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Tennant Company

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Employees 4500
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FY2017 Annual Report · Tennant Company
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

[ ü
ü
]

OR

[   ]

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017

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   001-16191

TENNANT COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Minnesota

State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization

41-0572550

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

701 North Lilac Drive, P.O. Box 1452
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code 763-540-1200

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:  

Title of each class

Common Stock, par value $0.375 per share

  Name of exchange on which registered

New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined by Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

üü Yes

No

Yes

üü No

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.

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).

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained
herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference
in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.

üü Yes

üü Yes

No

No

[ ]

1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or emerging growth
company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  üü

Non-accelerated filer   

(Do not check if a smaller reporting
company)

Accelerated filer

   Smaller reporting company  

  Emerging growth company  

If  an  emerging  growth  company,  indicate  by  check  mark  if  the  registrant  has  elected  not  to  use  the  extended  transition  period  for
complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2017, was $1,292,419,327.

[ ]

Yes

üü No

As of January 31, 2018, there were 17,881,327 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2018 annual meeting of shareholders (the “2018 Proxy Statement”) are incorporated by reference in Part III.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tennant Company
Form 10–K
Table of Contents

PART I

PART II

Item 1

Business

Item 1A Risk Factors

Item 1B Unresolved Staff Comments

Item 2

Item 3

Item 4

Item 5

Item 6

Item 7

Properties

Legal Proceedings

Mine Safety Disclosures

Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Selected Financial Data

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Item 8

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Consolidated Statements of Equity

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

2 Newly Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

3

Investment in Joint Venture

4 Management Actions

5 Acquisitions

6

7

Inventories

Property, Plant and Equipment

8 Goodwill and Intangible Assets

9 Debt

10 Other Current Liabilities

11 Derivatives

12 Fair Value Measurements

13 Retirement Benefit Plans

14 Shareholders' Equity

15 Commitments and Contingencies

16 Income Taxes

17 Share-Based Compensation

18 Earnings Per Share

19 Segment Reporting

20 Consolidated Quarterly Data (Unaudited)

21 Related Party Transactions

22 Separate Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries

23 Subsequent Event

Item 9

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Item 9A Controls and Procedures
Item 9B Other Information

PART III

Item 10

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

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Item 11

Item 12

Item 13

Item 14

PART IV  

Executive Compensation

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Item 15

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

Item 16

Form 10-K Summary

Signatures

3

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Table of Contents

TENNANT COMPANY
2017
ANNUAL REPORT
Form 10–K
(Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act of 1934)
PART I

ITEM 1 – Business

General Development of Business

Founded  in  1870  by  George  H.  Tennant,  Tennant  Company,  a  Minnesota
corporation incorporated in 1909, began as a one-man woodworking business, evolved
into  a  successful  wood  flooring  and  wood  products  company,  and  eventually  into  a
manufacturer  of  floor  cleaning  equipment.  Throughout  its  history,  Tennant  has
remained  focused  on  advancing  our  industry  by  aggressively  pursuing  new
technologies and creating a culture that celebrates innovation.

Today, Tennant Company is a recognized leader of the cleaning industry. We are
passionate  about  developing  innovative  and  sustainable  solutions  that  help  our
customers  clean  spaces  more  effectively,  addressing  indoor  and  outdoor  cleaning
challenges.  Tennant  Company  operates  in  three  geographic  business  units  including
the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Asia Pacific (APAC). In
April  2017,  Tennant  Company  completed  its  acquisition  of  the  IPC  Group,  a  multi-
brand  manufacturer  of  a  broad  range  of  cleaning  and  accessory  equipment.  With
primary operations in Italy, the IPC Group significantly enhances Tennant's position
in the EMEA region and brings to Tennant a broader product offering.

Tennant  Company  is  committed  to  empowering  our  customers  to  create  a
cleaner,  safer  and  healthier  world  with  high-performance  solutions  that  minimize
waste, reduce costs, improve safety and further sustainability goals.

Segment and Geographic Area Financial Information

The  Company  has  one  reportable  business  segment.  Sales  to  customers
geographically located in the United States were $543.7 million,  $525.3 million  and
$517.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.
Long-lived  assets located  in the United  States were $108.0  and $109.2  million  as of
the  years  ended  December  31,  2017  and  2016  ,  respectively.  Additional  financial
information on the Company’s segment and geographic areas is provided throughout
Item 8 and Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Principal Products, Markets and Distribution

The  Company  offers  products  and  solutions  consisting  of  mechanized  cleaning
equipment,  detergent-free  and  other  sustainable  cleaning  technologies,  aftermarket
parts  and  consumables,  equipment  maintenance  and  repair  service,  specialty  surface
coatings,  and  business  solutions  such  as  financing,  rental  and  leasing  programs,  and
machine-to-machine asset management solutions.

The  Company's  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. The Company markets its offerings under
the following brands: Tennant  ® , Nobles ® , Green Machines ™ , Alfa Uma Empresa
Tennant  ™ , IRIS  ® , Superior  Anodes,  Waterstar  and Orbio  ® . Orbio Technologies,
which markets and sells Orbio-branded products and solutions, is a group created by
the  Company  to  focus  on  expanding  the  opportunities  for  the  emerging  category  of
On-Site  Generation (OSG). OSG technologies  create and dispense effective cleaning
and  antimicrobial  solutions  on  site  within  a  facility.  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.

In April 2017, the Company completed its acquisition of the IPC Group business
("IPC").  IPC  manufactures  a  complete  range  of  commercial  cleaning  products
including mechanized cleaning equipment, wet & dry vacuum cleaners, cleaning tools
&  carts  and  high  pressure  washers.  These  products  are  sold  into  similar  vertical
market applications as those listed above, but also into office cleaning and hospitality
vertical markets through a global direct sales and service organization and network of
distributors.  IPC  markets  products  and  services  under  the  following  valued  brands:
IPC, Gansow, Vaclensa, Portotecnica, Soteco and private-label brands.

Raw Materials

The  Company  has  not  experienced  any  significant  or  unusual  problems  in  the
availability  of  raw  materials  or  other  product  components.  The  Company  has  sole-
source vendors for certain components. A disruption in supply from such vendors may
disrupt  the  Company’s  operations.  However,  the  Company  believes  that  it  can  find
alternate sources in the event there is a disruption in supply from such vendors.

Intellectual Property

Although  the  Company  considers  that  its  patents,  proprietary  technologies  and
trade  secrets,  customer  relationships,  licenses,  trademarks,  trade  names  and  brand
names  in  the  aggregate  constitute  a  valuable  asset,  it  does  not  regard  its  business  as
being materially dependent upon any single item or category of intellectual property.
We  take  appropriate  measures  to  protect  our  intellectual  property  to  the  extent  such
intellectual property can be protected.

Seasonality

Although  the  Company’s  business  is  not  seasonal  in  the  traditional  sense,  the
percentage of revenues in each quarter typically ranges from 22% to 28% of the total
year.  The  first  quarter  tends  to  be  at  the  low  end  of  the  range  reflecting  customers’
initial slow ramp up of capital purchases and the Company’s efforts to close out orders
at the end of each year. The second and fourth quarters tend to be towards the high end
of the range and the third quarter is typically in the middle of the range.

4

 
Table of Contents

Working Capital

  Executive Officers of the Registrant

The  Company  funds  operations  through  a  combination  of  cash  and  cash
equivalents and cash flows from operations. Wherever possible, cash management is
centralized  and  intercompany  financing  is  used  to  provide  working  capital  to
subsidiaries  as  needed.  In  addition,  credit  facilities  are  available  for  additional
working capital needs or investment opportunities.

Major Customers

The Company sells its products to a wide variety of customers, none of which are
of  material  importance  in  relation  to  the  business  as  a  whole.  The  customer  base
includes  several  governmental  entities  which  generally  have  terms  similar  to  other
customers.

Backlog

The  Company  processes  orders  within  two  weeks,  on  average.  Therefore,  no

significant backlogs existed at December 31, 2017 and 2016 .

The  list  below  identifies  those  persons  designated  as  executive  officers  of  the
Company,  including  their  age,  positions  held  with  the  Company  and  their  business
experience during the past five or more years.

David W. Huml, Senior Vice President, EMEA, APAC and Global Marketing

David  W.  Huml  (49)  joined  the  Company  in  November  2014  as  Senior  Vice
President,  Global  Marketing.  In  January  2016,  he  also  assumed  oversight  for  the
Company's  APAC  business  unit  and  in  January  2017,  he  assumed  oversight  for  the
Company's  EMEA  business.  From  2006  to  October  2014,  he  held  various  positions
with  Pentair  plc,  a  global  manufacturer  of  water  and  fluid  solutions,  valves  and
controls,  equipment  protection  and  thermal  management  products,  most  recently  as
Vice President, Applied Water Platform. From 1992 to 2006, he held various positions
with Graco Inc., a designer, manufacturer and marketer of systems and equipment to
move,  measure,  control,  dispense  and  spray  fluid  and  coating  materials,  including
Worldwide Director of Marketing, Contractor Equipment Division.

Competition

H. Chris Killingstad, President and Chief Executive Officer

Public industry data concerning global market share is limited; however, through
an  assessment  of  validated  third  party  sources  and  sponsored  third  party  market
studies, the Company is confident in its position as a world-leading manufacturer of
floor maintenance and cleaning equipment. Several global competitors compete with
Tennant  in  virtually  every  geography  of  the  world.  However,  small  regional
competitors  are  also  significant  competitors  who  vary  by  country,  vertical  market,
product  category  or  channel.  The  Company  competes  primarily  on  the  basis  of
offering  a  broad  line  of  high-quality,  innovative  products  supported  by  an  extensive
sales and service network in major markets.

H.  Chris  Killingstad  (62)  joined  the  Company  in  April  2002  as  Vice  President,
North  America  and  was named  President  and  CEO  in  2005.  From  1990  to  2002,  he
was  employed  by  The  Pillsbury  Company,  a  consumer  foods  manufacturer.  From
1999  to  2002  he  served  as  Senior  Vice  President  and  General  Manager  of  Frozen
Products for Pillsbury North America; from 1996 to 1999 he served as Regional Vice
President  and  Managing  Director  of  Pillsbury  Europe,  and  from  1990  to  1996  was
Regional  Vice  President  of  Häagen-Dazs  Asia  Pacific.  He  held  the  position  of
International  Business  Development  Manager  at  PepsiCo  Inc.,  from  1982-1990  and
Financial Manager for General Electric, from 1978-1980.

Research and Development

Tennant Company has a history of developing innovative technologies to create a
cleaner, safer, healthier world. The Company is committed to its innovation leadership
position  through  fulfilling  its  goal  to  annually  invest  3%  to  4%  of  annual  sales  to
research and development. The Company’s innovation efforts are focused on solving
our customers’ needs holistically addressing a broad array of issues, such as managing
labor costs, enhancing productivity, and making cleaning processes more efficient and
sustainable.    Through  core  product  development,  partnerships  and  technology
enablement we are creating new growth avenues for Tennant. These new avenues for
growth go beyond cleaning equipment into business insights and service solutions. In
2017 , 2016 and 2015 ,  the  Company  spent  $32.0 million , $34.7 million and $32.4
million on research and development, respectively.

Environmental Compliance

Compliance with Federal, State and local provisions which have been enacted or
adopted  regulating  the  discharge  of  materials  into  the  environment,  or  otherwise
relating to the protection of the environment, has not had, and the Company does not
expect it to have, a material effect upon the Company’s capital expenditures, earnings
or competitive position.

Employees

The Company employed approximately 4,300 people in worldwide operations as

of December 31, 2017 .

Available Information

The  Company  makes  available  free  of  charge,  through  the  Investor  Relations
website at investors.tennantco.com, its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports
on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or
furnished  pursuant  to  Section  13(a)  or  15(d)  of  the  Exchange  Act  as  soon  as
reasonably practicable when such material is filed electronically with, or furnished to,
the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

5

Carol E. McKnight, Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer

Carol  E.  McKnight  (50)  joined  the  Company  in  June  2014  as  Senior  Vice
President  of  Global  Human  Resources.  In  2017,  Carol  was  named  SVP  and  Chief
Administrative  Officer.  Prior  to  joining  Tennant,  she  was  Vice  President  of  Human
Resources  at  ATK  (Alliant  Techsystems)  where  she  held  divisional  and  corporate
leadership  positions  in  the  areas  of  compensation,  talent  management,  talent
acquisition  and  general  human  resource  management.  Prior  to  ATK,  she  was  with
New Jersey-based NRG Energy, Inc.

Jeffrey C. Moorefield, Senior Vice President, Global Operations

Jeffrey  C.  Moorefield  (54)  joined  the  Company  in  April  2015  as  Senior  Vice
President,  Global  Operations.  From  2001  to  2008  and  2010  to  March  2015,  he  held
various positions with Pentair plc, a global manufacturer of water and fluid solutions,
valves  and  controls,  equipment  protection  and  thermal  management  products,  most
recently  as  Global  Vice  President  of  Operation  -  Technical  Solutions.  From  2008  to
2010,  he  was  Head  of  Operations  for  Netshape  Technology,  a  technical  start-up
company.  From  1987  to  2001,  he  held  various  positions  with  Emerson  Electric
Company,  a  worldwide  technology  and  engineering  company,  culminating  in  Vice
President,  Operations.  From  1985  to  1987,  he  was  a  Design  Engineer  at  Smith  &
Proffit Machine & Engineering, a custom equipment engineering company.

Thomas Paulson, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Thomas Paulson (61) joined the Company in March 2006 as Vice President and
Chief  Financial  Officer  and  was  named  Senior  Vice  President  and  Chief  Financial
Officer in October 2013. Prior to joining Tennant, he was Chief Financial Officer and
Senior  Vice  President  of  Innovex  from  2001  to  February  2006.  Prior  to  joining
Innovex,  a  manufacturer  of  electronic  interconnect  solutions,  he  worked  for  The
Pillsbury Company for over 19 years. He became a Vice President at Pillsbury in 1995
and  was  the  Vice  President  of  Finance  for  the  $4  billion  North  American  Foods
Division for over two years before joining Innovex.

Jeffrey L. Cotter, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Jeffrey  L.  Cotter  (50)  joined  the  Company  in  September  2017  as  Senior  Vice
President,  General  Counsel  and Corporate  Secretary  . Previously, he was with G&K
Services,  Inc.,  starting  in  2006  and  from  2008  to  2017  serving  as  Vice  President,
General  Counsel,  and  Corporate  Secretary.  Prior  to  G&K  Services,  Inc.,  he  was  a
shareholder at Leonard, Street and Deinard P.A. (n/k/a Stinson Leonard Street LLP).

Richard H. Zay, Senior Vice President, The Americas and R&D

Richard H. Zay (47) joined the Company in June 2010 as Vice President, Global
Marketing and was named Senior Vice President, Global Marketing in October 2013.
In  2014,  he  was  named  Senior  Vice  President  of  the  Americas  business  unit  for
Tennant  and  in  2018  he  assumed  responsibility  for  Tennant  Research  and
Development  as  well.  From  2006  to  2010,  he  held  various  positions  with  Whirlpool
Corporation,  a  manufacturer  of  major  home  appliances,  most  recently  as  General
Manager,  KitchenAid  Brand.  From  1993  to  2006,  he  held  various  positions  with
Maytag  Corporation,
 Director  of
 including  Vice  President,
Marketing, Maytag Brand, and Director of Cooking Category Management.

 Jenn-Air  Brand,

ITEM 1A – Risk Factors

The following are significant factors known to us that could materially adversely

affect our business, financial condition or operating results.

We may not be able to effectively manage organizational changes which could

negatively impact our operating results or financial condition.

We  are  continuing  to  implement  global  standardized  processes  in  our  business
despite  lean  staffing  levels.  We  continue  to  consolidate  and  reallocate  resources  as
part of our ongoing efforts to optimize our cost structure in the current economy. Our
operating  results  may  be  negatively  impacted  if  we  are  unable  to  implement  new
processes  and  manage  organizational  changes,  which  includes  changes  to  our  go-to-
market  strategy,  systems  and  processes,  simultaneous  focus  on  expense  control  and
growth  and  introduction  of  alternative  cleaning  methods.  In  addition,  if  we  do  not
effectively realize and sustain the benefits that these transformations are designed to
produce, we may not fully realize the anticipated savings of these actions or they may
negatively impact our ability to serve our customers or meet our strategic objectives.

Our ability to effectively operate our Company could be adversely affected if we
are unable  to attract  and  retain  key personnel  and other  highly  skilled  employees,
provide  employee  development  opportunities  and  create  effective  succession
planning strategies.

Our

 growth  strategy,

 changing  workforce
demographics  and  increased  improvements  in  technology  and  business  processes
designed to enhance the customer experience are putting increased pressure on human
capital strategies designed to recruit, retain and develop top talent.

 expanding  global

 footprint,

In  addition,  there  is  a  risk  that  we  may  not  have  adequate  talent  acquisition
resources and employee development resources to support our future hiring needs and
provide training and development opportunities to all employees. This, in turn, could
impede  our  workforce  from  embracing  change  and  leveraging  the  improvements  we
have made in technology and other business process enhancements.

We  are  subject  to  competitive  risks  associated  with  developing  innovative
products and technologies, including but not limited to, not expanding as rapidly or
aggressively in the global market as our competitors, our customers not continuing
to  pay  for  innovation  and  competitive  challenges  to  our  products,  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, our products are
generally priced higher than our competitors’ products. This is due to our dedication
to innovation and continued investments in research and development. We believe that
customers will pay for the innovations  and quality in our products. However, it may
be difficult  for us to compete with lower priced 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  volume,  an  increase  in  price
discounting and a loss of market share, which adversely impacts revenues, margin and
the success of our operations.

Competitors may also initiate litigation to challenge the validity of our patents or
claims, allege that we infringe upon their patents, violate our patents or they may use
their  resources  to  design  comparable  products  that  avoid  infringing  our  patents.
Regardless of whether such litigation is successful, such 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.

Increases  in  the  cost  of,  quality,  or  disruption  in  the  availability  of,  raw
materials  and  components  that  we  purchase  to  manufacture  our  products  could
negatively impact our operating results or financial condition.

Our  sales  growth,  expanding  geographical  footprint  and  continued  use  of  sole
source  vendors  (concentration  risk),  coupled  with  suppliers’  potential  credit  issues,
could  lead  to  an  increased  risk  of  a  breakdown  in  our  supply  chain.  There  is  an
increased  risk  of  defects  due  to  the  highly  configured  nature  of  our  purchased
component parts that could result in quality issues, returns or production slow-downs.
In addition, modularization may lead to more sole sourced products and as we seek to
outsource  the  design  of  certain  key  components,  we  risk  loss  of  proprietary  control
and becoming more reliant on a sole source. There is also a risk that the vendors we
choose to supply our parts and equipment fail to comply with our quality expectations,
thus damaging our reputation for quality and negatively impacting sales.

Our continued success will depend on, among other things, the skills and services
of  our  executive  officers  and  other  key  personnel.  Our  ability  to  attract  and  retain
highly  qualified  managerial,  technical,  manufacturing,  research,  sales  and  marketing
personnel also impacts our ability to effectively operate our business. As the economy
recovers and companies grow and increase their hiring activities, there is an inherent
risk  of  increased  employee  turnover  and  the  loss  of  valuable  employees  in  key
positions,  especially  in  emerging  markets.  We  believe  the  increased  loss  of  key
personnel within a concentrated region could adversely affect our sales growth.

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Table of Contents

The SEC has adopted rules regarding disclosure of the use of “conflict minerals”
(commonly referred to as tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold) which are mined from the
Democratic  Republic  of  the  Congo  in  products  we  manufacture  or  contract  to
manufacture. These rules have required and will continue to require due diligence and
disclosure efforts. There are and will continue to be costs associated with complying
with this disclosure requirement,  including  costs to determine which of our products
are  subject  to  the  rules  and  the  source  of  any  "conflict  minerals"  used  in  these
products.  Since  our  supply  chain  is  complex,  ultimately  we  may  not  be  able  to
sufficiently discover the origin of the conflict minerals used in our products through
the due diligence procedures that we implement. If we are unable to or choose not to
provide  appropriate  disclosure,  customers  may  choose  not  to  purchase  our  products.
Alternatively,  if  we  choose  to  use  only  suppliers  offering  conflict  free  minerals,  we
cannot be sure that we will be able to obtain metals, if necessary, from such suppliers
in  sufficient  quantities  or  at  competitive  prices.  Any  one  or  a  combination  of  these
various factors could harm our business, reduce market demand for our products, and
adversely affect our profit margins, net sales, and overall financial results.

We may not be able to upgrade and evolve our information technology systems
as quickly as we wish and we may encounter difficulties as we upgrade and evolve
these systems to support our growth strategy and business operations, which could
adversely  impact  our  abilities  to  accomplish  anticipated  future  cost  savings  and
better serve our customers.

We  have  many  information  technology  systems  that  are  important  to  the
operation  of  our  business  and  are  in  need  of  upgrading  in  order  to  effectively
implement  our  growth  strategy.  Given  our  greater  emphasis  on  customer-facing
technologies, we may not have adequate resources to upgrade our systems at the pace
which  the  current
 significantly
upgrading  and  evolving  the  capabilities  of  our  existing  systems  could  lead  to
inefficient or ineffective use of our technology due to lack of training or expertise in
these evolving  technology  systems. These factors could lead to significant  expenses,
adversely  impacting  our  results  of  operations  and  hinder  our  ability  to  offer  better
technology solutions to our customers.

 business  environment

 Additionally,

 demands.

Inadequate funding or insufficient innovation of new technologies may result

in an inability to develop and commercialize new innovative products and services.

We  strive  to  develop  new  and  innovative  products  and  services  to  differentiate
ourselves in the marketplace. New product development relies heavily on our financial
and resource investments in both the short term and long term. If we fail to adequately
fund  product  development  projects  or  fund  a  project  which  ultimately  does  not  gain
the  market  acceptance  we  anticipated,
 we  risk  not  meeting  our  customers'
expectations, which could result in decreased revenues, declines in margin and loss of
market share.

We may consider acquisition of suitable candidates to accomplish our growth
objectives. We may not be able to successfully integrate the businesses we acquire to
achieve  operational  efficiencies,  including  synergistic  and  other  benefits  of
acquisition.

We  may  consider,  as  part  of  our  growth  strategy,  supplementing  our  organic
growth  through  acquisitions  of  complementary  businesses  or  products.  We  have
engaged in acquisitions in the past, such as the acquisition of the IPC Group, and we
believe future acquisitions may provide meaningful opportunities to grow our business
and improve profitability. Acquisitions allow us to enhance the breadth of our product
offerings  and  expand  the  market  and  geographic  participation  of  our  products  and
services.

However,  our  success  in  growing  by  acquisition  is  dependent  upon  identifying
businesses  to  acquire,  integrating  the  newly  acquired  businesses  with  our  existing
businesses  and  complying  with  the  terms  of  our  credit  facilities.  We  may  incur
difficulties in the realignment and integration of business activities when assimilating
the operations and products of an

7

acquired  business  or  in  realizing  projected  efficiencies,  cost  savings,  revenue
synergies  and  profit  margins.  Acquired  businesses  may  not  achieve  the  levels  of
revenue, profit, productivity or otherwise perform as expected. We are also subject to
incurring unanticipated liabilities and contingencies associated with an acquired entity
that  are  not  identified  or  fully  understood  in  the  due  diligence  process.  Current  or
future  acquisitions  may  not  be  successful  or  accretive  to  earnings  if  the  acquired
businesses do not achieve expected financial results.

In  addition,  we  may  record  significant  goodwill  or  other  intangible  assets  in
connection with an acquisition. We are required to perform impairment tests at least
annually and whenever events indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable
from  future  cash  flows.  If  we  determine  that  any  intangible  asset  values  need  to  be
written down to their fair values, this could result in a charge that may be material to
our operating results and financial condition.

We  may  not  be  able  to  generate  sufficient  cash  to  service  all  of  our
indebtedness,  and  may  be  forced  to  take  other  actions  to  satisfy  our  obligations
under our indebtedness, which may not be successful.

In  April  2017,  in  connection  with  the  acquisition  of  IPC  Cleaning  S.p.A.,  we
entered  into  a  new  senior  credit  facility  and  indenture,  and  issued  debt  totaling
approximately $400,000, consisting of a $100,000 term loan and $300,000 of senior
notes,  which  funded  the  acquisition  and  replaced  our  current  debt  facility.  The  new
senior  credit  facility  also  includes  a  revolving  facility  in  an  amount  up  to  $200,000.
We cannot provide assurance that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from
operations to meet all our debt service requirements, to pay dividends, to repurchase
shares  of  our  common  stock,  and  to  fund  our  general  corporate  and  capital
requirements.

Our ability to satisfy our debt obligations will depend upon our future operating
performance. We do not have complete control over our future operating performance
because  it  is  subject  to  prevailing  economic  conditions,  and  financial,  business  and
other factors.

Our  current  and  future  debt  service  obligations  and  covenants  could  have

important consequences. These consequences include, or may include, the following:

•

•

•

•

our ability to obtain financing for future working capital needs or acquisitions
or other purposes may be limited;

 funds  available  for

our
 other
distributions,  or  stock  repurchases  may  be  reduced  because  we  dedicate  a
significant  portion  of  our  cash  flow  from  operations  to  the  payment  of
principal and interest on our indebtedness;

 dividends  or

 expansions,

 operations,

our  ability  to conduct  our  business  could  be limited  by  restrictive  covenants;
and

our  vulnerability  to  adverse  economic  conditions  may  be  greater  than  less
leveraged competitors and, thus, our ability to withstand competitive pressures
may be limited.

Restrictive covenants in our senior credit facility and in our indenture place limits
on  our  ability  to  conduct  our  business.  Covenants  in  our  senior  credit  facility  and
indenture  include  those  that  restrict  our  ability  to  make  acquisitions,  incur  debt,
encumber  or  sell  assets,  pay  dividends,  engage  in  mergers  and  consolidations,  enter
into transactions with affiliates, make investments and permit our subsidiaries to enter
into  certain  restrictive  agreements.  The  senior  credit  facility  additionally  contains
certain  financial  covenants.  We  cannot  provide  assurance  that  we  will  be  able  to
comply with these covenants in the future.

 
Table of Contents

We  may  encounter  financial  difficulties  if  the  United  States  or  other  global
economies  experience  an  additional  or  continued  long-term  economic  downturn,
decreasing the demand for our products and negatively affecting our sales growth.

Our  product  sales  are  sensitive  to  declines  in  capital  spending  by  our
customers.  Decreased  demand  for  our  products  could  result  in  decreased  revenues,
profitability and cash flows and may impair our ability to maintain our operations and
fund  our  obligations  to  others.  In  the  event  of  a  continued  long-term  economic
downturn  in  the  U.S.  or  other  global  economies,  our  revenues  could  decline  to  the
point that we may have to take cost-saving measures, such as restructuring actions. In
addition,  other  fixed  costs  would  have  to  be  reduced  to  a  level  that  is  in  line  with  a
lower level of sales. A long-term economic downturn that puts downward pressure on
sales  could  also  negatively  affect  investor  perception  relative  to  our  publicly  stated
growth targets.

We may encounter risks to our IT infrastructure, such as access and security,
that may not be adequately designed to protect critical data and systems from theft,
corruption, unauthorized usage, viruses, sabotage or unintentional misuse.

Global  cybersecurity  threats  and  incidents  can  range  from  uncoordinated
individual  attempts  to  gain  unauthorized  access  to  IT  systems  to  sophisticated  and
targeted measures known as advanced persistent threats, directed at the Company, its
products  and  its  customers.  We  seek  to  deploy  comprehensive  measures  to  deter,
prevent,  detect,  react  to  and  mitigate  these  threats,  including  identity  and  access
controls,  data protection,  vulnerability  assessments, continuous  monitoring  of  our  IT
networks and systems and maintenance of backup and protective systems.

Despite  these  efforts,  cybersecurity  incidents,  depending  on  their  nature  and
scope,  could  potentially  result  in  the  misappropriation,  destruction,  corruption  or
unavailability of critical data and confidential or proprietary information (our own or
that  of  third  parties)  and  the  disruption  of  business  operations.  The  potential
consequences of a material cybersecurity  incident include financial loss, reputational
damage,  litigation  with  third  parties,  theft  of  intellectual  property,  diminution  in  the
value  of  our  investment  in  research,  development  and  engineering,  and  increased
cybersecurity protection and remediation costs due to the increasing sophistication and
proliferation of threats, which in turn could adversely affect our competitiveness and
results of operations.

We may be unable to conduct business if we experience a significant business
interruption in our computer systems, manufacturing plants or distribution facilities
for a significant period of time.

We rely on our computer systems, manufacturing plants and distribution facilities
to efficiently operate our business. If we experience an interruption in the functionality
in any of these items for a significant period of time for any reason, we may not have
adequate business continuity planning contingencies in place to allow us to continue
our  normal  business  operations  on  a  long-term  basis.  In  addition,  the  increase  in
customer facing technology raises the risk of a lapse in business operations. Therefore,
significant  long-term  interruption  in  our  business  could  cause  a  decline  in  sales,  an
increase in expenses and could adversely impact our financial results.

8

Our  global  operations  are  subject  to  laws  and  regulations  that  impose

significant compliance costs and create reputational and legal risk.

Due  to  the  international  scope  of  our  operations,  we  are  subject  to  a  complex
system of commercial, tax and trade regulations around the world. Recent years have
seen  an  increase  in  the  development  and  enforcement  of  laws  regarding  trade,  tax
compliance,  labor  and  safety  and  anti-corruption,  such  as  the  U.S.  Foreign  Corrupt
Practices  Act,  and  similar  laws  from  other  countries.  Our  numerous  foreign
subsidiaries and affiliates are governed by laws, rules and business practices that differ
from those of the U.S., but because we are a U.S. based company, oftentimes they are
also subject to U.S. laws which can create a conflict. Despite our due diligence, there
is a risk that we do not have adequate resources  or comprehensive  processes to stay
current  on  changes  in  laws  or  regulations  applicable  to  us  worldwide  and  maintain
compliance  with  those  changes.  Increased  compliance  requirements  may  lead  to
increased costs and erosion of desired profit margin. As a result, it is possible that the
activities of these entities may not comply with U.S. laws or business practices or our
Business  Ethics  Guide.  Violations  of  the  U.S.  or  local  laws  may  result  in  severe
criminal or civil sanctions, could disrupt our business, and result in an adverse effect
on our reputation, business and results of operations or financial condition. We cannot
predict  the  nature,  scope  or  effect  of  future  regulatory  requirements  to  which  our
operations  might  be  subject  or  the  manner  in  which  existing  laws  might  be
administered or interpreted.

In  addition  to  the  foregoing,  the  European  Union  adopted  a  comprehensive
General  Data  Privacy  Regulation  (the  "GDPR")  in  May  2016  that  will  replace  the
current  EU  Data  Protection  Directive  and  related  country-specific  legislation.  The
GDPR will become fully effective in May 2018. GDPR requires companies to satisfy
new requirements regarding the handling of personal and sensitive data, including its
use, protection and the ability of persons whose data is stored to correct or delete such
data  about  themselves.  Failure  to  comply  with  GDPR  requirements  could  result  in
penalties of up to 4% of worldwide revenue.

Actions of activist investors or others could disrupt our business.

Public companies have been the target of activist investors. One investor which
owns  approximately  5%  of  our  outstanding  common  stock  recently  filed  a  Schedule
13D  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  which  stated  its  belief  that  we
should undertake a strategic review process regarding a consolidation transaction with
a  third  party.  In  the  event  such  investor  or  another  third  party,  such  as  an  activist
investor,  continues  to  pursue  such  belief  or  proposes  to  change  our  governance
policies,  board  of  directors,  or  other  aspects  of  our  operations,  our  review  and
consideration  of  such  proposals  may  create  a  significant  distraction  for  our
management and employees. This could negatively impact our ability to execute our
business  plans  and  may  require  our  management  to  expend  significant  time  and
resources.  Such  proposals  may  also  create  uncertainties  with  respect to  our  financial
position and operations and may adversely affect our ability to attract and retain key
employees.

 
ITEM 2 – Properties

The Company’s corporate offices are owned by the Company and are located in
the  Minneapolis,  Minnesota,  metropolitan  area.  Manufacturing  facilities  located  in
Minneapolis,  Minnesota;  Holland,  Michigan;  Chicago,  Illinois;  and  Uden,  the
Netherlands  are  owned  by  the  Company.  Manufacturing  facilities  located  in
Louisville,  Kentucky;  São  Paulo,  Brazil;  and  Shanghai,  China  are  leased  to  the
Company.  Sales  offices,  warehouse  and  storage  facilities  are  leased  in  various
locations in North America, Europe, Japan, China, Australia, New Zealand and Latin
America. The Company’s facilities are in good operating condition, suitable for their
respective uses and adequate for current needs.

In April 2017, the Company completed its acquisition of IPC. IPC has five major
manufacturing  facilities,  all  located  in  Italy,  and  11  sales  branches  located  in  the
United States, Brazil, Europe, India and China. IPC owns its manufacturing facilities
located  in  the  Italian  cities  of  Venice,  Cremona  and  Reggio  Emilia  as  well  as  its
manufacturing  facility  located  in  the  Province  of  Padua.  Another  manufacturing
facility  located  in  the  Province  of  Padua  is  leased  to  IPC.  In  addition,  IPC  uses  a
dedicated,  third  party  plant  in  Germany  that  specially  manufactures  heavy–duty
stainless steel scrubbers and sweepers to IPC designs. IPC also owns a minor tools and
supplies assembly operation in China to service local customers. The facilities are in
good  operating  condition,  suitable  for  their  respective  uses  and  adequate  for  current
needs.

Further information regarding the Company’s property and lease commitments is
included  in  the  Contractual  Obligations  section  of  Item  7  and  in  Note  15  to  the
Consolidated Financial Statements.

ITEM 3 – Legal Proceedings

There  are  no  material  pending  legal  proceedings  other  than  ordinary  routine

litigation incidental to the Company’s business.

ITEM 4 – Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Table of Contents

Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, particularly the strengthening of
the  U.S.  dollar  against  other  major  currencies,  could  result  in  declines  in  our
reported net sales and net earnings.

We  earn  revenues,  pay  expenses,  own  assets  and  incur  liabilities  in  countries
using  functional  currencies  other  than  the  U.S.  dollar.  Because  our  consolidated
financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars, we translate revenues and expenses
into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate during each reporting period, as well as
assets  and  liabilities  into  U.S.  dollars  at  exchange  rates  in  effect  at  the  end  of  each
reporting  period.  Therefore,  increases  or  decreases  in  the  value  of  the  U.S.  dollar
against other major currencies will affect our net revenues, net earnings, earnings per
share  and  the  value  of  balance  sheet  items  denominated  in  foreign  currencies  as  we
translate  them  into  the  U.S.  dollar  reporting  currency.  We  use  derivative  financial
instruments  to  hedge  our  estimated  transactional  or  translational  exposure  to  certain
foreign  currency-denominated  assets  and  liabilities  as  well  as  our  foreign  currency
denominated revenue. While we actively manage the exposure of our foreign currency
market  risk  in  the  normal  course  of  business  by  utilizing  various  foreign  exchange
financial instruments, these instruments involve risk and may not effectively limit our
underlying exposure from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations or minimize the
effects  on  our  net  earnings  and  the  cash  volatility  associated  with  foreign  currency
exchange  rate  changes.  Fluctuations  in  foreign  currency  exchange  rates,  particularly
the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against major currencies, could materially affect
our financial results.

We are subject to product liability claims and product quality issues that could

adversely affect our operating results or financial condition.

Our business exposes us to potential product liability risks that are inherent in the
design,  manufacturing  and  distribution  of  our  products.  If  products  are  used
incorrectly  by  our  customers,  injury  may  result  leading  to  product  liability  claims
against us. Some of our products or product improvements may have defects or risks
that  we  have  not  yet  identified  that  may  give  rise  to  product  quality  issues,  liability
and  warranty  claims.  Quality  issues  may  also  arise  due  to  changes  in  parts  or
specifications with suppliers and/or changes in suppliers. If product liability claims are
brought  against  us  for  damages  that  are  in  excess  of  our  insurance  coverage  or  for
uninsured liabilities and it is determined we are liable, our business could be adversely
impacted.  Any  losses  we  suffer  from  any  liability  claims,  and  the  effect  that  any
product  liability  litigation  may  have  upon  the  reputation  and  marketability  of  our
products, may have a negative impact on our business and operating results. We could
experience a material design or manufacturing failure in our products, a quality system
failure,  other  safety  issues,  or  heightened  regulatory  scrutiny  that  could  warrant  a
recall of some of our products. Any unforeseen product quality problems could result
in loss of market share, reduced sales and higher warranty expense.

The  integration  of  IPC's  operations  into  ours  following  its  acquisition  could

create additional risks for our internal controls over financial reporting.

We intend to integrate IPC into our control environment and subject it to internal
control testing during 2018, which means that deficiencies in our internal control over
financial reporting as a combined company may not be identified until then. Any such
undiscovered deficiencies, if material, could result in misstatements of our results of
operations,  restatements  of  our  financial  statements,  declines  in  the  trading  price  of
our  common  stock  or  otherwise  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  business,
reputation, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

ITEM 1B – Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

9

 
Table of Contents

PART II

ITEM 5 – Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

MARKET INFORMATION – Tennant's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange, under the ticker symbol TNC. As of February 15, 2018, there were 324
shareholders of record. The common stock price was $61.80 per share on February 15, 2018. The accompanying chart shows the high and low sales prices for the Company’s
shares for each full quarterly period over the past two years as reported by the New York Stock Exchange:

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

2017

2016

High

Low

High

Low

$

76.10   $

64.30   $

55.71   $

75.00  

76.80  

73.15  

69.15  

60.05  

60.30  

56.33  

66.54  

76.80  

45.92

49.97

52.51

60.21

DIVIDEND INFORMATION – Cash dividends on Tennant’s common stock have been paid for 73 consecutive years. Tennant’s annual cash dividend payout increased for
the  46  th consecutive  year  to  $0.84  per  share  in  2017,  an  increase  of  $0.03  per  share  over  2016.  Dividends  are  generally  declared  each  quarter.  On  February  15,  2018,  the
Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.21 per share payable March 15, 2018, to shareholders of record on February 28, 2018.

DIVIDEND  REINVESTMENT  OR  DIRECT  DEPOSIT  OPTIONS  –  Shareholders  have  the  option  of  reinvesting  quarterly  dividends  in  additional  shares  of  Company

stock or having dividends deposited directly to a bank account. The Transfer Agent should be contacted for additional information.

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR – Shareholders with a change of address or questions about their account may contact:

Equiniti Trust Company
Shareowner Services
P.O. Box 64874
St. Paul, MN 55164-0854
(800) 468-9716

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION – The following table provides information about shares of the Company's Common Stock that may be issued under

the Company's equity compensation plans, as of December 31, 2017.

Plan Category

Equity compensation plans approved by
security holders

Equity compensation plans not approved
by security holders

Total

(a) Number of securities to be issued
upon exercise of outstanding options,
warrants and rights (1)

(b) Weighted-average exercise
price of outstanding options,
warrants and rights (2)

(c) Number of securities remaining
available for future issuance under
equity compensation plans (excluding
securities reflected in column a))

1,304,385

—

1,304,385

$47.47

—

$47.47

1,155,110

—

1,155,110

(1) 

Amount includes outstanding awards under the 1997 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan, the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, the Amended and Restated 2010
Stock  Incentive  Plan,  each  as  amended,  and  the  2017  Stock  Incentive  Plan  (the  "Plans").  Amount  includes  shares  of  Common  Stock  that  may  be  issued  upon  exercise  of
outstanding stock options under the Plans. Amount also includes shares of Common Stock that may be paid in cash upon exercise of outstanding stock appreciation rights under
the Plans. Amount also includes shares of Common Stock that may be issued upon settlement of restricted stock units and deferred stock units (phantom stock) under the Plans.
Stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units and deferred stock units may be settled in cash, stock or a combination of both. Column (a) includes the number of shares that
could  be  issued  upon  a  complete  distribution  of  all  outstanding  stock  options  and  stock  appreciation  rights  (1,135,608)  and  restricted  stock  units  and  deferred  stock  units
(168,777).

(2) 

Column (b) includes the weighted-average exercise price for outstanding stock options and stock appreciation rights.

10

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

SHARE REPURCHASES  – On October 31, 2016,  the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional  1,000,000 shares of our common  stock. This  is in
addition to the 393,965 shares remaining under our prior repurchase program. 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.  As  of  December  31,  2017,  our  2017  Credit  Agreement
restricts  the  payment  of  dividends  or  repurchasing  of  stock  if,  after  giving  effect  to  such  payments  and  assuming  no  default  exists  or  would  result  from  such  payment,  our
leverage  ratio  is  greater  than  2.50  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 payment. Our Senior Notes due 2025 also contain certain restrictions, which are generally less restrictive than those contained in the
2017 Credit Agreement.

For the Quarter Ended
December 31, 2017

October 1–31, 2017

November 1–30, 2017

December 1–31, 2017

Total

(1)  

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

228   $

922  

—  

1,150   $

68.94  

67.35  

—  

67.66  

—  

—  

—  

—  

1,393,965

1,393,965

1,393,965

1,393,965

Includes  1,150  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.

STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH – The following graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return on Tennant’s common stock to two indices: S&P SmallCap
600  and  Morningstar  Industrials  Sector.  The  graph  below  compares  the  performance  for  the  last  five  fiscal  years,  assuming  an  investment  of  $100  on  December  31,  2012,
including the reinvestment of all dividends.

5-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN COMPARISON

Tennant Company

S&P SmallCap 600

Morningstar Industrials Sector

2012

$100

$100

$100

2013

$156

$141

$142

11

2014

$168

$149

$155

2015

$133

$147

$151

2016

$171

$144

$179

2017

$176

$163

$219

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

ITEM 6 – Selected Financial Data
(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

Years Ended December 31

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

Financial Results:

Net Sales

Cost of Sales

Gross Margin - %

Research and Development Expense

% of Net Sales

Selling and Administrative Expense

% of Net Sales

Profit from Operations

% of Net Sales

Income Tax Expense

Effective Tax Rate - %

Net (Loss) Earnings Attributable to Tennant
Company

% of Net Sales

Per Share Data:

Basic Net (Loss) Earnings Attributable to Tennant
Company

Diluted Net (Loss) Earnings Attributable to
Tennant Company

Diluted Weighted Average Shares

Cash Dividends

Financial Position:

Total Assets

Total Debt

Total Tennant Company Shareholders’ Equity

Current Ratio

Debt-to-Capital Ratio

Cash Flows:

$

1,003,066

  $

598,645

(1)

40.3

32,013

3.2

345,364

(1)

34.4

27,044

(1)

2.7

4,913

(1)

(380.2)

(6,195)

(0.6)

(0.35)

(0.35)

(1)

(1)

(1)

17,695,390

0.84

993,977

376,839

296,503

1.8

56.0%  

$

$

$

$

  $

  $

  $

  $

Net Cash Provided by Operations

$

54,174

  $

Capital Expenditures, Net of Disposals

Free Cash Flow

Other Data:

(17,926)

36,248

808,572

456,977

43.5

34,738

4.3

248,210

30.7

68,498

8.5

19,877

29.9

46,614

5.8

2.66

2.59

17,976,183

0.81

470,037

36,194

278,543

2.2

11.5%  

57,878

(25,911)

31,967

Depreciation and Amortization

Number of employees at year-end

$

43,253

4,297

  $

18,300

3,236

  $

  $

  $

  $

  $

  $

  $

811,799

462,739

43.0

32,415

4.0

252,270

31.1

53,176

6.6

18,336

36.4

32,088

4.0

1.78

1.74

18,493,447

0.80

(2)

(2)

(2)

(2)

(2)

432,295

24,653

252,207

2.2

8.9%  

45,232

(24,444)

20,788

18,031

3,164

  $

  $

  $

  $

  $

  $

  $

821,983

469,556

42.9

29,432

3.6

250,898

30.5

72,097

8.8

18,887

27.2

50,651

6.2

2.78

2.70

18,740,858

0.78

486,932

28,137

280,651

2.4

9.1%  

59,362

(19,292)

40,070

20,063

3,164

  $

  $

  $

  $

  $

  $

  $

752,011

426,103

43.3

30,529

4.1

232,976

31.0

62,403

8.3

19,647

32.8

40,231

5.3

2.20

2.14

18,833,453

0.72

(3)

(3)

(3)

(3)

(3)

456,306

31,803

263,846

2.4

10.8%  

59,814

(14,655)

45,159

20,246

3,087

The results of operations from our 2017 acquisition of the IPC Group have been included in the Selected Financial Data presented above since its acquisition date on April

6, 2017.

(1)   2017 includes a fair value step-up adjustment to acquired inventory in cost of sales of $7,245 pre-tax ($5,237 after-tax, or $0.30 per diluted share), pre-tax acquisition
costs, restructuring charges and a pension settlement charge in selling and administrative expense of $10,560, $10,519 and $6,373, respectively ($9,748, $7,559 and
$4,020 after-tax, or $0.55, $0.43 and $0.23 per diluted share, respectively). 2017 also includes pre-tax acquisition-related financing costs and acquisition costs in total
other  expense,  net  of  $7,378  and  $814,  respectively  ($4,619  and  $660  after-tax,  or  $0.26  and  $0.04  per  diluted  share,  respectively).  In  addition,  2017  net  loss
attributable to Tennant Company includes a $2,388 net income tax expense ($0.14 per diluted share) as a result of the impacts of the 2017 tax reform legislation.

(2)   2015 includes restructuring charges of $3,744 pre-tax ($3,095 after-tax or $0.17 per diluted share) and a non-cash impairment of long-lived assets of $11,199 pre-tax

($10,822 after-tax or $0.58 per diluted share).

(3)   2013 includes restructuring charges of $3,017 pre-tax ($2,938 after-tax or $0.15 per diluted share) and a tax benefit of $582 (or $0.03 per diluted share) related to the

retroactive reinstatement of the 2012 U.S. Federal Research and Development ("R&D") Tax Credit.

12

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

ITEM  7  –  Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial
Condition and Results of Operations

  Historical Results

Overview

Tennant Company is a world leader in designing, manufacturing and marketing
solutions  that
 empower  customers  to  achieve  quality  cleaning  performance,
significantly  reduce  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.

In April 2017, the Company completed its acquisition of the IPC Group business.
IPC  manufactures  a  complete  range  of  commercial  cleaning  products  including
mechanized  cleaning  equipment,  wet & dry  vacuum  cleaners,  cleaning  tools  & carts
and  high  pressure  washers.  These  products  are  sold  into  similar  vertical  market
applications as those listed above, but also into office cleaning and hospitality vertical
markets  through  a  global  direct  sales  and  service  organization  and  network  of
distributors.  IPC  markets  products  and  services  under  the  following  valued  brands:
IPC, Gansow, Vaclensa, Portotecnica, Soteco and private-label brands.

The  following  table  compares  the  historical  results  of  operations  for  the  years
ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 in dollars and as a percentage of Net Sales
(in thousands, except per share amounts and percentages):

2017

  %  

2016

%

2015

  %

$ 1,003,066  
598,645  

100.0   $
59.7  

404,421  

40.3  

808,572  
456,977  

351,595  

100.0   $
56.5  

43.5  

811,799  
462,739  

349,060  

100.0

57.0

43.0

Net Sales

Cost of Sales

Gross Profit

Operating Expense:

Research and
Development
Expense

Selling and
Administrative
Expense

Impairment of Long-
Lived Assets

Loss on Sale of
Business

Total Operating
Expense

Profit from Operations

Other Income
(Expense):

Interest Income

Interest Expense

Net Foreign
Currency
Transaction Losses

Other Expense, Net

Total Other
Expense, Net

(Loss) Profit Before
Income Taxes

Income Tax Expense

Net (Loss) Earnings
Including
Noncontrolling Interest

Net Loss Attributable to
Noncontrolling Interest

Net (Loss) Earnings
Attributable to Tennant
Company

Net (Loss) Earnings
Attributable to Tennant
Company per Share

$

$

13

32,013  

3.2  

34,738  

4.3  

32,415  

4.0

345,364  

34.4  

248,210  

30.7  

252,270  

31.1

—  

—  

377,377  

27,044  

2,405  
(25,394)  

(3,387)  
(1,960)  

(28,336)  

(1,292)  
4,913  

—  

—  

37.6  

2.7  

0.2  
(2.5)  

(0.3)  
(0.2)  

(2.8)  

(0.1)  
0.5  

—  

149  

283,097  

68,498  

330  
(1,279)  

(392)  
(666)  

(2,007)  

66,491  
19,877  

(6,205)  

(0.6)  

46,614  

(10)  

—  

—  

—  

—  

35.0  

8.5  

—  
(0.2)  

—  
(0.1)  

(0.2)  

8.2  
2.5  

5.8  

—  

11,199  

—  

295,884  

53,176  

172  
(1,313)  

(954)  
(657)  

(2,752)  

50,424  
18,336  

32,088  

—  

(6,195)  

(0.6)   $

46,614  

5.8   $

32,088  

(0.35)    

  $

2.59  

  $

1.74  

1.4

—

36.4

6.6

—

(0.2)

(0.1)

(0.1)

(0.3)

6.2

2.3

4.0

—

4.0

 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
Table of Contents

Net Sales

Net Sales in 2017 totaled $1,003.1 million , a 24.1% increase as compared to Net

Sales of $808.6 million in 2016 .

The components of the consolidated  Net Sales change for 2017 as compared to

2016 , and 2016 as compared to 2015 , were as follows:

Growth Elements

Organic Growth:

Volume

Price

Organic Growth

Foreign Currency

Acquisitions

Total

2017 v. 2016

2016 v. 2015

(0.1%)

1.5%

1.4%

0.5%

22.2%

24.1%

1.1%

—%

1.1%

(1.0%)

(0.5%)

(0.4%)

The 24.1% increase in consolidated Net Sales for 2017 as compared to 2016 was

driven by:

•

•

22.2% from the April 2017 acquisition of the IPC Group and the expansion of
our commercial floor coatings business through the August 2016 acquisition of
the Florock ® brand.

An organic sales increase of approximately 1.4% which excludes the effects of
foreign currency exchange and acquisitions, due to an approximate 1.5% price
increase,  partially  offset  by  a  volume  decrease  of  0.1% .  The  price  increase
was the result of selling price increases, typically in the range of 2% to 4% in
most  geographies,  with  an  effective  date  of  February  1,  2017.  The  impact  to
gross margin was minimal as these selling price increases were taken to offset
inflation. The  slight  volume  decrease  was primarily  due  to  increased  sales  in
Latin  America  and  EMEA  being  more  than  offset  by  volume  decreases  in
North  America.  Sales of  new products  introduced  within  the past  three  years
totaled  48%  of  equipment  revenue  in  2017.  This  compares  to  37%  of
equipment revenue in 2016 from sales of new products introduced within the
past three years.

•

A favorable impact from foreign currency exchange of approximately 0.5%.

The 0.4% decrease in consolidated Net Sales for 2016 as compared to 2015 was

primarily due to the following:

•

•

•

An  unfavorable  impact  from  foreign  currency  exchange  of  approximately
1.0%.

An  unfavorable  net  impact  of  0.5%  resulting  from  the  sale  of  our  Green
Machines  outdoor  city  cleaning  line,  partially  offset  by the acquisition  of the
Florock brand.

An organic sales increase of approximately 1.1% which excludes the effects of
foreign  currency  exchange  and  acquisitions  and  divestitures,  due  to  an
approximate 1.1% volume increase. The volume increase was primarily due to
strong sales of industrial equipment and sales of new products, particularly in
the  Americas  region,  being  somewhat  offset  by  lower  sales  of  commercial
equipment,  particularly  within  the  APAC  region.  Sales  of  new  products
introduced  within  the  past  three  years  totaled  37%  of  equipment  revenue  in
2016. This compares to 26 % of equipment revenue in 2015 from sales of new
products introduced within the past three years. There was essentially no price
increase  in  2016  due  to  no  significant  new  selling  list  price  increases  since
prior  year  selling  list  price  increases  with  an  effective  date  of  February  1,
2015.

14

The  following  table  sets  forth  annual  Net  Sales  by  geographic  area  and  the

related percentage change from the prior year (in thousands, except percentages):

Americas
Europe, Middle East
and Africa

Asia Pacific

Total

2017

  %  

2016

  %  

2015

$

640,274  

5.5   $

607,026  

2.6   $

591,405

273,738  
89,054  

112.1  
22.8  

129,046  
72,500  

(7.7)  
(10.0)  

139,834

80,560

$ 1,003,066  

24.1   $

808,572  

(0.4)   $

811,799

Americas – In 2017 , Americas  Net Sales  increased  5.5% to $640.3 million as
compared  with  $607.0  million  in  2016  .  The  direct  impact  of  the  IPC  Group  and
Florock  acquisitions  favorably  impacted  Net  Sales  by  approximately  4.4%.  In
addition,  a  favorable  direct  impact  of  foreign  currency  translation  exchange  effects
within the Americas impacted Net Sales by approximately 0.4% in 2017. As a result,
organic sales growth in the Americas favorably impacted Net Sales by approximately
0.7%  due  to  strong  sales  performance  in  Latin  America,  particularly  Brazil  and
Mexico, from focused go-to-market strategies in our direct channel. This was partially
offset  by  lower  sales  in  North  America,  where  sales  growth  through  the  distribution
channel were more than offset by service sales.

In 2016 , Americas Net Sales increased 2.6% to $607.0 million as compared with
$591.4 million in 2015 . The primary drivers of the increase in Net Sales were strong
sales of industrial equipment, sales of new products and robust sales in Latin America.
The  direct  impact  of  the  Florock  acquisition  favorably  impacted  Net  Sales  by
approximately  0.7%.  An  unfavorable  direct  impact  of  foreign  currency  translation
exchange effects within the Americas impacted Net Sales by approximately 0.5% in
2016.  As  a  result,  organic  sales  increased  approximately  2.4%  in  2016  within  the
Americas.

Europe, Middle East and Africa – EMEA Net Sales in 2017 increased 112.1%
to $273.7  million  as  compared  to  2016 Net  Sales  of  $129.0  million  .  In  2017 , the
direct  impact  of  the  IPC  Group  acquisition  favorably  impacted  Net  Sales  by
approximately  105.3%.  In  addition,  a  favorable  direct  impact  of  foreign  currency
translation exchange effects within EMEA impacted Net Sales by approximately 1.3%
in 2017. As a result, organic sales growth in EMEA favorably impacted Net Sales in
2017 by approximately 5.5% due to s trong sales growth in most European countries
from strong demand in both the direct and distributor channels being partially offset
by lower sales in the UK.

EMEA Net Sales in 2016 decreased 7.7% to $129.0 million as compared to 2015
Net Sales of $139.8 million . In 2016, organic sales growth was achieved in all regions
except  the  UK  and  the  Central  Eastern  Europe,  Middle  East  and  Africa  markets
primarily  due  to  Brexit  and  challenging  economic  conditions,  respectively.  In  2016,
there was an unfavorable impact on Net Sales of approximately 5.9% as a result of the
sale  of  our  Green  Machines  outdoor  city  cleaning  line  in  January  2016.  In  addition,
the  direct  impact  of  foreign  currency  exchange  effects  within  EMEA  unfavorably
impacted  Net  Sales  by  approximately  2.0%  in  2016.  As  a  result,  organic  sales
increased approximately 0.2% in 2016 within EMEA.

Asia  Pacific  –  APAC  Net  Sales  in  2017 increased 22.8% to $89.1  million  as
compared to 2016 Net Sales of $72.5 million . In 2017 , the direct impact of the IPC
Group acquisition favorably impacted Net Sales by approximately 22.7%. In addition,
a  favorable  direct  impact  of  foreign  currency  translation  exchange  effects  within
APAC impacted Net Sales by approximately 0.1% in 2017. As a result, organic sales
growth in APAC was essentially flat due to sales growth in China from strong sales
through the direct and distributor channels being offset by sales declines primarily in
Korea and Singapore resulting from a challenging economic environment.

 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

APAC Net Sales in 2016 decreased 10.0% to $72.5 million as compared to 2015
Net  Sales  of  $80.6  million  .  Organic  sales  decreased  approximately  10.0%  in  2016
with lower sales of commercial and industrial equipment. Organic sales declines in all
of  our  Asian  markets  were  primarily  due  to  economic  slowdowns  in  the  region  and
fewer large deals. Direct foreign currency translation exchange effects had essentially
no impact on Net Sales in 2016 within APAC.

Gross Profit

Gross Profit margin was 320 basis points lower in 2017 compared to 2016 due
primarily  to  the  $7.2  million,  or  approximately  70  basis  points,  fair  value  inventory
step-up  flow  through  related  to  our  acquisition  of  the  IPC  Group  and  field  service
productivity  challenges  related  to  a  high  number  of  open  service  trucks  of  $5.1
million,  or  approximately  50  basis  points.  In  addition,  Gross  Profit  margin  was
unfavorably impacted by mix of sales by channel and region, primarily resulting from
higher sales through the distribution in North America and lower gross margins from
the IPC Group. The near-term unfavorable impacts from investments in manufacturing
automation initiatives and high levels of raw material cost inflation also contributed to
lower Gross Profit margin in 2017.

Gross  Profit  margin  was  43.5%  in  2016  ,  an  increase  of  50  basis  points  as
compared to 2015 . Gross Profit  margin in 2016 was favorably  impacted by product
mix  (with  relatively  higher  sales  of  industrial  equipment  and  lower  sales  of
commercial  equipment),  partially  offset  by  manufacturing  productivity  challenges  in
North America.

Operating Expenses

Research  and  Development  Expense  –  Tennant  continues  to  invest  in
innovative product development with 3.2% of 2017 Net Sales spent on Research and
Development ("R&D"). We continue to invest in developing innovative new products
and  technologies  and  the  advancement  of  detergent-free  products,  fleet  management
and other sustainable technologies. There were 32 new products and product variants
launched in 2017 including a new family of T500 commercial walk-behind scrubbers,
the  enhanced  IRIS  ®   Web  Based  Fleet  Management  System,  the  i-mop,  the  V3e
compact dry canister vacuum, the T350 stand-on commercial scrubber and the A140
micro-scrubber. In 2017, our newly acquired IPC Group business also launched many
new products and product variants across all product lines.

R&D Expense decreased $2.7 million , or 7.8% , in 2017 as compared to 2016 .
As  a  percentage  of  Net  Sales,  2017  R&D  Expense  decreased  110  basis  points
compared  to  the  prior  year.  The  decrease  in  R&D  spending  was  primarily  due  to
headcount reduction related to the first quarter 2017 restructuring action.

R&D Expense increased $2.3 million, or 7.2%, in 2016 as compared to 2015. As
a percentage of Net Sales, 2016 R&D Expense increased 30 basis points compared to
the  prior  year.  New  products  are  a  key  driver  of  sales  growth.  There  were  10  new
products  and  product  variants  launched  in  2016  including  three  models  of  emerging
market  floor  machines,  two  models  of  the  M17  battery-powered  sweeper-scrubber,
three large next-generation cleaning machines: the M20 and M30 integrated sweeper-
scrubbers,  and  the  T20  heavy-duty  industrial  rider  scrubber,  and  two  models  of  the
commercial dryer/air mover.

Selling  and  Administrative  Expense  –  Selling  and  Administrative  Expense
("S&A Expense") increased by $97.2 million , or 39.1% , in 2017 compared to 2016 .
As a percentage of Net Sales, 2017 S&A Expense increased 370 basis points to 34.4%
from 30.7% in 2016 . S&A Expense was unfavorably impacted by $15.7 million, or
160 basis points, and $10.6 million, or 110 basis points, of amortization expense and
acquisition costs, respectively, related to our acquisition of the IPC Group. In addition,
S&A  Expense  was  unfavorably  impacted  by  $10.5  million,  or  100  basis  points,  and
$6.4  million,  or  60  basis  points,  of  restructuring  charges  taken  in  the  2017  first  and
fourth  quarters  and  pension  settlement  charges,  respectively.  Excluding  these  costs,
S&A Expense was 50 basis points lower in 2017 compared to 2016 due primarily to
our continued balance of disciplined spending control with investments in key growth
initiatives.

S&A Expense decreased by $4.1 million, or 1.6%, in 2016 compared to 2015. As
a  percentage  of  Net  Sales,  2016  S&A  Expense  decreased  40  basis  points  to  30.7%
from  31.1%  in  2015  due  to  two  restructuring  charges  totaling  $3.7  million  we
recorded  in  2015  to  reduce  our  infrastructure  costs  that  did  not  repeat  in  2016.  In
addition,  there  was  a  net  favorable  impact  to  S&A  Expense  in  2016  as  a  result  of
disciplined  spending  control  more  than  offsetting  investments  in  key  growth
initiatives.

Profit from Operations

Operating Profit was $27.0 million , or 2.7% of Net Sales, in 2017 , as compared
to Operating Profit of $68.5 million , or 8.5% of Net Sales, in 2016 . 2017 Operating
Profit  was  $41.5  million  lower  than  2016  Operating  Profit  due  primarily  to  $15.7
million  of  amortization  expense  related  to  IPC  intangible  assets,  $10.6  million  of
acquisition  costs  and  a  $7.2  million  fair  value  inventory  step-up  flow  through,  all
related  to  our  acquisition  of  the  IPC  Group.  We  also  recorded  $10.5  million  of
restructuring  charges  in  2017  to  better  align  our  global  resources  and  expense
structure. In addition, we recorded pension settlement charges of $6.4 million due to
our  termination  of  the  U.S.  Pension  Plan  in  May  2017.  These  unfavorable  impacts
were  partially  offset  by  operating  profit  obtained  from  the  IPC  acquisition,  reduced
expenses  resulting  from  our  first  quarter  2017  restructuring  charge  and  tight
management of controllable costs.

Operating Profit was $68.5 million in 2016, as compared to Operating Profit  of
$53.2 million in the prior year which included $11.2 million for the pre-tax non-cash
Impairment  of  Long-Lived  Assets  as  a  result  of  the  classification  of  our  Green
Machines assets as held for sale and also the $3.7 million pre-tax restructuring charges
recorded in 2015. Operating Profit margin increased 190 basis points to 8.5% in 2016
from  6.6%  in  2015.  2016  Operating  Profit  was  also  favorably  impacted  by  higher
Gross  Profit  despite  the  lower  Net  Sales  in  2016  as  compared  to  2015.  Due  to  the
overall  strengthening  of  the  U.S.  dollar  relative  to  other  currencies  in  2016,  foreign
currency exchange reduced Operating Profit by approximately $1.2 million.

Total Other Expense, Net

Interest Income – Interest Income was $2.4 million in 2017 , an increase of $2.1
million from 2016 . The increase between 2017 and 2016 was primarily due to interest
income related to foreign currency swap activities.

Interest  Income  was  $0.3  in  2016,  an  increase  of  $0.1  million  from  2015.  The

increase between 2016 and 2015 was due to higher levels of cash deposits.

Interest Expense – Interest Expense was $25.4 million in 2017 , as compared to
$1.3  million  in  2016  .  The  higher  Interest  Expense  in  2017  was  primarily  due  to
carrying  a  higher  level  of  debt  on  our  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets  related  to  our
acquisition  activities  as  well  as  a  $6.2  million  charge  to  expense  the  debt  issuance
costs for loans which were refinanced or repaid, as further described in the Liquidity
and Capital Resources section that follows.

There  was  no  significant  change  in  Interest  Expense  in  2016  as  compared  to

2015.

15

 
Table of Contents

Net Foreign Currency Transaction Losses – Net Foreign Currency Transaction
Losses  were  $3.4  million  in  2017  as  compared  to  $0.4  million  in  2016  .  The
unfavorable  change  in  the  impact  from  foreign  currency  transactions  in  2017  was
primarily due to fluctuations in foreign currency rates, specifically between the Euro
and U.S. dollar, settlements of transactional hedging activity in the normal course of
business  and  a  $1.1  million  mark-to-market  adjustment  of  a  foreign  exchange  call
option,  an  instrument  held  in  connection  with  our  acquisition  of  the  IPC  Group  on
April 6, 2017.

Net Foreign Currency Transaction Losses were $0.4 million in 2016 as compared
to  $1.0  million  in  2015.  The  favorable  change  in  the  impact  from  foreign  currency
transactions in 2016 was due to fluctuations in foreign currency rates and settlements
of transactional hedging activity in the normal course of business.

Other Expense, Net – Other Expense, Net was $2.0 million in 2017 as compared
to  $0.7  million  in  2016  .  The  unfavorable  change  in  Other  Expense,  Net  was  due
primarily  to the additional expense recorded as a result of the acquisition of the IPC
Group.

There was no significant change in Other Expense, Net in 2016 as compared to

2015.

(Loss) Profit Before Income Taxes

Loss Before Income Taxes for 2017 was $1.3 million compared to Profit Before

Income Taxes of $66.5 million for 2016 and $50.4 million in 2015 .

The breakdown of (Loss) Profit Before Income Taxes between U.S. and foreign

operations for each year ended December 31 was as follows:

2017

%

2016

%

2015

%

U.S. operations

$

7,465

(577.8) $ 54,018

81.2 $ 51,189

101.5

Foreign operations

(8,757)

677.8

12,473

18.8

(765)

(1.5)

Total

$

(1,292)

100.0

$ 66,491

100.0

$ 50,424

100.0

Profit Before Income Taxes from U.S. operations decreased by $46.6 million in
2017  compared  to  2016  .  The  decrease  resulted  primarily  from  $10.6  million  of
acquisition costs related to our acquisition of the IPC Group, $6.4 million of pension
settlement charges recorded in 2017 as a result of the termination of the U.S. Pension
Plan in May 2017 and $4.9 million of restructuring charges recorded in 2017 to better
align  our  global  resources  and  expense  structure.  In  addition,  Interest  Expense
recorded in Profit Before Income Taxes from U.S. operations during 2017 was $23.4
higher  compared  to  2016  primarily  due  to  carrying  a  higher  level  of  debt  on  our
Consolidated  Balance  Sheets  related  to  our  acquisition  activities  as  well  as  a  $6.2
million charge to expense the debt issuance costs for loans which were refinanced or
repaid as part of our acquisition of the IPC Group.

(Loss) Profit Before Income Taxes from foreign operations decreased by $21.2
million  in  2017  compared  to  2016  .  The  decrease  resulted  primarily  from  $15.7
million  of  amortization  expense  related  to  IPC  intangible  assets  in  2017,  a  $7.2
million fair value inventory step-up flow through as a result of our acquisition of the
IPC Group and $5.6 million of restructuring charges recorded in 2017 to better align
our global resources and expense structure. These unfavorable impacts were partially
offset by Profit Before Income Taxes obtained from the IPC acquisition.

Profit Before Income Taxes from foreign operations increased by $13.2 million
in 2016 compared  to  2015.  The  increase  resulted  primarily  from  the  $11.2  million
non-cash  Impairment  of  Long-Lived  Assets  included  in  2015  as  a  result  of  our
decision to hold the assets and liabilities of our Green Machines outdoor city cleaning
line  for  sale  that  did  not  repeat  in  2016.  This  impairment  affected  the  results  of
operations in our EMEA region. In addition, 2015 Profit Before Income Taxes in our
EMEA  and  APAC  subsidiaries  included  an  additional  expense  of  $1.9  million  and
$0.7 million, respectively, as a result of two worldwide restructuring actions that did
not  repeat  in  2016.  Profit  Before  Income  Taxes  in  our  Latin  America  subsidiaries
increased approximately $0.6 million in 2016 primarily due to sales increases. Profit
Before Income Taxes in our APAC subsidiaries decreased by $1.3 million primarily
due to lower sales resulting from economic slowdowns in the region and fewer large
deals.

Income Taxes

On December 22, 2017, legislation popularly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs
Act  (Tax  Act)  was  enacted,  resulting  in  significant  changes  from  previous  tax  law,
including,
 but  not  limited  to  requiring  a  one-time  transition  tax  on  certain
unrepatriated  earnings  of  foreign  subsidiaries  and  a  reduction  in  the  U.S.  federal
corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. The Tax Act also establishes new laws
that will impact 2018.

ASC  740  requires  a  company  to  record  the  effects  of  a  tax  law  change  in  the
period  of  enactment,  however  shortly  after  the  enactment  of  the  Tax  Act,  the  SEC
staff issued SAB 118, which allows a company to record a provisional amount when it
does not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed in reasonable
detail to complete its accounting for the change in the law. The measurement period
ends  when  the  company  has  obtained,  prepared  and  analyzed  the  information
necessary to finalize its accounting, but cannot extend beyond one year.

Therefore, in connection with its initial analysis of the impact of the Tax Act, the
Company’s  overall  tax  expense  for  2017  includes  a  provisional  tax  charge  of  $2.4
million, or $0.14 per share, to reflect the estimated impacts of the Tax Act, including
the transition tax on cash and cash equivalent balances related to accumulated earnings
associated with our international  operations, the write-down of net U.S. deferred tax
assets at lower enacted corporate tax rates, and the effects of the implementation of the
territorial tax system.

The overall effective income tax rate was (380.2)% , 29.9% and 36.4% in 2017 ,

2016 and 2015 , respectively.

The  tax  expense  for  2017  included  a  $3.7  million  tax  benefit  associated  with
$18.8 million of acquisition and financing costs related to the IPC Group acquisition, a
$3.0  million  tax  benefit  associated  with  a  $10.5  million  restructuring  charge,  a  $2.4
million  tax  benefit  associated  with  a  $6.2  million  pension  settlement,  a  $2.0  million
tax  benefit  associated  with  $7.2  million  of  expense  related  to  inventory  step-up
amortization, a $2.0 million provisional tax expense related to the write-down of net
U.S. deferred tax assets at the lower enacted tax rates and a $0.4 million provisional
tax expense related to the transition tax on cash and cash equivalent balances related to
accumulated  earnings  associated  with  our  international  operations  as  a  result  of  Tax
Legislation. These special items impacted the 2017 year-to-date overall effective tax
rate by 412.9%.

Our effective tax rate fluctuates from year to year due to the global nature of our
operations. Excluding the 2017 special items and the effect of the Tax Act, the tax rate
increased from 29.9% in 2016 due primarily to the mix in full year taxable earnings by
country.  As  a  result  of  the  Tax  Act,  we  expect  the  income  tax  rate  to  be  favorably
impacted.

There were no special items that affected the tax rate in 2016.

16

 
 
During  2015  ,  we  recorded  translation  losses  of  $6.5  million  relating  to  the
Brazilian  real,  $5.3  million  for  the  Euro,  $0.6  million  for  the  Chinese  renminbi  and
$0.1  million  for  various  other  currencies.  These  adjustments  were  caused  by  the
appreciation  of  the  U.S.  dollar  against  these  currencies  of  between  5%  and  32%  in
2015.

Pension  and  Retiree  Medical  Benefits  –  For  the  years  ended  December  31,
2017 and 2016 , we recorded pre-tax pension and postretirement liability adjustments
consisting of gains of $5.9 million and losses of $2.2 million , respectively, in Other
Comprehensive  Income  (Loss)  as  further  disclosed  in  Note  13  to  the  Company's
Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015  ,  we
recorded  a  gain  of  $4.1  million  in  Other  Comprehensive  Income  (Loss)  for  these
items.

The  summarized  changes  in  Accumulated  Other  Comprehensive  Loss  for  the

three years ended December 31 were as follows:

Pension and Postretirement Medical
Benefits

2017

2016

2015

Net actuarial loss (gain)

$

622 $

2,357 $

(2,940)

Amortization of prior service cost

Amortization of net actuarial loss

Settlement Charge

Total recognized in other
comprehensive (income) loss

—

(117)

(6,373)

(41)

(68)

—

(67)

(1,114)

—

$

(5,868) $

2,248 $

(4,121)

The $5.9  million  gain in 2017 was  primarily  due  to  a  $6.4  million  settlement
charge  related  to  the  termination  of  the  U.S.  Pension  Plan  and  a  $0.1  million  credit
related  to  amortization  of  accumulated  actuarial  losses.  These  gains  were  partially
offset by $0.6 million of net actuarial losses relating to an increase of $1.2 million in
the pension benefit obligation in 2017 due to changes in demographic experience and
other changes, a $0.6 million increase in the pension benefit obligation resulting from
a 64 basis point decrease in the U.S. pension discount rate, a 19 basis point decrease in
the non-U.S. discount rate and a 32 basis point decrease in the postretirement discount
rates and $1.0 million decrease in the pension benefit obligation due to a higher than
expected actual return on assets.

The  $2.2  million  loss  i  n  2016  was  primarily  due  to  a  $2.4  net  actuarial  loss
relating  to  an  increase  of  $3.2  million  in  the  projected  benefit  obligation  resulting
from  a  16  basis  point  decrease  in  the  U.S.  pension  discount  rate,  a  95  basis  point
decrease  in  the  non-U.S.  discount  rate  and  a  12  basis  point  decrease  in  the
postretirement  discount  rate.  There  was  an  approximate  $0.6  million  decrease in  the
pension  benefit  obligation  in  2016  relating  to  demographic  experience  and  other
changes, as well as a $0.2 million decrease due to a higher than expected actual return
on assets. The net actuarial loss was partially offset by a $0.1 million credit relating to
amortization of accumulated actuarial losses and prior service costs.

The $4.1 million gain in 2015 was primarily  due to a $2.9 million  net actuarial
gain relating to a decrease of $2.4 million in the projected benefit obligation resulting
from  a  32  basis  point  increase  in  the  U.S.  Pension  discount  rate,  a  21  basis  point
increase  in  the  non-U.S.  discount  rate  and  a  31  basis  point  increase  in  the
postretirement  discount  rate.  There  was  an  approximate  $3.3  million  decrease in  the
pension  benefit  obligation  in  2015  relating  to  demographic  experience  and  other
changes, as well as a $3.0 million increase due to a lower than expected actual return
of assets. The net actuarial gain was supplemented by a $1.2 million credit relating to
amortization of accumulated losses and prior service costs.

The tax expense for 2015 included a $0.4 million tax benefit associated with an
$11.2  million  Impairment  of  Long-Lived  Assets  and  a  $0.6  million  tax  benefit
associated with restructuring charges of $3.7 million. We are not able to recognize a
tax  benefit  on  the  impairment  charge  until  the  assets  are  sold  due  to  a  tax  valuation
allowance. Excluding these items, the 2015 overall effective tax rate would have been
29.6%.

Net (Loss) Earnings and (Loss) Earnings Per Share

Net (Loss) Earnings for 2017 were $(6.2) million , or $(0.35) per diluted share,
compared to $46.6 million , or $2.59 per diluted share, for 2016 . Net (Loss) Earnings
were impacted by:

•

•

•

•

•

Gross profit margin decline of 320 basis points compared to 2016 .

A  370  basis  point  increase  in  S&A  Expense  as  a  percentage  of  Net  Sales
compared to 2016.

An  unfavorable  impact  of  $24.1  million  from  Interest  Expense  of  $25.4
million in 2017 as compared to $1.3 million in 2016 .

An unfavorable impact of $3.0 million from Net Foreign Currency Transaction
Losses of $3.4 million in 2017 as compared to $0.4 million in 2016 .

An increase in Net Sales of 24.1% in 2017 as compared to 2016 .

Net Earnings for 2016 were $46.6 million , or $2.59 per diluted share, compared
to $32.1 million , or $1.74 per diluted share, for 2015 . Net Earnings were impacted
by:

•

•

•

•

•

Gross profit margin strengthening of 50 basis points compared to 2015 .

A  40  basis  point  decrease  in  S&A  Expense  as  a  percentage  of  Net  Sales
compared to 2015.

A pre-tax non-cash impact of $11.2 million in 2015 due to the Impairment of
Long-Lived  Assets  as  a  result  of  the  classification  of  our  Green  Machines
assets as held for sale that did not repeat in 2016.

A  favorable  impact  of  $0.6  million  from  Net  Foreign  Currency  Transaction
Losses of $0.4 million in 2016 as compared to $1.0 million in 2015.

A decrease in Net Sales of 0.4% in 2016 as compared to 2015.

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Foreign  Currency  Translation  Adjustments  –  For  the  years  ended
December  31,  2017  and 2016 ,  we  recorded  a  pre-tax  foreign  currency  translation
gain  of  $28.4  million  and  $0.1  million  ,  respectively.  For  the  year  ended
December 31, 2015 , we recorded pre-tax foreign currency translation losses of $12.5
million  in  Other  Comprehensive  Income  (Loss).  These  adjustments  resulted  from
translating  the  financial  statements  of  our  non-U.S.  dollar  functional  currency
subsidiaries  into  our  reporting  currency,  which  is  the  U.S.  dollar,  as  well  as  other
adjustments permitted by ASC 830 – Foreign Currency Matters .

Durin g 2017 , we recorded pre-tax currency translation gains of $28.4 million .
These adjustments were caused primarily by the appreciation of the Euro against the
U.S.  dollar.  In  2017,  the  Euro  appreciated  against  the  U.S.  dollar  by  approximately
14%.

During  2016  ,  we  recorded  translation  gains  of  $3.4  million  relating  to  the
Brazilian real, and translation losses of $1.3 million for the Euro, $1.0 million for the
Chines renminbi, $0.9 million for the British pound and $0.1 million for various other
currencies.  These  adjustments  were  caused  by  the  appreciation  of  the  U.S.  dollar
against  these  currencies  of  between  3%  and  17%,  and  the  strengthening  of  the
Brazilian real of 22% in 2016.

17

 
 
 
Table of Contents

Cash Flow Hedging – For  the  years  ended  December 31, 2017 and 2016 , we
recorded  adjustments  to  pre-tax  losses  on  cash  flow  hedge  financial  instruments  of
$7.7 million and $0.3 million , respectively, in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
as further disclosed i n Note 11 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
For the year ended December 31, 2015 , we recorded a gain of $0.2 million in Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss) for these items.

The  $7.7  million  loss  in  2017  was  primarily  due  to  $26.2  million  of  losses
recognized  primarily  as  a  result  of  our  Euro  to  U.S.  dollar  foreign  exchange  cross
currency  swaps  to  mitigate  our  Euro  exposure  on  our  cash  flows  associated  with  an
intercompany loan from a wholly-owned European subsidiary. The loss was partially
offset by $18.5 of losses reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to
the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

The $0.3  million  pre-tax  loss  i  n 2016  and  the  pre-tax  gain  of  $0.2  million  in
2015  was  driven  by  our  cash  flow  exposure  to  the  Canadian  dollar  resulting  from
changes in this currency relative to the U.S. dollar.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity –  Cash  and  Cash  Equivalents  totaled  $58.4  million  at December 31,
2017  ,  as  compared  to  $58.0  million  as  of  December  31,  2016  .  Cash  and  Cash
Equivalents held by our foreign subsidiaries totaled $39.1 million as of December 31,
2017 ,  as  compared  to  $19.0  million  as  of  December  31,  2016  . Wherever possible,
cash  management  is  centralized  and  intercompany  financing  is  used  to  provide
working  capital  to  subsidiaries  as  needed.  Our  current  ratio  was  1.8  as  of
December 31, 2017 and 2.2 as of December 31, 2016 , and our working capital was
$186.6 million and $165.1 million , respectively.

Our Debt-to-Capital ratio was 56.0% as of December 31, 2017 , compared with
11.5%  as  of  December  31,  2016  .  Our  capital  structure  was  comprised  of  $376.8
million of Debt and $296.5 million of Tennant Company Shareholders’ Equity as of
December 31, 2017 .

During 2017 ,  we  generated  operating  cash  flows  of  $54.2  million  and  paid  a
total of $15.0 million in cash dividends. Total debt increased to $376.8 million as of
December 31, 2017 , compared to $36.2 million at the end of 2016 , due primarily to
the acquisition of the IPC Group in April 2017.

Cash Flow Summary – Cash provided by (used in) our operating, investing and

financing activities is summarized as follows (in thousands):

Operating Activities

Investing Activities:

Purchases of Property, Plant and
Equipment, Net of Disposals

Proceeds from Principal Payments
Received on Long-Term Note
Receivable

Issuance of Long-Term Note
Receivable

Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of
Cash Acquired

Purchase of Intangible Asset

Proceeds from Sale of Business

(Increase) Decrease in Restricted
Cash

Financing Activities

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on
Cash and Cash Equivalents

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and
Cash Equivalents

2017

2016

2015

$

54,174   $

57,878   $

45,232

(17,926)  

(25,911)  

(24,444)

667  

—  

(1,500)  

(2,000)  

(354,073)  

(12,933)  

(2,500)  

—  

—  

285  

—

—

—

—

1,185

(92)  

116  

(322)

319,473  

(9,558)  

(61,405)

2,142  

(1,144)  

(1,908)

$

365   $

6,733   $

(41,662)

Operating Activities – Cash provided by operating activities was $54.2 million
in 2017 , $57.9 million in 2016 and $45.2 million in 2015 . In 2017 , cash provided by
operating activities was driven primarily by net earnings, after adding back non-cash
items,  an  increase  in  Other  Current  Liabilities  of  $14.6  million  due  to  additional
accruals  recorded  as  a  result  of  the  IPC  Group  consolidation  and  the  fourth  quarter
2017 restructuring action and an increase in Accounts Payable of $10.8 million due to
timing  of  payments.  These  cash  inflows  were  partially  offset  by  cash  outflows
resulting  from  an  increase  in  Accounts  Receivable  of  $14.4  million  resulting  from
higher sales levels, the variety of payment terms offered and mix of business.

In  2016,  cash  provided  by  operating  activities  was  driven  primarily  by  net
earnings, after adding back non-cash items, partially offset by an increase in Accounts
Receivable of $9.3 million resulting from higher sales levels, particularly in December
2016, the variety of payment terms offered and mix of business.

In  2015,  cash  provided  by  operating  activities  was  driven  primary  by  net
earnings,  after  adding  back  non-cash  items,  somewhat  offset  by  a  decrease  in
Accounts  Payable  of  $10.5  million  due  to  making  earlier  payments  to  utilize  cash
discounts  and  an  increase  in  Inventories  of  $10.2  million  to  support  the  launches  of
many new products.

For 2017 , we used operating profit and operating profit margin as key indicators

of financial performance and the primary metrics for performance-based incentives.

Two metrics used by management to evaluate how effectively we utilize our net
assets  are  “Accounts  Receivable  Days  Sales  Outstanding”  (“DSO”)  and  “Days
Inventory on Hand” (“DIOH”), on a first-in, first-out (“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  December  31  were  as
follows (in days):

DSO

DIOH

18

2017

63

96

2016

59

89

 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
There  were  no  shares  repurchased  in  2017 in  the  open  market,  246,474  shares
repurchased  in  2016  and  764,046  shares  repurchased  during  2015  ,  at  average
repurchase  prices  of $51.78  during  2016 and  $60.20  during  2015 .  Our  2017  Credit
Agreement restricts the payment of dividends or repurchasing of stock if, after giving
effect  to  such  payments  and  assuming  no  default  exists  or  would  result  from  such
payment,  our  leverage  ratio  is  greater  than  2.50  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 payment. Our Senior Notes
due  2025  also  contain  certain  restrictions,  which  are  generally  less  restrictive  than
those contained in the 2017 Credit Agreement.

Indebtedness – In order to finance the acquisition of the IPC Group, on April 4,
2017,  the  Company  and  certain  of  our  foreign  subsidiaries  entered  into  a  Credit
Agreement  (the  “2017  Credit  Agreement”)  with  JPMorgan,  as  administrative  agent,
Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as syndication agent, Wells Fargo, National Association,
U.S. Bank National Association, and HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as co-
documentation agents, and the lenders (including JPMorgan) from time to time party
thereto.

On April 18, 2017, we issued and sold $300,000 in aggregate principal amount of
our 5.625% Senior Notes due 2025 (the “Notes”), pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of
April  18,  2017,  among  the  company,  the  Guarantors  (as  defined  therein),  and  Wells
Fargo  Bank,  National  Association,  a  national  banking  association,  as  trustee.  The
Notes  are  guaranteed  by  Tennant  Coatings,  Inc.  and  Tennant  Sales  and  Service
Company (collectively, the “Guarantors”), which are wholly owned subsidiaries of the
company.

For  further  details  regarding  our  indebtedness,  see  Note  9  to  the  Consolidated

Financial Statements.

Table of Contents

DSO  increased  4  days  in  2017  as  compared  to  2016  primarily  due  to  the
acquisition of IPC, who generally offers longer payment terms than the average DSO
of  our  business  in  2016  prior  to  the  acquisition,  and  mix  of  business.  These  drivers
were  partially  offset  by  the  trend  of  continued  proactive  management  of  our
receivables  by  enforcing  tighter  credit  limits  and  continuing  to  successfully  collect
past due balances.

DIOH  increased  7  days  in  2017 as  compared  to  2016 primarily  due  to  a lower
level  of  sales  than  anticipated  that  resulted  in  higher  levels  of  inventory  and
maintaining  a  higher  level  of  select  inventory  items  to  lower  lead  times,  partially
offset by progress from inventory reduction initiatives.

Investing Activities – Net cash used in investing activities was $375.4 million in
2017 , $40.4 million in 2016 and $23.6 million in 2015 . In 2017 , we used $354.1
million , net of cash acquired, in relation to our acquisition of the IPC Group and the
final installment  payment for the acquisition of the Florock brand and $17.9 million
for  net  capital  expenditures.  Net  capital  expenditures  included  investments  in
information technology process improvement projects, tooling related to new product
development,  and  manufacturing  equipment.  We  also  used  $2.5  million  for  the
purchase of  the distribution  rights to sell  the i-mop  and $1.5 million as a result of a
loan to i-team North America B.V., a joint venture that operates as a distributor of the
i-mop in North America. The details regarding the joint venture and our distribution of
the i-mop are described further in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In  2016  ,  we  used  $25.9  million  for  net  capital  expenditures.  Net  capital
expenditures  included  investments  in  information  technology  process  improvement
projects, tooling related to new product development, and manufacturing equipment.
In  addition,  our  acquisition  of  the  Florock  brand  and  the  assets  of  Dofesa  Barrdio
Mecanizado, a long-time distributor based in Central Mexico, used $12.9 million , net
of cash acquired. We also used  $2.0 million as a result of a non-interest bearing cash
advance  to  TCS  EMEA  GmbH,  the  master  distributor  of  our  products  in  Central
Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa.

In  2015  ,  we  used  $24.4  million  for  net  capital  expenditures.  Net  capital
expenditures  included  investments  in  information  technology  process  improvement
projects, tooling related to new product development, and manufacturing equipment.
This cash outflow was partially offset by a cash inflow resulting from proceeds from
sale of our Green Machines outdoor city cleaning line, which provided $1.2 million .

Financing  Activities  –  Net  cash  provided  by  financing  activities  was  $319.5
million in 2017 . Net cash used in financing  activities  was $9.6 million in 2016 and
$61.4 million in 2015 . In 2017 ,  proceeds  from  the  incurrence  of  Long-Term  Debt
associated  with  the  IPC  acquisition  and  the  issuance  of  Common  Stock  provided
$440.0  million  and  $6.9  million  ,  respectively.  These  cash  inflows  were  partially
offset  by  cash  outflows  resulting  from  $96.2  million  of  Long-Term  Debt  payments,
$16.5  million  related  to  payments  of  debt  issuance  costs  and  dividend  payments  of
$15.0 million .  Our  annual  cash  dividend  payout  increased  for  the  46  th consecutive
year to $0.84 per share in 2017 , an increase of $0.03 per share over 2016 .

In 2016 , dividend payments used $14.3 million , the purchases of our common
stock per our authorized  repurchase  program used $12.8 million and the payment of
Long-Term  Debt  used  $3.5  million  .  These  cash  ouflows  were  partially  offset  by
proceeds  resulting  from  the  incurrence  of  Long-Term  Debt  of  $15.0  million  ,  the
issuance of Common Stock of $5.3 million and the excess tax benefit on stock plans
of $0.7 million .

In  2015  ,  the  purchase  of  our  common  stock  per  our  authorized  repurchase
program used $46.0 million , dividend payments used $14.5 million and the payment
of Long-Term Debt used $3.4 million , partially offset by proceeds from the issuance
of  Common  Stock  of  $1.7  million  and  the  excess  benefit  on  stock  plans  of  $0.9
million .

On  October  31,  2016,  the  Board  of  Directors  authorized  the  repurchase  of  an
additional 1,000,000 shares of our common stock. At December 31, 2017 , there were
1,393,965 remaining shares authorized for repurchase.

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Table of Contents

Contractual Obligations – Our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2017

, are summarized by period due in the following table (in thousands):

Total

Less Than
1 Year

1 - 3
Years

  3 - 5 Years  

More Than
5 Years

$

380,000   $

5,000   $ 16,250   $

58,750   $

300,000

132,744  

19,587  

38,549  

36,217  

38,391

3,279  

1,609  

1,540  

130  

300  

187  

111  

1,239  

1,239  

—  

2  

—  

—

—

—

6,257  

1,356  

1,894  

721  

2,286

36,931  

14,083  

15,261  

4,991  

2,596

57,848  

11,410  

57,848  

11,410  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—

—

$

630,008   $ 112,319   $ 73,605   $ 100,811   $

343,273

Long-term debt
(1)
Interest
payments on
long-term
debt (1)

Capital leases

Interest
payments on
capital leases

Retirement
benefit plans (2)

Deferred
compensation
arrangements
(3)
Operating
leases (4)

Purchase
obligations (5)

Other (6)

Total
contractual
obligations

(1) 

Long-term  debt  represents  borrowings  through  our  Senior  Notes  due
2025 and the 2017 Credit Agreement with JPMorgan. Interest on the Senior Notes will
accrue at the rate of 5.625% per annum and will be payable semiannually in cash on
each May 1 and November 1, commencing on November 1, 2017. Repayment of the
principal amount of the Senior Notes is due upon expiration of the agreement in 2025.
Interest  payments  on  our  2017  Credit  Agreement  with  JPMorgan  were  calculated
using the December 31, 2017 30-day LIBOR rate plus a spread.

(2) 

Our retirement benefit plans, as described in Note 13 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements, require us to make contributions to the plans from time to time.
Our plan obligations totaled $12.0 million as of December 31, 2017 . Contributions to
the  various  plans  are  dependent  upon  a  number  of  factors  including  the  market
performance of plan assets, if any, and future changes in interest rates, which impact
the actuarial measurement of plan obligations. As a result, we have only included our
2018 expected contribution in the contractual obligations table.

(3) 

The  unfunded  deferred  compensation  arrangements  covering  certain
current  and  retired  management  employees  totaled  $6.3  million  as  of  December 31,
2017 . Our estimated distributions in the contractual obligations table are based upon a
number  of  assumptions  including  termination  dates  and  participant  distribution
elections.

(4) 

Operating lease commitments consist primarily of office and warehouse
facilities,  vehicles and office equipment as discussed in Note 15 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements.

Total contractual obligations exclude our gross unrecognized tax benefits of $2.2
million and accrued interest and penalties of $0.5 million as of December 31, 2017 .
We  expect  to  make  cash  outlays  in  the  future  related  to  uncertain  tax  positions.
However, due to the uncertainty of the timing of future cash flows, we are unable to
make  reasonably  reliable  estimates  of  the  period  of  cash  settlement,  if  any,  with  the
respective  taxing  authorities.  For  further  information  related  to  unrecognized  tax
benefits, see Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Newly Issued Accounting Guidance

Revenues from Contracts with Customers

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.  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.  The  ASU  permits  two
methods  of  adoption:  retrospectively  to  each  prior  reporting  period  presented  (full
retrospective  method),  or  retrospectively  with  the  cumulative  effect  of  initially
applying  the  guidance  recognized  at  the  date  of  initial  application  (the  modified
retrospective method).

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.

We  have  completed  the  process  of  evaluating  the  effect  of  the  adoption  of  this
ASU on our financial statements and related disclosures. We adopted the new standard
effective January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective approach. We will expand
our consolidated financial statement disclosures in order to comply with the ASU. The
new standard requires a change in the presentation of our sales return reserve on the
balance  sheet,  which  we  currently  record  net.  The  new  standard  also  requires  us  to
record  a  refund  liability  and  a  corresponding  asset  for  our  right  to  recover  products
from customers upon settling the refund liability to account for the transfer of products
with a right of return. However, these changes will not have a material impact on our
financial  condition,  results  of  operations  or  cash  flows,  other  than  additional
disclosure requirements.

Leases

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  December  15,  2018,  including  interim  periods  within  that  reporting  period,
which  is  our  fiscal  2019.  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  will
adopt  this  ASU  beginning  in  2019.  We  are  currently  evaluating  the  impact  of  this
amended guidance on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

(5) 

Purchase  obligations  include  all

 known  open  purchase  orders,
contractual  purchase  commitments  and  contractual  obligations  as  of  December  31,
2017 .

(6) 

Other obligations include residual value guarantees as discussed in Note

15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

20

 
 
 
 
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Business Combinations

  Derivatives and Hedging

In  January  2017,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  No.  2017-01,    Business Combinations
(Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business . This ASU clarifies the definition
of  a  business  when  evaluating  whether  transactions  should  be  accounted  for  as
acquisitions  (or  disposals)  of  assets  or  businesses.  This  ASU  is  effective  for  annual
reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within
that  reporting  period,  which  is  our  fiscal  2018.  We  will  apply  this  guidance  to
applicable transactions commencing in 2018.

Goodwill

In  January  2017,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  No.  2017-04,    Intangibles—Goodwill
and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment , which removes
Step  2  of  the  goodwill  impairment  test.  A  goodwill  impairment  will  now  be  the
amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed
the  carrying  amount  of  goodwill.  This  ASU  is  effective  for  annual  or  any  interim
goodwill  impairment  tests  beginning  after  December  15,  2019,  which  is  our  fiscal
2020. Early adoption of the standard is permitted for any interim or annual goodwill
impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. We early adopted
this  guidance  to  applicable  goodwill  impairment  tests  commencing  with  our  annual
goodwill  impairment  analysis  in  2017  and  it  did  not  have  a  material  impact  on  our
Consolidated Financial Statements.

Compensation – Retirement Benefits

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07,  Compensation—Retirement
Benefits  (Topic  715):  Improving  the  Presentation  of  Net  Periodic  Pension  Cost  and
Net  Periodic  Postretirement  Benefit  Cost  ,  which  requires  employers  to  report  the
service  cost  component  in  the  same  line  item  or  items  as  other  compensation  costs
arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other
components  of  net  benefit  cost  (credit)  are  required  to  be  presented  in  the  income
statement  separately  from  the  service  cost  component  in  nonoperating  expenses.  In
addition, the line items used in the income statement to present the other components
of  net  benefit  cost  (credit)  must  be  disclosed.  The  amendments  also  allow  only  the
service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. This ASU is
effective  for  annual  reporting  periods  beginning  after  December  15,  2017,  including
interim periods within that reporting period, which is our fiscal 2018. Companies are
required  to  adopt  the  ASU  retrospectively  for  the  presentation  of  the  service  cost
component  and  the  other  components  of  net  periodic  pension  and  postretirement
benefit cost (credit) in the income statement.  We adopted the new standard effective
January 1, 2018.

We will comply with the requirements of this ASU by reporting the service cost
component of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (credit) in the same
line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the
pertinent employees during the period. We will also present the other components of
net  periodic  benefit  cost  (credit)  separate  from  the  service  cost  component  in
nonoperating expenses. Based on our analysis of this ASU, we have determined that
the impact to our financial statements and related disclosures is immaterial as it relates
to  the  presentation  of  the  service  cost  component  of  net  periodic  pension  and
postretirement benefit costs. The other components of net periodic benefit cost (credit)
will  be  recorded  in  Total  Other  Expense,  Net  on  the  Consolidated  Statements  of
Operations.  In  2017,  we  recorded  $0.4  million  of  net  periodic  benefit  credits  as  it
relates to the other components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost
(credit) in Selling and Administrative Expense. We will begin presenting these costs
in  Total  Other  Expense,  Net  on  a  retrospective  basis  beginning  with  our  fiscal  2018
quarterly and annual filings, along with the related disclosures.

21

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12,  Derivatives and Hedging
(Topic  815):  Targeted  Improvements  to  Accounting  for  Hedging  Activities  ,  which
better  aligns  accounting  rules  with  a  company's  risk  management  activities,  better
reflects the economic results of hedging in financial statements and simplifies  hedge
accounting treatment. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December
15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, which is our fiscal 2019.
We are currently  evaluating  the impact that  this  standard is expected to have on our
consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

No other new accounting pronouncements issued but not yet effective have had,
or  are  expected  to  have,  a  material  impact  on  our  results  of  operations  or  financial
position.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our Consolidated Financial Statements are based on the selection and application
of  accounting  principles  generally  accepted  in  the  United  States  of  America,  which
require  us  to  make  estimates  and  assumptions  about  future  events  that  affect  the
amounts  reported  in  our  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  and  the  accompanying
notes. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the Consolidated
Financial  Statements.  Future  events  and  their  effects  cannot  be  determined  with
absolute  certainty.  Therefore,  the  determination  of  estimates  requires  the  exercise  of
judgment.  Actual results could differ from those estimates,  and any such differences
may  be  material  to  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  We  believe  that  the
following  policies  may involve  a higher  degree of  judgment  and complexity  in their
application and represent the critical accounting policies used in the preparation of our
Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  If  different  assumptions  or  conditions  were  to
prevail, the results could be materially different from our reported results.

Allowance  for  Doubtful  Accounts  –  We  record  a  reserve  for  accounts
receivable  that  are  potentially  uncollectible.  A  considerable  amount  of  judgment  is
required  in  assessing  the  realization  of  these  receivables  including  the  current
creditworthiness of each customer and related aging of the past-due balances. In order
to assess the collectability of these receivables, we perform ongoing credit evaluations
of  our  customers’  financial  condition.  Through  these  evaluations,  we  may  become
aware of a situation where a customer may not be able to meet its financial obligations
due to deterioration of its financial viability, credit ratings or bankruptcy. The reserve
requirements  are  based  on  the  best  facts  available  to  us  and  are  reevaluated  and
adjusted as additional information becomes available. Our reserves are also based on
amounts  determined  by  using  percentages  applied  to  trade  receivables.  These
percentages are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, current
economic  trends,  historical  payment  and  bad  debt  write-off  experience.  We  are  not
able  to  predict  changes  in  the  financial  condition  of  our  customers  and  if
circumstances  related  to  these  customers  deteriorate,
 our  estimates  of  the
recoverability  of  accounts  receivable  could  be  materially  affected  and  we  may  be
required  to  record  additional  allowances.  Alternatively,  if  more  allowances  are
provided than are ultimately required, we may reverse a portion of such provisions in
future  periods  based  on  the  actual  collection  experience.  Bad  debt  write-offs  as  a
percentage of Net Sales were approximately 0.1% in 2017 , 0.1% in 2016 and 0.2% in
2015 .  As  of  December  31,  2017  ,  we  had  $3.2  million  reserved  against  Accounts
Receivable for doubtful accounts and sales returns.

Table of Contents

Inventory  Reserves  –  We  value  our  inventory  at  the  lower  of  the  cost  of
inventory  or  net  realizable  value  through  the  establishment  of  a  reserve  for  excess,
slow  moving  and  obsolete  inventory.  In  assessing  the  ultimate  realization  of
inventories,  we  are  required  to  make  judgments  as  to  future  demand  requirements
compared  with  inventory  levels.  Reserve  requirements  are  developed  by  comparing
our  inventory  levels  to  our  projected  demand  requirements  based  on  historical
demand,  market  conditions  and  technological  and  product  life  cycle  changes.  It  is
possible  that  an  increase  in  our  reserve  may  be  required  in  the  future  if  there  are
significant  declines  in  demand  for  certain  products.  This  reserve  creates  a  new  cost
basis for these products and is considered permanent. As of December 31, 2017 , we
had $4.1 million reserved against Inventories.

Income  Taxes  –  We  are  required  to  estimate  our  income  taxes  in  each  of  the
jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating our actual current
tax  obligations  based  on  expected  income,  statutory  tax  rates  and  tax  planning
opportunities in the various jurisdictions. We also establish reserves for uncertain tax
matters that are complex in nature and uncertain as to the ultimate outcome. Although
we believe that our tax return positions are fully supportable, we consider our ability
to ultimately prevail in defending these matters when establishing these reserves. We
adjust our reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the closing of
a tax audit. We believe that our current reserves are adequate. However, the ultimate
outcome may differ from our estimates and assumptions and could impact the income
tax expense reflected in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Goodwill  –  Goodwill  represents  the  excess  of  cost  over  the  fair  value  of  net
assets of businesses acquired and is allocated to our reporting units at the time of the
acquisition.  We  analyze  Goodwill  on  an  annual  basis  and  when  an  event  occurs  or
circumstances  change  that  may  reduce  the  fair  value  of  a  reporting  unit  below  its
carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by
which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value.

We performed an analysis of qualitative factors to determine whether it is more
likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as
a  basis  for  determining  whether  it  is  necessary  to  perform  the  quantitative  goodwill
impairment  test.  The  qualitative  test  is  used  as  an  indicator  to  identify  if  there  is
potential  goodwill  impairment.  If  the  qualitative  test  indicates  there  may  be  an
impairment,  the  quantitative  test  is  performed  which  measures  the  amount  of  the
goodwill impairment, if any. We perform our goodwill impairment analysis as of year
end or when an event occurs or circumstances change that may reduce the fair value of
a  reporting  unit  below  its  carrying  amount,  and  use  our  judgment  to  develop
assumptions  for  the  discounted  cash  flow  model  that  we  use,  if  necessary.
Management  assumptions  include  forecasting  revenues  and  margins,  estimating
capital expenditures, depreciation, amortization and discount rates.

If our goodwill impairment testing resulted in one or more of our reporting units’
carrying  amount  exceeding  its  fair  value,  we  would  write  down  our  reporting  units’
carrying amount to its fair value and would record an impairment charge in our results
of  operations  in  the  period  such  determination  is  made.  Subsequent  reversal  of
goodwill  impairment  charges  is  not  permitted.  We  performed  an  analysis  of
qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of
a  reporting  unit  is  less  than  its  carrying  amount  and,  based  upon  our  analysis,  no
qualitative indicators of impairment exist at December 31, 2017 . We had Goodwill of
$186.0 million as of December 31, 2017 .

Warranty Reserves –  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  net  sales,  the  historical  length  of  time  between  the  sale  and  resulting  warranty
claim, new product introductions and other factors. Future claims experience could be
materially  different  from  prior  results  because  of  the  introduction  of  new,  more
complex  products,  a  change  in  our  warranty  policy  in  response  to  industry  trends,
competition  or  other  external  forces,  or  manufacturing  changes  that  could  impact
product quality. In the event we determine that our current or future product repair and
replacement  costs  exceed  our  estimates,  an  adjustment  to  these  reserves  would  be
charged to earnings in the period such determination is made. Warranty expense as a
percentage of Net Sales was 1.2% in 2017 , 1.5% in 2016 and 1.4% in 2015 . As of
December  31,  2017  ,  we  had  $12.7  million  reserved  for  future  estimated  warranty
costs.

Tax law requires certain items to be included in our tax return at different times
than the items are reflected in our results of operations. Some of these differences are
permanent,  such  as  expenses  that  are  not  deductible  in  our  tax  returns,  and  some
differences will reverse over time, such as depreciation expense on property, plant and
equipment.  These  temporary  differences  result  in  deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities,
which  are  included  within  our  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets.  Deferred  tax  assets
generally  represent  items  that  can  be  used  as  a  tax  deduction  or  credit  in  our  tax
returns  in  future  years  but  have  already  been  recorded  as  an  expense  in  our
Consolidated Statements of Operations. We assess the likelihood that our deferred tax
assets  will  be  recovered  from  future  taxable  income,  and,  based  on  management’s
judgment,  to  the  extent  we  believe  that  recovery  is  not  more  likely  than  not,  we
establish a valuation  reserve against those deferred tax assets. The deferred tax asset
valuation  allowance  could  be  materially  different  from  actual  results  because  of
changes  in  the  mix  of  future  taxable  income,  the  relationship  between  book  and
taxable income and our tax planning strategies. As of December 31, 2017 , a valuation
allowance of $9.7 million was recorded against foreign tax loss carryforwards, foreign
tax credit carryforwards and state credit carryforwards.

Cautionary Factors Relevant to Forward-Looking Information

This  annual  report  on  Form  10-K,  including  “Management’s  Discussion  and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 7, contain certain
statements that are considered “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:

Ability to effectively manage organizational changes.

Ability  to  attract,  retain  and  develop  key  personnel  and  create  effective
succession planning strategies.

Competition in our business.

Fluctuations in the cost, quality or availability of raw materials and purchased
components.

Ability  to  successfully  upgrade  and  evolve  our  information  technology
systems.

Ability to develop and commercialize new innovative products and services.

Ability to integrate acquisitions, including IPC.

Ability to generate sufficient cash to satisfy our debt obligations.

Geopolitical and economic uncertainty throughout the world.

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22

 
Foreign  Currency  Exchange  Rate  Risk  –      Due  to  the  global  nature  of  our
operations,  we  are  subject  to  exposures  resulting  from  foreign  currency  exchange
fluctuations  in  the  normal  course  of  business.  Our  primary  exchange  rate  exposures
are  with  the  Euro,  Australian  and  Canadian  dollars,  British  pound,  Japanese  yen,
Chinese renminbi, Brazilian real and Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar. The direct
financial impact of foreign currency exchange includes the effect of translating profits
from  local  currencies  to  U.S.  dollars,  the  impact  of  currency  fluctuations  on  the
transfer  of  goods  between  our  operations  in  the  United  States  and  our  international
operations and transaction gains and losses. In addition to the direct financial impact,
foreign  currency  exchange  has  an  indirect  financial  impact  on  our  results,  including
the  effect  on  sales  volume  within  local  economies  and  the  impact  of  pricing  actions
taken as a result of foreign exchange rate fluctuations.

In the normal course of business, we actively manage the exposure of our foreign
currency exchange rate market risk by entering into various hedging instruments with
counterparties  that  are  highly  rated  financial  institutions.  We  may  use  foreign
exchange  purchased  options  or  forward  contracts  to  hedge  our  foreign  currency
denominated  forecasted  revenues  or  forecasted  sales  to  wholly  owned  foreign
subsidiaries.  Additionally,  we  hedge  our  net  recognized  foreign  currency  assets  and
liabilities  with  foreign  exchange  forward  contracts.  We  hedge  these  exposures  to
reduce  the  risk  that  our  net  earnings  and  cash  flows  will  be  adversely  affected  by
changes in foreign exchange rates. We do not enter into any of these instruments for
speculative or trading purposes to generate revenue.

These contracts are carried at fair value and have maturities between one and 12
months. The gains and losses on these contracts generally approximate changes in the
value of the related assets, liabilities or forecasted transactions. Some of the derivative
instruments  we  enter  into  do  not  meet  the  criteria  for  cash  flow  hedge  accounting
treatment;  therefore,  changes  in  fair  value  are  recorded  in  Foreign  Currency
Transaction Losses on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

We also use foreign currency exchange rate derivatives to hedge our exposure to
fluctuations in exchange rates for anticipated intercompany cash transactions between
Tennant Company and its subsidiaries. During the second quarter of 2017, we entered
into  Euro  to  U.S.  dollar  foreign  exchange  cross  currency  swaps  for  all  of  the
anticipated  cash  flows  associated  with  an  intercompany  loan  from  a  wholly-owned
European subsidiary. We entered into these foreign exchange cross currency swaps to
hedge the foreign currency denominated cash flows associated with this intercompany
loan  and  accordingly,  they  are  not  speculative  in  nature.  We  designated  these  cross
currency swaps as cash flow hedges. The scheduled maturity and principal payment of
the loan and related swaps are due in April 2022 .

For  further  information  regarding  our  foreign  currency  derivatives  and  hedging

programs, see Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Ability to successfully protect our information technology systems from cyber
security risks.

Occurrence of a significant business interruption.

Ability to comply with laws and regulations.

Potential disruption of our business from actions of activist investors or others.

Relative strength of the U.S. dollar, which affects the cost of our materials and
products purchased and sold internationally.

Unforeseen product liability claims or product quality issues.

Internal control over financial reporting risks resulting from our acquisition of
IPC.

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. 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, except as required
by  law.  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  7A  –  Quantitative  and  Qualitative  Disclosures  About
Market Risk

Commodity Risk –   We are subject to exposures resulting  from potential  cost
increases related to our purchase of raw materials or other product components. We do
not  use  derivative  commodity  instruments  to  manage  our  exposures  to  changes  in
commodity prices such as steel, oil, gas, lead and other commodities.

Various factors beyond our control affect the price of oil and gas, including but
not limited to worldwide and domestic supplies of oil and gas, political instability or
armed  conflict  in  oil-producing  regions,  the  price  and  level  of  foreign  imports,  the
level of consumer demand, the price and availability of alternative fuels, domestic and
foreign  governmental  regulation,  weather-related  factors  and  the  overall  economic
environment.  We  purchase  petroleum-related  component  parts  for  use  in  our
manufacturing operations. In addition, our freight costs associated with shipping and
receiving product and sales and service vehicle fuel costs are impacted by fluctuations
in the cost of oil and gas.

Fluctuations  in  worldwide  demand  and  other  factors  affect  the  price  for  lead,
steel and related products. We do not maintain an inventory of raw or fabricated steel
or batteries  in excess of near-term  production  requirements.  As a result,  increases in
the price of lead or steel can significantly increase the cost of our lead- and steel-based
raw materials and component parts.

During 2017, we experienced inflation on our raw materials and other purchased
component costs. We continue to focus on mitigating the risk of future raw material or
other  product  component  cost  increases  through  supplier  negotiations,  ongoing
optimization  of  our  supply  chain,  the  continuation  of  cost  reduction  actions  and
product pricing. The success of these efforts will depend upon our ability to leverage
our commodity spend in the current global economic environment. If the commodity
prices  increase  significantly  and  we  are  not  able  to  offset  the  increases  with  higher
selling prices, our results may continue to be unfavorably impacted in 2018.

23

 
Table of Contents

The  average  contracted  rate  and  notional  amounts  of  the  foreign  currency
derivative  instruments  outstanding  at  December  31,  2017  ,  presented  in  U.S.  dollar
equivalents are as follows (dollars in thousands, except average contracted rate):

Notional Amount

Average
Contracted Rate

Maximum Term
(Months)

Derivatives designated as
hedging instrument:

Foreign currency option
contracts:

Canadian dollar

$

8,619

1.301

Foreign currency forward
contracts:

Euro

Canadian dollar

Derivatives not designated as
hedging instruments:

Foreign currency forward
contracts:

Australian dollar

$

Brazilian real

Canadian dollar

Euro

Mexican peso

207,076

2,928

1.168

1.264

3,061

4,862

6,612

38,068

8,255

1.287

3.329

1.263

0.831

20.312

12

51

3

6

1

8

11

8

For  details  of  the  estimated  effects  of  currency  translation  on  the  operations  of
our  operating  segments,  see  Item  7  –  Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis  of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Other  Matters  – Management  regularly  reviews  our  business  operations  with
the  objective  of  improving  financial  performance  and  maximizing  our  return  on
investment. As a result of this ongoing process to improve financial performance, we
may  incur  additional  restructuring  charges  in  the  future  which,  if  taken,  could  be
material to our financial results.

24

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

ITEM 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the shareholders and board of directors
Tennant Company:

Opinions on the Consolidated Financial Statements and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We  have  audited  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  of  Tennant  Company  and  subsidiaries  (the  Company)  as  of  December  31,  2017  and  2016,  the  related
consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related
notes and the financial statement schedule as included in Item 15.A.2 (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). We also have audited the Company’s internal control
over  financial  reporting  as  of  December  31,  2017,  based  on  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control  -  Integrated  Framework  (2013) issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017
and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based
on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

The  Company  acquired  IPC  Group  during  2017,  and  management  excluded  from  its  assessment  of  the  effectiveness  of  the  Company’s  internal  control  over  financial
reporting as of December 31, 2017, IPC Group’s internal control over financial reporting associated with total assets of $509 million and total revenues of $174 million included
in the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Company
also excluded an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of IPC Group.

Basis for Opinion

The  Company’s  management  is  responsible  for  these  consolidated  financial  statements,  for  maintaining  effective  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  and  for  its
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based
on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent
with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the
PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was
maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements,
whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and
disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal
control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on
the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable
basis for our opinions.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial  statements  for  external  purposes  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles.  A  company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  includes  those
policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the
company;  (2)  provide  reasonable  assurance  that  transactions  are  recorded  as  necessary  to  permit  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted
accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company;
and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material
effect on the financial statements.

Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect  misstatements.  Also,  projections  of  any  evaluation  of  effectiveness  to
future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may
deteriorate.

/s/ KPMG LLP

We have served as the Company's auditor since 1954.

Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 27, 2018

25

Table of Contents

Consolidated Statements of Operations
TENNANT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

Years ended December 31

Net Sales

Cost of Sales

Gross Profit

Operating Expense:

Research and Development Expense

Selling and Administrative Expense

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Loss on Sale of Business

Total Operating Expense

Profit from Operations

Other Income (Expense):

Interest Income

Interest Expense

Net Foreign Currency Transaction Losses

Other Expense, Net

Total Other Expense, Net

(Loss) Profit Before Income Taxes

Income Tax Expense

Net (Loss) Earnings Including Noncontrolling Interest

Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

Net (Loss) Earnings Attributable to Tennant Company

Net (Loss) Earnings Attributable to Tennant Company per Share:

Basic

Diluted

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:

Basic

Diluted

Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

2017

2016

2015

$

1,003,066

  $

598,645

404,421

32,013

345,364

—  
—  

377,377

27,044

2,405

(25,394)

(3,387)

(1,960)

(28,336)

(1,292)

4,913

(6,205)

(10)

(6,195)

  $

808,572   $
456,977  

351,595  

34,738  
248,210  
—  
149  

283,097  

68,498  

330  
(1,279)  
(392)  
(666)  

(2,007)  

66,491  
19,877  

46,614  
—  
46,614   $

811,799

462,739

349,060

32,415

252,270

11,199

—

295,884

53,176

172

(1,313)

(954)

(657)

(2,752)

50,424

18,336

32,088

—

32,088

1.78

1.74

(0.35)

(0.35)

  $

  $

2.66   $

2.59   $

17,695,390

17,695,390

17,523,267  

17,976,183  

18,015,151

18,493,447

0.84

  $

0.81   $

0.80

$

$

$

$

26

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
Table of Contents

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
TENNANT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

(In thousands)

Years ended December 31

Net (Loss) Earnings Including Noncontrolling Interest

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):

Foreign currency translation adjustments

Pension and retiree medical benefits

Cash flow hedge

Income Taxes:

Foreign currency translation adjustments

Pension and retiree medical benefits

Cash flow hedge

Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax

Total Comprehensive Income Including Noncontrolling Interest

Comprehensive Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

Comprehensive Income Attributable to Tennant Company

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

2017

2016

2015

$

(6,205)

  $

46,614   $

32,088

28,356

5,868

(7,731)

310

(2,087)

2,884

27,600

21,395

(10)

$

21,405

  $

27

109  
(2,248)  
(305)  

32  
504  
114  

(1,794)  
44,820  
—  
44,820   $

(12,520)

4,121

164

25

(1,265)

(61)

(9,536)

22,552

—

22,552

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

Consolidated Balance Sheets
TENNANT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

December 31

ASSETS

Current Assets:

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Restricted Cash

Receivables:

Trade, less Allowances of $3,241 and $3,108, respectively

Other

Net Receivables

Inventories

Prepaid Expenses

Other Current Assets

Total Current Assets

Property, Plant and Equipment

Accumulated Depreciation

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Deferred Income Taxes

Goodwill

Intangible Assets, Net

Other Assets

Total Assets

LIABILITIES AND TOTAL EQUITY

Current Liabilities:

Current Portion of Long-Term Debt

Accounts Payable

Employee Compensation and Benefits

Income Taxes Payable

Other Current Liabilities

Total Current Liabilities

Long-Term Liabilities:

Long-Term Debt

Employee-Related Benefits

Deferred Income Taxes

Other Liabilities

Total Long-Term Liabilities

Total Liabilities

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 15)

Equity:

Common Stock, $0.375 par value per share, 60,000,000 shares authorized; 17,881,177 and 17,688,350 issued and outstanding, respectively

Additional Paid-In Capital

Retained Earnings

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Total Tennant Company Shareholders' Equity

Noncontrolling Interest

Total Equity

Total Liabilities and Total Equity

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

28

2017

2016

$

58,398   $

653  

203,280  

6,236  

209,516  

127,694  

19,351  

7,503  

423,115  

382,768  

(202,750)  

180,018  

11,134  

186,044  

172,347  

21,319  

58,033

517

145,299

3,835

149,134

78,622

9,204

2,412

297,922

298,500

(186,403)

112,097

13,439

21,065

6,460

19,054

$

$

993,977   $

470,037

30,883   $

96,082  

37,257  

2,838  

69,447  

3,459

47,408

35,997

2,348

43,617

236,507  

132,829

345,956  

23,867  

53,225  

35,948  

458,996  

695,503  

6,705  

15,089  

297,032  

(22,323)  

296,503  

1,971  

298,474  

$

993,977   $

32,735

21,134

171

4,625

58,665

191,494

6,633

3,653

318,180

(49,923)

278,543

—

278,543

470,037

 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
TENNANT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

(In thousands)

Years ended December 31

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

2017

2016

2015

Net (Loss) Earnings Including Noncontrolling Interest

$

(6,205)   $

46,614   $

32,088

Adjustments to Reconcile Net (Loss) Earnings to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:

Depreciation

Amortization of Intangible Assets

Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs

Debt Issuance Cost Charges Related to Short-Term Financing

Fair Value Step-Up Adjustment to Acquired Inventory

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Deferred Income Taxes

Share-Based Compensation Expense

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Returns

Loss on Sale of Business

Other, Net

Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net of Assets Acquired:

Receivables, Net

Inventories

Accounts Payable

Employee Compensation and Benefits

Other Current Liabilities

Income Taxes

Other Assets and Liabilities

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Purchases of Property, Plant and Equipment

Proceeds from Disposals of Property, Plant and Equipment

Proceeds from Principal Payments Received on Long-Term Note Receivable

Issuance of Long-Term Note Receivable

Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired

Purchase of Intangible Asset

Proceeds from Sale of Business

(Increase) Decrease in Restricted Cash

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from Short-Term Debt

Repayments of Short-Term Debt

Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt

Payments of Long-Term Debt

Payments of Debt Issuance Costs

Change in Capital Lease Obligations

Purchases of Common Stock

Proceeds from Issuances of Common Stock

Excess Tax Benefit on Stock Plans

Purchase of Noncontrolling Owner Interest

Dividends Paid

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year

26,199  

17,054  

1,779  

6,200  

7,245  

—  

(6,095)  

5,891  

1,602  

—  

364  

(14,381)  

(2,898)  

10,849  

(7,780)  

14,560  

285  

(495)  

54,174  

17,891  

409  

—  

—  

—  

—  

(1,172)  

3,875  

468  

149  

(345)  

(9,278)  

23  

(3,904)  

124  

(185)  

5,427  

(2,218)  

57,878  

16,550

1,481

—

—

—

11,199

(1,129)

8,222

1,089

—

(100)

4,547

(10,190)

(10,455)

716

(402)

(4,283)

(4,101)

45,232

(20,437)  

(26,526)  

(24,780)

2,511  

667  

(1,500)  

(354,073)  

(2,500)  

—  

(92)  

615  

—  

(2,000)  

(12,933)  

—  

285  

116  

336

—

—

—

—

1,185

(322)

(375,424)  

(40,443)  

(23,581)

303,000  

(303,000)  

440,000  

(96,248)  

(16,482)  

311  

—  

6,875  

—  

(30)  

(14,953)  

319,473  

2,142  

365  

58,033  

—  

—  

15,000  

(3,460)  

—  

—  

(12,762)  

5,271  

686  

—  

(14,293)  

(9,558)  

(1,144)  

6,733  

51,300  

—

—

—

(3,445)

—

—

(45,998)

1,677

859

—

(14,498)

(61,405)

(1,908)

(41,662)

92,962

 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR

$

58,398   $

58,033   $

51,300

29

Table of Contents

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Cash Paid During the Year for:

Income Taxes

Interest

Supplemental Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:

Long-Term Note Receivable from Sale of Business

Capital Expenditures in Accounts Payable

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

30

$

$

$

$

13,542   $

14,228   $

14,172   $

1,135   $

—   $

2,167   $

5,489   $

2,045   $

23,421

1,167

—

1,830

 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
Table of Contents

Consolidated Statements of Equity
TENNANT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

Tennant Company Shareholders

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

Retained
Earnings

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss

Tennant
Company
Shareholders'
Equity

Noncontrolling
Interest

Total
Equity

Common Shares Common Stock

Balance, December 31, 2014

18,415,047 $

6,906 $

26,247 $ 286,091 $

(38,593) $

280,651 $

— $ 280,651

Purchases of Common Stock

(764,046)

(287)

(35,712)

(9,999)

Balance, December 31, 2015

17,744,381 $

6,654 $

— $ 293,682 $

(48,129) $

252,207 $

— $ 252,207

Net Earnings

Other Comprehensive Loss

Issue Stock for Directors, Employee
Benefit and Stock Plans, net of
related tax withholdings of 23,160
shares

Share-Based Compensation

Dividends paid $0.80 per Common
Share

Tax Benefit on Stock Plans

—

—

93,380

—

—

—

—

—

35

—

—

—

Net Earnings

Other Comprehensive Loss

Issue Stock for Directors, Employee
Benefit and Stock Plans, net of
related tax withholdings of 23,113
shares

Share-Based Compensation

Dividends paid $0.81 per Common
Share

Tax Benefit on Stock Plans

—

—

190,443

—

—

—

—

—

71

—

—

—

—

—

32,088

—

—

(9,536)

32,088

(9,536)

384

8,222

—

859

—

—

(14,498)

—

—

—

—

—

—

419

8,222

(14,498)

859

(45,998)

—

—

46,614

—

—

(1,794)

46,614

(1,794)

3,939

3,875

—

686

—

—

(14,293)

—

—

—

—

—

—

4,010

3,875

(14,293)

686

(12,762)

Purchases of Common Stock

(246,474)

(92)

(4,847)

(7,823)

Balance, December 31, 2016

17,688,350 $

6,633 $

3,653 $ 318,180 $

(49,923) $

278,543 $

Net Loss

Other Comprehensive Income

Issue Stock for Directors, Employee
Benefit and Stock Plans, net of
related tax withholdings of 16,990
shares

Share-Based Compensation

Dividends paid $0.84 per Common

Share

Recognition of Noncontrolling
Interests

Purchase of Noncontrolling
Shareholder Interest

Other

—

—

192,827

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

72

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(6,195)

—

—

27,600

(6,195)

27,600

5,545

5,891

—

—

—

—

—

—

(14,953)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

5,617

5,891

(14,953)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

32,088

(9,536)

419

8,222

(14,498)

859

(45,998)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

46,614

(1,794)

4,010

3,875

(14,293)

686

(12,762)

— $ 278,543

(10)

—

(6,205)

27,600

—

—

—

5,617

5,891

(14,953)

2,028

2,028

(30)

(17)

(30)

(17)

Balance, December 31, 2017

17,881,177 $

6,705 $

15,089 $ 297,032 $

(22,323) $

296,503 $

1,971

$ 298,474

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

31

 
 
 
 
Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations –  Tennant Company  is  a world leader in  designing,  manufacturing and marketing  solutions  that empower customers to  achieve quality  cleaning
performance,  significantly  reduce  environmental  impact  and  help  create  a  cleaner,  safer,  healthier  world.  Tennant  offers  products  and  solutions  consisting  of  mechanized
cleaning equipment, detergent-free and other sustainable cleaning technologies, aftermarket parts and consumables, equipment maintenance and repair service, specialty surface
coatings, and business solutions such as financing, rental and leasing programs, and machine-to-machine 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.

In  April  2017,  the  Company  completed  its  acquisition  of  the  IPC  Group  business.  IPC  manufactures  a  complete  range  of  commercial  cleaning  products  including
mechanized cleaning equipment, wet & dry vacuum cleaners, cleaning tools & carts and high pressure washers. These products are sold into similar vertical market applications
as those listed above, but also into office cleaning and hospitality vertical markets through a global direct sales and service organization and network of distributors. IPC markets
products and services under the following valued brands: IPC, Gansow, Vaclensa, Portotecnica, Soteco and private-label brands.

Consolidation – The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Tennant Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have

been eliminated. In these Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Tennant Company is referred to as “Tennant,” “we,” “us,” or “our.”

Translation of Non-U.S. Currency – Foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities have been translated to U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates, while income
and  expense  items  are  translated  at  average  exchange  rates  prevailing  during  the  year.  Gains  or  losses  resulting  from  translation  are  included  as  a  separate  component  of
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. The balance of cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments recorded within Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss as of
December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was a net loss of $15,778 , $44,444 and $44,585 , respectively. The majority of translation adjustments are not adjusted for income taxes as
substantially  all  translation  adjustments  relate  to  permanent  investments  in  non-U.S.  subsidiaries.  Net  Foreign  Currency  Transaction  Losses  are  included  in  Other  Income
(Expense).

Use of Estimates – In preparing the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP"), management must
make decisions that impact the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and the related disclosures, including disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities.
Such decisions include the selection of the appropriate accounting principles to be applied and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. Estimates are used in
determining, among other items, sales promotions and incentives accruals, inventory valuation, warranty reserves, allowance for doubtful accounts, pension and postretirement
accruals, useful lives for intangible assets, and future cash flows associated with impairment testing for Goodwill and other long-lived assets. These estimates and assumptions
are based on management’s best estimates and judgments. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors
that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. A number of these factors
include, among others, economic conditions, credit markets, foreign currency, commodity cost volatility and consumer spending and confidence, all of which have combined to
increase  the  uncertainty  inherent  in  such  estimates  and  assumptions.  As  future  events  and  their  effects  cannot  be  determined  with  precision,  actual  amounts  could  differ
significantly from those estimated at the time the consolidated financial statements are prepared. Changes in those estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic
environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.

Cash and Cash Equivalents – We consider all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash – We have a total of $653 as of December 31, 2017 that serves as collateral backing certain bank guarantees and is therefore restricted. This money is

invested in time deposits.

Receivables  –  Credit  is  granted  to  our  customers  in  the  normal  course  of  business.  Receivables  are  recorded  at  original  carrying  value  less  reserves  for  estimated
uncollectible accounts and sales returns. To assess the collectability of these receivables, we perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition. Through
these evaluations, we may become aware of a situation where a customer may not be able to meet its financial obligations due to deterioration of its financial viability, credit
ratings or bankruptcy. The reserve requirements are based on the best facts available to us and are reevaluated and adjusted as additional information becomes available. Our
reserves are also based on amounts determined by using percentages applied to trade receivables. These percentages are determined by a variety of factors including, but not
limited to, current economic trends, historical payment and bad debt write-off experience. An account is considered past-due or delinquent when it has not been paid within the
contractual terms. Uncollectible accounts are written off against the reserves when it is deemed that a customer account is uncollectible.

Inventories – Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined on a first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) basis except for Inventories in North

America, which are determined on a last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) basis.

Property, Plant and Equipment – Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost. Additions and improvements that extend the lives of the assets are capitalized while
expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. We generally depreciate buildings and improvements by the straight-line method over a life of 30 years .
Other property, plant and equipment are generally depreciated using the straight-line method based on lives of 3 years to 15 years .

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

Equity Method Investment – Investments in which we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but do not control, are accounted for under the equity method of
accounting and are included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Under this method of accounting, our share of the net earnings or losses of the investee are
presented as a component of Other Expense, Net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The detail regarding our equity method investment in i-team North America
B.V., a joint venture that operates as the distributor of the i-mop in North America, are further described in Note 3.

Goodwill – Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets of businesses acquired. We analyze Goodwill on an annual basis as of year end and when
an event occurs or circumstances change that may reduce the fair value of one of our reporting units below its carrying amount. A goodwill impairment occurs if the carrying
amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. In assessing the recoverability of Goodwill, we use an analysis of qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than
not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test.

Intangible  Assets  –  Intangible  Assets  consist  of  definite  lived  customer  lists,  trade  names  and  technology.  Generally,  intangible  assets  classified  as  trade  names  are

amortized on a straight-line basis and intangible assets classified as customer lists or technology are amortized using an accelerated method of amortization.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets and Assets Held for Sale – We periodically review our intangible and long-lived assets for impairment and assess whether events or
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. We generally deem an asset group to be impaired if an estimate of undiscounted future
operating cash flows is less than its carrying amount. If impaired, an impairment loss is recognized based on the excess of the carrying amount of the individual asset group over
its fair value.

Assets held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. Upon retirement or disposition, the asset cost and related accumulated
depreciation or amortization are removed from the accounts and a gain or loss is recognized based on the difference between the fair value of proceeds received and carrying
value of the assets held for sale. In fiscal 2015, we adopted a plan to sell assets and liabilities of our Green Machines™ outdoor city cleaning line as a result of determining that
the product line does not sufficiently complement our core business. The long-lived assets involved were tested for recoverability in 2015; accordingly, a pre-tax impairment loss
of $11,199 was recognized, which represents the amount by which the carrying values of the assets exceeded their fair value less costs to sell. The impairment charge is included
in the caption "Impairment of Long-Lived Assets" in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Purchase of Common Stock – We repurchase our Common Stock under 2016 and 2015 repurchase programs authorized by our Board of Directors. These programs allow
us to repurchase up to an aggregate of 1,393,965 shares of our Common Stock. Upon repurchase, the par value is charged to Common Stock and the remaining purchase price is
charged to Additional Paid-in Capital. If the amount of the remaining purchase price causes the Additional Paid-in Capital account to be in a debit position, this amount is then
reclassified to Retained Earnings. Common Stock repurchased is included in shares authorized but is not included in shares outstanding.

Warranty – We record a liability for estimated 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. In the event we determine that our current or future
product repair and replacement costs exceed our estimates, an adjustment to these reserves would be charged to earnings in the period such determination is made. Warranty
terms  on  machines  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 out for older
equipment warranty issues.

Debt Issuance Costs – We record all applicable debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a direct deduction from the
carrying amount of the debt liability, if not a line-of-credit arrangement. All debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements are recorded as part of Other Assets in the
Consolidated Balance Sheets and subsequently amortized over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement. We amortize our debt issuance costs using the effective interest method
over  the  term  of  the  debt  instrument  or  line-of-credit  arrangement.  Amortization  of  these  costs  is  included  as  part  of  Interest  Expense  in  the  Consolidated  Statements  of
Operations.

Environmental – We record a liability for environmental clean-up on an undiscounted basis when a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated.

Pension and Profit Sharing Plans – Substantially all U.S. employees are covered by various retirement benefit plans, including postretirement medical plans and defined
contribution savings plans. Pension plan costs are accrued based on actuarial estimates with the required pension cost funded annually, as needed. No new participants have
entered the defined benefit pension plan since 2000. For further details regarding our pension and profit sharing plans, see Note 13.

Postretirement Benefits – We accrue and recognize the cost of retiree health benefits over the employees’ period of service based on actuarial estimates. Benefits are only

available for U.S. employees hired before January 1, 1999.

Derivative  Financial  Instruments  –  In  countries  outside  the  U.S.,  we  transact  business  in  U.S.  dollars  and  in  various  other  currencies.  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. We may also use foreign exchange option contracts or forward contracts to hedge certain cash flow exposures resulting from changes in
foreign  currency  exchange rates. We enter into  these foreign  exchange contracts  to hedge  a portion  of our forecasted  currency  denominated  revenue  in the normal  course of
business, and accordingly, they are not speculative in nature.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

We account for our foreign currency hedging instruments as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet 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. Gains and losses from foreign
exchange forward contracts that hedge certain balance sheet positions are recorded each period to Net Foreign Currency Transaction Losses in our Consolidated Statements of
Operations.  Foreign  exchange  option  contracts  or  forward  contracts  hedging  forecasted  foreign  currency  revenue  are  designated  as  cash  flow  hedges  under  accounting  for
derivative instruments and hedging activities, with gains and losses recorded each period to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss in our 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 the event 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 Consolidated Statements of Operations 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 Consolidated
Statements of Operations. See Note 11 for additional information regarding our hedging activities.

Revenue Recognition – We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, title and risk of ownership have passed to the customer, the sales price
is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Generally, these criteria are met at the time the product is shipped. Provisions for estimated returns, rebates and
discounts are provided for at the time the related revenue is recognized. Freight revenue billed to customers is included in Net Sales and the related shipping expense is included
in Cost of Sales. Service revenue is recognized in the period the service is performed or ratably over the period of the related service contract.

Customers  may  obtain  financing  through  third-party  leasing  companies  to  assist  in  their  acquisition  of  our  equipment  products.  Certain  lease  transactions  classified  as
operating  leases  contain  retained  ownership  provisions  or  guarantees,  which  results  in  recognition  of  revenue  over  the  lease  term.  As  a  result,  we  defer  the  sale  of  these
transactions and record the sales proceeds as collateralized borrowings or deferred revenue. The underlying equipment relating to operating leases is depreciated on a straight-
line basis, not to exceed the equipment’s estimated useful life.

Revenues from contracts with multiple element arrangements are recognized as each element is earned. We offer service contracts in conjunction with equipment sales in
addition to selling equipment and service contracts separately. Sales proceeds related to service contracts are deferred if the proceeds are received in advance of the service and
recognized ratably over the contract period.

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.  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. We adopted the new standard effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of this ASU did
not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, other than additional disclosure requirements.

Share-based Compensation – We account for employee share-based compensation using the fair value based method. Our share-based compensation plans are more fully

described in Note 17 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Research and Development – Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

Advertising Costs –   We advertise products, technologies and solutions to customers and prospective customers through a variety of marketing campaign and promotional
efforts. These efforts include tradeshows, online advertising, e-mail marketing, mailings, sponsorships and telemarketing. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. In 2017 ,
2016 and 2015 such activities amounted to $8,228 , $7,269 and $7,418 , respectively.

Income Taxes – Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of
existing assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is provided when, in management’s judgment, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will
not be realized. We have established contingent tax liabilities using management’s best judgment. We follow guidance provided by Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC")
740, Income Taxes , regarding uncertainty in income taxes, to record these contingent tax liabilities (refer to Note 16 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional
information). We adjust these liabilities as facts and circumstances change. Interest Expense is recognized in the first period the interest would begin accruing. Penalties are
recognized in the period we claim or expect to claim the position in our tax return. Interest and penalties expenses are classified as an income tax expense.

Sales Tax –   Sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are presented on a net basis.

Earnings per Share – Basic (loss) earnings per share is computed by dividing Net (Loss) Earnings Attributable to Tennant Company by the Weighted Average Shares
Outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share assumes conversion of potentially dilutive stock options, performance shares, restricted shares and restricted stock
units. These conversions are not included in our computation of diluted earnings per share if we have a net loss attributable to Tennant Company in a reporting period, as the
effects are anti-dilutive.

New Accounting Pronouncements –   In accordance with ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation–Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based
Payment Accounting , all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies are recorded as a component of the provision for income taxes in the reporting period in which they occur.
Additionally,  we  present  excess  tax  benefits  along  with  other  income  tax  cash  flows  on  the  Consolidated  Statements  of  Cash  Flows  as  an  operating  activity  rather  than,  as
previously required, a financing activity. For further details regarding the implementation of this ASU and the impact on our financial statements, see Note 2.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

2. Newly Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

On  March  30,  2016,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  2016-09,  Compensation–Stock  Compensation  (Topic  718):  Improvements  to  Employee  Share-Based  Payment  Accounting  ,
which amends Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 718, Compensation–Stock Compensation . ASU 2016-09 simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-
based payment transaction, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the Consolidated Statements of
Cash Flows. Under the new standard, all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies are recorded as a component of the provision for income taxes in the reporting period in which
they occur. Additionally, ASU 2016-09 requires that the company present excess tax benefits along with other income tax cash flows on the Consolidated Statements of Cash
Flows as an operating activity rather than, as previously required, a financing activity. ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016.

We have adopted ASU 2016-09 effective January 1, 2017 on a prospective basis where permitted by the new standard. As a result of this adoption:

•

In 2017 , we recognized discrete tax benefits of $1,168 in the Income Tax Expense line item of our Consolidated Statements of Operations related to excess tax benefits
upon vesting or settlement in that period.

• We elected to adopt the cash flow presentation of the excess tax benefits prospectively where the tax benefits are classified along with other income tax cash flows as
operating cash flows in 2017 . Our 2016 and 2015 excess tax benefits are recognized as financing cash flows. However, other income tax cash flows are classified as
operating cash flows.

• We have elected to account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than electing to estimate the number of share-based awards expected to vest to determine the amount of

compensation cost to be recognized in each period. The difference of such change is immaterial.

3.

Investment in Joint Venture

On February 13, 2017, the company, through a Dutch subsidiary, and i-team Global, a Future Cleaning Technologies, B.V. company headquartered in The Netherlands,
announced the January 1, 2017 formation of i-team North America B.V., a joint venture that will operate as the distributor of the i-mop in North America. We began selling and
servicing the i-mop in the second quarter of 2017. We own a 50% ownership interest in the joint venture, which is accounted for under the equity method of accounting, with our
proportionate share of income or loss presented as a component of Other Expense, Net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In 2017 , this amount is immaterial.

As of December 31, 2017 , the carrying value of the company's investment in the joint venture was $75 . In March 2017, we issued a $1,500 loan to the joint venture and, as

a result, recorded a long-term note receivable in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

4. Management Actions

During the first quarter of 2017 , we implemented a restructuring action to better align our global resources and expense structure with a lower growth global economic
environment. The pre-tax charge of $8,018 , including  other  associated  costs  of $961 , consisted primarily of severance and was included within Selling  and Administrative
Expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The charge impacted our Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa ("EMEA") and Asia Pacific ("APAC") operating
segments. We believe the anticipated savings will offset the pre-tax charge in approximately one year from the date of the action. We do not expect additional  costs will be
incurred related to this restructuring action.

During the fourth quarter of 2017 , we implemented a restructuring action primarily driven by integration actions related to our acquisition of IP Cleaning S.p.A and its
subsidiaries ("IPC Group"). See Note 5 for further details regarding our acquisition of the IPC Group. The restructuring action consisted primarily of severance and includes
reductions in overall staffing to streamline and right-size the organization to support anticipated business requirements. The pre-tax charge of $2,501 was included within Selling
and  Administrative  Expense  in  the  Consolidated  Statements  of  Operations.  The  charge  impacted  our  Americas,  EMEA  and  APAC  operating  segments.  We  believe  the
anticipated  savings  will  offset  the  pre-tax  charge  in  approximately  one  year  from  the  date  of  the  action.  We  do  not  expect  additional  costs  will  be  incurred  related  to  this
restructuring action.

A reconciliation to the ending liability balance of severance and related costs as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:

2017 restructuring actions

Cash payments

Foreign currency adjustments

December 31, 2017 Balance

5. Acquisitions

IP Cleaning S.p.A.

Severance and Related
Costs

$

$

9,558

(6,312)

190

3,436

On April 6, 2017, we acquired  100 percent  of the outstanding capital stock of IP Cleaning S.p.A. and its subsidiaries ("IPC Group") for a purchase price of  $353,769 , net
of  cash  acquired  of    $8,804 .  The  primary  seller  was  Ambienta  SGR  S.p.A.,  a  European  private  equity  fund.  IPC  Group,  based  in  Italy,  is  a  designer  and  manufacturer  of
innovative  professional  cleaning  equipment,  cleaning  tools  and  supplies.  The  acquisition  strengthens  our  presence  and  market  share  in  Europe  and  will  allow  us  to  better
leverage our EMEA cost structure. We funded the acquisition of IPC Group, along with related fees, including refinancing of existing debt, with funds raised through borrowings
under a senior secured credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of  $420,000 . Further details regarding our acquisition financing arrangements are discussed in Note 9.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

The following table summarizes the preliminary fair value measurement of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition:

ASSETS

Receivables

Inventories

Other Current Assets

Assets Held for Sale

Property, Plant and Equipment

Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization:

Trade Name

Customer Lists

Technology

Other Assets

Total Identifiable Assets Acquired

LIABILITIES

Accounts Payable

Accrued Expenses

Deferred Income Taxes

Other Liabilities

Total Identifiable Liabilities Assumed

Net Identifiable Assets Acquired

Noncontrolling Interest

Goodwill

Total Estimated Purchase Price, net of Cash Acquired

$

$

39,984

46,442

5,314

2,247

63,890

26,753

123,061

9,631

8,261

325,583

32,227

15,611

60,433

9,360

117,631

207,952

(2,028)

147,845

353,769

The acquired assets, liabilities and operating results have been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements from the date of acquisition. During 2017, we included net
sales of  $174,444  and a net loss of  $14,483  from IPC Group in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. The net loss includes a fair value adjustment, net of tax, of  $5,237
to  the  acquired  inventory  of  IPC  Group.  In  addition,  costs  of  $10,408 ,  net  of  tax,  associated  with  the  acquisition  of  the  IPC  Group  were  expensed  as  incurred  in  the  2017
Consolidated Statement of Operations. The preliminary gross amount of the accounts receivable acquired is  $44,654 , of which $4,670 is expected to be uncollectible.

The fair value measurements  were final at December 31, 2017, with the exception  of the fair value of accounts receivable,  inventory  excess and obsolescence reserves,
intangible assets subject to amortization, goodwill, warranty, income tax payable and deferred income taxes. We expect the fair value measurement process to be completed no
later than one year from the acquisition date.

Goodwill was calculated as the difference between the acquisition date fair value of the total purchase price consideration and the fair value of the net identifiable assets
acquired, and represents the future economic benefits that we expect to achieve as a result of the acquisition. This resulted in an estimated purchase price in excess of the fair
value of identifiable net assets acquired.

The estimated purchase price also included the fair value of other assets that were not identifiable and not separately recognizable under accounting rules (e.g., assembled
workforce) or these assets were of immaterial value. In addition, there is a going concern element that represents our ability to earn a higher rate of return on the group of assets
than would be expected on the separate assets as determined during the valuation process. Based on preliminary fair value measurement of the assets acquired and liabilities
assumed,  we  allocated    $147,845  to  goodwill  for  the  expected  synergies  from  combining  IPC  Group  with  our  existing  business.  None of  the  goodwill  is  expected  to  be
deductible for income tax purposes. The assignment of goodwill to reporting units is not complete, pending finalization of the valuation measurements.

The fair value of acquired identifiable intangible assets was primarily determined using discounted expected cash flows. The fair value of acquired identifiable tangible
assets  was  primarily  determined  using  the  cost  or  market  approach.  The  valuations  were  based  on  the  information  that  was  available  as  of  the  acquisition  date  and  the
expectations and assumptions that have been deemed reasonable by us. There are inherent uncertainties and management judgment required in these determinations. The fair
value measurements of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were based on valuations involving significant unobservable inputs, or Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

The preliminary fair value of the acquired intangible assets is  $159,445 . The expected lives of the acquired amortizable intangible assets are approximately  15 years  for
customer lists,  10 years  for trade names and   10 years  for technology. Trade names are being amortized on a straight-line basis while the customer lists and technology are
being amortized on an accelerated basis. We recorded amortization expense of $15,746 in Selling and Administrative Expense on our Consolidated Statements of Operations for
these acquired intangible assets in 2017.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the combined results of operations of Tennant Company as if the acquisition of IPC Group had

occurred as of January 1, 2016:

Years ended December 31

Net Sales

Pro forma

As reported

Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Tennant Company

Pro forma

As reported

Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Tennant Company per Diluted Share

Pro forma

As reported

2017

2016

1,057,127   $
1,003,066  

1,013,710

808,572

12,288   $

(6,195)

0.68   $

(0.35)

30,412

46,614

1.69

2.59

$

$

$

The unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only. It is not necessarily indicative of what our consolidated results of operations

actually would have been had the acquisition occurred at the beginning of each year, nor does it attempt to project the future results of operations of the combined company.

The unaudited pro forma financial information above gives effect to the following:

•

•

•

•

•

Incremental depreciation expense related to the estimated fair value of the property, plant and equipment from the preliminary purchase price allocation.

Exclusion of the purchase accounting impact of the $7,245 inventory step-up reported in 2017 Cost of Sales on our Consolidated Statements of Operations related to the
sale of acquired inventory.

Incremental interest expense related to additional debt used to finance the acquisition.

Exclusion of non-recurring acquisition-related transaction and financing costs.

Pro forma adjustments tax affected based on the jurisdiction where the costs were incurred.

Other Acquisitions

On July  28,  2016  ,  pursuant  to  an  asset  purchase  agreement  and  real  estate  purchase  agreement  with  Crawford  Laboratories,  Inc.  and  affiliates  thereof  ("Sellers")  , we
acquired selected assets and liabilities  of the  Seller's commercial  floor coatings business, including the  Florock  ® Polymer Flooring  brand ("Florock").  Florock manufactures
commercial  floor  coatings  systems  in  Chicago,  IL.  The  purchase  price  was  $11,843 ,  including  working  capital  and  other  adjustments,  and  is  comprised  of  $10,965 paid at
closing, with the remaining $878 paid in two installments. We paid the first installment of $575 in 2016. The remaining amount was paid during the 2017 first quarter.

On September 1, 2016 , we acquired selected assets and liabilities of Dofesa Barrido Mecanizado ("Dofesa") which was our largest distributor in Mexico. The operations
are based in Aguascalientes, Mexico, and their addition allows us to expand our sales and service network in an important market. The purchase price was $4,650 less assumed
liabilities of $3,448 , subject to customary working capital adjustments. The net purchase price of $1,202 and a value added tax of $191 were paid at closing.

The acquisitions have been accounted for as business combinations and the results of their operations have been included in the Consolidated Financial Statements since
their respective dates of acquisition. The impact of the incremental revenue and earnings recorded as a result of the acquisitions are not material to our Consolidated Financial
Statements. The purchase price allocations for both the Florock and Dofesa acquisitions are complete.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

The components of the final purchase price of the Florock and Dofesa acquisitions, as described above, have been allocated as follows:

Current Assets

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

Identified Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Other Assets

Total Assets Acquired

Current Liabilities

Other Liabilities

Total Liabilities Assumed

Net Assets Acquired

6.

Inventories

Inventories as of December 31, consisted of the following:

Inventories carried at LIFO:

Finished goods

Raw materials, production parts and work-in-process

LIFO reserve

Total LIFO inventories

Inventories carried at FIFO:

Finished goods

Raw materials, production parts and work-in-process

Total FIFO inventories

Total inventories

$

$

5,949

4,112

6,055

1,739

7

17,862

4,764

53

4,817

13,045

2017

2016

$

$

$

$

$

43,439   $

23,694  

(28,429)  

38,704   $

54,161   $

34,829  

88,990   $

127,694   $

39,142

23,980

(28,190)

34,932

31,044

12,646

43,690

78,622

The LIFO reserve approximates the difference between LIFO carrying cost and FIFO.

7. Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment and related Accumulated Depreciation, including equipment under capital leases, as of December 31, consisted of the following:

Property, Plant and Equipment:

Land

Buildings and improvements

Machinery and manufacturing equipment

Office equipment

Work in progress

Total Property, Plant and Equipment

Less: Accumulated Depreciation

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Depreciation expense was $26,199 in 2017 , $17,891 in 2016 and $16,550 in 2015 .

38

2017

2016

$

18,152   $

96,230  

151,645  

107,312  

9,429  

382,768  

(202,750)  

$

180,018   $

6,328

58,577

116,221

89,838

27,536

298,500

(186,403)

112,097

 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

8. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

For purposes of performing our goodwill impairment analysis, we have identified our reporting units as North America, Latin America, Coatings, EMEA and APAC. As of
December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , we performed an analysis of qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less
than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. Based on our analysis of qualitative factors, we
determined that it was not necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test for any of our reporting units.

The changes in the carrying amount of Goodwill are as follows:

Balance as of December 31, 2015

Additions

Foreign currency fluctuations

Balance as of December 31, 2016

Additions

Purchase accounting adjustments

Foreign currency fluctuations

Balance as of December 31, 2017

Goodwill

Accumulated
Impairment
Losses

60,447   $

(43,644)   $

3,787  

(5,837)  

—  

6,312  

58,397   $

(37,332)   $

147,845  

(1,865)  

22,847  

—  

—  

(3,848)  

Total

16,803

3,787

475

21,065

147,845

(1,865)

18,999

227,224   $

(41,180)   $

186,044

$

$

$

The balances of acquired Intangible Assets, excluding Goodwill, as of December 31, are as follows:

Balance as of December 31, 2017

Original cost

Accumulated amortization

Carrying amount

Weighted-average original life (in years)

Balance as of December 31, 2016

Original cost

Accumulated amortization

Carrying amount

Weighted-average original life (in years)

Customer Lists

Trade
Names

Technology

Total

$

$

$

$

149,355   $

(17,870)  

131,485   $

15  

8,016   $

(5,948)  

2,068   $

15  

31,968   $

(2,436)  

29,532   $

10  

2,000   $

—  

2,000   $

15  

14,589   $

(3,259)  

11,330   $

11  

5,136   $

(2,744)  

2,392   $

13  

195,912

(23,565)

172,347

15,152

(8,692)

6,460

The additions to Goodwill during 2017 were based on the preliminary purchase price allocation of our acquisition of the IPC Group, as described further in Note 5.

As part of our acquisition of the IPC Group, we acquired customer lists, trade names and technology for a fair value measurement of $159,445 . Further details regarding

the preliminary purchase price allocation of our acquisition of the IPC Group are described further in Note 5.

As  part  of  the  formation  of  the  i-team  North  America  B.V.  joint  venture,  we  purchased  the  distribution  rights  to  sell  the  i-mop  in  North  America  for  $2,500  .  The
distribution rights were recorded in intangible assets, net as a customer list on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017. The i-mop distribution rights have a
useful life of five years . Further details regarding the joint venture are discussed in Note 3.

Amortization expense on Intangible Assets was $17,054 , $409 and $1,481 for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

Estimated  aggregate  amortization  expense  based  on  the  current  carrying  amount  of  amortizable  Intangible  Assets  for  each  of  the  five  succeeding  years  is  as

follows:

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

Thereafter

Total

9. Debt

Credit Facility Borrowings

2017 Credit Agreement

$

22,345

21,691

20,198

18,561

16,367

73,185

$

172,347

In order to finance the acquisition of the IPC Group, on April 4, 2017, the Company and certain of our foreign subsidiaries entered into a Credit Agreement (the “2017
Credit  Agreement”)  with  JPMorgan,  as  administrative  agent,  Goldman  Sachs  Bank  USA,  as  syndication  agent,  Wells  Fargo,  National  Association,  U.S.  Bank  National
Association, and HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as co-documentation agents, and the lenders (including JPMorgan) from time to time party thereto. The 2017 Credit
Agreement provides the company and certain of our foreign subsidiaries access to a senior secured credit facility until April 4, 2022, consisting of a multi-tranche term loan
facility in an amount up to  $400,000  and a revolving facility in an amount up to  $200,000  with an option to expand the revolving facility by  $150,000 , with the consent of the
lenders  willing  to  provide  additional  borrowings  in  the  form  of  increases  to  their  revolving  facility  commitment  or  funding  of  incremental  term  loans.  Borrowings  may  be
denominated in U.S. dollars or certain other currencies.

In connection with the 2017 Credit Agreement, the company granted the lenders a security interest in substantially all its personal property, and pledged the stock of its
domestic  subsidiaries  and  65%  of  the  stock  of  its  first  tier  foreign  subsidiaries.  The  obligations  under  the  2017  Credit  Agreement  are  also  guaranteed  by  certain  of  the
Company’s first tier domestic subsidiaries and those subsidiaries also provided a security interest in their similar personal property.

The fee for committed funds under the revolving facility of the 2017 Credit Agreement ranges from an annual rate of  0.175%  to   0.35% , depending on the company’s
leverage ratio. Borrowings denominated in U.S. dollars under the 2017 Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum equal to (a) the greatest of (i) the prime rate, (ii) the
federal funds rate plus  0.50%  and (iii) the adjusted LIBOR rate for a one month period, but in any case, not less than  0% , plus, in any such case,  1.00% , plus an additional
spread of  0.075%  to   0.90%  for revolving loans and   0.25%  to   1.25%  for term loans, depending on the company’s leverage ratio, or (b) the LIBOR Rate, as adjusted for
statutory reserve requirements for eurocurrency liabilities, but in any case, not less than  0% , plus an additional spread of  1.075%  to  1.90%  for revolving loans and  1.25%  to 
2.25%  for term loans, depending on the company’s leverage ratio.

The 2017 Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants, including, but not limited to, covenants restricting the company’s ability to incur
indebtedness  and  liens  and  merge  or  consolidate  with  another  entity.  The  2017  Credit  Agreement  also  contains  financial  covenants,  requiring  us  to  maintain  a  ratio  of
consolidated total indebtedness to consolidated earnings before income, taxes, depreciation and amortization, subject to certain adjustments ("Adjusted EBITDA") of not greater
than 4.25 to  1,  as  well  as  requiring  us  to  maintain  a  ratio  of  consolidated  Adjusted  EBITDA  to  consolidated  interest  expense  of  no  less  than  3.50 to  1  for  the  year  ended
December 31, 2017. The 2017 Credit Agreement also contains a financial covenant requiring us to maintain a senior secured net indebtedness to Adjusted EBITDA ratio of not
greater than 3.50 to 1. These financial covenants may restrict our ability to pay dividends and purchase outstanding shares of our common stock. We were in compliance with
our financial covenants at December 31, 2017.

We will be required to repay the senior credit agreement with 25% to 50% of our excess cash flow from the preceding fiscal year, as defined in the agreement, unless our

net leverage ratio for such preceding fiscal year is less than or equal to 3.00 to 1, which will be first measured using our fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

Upon entry into the 2017 Credit Agreement, the company repaid  $45,000  in outstanding borrowings under our Prior Credit Agreement (as defined below) and terminated

the Prior Credit Agreement.

Prior Credit Agreement

On June 30, 2015, we entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Prior Credit Agreement") that amended and restated the Credit Agreement dated May
5, 2011 between us and JP Morgan 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, as amended by
Amendment No. 1 dated April 25, 2013.

At December 31, 2016 , there were $25,000 in outstanding borrowings under this facility with a weighted average interest rate of 1.64% . Upon entry into the 2017 Credit

Agreement, we repaid any outstanding borrowings under the Prior Credit Agreement and terminated the Prior Credit Agreement.

Prudential Shelf Agreement

On  July  29,  2009,  we  entered  into  a  Private  Shelf  Agreement,  as  amended  (the  “Shelf  Agreement”)  with  Prudential  Investment  Management,  Inc.  (“Prudential”)  and
Prudential  affiliates  from  time  to  time  party  thereto.  The  Shelf  Agreement  provided  us  and  our  subsidiaries  access  to  an  uncommitted,  senior  secured,  maximum  aggregate
principal amount of $80,000 of debt capital.

40

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

As of December 31, 2016 , there were $11,143 in outstanding borrowings under this facility, consisting of the $4,000 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 $7,143 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 2017 to 2021 . Upon entry into the 2017 Credit Agreement, we repaid any outstanding borrowings under
the Shelf Agreement and terminated the Shelf Agreement.

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 December 31, 2017

, there were no outstanding borrowings on this facility.

Senior Unsecured Notes

On April 18, 2017, we issued and sold  $300,000  in aggregate principal amount of our  5.625%  Senior Notes due 2025 (the “Notes”), pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of
April 18, 2017, among the company, the Guarantors (as defined therein), and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, a national banking association, as trustee. The Notes are
guaranteed by Tennant Coatings, Inc. and Tennant Sales and Service Company (collectively, the “Guarantors”), which are wholly owned subsidiaries of the company. Separate
financial information of the Guarantors is presented in Note 22.

The Notes will mature on May 1, 2025. Interest on the Notes will accrue at the rate of  5.625%  per annum and will be payable semiannually in cash on each May 1 and

November 1, commencing on November 1, 2017.

The Notes and the guarantees constitute senior unsecured obligations of the company and the Guarantors, respectively.  The Notes and the guarantees, respectively, are:
(a) equal in right of payment with all of the company’s and the Guarantors’ senior debt, without giving effect to collateral arrangements; (b) senior in right of payment to all of
the  company’s  and  the  Guarantors’  future  subordinated  debt,  if  any;  (c)  effectively  subordinated  in  right  of  payment  to  all  of  the  company’s  and  the  Guarantors’  debt  and
obligations that are secured, including borrowings under the company’s senior secured credit facilities for so long as the senior secured credit facilities are secured, to the extent
of  the  value  of  the  assets  securing  such  liens;  and  (d)  structurally  subordinated  in  right  of  payment  to  all  liabilities  (including  trade  payables)  of  the  company’s  and  the
Guarantors’  subsidiaries  that  do  not  guarantee  the  Notes.  The  Notes  also  contain  customary  representations,  warranties  and  covenants,  and  are  less  restrictive  than  those
contained in the 2017 Credit Agreement.

We  used  the  net  proceeds  from  this  offering  to  refinance  a    $300,000  term  loan  under  our  2017  Credit  Agreement  that  we  borrowed  as  part  of  the  financing  for  the

acquisition of the IPC Group and to pay related fees and expenses.

The Indenture governing the Notes contains covenants that limit, among other things, our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiary to incur additional indebtedness
(including guarantees thereof); incur or create liens on assets securing indebtedness; make certain restricted payments; make certain investments; dispose of certain assets; allow
to  exist  certain  restrictions  on  the  ability  of  the  our  restricted  subsidiaries  to  pay  dividends  or  make  other  payments  to  us;  engage  in  certain  transactions  with  affiliates;  and
consolidate or merge with or into other companies. If we experience certain kinds of changes of control, we may be required to repurchase the Notes at a price equal to 101% of
the  principal  amount  of  the  Notes,  plus  accrued  and  unpaid  interest,  if  any,  to,  but  excluding,  the  date  of  repurchase.  If  we  makes  certain  asset  sales  and  do  not  use  the  net
proceeds for specified purposes, we may be required to offer to repurchase the Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any,
to, but excluding, the date of repurchase.

Registration Rights Agreement

In connection with the issuance and sale of the Notes, the company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement, dated April 18, 2017, among the company, the Guarantors
and Goldman, Sachs & Co. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (the “Registration Rights Agreement”). Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the company agreed (1) to
use  its  commercially  reasonable  efforts  to  consummate  an  exchange  offer  to  exchange  the  Notes  for  new  registered  notes  (the  “Exchange  Notes”),  with  terms  substantially
identical  in  all  material  respects  with  the  Notes  (except  that  the  Exchange  Notes  will  not  contain  terms  with  respect  to  additional  interest,  registration  rights  or  transfer
restrictions) and (2) if required, to have a shelf registration statement declared effective with respect to resales of the Notes. If the company fails to satisfy certain obligations
under the Registration Rights Agreement within 360 days, it will be required to pay additional interest to the holders of the Notes under certain circumstances.

On January 22, 2018, we commenced the exchange offer required by the Registration Rights Agreement. The exchange offer closed on February 23, 2018. We will not

incur any additional indebtedness as a result of the exchange offer. As a result, we will not be required to pay additional interest on the Notes.

Capital Lease Obligations

Capital lease obligations outstanding are primarily related to sale-leaseback transactions with third-party leasing companies whereby we sell our manufactured equipment to

the leasing company and lease it back. The equipment covered by these leases is rented to our customers over the lease term.

41

Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

Debt outstanding at December 31, consisted of the following:

Long-Term Debt:

Senior Unsecured Notes

Credit Facility Borrowings

Capital Lease Obligations

Total Long-Term Debt

Less: Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs

Less: Current Maturities of Credit Facility Borrowings, Net of Debt Issuance Costs (1)

Less: Current Maturities of Capital Lease Obligations (1)

Long-term portion

2017

2016

$

300,000   $

80,000  

3,279  

383,279  

(6,440)  

(29,413)  

(1,470)  

$

345,956   $

—

36,143

51

36,194

—

(3,459)

—

32,735

(1)   Current maturities of long-term debt include $30,000 of current maturities, less $587 of unamortized debt issuance costs, under our 2017 Credit Agreement (defined

below) and $1,470 of current maturities of capital lease obligations.

As  of  December  31,  2017  ,  we  had  outstanding  borrowings  under  our  Senior  Unsecured  Notes  of  $300,000 .  We  had  outstanding  borrowings  under  our  2017  Credit
Agreement, totaling $60,000 under our term loan facility and $20,000 under our revolving facility, leaving $180,000 of unused borrowing capacity on our revolving facility.
Although we are only required to make a minimum principal payment of $5,000 during 2018, we have both the intent and the ability to pay an additional $25,000 during 2018.
As such, we have classified $30,000 as current maturities of long-term debt. In addition, we had stand alone letters of credit and bank guarantees outstanding in the amount of
$4,670 , leaving approximately $175,330 of unused borrowing capacity on our revolving facility. Commitment fees on unused lines of credit for the year ended December 31,
2017 were $570 . The overall weighted average cost of debt is approximately 5.1% and, net of a related cross-currency swap instrument, is approximately 4.2% . Further details
regarding the cross-currency swap instrument are discussed in Note 11.

The aggregate maturities of our outstanding debt, including capital lease obligations as of December 31, 2017 , are as follows:

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

Thereafter

Total aggregate maturities

10. Other Current Liabilities

Other Current Liabilities as of December 31, consisted of the following:

Other Current Liabilities:

Taxes, other than income taxes

Warranty

Deferred revenue

Rebates

Freight

Restructuring

Miscellaneous accrued expenses

Other

Total Other Current Liabilities

42

$

$

6,609

7,868

9,921

12,006

46,875

300,000

383,279

2017

2016

$

14,760   $

12,676  

5,815  

13,466  

3,208  

4,267  

10,779  

4,476  

7,122

10,960

2,366

11,102

4,274

394

4,385

3,014

$

69,447   $

43,617

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

The changes in warranty reserves for the three years ended December 31 were as follows:

Beginning balance

Product warranty provision

Acquired warranty obligations

Foreign currency

Claims paid

Ending balance

11. Derivatives

Hedge Accounting and Hedging Programs

2017

2016

2015

10,960   $

12,124  

1,208  

274  

(11,890)  

10,093   $

12,413  

42  

82  

(11,670)  

12,676   $

10,960   $

9,686

11,719

—

(207)

(11,105)

10,093

$

$

In  2015,  we  expanded  our  foreign  currency  hedging  programs  to  include  foreign  exchange  purchased  options  and  forward  contracts  to  hedge  our  foreign  currency
denominated revenue. We recognize all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in our 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 on our Consolidated  Statements  of Operations.  The time value of
purchased contracts is recorded in Net Foreign Currency Transaction Losses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Our hedging policy establishes maximum limits for each counterparty to mitigate any concentration of risk.

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  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets  with  changes  in  the  fair  value  recorded  to  Net  Foreign  Currency  Transaction  Losses  in  our
Consolidated  Statements  of  Operations.  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 December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the notional amounts of foreign
currency forward exchange contracts outstanding not designated as hedging instruments were $60,858 and $42,866 , respectively.

During the first quarter of 2017, in connection with our acquisition of IPC Group, we entered into a foreign currency option contract not designated as a hedging instrument
for a notional amount of €180,000 . The option contract has since expired and there were no outstanding foreign currency option contracts not designated as hedging instruments
as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 .

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 amount of outstanding foreign currency forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges were $2,928 and $2,127
as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 ,  respectively.  The  notional  amount  of  outstanding  foreign  currency  option  contracts  designated  as  cash  flow  hedges  was
$8,619 and $8,522 as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.

Foreign Currency Derivatives

We use foreign currency exchange rate derivatives to hedge our exposure to fluctuations in exchange rates for anticipated intercompany cash transactions between Tennant
Company and its subsidiaries. During the second quarter of 2017, we entered into Euro to U.S. dollar foreign exchange cross currency swaps for all of the anticipated cash flows
associated with an intercompany loan from a wholly-owned European subsidiary. We entered into these foreign exchange cross currency swaps to hedge the foreign currency
denominated  cash flows associated  with  this  intercompany  loan,  and accordingly,  they  are not speculative  in nature.  We designated  these cross  currency  swaps as cash flow
hedges. The hedged cash flows as of December 31, 2017 included €181,200 of total notional value. As of December 31, 2017 , the aggregate scheduled interest payments over
the course of the loan and related swaps amounted to €31,200 . The scheduled maturity and principal payment of the loan and related swaps of €150,000 are due in April 2022 .
There were no cross currency swaps designated as cash flow hedges as of December 31, 2016 .

43

 
 
 
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

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
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 the event 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 Consolidated Statements of Operations 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 Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The fair value of derivative instruments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 , consisted of the following:

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

Foreign currency option contracts (1)

Foreign currency forward contracts (1)

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

Foreign currency forward contracts (1)

2017

2016

Fair Value Asset
Derivatives

Fair Value
Liability
Derivatives

Fair Value Asset
Derivatives

Fair Value
Liability
Derivatives

  $

  $

86   $

7,218  

—   $

34,961  

184   $

—  

442   $

425   $

12   $

—

13

162

(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  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets.  Contracts  with  maturities  greater  than  12  months  are  included  in  Other  Assets  and  Other  Liabilities  for  asset
derivatives and liability derivatives, respectively, in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amounts included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets are recorded net where a
right of offset exists with the same derivative counterparty.

As of December 31, 2017 , we anticipate reclassifying approximately $1,865 of gains from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to n et earnings during the next twelve

months.

The effect of foreign currency derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges and foreign currency derivative instruments not designated as hedges in our

Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three years ended December 31 were as follows:

2017

2016

2015

Foreign
Currency
Option
Contracts

Foreign
Currency
Forward
Contracts

Foreign
Currency
Option
Contracts

Foreign
Currency
Forward
Contracts

Foreign
Currency
Option
Contracts

Foreign
Currency
Forward
Contracts

Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:

Net (loss) gain recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of
tax (1)

Net (loss) gain reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
into earnings, net of tax, effective portion to Net Sales

Net gain reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss in
earnings, net of tax, effective portion to Interest Income

Net loss reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into
earnings, net of tax, effective portion to Net Foreign Currency Transaction
Losses

Net (loss) gain recognized in earnings (2)

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

Net (loss) gain recognized in earnings (3)

  $

(193)

  $

(16,226)   $

(259)

  $

(73)

  $

31 $

(178)

(37)  

(148)

7

—  

1,198  

—  

—  

—  

(12,555)  

(13)

10  

—  

(11)

—  

2

—

—

—

6

77

5

—

—

(2)

  $

—   $

(6,161)   $

—   $

(890)

  $

— $

4,047

(1)   Net change in the fair value of the effective portion classified in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss).

(2)  

Ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing classified in Net Foreign Currency Transaction Losses.

(3)   Classified in Net Foreign Currency Transaction Losses.

44

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

12. 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 December 31, 2017 is as follows:

Assets:

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

Foreign currency option contracts

Total Assets

Liabilities:

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

Total Liabilities

Fair
Value

$

$

$

$

7,660   $

86  

7,746   $

35,386   $

35,386   $

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

—   $

—  

—   $

—   $

—   $

7,660   $

86  

7,746   $

35,386   $

35,386   $

—

—

—

—

—

Our  foreign  currency  forward  exchange  and  option  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 11.

The carrying amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, Receivables, Other Current Assets, Accounts Payable

and Other Current Liabilities approximate fair value due to their short-term nature.

The fair market 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, as part of
a business acquisition. These assets are measured and recognized at amounts equal to the fair value determined as of the date of acquisition. Fair value valuations are based on
the  information  available  as  of  the  acquisition  date  and  the  expectations  and  assumptions  that  have  been  deemed  reasonable  by  us.  There  are  inherent  uncertainties  and
management judgment required in these determinations. The fair value measurements of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as part of a business acquisition are based on
valuations involving significant unobservable inputs, or Level 3, in the fair value hierarchy.

These assets are also subject to periodic impairment testing by comparing the respective carrying value of each asset to the estimated fair value of the reporting unit or asset
group in which they reside. In the event we determine these assets to be impaired, we would recognize an impairment loss equal to the amount by which the carrying value of the
reporting  unit,  impaired  asset  or  asset  group  exceeds  its  estimated  fair  value.  These  periodic  impairment  tests  utilize  company-specific  assumptions  involving  significant
unobservable inputs, or Level 3, in the fair value hierarchy.

13. Retirement Benefit Plans

Substantially all U.S. employees are covered by various retirement benefit plans, including postretirement medical plans and defined contribution savings plans. Retirement
benefits for eligible employees in foreign locations are funded principally through defined benefit plans, annuity or government programs. The total cost of benefits for our plans
was $13,253 , $12,108 and $12,428 in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

We had a qualified, funded defined benefit retirement plan (the “U.S. Pension Plan”) covering certain current and retired employees in the U.S. Pension Plan benefits are
based on the years of service and compensation during the highest five consecutive years of service in the final ten years of employment. No new participants have entered the
plan since 2000. During 2015, the plan was amended to freeze benefits for all participants effective January 31, 2017 . On February 15, 2017 , the Board of Directors approved
the termination of the U.S. Pension Plan, effective May 15, 2017 . Participants who elected an immediate lump sum distribution were paid out in December 2017. Assets for
participants who elected or are currently receiving annuity payments and those who have elected to defer their benefits were transferred to the annuity company, Pacific Life, in
December 2017. In December 2017, excess assets of $6,305 were transferred from the Tennant Company Pension Trust to the Tennant Company Retirement Savings Plan to
deliver future discretionary benefits to plan participants.

We  have  a  U.S.  postretirement  medical  benefit  plan  (the  “U.S.  Retiree  Plan”)  to  provide  certain  healthcare  benefits  for  U.S.  employees  hired  before  January  1,  1999.

Eligibility for those benefits is based upon a combination of years of service with us and age upon retirement.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

Our defined contribution savings plan (“401(k)”) covers substantially all U.S. employees. Under this plan, we match up to 3% of the employee’s annual compensation in
cash to be invested per their election. We also make a profit sharing contribution to the 401(k) plan for employees with more than one year of service in accordance with our
Profit Sharing Plan. This contribution is based upon our financial performance and can be funded in the form of Tennant stock, cash or a combination of both. Expenses for the
401(k) plan were $4,404 , $8,359 and $8,098 during 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

We have a U.S. nonqualified supplemental benefit plan (the “U.S. Nonqualified Plan”) to provide additional retirement benefits for certain employees whose benefits under

our 401(k) plan or U.S. Pension Plan are limited by either the Employee Retirement Income Security Act or the Internal Revenue Code.

We also have defined benefit pension plans in the United Kingdom and Germany (the “U.K. Pension Plan” and the “German Pension Plan”). The U.K. Pension Plan and

German Pension Plan cover certain current and retired employees and both plans are closed to new participants.

We expect to contribute approximately $140 to our U.S. Nonqualified Plan, $771 to our U.S. Retiree Plan, $292 to our U.K. Pension Plan and $36 to our German Pension

Plan in 2018 . There were no contributions made to the U.S. Pension Plan during 2017.

Weighted-average asset allocations by asset category of the U.K. Pension Plan and the Tennant Company Retirement Savings Plan are as of December 31, 2017

are as follows:

Asset Category

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Investment Account held by Pension Plan (1)

Total

Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)

Fair Value

Significant Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)

$

$

6,305   $

11,163  

17,468   $

6,305   $

—  

6,305   $

—   $

—  

—   $

—

11,163

11,163

(1)   This category is comprised of investments in insurance contracts.

Weighted-average asset allocations by asset category of the U.S. and U.K. Pension Plans as of December 31, 2016 are as follows:

Asset Category

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Mutual Funds:

U.S. Large-Cap

U.S. Small-Cap

International Equities

Fixed-Income Domestic

Collective Investment Funds

Investment Account held by Pension Plan (1)

Total

Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)

Significant Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Fair Value

$

$

663   $

663   $

—   $

9,803  

2,584  

2,244  

4,564  

26,531  

9,562  

9,803  

2,584  

2,244  

4,564  

—  

—  

55,951   $

19,858   $

—  

—  

—  

—  

26,531  

—  

26,531   $

—

—

—

—

—

—

9,562

9,562

(1)   This category is comprised of investments in insurance contracts.

Estimates  of  the  fair  value  of  U.S.  and  U.K  Pension  Plan  and  the  Tennant  Company  Retirement  Savings  Plan  assets  are  based  on  the  framework  established  in  the
accounting guidance for fair value measurements. A brief description of the three levels can be found in Note 12. Equity Securities and Mutual Funds traded in active markets
are classified as Level 1. Collective Investment Funds are measured at fair value using quoted market prices. They are classified as Level 2 as they trade in a non-active market
for which asset prices are readily available. The Investment Account held by the U.K. Pension Plan invests in insurance contracts for purposes of funding the U.K. Pension Plan
and is classified as Level 3. The fair value of the Investment Account is the cash surrender values as determined by the provider which are the amounts the plan would receive if
the contracts were cashed out at year end. The underlying assets held by these contracts are primarily invested in assets traded in active markets.

46

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the Level 3 investments of our U.K. Pension Plan during the years ended are as follows:

Fair value at beginning of year

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net

Net gain

Foreign currency

Fair value at end of year

2017

2016

9,562   $

(535)  

1,190  

946  

11,163   $

10,691

7

674

(1,810)

9,562

$

$

The primary objective of our U.S. and U.K. Pension Plans is to meet retirement income commitments to plan participants at a reasonable cost to us and to maintain a sound
actuarially funded status. This objective is accomplished through growth of capital and safety of funds invested. The pension plans' assets are invested in securities to achieve
growth of capital over inflation through appreciation and accumulation and reinvestment of dividend and interest income. Investments are diversified to control risk. The target
allocation for the U.S. Pension Plan was 70% debt securities and 30% equity. Equity securities within the U.S. Pension Plan did not include any direct investments in Tennant
Company Common Stock. The U.K. Pension Plan is invested in insurance contracts with underlying investments primarily in equity and fixed income securities. Our German
Pension Plan is unfunded, which is customary in that country.

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of December 31 are as follows:

U.S. Pension Benefits

Non-U.S.
Pension Benefits

Postretirement
Medical Benefits

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

Discount rate

Rate of compensation increase

3.28%  

—%  

3.92%  

3.00%  

2.45%  

3.50%  

2.64%  

3.50%  

3.26%  

—  

3.58%

—

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs as of December 31 are as follows:

U.S. Pension Benefits

Non-U.S.
Pension Benefits

Postretirement
Medical Benefits

2017

2016

2015

2017

2016

2015

2017

2016

2015

Discount rate

Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

Rate of compensation increase

3.92%  

5.10%  

—%  

4.08%  

5.20%  

3.00%  

3.76%  

5.20%  

3.00%  

2.64%  

3.90%  

3.50%  

3.59%  

4.60%  

3.50%  

3.38%  

4.40%  

3.50%  

3.58%  

3.70%  

3.39%

—  

—  

—  

—  

—

—

The discount rate is used to discount future benefit obligations back to today’s dollars. Our discount rates were determined based on high-quality fixed income investments.
The resulting discount rates are consistent with the duration of plan liabilities. The Citigroup Above Median Spot Rate is used in determining the discount rate for the U.S. Plans.
The expected return on assets assumption on the investment portfolios for the pension plans is based on the long-term expected returns for the investment mix of assets currently
in the portfolio. Management uses historic return trends of the asset portfolio combined with recent market conditions to estimate the future rate of return.

The accumulated benefit obligations as of December 31, for all defined benefit plans are as follows:

U.S. Pension Plans

U.K. Pension Plan

German Pension Plan

Information for our plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31 is as follows:

Accumulated benefit obligation

Fair value of plan assets

2017

2016

$

1,414   $

11,131  

1,013  

40,961

10,265

871

2017

2016

$

2,427   $

—  

12,597

9,562

As of December 31, 2017 , the U.S. Nonqualified and the German Pension Plans had an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets. As of December 31, 2016 ,

the U.S. Nonqualified, the U.K. Pension and the German Pension Plans had an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets.

47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

Information for our plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31 is as follows:

Projected benefit obligation

Fair value of plan assets

2017

2016

$

2,427   $

—  

12,794

9,562

As of December 31, 2017 , the U.S. Nonqualified and the German Pension Plans had a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets. As of December 31, 2016 , the

U.S. Nonqualified, the UK Pension and the German Pension Plans had a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets.

Assumed healthcare cost trend rates as of December 31 are as follows:

Healthcare cost trend rate assumption for the next year

Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)

Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate

2017

2016

6.56%  

5.00%  

2032

6.56%

5.00%

2031

Assumed  healthcare  cost  trend  rates  have  a  significant  effect  on  the  amounts  reported  for  healthcare  plans.  To  illustrate,  a  one-percentage-point  change  in  assumed

healthcare cost trends would have the following effects:

Effect on total of service and interest cost components

Effect on postretirement benefit obligation

48

1-Percentage-
Point
Decrease

1-Percentage-
Point
Increase

$

$

(31)

(724)

  $

  $

35

820

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

Summaries related to changes in benefit obligations and plan assets and to the funded status of our defined benefit and postretirement medical benefit plans are

as follows:

U.S. Pension Benefits

Non-U.S.
Pension Benefits

Postretirement
Medical Benefits

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

Change in benefit obligation:

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

$

40,961   $

41,774   $

11,136   $

10,883   $

10,540   $

11,144

Service cost

Interest cost

Plan participants' contributions

Actuarial loss (gain)

Foreign exchange

Benefits paid

Settlement

—  

1,538  

—  

1,811  

—  

(1,950)  

(40,946)  

354  

1,659  

—  

690  

—  

(3,516)  

—  

132  

298  

14  

327  

1,097  

(860)  

—  

103  

358  

14  

1,939  

(1,852)  

(309)  

—  

60  

363  

—  

(524)  

—  

(835)  

—  

76

396

—

6

—

(1,082)

—

Benefit obligation at end of year

$

1,414   $

40,961   $

12,144   $

11,136   $

9,604   $

10,540

Change in fair value of plan assets and net accrued liabilities:

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

$

46,389   $

47,201   $

9,562   $

10,691   $

—   $

Actual return on plan assets

Employer contributions

Plan participants' contributions

Excess assets transferred to Defined Contribution Plan

Foreign exchange

Benefits paid

Settlement

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

2,536  

276  

—  

(6,305)  

—  

(1,950)  

(40,946)  

—  

2,457  

247  

—  

—  

—  

(3,516)  

—  

46,389  

1,189  

313  

14  

—  

945  

(860)  

—  

11,163  

673  

303  

14  

—  

(1,810)  

(309)  

—  

9,562  

—  

835  

—  

—  

—  

(835)  

—  

—  

—

—

1,082

—

—

—

(1,082)

—

—

Funded status at end of year

$

(1,414)   $

5,428   $

(981)   $

(1,574)   $

(9,604)   $

(10,540)

Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:

Noncurrent Other Assets

Current Liabilities

Long-Term Liabilities

Net accrued asset (liability)

$

$

—   $

7,087   $

—   $

(140)  

(1,274)  

(239)  

(1,420)  

(36)  

(945)  

—   $

(30)  

(1,544)  

—   $

(771)  

(8,833)  

—

(828)

(9,712)

(1,414)   $

5,428   $

(981)   $

(1,574)   $

(9,604)   $

(10,540)

Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss consist of:

Net actuarial loss

(915)  

(5,720)  

(1,245)  

(1,802)  

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

$

(915)   $

(5,720)   $

(1,245)   $

(1,802)   $

(41)  

(41)   $

(566)

(566)

49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

The components of the net periodic benefit (credit) cost for the three years ended December 31 were as follows:

Service cost

Interest cost

Expected return on plan assets

Amortization of net actuarial loss

Amortization of prior service cost

Foreign currency

Net periodic benefit (credit) cost

Curtailment charge

Settlement charge

U.S. Pension Benefits

Non-U.S.
Pension Benefits

Postretirement
Medical Benefits

2017

2016

2015

2017

2016

2015

2017

2016

2015

$

—   $

354   $

480   $

132   $

103   $

153   $

60   $

76   $

1,538  

1,659  

1,711  

(2,336)  

(2,400)  

(2,613)  

43  

—  

—  

(755)  

—  

6,373  

41  

41  

—  

(305)  

—  

—  

835  

42  

—  

455  

25  

225  

298  

(379)  

74  

—  

(1)  

124  

—  

—  

358  

(452)  

27  

—  

97  

133  

—  

—  

396  

(433)  

54  

—  

(35)  

135  

—  

—  

363  

396  

—  

—  

—  

—  

423  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

472  

—  

—  

96

393

—

—

—

—

489

—

—

Net benefit cost (credit)

$

5,618   $

(305)   $

705   $

124   $

133   $

135   $

423   $

472   $

489

The changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss for the three years ended December 31 were as follows:

U.S. Pension Benefits

Non-U.S.
Pension Benefits

Postretirement
Medical Benefits

2017

2016

2015

2017

2016

2015

2017

2016

2015

Net actuarial loss (gain)

$

1,611   $

633   $

195   $

(465)   $

1,718   $ (1,517)   $

(524)   $

6   $ (1,618)

Amortization of prior service cost

Amortization of net actuarial loss

Settlement Charge

—  

(43)  

(6,373)  

(41)  

(41)  

—  

(67)  

(1,060)  

—  

—  

(74)  

—  

—  

(27)  

—  

—  

(54)  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—

—

—

Total recognized in other comprehensive (income)

loss

Total recognized in net benefit cost (credit) and

other comprehensive (income) loss

$

$

(4,805)   $

551   $

(932)   $

(539)   $

1,691   $ (1,571)   $

(524)   $

6   $ (1,618)

813   $

246   $

(227)   $

(415)   $

1,824   $ (1,436)   $

(101)   $

478   $ (1,129)

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid for our U.S. and Non-U.S. plans:

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023 to 2027

Total

U.S. Pension Benefits  

Non-U.S.
Pension Benefits

Postretirement
Medical Benefits

$

$

140   $

133  

132  

124  

117  

493  

1,139   $

247   $

254  

261  

269  

278  

1,538  

2,847   $

771

803

849

751

741

3,509

7,424

The following amounts are included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss as of December 31, 2017 and are expected to be recognized as components of net

periodic benefit cost during 2018 :

Net actuarial loss

50

Pension
Benefits

Postretirement
Medical
Benefits

$

78   $

—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

14. Shareholders' Equity

Authorized Shares

We are authorized to issue an aggregate of 60,000,000 shares, all of which are designated as Common Stock having a par value of $0.375 per share. The Board of Directors
is authorized to establish one or more series of preferred stock, setting forth the designation of each such series, and fixing the relative rights and preferences of each such series.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Components  of  Accumulated  Other  Comprehensive  Loss,  net  of  tax,  within  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets  and  Statements  of  Shareholders'  Equity  as  of

December 31 are as follows:

Foreign currency translation adjustments

Pension and retiree medical benefits

Cash flow hedge

Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

2017

2016

2015

$

$

(15,778)   $

(1,610)  

(4,935)  

(22,323)   $

(44,444)   $

(5,391)  

(88)  

(49,923)   $

(44,585)

(3,647)

103

(48,129)

The changes in components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax, are as follows:

Foreign Currency
Translation
Adjustments

Pension and
Postretirement
Benefits

  Cash Flow Hedge

Total

December 31, 2016

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

Amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)

December 31, 2017

$

$

(44,444)   $

(5,391)

  $

(88)   $

(49,923)

28,666  

—  

28,666  

(300)

4,081

3,781

(16,419)  

11,572  

(4,847)  

11,947

15,653

27,600

(15,778)   $

(1,610)

  $

(4,935)   $

(22,323)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss associated with pension and postretirement benefits and cash flow hedges are included in Notes 13 and 11, respectively.

15. Commitments and Contingencies

We  lease  office  and  warehouse  facilities,  vehicles  and  office  equipment  under  operating  lease  agreements,  which  include  both  monthly  and  longer-term  arrangements.
Leases  with  initial  terms  of  one  year  or  more  expire  at  various  dates  through  2025 and  generally  provide  for  extension  options.  Rent  expense  under  the  leasing  agreements
(exclusive of real estate taxes, insurance and other expenses payable under the leases) amounted to $21,566 , $18,640 and $17,804 in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

The minimum rentals for aggregate lease commitments as of December 31, 2017 , were as follows:

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

Thereafter

Total

$

14,083

9,540

5,721

2,995

1,996

2,596

$

36,931

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. The aggregate residual value at lease expiration of those leases is $14,052 , of which we have guaranteed
$11,409 . As of December 31, 2017 , we have recorded a liability for the estimated end-of-term loss related to this residual value guarantee of $509 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.

In the ordinary course of business, we may become liable with respect to pending and threatened litigation, tax, environmental and other matters. While the ultimate results
of current claims, investigations and lawsuits involving us are unknown at this time, we do not expect that these matters will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated
financial position or results of operations. Legal costs associated with such matters are expensed as incurred.

51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

16. Income Taxes

Tax Reform

Legislation popularly known as The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Act) was enacted on December 22, 2017, resulting in significant changes to the U.S. corporate income tax
system. These changes include a federal statutory rate reduction from 35% to 21%, the elimination or reduction of certain domestic deductions and credits and limitations on the
deductibility of interest expense and executive compensation. The Tax Act also transitions international taxation from a worldwide system to a modified territorial system and
includes  base  erosion  prevention  measures  on  non-U.S.  earnings,  which  has  the  effect  of  subjecting  certain  earnings  of  our  foreign  subsidiaries  to  U.S.  taxation  as  global
intangible low-taxed income. These changes are effective beginning in 2018. The 2017 Tax Act also includes a one-time transition tax on certain unrepatriated earnings from
foreign subsidiaries.

ASC 740 requires a company to record the effects of a tax law change in the period of enactment, however, shortly after the enactment of the Tax Act, the SEC staff issued
SAB  118,  which  allows  a  company  to  record  a  provisional  amount  when  it  does  not  have  the  necessary  information  available,  prepared  or  analyzed  in  reasonable  detail  to
complete its accounting for the change in the tax law. The measurement period ends when the company has obtained, prepared and analyzed the information necessary to finalize
its accounting, but cannot extend beyond one year. We have made a reasonable estimate of the impact of the Tax Act and recorded discrete items in our 2017 provisional income
tax expense of $2,355 which reflects an estimated reduction in our deferred income tax liabilities of $1,993 as a result of the maximum federal rate decrease to 21% from 35%
and  an  estimated  tax  charge  of  $362  for  the  effects  of  one-time  transition  tax  on  cash  and  cash  equivalent  balances  related  to  accumulated  earnings  associated  with  our
international operations. We are continuing to gather additional information related to these estimates in order to more precisely compute the remeasurement of deferred taxes
and the impact of the transition tax.

Income from continuing operations for the three years ended December 31 was as follows:

U.S. operations

Foreign operations

Total

Income tax expense (benefit) for the three years ended December 31 was as follows:

Current:

Federal

Foreign

State

Deferred:

Federal

Foreign

State

Total:

Federal

Foreign

State

Total Income Tax Expense

2017

2016

2015

7,465   $

(8,757)  

(1,292)   $

54,018   $

12,473  

66,491   $

51,189

(765)

50,424

2017

2016

2015

2,590   $

15,962   $

8,701  

812  

3,035  

1,859  

12,103   $

20,856   $

1,640   $

(8,699)  

(131)  

(7,190)   $

(472)   $

(434)  

(73)  

(979)   $

4,230   $

15,490   $

2  

681  

2,601  

1,786  

4,913   $

19,877   $

15,117

3,992

1,685

20,794

(481)

(1,888)

(89)

(2,458)

14,636

2,104

1,596

18,336

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

U.S. income taxes have been provided on approximately $11,636 of undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries as a result of the transition tax required by the Tax Act.
In general, it is our practice and intention to permanently reinvest the earnings of our foreign subsidiaries and repatriate earnings only when the tax impact is zero or immaterial
and that position has not changed following incurring the transition tax under the Tax Act. No deferred taxes have been provided for withholding taxes or other taxes that would
result upon repatriation of our foreign investments to the United States.

52

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

Tax loss carryforwards and expiration periods by international operation as of December 31, 2017 were as follows:

Netherlands

Germany

Sweden

Norway

Spain

Total

Amount

Carryforward
Period

$

$

23,733  

12,068  

9 years

Unlimited

1,586  

Unlimited

655  

Unlimited

4,555  

Unlimited

42,597    

Because of the uncertainty regarding realization of the Netherlands and Sweden tax loss carryforwards, valuation allowances were established.

We  have  Netherlands  foreign  tax  credit  carryforwards  of  $1,575 .  Because  of  the  uncertainty  regarding  utilization  of  the  Netherlands  foreign  tax  credit  carryforward,  a

valuation allowance was established.

A valuation allowance for the remaining deferred tax assets is not required since it is more likely than not that they will be realized through carryback to taxable income in

prior years, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and future taxable income.

Our effective income tax rate varied from the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the three years ended December 31 as follows:

Tax at statutory rate

(Decreases) increases in the tax rate from:

State and local taxes, net of federal benefit

Effect of foreign operations

Transaction costs

Effect of 2018 deferred rate change

Transition Tax

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Effect of changes in valuation allowances

Domestic production activities deduction

Share-based payments

Research & Development credit

Other, net

Effective income tax rate

2017

2016

2015

35.0 %  

35.0 %  

35.0 %

(21.1)

(70.8)

(226.3)

(154.3)

(28.0)

—  

(126.5)

28.3

90.4

82.9

10.2

1.7

(5.5)

—  

—  

—  

—  

1.9

(2.2)

—  

(1.3)

0.3

2.2

(5.1)

—

—

—

7.0

1.5

(2.7)

—

(1.7)

0.2

(380.2)%  

29.9 %  

36.4 %

53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

Deferred tax assets and liabilities were comprised of the following as of December 31:

Deferred Tax Assets:

Inventories, principally due to changes in inventory reserves

Employee wages and benefits, principally due to accruals for financial reporting purposes

Warranty reserves accrued for financial reporting purposes

Receivables, principally due to allowance for doubtful accounts and tax accounting method for equipment rentals

Tax loss carryforwards

Tax credit carryforwards

Other

Gross Deferred Tax Assets

Less: valuation allowance

Total Net Deferred Tax Assets

Deferred Tax Liabilities:

Property, Plant and Equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation and related gains

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Total Deferred Tax Liabilities

Net Deferred Tax (Liabilities) Assets

2017

2016

$

4,757   $

11,031  

2,578  

2,138  

11,383  

1,575  

3,630  

37,092   $

(9,691)  

27,401   $

9,042  

60,450  

69,492   $

(42,091)   $

$

$

$

$

332

14,723

3,617

1,413

7,821

1,228

2,126

31,260

(6,865)

24,395

6,947

4,180

11,127

13,268

The valuation allowance at December 31, 2017 principally applies to the Netherlands tax loss and tax credit carryforwards that, in the opinion of management, are more
likely than not to expire unutilized. However, to the extent that tax benefits related to these carryforwards are realized in the future, the reduction in the valuation allowance will
reduce income tax expense.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

Balance at January 1,

Increases as a result of tax positions taken during the current year

Increase related to prior period tax positions of acquired entities

Decreases relating to settlement with tax authorities

Reductions as a result of a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations

Increases as a result of foreign currency fluctuations

Balance at December 31,

2017

2016

$

2,477   $

329  

236  

(68)  

(770)  

28  

$

2,232   $

2,326

545

—

(6)

(523)

135

2,477

Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are potential benefits of $1,992 and $2,114 , respectively, that if recognized, would

affect the effective tax rate from continuing operations.

We recognize potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. In addition to the liability of $2,232 and
$2,477 for unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , there was approximately $482 and $490 , respectively, for accrued interest and penalties. To the extent
interest and penalties are not assessed with respect to uncertain tax positions, the amounts accrued will be revised and reflected as an adjustment to income tax expense.

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 2014 and, with limited exceptions, state and foreign income tax examinations for taxable years before 2013.

We are currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service for the 2015 tax year. Although the outcome of this matter cannot currently be determined, we believe
adequate provision has been made for any potential unfavorable financial statement impact. We are currently undergoing income tax examinations in various state and foreign
jurisdictions covering 2014 to 2016 . Although the final outcome of these examinations cannot be currently determined, we believe that we have adequate reserves with respect
to these examinations.

We do not anticipate that total unrecognized tax benefits will change significantly within the next 12 months.

54

 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

17. Share-Based Compensation

We have four plans under which we have awarded share-based compensation grants: The 1997 Non-Employee Directors Option Plan ("1997 Plan"), which provided for
stock option grants to our non-employee Directors, the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (“2007 Plan”), the Amended and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan, as Amended (“2010
Plan”)  and  the  2017  Stock  Incentive  Plan  ("2017  Plan"),  which  were  adopted  as  a  continuing  step  toward  aggregating  our  equity  compensation  programs  to  reduce  the
complexity of our equity compensation programs.

The 2010 Plan, originally approved by our shareholders on April 28, 2010 and amended and restated by our shareholders on April 25, 2012, terminated our rights to grant
awards under the 2007 Plan; however, any awards granted under the 2007 or 2010 Plans that do not result in the issuance of shares of Common Stock may again be used for an
award under the 2010 Plan. The 2010 Plan was amended and restated by our shareholders on April 24, 2013, increasing the number of shares available under the amended 2010
Plan from 1,500,000 shares to 2,600,000 shares.

The 2017 Plan approved by our shareholders on April 26, 2017 terminated our rights to grant awards under previous plans; however, any awards granted under previous
plans that do not result in the issuance of shares of Common Stock may again be used for an award under the 2017 Plan. There were 1,200,000 shares made available under the
approved 2017 Plan.

As of December  31,  2017  ,  there  were  742,873 shares  reserved  for  issuance  under  the  2007  Plan  and  the  2010  Plan  for  outstanding  compensation  awards.  There  were
1,155,110 shares  available  for  issuance  under  the  2017  Plan  for  current  and  future  equity  awards  as  of  December  31,  2017.  The  Compensation  Committee  of  the  Board  of
Directors determines the number of shares awarded and the grant date, subject to the terms of our equity award policy.

We recognized total Share-Based Compensation Expense of $5,891 , $3,875 and $8,222 , respectively, during the years ended 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . The total excess tax

benefit recognized for share-based compensation arrangements during the years ended 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was $1,168 , $686 and $859 , respectively.

Stock Option Awards

We determined the fair value of our stock option awards using the Black-Scholes valuation model that uses the assumptions noted in the table below. The expected life
selected for stock options granted during the year represents the period of time that the stock options are expected to be outstanding  based on historical data of stock option
holder exercise and termination behavior of similar grants. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the stock option is based on the U.S. Treasury rate
over the expected life at the time of grant. Expected volatilities are based upon historical volatility of our stock over a period equal to the expected life of each stock option grant.
Dividend yield is estimated over the expected life based on our dividend policy and historical dividends paid. To determine the amount of compensation cost to be recognized in
each period, we account for forfeitures as they occur.

The following table illustrates the valuation assumptions used for the 2017 , 2016 and 2015 grants:

Expected volatility

Weighted-average expected volatility

Expected dividend yield

Weighted-average expected dividend yield

Expected term, in years

Risk-free interest rate

2017

25 - 26%

26%

2016

29 - 32%

32%

1.2 - 1.3%  

1.3 - 1.5%

1.3%

5

1.3%

5

2015

32 - 36%

36%

1.1 - 1.2%

1.2%

5

1.7 - 2.0%  

1.1 - 1.4%

1.4 - 1.6%

New stock option awards granted vest one-third each year over a three year period and have a ten year contractual term. Compensation expense equal to the grant date fair
value is recognized for these awards on a straight-line basis over the awards vesting period. Stock options granted to employees are subject to accelerated expensing if the option
holder meets the retirements definition set forth in the 2010 Plan.

In addition to stock options, we also occasionally grant cash-settled stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) to employees in certain foreign locations. There were no outstanding

SARs as of December 31, 2017 and no SARs were granted during 2017 , 2016 or 2015 .

The following table summarizes the activity during the year ended December 31, 2017 for stock option awards:

Outstanding at beginning of year

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Expired

Outstanding at end of year

Exercisable at end of year

55

Shares

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

1,113,382   $

224,985  

(159,792)  

(42,586)  

(381)  

1,135,608   $

766,583   $

42.34

72.85

44.04

63.98

65.12

47.47

39.15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

The  weighted-average  grant  date  fair  value  of  stock  options  granted  during  the  years  ended  December  31,  2017 , 2016 and 2015 was $16.39 , $13.61 and $20.08 ,

respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was $4,450 , $3,408 and $1,702 , respectively. The
aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2017 was $28,711 and $25,702 , respectively. The weighted-average remaining contractual life
for options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2017 , was 5.6 years and 4.2 years , respectively. As of December 31, 2017 , there was unrecognized compensation
cost for nonvested options of $2,064 , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.4 years .

Restricted Share Awards

Restricted share awards for employees generally have a three year vesting period from the effective date of the grant. Restricted share awards to non-employee directors
vest upon a change of control or upon termination of service as a director occurring at least six months after grant date of the award so long as termination is for one of the
following reasons: death; disability; retirement in accordance with Tennant policy (e.g., age, term limits, etc.); resignation at request of Board (other than for gross misconduct);
resignation  following  at  least  six  months’  advance  notice;  failure  to  be  renominated  (unless  due  to  unwillingness  to  serve)  or  reelected  by  shareholders;  or  removal  by
shareholders. We use the closing share price the day before the grant date to determine the fair value of our restricted share awards. Expenses on these awards are recognized
over the vesting period.

The following table summarizes the activity during the year ended December 31, 2017 for nonvested restricted share awards:

Nonvested at beginning of year

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Nonvested at end of year

Shares

Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair Value

117,234   $

20,284  

(32,990)  

(4,739)  

99,789   $

47.62

73.06

44.36

63.43

53.11

The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was $1,463 , $1,970 and $1,054 , respectively. As of December 31, 2017 ,

there was $1,585 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested shares which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years .

Performance Share Awards

We grant performance share awards to key employees as a part of our long-term management compensation program. These awards are earned based upon achievement of
certain financial performance targets over a three year period. The number of shares of common stock a participant receives will be increased (up to 200 percent of target levels)
or reduced (down to zero ) based on the level of achievement of the financial performance targets. We use the closing share price the day before the grant date to determine the
fair value of our performance share awards. Expenses on these awards are recognized over a three year performance period. Performance shares are granted in restricted stock
units. They are payable in stock and vest solely upon achievement of certain financial performance targets during this three year period.

The following table summarizes the activity during the year ended December 31, 2017 for nonvested performance share awards:

Nonvested at beginning of year

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Nonvested at end of year

Shares

Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair Value

129,096   $

45,792  

(20,060)  

(31,804)  

123,024   $

59.30

72.84

61.80

62.55

63.09

The total fair value of shares vested during the year ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was $1,240 , $1,703 and $1,713 , respectively. As of December 31, 2017 ,

we expect to recognize $1,400 of total compensation costs over a weighted-average period of 2.0 years .

Restricted Stock Units

We grant restricted stock units to employees, which generally vest within three years from the date of the grant. Vested restricted stock units are paid out in stock. We use
the closing share price the day before the grant date to determine the fair value our restricted stock units. Expenses on these awards are recognized on a straight line basis over
the vesting period of the award.

56

 
 
 
 
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

The following table summarizes the activity during the year ended December 31, 2017 for nonvested restricted stock units:

Nonvested at beginning of year

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Nonvested at end of year

Shares

Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair Value

31,038   $

30,750  

(14,638)  

(4,025)  

43,125   $

60.47

68.92

65.74

60.82

64.67

The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $962 and $907 , respectively. As of December 31, 2017 , there was $1,743 of

total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested shares which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years .

Share-Based Liabilities

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , we had $175 and $155 in total share-based liabilities recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively. During the years

ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , we paid out $45 , $62 and $53 related to share-based liability awards, respectively.

18. (Loss) Earnings Attributable to Tennant Company Per Share

The computations of Basic and Diluted (Loss) Earnings Attributable to Tennant Company per Share for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

Numerator:

Net (Loss) Earnings Attributable to Tennant Company

Denominator:

Basic - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

Effect of dilutive securities

Diluted - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

Basic (Loss) Earnings per Share

Diluted (Loss) Earnings per Share

2017

2016

2015

$

$

$

(6,195)   $

46,614   $

32,088

17,695,390  

17,523,267  

18,015,151

—  

452,916  

478,296

17,695,390  

17,976,183  

18,493,447

(0.35)   $

(0.35)   $

2.66   $

2.59   $

1.78

1.74

Excluded  from  the dilutive  securities  shown  above  were options  to  purchase  and shares  to be paid  out  under  share-based  compensation  plans  of  711,212 , 356,598 and

222,092 shares of common stock during 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. These exclusions were 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 under the treasury stock method exceeds the weighted shares outstanding in the
options or if we have a net loss, as the effects are anti-dilutive.

19. 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.

The following table presents Net Sales by geographic area for the years ended December 31:

Net Sales:

Americas

Europe, Middle East, Africa

Asia Pacific

Total

2017

2016

2015

$

$

640,274   $

607,026   $

273,738  

89,054  

129,046  

72,500  

1,003,066   $

808,572   $

591,405

139,834

80,560

811,799

57

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

The following table presents long-lived assets by geographic area as of December 31:

Long-lived assets:

Americas

Europe, Middle East, Africa

Asia Pacific

Total

2017

2016

2015

$

$

132,659   $

134,737   $

422,338  

4,731  

19,606  

4,334  

559,728   $

158,677   $

110,842

11,100

4,658

126,600

Accounting policies of the operations in the various operating segments are the same as those described in Note 1. Net Sales are attributed to each operating segment based
on the end user country and are net of intercompany sales. Information regarding sales to customers geographically located in the United States is provided in Item 1, Business –
Segment and Geographic Area Financial Information . No single customer represents more than 10% of our consolidated Net Sales.

Long-lived assets consist of Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill, Intangible Assets and certain other assets. Long-lived assets located in Italy totaled $393,917 as of
the  year  ended  December  31,  2017  as  a  result  of  our  acquisition  of  IPC  Group.  We  did  not  have  long-lived  assets  located  in  Italy  for  2016  and  2015.  There  are  no  other
individual foreign locations which have long-lived assets which represent more than 10% of our consolidated long-lived assets.

The following table presents revenues for groups of similar products and services for the years ended December 31:

Net Sales:

Equipment

Parts and consumables

Service and other

Specialty surface coatings

Total

20. Consolidated Quarterly Data (Unaudited)

Net Sales

Gross Profit

Net (Loss) Earnings Attributable to Tennant Company

Basic (Loss) Earnings Attributable to Tennant Company per Share

Diluted (Loss) Earnings Attributable to Tennant Company per Share

Net Sales

Gross Profit

Net Earnings Attributable to Tennant Company

Basic Earnings Attributable to Tennant Company per Share

Diluted Earnings Attributable to Tennant Company per Share

2017

2016

2015

$

636,875   $

491,075   $

202,452  

132,332  

31,407  

173,632  

114,719  

29,146  

$

1,003,066   $

808,572   $

499,634

175,697

112,622

23,846

811,799

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2017

191,059   $

270,791   $

261,921   $

79,736  

(3,957)  

(0.22)   $

(0.22)   $

104,604  

3,559  

0.20   $

0.20   $

104,554  

(2,591)  

(0.15)   $

(0.15)   $

2016

279,295

115,527

(3,206)

(0.18)

(0.18)

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

179,864   $

216,828   $

200,134   $

77,502  

4,439  

0.25   $

0.25   $

95,289  

15,328  

0.88   $

0.85   $

85,295  

11,477  

0.66   $

0.64   $

211,746

93,509

15,370

0.88

0.85

$

$

$

$

$

$

The summation of quarterly data may not equate to the calculation for the full fiscal year as quarterly calculations are performed on a discrete basis.

Regular  quarterly  dividends  aggregated  to  $0.84 per  share  in  2017 , or $0.21 per share  per quarter,  and  $0.81 per  share  in  2016 , or $0.20 per share  for  the  first  three

quarters of 2016 and $0.21 per share for the last quarter of 2016 .

21. 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.

58

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

22. Separate Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries

The following condensed consolidating guarantor financial information is presented to comply with the requirements of Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X.

On April 18, 2017 , we issued and sold $300,000 in aggregate principal amount of our 5.625% Senior Notes due 2025 (the “Notes”), pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of
April 18, 2017, among the company, the Guarantors (as defined below), and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, a national banking association, as trustee. The Notes are
unconditionally  and  jointly  and  severally  guaranteed  by  Tennant  Coatings,  Inc.  and  Tennant  Sales  and  Service  Company  (collectively,  the  “Guarantors”),  which  are  wholly
owned subsidiaries of the company. 

The Notes and the guarantees constitute senior unsecured obligations of the company and the Guarantors, respectively. The Notes and the guarantees, respectively, are:
(a) equal in right of payment with all of the company’s and the Guarantors’ senior debt, without giving effect to collateral arrangements; (b) senior in right of payment to all of
the  company’s  and  the  Guarantors’  future  subordinated  debt,  if  any;  (c)  effectively  subordinated  in  right  of  payment  to  all  of  the  company’s  and  the  Guarantors’  debt  and
obligations that are secured, including borrowings under the company’s senior secured credit facilities for so long as the senior secured credit facilities are secured, to the extent
of  the  value  of  the  assets  securing  such  liens;  and  (d)  structurally  subordinated  in  right  of  payment  to  all  liabilities  (including  trade  payables)  of  the  company’s  and  the
Guarantors’ subsidiaries that do not guarantee the Notes.

The following condensed consolidated financial information presents the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings, Comprehensive Income and Cash Flows for each
of  the  years  in  the  three-year  period  ended  December  31,  2017  ,  and  the  related  Condensed  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets  as  of  December  31,  2017  and 2016 ,  of  Tennant
Company ("Parent"), the Guarantor Subsidiaries on a combined basis, the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries on a combined basis and elimination entries necessary to consolidated the
Parent  with  the  Guarantor  and  Non-Guarantor  Subsidiaries.  The  following  condensed  consolidated  financial  statements  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  consolidated
financial statements of the company and notes thereto of which this note is an integral part.

(in thousands)

Net Sales

Cost of Sales

Gross Profit

Operating Expense:

Research and Development Expense

Selling and Administrative Expense

Total Operating Expense

(Loss) Profit from Operations

Other Income (Expense):

Equity in Earnings of Affiliates

Interest Expense, Net

Intercompany Interest Income (Expense)

Net Foreign Currency Transaction Gains (Losses)

Other (Expense) Income, Net

Total Other (Expense) Income, Net

(Loss) Profit Before Income Taxes

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

Net (Loss) Earnings Including Noncontrolling Interest

Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

Net (Loss) Earnings Attributable to Tennant Company

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings
For the year ended December 31, 2017

Parent

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

$

454,703

  $

594,405

  $

311,897

142,806

27,219

116,388

143,607

(801)

12,754

(22,659)

12,519

857

(3,962)

(491)

(1,292)

4,913

(6,205)

(10)

488,972

105,433

315

78,516

78,831

26,602

2,004

—  

(5,776)

—  

(736)

(4,508)

22,094

8,070

14,024

—  

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total Tennant
Company

471,559   $
317,151  

154,408  

(517,601)   $
(519,375)  

1,774  

1,003,066

598,645

404,421

4,479  
150,460  
154,939  

(531)  

28,855  
(299)  
(6,743)  
(4,244)  
2,841  

20,410  

19,879  
(98)  

19,977  
(10)  

—  
—  
—  

1,774  

(43,613)  
(31)  
—  
—  
(103)  

(43,747)  

(41,973)  
(7,972)  

(34,001)  
10  

32,013

345,364

377,377

27,044

—

(22,989)

—

(3,387)

(1,960)

(28,336)

(1,292)

4,913

(6,205)

(10)

(6,195)

$

(6,195)

  $

14,024

  $

19,987   $

(34,011)   $

59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

(in thousands)

Net Sales

Cost of Sales

Gross Profit

Operating Expense:

Research and Development Expense

Selling and Administrative Expense

(Gain) Loss on Sale of Business

Total Operating Expense

Profit from Operations

Other Income (Expense):

Equity in Earnings of Affiliates

Interest (Expense) Income, Net

Intercompany Interest Income (Expense)

Net Foreign Currency Transaction Gains (Losses)

Other (Expense) Income, Net

Total Other Income (Expense), Net

Profit Before Income Taxes

Income Tax Expense

Net Earnings

(in thousands)

Net Sales

Cost of Sales

Gross Profit

Operating Expense:

Research and Development Expense

Selling and Administrative Expense

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Total Operating Expense

Profit (Loss) from Operations

Other Income (Expense):

Equity in Earnings of Affiliates

Interest (Expense) Income, Net

Intercompany Interest Income (Expense)

Net Foreign Currency Transaction Gains (Losses)

Other (Expense) Income, Net

Total Other Income (Expense), Net

Profit (Loss) Before Income Taxes

Income Tax Expense

Net Earnings (Loss)

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings
For the year ended December 31, 2016

Parent

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total Tennant
Company

$

455,375   $
299,459  

587,815   $
483,075  

290,349   $
199,336  

(524,967)  
(524,893)  

$

155,916  

104,740  

91,013  

(74)  

32,378  
95,189  
(82)  
127,485  

28,431  

34,068  
(1,204)  
7,157  
648  
(2,609)  

38,060  

66,491  
19,877  

429  
74,643  
—  
75,072  

29,668  

2,192  
—  
(5,570)  
(652)  
(573)  

(4,603)  

25,065  
9,443  

1,931  
78,378  
231  
80,540  

10,473  

—  
255  
(1,587)  
(388)  
2,516  

796  

11,269  
2,427  

—  

— —
—  
—  

(74)  

(36,260)  
—  
—  
—  
—  

(36,260)  

(36,334)  
(11,870)  

$

46,614   $

15,622   $

8,842   $

(24,464)  

$

808,572

456,977

351,595

34,738

248,210

149

283,097

68,498

—

(949)

—

(392)

(666)

(2,007)

66,491

19,877

46,614

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings
For the year ended December 31, 2015

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total Tennant
Company

Parent

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

$

480,418

  $

586,154

  $

320,620

159,798

29,888

97,301

489,203

96,951

389

72,954

—  

—  

127,189

32,609

14,766

(1,221)

7,368

535

(3,633)

17,815

50,424

18,336

73,343

23,608

2,122

—  

(5,400)

(777)

(422)

(4,477)

19,131

4,619

306,506   $
213,085  

93,421  

(561,279)   $
(560,169)  

(1,110)  

2,138  
82,015  
11,199  
95,352  

(1,931)  

—  
80  
(1,968)  
(712)  
3,398  

798  

(1,133)  
1,630  

—  
—  
—  
—  

(1,110)  

(16,888)  
—  
—  
—  
—  

(16,888)  

(17,998)  
(6,249)  

$

32,088

  $

14,512

  $

(2,763)   $

(11,749)   $

60

811,799

462,739

349,060

32,415

252,270

11,199

295,884

53,176

—

(1,141)

—

(954)

(657)

(2,752)

50,424

18,336

32,088

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, net of tax

Total Comprehensive Income Including Noncontrolling Interest

Comprehensive Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

Comprehensive Income Attributable to Tennant Company

$

(in thousands)

Net Earnings

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):

Foreign currency translation adjustments

Pension and retiree medical benefits

Cash flow hedge

Income Taxes:

Foreign currency translation adjustments

Pension and retiree medical benefits

Cash flow hedge

(in thousands)

Net Earnings

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):

Foreign currency translation adjustments

Pension and retiree medical benefits

Cash flow hedge

Income Taxes:

Foreign currency translation adjustments

Pension and retiree medical benefits

Cash flow hedge

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended December 31, 2017

Parent

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total Tennant
Company

$

(6,205)   $

14,024   $

19,977

  $

(34,001)

  $

(6,205)

28,356  
5,868  
(7,731)  

310  
(2,087)  
2,884  
27,600  
21,395  
(10)  
21,405   $

1,215  
—  
—  

—  
—  
—  
1,215  
15,239  
—  
15,239   $

2,960

538
—  

310

(99)
—  

3,709

23,686

(10)

(4,175)

(538)

—  

(310)

99  
—  

(4,924)

(38,925)

10  

23,696

  $

(38,935)

  $

28,356

5,868

(7,731)

310

(2,087)

2,884

27,600

21,395

(10)

21,405

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended December 31, 2016

Parent

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total Tennant
Company

$

46,614   $

15,622   $

8,842

  $

(24,464)

  $

46,614

109  
(2,248)  
(305)  

32  
504  
114  
(1,794)  
44,820   $

270  
—  
—  

—  
—  
—  
270  
15,892   $

3,534

(1,691)

—  

32

296
—  

(3,804)
1,691  
—  

(32)

(296)

—  

2,171

(2,441)

11,013

  $

(26,905)

  $

109

(2,248)

(305)

32

504

114

(1,794)

44,820

Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, net of tax

Comprehensive Income

$

(in thousands)

Net Earnings

Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income:

Foreign currency translation adjustments

Pension and retiree medical benefits

Cash flow hedge

Income Taxes:

Foreign currency translation adjustments

Pension and retiree medical benefits

Cash flow hedge

Total Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended December 31, 2015

Parent

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total Tennant
Company

$

32,088   $

14,512

  $

(2,763)   $

(11,749)

  $

32,088

(12,520)  
4,121  
164  

25  
(1,265)  
(61)  
(9,536)  
22,552   $

(1,082)

—  
—  

—  
—  
—  

(1,082)

13,430

  $

(12,903)  
1,571  
—  

25  
(314)  
—  
(11,621)  
(14,384)   $

13,985  

(1,571)

—  

(25)
314  
—  
12,703  

954   $

(12,520)

4,121

164

25

(1,265)

(61)

(9,536)

22,552

$

61

 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

As of December 31, 2017

Parent

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total Tennant
Company

(in thousands)

ASSETS

Current Assets:

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Restricted Cash

Net Receivables

Intercompany Receivables

Inventories

Prepaid Expenses

Other Current Assets

Total Current Assets

Property, Plant and Equipment

Accumulated Depreciation

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Deferred Income Taxes

Investment in Affiliates

Intercompany Loans

Goodwill

Intangible Assets, Net

Other Assets

Total Assets

LIABILITIES AND TOTAL EQUITY

Current Liabilities:

Current Portion of Long-Term Debt

Accounts Payable

Intercompany Payables

Employee Compensation and Benefits

Income Taxes Payable

Other Current Liabilities

Total Current Liabilities

Long-Term Liabilities:

Long-Term Debt

Intercompany Loans

Employee-Related Benefits

Deferred Income Taxes

Other Liabilities

Total Long-Term Liabilities

Total Liabilities

Equity:

Common Stock

Additional Paid-In Capital

Retained Earnings

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Total Tennant Company Shareholders’ Equity

Noncontrolling Interest

Total Equity

$

18,469   $

507   $

39,422   $

—  

683  

53,444  

29,450  

8,774  

4,030  

—  

88,629  

133,778  

12,695  

1,172  

—  

114,850  

236,781  

225,064  

(146,320)  

78,744  

1,308  

392,486  

304,822  

12,869  

2,105  

10,363  

12,155  

(6,333)  

5,822  

2,669  

11,273  

—  

1,739  

2,898  

—  

—   $

—  

—  

653  

120,204  

—  

(187,222)

94,542  

9,405  

3,473  

267,699  

145,549  

(50,097)  

95,452  

7,157  

20,811  

4,983  

171,436  

167,344  

10,956  

(8,993)

—  

—  

(196,215)

—  

—  

—  

—  

(424,570)

(309,805)

—  

—  

—  

917,547   $

261,182   $

745,838   $

(930,590)

  $

$

$

29,413   $

—   $

1,470   $

39,927  

133,778  

8,311  

366  

20,183  

231,978  

3,018  

1,963  

10,355  

—  

15,760  

31,096  

53,137  

51,481  

18,591  

2,472  

33,504  

—   $

—  

(187,222)

—  

—  

—  

160,655  

(187,222)

236,507

344,147  

—  

1,809  

—  

345,956

—  

128,000  

181,805  

(309,805)

11,160  

—  

31,788  

387,095  

619,073  

6,705  

15,089  

297,032  

(22,323)  

296,503  

1,971  

3,992  

—  

2,483  

134,475  

165,571  

—  

72,483  

23,797  

(669)  

95,611  

—  

8,715  

53,225  

1,677  

247,231  

407,886  

11,131  

384,460  

(21,219)  

(38,391)  

335,981  

1,971  

—  

—  

—  

(309,805)

(497,027)

(11,131)

(456,943)

(2,578)

39,060

(431,592)

(1,971)

298,474  

95,611  

337,952  

(433,563)

58,398

653

209,516

—

127,694

19,351

7,503

423,115

382,768

(202,750)

180,018

11,134

—

—

186,044

172,347

21,319

993,977

30,883

96,082

—

37,257

2,838

69,447

—

23,867

53,225

35,948

458,996

695,503

6,705

15,089

297,032

(22,323)

296,503

1,971

298,474

993,977

Total Liabilities and Total Equity

$

917,547   $

261,182   $

745,838   $

(930,590)

  $

 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
62

Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

(in thousands)

ASSETS

Current Assets:

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Restricted Cash

Net Receivables

Intercompany Receivables

Inventories

Prepaid Expenses

Other Current Assets

Total Current Assets

Property, Plant and Equipment

Accumulated Depreciation

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Deferred Income Taxes

Investment in Affiliates

Intercompany Loans

Goodwill

Intangible Assets, Net

Other Assets

Total Assets

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities:

Current Portion of Long-Term Debt

Accounts Payable

Intercompany Payables

Employee Compensation and Benefits

Income Taxes Payable

Other Current Liabilities

Total Current Liabilities

Long-Term Liabilities:

Long-Term Debt

Intercompany Loans

Employee-Related Benefits

Deferred Income Taxes

Other Liabilities

Total Long-Term Liabilities

Total Liabilities

Shareholders' Equity:

Common Stock

Additional Paid-In Capital

Retained Earnings

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Total Shareholders’ Equity

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

As of December 31, 2016

Parent

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total Tennant
Company

$

38,484   $

226   $

19,323   $

—  

209  

50,437  

26,422  

4,120  

2,402  

—  

85,219  

123,289  

12,821  

1,151  

—  

517  

63,706  

2,251  

49,829  

3,933  

10  

—   $

—  

—  

(175,977)

(10,450)

—  

—  

122,074  

222,706  

139,569  

(186,427)

225,651  

(144,281)  

81,370  

3,048  

157,004  

130,000  

12,869  

—  

10,189  

12,996  

(6,175)  

6,821  

3,281  

9,021  

—  

1,439  

3,200  

27  

59,853  

(35,947)  

23,906  

7,110  

—  

—  

6,757  

3,260  

8,838  

—  

—  

—  

—  

(166,025)

(130,000)

—  

—  

—  

58,033

517

149,134

—

78,622

9,204

2,412

297,922

298,500

(186,403)

112,097

13,439

—

—

21,065

6,460

19,054

516,554   $

246,495   $

189,440   $

(482,452)

  $

470,037

$

$

3,429   $

—   $

30   $

30,867  

125,540  

12,025  

1,410  

15,329  

188,600  

2,599  

1,249  

15,261  

—  

13,348  

32,457  

32,714  

—  

—  

128,000  

14,291  

—  

2,406  

49,411  

238,011  

6,633  

3,653  

318,180  

(49,923)  

278,543  

3,704  

—  

1,295  

132,999  

165,456  

—  

72,483  

9,771  

(1,215)  

81,039  

13,942  

49,188  

8,711  

938  

14,940  

87,749  

21  

2,000  

3,139  

171  

924  

6,255  

94,004  

11,131  

158,592  

(32,187)  

(42,100)  

—   $

—  

(175,977)

—  

—  

—  

3,459

47,408

—

35,997

2,348

43,617

(175,977)

132,829

—  

(130,000)

—  

—  

—  

(130,000)

(305,977)

(11,131)

(231,075)

22,416

43,315

32,735

—

21,134

171

4,625

58,665

191,494

6,633

3,653

318,180

(49,923)

278,543

470,037

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

$

516,554   $

246,495   $

189,440   $

(482,452)

  $

63

95,436  

(176,475)

 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

(in thousands)

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended December 31, 2017

Parent

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total Tennant
Company

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

$

26,992   $

280   $

27,711

  $

(809)

  $

54,174

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Purchases of Property, Plant and Equipment

Proceeds from Disposals of Property, Plant and Equipment

Proceeds from Principal Payments Received on Long-Term Note
Receivable

Issuance of Long-Term Note Receivable

Acquisition of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired

Purchase of Intangible Asset

Change in Investments in Subsidiaries

Loan (Payments) Borrowings from Subsidiaries

Increase in Restricted Cash

Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from Short-Term Debt

Repayments of Short-Term Debt

Loan Borrowings (Payments) from Parent

Change in Subsidiary Equity

Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt

Payments of Long-Term Debt

Payments of Debt Issuance Costs

Change in Capital Lease Obligations

Proceeds from Issuances of Common Stock

Purchase of Noncontrolling Owner Interest

Dividends Paid

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year

(9,558)  

23  

—  

—  

(304)  

(2,500)  

(199,028)  

(159,780)  

—  

(371,147)  

303,000  

(303,000)  

4,983  

—  

440,000  

(96,142)  

(16,482)  

—  

6,875  

—  

(14,953)  

324,281  

(141)  

(20,015)  

38,484  

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR

$

18,469   $

64

—  

1  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

1  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

281  

226  

507   $

(10,879)

2,487

667

(1,500)

(353,769)

—

—

(4,983)

(92)

(368,069)

—

—

159,780

199,028

—

(106)

—

311

—

(30)

(809)

358,174

2,283

20,099

19,323

39,422

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

199,028

164,763

—  

(20,437)

2,511

667

(1,500)

(354,073)

(2,500)

—

—

(92)

363,791

(375,424)

—  

—  

303,000

(303,000)

(164,763)

(199,028)

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

809

(362,982)

—  

—  

—  

  $

—   $

—

—

440,000

(96,248)

(16,482)

311

6,875

(30)

(14,953)

319,473

2,142

365

58,033

58,398

 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

(in thousands)

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended December 31, 2016

Parent

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total Tennant
Company

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

$

44,147   $

239   $

14,090

  $

(598)

  $

57,878

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Purchases of Property, Plant and Equipment

Proceeds from Disposals of Property, Plant and Equipment

Acquisition of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired

Issuance of Long-Term Note Receivable

Proceeds from Sale of Business

Change in Investments in Subsidiaries

Loan Borrowings (Payments) from Subsidiaries

Decrease in Restricted Cash

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Loan Borrowings (Payments) from Parent

Change in Subsidiary Equity

Payments of Long-Term Debt

Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt

Purchases of Common Stock

Proceeds from Issuances of Common Stock

Excess Tax Benefit on Stock Plans

Dividends Paid

Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year

(21,507)  

377  

—  

—  

—  

(19,594)  

8,690  

—  

(13)  

—  

(11,539)  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

(5,006)

238

(1,394)

(2,000)

285

—

—

116

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

19,594

(8,690)

—  

(26,526)

615

(12,933)

(2,000)

285

—

—

116

(32,034)  

(11,552)  

(7,761)

10,904

(40,443)

—  

—  

(3,429)  

15,000  

(12,762)  

5,271  

686  

(14,293)  

(9,527)  

64  

2,650  

35,834  

7,969  

3,570  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

11,539  

—  

226  

—  

(16,659)

16,024

(31)

—

—

—

—

(598)

(1,264)

(1,208)

3,857

15,466

19,323

8,690

(19,594)

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

598

(10,306)

—  

—  

—  

  $

—   $

—

—

(3,460)

15,000

(12,762)

5,271

686

(14,293)

(9,558)

(1,144)

6,733

51,300

58,033

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR

$

38,484   $

226   $

65

 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

(in thousands)

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended December 31, 2015

Parent

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Eliminations

Total Tennant
Company

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

$

40,764   $

—   $

4,928

  $

(460)   $

45,232

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Purchases of Property, Plant and Equipment

Proceeds from Disposals of Property, Plant and Equipment

Loan Borrowings (Payments) from Subsidiaries

Proceeds from Sale of Business

Increase in Restricted Cash

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Loan (Payments) Borrowings from Parent

Payments of Long-Term Debt

Purchases of Common Stock

Proceeds from Issuances of Common Stock

Excess Tax Benefit on Stock Plans

Dividends Paid

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents

NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year

(19,149)  

32  

268  

—  

—  

(18,849)  

—  

(3,435)  

(45,998)  

1,677  

859  

(14,498)  

(61,395)  

79  

(39,401)  

75,235  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR

$

35,834   $

—   $

23. Subsequent Event

(5,631)

304

—

1,185

(322)

(4,464)

(268)

(10)

—

—

—

(460)

(738)

(1,987)

(2,261)

17,727

15,466

—  

—  

(268)  

—  

—  

(268)  

268  

—  

—  

—  

—  

460  

728  

—  

—  

—  

  $

—   $

(24,780)

336

—

1,185

(322)

(23,581)

—

(3,445)

(45,998)

1,677

859

(14,498)

(61,405)

(1,908)

(41,662)

92,962

51,300

On January 22, 2018, we commenced the exchange offer required by the Registration Rights Agreement referred to in Note 9. The exchange offer closed on February 23,

2018. We will not incur any additional indebtedness as a result of the exchange offer. As a result, we will not be required to pay additional interest on the Notes.

66

 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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ITEM  9  –  Changes  in  and  Disagreements  with  Accountants  on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

ITEM 9A – Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial
and  Accounting  Officer,  have  conducted  an  evaluation  of  the  effectiveness  of  the
design  and  operation  of  our  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  (as  defined  in  Rule
13a-15(e)  under  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934,  as  amended  (the  Exchange
Act)) as of December 31, 2017. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer
and  Principal  Financial  and  Accounting  Officer  concluded  that,  as  of  December  31,
2017, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

   For  purposes  of  Rule  13a-15(e),  the  term  disclosure  controls  and  procedures
means  controls  and  other  procedures  of  an  issuer  that  are  designed  to  ensure  that
information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits
under  the  Exchange  Act  (15  U.S.C.  78a  et  seq.)  is  recorded,  processed,  summarized
and  reported  within  the  time  periods  specified  in  the  SEC’s  rules  and  forms.
Disclosure  controls  and  procedures  include,
 controls  and
procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in
the  reports  that  it  files  or  submits  under  the  Exchange  Act  is  accumulated  and
communicated to the issuer’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and
Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, or persons performing similar functions,
as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 without  limitation,

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our  management  is  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  adequate
internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  as  such  term  is  defined  in  Rule  13a-15(f)
under the Exchange Act.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to
provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting
includes those policies and procedures that:

(i) Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and
fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company;

(ii) Provide  reasonable  assurance  that  transactions  are  recorded  as  necessary  to
permit  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  generally
accepted  accounting  principles,  and  that  receipts  and  expenditures  of  the
company  are  being  made  only  in  accordance  with  authorizations  of
management and directors of the company; and

(iii) Provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  prevention  or  timely  detection  of
unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could
have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may
not  prevent  or  detect  misstatements.  Also,  projections  of  any  evaluation  of
effectiveness  to  future  periods  are  subject  to  the  risk  that  controls  may  become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the
policies or procedures may deteriorate.

A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal
control  over  financial  reporting  such  that  there  is  a  reasonable  possibility  that  a
material  misstatement  of  the  Company’s  annual  or  interim  financial  statements  will
not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

Under the supervision of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and with
the  participation  of  our  management,  including  our  Chief  Executive  Officer  and
Principal  Financial  and  Accounting  Officer,  we  conducted  an  evaluation  of  the
effectiveness  of  our  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  using  the  criteria
established  in  Internal  Control  -  Integrated  Framework  (2013)  issued  by  the
Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  (COSO).
Based on our assessment and those criteria, our Chief Executive Officer and Principal
Financial  and  Accounting  Officer  concluded  that  our  internal  control  over  financial
reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017.

Tennant  Company  acquired  100  percent  of  the  outstanding  capital  stock  of  IP
Cleaning  S.p.A.  and  its  subsidiaries  ("IPC  Group")  in  April  2017,  which  was
accounted  for  as  a  business  combination,  and  management  excluded  from  its
assessment of the effectiveness of Tennant Company's internal control over financial
reporting  as  of  December  31,  2017  the  IPC  Group's  internal  control  over  financial
reporting  associated  with  total  assets  of  $509  million  and  total  revenues  of  $174
million  included  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  of  Tennant  Company  and
subsidiaries  as  of  and  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017.  This  exclusion  is  in
accordance  with  the  SEC's  guidance,  which  permits  companies  to  omit  an  acquired
business's internal control over financial reporting from management's assessment for
up to one year after the date of the acquisition.

KPMG, LLP, an independent  registered public accounting firm, has audited the
effectiveness  of  the  Company's  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of
December 31, 2017 and has issued a report which is included in Item 8 of this Annual
Report on Form 10-K.

Remediation  of  Material  Weaknesses  Disclosed  in  Fiscal  Year  2016  Annual
Report on Form 10-K

As previously disclosed in Item 9A of Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-
K for fiscal year 2016, management determined that our internal control over financial
reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2016 due to material weaknesses over
control  activities  with  respect  to  effective  general  information  technology  controls
over the accounting for revenue related to equipment maintenance and repair service,
management  review  controls  over  the  accounting  for  certain  inventory  adjustments,
incentive accruals and performance share awards and controls over the determination
of  technological  feasibility  and  the  capitalization  of  software  development  costs.
Furthermore, the Company did not have a sufficient number of trained resources with
assigned  responsibility  and  accountability  over  the  design  and  operation  of  internal
controls nor did the Company have an effective risk assessment process that identified
and  assessed  necessary  changes  in  significant  accounting  policies  and  practices  that
were responsible to changes in business operations and new product arrangements.

To  remediate  the  material  weaknesses  in  our  internal  control  over  financial
reporting  described  in  Item  9A  of  Part  II  of  our  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for
Fiscal year 2016, we:

•

•

•

Sponsored  ongoing  training  related  to  the  COSO  2013  Framework  best
practices for personnel that are accountable for internal control over financial
reporting.

Enhanced  management  review  controls  over  the  accounting  for  certain
inventory adjustments, incentive accruals and performance share awards.

Performed  a  complete  review  of  our  accounting  for  revenue  related  to
equipment maintenance and repair service to ensure the adequacy of the design
and implementation of automated and manual controls.

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Table of Contents

•

Designed  and  implemented  controls  over  the  determination  of  technological
feasibility and the capitalization of software development costs.

ITEM 13 – Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and
Director Independence

Management  has  determined  that  the  remediation  actions  discussed  above  were
effectively  designed  and  demonstrated  to  be  operating  effectively  for  a  sufficient
period of time to enable us to conclude that the material weaknesses regarding internal
control activities have been remediated as of December 31, 2017.

Information  required  under  this  item  is  contained  in  the  sections  entitled
“Director Independence” and “Related Person Transaction Approval Policy” as part of
our 2018 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

ITEM 14 – Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Other  than  the  action  described  under  Remediation  of  Material  Weaknesses
Disclosed  in  Fiscal  Year  2016  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  ,  there  were  no  other
changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the quarter
ended  December  31,  2017  that  have  materially  affected,  or  are  reasonably  likely  to
materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

Information  required  under  this  item  is  contained  in  the  section  entitled  “Fees
Paid  to  Independent  Registered  Public  Accounting  Firm”  as  part  of  our  2018 Proxy
Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 9B – Other Information

None.

PART III

ITEM  10  –  Directors,
Governance

 Executive  Officers  and  Corporate

Information required under this item with respect to directors is contained in the
sections  entitled  “Board  of  Directors  Information”  and  “Section  16(a)  Beneficial
Ownership  Reporting  Compliance”  as  part  of  our  2018  Proxy  Statement  and  is
incorporated herein by reference. See also Item 1, Executive Officers of the Registrant
in Part I hereof.

Business Ethics Guide

We have adopted the Tennant Company Business Ethics Guide, as amended by
the  Board  of  Directors  in  December  2011,  which  applies  to  all  of  our  employees,
directors,  consultants,  agents  and  anyone  else  acting  on  our  behalf.  The  Business
Ethics  Guide  includes  particular  provisions  applicable  to  our  senior  financial
management,  which  includes  our  Chief  Executive  Officer,  Chief  Financial  Officer,
Controller and other employees performing similar functions. A copy of our Business
Ethics Guide is available on the Investor Relations website at investors.tennantco.com.
We intend to post on our website any amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of
our  Business  Ethics  Guide  that  applies  to  our  Principal  Executive  Officer,  Principal
Financial  Officer,  Principal  Accounting  Officer,  Controller  and  other  persons
performing  similar  functions  promptly  following  the  date  of  such  amendment  or
waiver.  In  addition,  we  have  also  posted  copies  of  our  Corporate  Governance
Principles and the Charters for our Audit, Compensation, Governance and Executive
Committees on our website.

ITEM 11 – Executive Compensation

Information  required  under  this  item  is  contained  in  the  sections  entitled
“Director  Compensation”  and  “Executive  Compensation  Information”  as  part  of  our
2018 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM  12  –  Security  Ownership  of  Certain  Beneficial  Owners
and Management and Related Shareholder Matters

Information required under this item is contained in the section entitled “Security
Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” as part of our 2018 Proxy
Statement  and  is  incorporated  herein  by  reference.  The  section  entitled  "Equity
Compensation Plan Information" can be found within Item 5 of this form 10-K.

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Table of Contents

ITEM 15 – Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

A. The following documents are filed as a part of this report:

1.

Financial Statements

PART IV

Consolidated Financial Statements filed as part of this report are contained in Item 8 of this annual report on Form 10-K.

2.

Financial Statement Schedule

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

(In thousands)

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Returns:

Balance at beginning of year

Charged to costs and expenses

Reclassification (1)

Charged to other accounts (2)

Deductions (3)

Balance at end of year

Inventory Reserves:

Balance at beginning of year

Charged to costs and expenses

Charged to other accounts (2)

Deductions (4)

Balance at end of year

Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets:

Balance at beginning of year

Charged to costs and expenses

Charged to other accounts (2)

Balance at end of year

2017

2016

2015

3,108   $

3,615   $

1,602  

(526)  

111  

(1,054)  

561  

—  

(19)  

(1,049)  

3,241   $

3,108   $

3,644   $

3,540   $

1,698  

183  

(1,418)  

1,455  

(50)  

(1,301)  

4,107   $

3,644   $

6,865   $

5,884   $

1,634  

1,192  

1,295  

(314)  

9,691   $

6,865   $

3,936

1,087

172

(159)

(1,421)

3,615

3,272

1,728

(160)

(1,300)

3,540

5,699

734

(549)

5,884

$

$

$

$

$

$

(1)  

Includes amount reclassified from Allowance for Doubtful Accounts to Other Receivables to properly classify a customer's open receivables balance.

(2)   Primarily includes impact from foreign currency fluctuations.

(3)  

(4)  

Includes accounts determined to be uncollectible and charged against reserves, net of collections on accounts previously charged against reserves.

Includes inventory identified as excess, slow moving or obsolete and charged against reserves.

All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto.

69

 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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3. Exhibits

Item #

2.1

3i

3ii

4.1

4.2

10.1

10.2

10.3

10.4

10.5

10.6

10.7

10.8

10.9

10.10

10.11

10.12

10.13

10.14

10.15

21

23.1

24.1

31.1

31.2

Description

Method of Filing

Share Purchase Agreement dated as of February 22, 2017, among Tennant
Company, Ambienta SGR S.p.A., Federico De Angelis, Pietro Corsano
Annibaldi, Antonio Perosa and Giulio Vernazza

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Current Report
on Form 8-K filed February 28, 2017.

Restated Articles of Incorporation

Amended and Restated By-Laws

Indenture dated as of April 18, 2017

Registration Rights Agreement dated April 18, 2017

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3i to the Company’s Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended June 30, 2006.

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3iii to the Company’s Current Report
on Form 8-K dated December 14, 2010.

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report
on Form 8-K filed April 24, 2017.

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Current Report
on Form 8-K filed April 24, 2017.

Tennant Company Executive Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan,
as restated effective January 1, 2009, as amended*

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended September 30, 2012.

Form of Amended and Restated Management Agreement and Executive
Employment Agreement*

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2011.

Schedule of parties to Management and Executive Employment Agreement

Filed herewith electronically.

Tennant Company Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (as amended
and restated effective May 6, 2004)*

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended June 30, 2004.

Tennant Company Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan*

Tennant Company 2007 Stock Incentive Plan*

Deferred Stock Unit Agreement (awards in and after 2008)*

Tennant Company 2014 Short-Term Incentive Plan*

Amended and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan, as Amended*

Credit Agreement dated as of April 4, 2017

2017 Stock Incentive Plan

Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s Proxy
Statement for the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed on March 15,
2006.

Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s Proxy
Statement for the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed on March 15,
2007.

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Company's Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Company's Proxy
Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed on March 11,
2013.

Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company's Proxy
Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed on March 11,
2013.

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report
on Form 8-K filed April 5, 2017.

Incorporated by reference to Appendix A on the Company's Proxy
Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed March 15,
2017.

Form of Tennant Company 2017 Stock Incentive Plan Non-Statutory Stock
Option Agreement

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended June 30, 2017.

Form of Tennant Company 2017 Stock Incentive Plan Restricted Stock
Agreement

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended June 30, 2017.

Form of Tennant Company 2017 Stock Incentive Plan Non-Employee
Director Restricted Stock Agreement

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended June 30, 2017.

Form of Tennant Company 2017 Stock Incentive Plan Restricted Stock
Unit Agreement

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended June 30, 2017.

Subsidiaries of the Registrant

Filed herewith electronically.

Consent of KPMG, LLP Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  

Filed herewith electronically.

Powers of Attorney

Included on signature page.

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer

Filed herewith electronically.

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer

Filed herewith electronically.

70

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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32.1

32.2

101

Filed herewith electronically.

Filed herewith electronically.

Filed herewith electronically.

Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer

Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer

The following financial information from Tennant Company’s annual
report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2017, filed with
the SEC on February 27, 2018, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting
Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the
years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, (ii) the Consolidated
Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31,
2017, 2016 and 2015, (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of
December 31, 2017 and 2016, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash
Flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, (v) the
Consolidated Statements of Equity for the years ended December 31, 2017,
2016 and 2015, and (vi) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this annual report on Form 10-K.

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ITEM 16 – Form 10-K Summary

None.

72

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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

By

/s/ H. Chris Killingstad

H. Chris Killingstad

President, CEO and

Board of Directors

Date

February 27, 2018

Each  of  the  undersigned  hereby  appoints  H.  Chris  Killingstad  and  Jeffrey  L.  Cotter,  and  each  of  them  (with  full  power  to  act  alone),  as  attorneys  and  agents  for  the
undersigned, with full power of substitution, for and in the name, place and stead of the undersigned, to sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the
Securities Act of 1934, any and all amendments and exhibits to this annual report on Form 10-K and any and all applications, instruments, and other documents to be filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission pertaining to this annual report on Form 10-K or any amendments thereto, with full power and authority to do and perform any and all
acts and things whatsoever requisite and necessary or desirable.

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant

and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

By

/s/ H. Chris Killingstad

H. Chris Killingstad

President, CEO and

Board of Directors

Date

February 27, 2018

By

/s/ Thomas Paulson

Thomas Paulson

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

Date

February 27, 2018

By

/s/ Azita Arvani

Azita Arvani

Board of Directors

Date

February 27, 2018

By

/s/ William F. Austen

William F. Austen

Board of Directors

Date

February 27, 2018

By

/s/ Carol S. Eicher

Carol S. Eicher

Board of Directors

Date

February 27, 2018

By

/s/ Donal L. Mulligan

Donal L. Mulligan

Board of Directors

Date

February 27, 2018

By

/s/ Steven A. Sonnenberg

Steven A. Sonnenberg

Board of Directors

Date

February 27, 2018

By

/s/ David S. Wichmann

David S. Wichmann

Board of Directors

Date

February 27, 2018

By

/s/ David Windley

David Windley

Board of Directors

Date

February 27, 2018

73

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 10.3

Parties to current form of amended and restated management agreement:

SCHEDULE OF PARTIES TO
MANAGEMENT AND EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

Name

H. Chris Killingstad

David W. Huml

Carol E. McKnight

Jeffrey C. Moorefield

Thomas Paulson

Jeffrey L. Cotter

Richard H. Zay

  Title

  President and Chief Executive Officer

  Senior Vice President, Global Marketing

  Senior Vice President, Global Human Resources

  Senior Vice President, Global Operations

  Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

  Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

  Senior Vice President, The Americas

 
Listed below are subsidiaries of Tennant Company as of December 31, 2017 .

Subsidiaries of the Registrant

Subsidiary

Applied Kehrmaschinen GmbH

Applied Sweepers Group Leasing Limited

Applied Sweepers Holdings. Limited

Applied Sweepers International Limited

CT Corporation Ltd.

Eagle International LLC

Floorep Limited

Foma Norge AS

Hofmans Machinefabriek en Constructiebedrijf B.V.

Interclean Assistance ICA S.A.

IP Cleaning Espana S.L.

IP Gansow GmbH

IP Cleaning India Pvt. Ltd.

IP Cleaning S.r.l.

IP Cleaning Sverige AB

IPC Eagle Corporation

IPC Euromop Iberica S.L.

IPC Industria e Commercio Ltda.

IPC Tools S.p.A.

Nobles Floor Machines Limited

Servicios Integrados Tennant

Sociedade Alfa Ltda.

Soteco Benelux B.V.B.A.

TCO C.V.

Tennant Asia Pacific Holdings Pte Ltd.

Tennant Australia Pty Limited

Tennant CAD Holdings LLC

Tennant Cleaning Solutions Ireland Limited

Tennant Cleaning Systems and Equipment (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Tennant Cleaning Systems India Private Limited

Tennant Coatings, Inc.

Tennant Company Far East Headquarters Pte Ltd.

Tennant Company Japan, Ltd.

Tennant Company (Thailand) Ltd.

Tennant Europe B.V.

Tennant Europe N.V.

Tennant GmbH & Co. KG

Tennant Holding B.V.

Tennant Holding A (Italy) B.V.

Tennant Holding B (Italy) B.V.

Tennant Holding C (Italy) B.V.

Tennant Holding (US), Inc.

Tennant Holdings LLC

Tennant Hong Kong Limited

Tennant International Holding B.V.

Exhibit 21

Jurisdiction of Organization

Federal Republic of Germany

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

People’s Republic of China

Delaware

United Kingdom

Kingdom of Norway

Netherlands

French Republic

Kingdom of Spain

Federal Republic of Germany

Republic of India

Italian Republic

Kingdom of Sweden

Minnesota

Kingdom of Spain

Federative Republic of Brazil

Italian Republic

United Kingdom

United Mexican States

Federative Republic of Brazil

Belgium

Netherlands

Republic of Singapore

Australia

Minnesota

Ireland

People’s Republic of China

Republic of India

Minnesota

Republic of Singapore

Japan

Thailand

Netherlands

Belgium

Federal Republic of Germany

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

Minnesota

Minnesota

Hong Kong

Netherlands

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tennant International Holding LLC

Tennant NL B.V.

Tennant N.V.

Tennant Netherland Holding B.V.

Tennant New Zealand Ltd.

Tennant Portugal E. de L., S.U., L. da

Tennant S.A.

Tennant SA Holdings LLC

Tennant Sales & Service Canada ULC

Tennant Sales and Service Company

Tennant Sales and Service Spain, S.A.

Tennant Scotland Limited

Tennant Sverige AB

Tennant UK Cleaning Solutions Ltd.

Tennant UK Limited

Tennant Ventas & Servicios de Mexico

Tennant Verwaltungs-gesellschaft GmbH

TNC C.V.

Vaclensa Ltd.

Walter-Broadley Limited

Walter-Broadley Machines Limited

Water Star, Inc.

Joint Ventures

I-Team North America B.V.

Minnesota

Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands

New Zealand

Portuguese Republic

French Republic

Minnesota

British Columbia, Canada

Minnesota

Kingdom of Spain

United Kingdom

Kingdom of Sweden

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Mexican States

Federal Republic of Germany

Netherlands

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Ohio

Netherlands

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Exhibit 23.1

The Board of Directors
Tennant Company:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements (Nos. 333-219833, 333-160887, 333-84374, 333-84372, 033-62003) on Form S-8, No.
333-207747 on Form S-3 and No. 333-222468 on Form S-4 of Tennant Company of our report dated February 27, 2018, with respect to the consolidated balance
sheets of Tennant Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income,
equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, the related notes and the financial statement schedule as included in
Item  15.A.2  (collectively,  the  “consolidated  financial  statements”),  and  the  effectiveness  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  December  31,  2017,
which report appears in the December 31, 2017 annual report on Form 10‑K of Tennant Company.

Our  report  dated  February  27,  2018  on  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  December  31,  2017,  contains  an  explanatory  paragraph  that  states
management excluded from its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, IPC Group’s internal control
over  financial  reporting  associated  with  total  assets  of  $509  million  and  total  revenues  of $174  million  included  in the  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the
Company  as  of  and  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017.  Our  audit  of  the  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  of  Tennant  Company  also  excluded  an
evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of IPC Group.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 27, 2018

CERTIFICATIONS

Exhibit 31.1

I, H. Chris Killingstad, certify that:

1.

2.

3.

4.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Tennant Company;

Based  on  my  knowledge,  this  report  does  not  contain  any  untrue  statement  of  a  material  fact  or  omit  to  state  a  material  fact  necessary  to  make  the
statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

Based  on  my  knowledge,  the  financial  statements,  and  other  financial  information  included  in  this  report,  fairly  present  in  all  material  respects  the
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange
Act  Rules  13a-15(e)  and  15d-15(e))  and  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  (as  defined  in  Exchange  Act  Rules  13a-15(f)  and  15d-15(f))  for  the
registrant and have:

a)

b)

c)

d)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to
ensure that material information  relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

Designed  such  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  or  caused  such  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  to  be  designed  under  our
supervision,  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of  financial  statements  for
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

Evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  the  registrant’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  and  presented  in  this  report  our  conclusions  about  the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent
fiscal  quarter  (the  registrant’s  fourth  fiscal  quarter  in  the  case  of  an  annual  report)  that  has  materially  affected,  or  is  reasonably  likely  to
materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.

The  registrant’s  other  certifying  officers  and  I  have  disclosed,  based  on  our  most  recent  evaluation  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  to  the
registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)

b)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably
likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control
over financial reporting.

Date:

February 27, 2018

/s/ H. Chris Killingstad

H. Chris Killingstad
President and Chief Executive Officer

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERTIFICATIONS

Exhibit 31.2

I, Thomas Paulson, certify that:

1.

2.

3.

4.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Tennant Company;

Based  on  my  knowledge,  this  report  does  not  contain  any  untrue  statement  of  a  material  fact  or  omit  to  state  a  material  fact  necessary  to  make  the
statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

Based  on  my  knowledge,  the  financial  statements,  and  other  financial  information  included  in  this  report,  fairly  present  in  all  material  respects  the
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange
Act  Rules  13a-15(e)  and  15d-15(e))  and  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  (as  defined  in  Exchange  Act  Rules  13a-15(f)  and  15d-15(f))  for  the
registrant and have:

a)

b)

c)

d)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to
ensure that material information  relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

Designed  such  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  or  caused  such  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  to  be  designed  under  our
supervision,  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of  financial  statements  for
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

Evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  the  registrant’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  and  presented  in  this  report  our  conclusions  about  the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent
fiscal  quarter  (the  registrant’s  fourth  fiscal  quarter  in  the  case  of  an  annual  report)  that  has  materially  affected,  or  is  reasonably  likely  to
materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.

The  registrant’s  other  certifying  officers  and  I  have  disclosed,  based  on  our  most  recent  evaluation  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  to  the
registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)

b)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably
likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control
over financial reporting.

Date:

February 27, 2018

/s/ Thomas Paulson

Thomas Paulson
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Exhibit 32.1

In connection with the annual report of Tennant Company (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ended  December 31, 2017 as filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, H. Chris Killingstad, President and Chief Executive Officer, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section
1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in this periodic report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the

Company.

Date:

February 27, 2018

/s/ H. Chris Killingstad

H. Chris Killingstad

President and Chief Executive Officer

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Exhibit 32.2

In connection with the annual report of Tennant Company (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ended  December 31, 2017 as filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Thomas Paulson, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in this periodic report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the

Company.

Date:

February 27, 2018

/s/ Thomas Paulson

Thomas Paulson

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer