing; and
 
·  
a favorable direct foreign currency exchange impact of approximately 3.5%.
 
The following table sets forth the Net Sales by geographic area for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 and the percentage change from the prior year (in thousands, except percentages):

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30
   
September 30
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
%
   
2011
   
2010
   
%
 
Americas
  $ 121,280     $ 111,756       8.5     $ 358,912     $ 312,023       15.0  
Europe, Middle East and Africa
    44,599       38,746       15.1       139,591       123,330       13.2  
Asia Pacific
    21,111       18,135       16.4       62,336       49,526       25.9  
Total
  $ 186,990     $ 168,637       10.9     $ 560,839     $ 484,879       15.7  
 
Americas
 
Net Sales in the Americas were $121.3 million and $358.9 million for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, an increase of 8.5% and 15.0%, respectively, from the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010. Net Sales in both the third quarter and first nine months of 2011 benefited from strong sales of scrubbers, the majority of which were equipped with ec-H2O technology, as well as strong volume growth in Latin America and pricing benefits. The direct impact of foreign currency translation exchange effects within the Americas favorably impacted Net Sales by approximately 1.0% during the third quarter and the first nine months of 2011. Organic sales growth was approximately 7.5% in the third quarter and 14.0% in the first nine months of 2011.
 
Europe, Middle East and Africa
 
In our markets within Europe, the Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”), Net Sales increased 15.1% and 13.2% to $44.6 million and $139.6 million, respectively, for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010. Net Sales in the third quarter of 2011 benefited from increased sales volume of large scrubbers and outdoor city cleaning equipment as well as increased selling prices. Net Sales in the first nine months of 2011 benefited primarily from strong sales of scrubbers and increased selling prices. Direct foreign currency exchange fluctuations favorably impacted EMEA Net Sales by approximately 8.5% and 6.5%, respectively, in the third quarter and first nine months of 2011. Organic sales growth was approximately 6.6% in the third quarter and 6.7% in the first nine months of 2011.
 
 
Asia Pacific
 
Net Sales in the Asia Pacific market for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011 totaled $21.1 million and $62.3 million, respectively, an increase of 16.4% and 25.9%, respectively, from the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010. Net Sales in both the third quarter and first nine months of 2011 benefited from solid growth in most geographies, with particularly strong sales of large scrubbers in China. Favorable direct foreign currency translation exchange effects increased sales by approximately 11.0% and 11.5%, respectively, in the third quarter and first nine months of 2011. Organic sales growth for the third quarter and first nine months of 2011 was approximately 5.4% and 14.4%, respectively.
 
Gross Profit
 
Gross Profit margin was 42.9% and 42.0% for the third quarter and first nine months of 2011, as compared with 42.6% and 42.7%, respectively, for the same periods of 2010. Gross margin increased by 30 basis points in the third quarter of 2011, primarily from increased sales volume and selling prices, partially offset by raw material inflation in all geographic regions. Gross margin decreased by 70 basis points in first nine months of 2011 due to raw material inflation in all geographic regions, partially offset by a selling price increase effective in May 2011. In addition, increased inventory reserves and fixed asset write-offs of $1.5 million related to the Hofmans product discontinuance unfavorably impacted gross margin by 30 basis points in the first nine months of 2011.
 
Operating Expense
 
Research & Development Expense
 
Research and Development (“R&D”) Expense in the third quarter of 2011 was up 1.8% to $7.2 million as compared with $7.1 million in the third quarter of 2010. R&D Expense as a percentage of Net Sales was 3.9% for the third quarter of 2011, a decrease as compared to 4.2% of Net Sales for R&D Expense in the third quarter of 2010, primarily due to the higher sales volume in 2011.
 
R&D Expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $20.2 million, up 6.2% from $19.1 million in the same period in 2010. R&D Expense as a percentage of Net Sales was 3.6% for the first nine months of 2011 as compared to 3.9% for the first nine months of 2010, primarily due to the higher sales volume in 2011.
 
Selling & Administrative Expense
 
Selling and Administrative (“S&A”) Expense in the third quarter of 2011 was $57.3 million as compared to $54.2 million in the third quarter of 2010. The increase in S&A Expense was primarily attributable to investments in our sustainable cleaning business and higher variable costs stemming from increased sales. S&A Expense as a percentage of Net Sales was 30.6% for the third quarter of 2011, down 160 basis points from 32.2% in the comparable 2010 quarter, due to improved operating efficiencies.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, S&A Expense increased to $181.2 million from $160.5 million in the comparable period last year due to investments in our sustainable cleaning business, higher variable costs stemming from increased sales and $4.0 million of charges related to the Hofmans product discontinuance and international executive severance. S&A Expense as a percentage of Net Sales was 32.3% for the first nine months of 2011 as compared to 33.1% in the comparable period last year. The 80 basis point decrease was comprised of a 70 basis point increase for the $4.0 million of charges described above which was more than offset by a 150 basis point decrease due to improved operating efficiencies.
 
Other Income (Expense), Net
 
Interest Income
 
Interest Income increased nominally in the third quarter and first nine months of 2011, as compared to the same periods in 2010.
 
Interest Expense
 
Interest Expense increased $0.3 million and $0.4 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2011, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2010. The increase in Interest Expense between periods was primarily due to a higher interest rate on a higher level of borrowings in the current periods as compared to the same periods in 2010. During the first and second quarters of 2011, we issued long-term notes with fixed interest rates which replaced borrowings under another facility with a lower variable interest rate.
 
Net Foreign Currency Transaction (Losses) Gains
 
Net Foreign Currency Transaction Losses in the third quarter of 2011 were $1.4 million as compared to Net Foreign Currency Transaction Gains of $0.1 million in the same period in the prior year. Net Foreign Currency Transaction Gains for the first nine months of 2011 were not significant as compared to Net Foreign Currency Transaction Losses of $0.4 million in the same period in the prior year. The unfavorable change in the impact from foreign currency transactions in the third quarter and the favorable change in the impact from the foreign currency transactions in the first nine months of 2011 were due to fluctuations in foreign currency rates in the normal course of business, with more volatility of foreign exchange rates experienced during the third quarter of 2011.
 
 
Other Income (Expense), Net
 
There was no significant change in Other Income (Expense), Net in the third quarter and first nine months of 2011 as compared to the same periods in 2010.
 
Income Taxes
 
The effective tax rate in the third quarter of 2011 was 30.2% compared to the effective rate in the third quarter of the prior year of 27.4%. We had discrete net favorable tax items of approximately $0.5 million related to settlement of routine tax audits and jurisdictional tax rate changes. The increase in the effective rate between quarters was primarily related to the mix in expected full year taxable earnings by country, and to more favorable discrete tax items in the third quarter of 2010. 
 
The year-to-date overall effective tax rate was 35.1% for 2011 compared to 32.2% for 2010. The tax expense for 2011 includes only a $0.5 million tax benefit in the second quarter associated with the $5.5 million pre-tax charges related to Hofmans product obsolescence and international executive severance which materially increased the overall effective rate. Excluding these charges, the overall effective tax rate would have been 31.4%. The decrease in the overall year-to-date effective rate, excluding the effect of these charges, was primarily related to the mix in expected full year taxable earnings by country, a decrease in the statutory tax rates in various foreign jurisdictions, and the reinstatement of the research and development tax credit for both 2010 and 2011 in the fourth quarter of 2010.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Liquidity
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents totaled $44.3 million at September 30, 2011, as compared to $39.5 million as of December 31, 2010. Wherever possible, cash management is centralized and intercompany financing is used to provide working capital to subsidiaries as needed. Our current ratio was 2.1 as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, based on net current assets of $140.5 million and $132.1 million, respectively. Our debt-to-capital ratio was 14.5% and 12.5% at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
Cash Flow Summary
 
Cash provided by (used for) our operating, investing and financing activities is summarized as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Operating Activities
  $ 36,019     $ 30,184  
Investing Activities:
               
Purchases of Property, Plant and Equipment, Net of Disposals
    (7,178 )     (6,085 )
Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired
    (2,916 )     (26 )
Financing Activities
    (20,870 )     (8,316 )
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents
    (311 )     (89 )
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
  $ 4,744     $ 15,668  

Operating Activities
 
Operating activities provided $36.0 million of cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Cash provided by operating activities was driven primarily by Net Earnings of $21.4 million and increased Accounts Payable of $11.3 million, partially offset by increased Inventories. The increase in Accounts Payable is primarily due to increased production in our manufacturing facilities as a result of the unit volume increase in sales as well as timing of payments. The increase in Inventories is a result of higher production levels in our manufacturing facilities.
 
 
Operating activities provided $30.2 million of cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. Cash provided by operating activities was driven primarily by $17.8 million of Net Earnings as well as increased levels of Accounts Payable and reductions in Accounts Receivable, partially offset by increased Inventories. The increase in Accounts Payable is primarily due to unit volume increase in sales as well as timing of payments. The reduction in Accounts Receivable is primarily due to our continued focus on proactively managing our trade receivable accounts and collecting past-due balances. Increased Inventories are due to higher production levels in our manufacturing facilities.
 
 
Management evaluates how effectively we utilize two of our key operating assets, Accounts Receivable and Inventories, using Accounts Receivable “Days Sales Outstanding” (DSO) and “Days Inventory on Hand” (DIOH), on a FIFO basis. The metrics are calculated on a rolling three month basis in order to more readily reflect changing trends in the business. These metrics for the quarters ended were as follows (in days):

   
September 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
September 30, 2010
DSO
 
63
 
59
 
62
DIOH
 
92
 
83
 
91
 
As of September 30, 2011, DSO increased 1 day as compared to September 30, 2010 and increased 4 days as compared to December 31, 2010, primarily due to a higher mix of international receivables which carry longer payment terms.
 
As of September 30, 2011, DIOH increased 1 day as compared to September 30, 2010 and increased 9 days as compared to December 31, 2010, primarily due to increased levels of Inventory to support sales initiatives in our emerging markets.
 
Investing Activities
 
Investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 used $10.1 million in cash. Net capital expenditures used $7.2 million and our acquisition of Water Star used $2.9 million. Capital expenditures included investments in information technology and infrastructure upgrades and tooling related to new product development and manufacturing.
 
Investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 used $6.1 million in cash, almost entirely due to net capital expenditures. Investments in capital expenditures included technology upgrades, tooling related to new product development, and manufacturing equipment.
 
Financing Activities
 
Net cash used by financing activities was $20.9 million during the first nine months of 2011. The issuance of Long-Term Debt provided $20.0 million, proceeds from issuance of Common Stock upon exercise of stock options provided $3.2 million and a $0.8 million tax benefit on stock plans also provided cash, partially offset by $18.1 million in repayments of Long-Term Debt, $17.1 million in purchases of Common Stock and dividend payments of $9.7 million.
 
Net cash used by financing activities was $8.3 million during the first nine months of 2010, primarily from $8.0 million in dividend payments, a $3.2 million repayment of Long-Term Debt and $3.2 million in repurchases of Common Stock related to our share repurchase program, partially offset by $4.7 million from the issuance of Common Stock related to equity awards and a $1.3 million tax benefit on stock plans.
 
Indebtedness
 
As of September 30, 2011, we had committed lines of credit totaling $125.0 million and uncommitted lines of credit totaling $82.7 million. There was $30.0 million in outstanding borrowings against our available lines of credit as of September 30, 2011. In addition, we had stand alone letters of credit of $1.9 million outstanding and bank guarantees in the amount of $0.7 million. Commitment fees on unused lines of credit for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were $0.3 million.
 
Our most restrictive covenants are part of our Credit Agreement (as defined below) with JPMorgan (as defined below), which are the same covenants in the Shelf Agreement (as defined below) with Prudential (as defined below), and require us to maintain an indebtedness to EBITDA ratio of not greater than 3.00 to 1 and to maintain an EBITDA to interest expense ratio of no less than 3.50 to 1 as of the end of each quarter. As of September 30, 2011, our indebtedness to EBITDA ratio was 0.61 to 1 and our EBITDA to interest expense ratio was 32.33 to 1.
 
Credit Facilities
 
JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association
 
On May 5, 2011, we entered into a Credit Agreement (the “2011 Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N. A. (“JPMorgan”), as administrative agent and collateral agent, U.S. Bank National Association, as syndication agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, and RBS Citizens, N.A., as co-documentation agents, and the Lenders (including JPMorgan) from time to time party thereto. Upon entry into the 2011 Credit Agreement, we repaid and terminated our June 19, 2007 Credit Agreement. The 2011 Credit Agreement provides us and certain of our foreign subsidiaries access to a senior unsecured credit facility until May 5, 2016, in the amount of $125.0 million, with an option to expand by up to $62.5 million to a total of $187.5 million. Borrowings may be denominated in U.S. Dollars or certain other currencies. The 2011 Credit Agreement contains a $100.0 million sublimit on borrowings by foreign subsidiaries.
 
The fee for committed funds under the 2011 Credit Agreement ranges from an annual rate of 0.25% to 0.40%, depending on our leverage ratio. Borrowings under the 2011 Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the prime rate, (b) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% and (c) the adjusted LIBOR rate for a one month period plus 1.0%, plus, in any such case, an additional spread of 0.50% to 1.10%, depending on our leverage ratio.
 
 
The 2011 Credit Agreement gives the lenders a pledge of 65% of the stock of certain first tier foreign subsidiaries. The obligations under the 2011 Credit Agreement are also guaranteed by our first tier domestic subsidiaries.
 
The 2011 Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants, including but not limited to covenants restricting our ability to incur indebtedness and liens and merge or consolidate with another entity. Further, the 2011 Credit Agreement contains the following covenants:
 
·  
a covenant requiring us to maintain an indebtedness to EBITDA ratio as of the end of each quarter of not greater than 3.00 to 1;
 
·  
a covenant requiring us to maintain an EBITDA to interest expense ratio as of the end of each quarter of no less than 3.50 to 1;
 
·  
a covenant restricting us from paying dividends or repurchasing stock if, after giving effect to such payments, our leverage ratio is greater than 2.00 to 1, in such case limiting such payments to an amount ranging from $50.0 million to $75.0 million during any fiscal year based on our leverage ratio after giving effect to such payments; and
 
·  
a covenant restricting our ability to make acquisitions, if, after giving pro-forma effect to such acquisition, our leverage ratio is greater than 2.75 to 1, in such case limiting acquisitions to $25.0 million.
 
As of September 30, 2011, we were in compliance with all covenants under the 2011 Credit Agreement. There was $10.0 million in outstanding borrowings under this facility at September 30, 2011, with a weighted average interest rate of 1.70%.
 
Prudential Investment Management, Inc.
 
On May 5, 2011, we entered into Amendment No. 1 to our Private Shelf Agreement (the “Amendment”), which amends the Private Shelf Agreement, dated as of July 29, 2009, with Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (“Prudential”) and Prudential affiliates from time to time party thereto (the “Shelf Agreement”).
 
 The Amendment principally provides the following changes to the Shelf Agreement:
 
·  
elimination of the security interest in our personal property and subsidiaries;
 
·  
an amendment to the Maximum Leverage Ratio to not greater than 3.00 to 1 for any period ending on or after March 31, 2011;
 
·  
an amendment to our restriction regarding the payment of dividends or repurchase of stock to restrict us from paying dividends or repurchasing stock if, after giving effect to such payments, our leverage ratio is greater than 2.00 to 1, in such case limiting such payments to an amount ranging from $50.0 million to $75.0 million during any fiscal year based on our leverage ratio after giving effect to such payments; and
 
·  
an amendment to Permitted Acquisitions restricting our ability to make acquisitions, if, after giving pro-forma effect to such acquisition, our leverage ratio is greater than 2.75 to 1, in such case limiting acquisitions to $25.0 million.
 
As of September 30, 2011, there was $20.0 million in outstanding borrowings under this facility; the $10.0 million Series A notes issued in March 2011 with a fixed interest rate of 4.00% and a 7 year term; and the $10.0 million Series B notes issued in June 2011 with a fixed interest rate of 4.10% and a 10 year term. We were in compliance with all covenants of the Shelf Agreement as of September 30, 2011.
 
The Royal Bank of Scotland Citizens, N.A.
 
On September 14, 2010, we entered into an overdraft facility with The Royal Bank of Scotland Citizens N.A. in the amount of 2.0 million Euros or approximately $2.7 million. There was no balance outstanding on this facility as of September 30, 2011.
 
Notes Payable
 
On May 31, 2011, we incurred $1.5 million in debt related to installment payments due to the former owners of Water Star in connection with our acquisition of Water Star.
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Except as noted above, there have been no material changes with respect to contractual obligations as disclosed in our 2010 annual report on Form 10-K.
 
Newly Issued Accounting Guidance
 
Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures
 
In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance for fair value measurements providing common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. We do not expect this guidance to have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.
 
 
Comprehensive Income
 
In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income that will require us to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. This guidance eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity. This guidance requires retrospective application and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. This amended guidance will not impact our results of operations or financial position.
 
Testing Goodwill for Impairment
 
In September 2011, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance on the periodic testing of goodwill for impairment. This updated accounting guidance permits us to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount before applying the two step goodwill impairment test. If we determine through this qualitative analysis that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, it is not necessary to perform the two step impairment test. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011, however early adoption is permitted. We do not expect this guidance to have an impact on our results of operations or financial position.
 
Cautionary Statement Relevant to Forward-Looking Information
 
This Form 10-Q, including “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 2, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “project,” or “continue” or similar words or the negative thereof. These statements do not relate to strictly historical or current facts and provide current expectations of forecasts of future events. Any such expectations or forecasts of future events are subject to a variety of factors. Particular risks and uncertainties presently facing us include: geopolitical and economic uncertainty throughout the world; the competition in our business; our ability to effectively manage organizational changes; our ability to comply with laws and regulations; our ability to effectively maintain and manage the data in our computer systems; our ability to develop new innovative products and services; our ability to successfully upgrade and evolve the capabilities of our computer systems; our ability to attract and retain key personnel; the occurrence of a significant business interruption; fluctuations in the cost or availability of raw materials and purchased components; unforeseen product liability claims or product quality issues; our ability to acquire, retain and protect proprietary intellectual property rights; and the relative strength of the U.S. dollar, which affects the cost of our materials and products purchased and sold internationally. We caution that forward-looking statements must be considered carefully and that actual results may differ in material ways due to risks and uncertainties both known and unknown. Information about factors that could materially affect our results can be found in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and Part II, Item 1A of this Form 10-Q. Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
 
We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Investors are advised to consult any further disclosures by us in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in other written statements on related subjects. It is not possible to anticipate or foresee all risk factors, and investors should not consider any list of such factors to be an exhaustive or complete list of all risks or uncertainties.
 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
There have been no material changes in our market risk since December 31, 2010. For additional information, refer to Item 7A of our 2010 annual report on Form 10-K.
 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures for the period ended September 30, 2011 (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Principal Financial and Accounting Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and our principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
 
Changes in Internal Controls
 
There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
 
Tennant’s competition has initiated legal and/or regulatory challenges in multiple jurisdictions challenging Tennant’s advertising claims pertaining to its ec-H2O water-based technology. While the Company does not currently view these proceedings as material and does not expect the outcome to have a material adverse effect on our operating results or financial condition, they are outside the Company’s ordinary routine litigation.
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
We documented our risk factors in Item 1A of Part I of our annual report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. There have been no material changes to our risk factors since the filing of that report, except for the risk factors set forth below.
 
The following risk factor replaces and supersedes, in its entirety, the risk factor relating to competitive risks in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010:
 
We are subject to competitive risks associated with developing innovative products and technologies, including but not limited to, the risk that customers do not continue to pay for innovation and the risk of competitive challenges to our products and technology and the underlying intellectual property.
 
Our products are sold in competitive markets throughout the world. Competition is based on product features and design, brand recognition, reliability, durability, technology, breadth of product offerings, price, customer relationships and after-sale service. Although we believe that the performance and price characteristics of our products will produce competitive solutions for our customers’ needs, because of our dedication to innovation and continued investments in research and development, our products generally cost more than our competitor’s products. We believe that customers will pay for the innovations and quality in our products; however, in the current economic environment, it may be difficult for us to compete with lower cost products offered by our competitors and there can be no assurance that our customers will continue to choose our products over products offered by our competitors. If our products, markets and services are not competitive, we may experience a decline in sales, pricing and market share, which adversely impacts revenues, margin and the success of our operations.
 
In addition, we may be vulnerable to competitors who attempt to challenge our technology and our products or diminish the reputation of our brand, all of which could adversely affect our business. Our competition has recently initiated legal and regulatory proceedings and launched a negative media campaign in multiple jurisdictions challenging certain advertising claims made pertaining to our ec-H20 technology. While we do not view these challenges to be material, defense of such claims may require substantial commitment of time and money and divert resources from other ongoing projects and the claims may influence new customers from readily accepting products with our ec-H20 technology, which could adversely affect our business.
 
Competitors may also initiate litigation to challenge the validity of our patents or claims, allege that we infringe upon their patents, or they may use their resources to design comparable products that do not infringe upon our patents. Regardless of whether such litigation is successful, the litigation could significantly increase our costs and divert management’s attention from the operation of our business, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
 
The following is a new risk factor in addition to those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010:
 
We are subject to many laws and regulations and any non-compliance could negatively impact our financial condition or business operations.
 
Our policies and procedures are designed to comply with applicable laws and regulations in all countries in which we operate and conduct business. U.S. as well as foreign government regulations continue to become increasingly stringent and are impacting more areas of our business operations each year. Failure to comply with present or future laws, rules and regulations of any kind that govern our business could result in suspension of all or a portion of our operations or the imposition of significant regulatory, administrative, civil or criminal penalties or sanctions.
 
 
22


Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
On February 21, 2011, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional 1,000,000 shares of our common stock. Share repurchases are made from time to time in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, primarily to offset the dilutive effect of shares issued through our stock-based compensation programs. Our 2011 Credit Agreement and Shelf Agreement restrict the payment of dividends or repurchasing of stock if, after giving effect to such payments, our leverage ratio is greater than 2.00 to 1, in such case limiting such payments to an amount ranging from $50.0 million to $75.0 million during any fiscal year.
 
For the Quarter Ended
September 30, 2011
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (1)
   
Average Price
Paid Per Share
   
Total Number of Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
   
Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet
Be Purchased
 
July 1 - 31, 2011
    9     $ 39.93       -       945,579  
August 1 - 31, 2011
    203,406       37.35       202,244       743,335  
September 1 - 30, 2011
    12,100       38.05       12,100       731,235  
Total
    215,515     $ 37.93       214,344       731,235  
 
(1) Includes 1,171 shares delivered or attested to in satisfaction of the exercise price and/or tax withholding obligations by employees who exercised stock options or restricted stock under employee stock compensation plans.
 
 
Item 6.  Exhibits

Exhibits
 
Item #
 
Description
 
Method of Filing
3i
 
Restated Articles of Incorporation
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3i to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2006.
3ii
 
Certificate of Designation
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.
3iii
 
Amended and Restated By-Laws
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3iii to the Company’s Form 8-K dated December 14, 2010.
31.1
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of CEO
 
Filed herewith electronically.
31.2
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of CFO
 
Filed herewith electronically.
32.1
 
Section 1350 Certification of CEO
 
Filed herewith electronically.
32.2
 
Section 1350 Certification of CFO
 
Filed herewith electronically.
101
 
The following materials from Tennant Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, formatted in XBRL: (i) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010; and (iv) Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text.
Filed herewith electronically.
 
 
24

 
 
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.
 
 
       
TENNANT COMPANY
         
Date:
 
November 2, 2011
 
/s/   H. Chris Killingstad
       
H. Chris Killingstad
President and Chief Executive Officer
         
Date:
 
November 2, 2011
 
/s/   Thomas Paulson
       
Thomas Paulson
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)