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Tennant Company

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FY2018 Annual Report · Tennant Company
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

[
]
OR

[   ]

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018

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.

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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 
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 such files).

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

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.

[ ]

1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, 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 

Non-accelerated filer   

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 29, 2018, was $1,404,892,960.
As of January 31, 2019, there were 18,119,093 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

Yes

[  ]

No

Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2019 annual meeting of shareholders (the “2019 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

Business

Item 1
Item 1A Risk Factors
Item 1B Unresolved Staff Comments
Item 2
Item 3
Item 4

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 5
Item 6
Item 7
Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 8

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

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Newly Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Revision of Prior Period Financial Statements
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Investment in Joint Venture

1
2
3
4
5
6 Management Actions
Acquisitions and Divestitures
7
Inventories
8
9
Property, Plant and Equipment
10 Goodwill and Intangible Assets
11 Debt
12 Other Current Liabilities
13 Derivatives
14 Fair Value Measurements
15 Retirement Benefit Plans
16 Shareholders' Equity
17 Commitments and Contingencies
18
19 Share-Based Compensation
20 Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Tennant Company Per Share
21 Segment Reporting
22 Consolidated Quarterly Data (Unaudited)
23 Separate Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries
24 Subsequent Event

Income Taxes

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Item 9
Item 9A Controls and Procedures
Item 9B Other Information

Executive Compensation

Item 10 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11
Item 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters
Item 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 14 Principal Accountant Fees and Services

PART III

PART IV

Item 15 Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
Item 16

Form 10-K Summary
Signatures

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Table of Contents

ITEM 1 – Business

General Development of Business

TENNANT COMPANY
2018
ANNUAL REPORT
Form 10–K
(Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act of 1934)
PART I

Intellectual Property

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). 

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.

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®,   Alfa  Uma  Empresa Tennant™,  IRIS®,  VLX™,  Superior 
Anodes,  Orbio®,,  IPC  brands  and  private-label    brands.  Orbio-branded 
products  and  solutions  are  part  of  the  emerging  category  of  On-Site 
Generation (OSG). OSG technologies create and dispense effective cleaning 
and antimicrobial solutions on site within a facility.  The Company's 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.

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.

that 

Although 

the  Company  considers 

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 toward the high end of the range and the third 
quarter is typically in the middle of the range.

Working Capital

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, 2018 and 2017.

Competition

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.

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% 
of  annual  sales  to  research  and  development. The  Company’s  innovation 
efforts are focused on solving our customers’ needs holistically addressing a 

4

and  corporate  leadership  positions  in  the  areas  of  compensation,  talent 
management, talent acquisition and general human resource management 
from 2002 to 2014. Prior to ATK, she was with New Jersey-based NRG Energy, 
Inc.

Mary  E.  Talbott,  Senior  Vice  President,  General  Counsel  and  Corporate 
Secretary 

Mary E. Talbott (50) joined the Company in January 2019 as Senior Vice 
President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary.  Prior to joining Tennant, 
from 2017 to 2018, she was Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and 
Assistant  Corporate  Secretary  for  General  Cable  Corporation,  a  global 
manufacturer  in  the  development,  design,  manufacture,  marketing  and 
distribution of copper, aluminum and fiber optic wire and cable products for 
use  in  the  energy,  industrial,  construction,  automotive,  specialty  and 
communications markets. From 2016 to 2017, she was Vice President of Law 
at Macy’s, Inc., and from 2006 to 2015, she held corporate leadership positions 
with Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (which was spun off from The E.W. 
Scripps Company in 2008), a developer of lifestyle-oriented content for linear 
and  interactive  video  platforms  including  television  and  the  internet,  most 
recently as Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Corporate 
Secretary.

Keith A. Woodward, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Keith A.  Woodward  (54)  joined  the  Company  in  December  2018  as 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.  Prior to joining Tennant, 
he was at General Mills, Inc, a global manufacturer and marketer of branded 
consumer  foods,  for  over  26  years  holding  various  finance  and  corporate 
leadership roles, most recently as Senior Vice President, Global Treasurer.  
Prior to General Mills, Inc., he was with PriceWaterhouseCoopers.   

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

Richard H. Zay (48) 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, including Vice 
President, Jenn-Air Brand, Director of Marketing, Maytag Brand, and Director 
of Cooking Category Management.

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.

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, 2018.

Available Information

The Company's internet address is www.tennantco.com. 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”).

Executive Officers of the Registrant

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, Global Marketing and 
Operations

David W. Huml (50) 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.  In  January  2017,  he  assumed 
oversight for the Company's EMEA business and in June 2018 he assumed 
responsibility  for  Global  Operations.  From  2006  to  October  2014, he  held 
various positions with Pentair plc, a global manufacturer of water and fluid 
thermal 
solutions,  valves  and  controls,  equipment  protection  and 
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.

H. Chris Killingstad, President and Chief Executive Officer

H.  Chris  Killingstad  (63)  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.

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

Carol E. McKnight (51) 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 

5

Table of Contents

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 develop or manage strategic planning and 
growth  processes  or  the  related  operational  plans  to  deliver  on  our 
strategies  and  establish  a  broad  organization  alignment,  thereby 
impairing our ability to achieve future performance expectations.

We are continuing to refine our global company strategy to guide our 
next phase of performance as our structure has become more complex due 
to recent acquisitions. We continue to consolidate and reallocate resources 
as  part  of  our  ongoing  efforts  to  optimize  our  cost  structure  and  to  drive 
synergies and growth. 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.

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  business  environment  demands. 
Additionally,  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  hindering  our  ability  to  offer  better  technology 
solutions to our customers.

Increases in the cost of, quality, or disruption in the availability of, 
raw materials and components that we purchase or labor required 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, coupled with suppliers’ potential credit issues, could 
lead to an increased risk of a breakdown in our supply chain. Our use of sole-
source vendors creates a concentration risk. 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.

We  have  and  may  continue  to  experience  higher  than  normal  wage 
inflation due to skilled labor shortages.  In addition, we have incurred costs 
associated with tariffs on certain raw materials used on our manufacturing 
processes. The labor shortages and tariff costs have unfavorably impacted 
our gross profit margins and could continue to do so if actions we are taking 
are not effective at offsetting these rising costs.  Changes and uncertainties 
related to government fiscal and tax policies, including increased duties, tariffs, 

6

or other restrictions, could adversely affect demand for our products, the cost 
of the products we manufacture or our ability to cost-effectively source raw 
materials, all of which could have a negative impact on our financial results. 

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.

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,  expanding  global  footprint,  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.

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 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.

  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.

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 

Table of Contents

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 
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  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.

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.

incidents  can 

Global  cybersecurity 

from 
threats  and 
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, 

range 

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.

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  filed  a 
Schedule 13D with the Securities and Exchange Commission in December 
2017  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.

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

interruption 

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. 

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 

7

Table of Contents

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. 

to 

the 

foregoing, 

In  addition 

the  European  Union  adopted  a 
comprehensive General Data Privacy Regulation (the "GDPR") in May 2016 
that has replaced the EU Data Protection Directive and related country-specific 
legislation.  The  GDPR  became  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.

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. 

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.

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 $400,000,000 consisting of a $100,000,000 term loan 
and $300,000,000 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 $200,000,000. 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;

8

• 

• 

• 

our funds available for operations, expansions, dividends or 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;

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.

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  US.  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.

ITEM 1B – Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

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; Uden, the Netherlands and the Italian cities of Venice, Cremona and 
Reggio  Emilia and  in the  Province  of  Padua are  owned by  the  Company. 
Manufacturing  facilities  located  in  Louisville,  Kentucky;  São  Paulo,  Brazil; 
Shanghai, China, and another facility in the Province of Padua are leased to 
the Company. 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.

Sales offices, warehouse and storage facilities are leased in various 
locations  in  the  United  States,  Canada,  Mexico,  Portugal,  Spain,  Italy, 
Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, the United Kingdom, 
Japan,  China,  India, Australia,  New  Zealand  and    Brazil.  The  Company’s 
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 17 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.

9

Table of Contents

PART II

ITEM 5 – Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder 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 14, 2019, 

there were 312 shareholders of record. 

DIVIDEND INFORMATION – Cash dividends on Tennant’s common stock have been paid for 74 consecutive years. Tennant’s annual cash dividend payout 
increased for the 47th consecutive year to $0.85 per share in 2018, an increase of $0.01 per share over 2017. Dividends are generally declared each quarter. 
On February 14, 2019, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.22 per share payable March 15, 2019, to shareholders of record on February 
28, 2019.

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, 2018.

(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))

1,313,569

—

1,313,569

$47.47

—

$47.47

761,382

—

761,382

Plan Category
Equity compensation plans approved
by security holders

Equity compensation plans not
approved by security holders

Total

(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 (1,084,567) and restricted stock units and deferred stock units 
(230,554).

(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 392,892 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, 2018, 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, 2018

Total Number of Shares 
Purchased(1)

Average Price Paid Per
Share

October 1–31, 2018

November 1–30, 2018

December 1–31, 2018

Total

86

267

407

760

$75.95

63.89

78.09

$72.86

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

—

—

—

—

1,392,892

1,392,892

1,392,892

1,392,892

(1) 

Includes 760 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, 2013, including the reinvestment of all dividends.

5-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN COMPARISON

Tennant Company

S&P SmallCap 600

Morningstar Industrials Sector

2013

$100

$100

$100

2014

$108

$106

$109

2015

$85

$104

$106

2016

$109

$102

$126

2017

$113

$115

$154

2018

$82

$105

$136

11

Table of Contents

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

Years Ended December 31

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

Financial Results:

Net Sales

Cost of Sales

Gross Margin - %

Research and Development Expense

% of Net Sales

$ 1,123,511

$ 1,003,066

$

808,572

$

811,799

$

821,983

678,478

39.6

30,739

2.7

603,253

(2), (5)

39.9

32,013

3.2

456,977

43.5

34,738

4.3

462,739

43.0

32,415

4.0

469,556

42.9

29,432

3.6

Selling and Administrative Expense

356,316

(1), (4)

334,782

(2), (4), (5)

248,592

(4)

251,670

(3), (4)

250,695

(4)

% of Net Sales

Profit from Operations

% of Net Sales

Income Tax Expense

Effective Tax Rate - %

Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to
Tennant Company

% of Net Sales

Per Share Data:

Basic Net Earnings (Loss)
Attributable to Tennant Company

Diluted Net Earnings (Loss)
Attributable to Tennant Company

31.7

33.4

30.7

31.0

30.5

57,978

(1), (4)

33,018

(2), (4), (5)

68,265

(4)

52,576

(3), (4)

71,894

(4)

5.2

2,304

(1)

6.4

(1)

33,412

3.0

3.3

4,913

(2)

(2)

(380.2)

(6,195)

(0.6)

8.4

19,877

29.9

46,614

5.8

6.6

18,336

(3)

36.4

32,088

4.0

8.8

18,887

27.2

50,651

6.2

$

$

1.86

(1)

1.82

(1)

$

$

(0.35)

(2)

(0.35)

(2)

$

$

2.66

2.59

$

$

1.78

(3)

1.74

(3)

$

$

2.78

2.70

Diluted Weighted Average Shares

18,338,569

17,695,390

17,976,183

18,493,447

18,740,858

Cash Dividends

Financial Position:

Total Assets

Total Debt
Total Tennant Company
Shareholders’ Equity

Current Ratio

Debt-to-Capital Ratio

Cash Flows:

Net Cash Provided by Operations
Capital Expenditures, Net of
Disposals
Free Cash Flow

Other Data:

$

$

0.85

992,544

355,065

314,422

1.9

53.0%

$

$

0.84

993,977

376,839

296,503

1.8

56.0%

$

$

0.81

470,037

36,194

278,543

$

$

0.80

432,295

24,653

252,207

2.2

11.5%

2.2

8.9%

$

$

0.78

486,932

28,137

280,651

2.4

9.1%

$

79,970

$

54,174

$

57,878

$

45,232

$

59,362

(18,668)

61,302

(17,926)

36,248

(25,911)

31,967

(24,444)

20,788

(19,292)

40,070

Depreciation and Amortization

$

54,420

$

43,253

$

18,300

$

18,031

$

20,063

Number of employees at year-end

4,341

4,297

3,236

3,164

3,164

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) 

(2) 

2018 includes pre-tax acquisition and integration costs, restructuring charges,  professional services, building design costs, and a gain on a sale of 
business in selling and administrative expense of $6,869, $1,032, $1,914, $1,556, and $(955), respectively ($5,363, $874, $1,445, $1,175, and 
$(721) after-tax, respectively, or $0.29, $0.05,  $0.08, $0.06, $(0.04) per diluted share, respectively). Additionally, 2018 included a pre-tax pension 
curtailment gain in other expense of $(165) ($(134) after-tax or $(0.01) per diluted share). In addition,  2018 net earnings attributable to Tennant 
Company includes an acquisition-related tax adjustment of $883 and a mandatory repatriation tax expense of $362 ($0.05 and $0.02 per diluted 
share, respectively).

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 

12

Table of Contents

$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.

(3) 

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).

(4)  On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic 
Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. The components of net pension and postretirement benefit costs, except for service 
costs,  are  required  to  be  presented  in  the  Condensed  Consolidated  Statements  of  Operations  separately  from  the  service  cost  component  in 
nonoperating expenses. See Note 2. 

(5) 

2017 was revised for misclassifications as discussed in Note 3.

13

Table of Contents

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

Overview

Tennant Company is a world leader in designing, manufacturing and marketing 
solutions that empower customers to achieve quality cleaning performance, 
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 
to  whom 
streets,  and  more.  Customers 
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.

include  contract  cleaners 

Historical Results

The following table compares the historical results of operations for the 
years  ended  December 31,  2018,  2017  and  2016  in  dollars  and  as  a 
percentage  of  Net  Sales  (in  thousands,  except  per  share  amounts  and 
percentages):

2018

%

2017

%

2016

%

$1,123,511

100.0

$ 1,003,066

100.0

$ 808,572

100.0

678,478

445,033

60.4

39.6

603,253

399,813

60.1

39.9

456,977

351,595

56.5

43.5

30,739

2.7

32,013

3.2

34,738

4.3

356,316

31.7

334,782

33.4

248,592

30.7

387,055

34.5

366,795

36.6

283,330

35.0

57,978

5.2

33,018

3.3

68,265

8.4

Net Sales

Cost of Sales

Gross Profit

Operating Expense:

Research and
Development
Expense

Selling and
Administrative
Expense

Total
Operating
Expense

Profit from
Operations

Other Income
(Expense):

Interest Income

3,035

Interest Expense

(23,342)

0.3

(2.1)

2,405

(25,394)

0.2

(2.5)

330

—

(1,279)

(0.2)

Net Foreign
Currency
Transaction
Losses

Other Expense,
Net

Total Other
Expense, Net

Profit (Loss) Before
Income Taxes

Income Tax Expense

Net Earnings (Loss)
Including
Noncontrolling
Interest

Net Earnings (Loss)
Attributable to
Noncontrolling
Interest

Net Earnings (Loss)
Attributable to
Tennant Company

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

(1,100)

(0.1)

(3,387)

(0.3)

(392)

—

(729)

(0.1)

(7,934)

(0.8)

(433)

(0.1)

(22,136)

(2.0)

(34,310)

(3.4)

(1,774)

(0.2)

35,842

2,304

3.2

0.2

(1,292)

4,913

(0.1)

0.5

66,491

19,877

8.2

2.5

33,538

3.0

(6,205)

(0.6)

46,614

5.8

126

—

(10)

—

—

—

$

33,412

3.0

$

(6,195)

(0.6)

$ 46,614

5.8

$

1.82

$

(0.35)

$

2.59

14

 
 
Table of Contents

Net Sales

2018

%

2017

%

2016

Net  Sales  in  2018  totaled  $1,123.5  million,  a  12.0%  increase  as 

Americas

$ 690,996

7.9

$ 640,274

5.5

$ 607,026

compared to Net Sales of $1,003.1 million in 2017.

The  components  of  the  consolidated  Net  Sales  change  for  2018  as 

compared to 2017, and 2017 as compared to 2016, were as follows:

Europe, Middle East
and Africa

Asia Pacific

Total

335,603

96,912

22.6

8.8

273,738

112.1

129,046

89,054

22.8

24.1

72,500

$ 808,572

$1,123,511

12.0

$1,003,066

Growth Elements

Organic Growth:

Volume

Price

Organic Growth

Foreign Currency

Acquisitions

Total

2018 v. 2017

2017 v. 2016

3.9%

1.6%

5.5%

0.3%

6.2%

12.0%

(0.1%)

1.5%

1.4%

0.5%

22.2%

24.1%

The 12.0% increase in consolidated Net Sales for 2018 as compared to 

2017 was driven by:

• 

• 

• 

Organic  sales  increased  approximately  5.5%  which  excludes  the 
effects of foreign currency translation exchange and acquisitions, due 
to an approximate 3.9% volume increase  and a 1.6% price increase. 
The volume increase was driven by growth in all geographic regions, 
with  particular  strength  in  the  Americas  from  higher  sales  of 
commercial  equipment  in  the  strategic  account  channel.  Strong 
organic  sales  in  Germany  and  France  and  strength  in  China  and 
Australia also contributed to the strong organic sales growth. The 
price  increase  was  the  result  of  selling  price  increases  in  most 
geographies, with an effective date of February 1, 2018. The impact 
to  gross  margin  is  estimated  to  be  minimal  as  these  selling  price 
increases were taken to offset inflation.

6.2% from the full year impact of the April 2017 acquisition of the IPC 
Group.

A favorable impact from foreign currency exchange of approximately 
0.3%.

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

2016 was primarily due to the following: 

• 

• 

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 from 
2015  to  2017  totaled  48%  of  equipment  revenue  in  2017.  This 
compares to 37% of equipment revenue in  2016 from sales of new 
products introduced from 2014 to 2016.

• 

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

The following table sets forth annual Net Sales by geographic area and 
the  related  percentage  change  from  the  prior  year  (in  thousands,  except 
percentages):

15

Americas – In 2018, Americas Net Sales increased 7.9% to $691.0 
million  as  compared  with  $640.3  million  in  2017. The  direct  impact  of  the 
second quarter 2017 acquisition of the IPC Group favorably impacted Net 
Sales by approximately 1.1%. In addition, an unfavorable impact of foreign 
currency translation exchange effects within the Americas impacted Net Sales 
by  approximately  0.7%  in  2018. As  a  result,  organic  sales  growth  in  the 
Americas favorably impacted Net Sales by approximately 7.5% due to strong 
equipment sales in North America resulting from increases in all channels, 
particularly strategic accounts and the distribution channel. The Americas also 
experienced increased parts and service sales in 2018 as well as strong sales 
in Latin America, particularly Brazil.

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.

Europe, Middle East and Africa – EMEA Net Sales in 2018 increased 
22.6% to $335.6 million as compared to 2017 Net Sales of $273.7 million. In 
2018,  the direct impact of the second quarter 2017 acquisition of the IPC 
Group favorably impacted Net Sales by approximately 18.2%. In addition, a 
favorable impact of foreign currency translation exchange effects within EMEA 
impacted Net Sales by approximately 3.0% in 2018.  As a result, organic sales 
growth in EMEA favorably impacted Net Sales by approximately 1.3% due to 
strong  growth  in  Germany  and  France,  partially  offset  by  challenging 
comparable sales performance in Italy.

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 strong 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. 

Asia Pacific – APAC Net Sales in 2018 increased 8.8% to $96.9 million
as compared to 2017 Net Sales of $89.1 million. In 2018, the direct impact of 
the second quarter 2017 acquisition of the IPC Group favorably impacted Net 
Sales by approximately 6.3%. In addition, an unfavorable direct impact of 
foreign currency translation exchange effects within APAC impacted Net Sales 
by approximately 0.6% in 2018. As a result, organic sales growth in APAC 
favorably impacted Net Sales by approximately 3.2% primarily due to sales 
growth in China, India and Australia from strong commercial and industrial 
product sales through the direct and strategic account channels slightly offset 
by sales declines in Japan and Korea.

Table of Contents

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. 

Gross Profit

Gross  Profit  margin  was  39.6%,  or  25  basis  points  lower  in  2018 
compared  to  2017.  Gross  Profit  margin  was  unfavorably  impacted  by 
manufacturing  productivity  issues  associated  with  raw  material  and  labor 
shortages, robust strategic account sales which negatively impacted our mix,  
higher freight costs and negative impacts from tariffs. The unfavorable Gross 
Profit  margin  impacts  were  partially  offset  by  improved  operational 
performance in both manufacturing and service as well as favorable pricing 
in North America and EMEA. In addition, Gross Profit margin was favorably 
impacted  by  a  $7.2  million,  or  approximately  70  basis  points,  fair  value 
inventory step-up flow through related to our acquisition of the IPC Group in 
2017 that did not repeat in 2018.

Gross Profit margin was 390 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.

Operating Expenses

Research and Development Expense – Tennant continues to invest 
in innovative product  development  with 2.7% of 2018 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. New 
products and product variants launched in 2018 included the T600 series of 
scrubbers and our first autonomous floor care machine.

R&D Expense decreased $1.3 million, or 4.0%, in 2018 as compared to 
2017. As a percentage of Net Sales, 2018 R&D Expense decreased 46 basis 
points compared to the prior year. The decrease in R&D as a percentage of 
sales reflects the impact of higher revenue in 2018 and the timing of anticipated 
project spend in 2018, including investment in our strategic relationship with 
Brain  Corp.,  to  accelerate  development  of  our  autonomous  floor  cleaning 
technology. We continue to invest in R&D at levels necessary to propel our 
clear technology leadership position. 

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.

Selling  and  Administrative  Expense  –  Selling  and  Administrative 
Expense  ("S&A  Expense")  increased  by  $21.5  million,  or  6.4%,  in  2018 
compared  to  2017.  As  a  percentage  of  Net  Sales,  2018  S&A  Expense 
decreased 170 basis points to 31.7% from 33.4% in 2017. The primary drivers 
of the increase were approximately $18.3 million of IPC-related S&A expense 
due to an additional quarter in 2018  and $12.6 million in compensation-related 
expenses.  These  increases  were  offset  by  a  decrease  of  $9.5  million  in 
restructuring costs from 2017 to 2018.

Selling  and  Administrative  Expense  ("S&A  Expense")  increased  by 
$86.2 million, or 34.7%, in 2017 compared to 2016. As a percentage of Net 
Sales, 2017 S&A Expense increased 270 basis points to 33.4% from 30.7%
in 2016. S&A Expense was unfavorably impacted by $15.7 million and $10.6 
million 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 of restructuring charges taken in the 2017 first and 
fourth quarters. 

Total Other Expense, Net

Interest Income – Interest Income was $3.0 million in 2018, an increase 
of $0.6 million from 2017. The increase between 2018 and 2017 was primarily 
due to an extra quarter of interest income related to foreign currency swap 
activities.

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  Expense  –  Interest  Expense  was  $23.3  million  in  2018,  as 
compared to $25.4 million in 2017. The lower Interest Expense in 2018 was 
primarily due to carrying a lower level of debt on our Consolidated Balance 
Sheets due to debt paydowns, as further described in the Liquidity and Capital 
Resources section that follows.

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.

Net Foreign Currency Transaction Losses – Net Foreign Currency 
Transaction Losses were $1.1 million in 2018 as compared to $3.4 million in 
2017. The favorable change in the impact from foreign currency transactions 
in 2018 was primarily due to fluctuations in foreign currency rates, specifically 
between  the  Euro,  Brazilian  real  and  the  U.S.  dollar,  and  settlements  of 
transactional hedging activity in the normal course of business. Additionally 
an unfavorable $1.1 million mark-to-market adjustment of a foreign exchange 
call option was recorded in 2017 that did not recur in 2018. This instrument 
was held in connection with our acquisition of the IPC Group in April 2017.

 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 
in April 2017.

Other Expense, Net – Other Expense, Net was $0.7 million in 2018 as 
compared to $7.9 million in 2017. The favorable change in Other Expense, 
Net was due primarily to a pension settlement loss of $6.4 million in 2017 that 
did not recur in 2018.

16

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Other Expense, Net was $7.9 million in 2017 as compared to $0.4 million 
in 2016. The unfavorable change in Other Expense, Net was due primarily to 
a pension settlement loss of $6.4 million and additional expense recorded as 
a result of the acquisition of the IPC Group.

Income Taxes

The overall effective income tax rate was 6.4%, (380.2)% and 29.9% in 

2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The expense for 2018 included a $1.5 million tax benefit associated with 
$6.9 million of acquisition and integration-related costs associated with our 
integration of the IPC Group and pending acquisition of Gaomei Cleaning 
Equipment Company, a $0.2 million tax benefit associated with $1.0 million 
of restructuring charge, a $0.4 million tax benefit associated with $1.6 million 
of building design costs, a $0.5 million tax benefit associated with $1.9 million 
of costs related to non-operational professional service fees, a $0.2 million 
tax expense associated with a $1.0 million gain on the sale of assets of our 
Waterstar business, a $0.9 million benefit associated with an acquisition tax 
adjustment, and a $0.4 million benefit related to finalizing the income tax effect 
of the one-time transition tax on certain unrepatriated earnings. These special 
items impacted the 2018 effective tax rate by (6.2%).

Our effective tax rate fluctuates from year to year due to the global nature 
of our operations. The effective tax rate change from 2017 was primarily due  
to the lower corporate tax rate provided by the Tax Act beginning in the first 
quarter  of  2018,  the  mix  in  full  year  taxable  earnings  by  country,  the  tax 
expense benefit related to the exercise of soon-to-expire stock options and a 
favorable tax ruling from the Italian tax authorities related to the deductibility 
of interest expense in Italy.

On December 22, 2017, legislation popularly referred to as the 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% and established new laws that impacted 
2018.

ASC 740 requires a company to record the effects of a tax law change 
in  the  period  of  enactment. ASU  2018-05  allowed  a  company  to  record  a 
provisional amount when it did 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. 

During the third quarter of 2018, the accounting for the remeasurement 
of  the  deferred  taxes  and  transition  tax  was  finalized. Adjustments  to  the 
provisional  amounts  were  not  material  to  the  consolidated  financial 
statements.  The  accounting  for  the  income  tax  effects  of  the  Tax Act  is 
complete as of December 31, 2018.

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 tax expense 
related to the write-down of net U.S. deferred tax assets at the lower enacted 
tax rates and $0.4 million 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%.

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.

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

17

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments – For the years ended 
December 31,  2018  and  2017,  we  recorded  a  pre-tax  foreign  currency 
translation loss of $16.2 million and a gain of $28.4 million, respectively. For 
the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded pre-tax foreign currency 
translation gains of $0.1 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.

During 2018, we recorded a pre-tax currency translation loss of $16.2 
million. These adjustments were caused primarily by the strengthening of the 
U.S.  dollar  to  most  currencies.  In  2018,  the  U.S.  dollar  strengthened  by 
approximately 5% to the Euro and approximately 15% to the Brazilian Real.

During 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 Chinese 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.

Pension and Retiree Medical Benefits – The summarized changes in 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss for the three years ended December 
31 were as follows:

Prior Service Costs

Net actuarial (gain) loss

Amortization of prior service cost

Amortization of net actuarial loss

Settlement Charge

Total recognized in other
comprehensive (income) loss

Pension and Postretirement
Medical Benefits

2018

2017

2016

$

109 $

— $

(1,699)

(19)

(87)

(49)

622

—

(117)

(6,373)

—

2,357

(41)

(68)

—

$

(1,745) $

(5,868) $

2,248

The $1.7 million gain in 2018 was primarily due to a $1.7 million actuarial 
gain relating to an annual actuarial analysis resulting from a 67 basis point 
increase in the U.S. pension discount rate, a 27 basis point increase in the 
non-U.S. discount rate and a 69 basis point increase in the postretirement 
discount rate. 

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 a $1.0 million decrease in the pension benefit obligation 
due to a higher than expected actual return on assets. 

The $2.2 million loss in 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 

Table of Contents

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.

Cash Flow Hedging – For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 
2017,  we  recorded  pre-tax  adjustments  on  cash  flow  hedge  financial 
instruments of a gain of $1.3 million and a loss of $7.7 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,  2016,  we  recorded  a  pre-tax  loss  of  $0.3  million  in  Other 
Comprehensive Income (Loss) for these items.

The $1.3 million gain in 2018 was primarily due to the strengthening of 
the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar and Euro. During 2018, the U.S. 
dollar  strengthened  approximately  8% 
the  Canadian  dollar  and 
approximately 5% to the Euro.

to 

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 in 2016 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  $85.6  million  at 
December 31, 2018, as compared to $58.4 million as of December 31, 2017. 
Cash and Cash Equivalents held by our foreign subsidiaries totaled $59.2 
million  as  of  December 31,  2018,  as  compared  to  $39.1  million  as  of 
December 31, 2017. Wherever possible, cash management is centralized and 
intercompany financing is used to provide working capital to subsidiaries as 
needed. Our current ratio was 1.9 as of December 31, 2018, and 1.8 as of 
December 31, 2017, and our working capital was $219.8 million and $186.6 
million, respectively.

Our  Debt-to-Capital  ratio  was  53.0%  as  of  December 31,  2018, 
compared with 56.0% as of December 31, 2017. Our capital structure was 
comprised of $355.1 million of Debt and $314.4 million of Tennant Company 
Shareholders’ Equity as of December 31, 2018.

Operating Activities – Cash provided by operating activities was $80.0 
million in 2018, $54.2 million in 2017 and $57.9 million in 2016. In 2018, cash 
provided by operating activities was driven primarily by net earnings, after 
adding  back  non-cash  items,  a  $12.6  million  increase  in  Employee 
Compensation and Benefits liabilities and an increase in Accounts Payable 
of $4.6 million due to timing of payments. These cash inflows were partially 
offset by cash outflows resulting from an increase in Accounts Receivable of 
$7.6 million resulting from higher sales levels, the variety of payment terms 
offered and mix of business as well as a $16.6 million increase in Inventories 
to support future sales growth.

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.

Investing Activities – Net cash used in investing activities was $16.0 
million in 2018, $375.3 million in 2017 and $40.6 million in 2016. In 2018, we 
used  $18.7  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 $2.8 million for the purchase of a technology license 
and other intangibles.  In addition, we received $4.0 million in proceeds from 
the sale of assets of our Waterstar business. 

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 5 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.

Financing Activities – Net cash used in financing activities was $32.8 
million in 2018. Net cash provided by financing activities was $319.5 million
in 2017.  Net cash used in financing activities was $9.6 million in 2016. In 
2018, proceeds from the incurrence of Long-Term Debt associated with the 
pending Gaomei acquisition and the issuance of Common Stock provided 
$11.0 million and $5.9 million, respectively. These cash inflows were partially 
offset  by  cash  outflows  resulting  from  $38.3  million    of  Long-Term  Debt 
payments and dividend payments of $15.3 million. Our annual cash dividend 
payout increased for the 47th consecutive year to $0.85 per share in 2018, an 
increase of $0.01 per share over 2017.

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. 

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.

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, 
2018, there were 1,392,892 remaining shares authorized for repurchase.

There were no shares repurchased in 2018 in the open market, no shares 
repurchased in 2017 and 246,474 shares repurchased during 2016, at average 
repurchase prices of $51.78 during 2016 . Our 2017 Credit Agreement restricts 

18

Table of Contents

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.

(2)  Our  retirement  benefit  plans,  as  described  in  Note  15  to  the 
Consolidated Financial Statements, require us to make contributions to the 
plans from time to time. 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 2019 expected 
contribution in the contractual obligations table.

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 $300,000,000 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  11  to  the 

Consolidated Financial Statements.

Contractual  Obligations  –  Our  contractual  obligations  as  of 
December 31, 2018, are summarized by period due in the following table (in 
thousands):

Less
Than 1
Year

Total

1 - 3
Years

3 - 5
Years

More
Than 5
Years

(3)  The  unfunded  deferred  compensation  arrangements  covering 
certain current and retired management employees totaled $5.1 million as of 
December 31, 2018. 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 17 
to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(5)  Purchase  obligations  include  all  known  open  purchase  orders, 
contractual  purchase  commitments  and  contractual  obligations  as  of 
December 31, 2018.

(6)  Other obligations include residual value guarantees as discussed 

in Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Total contractual obligations exclude our gross unrecognized tax benefits 
of  $5.7  million  and  accrued  interest  and  penalties  of  $0.4  million  as  of 
December 31, 2018. 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  18  to  the 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

Newly Issued Accounting Guidance

$359,789

$ 12,066

$16,552

$ 31,171

$300,000

Leases

Long-term 
debt(1)

Interest 
payments on 
long-term
debt(1)

Interest
payments on
capital leases

Retirement 
benefit 
plans(2)

Deferred 
compensation 
arrangements
(3)

Operating
leases(4)

Purchase 
obligations(5)

Other(6)

Total
contractual
obligations

113,992

19,234

37,432

34,545

22,781

Capital leases

2,862

1,264

1,427

171

210

127

1,319

1,319

80

—

3

—

—

—

—

5,120

1,189

1,532

638

1,761

40,151

15,200

14,508

6,228

4,215

53,844

8,404

53,844

8,404

—

—

—

—

—

—

$585,691

$112,647

$71,531

$ 72,756

$328,757

(1)  Long-term debt represents borrowings through our Notes and the 
2017 Credit Agreement with JPMorgan. Interest on the Notes accrues at the 
rate of 5.625% per annum and is 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.

19

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued 
Accounting Standards Update ("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. We expect the adoption of this 
standard will have a material impact on the consolidated balance sheets for 
recognition of operating lease related assets and liabilities. We do not expect 
a material impact to the consolidated statements of operations. See FN 1 for 
further discussion.

Derivatives and Hedging

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 have determined 
that  the  adoption  of  this  standard  will  not  have  a  material  impact  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 

 
Table of Contents

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.

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, we perform the quantitative test, 
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. 
Based on our analysis of qualitative factors, we determined that it was not 
more likely than not that the fair value of the North America, Latin America, 
EMEA and APAC reporting units was less than its respective carrying amount. 
We elected to perform a quantitative analysis of the Coatings reporting unit. 
Based on the quantitative analysis of that reporting unit, it was determined 
there was no goodwill impairment at December 31, 2018. We had Goodwill 
of $182.7 million as of December 31, 2018.

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.

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, 2018, a valuation allowance of $11.5 
million was recorded against foreign tax loss carryforwards, foreign tax credit 
carryforwards and state credit carryforwards.

Cautionary  Factors  Relevant 
Information

to  Forward-Looking 

This annual report on Form 10-K, including “Management’s Discussion 
and Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of  Operations”  in  Item  7, 
contains 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 strategic plans or growth processes.

Ability to successfully upgrade and evolve our information technology 
systems.

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

Geopolitical and economic uncertainty throughout the world.

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

Ability to develop and commercialize new innovative products and 
services.

Ability to integrate acquisitions, including IPC.

Competition in our business.

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

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

Occurrence of a significant business interruption.

Ability to comply with global laws and regulations.

Unforeseen product liability claims or product quality issues.

Ability to generate sufficient cash to satisfy our debt obligations.

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 

20

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  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 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,  2018  included 
€174,000 of total notional value. As of December 31, 2018, the aggregate 
scheduled interest payments over the course of the loan and related swaps 
amounted to €24,000. The scheduled maturity and principal payment of the 
loan and related swaps of €150,000 are due in April 2022. There were no new 
cross currency swaps designated as cash flow hedges as of December 31, 
2018.

For further information regarding our foreign currency derivatives and 

hedging programs, see Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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.

Table of Contents

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 2018, 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 2019.

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 

21

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, 2018 and 2017, 
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, 2018, and the related notes and financial statement schedules 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, 2018, 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, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018, 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, 2018 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of 
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

Change in Accounting Principle

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for revenue in 2018 due to the adoption 
of FASB Accounting Standards Codification (Topic 606), Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

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 28, 2019

22

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

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

Profit (Loss) Before Income Taxes

Income Tax Expense

Net Earnings (Loss) Including Noncontrolling Interest

Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Tennant Company

Net Earnings (Loss) 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.

2018

2017

2016

$

1,123,511

$

1,003,066

$

678,478

445,033

30,739

356,316

387,055

57,978

3,035

(23,342)

(1,100)

(729)

(22,136)

35,842

2,304

33,538

126

603,253

399,813

32,013

334,782

366,795

33,018

2,405

(25,394)

(3,387)

(7,934)

(34,310)

(1,292)

4,913

(6,205)

(10)

33,412

$

(6,195) $

808,572

456,977

351,595

34,738

248,592

283,330

68,265

330

(1,279)

(392)

(433)

(1,774)

66,491

19,877

46,614

—

46,614

1.86

1.82

$

$

(0.35) $

(0.35) $

2.66

2.59

17,940,438

18,338,569

17,695,390

17,695,390

17,523,267

17,976,183

0.85

$

0.84

$

0.81

$

$

$

$

23

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
TENNANT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

(In thousands)

Years ended December 31

Net Earnings (Loss) Including Noncontrolling Interest

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) Income, net of tax

Total Comprehensive Income Including Noncontrolling Interest

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

Comprehensive Income Attributable to Tennant Company

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

2018

2017

2016

$

33,538

$

(6,205) $

46,614

(16,221)

1,745

1,341

168

(467)

(1,437)

(14,871)

18,667

126

28,356

5,868

(7,731)

310

(2,087)

2,884

27,600

21,395

(10)

$

18,541

$

21,405

$

109

(2,248)

(305)

32

504

114

(1,794)

44,820

—

44,820

24

 
 
 
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 $2,516 and $3,241, 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 17)
Equity:

Common Stock, $0.375 par value per share, 60,000,000 shares authorized; 18,125,201 and 17,881,177 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.

25

2018

2017

$

$

85,609
525

58,398
653

207,948
8,222
216,170
135,133
22,141
9,066
468,644
386,641
(223,194)
163,447
15,489
182,671
146,546
15,747
992,544

27,005
98,398
49,453
2,123
71,895
248,874

328,060
21,110
46,018
32,130
427,318
676,192

$

$

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
993,977

30,883
96,082
37,257
2,838
69,447
236,507

345,956
23,867
53,225
35,948
458,996
695,503

6,797
28,550
316,269
(37,194)
314,422
1,930
316,352
992,544

$

6,705
15,089
297,032
(22,323)
296,503
1,971
298,474
993,977

$

$

$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
TENNANT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

(In thousands)

Years ended December 31

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

2018

2017

2016

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

$

33,538

$

(6,205) $

46,614

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
Deferred Income Taxes
Share-Based Compensation Expense
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Returns
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

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 (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
NET INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Year
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH AT END OF YEAR

$

26

32,291
22,129
2,353
—
—
(10,862)
8,314
768
(436)

(7,618)
(16,557)
4,569
12,649
722
(1,383)
(507)
79,970

(18,780)
112
1,416
—
—
(2,775)
4,000
(16,027)

3,926
—
11,000
(38,255)
—
14
—
5,880
—
—
(15,343)
(32,778)
(4,082)
27,083
59,051
86,134

$

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

(20,437)
2,511
667
(1,500)
(354,073)
(2,500)
—
(375,332)

303,000
(303,000)
440,000
(96,248)
(16,482)
311
—
6,875
—
(30)
(14,953)
319,473
2,186
501
58,550
59,051

$

17,891
409
—
—
—
(1,172)
3,875
468
(196)

(9,278)
23
(3,904)
124
(185)
5,427
(2,218)
57,878

(26,526)
615
—
(2,000)
(12,933)
—
285
(40,559)

—
—
15,000
(3,460)
—
—
(12,762)
5,271
686
—
(14,293)
(9,558)
(1,150)
6,611
51,939
58,550

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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.

$
$

$
$

11,132
22,367

$
$

13,542
14,228

$
$

14,172
1,135

— $
$

2,311

— $
$

2,167

5,489
2,045

27

 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

Consolidated Statements of Equity
TENNANT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

Tennant Company Shareholders

Common
Shares

Common
Stock

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

Retained
Earnings

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss

Tennant
Company
Shareholders'
Equity

Noncontrolling
Interest

Total
Equity

Balance, December 31, 2015

17,744,381 $

6,654 $

— $ 293,682 $

(48,129) $

252,207 $

— $ 252,207

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 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

—

—

—

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

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

46,614

—

—

(1,794)

46,614

(1,794)

3,939

3,875

—

—

—

686

(14,293)

—

—

—

—

—

—

4,010

3,875

(14,293)

686

(12,762)

—

—

(6,195)

—

—

27,600

(6,195)

27,600

—

—

—

—

46,614

(1,794)

4,010

3,875

— (14,293)

—

686

— (12,762)

— $ 278,543

(10)

—

(6,205)

27,600

5,545

5,891

—

—

—

—

—

—

(14,953)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

5,617

5,891

—

—

5,617

5,891

(14,953)

— (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

Net Earnings

Other Comprehensive Loss

Issue Stock for Directors,

Employee Benefit and Stock
Plans, net of related tax
withholdings of 9,598 shares

Share-Based Compensation

Dividends paid $0.85 per

Common Share

Recognition of Noncontrolling

Interests

Adjustments to beginning

Retained Earnings resulting
from newly adopted
accounting pronouncements
(see FN 2)

Other

—

—

244,024

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

92

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

5,147

8,314

—

—

—

—

33,412

—

—

—

(15,343)

—

1,168

—

—

(14,871)

33,412

(14,871)

126

33,538

— (14,871)

—

—

—

—

—

—

5,239

8,314

—

—

5,239

8,314

(15,343)

— (15,343)

—

(132)

(132)

1,168

—

—

(35)

1,168

(35)

Balance, December 31, 2018

18,125,201 $

6,797 $

28,550 $ 316,269 $

(37,194) $

314,422 $

1,930 $ 316,352

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

28

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.

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, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was a net loss of $31,831, $15,778 and $44,444, 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 $525 as of December 31, 2018 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.

29

Table of Contents
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, is further described in 
Note 5.

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. 

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 1,392,892 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. Warranty costs are recorded as a component of Selling 
and Administrative Expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. 

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 and no new participants have entered the postretirement medical plan 
since 1998. For further details regarding our pension and profit sharing plans, see Note 15.

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.

30

Table of Contents
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 13 for additional information regarding our hedging activities.

Revenue Recognition – Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised products or services to customers in an amount that reflects the 

consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those products and services. Generally, these criteria are met at the time the product is shipped. 

We also enter into contracts that can include combinations of products and services, which are generally capable of being distinct and are accounted for as 
separate performance obligations. Revenue is recognized net of allowances for returns and any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted 
to governmental authorities.

Further details regarding revenue recognition are discussed in Notes 2 and 4.

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 19.

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 2018, 2017 and 2016, such activities amounted to $8,767, $8,228 and $7,269, 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 
18 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 penalty 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 earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing Net Earnings (Loss) 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 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. 

We have elected to apply the standard on a prospective basis with an adjustment to retained earnings in the first period of adoption. We have also elected 
the package of practical expedients, which permits us not to reassess our prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. 
In addition, we have elected the short-term lease recognition whereby we will not recognize operating lease related assets or liabilities for leases with a lease 
term less than one year. We have also elected to not separate lease and non-lease components for all of our leases. We will not be electing the hindsight 
practical expedient to determine the reasonably certain term of existing leases. 

We are continuing to evaluate the impact of this amended guidance on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We expect the 
adoption of this standard will have a material impact on the consolidated balance sheets for recognition of operating lease related assets and liabilities. We do 
not expect a material impact to the consolidated statements of operations. We are unable to quantify the impact at this time as the lease software required to 
calculate the impact due to the volume of our lease data has not yet been implemented. We are also in the process of implementing controls to ensure compliance 
with the new lease accounting standard. We expect to be complete with implementation activities by the end of the first quarter of 2019 and will provide appropriate 
disclosures at that time.

31

Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

2.  Newly Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

On January 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and all the 
related amendments ("new revenue standard") to all contracts not completed at the date of initial application using the modified retrospective method. The 
cumulative effect of initially applying the new revenue standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings was not material to the company. 
The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods, and there are no 
material differences between the reported results under the new revenue standard and those that would have been reported under legacy U.S. GAAP.

The new revenue standard also required 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. The impact of this provision of the new revenue standard is immaterial to 
our financial statements. The new revenue standard also provided additional clarity that resulted in a reclassification from the Accounts Receivable to Other 
Current Liabilities to reflect a change in the presentation of our sales return reserves on the balance sheet, which were previously recorded net of Accounts 
Receivable. Provisions for estimated sales returns will continue to be recorded at the time the related revenue is recognized.

The  reclassification  from Accounts  Receivable  to  Other  Current  Liabilities  in  accordance  with  the  detail  described  above  impacted  the  Condensed 

Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2018, as follows (in thousands):

ASSETS

Accounts Receivable

Total Current Assets

Total Assets

LIABILITIES

Other Current Liabilities

Total Current Liabilities

Total Liabilities

As Reported

Balance Without
Adoption of
ASC 606

Effect of Change
Higher/(Lower)

$

$

$

$

216,170

$

468,644

992,544

$

71,895

$

248,874

676,192

$

214,858

467,332

991,232

70,583

247,562

674,880

$

$

$

$

$

$

1,312

1,312

1,312

1,312

1,312

1,312

Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory

On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory. The ASU requires 
the tax effects of all intra-entity sales of assets other than inventory to be recognized in the period in which the transaction occurs. The adoption of this ASU 
resulted in a $94 cumulative effect adjustment recorded in Retained Earnings as of the beginning of 2018 that reflects a $1,281 reduction in a long-term deferred 
charge, mostly offset by the establishment of deferred tax assets of $1,187. The reduction in the long-term asset and establishment of the deferred tax asset 
impacted Other Assets and Deferred Income Taxes, respectively, on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Statement of Cash Flows – Restricted Cash

On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash. The ASU requires companies to explain the 
changes in the combined total of restricted and unrestricted balances in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Therefore, amounts generally 
described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents should be combined with unrestricted cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning 
and end of period balances on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. In accordance with the ASU, we adopted the standard on a retrospective 
basis to all periods presented.

Compensation – Retirement Benefits

On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension 
Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. The ASU requires employers to report the service cost component of net pension and postretirement benefit 
costs 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 pension and postretirement benefit costs are required to be presented in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations separately 
from the service cost component in nonoperating expenses. In accordance with the ASU, we adopted the standard on a retrospective basis to all periods 
presented. As a result, we reclassified $5,974 of net benefit costs and $233 of net benefit credits from Selling and Administrative Expense to Other Expense, 
Net on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The 
reclassification represents the other components of net pension and postretirement benefit costs that are now presented in the Condensed Consolidated 
Statements of Operations separately from the service cost in Total Other Expense, Net. As a basis for the retrospective application of the ASU, we used the 
practical expedient that permits us to use the amounts disclosed for the various components of net benefit cost in Note 15.

Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income

On January 1, 2018, we elected to adopt early ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220). The ASU gives 
companies the option to reclassify stranded tax effects caused by the newly enacted legislation referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act") from 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to Retained Earnings. The adoption resulted in a $1,262 cumulative effect adjustment which increased Retained 

32

Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

Earnings as of the beginning of 2018 and reduced the deferred income tax benefits in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss relating to cash flow hedges 
and pension and retiree medical benefits.

Income Taxes

In March 2018, we adopted ASU No. 2018-05, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Amendments to SEC paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 
118. The ASU updates the income tax accounting in U.S. GAAP to reflect the SEC interpretive guidance released on December 22, 2017, when the Tax Act 
was signed into law. Additional information regarding the adoption of this standard is contained in Note 18.

3.  Revision of Prior Period Financial Statements

Subsequent to the issuance of our consolidated financial statements for the quarter and year-to-date periods ended September 30, 2018, management 
identified misclassifications between Cost of Sales and Selling and Administrative Expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. As a result of revising 
prior period financial statement amounts for these misclassifications, Cost of Sales increased $4,608 and Selling and Administrative Expense decreased $4,608
for the year ended December 31, 2017.  There were no misclassifications identified for the year ended December 31, 2016.  These revisions had no impact on 
Profit (Loss) Before Income Taxes. The revisions also had no impact on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, Consolidated Statements of 
Equity, Consolidated Balance Sheets, or Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow. Management evaluated the materiality of the revisions from a quantitative and 
qualitative perspective and concluded that the revisions are immaterial to our consolidated financial statements. 

Revisions to amounts in previously filed quarterly financial statements from 2018 and 2017 are reflected in Note 22. 

4.  Revenue from Contracts with Customers

Under the new revenue standard, revenue is recognized when control transfers under the terms of the contract with our customers. Revenue is measured 
as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. Sales and other taxes we collect concurrent with 
revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue. We do not account for shipping and handling as a distinct performance obligation as we generally 
perform shipping and handling activities after we transfer control of goods to the customer. We have elected to account for shipping and handling costs associated 
with outbound freight after control of goods has transferred to a customer as a fulfillment cost. Incidental items that are immaterial in the context of the contract 
are not recognized as a separate performance obligation. We do not have any significantly extended payment terms as payment is generally received within 
one year of the point of sale.

In general, we transfer control and recognize a sale at the point in time when products are shipped from our manufacturing facilities both direct to consumers 
and to distributors. Service revenue is recognized in the period the service is performed or ratably over the period of the related service contract. Consideration 
related to service contracts is deferred if the proceeds are received in advance of the satisfaction of the performance obligations and recognized over the contract 
period as the performance obligation is met. We use an output method to measure progress toward completion for certain prepaid service contracts, as this 
method appropriately depicts performance towards satisfaction of the performance obligations.

For contracts with multiple performance obligations (i.e., a product and service component), we allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations 
in proportion to their stand-alone selling prices. We use an observable price to determine the stand-alone selling price for separate performance obligations. 
When allocating on a relative stand-alone selling price basis, any discounts contained within the contract are allocated proportionately to all of the performance 
obligations in the contract.

Disaggregation of Revenue

The following tables illustrate the disaggregation of revenue by geographic area, groups of similar products and services and sales channels for the 

twelve months ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):

Net Sales by geographic area

Americas

Europe, Middle East and Africa

Asia Pacific

Total

Twelve Months Ended

December 31

2018

2017

2016

$

690,996

$

640,274

$

335,603

96,912

273,738

89,054

607,026

129,046

72,500

$

1,123,511

$

1,003,066

$

808,572

Net Sales are attributed to each geographic area based on the end user country and are net of intercompany sales. 

33

Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

Net Sales by groups of similar products and services

Equipment

Parts and Consumables

Specialty Surface Coatings

Service and Other

Total

Net Sales by sales channel

Sales Direct to Consumer

Sales to Distributors

Total

Contract Liabilities

Sales Returns

Twelve Months Ended

December 31

2018

2017

2016

$

729,993

$

636,875

$

222,345

29,827

141,346

202,452

31,407

132,332

$

1,123,511

$

1,003,066

$

491,075

173,632

29,146

114,719

808,572

Twelve Months Ended

December 31

2018

2017

2016

$

$

735,244

$

674,495

388,267

328,571

1,123,511

$

1,003,066

$

$

609,538

199,034

808,572

The right of return may exist explicitly or implicitly with our customers. When the right of return exists, we adjust the transaction price for the estimated 
effect of returns. We estimate the expected returns using the expected value method by assessing historical sales levels and the timing and magnitude of 
historical sales return levels as a percent of sales and projecting this experience into the future.

Sales Incentives

Our sales contracts may contain various customer incentives, such as volume-based rebates or other promotions. We reduce the transaction price for 
certain customer programs and incentive offerings that represent variable consideration. Sales incentives given to our customers are recorded using the most 
likely amount approach for estimating the amount of consideration to which the company will be entitled. We forecast the most likely amount of the incentive to 
be paid at the time of sale, update this forecast quarterly, and adjust the transaction price accordingly to reflect the new amount of incentives expected to be 
earned by the customer. A majority of our customer incentives are settled within one year. We record our accruals for volume-based rebates and other promotions 
in Other Current Liabilities on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. 

The change in our sales incentive accrual balance for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 was as follows:

Beginning balance

Additions to sales incentive accrual

Contract payments

Foreign currency fluctuations

Ending balance

Deferred Revenue

Twelve Months Ended

December 31

2018

$

$

13,466

30,458

(26,992)

(280)

16,652

We sell separately priced prepaid contracts to our customers where we receive payment at the inception of the contract and defer recognition of the 
consideration received because we have to satisfy future performance obligations. Our deferred revenue balance is primarily attributed to prepaid maintenance 
contracts on our machines ranging from 12 months to 60 months. In circumstances where prepaid contracts are sold simultaneously with machines, we use an 
observable price to determine stand-alone selling price for separate performance obligations. 

34

Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

The change in the deferred revenue balance for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 was as follows:

Beginning balance

Increase in deferred revenue representing our obligation to satisfy future performance obligations

Decrease in deferred revenue for amounts recognized in Net Sales for satisfied performance obligations

Foreign currency fluctuations

Ending balance

Twelve Months Ended

December 31

2018

$

$

7,787

14,650

(13,755)

(157)

8,525

At December 31, 2018, $5,021 and $3,504 of deferred revenue was reported in Other Current Liabilities and Other Liabilities, respectively, on our Condensed 

Consolidated Balance Sheets. Of this, we expect to recognize the following approximate amounts in Net Sales in the following periods:

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Thereafter

Total

$

5,021

1,865

1,044

442

153

—

$

8,525

At December 31, 2017, $5,815 and $2,483 of deferred revenue was reported in Other Current Liabilities and Other Liabilities, respectively, on our Condensed 

Consolidated Balance Sheets. 

Practical Expedients and Exemptions

We generally expense the incremental costs of obtaining a contract when incurred because the amortization period would be less than one year. These 
costs relate primarily to sales commissions and are recorded in Selling and Administrative Expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

We do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original expected length of one year or less. In addition, we do 
not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component if we expect, at contract inception, that the period between 
when we transfer a promised good or service to a customer and when the customer pays for that good or service will be one year or less.

5. 

Investment in Joint Venture

On February 13, 2017, the Company, through a Dutch subsidiary, together with Future Cleaning Technologies, B.V., a company headquartered in the 
Netherlands, announced the January 1, 2017 formation of i-team North America B.V., a joint venture that operates 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 2018, this amount was immaterial.

As of December 31, 2018, the carrying value of the company's investment in the joint venture was $32. 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.

6.   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 estimated the savings would offset the pre-tax charge approximately one year from the date of the action. 
No 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 7 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 estimated the savings would offset the pre-tax charge approximately one year from the date of the action. 

35

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

During the fourth quarter of 2018, we implemented a restructuring action consisting of severance to further our integration efforts related to the IPC Group. 
The pre-tax charge of $1,032 was included within Selling and Administrative Expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The charge impacted our 
EMEA and APAC operating segments. We estimate the savings will offset the pre-tax charge approximately one year from the date of the action. 

A reconciliation to the ending liability balance of severance and related costs as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

2017 restructuring actions

Cash payments

Foreign currency adjustments

December 31, 2017 Balance

2018 charges and utilization:

New charges

Cash payments

Foreign currency adjustments

December 31, 2018 Balance

7.  Acquisitions and Divestitures

Waterstar

Severance and
Related Costs

9,558

(6,312)

190

3,436

1,032

(2,123)

(97)

2,248

$

$

During the third quarter of 2018, we sold substantially all of the assets of our Waterstar business for $4,000 in cash. The resulting gain was approximately 

$1,000 and is reflected within Selling and Administrative Expense in operating profit in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

IP Cleaning S.p.A.

On April 6, 2017, we acquired nearly 100 percent of the outstanding capital stock of 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 11.

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

36

Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

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

7,456

2,247

63,890

26,753

123,061

9,631

2,000

321,464

32,227

18,130

56,950

10,964

118,271

203,193

(1,896)

152,472

353,769

Based on the final fair value measurement of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, we allocated $152,472 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. In connection with the finalization 
of the fair value measurements in the first quarter of 2018, we recorded a measurement period adjustment, which increased goodwill by $4,627 with offsetting 
adjustments to various income tax assets and liabilities.

The final 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 $20,794 in Selling and Administrative Expense on our 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for these acquired intangible assets for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018.

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

37

2017

2016

1,057,127

$

1,013,710

1,003,066

808,572

12,288

$

(6,195)

30,412

46,614

0.68

$

(0.35)

1.69

2.59

$

$

$

Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

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 and amortization expense related to the fair value of the property, plant and equipment and identified intangible assets;

Exclusion of the purchase accounting impact of the inventory step-up 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; and

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

8. 

Inventories

Inventories as of December 31 consisted of the following:

Inventories carried at LIFO:

Finished goods

Raw materials, production parts and work-in-process

Excess of FIFO over LIFO cost (a)

Total LIFO inventories

Inventories carried at FIFO:

Finished goods

Raw materials, production parts and work-in-process

Total FIFO inventories

Total inventories

2018

2017

48,607

$

28,581

(31,199)

45,989

$

43,439

23,694

(28,429)

38,704

53,520

35,624

89,144

135,133

$

$

$

54,161

34,829

88,990

127,694

$

$

$

$

$

(a)   Inventories of  $45,989 as of December 31, 2018, and $38,704 as of December 31, 2017, were valued at LIFO. The difference between replacement 
cost and the stated LIFO inventory value is not materially different from the reserve for the LIFO valuation method.

9.  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 $32,291 in 2018, $26,199 in 2017 and $17,891 in 2016. 

38

2018

2017

$

17,857

$

93,729

154,118

111,219

9,718

386,641

(223,194)

18,152

96,230

151,645

107,312

9,429

382,768

(202,750)

$

163,447

$

180,018

Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

10.  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, 2018, 2017 and 2016, 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 more likely than not that the fair value of the North America, Latin America, EMEA 
and APAC reporting units was less than its respective carrying amount. We elected to perform a quantitative analysis of the Coatings reporting unit.  Based on 
the quantitative analysis of that reporting unit, it was determined there was no goodwill impairment at December 31, 2018.

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

Balance as of December 31, 2016

Additions

Purchase accounting adjustments

Foreign currency fluctuations

Balance as of December 31, 2017

Additions

Purchase accounting adjustments

Foreign currency fluctuations

Balance as of December 31, 2018

Goodwill

Accumulated
Impairment
Losses

58,397

$

(37,332) $

147,845

(1,865)

22,847

—

—

(3,848)

Total

21,065

147,845

(1,865)

18,999

227,224

$

(41,180) $

186,044

—

4,627

(10,141)

—

—

2,142

—

4,627

(8,000)

221,710

$

(39,038) $

182,671

$

$

$

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

Balance as of December 31, 2018

Original cost

Accumulated amortization

Carrying amount

Weighted-average original life (in years)

Balance as of December 31, 2017

Original cost

Accumulated amortization

Carrying amount

Weighted-average original life (in years)

Customer Lists

Trade
Names

Technology

Total

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

143,059

(33,714)

109,345

15

149,355

(17,870)

131,485

15

$

$

$

$

30,592

(5,327)

25,265

10

31,968

(2,436)

29,532

10

$

$

$

$

17,436

(5,500)

11,936

10

14,589

(3,259)

11,330

11

191,087

(44,541)

146,546

195,912

(23,565)

172,347

The purchase accounting adjustments recorded during the first quarter of 2018 were based on the fair value adjustments related to our acquisition of the 

IPC Group, as described further in Note 7. 

In 2018, our purchased intangible assets were $2,775, which was primarily due to a technology license. The license was recorded in Intangible Assets, 

Net as technology on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018.

Amortization expense on Intangible Assets was $22,129, $17,054 and $409 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, 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:

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Thereafter

Total

11.  Debt

Credit Facility Borrowings

2017 Credit Agreement

$

21,297

19,873

18,092

15,913

14,352

57,019

$

146,546

In 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 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 4.00 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, 2018. 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, 2018. 

In October 2018, the Company signed Amendment No. 1 to the 2017 Credit Agreement, which clarified that the adoption of the new lease accounting 

standard in 2019 would have no effect on any financial covenant calculations.  

Effective with our fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, we are 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.

Our Senior Notes also contain certain restrictions, which are generally less restrictive than those contained in the 2017 Credit Agreement.

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 23.

The Notes will mature on May 1, 2025. Interest on the Notes accrues at the rate of 5.625% per annum and is 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 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 make 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.

40

Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

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 original Senior Notes for 
new registered notes (the "Exchange Notes"), with terms substantially identical in all material respects with the Original 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 Senior Notes.

On January 22, 2018, we commenced the exchange offer required by the Registration Rights Agreement. The exchange offer closed on February 23, 
2018. We did not incur any additional indebtedness as a result of the exchange offer. As a result, we were not required to pay additional interest on the Senior 
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.

Debt outstanding at December 31, consisted of the following:

Bank Borrowings

Senior Unsecured Notes

Credit Facility Borrowings

Capital Lease Obligations

Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs

Total Debt

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

Long-term portion

2018

2017

$

3,926

$

300,000

53,000

2,863

(4,724)

355,065

(27,005)

—

300,000

80,000

3,279

(6,440)

376,839

(30,883)

$

328,060

$

345,956

(1) 

Current maturities of debt include $25,927 of current maturities, less $184 of unamortized debt issuance costs, under our 2017 Credit Agreement 
and $1,262 of current maturities of capital lease obligations.

As of December 31, 2018, we had outstanding borrowings under our Senior Unsecured Notes of $300,000. We had outstanding borrowings under our 
2017 Credit Agreement, totaling $22,000 under our term loan facility and $31,000 under our revolving facility. In addition, we had letters of credit and bank 
guarantees outstanding in the amount of $3,279, leaving approximately $165,721 of unused borrowing capacity on our revolving facility. Although we are only 
required to make a minimum principal payment of $6,875 during 2019, we have both the intent and the ability to pay an additional $15,125 during 2019. As 
such, we have classified $22,000 as current maturities of long-term debt. Commitment fees on unused lines of credit for the year ended December 31, 2018 
were $595. The overall weighted average cost of debt is approximately 5.4% and, net of a related cross-currency swap instrument, is approximately 4.5%. 
Further details regarding the cross-currency swap instrument are discussed in Note 13.

The aggregate maturities of our outstanding debt, excluding unamortized debt issuance costs, as of December 31, 2018, are as follows:

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Thereafter

Total aggregate maturities

$

$

12,066

10,297

6,255

31,171

—

300,000

359,789

41

 
Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

12.  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

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

13.  Derivatives

Hedge Accounting and Hedging Programs

2018

2017

$

12,763

$

13,062

5,021

16,652

4,475

2,248

13,117

4,557

$

71,895

$

14,760

12,676

5,815

13,466

3,208

4,267

10,779

4,476

69,447

2018

2017

2016

$

12,676

$

10,960

$

13,172

—

(172)

12,124

1,208

274

(12,614)

(11,890)

$

13,062

$

12,676

$

10,093

12,413

42

82

(11,670)

10,960

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, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the notional amounts of foreign currency forward exchange contracts outstanding not designated as hedging 
instruments were $63,410 and $60,858, 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, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

42

Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

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 $0 and $2,928 as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The notional amount 
of outstanding foreign currency option contracts designated as cash flow hedges was $8,436 and $8,619 as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017,  
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 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, 2018 included €174,000 of total notional value. As of December 31, 
2018, the aggregate scheduled interest payments over the course of the loan and related swaps amounted to €24,000. The scheduled maturity and principal 
payment of the loan and related swaps of €150,000 are due in April 2022. There were no new cross currency swaps designated as cash flow hedges as of 
December 31, 2018.

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)

2018

2017

Fair Value
Asset
Derivatives

Fair Value
Liability
Derivatives

Fair Value
Asset
Derivatives

Fair Value
Liability
Derivatives

$

$

245

$

— $

86

$

6,987

25,415

7,218

—

34,961

223

$

— $

442

$

425

(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, 2018, we anticipate reclassifying approximately $2,367 of gains from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to net earnings during 

the next 12 months.

43

Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

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:

Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:

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

Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings(2)

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

2018

2017

2016

Foreign
Currency
Option
Contracts

Foreign
Currency
Forward
Contracts

Foreign
Currency
Option
Contracts

Foreign
Currency
Forward
Contracts

Foreign
Currency
Option
Contracts

Foreign
Currency
Forward
Contracts

$

100

$

9,025

$

(193) $ (16,226) $

(259) $

(73)

(110)

(18)

(178)

(37)

(148)

—

—

8

1,870

—

1,198

—

6,353

12

—

(13)

(12,555)

10

—

(11)

7

—

—

2

Net loss recognized in earnings(3)

$

— $

(2,518) $

— $

(6,161) $

— $

(890)

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

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

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

Classified in Net Foreign Currency Transaction Losses.

14.  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, 2018 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

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

$

$

$

$

7,210

245

7,455

25,415

25,415

$

$

$

$

— $

—

— $

— $

— $

7,210

245

7,455

25,415

25,415

$

$

$

$

—

—

—

—

—

44

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

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

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

$

$

$

$

7,660

86

7,746

35,386

35,386

$

$

$

$

— $

—

— $

— $

— $

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 13.

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.

15.  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 $11,926, $13,253 and $12,108 in 2018, 2017 and 2016, 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. 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. Excess assets were transferred from the Tennant Company Pension Trust to the Tennant Company Retirement 
Savings Plan to deliver future discretionary benefits to plan participants. As of December 31, 2018, we held excess assets of $6,408 for future discretionary 
benefit payments.

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.

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 $8,073, $4,404 and $8,359 during 2018, 2017 and 2016, 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. In December 2018, the 
U.K. Pension Plan was amended to close all future accrual of benefits to existing active members, resulting in a curtailment gain of $165 relating to past service 
benefits.

 We expect to contribute approximately $146 to our U.S. Nonqualified Plan, $779 to our U.S. Retiree Plan, $360 to our U.K. Pension Plan and $34 to our 

German Pension Plan in 2019.

45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

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

December 31, 2018 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)

Significant 
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant 
Unobservable 
Inputs
(Level 3)

Fair Value

$

$

6,408

10,842

17,250

$

$

6,408

—

6,408

$

$

— $

—

— $

—

10,842

10,842

(1) 

This category is comprised of investments in insurance contracts.

Weighted-average asset allocations by asset category of the U.K. Pension Plan and the Tennant Company Retirement Savings Plan 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)

Significant 
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant 
Unobservable 
Inputs
(Level 3)

Fair Value

$

$

6,305

$

11,163

17,468

$

6,305

$

—

6,305

$

— $

—

— $

—

11,163

11,163

(1) 

This category is comprised of investments in insurance contracts.

Estimates of the fair value of the 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 14. 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. 

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

31 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

2018

2017

11,163

$

(856)

1,138

(603)

10,842

$

9,562

(535)

1,190

946

11,163

$

$

The primary objective of our U.K. Pension Plan 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. 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 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

2018

2017

Non-U.S.
Pension Benefits

Postretirement
Medical Benefits

2018

2017

2018

2017

Discount rate

Rate of compensation increase

3.95%

—%

3.28%

—%

2.72%

3.50%

2.45%

3.50%

3.95%

—

3.26%

—

46

 
 
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

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

2018

2017

2016

2018

2017

2016

2018

2017

2016

Discount rate

Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

Rate of compensation increase

3.28%

—%

—%

3.92%

5.10%

—%

4.08%

5.20%

3.00%

2.45%

3.80%

3.50%

2.64%

3.90%

3.50%

3.59%

4.60%

3.50%

3.26%

3.58%

3.70%

—

—

—

—

—

—

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 FTSE (formerly known as Citigroup) Above Median Spot 
Rates for high-quality corporate bonds are 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

2018

2017

$

1,267

$

9,264

950

1,414

11,131

1,013

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

2018

2017

$

2,217

$

—

2,427

—

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the U.S. Nonqualified and the German Pension Plans had an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets. 

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

2018

2017

$

2,217

$

—

2,427

—

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the U.S. Nonqualified 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

2018

2017

6.38%

5.00%

2032

6.56%

5.00%

2032

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

1-Percentage-
Point
Decrease

1-Percentage-
Point
Increase

$

$

(26) $

(599) $

29

672

47

 
 
 
 
 
 
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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:

Change in benefit obligation:

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

$

1,414

$

40,961

$

12,144

$

11,136

$

9,604

$

10,540

U.S. Pension Benefits

Non-U.S.
Pension Benefits

Postretirement
Medical Benefits

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

Service cost

Interest cost

Plan participants' contributions

Plan amendments

Actuarial loss (gain)

Foreign exchange

Benefits paid

Settlement

Curtailment

—

43

—

—

35

—

(149)

(76)

—

Benefit obligation at end of year

$

1,267

$

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

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

$

— $

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

—

225

—

—

—

(149)

(76)

—

—

1,538

—

—

1,811

—

(1,950)

(40,946)

—

1,414

46,389

2,536

276

—

(6,305)

—

(1,950)

(40,946)

—

$

$

Funded status at end of year

$

(1,267) $

(1,414) $

Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:

126

280

13

109

(514)

(583)

(1,196)

—

(165)

10,214

11,163

1,138

327

13

—

(603)

(1,196)

—

10,842

628

$

$

$

$

132

298

14

—

327

1,097

(860)

—

—

12,144

9,562

1,189

313

14

—

945

(860)

—

11,163

$

$

45

293

—

—

(485)

—

(844)

—

—

60

363

—

—

(524)

—

(835)

—

—

8,613

$

9,604

— $

—

844

—

—

—

(844)

—

—

—

—

835

—

—

—

(835)

—

—

(981) $

(8,613) $

(9,604)

—

(771)

(8,833)

(9,604)

—

(41)

(41)

Noncurrent Other Assets

Current Liabilities

Long-Term Liabilities

Net accrued (liability) asset

$

$

— $

— $

1,578

(146)

(1,121)

(140)

(1,274)

(34)

(916)

— $

— $

(36)

(945)

(779)

(7,834)

(1,267) $

(1,414) $

628

$

(981) $

(8,613) $

Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss consist of:

Prior service cost

Net actuarial (loss) gain

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

$

$

— $

— $

(109) $

— $

(852)

(915)

42

(1,245)

(852) $

(915) $

(67) $

(1,245) $

— $

444

444

$

48

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents
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:

U.S. Pension Benefits

Non-U.S.
Pension Benefits

Postretirement
Medical Benefits

2018

2017

2016

2018

2017

2016

2018

2017

2016

Service cost

Interest cost

Expected return on plan assets

Amortization of net actuarial loss

Amortization of prior service cost

Foreign currency

Net periodic benefit cost (credit)

Curtailment

Settlement

$

— $

— $

354

$

1,538

1,659

$

126

280

$

132

298

103

358

$

45

$

60

$

293

363

43

—

49

—

—

92

—

49

(2,336)

(2,400)

(403)

(379)

(452)

43

—

—

(755)

—

6,373

41

41

—

(305)

—

—

38

—

35

76

(165)

—

74

—

(1)

124

—

—

27

—

97

133

—

—

—

—

—

—

338

—

—

—

—

—

—

423

—

—

Net benefit cost (credit)

$

141

$ 5,618

$

(305) $

(89) $

124

$

133

$

338

$

423

$

472

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

2018

2017

2016

2018

2017

2016

2018

2017

2016

Prior service cost

Net actuarial loss (gain)

Amortization of prior service cost

Amortization of net actuarial loss

Settlement

$

— $

— $

— $

109

$

— $

— $

— $

— $

35

—

(49)

(49)

1,611

—

(43)

(6,373)

633

(41)

(41)

—

(1,249)

(465)

1,718

(485)

(524)

(19)

(38)

—

—

(74)

—

—

(27)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Total recognized in other comprehensive

(income) loss

Total recognized in net benefit cost (credit) and

other comprehensive (income) loss

$

$

(63) $ (4,805) $

551

$ (1,197) $

(539) $ 1,691

78

$

813

$

246

$ (1,286) $

(415) $ 1,824

$

$

(485) $

(524) $

(147) $

(101) $

478

76

396

—

—

—

—

472

—

—

—

6

—

—

—

6

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

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024 to 2028

Total

U.S. Pension
Benefits

Non-U.S.
Pension Benefits

Postretirement
Medical Benefits

$

$

$

146

138

129

121

112

468

1,114

$

$

243

249

257

265

275

1,511

2,800

$

779

830

752

755

715

3,424

7,255

The following amounts are included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss as of December 31, 2018 and are expected to be recognized 

as components of net periodic benefit cost during 2019:

Net actuarial loss

Transition obligation

49

Pension
Benefits

$

Postretirement
Medical
Benefits

104

$

4

—

—

 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

16.  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 Consolidated Statements of 

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

2018

2017

2016

$

$

(31,831) $

(15,778) $

(332)

(5,031)

(1,610)

(4,935)

(37,194) $

(22,323) $

(44,444)

(5,391)

(88)

(49,923)

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, 2017

Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications

Amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Adjustments to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss for
disproportionate income tax effects recognized from the adoption of
ASU 2018-02

Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income

December 31, 2018

$

$

(15,778) $

(16,053)

—

—

(16,053)

(31,831) $

(1,610) $

(4,935) $

1,293

122

(137)

1,278

9,125

(8,095)

(1,126)

(96)

(332) $

(5,031) $

(22,323)

(5,635)

(7,973)

(1,263)

(14,871)

(37,194)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss associated with pension and postretirement benefits and cash flow hedges are included in Notes 15 and 13, 

respectively.

17.  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 2028 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 $23,348, $21,566 and 
$18,640 in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The minimum rentals for aggregate lease commitments as of December 31, 2018 were as follows:

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Thereafter

Total

$

15,200

8,973

5,535

3,592

2,636

4,215

$

40,151

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 $14,043, of which we have guaranteed $8,404. As of December 31, 2018, we have recorded a liability for the estimated end-of-term loss related to this residual 
value guarantee of $243 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.

50

Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

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.

As of December 31, 2018, we hold a note receivable of $5,360, including accrued interest, on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. There is some uncertainty 

about the collectability of this note receivable; however, we are not able to determine an appropriate allowance, if any, as of December 31, 2018.

18.  Income Taxes

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was signed into law. The Tax Act made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code which included a lowering 
of the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, accelerated expensing of qualified capital investments for a specific 
period, limitations of the deductibility of interest expense and executive compensation, and a transition from a worldwide to a territorial tax system, which required 
companies to pay a one-time transition tax on certain unrepatriated earnings from foreign subsidiaries.

ASC 740, Income Taxes, requires a company to record the effects of a tax law change in the period of enactment. ASU 2018-05 allowed a company to 
record a provisional amount when it did 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 could not extend beyond one year. In the fourth quarter of 2017, we included a provisional amount for the one-time transition tax on certain 
unrepatriated earnings. The accounting for the income tax effect of the one-time transition tax on certain unrepatriated earnings was finalized in the third quarter 
of 2018, impacting the year-to-date overall effective tax rate by (1.3)%. In the fourth quarter of 2017, we remeasured our deferred taxes at the reduced corporate 
tax rate of 21% and recognized the change as a discrete income tax expense. 

The accounting for the remeasurement of the deferred taxes and transition tax was finalized in the third quarter of 2018. Adjustments to the provisional 
amounts were not material to the consolidated financial statements. The accounting for the income tax effects of the Tax Act is complete as of December 31, 
2018.

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

2018

2017

2016

23,913

11,929

35,842

$

$

7,465

$

(8,757)

(1,292) $

54,018

12,473

66,491

2018

2017

2016

3,731

$

2,590

$

7,030

1,033

8,701

812

11,794

$

12,103

(3,135) $

(6,012)

(343)

1,640

(8,699)

(131)

$

$

(9,490) $

(7,190) $

596

$

4,230

$

1,018

690

2

681

2,304

$

4,913

$

15,962

3,035

1,859

20,856

(472)

(434)

(73)

(979)

15,490

2,601

1,786

19,877

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

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. Accordingly, no deferred taxes have been 
provided for withholding taxes or other taxes that would result upon repatriation of our approximately $1,572 of undistributed earnings from foreign 
subsidiaries to the United States as those earnings continue to be permanently reinvested.

51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

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 2017 deferred rate change

Transition Tax

Effect of changes in valuation allowances

Domestic production activities deduction

Share-based payments

Research & Development credit

Other, net

Effective income tax rate

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

2018

2017

2016

21.0%

35.0 %

35.0%

1.4

(4.3)

(4.2)

(1.0)

(1.0)

6.6

0.4

(5.7)

(3.6)

(3.2)

(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

6.4%

(380.2)%

29.9%

2018

2017

Deferred Tax Assets:

Inventories, principally due to changes in inventory reserves

$

3,335

$

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

$

$

$

$

11,642

2,610

1,728

7,765

4,708

4,712

36,500

(11,519)

24,981

$

$

9,882

45,628

55,510

$

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

(30,529) $

(42,091)

Tax credit carryforwards consist of $1,812 foreign tax credits, $1,268 state tax credits, and $1,628 of Netherlands tax credits. We have non-U.S. cumulative 
tax losses of $35,593 in various countries. Cumulative losses can be used to offset the income tax liabilities on future income in these countries. $18,649 of 
these losses have unlimited carryforward periods. $16,944 of these losses have a limited carryforward period which must be utilized during 2019 to 2026.

The valuation allowance at December 31, 2018 principally applies to the Netherlands tax loss and tax credit carryforwards, a Sweden tax loss carryforward, 
and state 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 valuation allowance for the 
remaining tax loss carryforwards 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.

52

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

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 a prior period

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

2018

2017

$

2,232

$

2,477

74

370

3,833

—

(1,274)

418

—

329

236

(68)

(770)

28

$

5,653

$

2,232

Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2018 and 2017 are potential benefits of $5,473 and $1,992, 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 $5,653 and $2,232 for unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, there was approximately $416 and $482, 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 2015 and, with limited exceptions, state and foreign income tax examinations for taxable 
years before 2014.

The Internal Revenue Service completed its examination of the U.S. income tax return for the 2015 tax year during the third quarter of 2018. The IRS's 
adjustments to certain tax positions were not material. 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.

19.  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, 2018, there were 897,315 shares reserved for issuance under the 2007 Plan and the 2010 Plan for outstanding compensation awards. 
There were 761,382 shares available for issuance under the 2017 Plan for current and future equity awards as of December 31, 2018. 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 $8,314, $5,891 and $3,875, respectively, during the years ended 2018, 2017 and 2016. The 
total excess tax benefit recognized for share-based compensation arrangements during the years ended 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $2,060, $1,168 and $686, 
respectively.

53

Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

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 term 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 2018, 2017 and 2016 grants:

Expected volatility

Weighted-average expected volatility

Expected dividend yield

Weighted-average expected dividend yield

Expected term, in years

Risk-free interest rate

2018

25%

25%

1.2%

1.2%

5

2017

25 - 26%

26%

2016

29 -32%

32%

1.2 - 1.3%

1.3 - 1.5%

1.3%

5

1.3%

5

2.6 - 2.9%

1.7 - 2.0%

1.1 - 1.4%

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 retirement definition set forth in the 2017 and 2010 Plans.

The following table summarizes the activity during the year ended December 31, 2018 for stock option awards:

Outstanding at beginning of year

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding at end of year

Exercisable at end of year

Shares

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

1,135,608

$

202,623

(223,352)

(30,312)

1,084,567

711,499

$

$

47.47

67.85

26.33

66.06

55.11

48.94

The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $16.07, $16.39 and 
$13.61, respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $10,305, $4,450 and 
$3,408, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2018 was $5,987. The weighted-average remaining 
contractual life for options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2018 was 5.9 years and 4.5 years, respectively. As of December 31, 2018, there 
was unrecognized compensation cost for nonvested options of $1,944, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 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.

54

 
 
Table of Contents
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, 2018 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

99,789

$

16,377

(14,384)

(1,561)

100,221

$

53.11

67.70

68.00

67.39

53.52

The total fair value of restricted stock units vested during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $978, $1,463 and $1,970, respectively. 
As of December 31, 2018, there was $1,196 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock units which is expected to be 
recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 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, 2018 for nonvested performance share awards:

Nonvested at beginning of year

Granted

Forfeited

Nonvested at end of year

Shares

Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair
Value

123,024

$

47,997

(43,974)

127,047

$

63.09

67.84

66.23

63.80

The total fair value of performance shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $1,240 and $1,703, respectively. No performance 
shares vested during the year ended December 31, 2018. As of December 31, 2018, we expect to recognize $3,287 of total compensation costs over a weighted-
average period of 1.8 years.

Restricted Stock Units

We grant restricted stock units to employees and non-employee directors, 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 of our restricted stock units. 
Expenses on these awards are recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the award.

The following table summarizes the activity during the year ended December 31, 2018 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

43,125

$

83,380

(15,427)

(9,123)

101,955

$

64.67

66.83

58.27

66.60

67.23

The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $899 and $962, respectively. As of December 31, 2018, 
there was $4,473 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested shares which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 
2.0 years. 

55

 
Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

Share-Based Liabilities

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, we had $213 and $175 in total share-based liabilities recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively. 

During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, we paid out $32, $45 and $62 related to share-based liability awards, respectively.

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

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

as follows:

Numerator:

2018

2017

2016

Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Tennant Company

$

33,412

$

(6,195) $

46,614

Denominator:

Basic - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

Effect of dilutive securities

Diluted - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

Basic Earnings (Loss) per Share

Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share

17,940,438

17,695,390

17,523,267

398,131

—

452,916

18,338,569

17,695,390

17,976,183

$

$

1.86

1.82

$

$

(0.35) $

(0.35) $

2.66

2.59

Excluded from the dilutive securities shown above were options to purchase and shares to be paid out under share-based compensation plans of 293,356, 
711,212 and 356,598 shares of common stock during 2018, 2017 and 2016, 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.

21.  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

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

2018

2017

2016

$

690,996

$

640,274

$

335,603

96,912

273,738

89,054

$

1,123,511

$

1,003,066

$

607,026

129,046

72,500

808,572

2018

2017

2016

$

$

118,609

$

132,659

$

134,737

385,659

4,145

422,338

4,731

19,606

4,334

508,413

$

559,728

$

158,677

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. 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 
$355,460 and $393,917, respectively, at December 31, 2018 and 2017, as a result of our acquisition of IPC Group. We did not have long-lived assets located 

56

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

in Italy for 2016. 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

2018

2017

2016

$

729,993

$

636,875

$

222,345

141,346

29,827

202,452

132,332

31,407

$

1,123,511

$

1,003,066

$

491,075

173,632

114,719

29,146

808,572

22.  Consolidated Quarterly Data (Unaudited)

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

2018

Q1

Q2

Q3

$

$

$

272,847

109,116 (a)

3,274

0.18

0.18

$

$

$

292,197

117,225 (a)

12,744

0.71

0.69

$

$

$

273,255

106,509 (a)

9,676

0.54

0.52

$

$

$

Q4

285,212

112,172

7,717

0.43

0.42

(a) Amounts have been revised for misclassifications between Cost of Sales and Selling and Administrative Expense. See Note 3 for further information.  
Gross Profit was reduced by $1,521, $1,574, and $1,576 for Q1 2018, Q2 2018 and Q3 2018, respectively, and Selling and Administrative Expense was 
decreased by the same amounts during those periods.  

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

2017

Q1

191,059

79,736

(3,957)

(0.22)

(0.22)

$

$

$

Q2

Q3

Q4

$

$

$

270,791

103,130 (a)

(2,591)

(0.15)

(0.15)

$

$

$

261,921

$

279,295

103,081 (a)

113,866 (a)

3,559

0.20

0.20

$

$

(3,206)

(0.18)

(0.18)

(a) Amounts have been revised for misclassifications between Cost of Sales and Selling and Administrative Expense. See Note 3 for further information.  
Gross Profit was reduced by $1,424, $1,523, and $1,661 for Q2 2017, Q3 2017 and Q4 2017, respectively, and Selling and Administrative Expense was 
decreased by the same amounts during those periods.  

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 $0.85 per share in 2018, or $0.21 per share for the first three quarters and $0.22 per share for the last quarter 

of 2018, and $0.84 per share in 2017, or $0.21 per share per quarter.

23.  Separate Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries

The following condensed consolidated 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” or "Guarantor Subsidiaries"), 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 

57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

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, 2018, and the related Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 
2018 and 2017, of Tennant Company ("Parent"), the Guarantor Subsidiaries on a combined basis, the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries on a combined basis and 
elimination entries necessary to consolidate 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.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings

For the year ended December 31, 2018

Parent

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total Tennant
Company

$

494,341

$

634,341

$

570,627

$

(575,798) $

1,123,511

(in thousands)

Net Sales

Cost of Sales

Gross Profit

Operating Expense:

Research and Development Expense

Selling and Administrative Expense

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 Losses

Other (Expense) Income, Net

Total Other Income (Expense), Net

Profit (Loss) Before Income Taxes

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

Net Earnings (Loss) Including Noncontrolling Interest

Net Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

336,398

157,943

24,455

116,528

140,983

16,960

27,409

(20,466)

14,597

(370)

(2,288)

18,882

35,842

2,304

33,538

126

533,800

100,541

1,090

76,623

77,713

22,828

2,249

—

(5,760)

(21)

(2,434)

(5,966)

16,862

4,022

12,840

—

383,010

187,617

5,194

161,911

167,105

20,512

5,374

196

(8,837)

(709)

2,862

(1,114)

19,398

388

19,010

126

(574,730)

(1,068)

—

1,254

1,254

(2,322)

(35,032)

(37)

—

—

1,131

(33,938)

(36,260)

(4,410)

(31,850)

(126)

678,478

445,033

30,739

356,316

387,055

57,978

—

(20,307)

—

(1,100)

(729)

(22,136)

35,842

2,304

33,538

126

33,412

Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Tennant Company

$

33,412

$

12,840

$

18,884

$

(31,724) $

58

 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings

For the year ended December 31, 2017

(in thousands)

Net Sales

Cost of Sales

Gross Profit

Operating Expense:

Research and Development Expense

Selling and Administrative Expense

Total Operating Expense

Profit (Loss) 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

(in thousands)

Net Sales

Cost of Sales

Gross Profit

Operating Expense:

Research and Development Expense

Selling and Administrative Expense

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

Parent

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total Tennant
Company

$

454,703

$

594,405

$

471,559

$

(517,601) $

1,003,066

311,897

142,806

27,219

110,414

137,633

5,173

12,754

(22,659)

12,519

857

(9,936)

(6,465)

(1,292)

4,913

488,972

105,433

315

78,516

78,831

26,602

2,004

—

(5,776)

—

(736)

(4,508)

22,094

8,070

321,759

149,800

4,479

145,852

150,331

(531)

28,855

(299)

(6,743)

(4,244)

2,841

20,410

19,879

(98)

(519,375)

1,774

—

—

—

1,774

(43,613)

(31)

—

—

(103)

(43,747)

(41,973)

(7,972)

$

$

$

(6,205) $

14,024

$

19,977

$

(34,001) $

(10) $

— $

(10) $

10

$

(6,195) $

14,024

$

19,987

$

(34,011) $

603,253

399,813

32,013

334,782

366,795

33,018

—

(22,989)

—

(3,387)

(7,934)

(34,310)

(1,292)

4,913

(6,205)

(10)

(6,195)

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings

For the year ended December 31, 2016

Parent

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total Tennant
Company

$

455,375

$

587,815

$

290,349

$

(524,967) $

483,075

104,740

199,336

91,013

299,459

155,916

32,378

95,340

127,718

28,198

34,068

(1,204)

7,157

648

(2,376)

38,293

66,491

19,877

429

74,643

75,072

29,668

2,192

—

(5,570)

(652)

(573)

(4,603)

25,065

9,443

(524,893)

(74)

—

—

—

(74)

(36,260)

—

—

—

—

(36,260)

(36,334)

(11,870)

$

(24,464) $

1,931

78,609

80,540

10,473

—

255

(1,587)

(388)

2,516

796

11,269

2,427

8,842

808,572

456,977

351,595

34,738

248,592

283,330

68,265

—

(949)

—

(392)

(433)

(1,774)

66,491

19,877

46,614

Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Tennant Company

$

46,614

$

15,622

$

59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended December 31, 2018

(in thousands)

Parent

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total Tennant
Company

Net Earnings (Loss) Including Noncontrolling Interest

$

33,538

$

12,840

$

19,010

$

(31,850) $

33,538

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 (Loss) Income, net of tax

Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) Including Noncontrolling Interest

Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

(16,221)

1,745

1,341

168

(467)

(1,437)

(14,871)

18,667

126

(961)

(21,422)

—

—

—

—

—

(961)

11,879

—

1,197

—

168

(205)

—

(20,262)

(1,252)

126

22,383

(1,197)

—

(168)

205

—

21,223

(10,627)

(126)

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Tennant Company

$

18,541

$

11,879

$

(1,378) $

(10,501) $

(16,221)

1,745

1,341

168

(467)

(1,437)

(14,871)

18,667

126

18,541

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended December 31, 2017

(in thousands)

Net (Loss) 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

Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax

Total Comprehensive Income Including Noncontrolling Interest

Comprehensive Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

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)

1,215

—

—

—

—

—

1,215

15,239

—

2,960

538

—

310

(99)

—

3,709

23,686

(10)

(4,175)

(538)

—

(310)

99

—

(4,924)

(38,925)

10

28,356

5,868

(7,731)

310

(2,087)

2,884

27,600

21,395

(10)

21,405

Comprehensive Income

$

21,405

$

15,239

$

23,696

$

(38,935) $

60

Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

(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

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

270

—

—

—

—

—

3,534

(1,691)

—

32

296

—

2,171

(3,804)

1,691

—

(32)

(296)

—

(2,441)

109

(2,248)

(305)

32

504

114

(1,794)

44,820

Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Earnings, net of tax

(1,794)

270

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

$

44,820

$

15,892

$

11,013

$

(26,905) $

61

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 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
Total Liabilities and Total Equity

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2018

Parent

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total
Tennant
Company

1,610
—
94,763
148,961
13,381
782
396
259,893
12,677
(6,913)
5,764
3,072
12,142
—
1,726
2,684
(2)
285,279

$

$

— $

4,982
—
16,890
—
17,939
39,811

—
128,000
2,015
—
2,899
132,914
172,725

—
77,551
36,633
(1,630)
112,554
—
112,554
285,279

$

59,220
525
120,541
—
94,680
9,282
3,735
287,983
144,138
(56,937)
87,201
8,382
20,768
3,205
168,075
139,850
8,762
724,226

5,189
52,425
29,477
18,616
1,984
31,390
139,081

1,600
173,555
8,054
46,018
4,583
233,810
372,891

11,131
399,459
(2,532)
(58,653)
349,405
1,930
351,335
724,226

$

$

$

$

— $
—
—
(178,937)
(10,082)
(488)
—
(189,507)
—
—
—
—
(453,807)
(304,760)
—
—
—
(948,074) $

— $
—
(178,937)
—
(667)
179
(179,425)

—
(304,760)
—
—
—
(304,760)
(484,185)

(11,131)
(477,010)
(34,101)
60,283
(461,959)
(1,930)
(463,889)
(948,074) $

85,609
525
216,170
—
135,133
22,141
9,066
468,644
386,641
(223,194)
163,447
15,489
—
—
182,671
146,546
15,747
992,544

27,005
98,398
—
49,453
2,123
71,895
248,874

328,060
—
21,110
46,018
32,130
427,318
676,192

6,797
28,550
316,269
(37,194)
314,422
1,930
316,352
992,544

$

$

$

$

24,779
—
866
29,976
37,154
12,565
4,935
110,275
229,826
(159,344)
70,482
4,035
420,897
301,555
12,870
4,012
6,987
931,113

21,816
40,991
149,460
13,947
806
22,387
249,407

326,460
3,205
11,041
—
24,648
365,354
614,761

6,797
28,550
316,269
(37,194)
314,422
1,930
316,352
931,113

$

$

$

$

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 Tennant Company Shareholders’ Equity

Noncontrolling Interest
Total Equity
Total Liabilities and Total Equity

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2017

Parent

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total
Tennant
Company

507
—
88,629
133,778
12,695
1,172
—
236,781
12,155
(6,333)
5,822
2,669
11,273
—
1,739
2,898
—
261,182

$

$

— $

3,018
1,963
10,355
—
15,760
31,096

—
128,000
3,992
—
2,483
134,475
165,571

—
72,483
23,797
(669)
95,611
—
95,611
261,182

$

39,422
653
120,204
—
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
745,838

1,470
53,137
51,481
18,591
2,472
33,504
160,655

1,809
181,805
8,715
53,225
1,677
247,231
407,886

11,131
384,460
(21,219)
(38,391)
335,981
1,971
337,952
745,838

$

$

$

$

— $
—
—
(187,222)
(8,993)
—
—
(196,215)
—
—
—
—
(424,570)
(309,805)
—
—
—
(930,590) $

— $
—
(187,222)
—
—
—
(187,222)

—
(309,805)
—
—
—
(309,805)
(497,027)

(11,131)
(456,943)
(2,578)
39,060
(431,592)
(1,971)
(433,563)
(930,590) $

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
236,507

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

$

$

$

$

18,469
—
683
53,444
29,450
8,774
4,030
114,850
225,064
(146,320)
78,744
1,308
392,486
304,822
12,869
2,105
10,363
917,547

29,413
39,927
133,778
8,311
366
20,183
231,978

344,147
—
11,160
—
31,788
387,095
619,073

6,705
15,089
297,032
(22,323)
296,503
1,971
298,474
917,547

$

$

$

$

63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended December 31, 2018

Parent

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total
Tennant
Company

(in thousands)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

$

68,082

$

1,202

$

10,888

$

(202) $

79,970

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
Proceeds from Sale of Business
Purchases of Intangible Asset
Change in Investments in Subsidiaries
Loan Payments Received by Parent from Subsidiary
Loan Payments Received by Subsidiary from Parent

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from Short-Term Debt
Loan Repayments made to Parent from Subsidiary
Loan Repayments made to Subsidiary from Parent
Change in Subsidiary Equity
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt
Payments of Long-Term Debt
Change in Capital Lease Obligations
Proceeds from Issuances of Common Stock

Dividends Paid

Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash, Cash Equivalents and
Restricted Cash

NET INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND
RESTRICTED CASH
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Year

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH AT END
OF YEAR

(6,832)
21

—
—
(2,500)
(15,622)
1,218
—
(23,715)

—
—
(1,778)
—
11,000
(38,000)
—
5,880

(15,343)

(38,241)

184

6,310
18,469

(99)
—

—
—
—
—
—
—
(99)

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

—

—

—

1,103
507

(11,849)
91

1,416
4,000
(275)
—
—
1,778
(4,839)

3,926
(1,218)
—
15,622
—
(255)
14
—

(202)

17,887

(4,266)

19,670
40,075

—
—

—
—
—
15,622
(1,218)
(1,778)
12,626

—
1,218
1,778
(15,622)
—
—
—
—

202

(12,424)

—

—
—

(18,780)
112

1,416
4,000
(2,775)
—
—
—
(16,027)

3,926
—
—
—
11,000
(38,255)
14
5,880

(15,343)

(32,778)

(4,082)

27,083
59,051

$

24,779

$

1,610

$

59,745

$

— $

86,134

64

Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

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

Parent

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total
Tennant
Company

(in thousands)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES

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
Acquisition of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired
Issuance of Long-Term Note Receivable
Purchase of Intangible Asset
Change in Investments in Subsidiaries
Loan Borrowings (Payments) from Subsidiaries

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
Payments of Long-Term Debt
Proceeds from Issuance 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, CASH EQUIVALENTS
AND RESTRICTED CASH
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Year
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH AT END
OF YEAR

(9,558)
23

—
(304)
—
(2,500)
(199,028)
(159,780)
(371,147)

303,000
(303,000)
4,983
—
(96,142)
440,000
(16,482)
—
6,875
—

(14,953)

324,281
(141)

(20,015)
38,484

—
1

—
—
—
—
—
—
1

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

—

—
—

281
226

(10,879)
2,487

667
(353,769)
(1,500)
—
—
(4,983)
(367,977)

—
—
159,780
199,028
(106)
—
—
311
—
(30)

(809)

358,174
2,327

20,235
19,840

—
—

—
—
—
—
199,028
164,763
363,791

—
—
(164,763)
(199,028)
—
—
—
—
—
—

809

(362,982)
—

—
—

(20,437)
2,511

667
(354,073)
(1,500)
(2,500)
—
—
(375,332)

303,000
(303,000)
—
—
(96,248)
440,000
(16,482)
311
6,875
(30)

(14,953)

319,473
2,186

501
58,550

$

18,469

$

507

$

40,075

$

— $

59,051

65

Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 (In thousands, except shares and per share data)

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

Parent

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total
Tennant
Company

(in thousands)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES

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
Loan Borrowings (Payments) from Subsidiaries
Proceeds from Sale of Business
Change in Investments in Subsidiaries
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Loan (Payments) Borrowings from Parent
Change in Subsidiary Entity
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, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND
RESTRICTED CASH
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Year
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH AT END
OF YEAR

24.  Subsequent Event

(21,507)
377
—
—
8,690
—
(19,594)
(32,034)

—
—
(3,429)
15,000
(12,762)
5,271
686

(14,293)

(9,527)
63

2,649
35,835

(13)
—
(11,539)
—
—
—
—
(11,552)

7,969
3,570
—
—
—
—
—

—

11,539
—

226
—

(5,006)
238
(1,394)
(2,000)
—
285
—
(7,877)

(16,659)
16,024
(31)
—
—
—
—

(598)

(1,264)
(1,213)

3,736
16,104

—
—
—
—
(8,690)
—
19,594
10,904

8,690
(19,594)
—
—
—
—
—

598

(10,306)
—

—
—

(26,526)
615
(12,933)
(2,000)
—
285
—
(40,559)

—
—
(3,460)
15,000
(12,762)
5,271
686

(14,293)

(9,558)
(1,150)

6,611
51,939

$

38,484

$

226

$

19,840

$

— $

58,550

On September 4, 2018, we signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the outstanding capital stock of Hefei Gaomei Cleaning Machines Co., Ltd. 
and 99% of the outstanding capital stock of Anhui Rongen Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd. (collectively "Gaomei"), privately held designers and 
manufacturers of commercial cleaning solutions based in China. The acquisition closed on January 4, 2019. The purchase price includes cash and contingent 
consideration which will be paid out over the next few years.  The purchase price and net assets acquired are not significant to our consolidated financial 
statements.  

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, 2018. Based 
on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial and 
Accounting Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2018, our disclosure 
controls and procedures were effective.

66

  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, without limitation, 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. 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Information required under this item with respect to directors is contained 
in  the  sections  entitled  “Board  of  Directors”  and  “Section  16(a)  Beneficial 
Ownership Reporting Compliance” as part of our 2019 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, 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," “Executive Compensation Information,” and "Pay 
Ratio" as part of our 2019 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 2019 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference. The 
section entitled "Equity Compensation Plan Information" can be found within 
Item 5, Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters 
and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities in Part II hereof.

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

Information required under this item is contained in the sections entitled 
“Director Independence” and “Related-Person Transaction Approval Policy” 
as part of our 2019 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14 – Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Information required under this item is contained in the section entitled 
“Fees Paid to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” as part of our 
2019 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

Table of Contents

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, 2018.

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, 2018 and has issued a report which is included 
in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have completed our testing of the operating effectiveness of internal 
control over financial reporting of our acquired entity, IPC Group. There were 
no  significant  changes  in  the  Company's  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2018 that have materially 
affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal 
control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B – Other Information

None.

PART III

ITEM  10  –  Directors,  Executive  Officers  and  Corporate 
Governance

67

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:

Balance at beginning of year

Charged to costs and expenses

Reclassification(1)

Charged to other accounts(2)

Deductions(3)

Balance at end of year

Sales Returns Reserve:

Balance at beginning of year

Charged to costs and expenses

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

2018

2017

2016

$

2,428

$

375

772

(222)

(837)

2,516

813

688

10

(198)

1,313

4,107

1,916

(139)

(246)

5,638

9,691

2,373

(545)

$

$

$

$

$

$

11,519

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

2,570

1,183

(526)

80

(879)

2,428

$

$

538 (5) $

419 (5)

31 (5)

(175) (5)

813 (5) $

3,644

1,698

183

(1,418)

4,107

6,865

1,634

1,192

9,691

$

$

$

$

2,929

649

—

(4)

(1,004)

2,570

686 (5)

(88) (5)

(15) (5)

(45) (5)

538 (5)

3,540

1,455

(50)

(1,301)

3,644

5,884

1,295

(314)

6,865

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

Includes amount reclassified between Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Other Receivables related to a customer's open receivables balance 
which was resolved in 2018, as well as acquisition-related adjustments.

Primarily includes impact from foreign currency fluctuations.

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.

These balances were included in the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts in 2017 and 2016. Due to the adoption of ASC 606, the Sales Returns Reserve 
is now included in Other Current Liabilities. Please see Note 2 for further discussion.

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

thereto.

68

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

3.  Exhibits

Item #

2.1

3.1

3.2

3.3

4.1

4.2

4.3

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

10.16

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

Restated Articles of Incorporation

Amended and Restated By-Laws

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

Articles of Amendment of Restated Articles of Incorporation of 
Tennant Company

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3iii to the Company's Form
10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018.

Indenture dated as of April 18, 2017

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

Registration Rights Agreement dated April 18, 2017

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

Form 5.625% Senior Note due 2025

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(b)(1) to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed January 8, 2018.

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.

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

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form
10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018.

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10.17

10.18

21

23.1

24.1

31.1

31.2

32.1

32.2

101

Tennant Company Executive Officer Cash Incentive Plan*

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's
Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 20, 2018.

Tennant Company Executive Officer Severance Plan and 
Summary Plan Description*

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's
Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 10, 2018.

Subsidiaries of the Registrant

Consent of KPMG, LLP Independent Registered Public 
Accounting Firm

Powers of Attorney

Filed herewith electronically.

Filed herewith electronically.

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.

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,
2018, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2019, formatted in
Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, (ii) the Consolidated
Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, (iii) the Consolidated
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, (iv) the
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, (v) the Consolidated
Statements of Equity for the years ended December 31, 2018,
2017 and 2016, 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.

70

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

ITEM 16 – Form 10-K Summary

None.

71

Table of Contents

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

Date  

/s/ H. Chris Killingstad
H. Chris Killingstad
President, CEO and
Board of Directors
February 28, 2019

Each of the undersigned hereby appoints H. Chris Killingstad and Mary E. Talbott, 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 Exchange 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

Date  

By

Date  

By

Date  

By

Date  

By

Date  

/s/ H. Chris Killingstad
H. Chris Killingstad
President, CEO and
Board of Directors
February 28, 2019

/s/ Keith A. Woodward
Keith A. Woodward
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
February 28, 2019

/s/ Azita Arvani
Azita Arvani
Board of Directors
February 28, 2019

/s/ William F. Austen
William F. Austen
Board of Directors
February 28, 2019

/s/ Carol S. Eicher
Carol S. Eicher
Board of Directors
February 28, 2019

By

Date

By

Date  

By

Date  

By

Date

/s/ Donal L. Mulligan
Donal L. Mulligan
Board of Directors
February 28, 2019

/s/ Steven A. Sonnenberg
Steven A. Sonnenberg
Board of Directors
February 28, 2019

/s/ David S. Wichmann
David S. Wichmann
Board of Directors
February 28, 2019

/s/ David Windley
David Windley
Board of Directors
February 28, 2019

72