10-Q
Table of Contents

 
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 March 31, 2016
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
ü
 
Accelerated filer
 
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 April 15, 2016, there were 17,663,723 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
 

1


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.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


2

Table of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Financial Statements
TENNANT COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended
(In thousands, except shares and per share data)
 
March 31
 
 
2016
 
2015
Net Sales
 
$
179,864

 
$
185,740

Cost of Sales
 
102,362

 
107,659

Gross Profit
 
77,502

 
78,081

 
 
 
 
 
Operating Expense:
 
 
 
 
Research and Development Expense
 
7,904

 
7,710

Selling and Administrative Expense
 
62,439

 
62,117

Loss on Sale of Business
 
62

 

Total Operating Expense
 
70,405

 
69,827

Profit from Operations
 
7,097

 
8,254

 
 
 
 
 
Other Income (Expense):
 
 
 
 
Interest Income
 
41

 
50

Interest Expense
 
(302
)
 
(377
)
Net Foreign Currency Transaction Losses
 
(273
)
 
(443
)
Other Expense, Net
 
(36
)
 
(52
)
Total Other Expense, Net
 
(570
)
 
(822
)
 
 
 
 
 
Profit Before Income Taxes
 
6,527

 
7,432

Income Tax Expense
 
2,088

 
2,406

Net Earnings
 
$
4,439

 
$
5,026

 
 
 
 
 
Net Earnings per Share:
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.25

 
$
0.27

Diluted
 
$
0.25

 
$
0.27

 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
17,544,192

 
18,283,097

Diluted
 
17,977,587

 
18,780,934

 
 
 
 
 
Cash Dividend Declared per Common Share
 
$
0.20

 
$
0.20


See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Table of Contents

TENNANT COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
(In thousands)
March 31
 
2016
 
2015
Net Earnings
$
4,439

 
$
5,026

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
 

 
 

Foreign currency translation adjustments
3,596

 
(8,141
)
Pension and retiree medical benefits
19

 
272

Cash flow hedge
(447
)
 

Income Taxes:
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
6

 
(1
)
Pension and retiree medical benefits
(7
)
 
(101
)
Cash flow hedge
167

 

Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax
3,334

 
(7,971
)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
$
7,773

 
$
(2,945
)
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Table of Contents

TENNANT COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
(In thousands, except shares and per share data)
2016
 
2015
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
26,914

 
$
51,300

Restricted Cash
544

 
640

Accounts Receivable, less Allowances of $3,410 and $3,615, respectively
134,243

 
140,445

Inventories
84,085

 
77,292

Prepaid Expenses
11,564

 
14,656

Other Current Assets
2,096

 
2,485

Assets Held for Sale

 
6,826

Total Current Assets
259,446

 
293,644

Property, Plant and Equipment
288,655

 
276,811

Accumulated Depreciation
(187,418
)
 
(181,853
)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
101,237

 
94,958

Deferred Income Taxes
12,909

 
12,051

Goodwill
17,151

 
16,803

Intangible Assets, Net
3,105

 
3,195

Other Assets
18,852

 
11,644

Total Assets
$
412,700

 
$
432,295

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt
$
3,461

 
$
3,459

Accounts Payable
46,568

 
50,350

Employee Compensation and Benefits
26,887

 
34,528

Income Taxes Payable
252

 
1,398

Other Current Liabilities
38,602

 
43,027

Liabilities Held for Sale

 
454

Total Current Liabilities
115,770

 
133,216

Long-Term Liabilities:
 
 
 
Long-Term Debt
19,189

 
21,194

Employee-Related Benefits
21,458

 
21,508

Deferred Income Taxes
58

 
5

Other Liabilities
4,493

 
4,165

Total Long-Term Liabilities
45,198

 
46,872

Total Liabilities
160,968

 
180,088

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11)


 


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; 17,662,813 and 17,744,381 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
6,624

 
6,654

Additional Paid-In Capital

 

Retained Earnings
289,903

 
293,682

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
(44,795
)
 
(48,129
)
Total Shareholders’ Equity
251,732

 
252,207

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
$
412,700

 
$
432,295

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Table of Contents


TENNANT COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
(In thousands)
March 31
 
2016
 
2015
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Net Earnings
$
4,439

 
$
5,026

Adjustments to reconcile Net Earnings to Net Cash Used in Operating Activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation
4,256

 
4,122

Amortization
112

 
520

Deferred Income Taxes
(509
)
 
205

Share-Based Compensation Expense
2,637

 
2,707

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Returns
(94
)
 
139

Loss on Sale of Business
62

 

Other, Net
60

 
(45
)
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:
 
 
 
Receivables
9,342

 
16,160

Inventories
(5,642
)
 
(9,529
)
Accounts Payable
(4,083
)
 
(3,405
)
Employee Compensation and Benefits
(9,163
)
 
(8,895
)
Other Current Liabilities
(6,502
)
 
(5,761
)
Income Taxes
379

 
(2,267
)
Other Assets and Liabilities
(1,761
)
 
(1,099
)
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities
(6,467
)
 
(2,122
)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Purchases of Property, Plant and Equipment
(6,820
)
 
(4,129
)
Proceeds from Disposals of Property, Plant and Equipment
65

 
86

Proceeds from Sale of Business
285

 

Decrease (Increase) in Restricted Cash
121

 
(13
)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
(6,349
)
 
(4,056
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Payments of Long-Term Debt
(2,008
)
 
(2,000
)
Purchases of Common Stock
(7,052
)
 
(4,135
)
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock
504

 
550

Excess Tax Benefit on Stock Plans
134

 
648

Dividends Paid
(3,539
)
 
(3,690
)
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
(11,961
)
 
(8,627
)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents
391

 
(1,333
)
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
(24,386
)
 
(16,138
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
51,300

 
92,962

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
$
26,914

 
$
76,824

 
 
 
 
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
 
 
 
Cash Paid for Income Taxes
$
1,709

 
$
3,973

Cash Paid for Interest
$
264

 
$
338

Supplemental Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Capital Expenditures in Accounts Payable
$
1,685

 
$
901

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

6

Table of Contents

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, 2015. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
2.
Management Actions
During the third quarter of 2015, we implemented a restructuring action to reduce our infrastructure costs that we anticipated would improve Selling and Administrative Expense operating leverage in future quarters. The pre-tax charge of $1,779 recognized in the third quarter of 2015 consisted primarily of severance, the majority of which was in Europe, and was included within Selling and Administrative Expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. We believe the anticipated savings will offset the pre-tax charge in approximately one year from the date of the action. The charge impacted our Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Asia Pacific (APAC) operating segments. We do not expect additional costs will be incurred related to this restructuring action.
During the fourth quarter of 2015, we implemented an additional restructuring action to reduce our infrastructure costs that we anticipated would improve Selling and Administrative Expense operating leverage in future quarters. The pre-tax charge of $1,965, including other associated costs of $481, consisted primarily of severance and was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2015. The pre-tax charge was included within Selling and Administrative Expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. We believe the anticipated savings will offset the pre-tax charge in approximately 1.5 years from the date of the action. The charge impacted our Americas, EMEA and APAC operating segments. We do not expect additional costs will be incurred related to this restructuring action.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending liability balances is as follows:
 
 
Severance and Related Costs
2015 restructuring actions
 
$
3,263

   Cash payments
 
(1,332
)
   Foreign currency adjustments
 
(19
)
December 31, 2015 balance
 
$
1,912

2016 utilization:
 
 
Cash payments
 
(468
)
Foreign currency adjustments
 
52

March 31, 2016 balance
 
$
1,496

3.
Divestiture
On August 19, 2015, we adopted a plan to sell assets and liabilities of the Green MachinesTM outdoor city cleaning line as a result of determining that the product line, which constituted approximately two percent of our total sales, did not sufficiently complement our core business. Further details regarding the assets and liabilities held for sale as of December 31, 2015 are described in Note 6 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

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Table of Contents

On January 19, 2016, we signed a Business Purchase Agreement (“BPA”) with Green Machines International GmbH and Green Machine Sweepers UK Limited, subsidiaries of M&F Management and Financing GmbH, which is also the parent company of the master distributor of our products in Central Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, TCS EMEA GmbH, for the sale of our Green Machines outdoor city cleaning line. Per the terms of the BPA, the sale closed on January 31, 2016. Subject to working capital adjustments, the aggregate consideration for the Green Machines business is $5,700. Under the BPA, the total aggregate consideration will be paid as follows:
Initial cash consideration of $285, which was received during the first quarter of 2016.
An additional $1,015 to be paid within two weeks of finalization of the working capital adjustment.
The remaining purchase price of $4,400, to be adjusted by the agreed upon closing working capital adjustment, will be financed and received in 13 equal installments on the last business day of each quarter, commencing with the quarter ending September 30, 2016.
As a result of this divestiture, we recorded a pre-tax loss of $62 in our Profit from Operations in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The impact of the recorded loss and the sale of Green Machines is not material to our earnings as Green Machines only accounted for approximately two percent of our total sales.
Subsequent to the closing date, we will act as a distributor for Green Machine Sweepers UK Limited by continuing to sell Green Machines in certain regions, primarily the Americas and APAC, and will also serve as the exclusive service provider for Green Machines worldwide. Net of this estimated revenue, the divestiture is anticipated to reduce Tennant's annual revenue by approximately one percent, with an immaterial impact on earnings.
We have identified Green Machines International GmbH as a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and have performed a qualitative assessment to determine if Tennant is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. We have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of the VIE and consolidation of the VIE is not considered necessary.
4.
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Inventories at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 consisted of the following:
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
Inventories carried at LIFO:
 
 
 
Finished goods
$
44,759

 
$
41,225

Raw materials, production parts and work-in-process
21,811

 
22,158

LIFO reserve
(27,645
)
 
(27,645
)
Total LIFO inventories
38,925

 
35,738

Inventories carried at FIFO:
 

 
 

Finished goods
29,987

 
32,421

Raw materials, production parts and work-in-process
15,173

 
13,812

Inventories held for sale

 
(4,679
)
Total FIFO inventories
45,160

 
41,554

Total inventories
$
84,085

 
$
77,292

The LIFO reserve approximates the difference between LIFO carrying cost and FIFO.
5.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The changes in the carrying value of Goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2016 were as follows:
 
Goodwill
 
Accumulated
Impairment
Losses
 
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2015
$
60,447

 
$
(43,644
)
 
$
16,803

Foreign currency fluctuations
(248
)
 
596

 
348

Balance as of March 31, 2016
$
60,199

 
$
(43,048
)
 
$
17,151


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Table of Contents

The balances of acquired Intangible Assets, excluding Goodwill, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, were as follows:
 
Customer Lists and Service Contracts
 
Trade Name
 
Technology
 
Total
Balance as of March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Original cost
$
6,439

 
$

 
$
5,243

 
$
11,682

Accumulated amortization
(5,916
)
 

 
(2,661
)
 
(8,577
)
Carrying value
$
523

 
$

 
$
2,582

 
$
3,105

Weighted average original life (in years)
15

 

 
13

 
 

Balance as of December 31, 2015
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

Original cost
$
19,781

 
$
3,859

 
$
6,596

 
$
30,236

Accumulated amortization
(19,232
)
 
(3,859
)
 
(3,950
)
 
(27,041
)
Carrying value
$
549

 
$

 
$
2,646

 
$
3,195

Weighted average original life (in years)
15

 
14

 
13

 
 

The accumulated amortization balances for the year ended December 31, 2015 included fully impaired customer lists, trade name and technology intangible assets that were impaired as a result of our decision to hold the assets and liabilities of the Green Machines outdoor city cleaning line for sale in 2015.
Amortization expense on Intangible Assets for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was $112 and $520, 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 2016
$
299

2017
317

2018
312

2019
312

2020
312

Thereafter
1,553

Total
$
3,105

6.
Debt
Debt outstanding is summarized as follows:
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
Long-Term Debt:
 
 
 
Credit facility borrowings
$
22,571

 
$
24,571

Capital lease obligations
79

 
82

Total Debt
22,650

 
24,653

Less: Current Portion
(3,461
)
 
(3,459
)
Long-Term Portion
$
19,189

 
$
21,194

As of March 31, 2016, we had committed lines of credit totaling $125,000 and uncommitted credit facilities totaling $87,277. There were $10,000 in outstanding borrowings under our JPMorgan facility (described below) and $12,571 in outstanding borrowings under our Prudential facility (described below) as of March 31, 2016. In addition, we had stand alone letters of credit and bank guarantees outstanding in the amount of $3,252. Commitment fees on unused lines of credit for the three months ended March 31, 2016 were $55.

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Our most restrictive covenants are part of our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement 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 3.25 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 March 31, 2016, our indebtedness to EBITDA ratio was 0.37 to 1 and our EBITDA to interest expense ratio was 67.36 to 1.
Credit Facilities
JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association
Details regarding our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2015, between us and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. ("JPMorgan"), as administrative agent and collateral agent, U.S. Bank National Association, as syndication agent, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as documentation agent, and the Lenders (including JPMorgan) from time to time party thereto (the "Amended and Restated Credit Agreement") are described in Note 9 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.
As of March 31, 2016, we were in compliance with all covenants under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. There were $10,000 in outstanding borrowings under this facility at March 31, 2016, with a weighted average interest rate of 1.51%. This facility, under the current terms of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, expires on June 30, 2020.
Prudential Investment Management, Inc.
Details regarding our Private Shelf Agreement, dated as of July 29, 2009, and amended on May 5, 2011, July 24, 2012 and June 30, 2015, with Prudential Investment Management, Inc. ("Prudential") and Prudential affiliates from time to time party thereto (the "Shelf Agreement") are described in Note 9 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.
As of March 31, 2016, there were $12,571 in outstanding borrowings under the Shelf Agreement, consisting of $4,000 of Series A notes issued in March 2011 with a fixed interest rate of 4.00% and a term of seven years, with remaining serial maturities from 2017 to 2018, and the $8,571 Series B notes issued in June 2011 with a fixed interest rate of 4.10% and a term of 10 years, with remaining serial maturities from 2016 to 2021. The third payment of $2,000 on Series A notes was made during the first quarter of 2016. We were in compliance with all covenants under the Shelf Agreement as of March 31, 2016. The issuance period, under the current terms of the Shelf Agreement, expires on June 30, 2018.
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, or approximately $2,277. There was no balance outstanding on this facility as of March 31, 2016.
HSBC Bank (China) Company Limited, Shanghai Branch
On June 20, 2012, we entered into a banking facility with the HSBC Bank (China) Company Limited, Shanghai Branch in the amount of $5,000. As of March 31, 2016, there were no outstanding borrowings on this facility.
7.
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. However, the majority of our claims are paid out within the first six to nine months following a sale. The majority of the liability for estimated warranty claims represents amounts to be paid out in the near term for qualified warranty issues, with immaterial amounts reserved to be paid for older equipment warranty issues.
The changes in warranty reserves for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31
 
2016
 
2015
Beginning balance
$
10,093

 
$
9,686

Additions charged to expense
2,488

 
2,413

Foreign currency fluctuations
60

 
(167
)
Claims paid
(2,766
)
 
(2,498
)
Ending balance
$
9,875

 
$
9,434


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Table of Contents

8.
Derivatives
Hedge Accounting and Hedging Programs
We recognize all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and measure them at fair value. Gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value are accounted for depending on the use of the derivative and whether it is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting.
We evaluate hedge effectiveness on our hedges that are designated and qualify for hedge accounting at the inception of the hedge prospectively, as well as retrospectively, and record any ineffective portion of the hedging instruments in Net Foreign Currency Transaction Losses in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The time value of purchased contracts is recorded in Net Foreign Currency Transaction Losses in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Balance Sheet Hedging – Hedges of Foreign Currency Assets and Liabilities
We hedge our net recognized foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities with foreign exchange forward contracts to reduce the risk that the value of these assets and liabilities will be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates. These contracts hedge assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies and are carried at fair value as either assets or liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets with changes in the fair value recorded to Net Foreign Currency Transaction Losses in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. These contracts do not subject us to material balance sheet risk due to exchange rate movements because gains and losses on these derivatives are intended to offset gains and losses on the assets and liabilities being hedged. At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the notional amounts of foreign currency forward exchange contracts outstanding not designated as hedging instruments were $46,515 and $45,851, respectively.
Cash Flow Hedging – Hedges of Forecasted Foreign Currency Transactions
In countries outside the U.S., we transact business in U.S. dollars and in various other currencies. We may use foreign exchange option contracts or forward contracts to hedge certain cash flow exposures resulting from changes in these foreign currency exchange rates. These foreign exchange contracts, carried at fair value, have maturities of up to one year. We enter into these foreign exchange contracts to hedge a portion of our forecasted foreign currency denominated revenue in the normal course of business, and accordingly, they are not speculative in nature. The notional amounts of outstanding foreign currency forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges were $2,631 and $2,486 as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The notional amounts of outstanding foreign currency option contracts designated as cash flow hedges were $9,137 and $11,271 as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
To receive hedge accounting treatment, all hedging relationships are formally documented at the inception of the hedge, and the hedges must be highly effective in offsetting changes to future cash flows on hedged transactions. We record changes in the fair value of these cash flow hedges in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, until the forecasted transaction occurs. When the forecasted transaction occurs, we reclassify the related gain or loss on the cash flow hedge to Net Sales in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. In the event the hedge becomes ineffective, the underlying forecasted transaction does not occur, or it becomes probable that it will not occur, we reclassify the gain or loss on the related cash flow hedge from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to Net Foreign Currency Transaction Losses in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings at that time. If we do not elect hedge accounting, or the contract does not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, the changes in fair value from period to period are recorded in Net Foreign Currency Transaction Losses in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
The fair value of derivative instruments on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were as follows:
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Fair Value Asset Derivatives
 
Fair Value Liability Derivatives
 
Fair Value Asset Derivatives
 
Fair Value Liability Derivatives
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency option contracts(1)(2)
 
$
109

 
$

 
$
387

 
$

Foreign currency forward contracts(1)
 

 
35

 
113

 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forward contracts(1)
 
$
28

 
$
1,354

 
$
171

 
$
7


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(1) 
Contracts that mature within the next 12 months are included in Other Current Assets and Other Current Liabilities for asset derivatives and liabilities derivatives, respectively, on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(2) 
Contracts with a maturity greater than 12 months are included in Other Assets and Other Liabilities for asset derivatives and liability derivatives, respectively, on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
As of March 31, 2016, we anticipate reclassifying approximately $215 of losses from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to net earnings during the next 12 months.
The effect of foreign currency derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges and of foreign currency derivative instruments not designated as hedges in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
 
Foreign Currency Option Contracts
 
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
 
 
 
 
Net loss recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax(1)
 
$
(186
)
 
$
(36
)
Net gain reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into earnings, net of tax(2)
 

 
58

Net loss recognized in earnings(3)
 
(6
)
 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
Net loss recognized in earnings(4)
 
$

 
$
(1,691
)
The effect of foreign currency derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges and of foreign currency derivative instruments not designated as hedges in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
 
Foreign Currency Option Contracts
 
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
 
 
 
 
Net loss recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax(1)
 
$

 
$

Net gain reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into earnings, net of tax(2)
 

 

Net loss recognized in earnings(3)
 

 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
Net gain recognized in earnings(4)
 
$

 
$
3,131

(1) 
Net change in the fair value of the effective portion classified in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss).
(2) 
Effective portion classified as Net Sales.
(3) 
Ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing classified in Net Foreign Currency Transaction Losses.
(4) 
Classified in Net Foreign Currency Transaction Losses.
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.

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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 March 31, 2016 is as follows:
 
Fair
Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
$
28

 
$

 
$
28

 
$

Foreign currency option contracts
109

 

 
109

 

Total Assets
$
137

 
$

 
$
137

 
$

Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
$
1,389

 
$

 
$
1,389

 
$

Total Liabilities
$
1,389

 
$

 
$
1,389

 
$

Our foreign currency forward and option exchange contracts are valued using observable Level 2 market expectations at the measurement date and standard valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present value amount. Further details regarding our foreign currency forward exchange and option contracts are discussed in Note 8.
The carrying amounts reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, Accounts Receivable, Other Current Assets, Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities approximate fair value due to their short-term nature.
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.
From time to time, we measure certain assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis, including evaluation of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment using company-specific assumptions that would fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
10.
Retirement Benefit Plans
Our defined benefit pension plans and postretirement medical plan are described in Note 13 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. We have contributed $105 and $279 during the first quarter of 2016 to our pension plans and to our postretirement medical plan, respectively.
The components of the net periodic (benefit) cost for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Postretirement
 
 
U.S. Plans
 
Non-U.S. Plans
 
Medical Benefits
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Service cost
 
$
80

 
$
106

 
$
36

 
$
36

 
$
24

 
$
31

Interest cost
 
415

 
432

 
105

 
123

 
99

 
109

Expected return on plan assets
 
(597
)
 
(652
)
 
(97
)
 
(144
)
 

 

Amortization of net actuarial loss
 
9

 
226

 

 

 

 

Amortization of prior service cost
 
11

 
11

 
32

 
65

 

 
35

Foreign currency
 

 

 
40

 
(83
)
 

 

Net periodic (benefit) cost
 
$
(82
)
 
$
123

 
$
116

 
$
(3
)
 
$
123

 
$
175


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11.
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 March 31, 2016, of those leases that contain residual value guarantees, the aggregate residual value at lease expiration was $11,986, of which we have guaranteed $9,681. As of March 31, 2016, we have recorded a liability for the estimated end of term loss related to this residual value guarantee of $404 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 first quarter of 2016, we entered into a distributor agreement with Green Machine Sweepers UK Limited, an affiliate of Green Machines International GmbH, for the exclusive right for Tennant to distribute, market, sell, rent and lease Green Machines products, aftermarket parts and consumables in the Americas and APAC. As part of this distributor agreement, we entered into a purchase commitment obligating us to purchase $12,000 of products and aftermarket parts and consumables annually for the next two years, for a total purchase commitment of $24,000.
On March 23, 2016, we entered into a four year Joint Development Agreement with a partner to develop software. As part of that agreement we have committed to spend $3,000 during the first year of the agreement and $8,000 over the life of the agreement, subject to regular time and materials billing and achievement of contract milestones.
12.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax, within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, are as follows:
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Foreign currency translation adjustments
$
(40,983
)
 
$
(44,585
)
Pension and retiree medical benefits
(3,635
)
 
(3,647
)
Cash flow hedge
(177
)
 
103

Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
$
(44,795
)
 
$
(48,129
)
The changes in components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax, are as follows:
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Pension and Post Retirement Benefits
 
Cash Flow Hedge
 
Total
December 31, 2015
$
(44,585
)
 
$
(3,647
)
 
$
103

 
$
(48,129
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
3,602

 

 
(222
)
 
3,380

Amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

 
12

 
(58
)
 
(46
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
$
3,602

 
$
12

 
$
(280
)
 
$
3,334

March 31, 2016
$
(40,983
)
 
$
(3,635
)
 
$
(177
)
 
$
(44,795
)
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 2012 and, with limited exceptions, state and foreign income tax examinations for taxable years before 2007.
We recognize potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in Income Tax Expense. In addition to the liability of $2,534 for unrecognized tax benefits as of March 31, 2016, there was approximately $528 for accrued interest and penalties. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate as of March 31, 2016 was $2,177. 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.
We are currently undergoing income tax examinations in various state and foreign jurisdictions covering 2007 to 2014. Although the final outcome of these examinations cannot be currently determined, we believe that we have adequate reserves with respect to these examinations.

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14.
Share-Based Compensation
Our share-based compensation plans are described in Note 17 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we recognized total Share-Based Compensation Expense of $2,637 and $2,707, respectively. The total excess tax benefit recognized for share-based compensation arrangements during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was $134 and $648, respectively.
During the first three months of 2016, we granted 20,609 restricted shares. The weighted average grant date fair value of each share awarded was $52.42. 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 three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was $1,021 and $811, respectively.
15.
Earnings Per Share
The computations of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31
 
2016
 
2015
Numerator:
 
 
 
Net Earnings
$
4,439

 
$
5,026

Denominator:
 
 
 
Basic - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
17,544,192

 
18,283,097

Effect of dilutive securities:
 
 
 
Share-based compensation plans
433,395

 
497,837

Diluted - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
17,977,587

 
18,780,934

Basic Earnings per Share
$
0.25

 
$
0.27

Diluted Earnings per Share
$
0.25

 
$
0.27

 
Excluded from the dilutive securities shown above were options to purchase 381,952 and 145,293 shares of Common Stock during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These exclusions were made if the exercise prices of the options are greater than the average market price of our Common Stock for the period, if the number of shares we can repurchase under the treasury stock method exceeds the weighted average shares outstanding in the options or if we have a net loss, as these effects are anti-dilutive.
16.
Segment Reporting
We are organized into four operating segments: North America; Latin America; Europe, Middle East and 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 months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: 
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31
 
2016
 
2015
Americas
$
133,553

 
$
134,003

Europe, Middle East and Africa
30,733

 
34,647

Asia Pacific
15,578

 
17,090

Total
$
179,864

 
$
185,740

 
Net Sales are attributed to each geographic area based on the country from which the product was shipped and are net of intercompany sales.

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Table of Contents

17.
Related Party Transactions
During the first 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 this entity. 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.
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 empower customers to achieve quality cleaning performance, significantly reduce their environmental impact and help create a cleaner, safer, healthier world. Tennant is committed to creating and commercializing breakthrough, sustainable cleaning innovations to enhance its broad suite of products including: floor maintenance and outdoor cleaning equipment, detergent-free and other sustainable cleaning technologies, aftermarket parts and consumables, equipment maintenance and repair service, specialty surface coatings and asset management solutions. Tennant products are used in many types of environments including: Retail establishments, distribution centers, factories and warehouses, public venues such as arenas and stadiums, office buildings, schools and universities, hospitals and clinics, parking lots and streets, and more. Customers include contract cleaners to whom organizations outsource facilities maintenance, as well as businesses that perform facilities maintenance themselves. The Company reaches these customers through the industry's largest direct sales and service organization and through a strong and well-supported network of authorized distributors worldwide.
Net Earnings for the first quarter of 2016 were $4.4 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, as compared to Net Earnings of $5.0 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2015. Operating Profit for the first quarter of 2016 was $7.1 million, or 3.9% of Net Sales, as compared to Operating Profit of $8.3 million, or 4.4% of Net Sales, in the first quarter of 2015. Operating Profit during the first quarter of 2016 was unfavorably impacted by lower Net Sales due to the impacts from unfavorable foreign currency exchange and a divestiture, lower Gross Profit and higher Selling and Administrative ("S&A") Expense and Research and Development ("R&D") Expense. Due to the continued strength of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies in the 2016 first quarter, foreign currency exchange reduced Operating Profit by approximately $1.1 million.
Net Earnings for the first quarter of 2015 were $5.0 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, as compared to Net Earnings of $5.8 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2014. Operating Profit for the first quarter of 2015 was $8.3 million, or 4.4% of Net Sales, as compared to Operating Profit of $9.2 million, or 5.0% of Net Sales, in the first quarter of 2014. Operating Profit during the first quarter of 2015 was favorably impacted by higher Net Sales, somewhat offset by higher S&A Expense and R&D Expense. Due to the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies in the 2015 first quarter, foreign currency exchange reduced Operating Profit by approximately $1.9 million.

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Historical Results
The following table compares the historical results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and as a percentage of Net Sales (in thousands, except per share data and percentages): 
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31
 
2016
 
%
 
2015
 
%
Net Sales
$
179,864

 
100.0

 
$
185,740

 
100.0

Cost of Sales
102,362

 
56.9

 
107,659

 
58.0

Gross Profit
77,502

 
43.1

 
78,081

 
42.0

Operating Expense:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Research and Development Expense
7,904

 
4.4

 
7,710

 
4.2

Selling and Administrative Expense
62,439

 
34.7

 
62,117

 
33.4

Loss on Sale of Business
62

 

 

 

Total Operating Expense
70,405

 
39.1

 
69,827

 
37.6

Profit from Operations
7,097

 
3.9

 
8,254

 
4.4

Other Income (Expense):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest Income
41

 

 
50

 

Interest Expense
(302
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(377
)
 
(0.2
)
Net Foreign Currency Transaction Losses
(273
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(443
)
 
(0.2
)
Other Expense, Net
(36
)
 

 
(52
)
 

Total Other Expense, Net
(570
)
 
(0.3
)
 
(822
)
 
(0.4
)
Profit Before Income Taxes
6,527

 
3.6

 
7,432

 
4.0

Income Tax Expense
2,088

 
1.2

 
2,406

 
1.3

Net Earnings
$
4,439

 
2.5

 
$
5,026

 
2.7

Net Earnings per Diluted Share
$
0.25

 
 
 
$
0.27

 
 

Net Sales
Consolidated Net Sales for the first quarter of 2016 totaled $179.9 million, a 3.2% decrease as compared to consolidated Net Sales of $185.7 million in the first quarter of 2015.
The components of the consolidated Net Sales change for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015 were as follows:
 
2016 v. 2015
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31
Organic Growth:
 
  Volume
(0.5%)
  Price
0.5%
Organic Growth
—%
  Foreign Currency
(2.0%)
  Divestiture
(1.2%)
Total
(3.2%)
 

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The 3.2% decrease in consolidated Net Sales in the first quarter of 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015 was driven by:
An unfavorable direct foreign currency translation exchange impact of approximately 2.0%.
An unfavorable impact resulting from the sale of our Green Machines outdoor city cleaning line of 1.2%.
Essentially flat organic sales growth, which excludes the effects of foreign currency exchange and acquisitions and divestitures, due to an approximate 0.5% volume decrease and a 0.5% price increase. The volume decrease was primarily due to solid sales through our distribution and direct sales channels, particularly in the Americas region, and higher sales of industrial equipment being more than offset by lower sales within our markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa ("EMEA") and Asia Pacific ("APAC") regions and lower sales of commercial equipment. Sales of new products introduced within the past three years totaled 36% of equipment revenue for the first quarter of 2016. This compares to 14% of equipment revenue in the 2015 first quarter from sales of new products introduced within the past three years. The price increase was the result of selling list price increases, typically in the range of 2 percent to 4 percent in most geographies, with an effective date of February 1, 2015. The impact to gross margin is estimated to be minimal as these selling price increases were taken to offset inflation. We currently do not anticipate any material selling list price increases in 2016 and we expect an immaterial increase to Net Sales for the 2016 full year.
The following table sets forth the Net Sales by geographic area for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 and the percentage change from the prior year (in thousands, except percentages):
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
%
Americas
 
$
133,553

 
$
134,003

 
(0.3
)
Europe, Middle East and Africa
 
30,733

 
34,647

 
(11.3
)
Asia Pacific
 
15,578

 
17,090

 
(8.8
)
Total
 
$
179,864

 
$
185,740

 
(3.2
)
Americas
Net Sales in the Americas for the first quarter of 2016 decreased 0.3% to $133.6 million for the first quarter of 2016, compared to the first quarter of 2015. Organic sales growth of 1.7% in the first quarter of 2016 was bolstered by sales through distribution and direct sales (with a higher mix of industrial equipment), including new products, and also sales of scrubbers equipped with ec-H2OTM technology in North America being somewhat offset by lower sales of commercial equipment to strategic accounts (that were exceptionally robust in the first quarter of 2015). The organic sales growth in this region was more than offset by the unfavorable direct foreign currency translation exchange impact on Net Sales of approximately 2.0%.
Europe, Middle East and Africa
In our markets within EMEA, Net Sales decreased 11.3% to $30.7 million for the first quarter of 2016, compared to the first quarter of 2015. Organic sales decreased approximately 2.8% in the first quarter with strong sales to strategic accounts being more than offset by lower direct sales and sales through distribution. There was an unfavorable impact on Net Sales during the first quarter of 2016 of approximately 6.5% as a result of the sale of our Green Machines outdoor city cleaning line in January 2016. In addition, there was an unfavorable direct foreign currency translation exchange impact on Net Sales during the first quarter of 2016 of approximately 2.0%.
Asia Pacific
Net Sales in the APAC region for the first quarter of 2016 decreased 8.8% to $15.6 million, compared to the first quarter of 2015. Organic sales decreased approximately 5.8% in the first quarter with organic sales growth in Australia, Japan and China being more than offset by sales declines in other Asian countries. Direct foreign currency translation exchange unfavorably impacted Net Sales by approximately 3.0% in the first quarter of 2016.
Gross Profit
Gross Profit in the first quarter of 2016 was $77.5 million, or 43.1% of Net Sales, as compared to $78.1 million, or 42.0% of Net Sales, in the first quarter of 2015. Gross margin was 110 basis points higher in the first quarter of 2016 due to a more favorable channel mix (with relatively higher sales through distribution and direct sales and lower sales to strategic accounts) and favorable product mix (with relatively higher sales of industrial equipment and lower sales of commercial equipment) versus the prior year period. In addition, foreign currency headwinds unfavorably impacted gross margin by approximately 40 basis points.

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Table of Contents

Operating Expense
Research & Development Expense
R&D Expense in the first quarter of 2016 increased 2.5% to $7.9 million, as compared with $7.7 million in the first quarter of 2015. R&D Expense as a percentage of Net Sales was 4.4% for the first quarter of 2016, an increase of 20 basis points as compared to 4.2% in the first quarter of 2015.
We continue to invest in developing innovative new products for our traditional core business, as well as in our Orbio Technologies Group, which is focused on advancing a suite of sustainable cleaning technologies. New products are a key driver of sales growth. There were three new products and product variants launched in the first three months of 2016 consisting of emerging market floor machines. The two models of the M17 battery-powered sweeper-scrubber launched in late March will begin to generate sales in the second quarter of 2016. For the full year 2016, we plan to introduce at least 13 new products, including several significant industrial machines.
Selling & Administrative Expense
S&A Expense in the first quarter of 2016 increased 0.5% to $62.4 million, as compared to $62.1 million in the first quarter of 2015. S&A Expense as a percentage of Net Sales was 34.7% for the first quarter of 2016, an increase of 130 basis points from 33.4% in the comparable 2015 quarter.
The increase in S&A Expense in the first quarter as compared to the same period in the prior year was primarily due to investments in key projects that are anticipated to enhance our long-term sales growth. The expense incurred for these projects were somewhat offset by cost controls and improved operating efficiencies that favorably impacted S&A Expense.
Loss on Sale of Business
During first quarter of 2016, we completed the sale of our Green Machines outdoor city cleaning line. The $0.1 million loss recognized on the transaction was not material to our financial statements.
Other Income (Expense), Net
Interest Income
There was no significant change in Interest Income in the first quarter of 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015.
Interest Expense
Interest Expense in the first quarter of 2016 was $0.3 million, as compared to $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2015. The lower Interest Expense in the first quarter of 2016 was primarily due to a lower level of debt.
Net Foreign Currency Transaction Losses
Net Foreign Currency Transaction Losses in the first quarter of 2016 was $0.3 million, as compared to $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2015. The favorable change in the impact from foreign currency transactions in the first quarter of 2016 was due to fluctuations in foreign currency rates and settlement of transactional hedging activity in the normal course of business.
Other Expense, Net
There was no significant change in Other Expense, Net in the first quarter of 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015.
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate in the first quarter of 2016 was 32.0%, as compared to the effective rate in the first quarter of the prior year of 32.4%.
The decrease in the overall effective tax rate was primarily related to the mix in expected full year taxable earnings by country and the Federal R&D tax credit, which was reenacted in December 2015. The 2015 first quarter tax rate did not include any benefit for Federal R&D tax credits as we were not allowed to consider the credit in our tax rate until it was formally reenacted.
We do not have any plans to repatriate the undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries. Any repatriation from foreign subsidiaries that would result in incremental taxation is not being considered. It is management's belief that reinvesting these earnings outside the U.S. is the most efficient use of capital.

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Table of Contents

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity
Cash and Cash Equivalents totaled $26.9 million at March 31, 2016, as compared to $51.3 million as of December 31, 2015. Wherever possible, cash management is centralized and intercompany financing is used to provide working capital to subsidiaries as needed. Our current ratio was 2.2 as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and our working capital was $143.7 million and $160.4 million, respectively. Our debt-to-capital ratio was 8.3% as of March 31, 2016, compared with 8.9% as of December 31, 2015.
Cash Flow Summary
Cash used in our operating, investing and financing activities is summarized as follows (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31
 
2016
 
2015
Operating Activities
$
(6,467
)
 
$
(2,122
)
Investing Activities:
 
 
 
Purchases of Property, Plant and Equipment, Net of Disposals
(6,755
)
 
(4,043
)
Proceeds from Sale of Business
285

 

Decrease (Increase) in Restricted Cash
121

 
(13
)
Financing Activities
(11,961
)
 
(8,627
)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents
391

 
(1,333
)
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
(24,386
)
 
$
(16,138
)
Operating Activities
Operating activities used $6.5 million of cash for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Cash used in operating activities was driven primarily by cash outflows resulting from a decrease in Employee Compensation and Benefits liabilities of $9.2 million, a decrease in Other Current Liabilities of $6.5 million, an increase in Inventories of $5.6 million and a decrease in Accounts Payable of $4.1 million. These cash outflows were partially offset by cash inflows resulting from a decrease in Accounts Receivable of $9.3 million and Net Earnings of $4.4 million.
Operating activities used $2.1 million of cash for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Cash used in operating activities was driven primarily by cash outflows resulting from an increase in Inventories of $9.5 million and a decrease in Employee Compensation and Benefits liabilities and Other Current Liabilities in the amounts of $8.9 million and $5.8 million, respectively, partially offset by cash inflows resulting from a decrease in Accounts Receivable of $16.2 million and Net Earnings of $5.0 million.
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): 
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
 
March 31,
2015
DSO
63
 
61
 
64
DIOH
103
 
89
 
97
As of March 31, 2016, DSO decreased 1 day as compared to March 31, 2015 and increased 2 days as compared to December 31, 2015. The fluctuations in DSO are primarily due to the variety of terms offered and mix of business.
As of March 31, 2016, DIOH increased 6 days as compared to March 31, 2015 and increased 14 days as compared to December 31, 2015, primarily due to increased levels of inventory in support of higher anticipated sales levels and the launches of new products, somewhat offset by progress from inventory reduction initiatives.

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Table of Contents

Investing Activities
Investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2016 used $6.3 million. Net capital expenditures used $6.8 million. This was partially offset by proceeds of $0.3 million from the sale of our Green Machines outdoor city cleaning line, as described further in Note 3, as well as proceeds of $0.1 million from a decrease in our Restricted Cash balance. Capital expenditures included investments in information technology process improvement projects, tooling related to new product development, and manufacturing equipment.
Investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2015 used $4.1 million in cash. Net capital expenditures used $4.0 million. Capital expenditures included investments in information technology process improvement projects, tooling related to new product development, and manufacturing equipment.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $12.0 million during the first three months of 2016. The purchases of our Common Stock per our authorized repurchase program used $7.1 million, dividend payments used $3.5 million and the payments of Long-Term Debt used $2.0 million, partially offset by proceeds from the issuance of Common Stock of $0.5 million and the excess tax benefit on stock plans of $0.1 million.
Net cash used in financing activities was $8.6 million during the first three months of 2015. The purchases of our Common Stock per our authorized repurchase program used $4.1 million, dividend payments used $3.7 million and the payment of Long-Term Debt used $2.0 million, partially offset by cash inflows arising from the excess tax benefit on stock plans of $0.6 million and proceeds from the issuance of Common Stock of $0.6 million.
Indebtedness
As of March 31, 2016, we had committed lines of credit totaling $125.0 million and uncommitted credit facilities totaling $87.3 million. There were $10.0 million in outstanding borrowings under our JPMorgan facility (described below) and $12.6 million in outstanding borrowings under our Prudential facility (described below) as of March 31, 2016. In addition, we had stand alone letters of credit and bank guarantees outstanding in the amount of $3.3 million. Commitment fees on unused lines of credit for the three months ended March 31, 2016 were $0.1 million.
Our most restrictive covenants are part of our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with JPMorgan (as defined below), which are the same covenants in our Shelf Agreement (as defined below) with Prudential (as defined below), and require us to maintain an indebtedness to EBITDA ratio of not greater than 3.25 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 March 31, 2016, our indebtedness to EBITDA ratio was 0.37 to 1 and our EBITDA to interest expense ratio was 67.36 to 1.
Credit Facilities
JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association
Details regarding our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2015, between us and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. ("JPMorgan"), as administrative agent and collateral agent, U.S. Bank National Associated, as syndication agent, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as documentation agent, and the Lenders (including JPMorgan) from time to time party thereto (the "Amended and Restated Credit Agreement") are described in Note 9 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.
As of March 31, 2016, we were in compliance with all covenants under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. There were $10.0 million in outstanding borrowings under this facility at March 31, 2016, with a weighted average interest rate of 1.51%. This facility, under the current terms of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, expires on June 30, 2020.
Prudential Investment Management, Inc.
Details regarding our Private Shelf Agreement, dated as of July 29, 2009, and amended on May 5, 2011, July 24, 2012 and June 30, 2015, with Prudential Investment Management, Inc. ("Prudential") and Prudential affiliates from time to time party thereto (the "Shelf Agreement") are described in Note 9 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.
As of March 31, 2016, there were $12.6 million in outstanding borrowings under the Shelf Agreement, consisting of $4.0 million of Series A notes issued in March 2011 with a fixed interest rate of 4.00% and a term of seven years, with remaining serial maturities from 2017 to 2018 and the $8.6 million Series B notes issued in June 2011 with a fixed interest rate of 4.10% and a term of 10 years, with remaining serial maturities from 2016 to 2021. The third payment of $2.0 million on Series A notes was made during the first quarter of 2016. We were in compliance with all covenants under the Shelf Agreement as of March 31, 2016. The issuance period, under the current terms of the Shelf Agreement, expires on June 30, 2018.

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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, or approximately $2.3 million. There was no balance outstanding on this facility as of March 31, 2016.
HSBC Bank (China) Company Limited, Shanghai Branch
On June 20, 2012, we entered into a banking facility with the HSBC Bank (China) Company Limited, Shanghai Branch in the amount of $5.0 million. As of March 31, 2016, there were no outstanding borrowings on this facility.
Contractual Obligations
During the first quarter of 2016, we entered into a distributor agreement with Green Machine Sweepers UK Limited, an affiliate of Green Machines International GmbH, for the exclusive right for Tennant to distribute, market, sell, rent and lease Green Machines products, aftermarket parts and consumables in the Americas and APAC. As part of this distributor agreement, we entered into a purchase commitment obligating us to purchase $12.0 million of products and aftermarket parts and consumables annually for the next two years, for a total purchase commitment of $24.0 million.
On March 23, 2016, we entered into a four year Joint Development Agreement with a partner to develop software. As part of that agreement we have committed to spend $3.0 million during the first year of the agreement and $8.0 million over the life of the agreement, subject to regular time and materials billing and achievement of contract milestones.
Other than the agreements noted above, there have been no material changes with respect to contractual obligations as disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Newly Issued Accounting Guidance
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This ASU will replace all existing revenue recognition standards and significantly expand the disclosure requirements for revenue arrangements. This guidance requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. This guidance provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. Other major provisions include capitalization of certain contract costs, consideration of time value of money in the transaction price, and allowing estimates of variable consideration to be recognized before contingencies are resolved in certain circumstances. This guidance also requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity's contracts with customers.
In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, which defers the effective date of the new revenue recognition standard by one year from the original effective date specified in ASU No. 2014-09. The guidance now permits us to apply the new revenue recognition standard to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, which is our fiscal 2018. The provisions of the ASU permit companies to adopt the new revenue standard early, but not before the original public organization effective date, which is for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, which is our fiscal 2017.
The new standard may be adopted retrospectively for all periods presented, or adopted using a modified retrospective approach. Under the retrospective approach, the fiscal 2017 and 2016 financial statements would be adjusted to reflect the effects of applying the new standard on those periods. Under the modified retrospective approach, the new standard would only be applied for the period beginning January 1, 2018 to new contracts and those contracts that are not yet complete at January 1, 2018, with a cumulative catch-up adjustment recorded to beginning retained earnings for existing contracts that still require performance. We are currently evaluating the impact that this standard is expected to have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This ASU changes current U.S. GAAP for lessees to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for those leases classified as operating leases under previous U.S. GAAP. Under the new guidance, lessor accounting is largely unchanged. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after January 1, 2019, including interim periods. Early application is permitted. Lessees and lessors must apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The transition approach would not require any transition accounting for leases that expired before the earliest comparative period presented. A full retrospective transition approach is prohibited for both lessees and lessors. We are currently evaluating the impact of this amended guidance on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

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In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This ASU modified U.S. GAAP by requiring the following, among others: (1) all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies are to be recognized as income tax expense or benefit on the income statement (excess tax benefits are recognized regardless of whether the benefit reduces taxes payable in the current period); (2) excess tax benefits are to be classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows; (3) in the area of forfeitures, an entity can still follow the current U.S. GAAP practice of making an entity-wide accounting policy election to estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest or may instead account for forfeitures when they occur; and (4) classification as a financing activity in the statement of cash flows of cash paid by an employer to the taxing authority when directly withholding shares for tax withholding purposes. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after January 1, 2017, including interim periods. Early application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this amended guidance on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
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; competition in our business; relative strength of the U.S. dollar, which affects the cost of our materials and products purchased and sold internationally; ability to attract, retain and develop key personnel and create effective succession planning strategies; ability to successfully upgrade, evolve and protect our information technology systems; fluctuations in the cost or availability of raw materials and purchased components; ability to effectively manage organizational changes; ability to develop and commercialize new innovative products and services; unforeseen product liability claims or product quality issues; disruptions to the value chain process causing delays in delivery, customer dissatisfaction, high costs and litigation; occurrence of a significant business interruption; and ability to comply with laws and regulations. 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. 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. Additional 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, 2015 and Part II, Item 1A of this Form 10-Q.
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 SEC 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, 2015. For additional information, refer to Item 7A of our 2015 annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.
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 March 31, 2016 (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 SEC 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.

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
There are no material pending legal proceedings other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
We documented our risk factors in Item 1A of Part I of our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015. There have been no material changes to our risk factors since the filing of that report.
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
On June 22, 2015, 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 share-based compensation programs. Our Amended and Restated 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. If our leverage ratio is greater than 3.25 to 1, our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and Shelf Agreement restrict us from paying any dividends or repurchasing stock, after giving effect to such payments.
For the Quarter Ended
March 31, 2016
 
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 Under the Plans or Programs
January 1 - 31, 2016
 
94,754

 
$
52.83

 
94,648

 
546,875

February 1 - 29, 2016
 
23,918

 
51.03

 
5,700

 
541,175

March 1 - 31, 2016
 
36,721

 
48.69

 
36,721

 
504,454

Total
 
155,393

 
$
51.57

 
137,069

 
504,454

(1) 
Includes 18,324 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 share-based compensation plans.

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Item 6.
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 financial information from Tennant Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2016, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015; (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015; and (v) Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Filed herewith electronically.

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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:
 
April 29, 2016
 
                /s/ H. Chris Killingstad
 
 
 
 
H. Chris Killingstad
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
     
 
 
Date:
 
April 29, 2016
 
                /s/ Thomas Paulson
 
 
 
 
Thomas Paulson
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 


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