Table of Contents

 
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
FORM 10-Q
[ ü ]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012
OR

[   ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from ___________ to __________
Commission File Number 1-16191
______________________________________
TENNANT COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Minnesota
41-0572550
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

701 North Lilac Drive
P.O. Box 1452
Minneapolis, Minnesota  55440
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
(763) 540-1200
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
______________________________________________
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes
ü
No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes
ü
No

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

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company

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

No
ü
As of October 24, 2012, there were 18,585,300 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
 



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


2

Table of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Financial Statements
TENNANT COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
(In thousands, except shares and per share data)
September 30
 
September 30
 

2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
Net Sales
$
178,268

 
$
186,990

 
$
551,473

 
$
560,839

 
Cost of Sales
100,705

 
106,737

 
309,640

 
325,188

 
Gross Profit
77,563

 
80,253

 
241,833

 
235,651

 
Operating Expense:


 


 


 


 
Research and Development Expense
7,353

 
7,240

 
21,558

 
20,236

 
Selling and Administrative Expense
57,193

 
57,250

 
177,326

 
181,222

 
Gain on Sale of Business
(784
)
 

 
(784
)
 

 
Total Operating Expense
63,762

 
64,490

 
198,100

 
201,458

 
Profit from Operations
13,801

 
15,763

 
43,733

 
34,193

 
Other Income (Expense):


 


 


 


 
Interest Income
229

 
224

 
871

 
476

 
Interest Expense
(640
)
 
(654
)
 
(2,021
)
 
(1,614
)
 
Net Foreign Currency Transaction (Losses) Gains
(385
)
 
(1,390
)
 
(1,496
)
 
49

 
Other Income (Expense), Net
99

 

 
175

 
(33
)
 
Total Other Expense, Net
(697
)
 
(1,820
)
 
(2,471
)
 
(1,122
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Profit Before Income Taxes
13,104

 
13,943

 
41,262

 
33,071

 
Income Tax Expense
4,359

 
4,215

 
13,522

 
11,622

 
Net Earnings
$
8,745

 
$
9,728

 
$
27,740

 
$
21,449

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per Share:


 


 


 


 
Basic
$
0.47

 
$
0.52

 
$
1.49

 
$
1.14

 
Diluted
$
0.46

 
$
0.50

 
$
1.45

 
$
1.10

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
 
 
 
 


 


 
Basic
18,468,546

 
18,741,524

 
18,594,508

 
18,881,132

 
Diluted
19,040,875

 
19,271,074

 
19,154,844

 
19,417,061

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Dividend Declared per Common Share
$
0.17

 
$
0.17

 
$
0.51

 
$
0.51

 
 
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3

Table of Contents

TENNANT COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
(In thousands)
September 30
 
September 30
 

2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
Net Earnings
$
8,745

 
$
9,728

 
$
27,740

 
$
21,449

 
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
1,424

 
(7,614
)
 
(433
)
 
(2,249
)
 
Pension adjustments
246

 
(12
)
 
750

 
1,605

 
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax
1,670

 
(7,626
)
 
317

 
(644
)
 
Comprehensive Income
$
10,415

 
$
2,102

 
$
28,057

 
$
20,805

 

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
TENNANT COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)

September 30,
 
December 31,
 
(In thousands, except shares and per share data)
2012
 
2011
 
ASSETS

 

 
Current Assets:

 

 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
62,699

 
$
52,339

 
Restricted Cash
187

 
3,279

 
Accounts Receivable, less Allowances of $4,778 and $4,828, respectively
124,125

 
128,873

 
Inventories
60,953

 
65,912

 
Prepaid Expenses
11,653

 
10,320

 
Deferred Income Taxes, Current Portion
10,521

 
10,358

 
Other Current Assets
53

 
1,015

 
Total Current Assets
270,191

 
272,096

 
Property, Plant and Equipment
297,496

 
286,949

 
Accumulated Depreciation
(210,608
)
 
(199,795
)
 
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
86,888

 
87,154

 
Deferred Income Taxes, Long-Term Portion
15,568

 
15,014

 
Goodwill
19,779

 
20,303

 
Intangible Assets, Net
21,912

 
23,758

 
Other Assets
8,736

 
5,937

 
Total Assets
$
423,074

 
$
424,262

 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY


 


 
Current Liabilities:


 


 
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt
$
2,731

 
$
4,166

 
Accounts Payable
43,537

 
46,869

 
Employee Compensation and Benefits
32,300

 
32,934

 
Income Taxes Payable
1,304

 
619

 
Other Current Liabilities
37,519

 
39,404

 
Total Current Liabilities
117,391

 
123,992

 
Long-Term Liabilities:


 


 
Long-Term Debt
30,917

 
32,289

 
Employee-Related Benefits
38,022

 
40,089

 
Deferred Income Taxes, Long-Term Portion
3,240

 
3,189

 
Other Liabilities
3,895

 
3,851

 
Total Long-Term Liabilities
76,074

 
79,418

 
Total Liabilities
193,465

 
203,410

 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11)


 


 
Shareholders' Equity:


 


 
Preferred Stock, $0.02 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding

 

 
Common Stock, $0.375 par value; 60,000,000 shares authorized; 18,578,029 and 18,834,940 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
6,967

 
7,063

 
Additional Paid-In Capital
20,061

 
15,082

 
Retained Earnings
231,501

 
227,944

 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
(28,920
)
 
(29,237
)
 
Total Shareholders’ Equity
229,609

 
220,852

 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
$
423,074

 
$
424,262

 

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

4

Table of Contents

TENNANT COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

Nine Months Ended
 
(In thousands)
September 30
 

2012
 
2011
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 
Net Earnings
$
27,740

 
$
21,449

 
Adjustments to reconcile Net Earnings to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:


 


 
Depreciation
13,239

 
12,800

 
Amortization
2,096

 
2,533

 
Impairment of Intangible Assets

 
1,805

 
Deferred Income Taxes
(731
)
 
945

 
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
7,175

 
3,569

 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Returns
1,528

 
747

 
Gain on Sale of Business
(784
)
 

 
Other, Net
130

 
400

 
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:


 


 
Accounts Receivable
1,756

 
(2,672
)
 
Inventories
(3,097
)
 
(17,461
)
 
Accounts Payable
(2,348
)
 
11,277

 
Employee Compensation and Benefits
(2,767
)
 
134

 
Other Current Liabilities
(84
)
 
2,433

 
Income Taxes
4,902

 
1,628

 
Other Assets and Liabilities
(5,473
)
 
(3,568
)
 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
43,282

 
36,019

 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES


 


 
Purchases of Property, Plant and Equipment
(11,110
)
 
(7,663
)
 
Proceeds from Disposals of Property, Plant and Equipment
280

 
485

 
Acquisition of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired
(750
)
 
(2,916
)
 
Proceeds from the Sale of Business
1,014

 

 
Decrease in Restricted Cash
3,089

 

 
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities
(7,477
)
 
(10,094
)
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES


 


 
Change in Short-Term Borrowings, Net

 
(35
)
 
Payment of Long-Term Debt
(2,450
)
 
(18,099
)
 
Issuance of Long-Term Debt

 
20,000

 
Purchases of Common Stock
(18,567
)
 
(17,134
)
 
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock
2,798

 
3,257

 
Tax Benefit on Stock Plans
1,213

 
801

 
Dividends Paid
(9,508
)
 
(9,660
)
 
Net Cash Used for Financing Activities
(26,514
)
 
(20,870
)
 
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents
1,069

 
(311
)
 
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
10,360

 
4,744

 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
52,339

 
39,529

 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
$
62,699

 
$
44,273

 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:


 


 
Cash Paid for Income Taxes
$
10,319

 
$
8,110

 
Cash Paid for Interest
$
1,905

 
$
1,450

 
Supplemental Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities:


 


 
Capital Expenditures Funded Through Capital Leases
$
847

 
$
2,621

 
Collateralized Borrowings
$
60

 
$
194

 
Notes Payable Related to Water Star, Inc. Acquisition
$
750

 
$
1,500

 
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

5

Table of Contents

TENNANT COMPANY
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except shares and per share data)
 
1.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) requirements for interim reporting, which allows certain footnotes and other financial information normally required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America to be condensed or omitted. In our opinion, the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for the fair presentation of our financial position and results of operations.
These statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 . The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
2.
Newly Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures
In May 2011 , the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance for fair value measurements providing common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS. While the guidance is largely consistent with existing fair value measurement principles in U.S. GAAP, it expands existing disclosure requirements for fair value measurements and makes other amendments. Key additional disclosures include quantitative disclosures about unobservable inputs in Level 3 measures, qualitative information about sensitivity of Level 3 measures and valuation process, and classification within the fair value hierarchy for instruments where fair value is only disclosed in the footnotes but the carrying amount is on some other basis. We adopted this guidance January 1, 2012 . This guidance did not have an impact on our results of operations or financial position.
Comprehensive Income
In June 2011 , the FASB issued guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income that requires us to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. This guidance eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity. In December 2011 , the FASB issued an amendment to this standard which defers the requirement that companies present reclassification adjustments for each component of accumulated other comprehensive income in both net income and other comprehensive income on the face of the financial statements and requires retrospective application. We adopted this guidance January 1, 2012 . Since this standard impacts presentation and disclosure requirements only, this adopted guidance did not have an impact on our results of operations or financial position.

6



3.
Management Actions
2010 Action - During the fourth quarter of 2010 , we implemented a restructuring action. A pretax charge of $1,671 was recognized in the fourth quarter as a result of this action. The pretax charge consisted of severance and outplacement services and was included within Selling and Administrative Expense in the 2010 Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending liability balances is as follows:

Severance, Early Retirement and Related Costs
 
2010 restructuring action
$
1,671

 
Cash payments
(87
)
 
December 31, 2010 balance
$
1,584

 
2011 utilization:
 

 
Cash payments
(1,534
)
 
Foreign currency adjustments
(54
)
 
Change in estimate
110

 
December 31, 2011 balance
$
106

 
2012 utilization:
 

 
Cash payments
(64
)
 
Foreign currency adjustments
(4
)
 
September 30, 2012 balance
$
38

 
2012 Action - During the third quarter of 2012, we implemented a restructuring action. A pretax charge of $760 was recognized in the third quarter as a result of this action. The pretax charge consisted primarily of severance and outplacement services and was included within Selling and Administrative Expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending liability balances is as follows:
 
Severance and Related Costs
 
2012 restructuring action
$
760

 
Cash payments
(138
)
 
Foreign currency adjustments
17

 
September 30, 2012 balance
$
639

 

7



4.
Acquisitions and Divestitures
Acquisitions
On May 31, 2011 , we acquired Water Star, Inc. (“Water Star”), a Newbury, Ohio firm specializing in electrochemistry for $4,456 . The total purchase price of $4,456 was comprised of $2,956 paid at closing and two $750 installment payments which will be paid in cash on the first and second anniversary dates of the acquisition. The first installment payment was made on May 31, 2012 . These installment payments are not contingent on any future services or other financial targets. This acquisition is consistent with our strategy to expand our intellectual property in support of our long-term vision to deliver sustainable, breakthrough innovations.
The components of the purchase price of the business combination described above have been allocated as follows:
Current Assets
$
426

 
Property, Plant and Equipment, net
167

 
Identified Intangible Asset
3,800

 
Goodwill
472

 
Total Assets Acquired
4,865

 
Current Liabilities
409

 
Total Liabilities Assumed
409

 
Net Assets Acquired
$
4,456

 
Divestitures
On July 31, 2012 , we entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (“SPA”) with M&F Management and Financing GmbH (“M&F”) for the sale of ownership of our subsidiary, Tennant CEE GmbH and our minority interest in a joint venture, OOO Tennant. In exchange for the ownership of these entities, we received €815 , or $1,014 as of the date of sale, in cash and financed the remaining purchase price of €6,166 . A total of €2,126 , or $2,738 as of September 30, 2012, will be received in equal quarterly payments during 2013 and the remaining €3,225 , or $4,153 as of September 30, 2012, will be received in equal installments on the first, second and third anniversary dates of the divestiture. As a result of this divestiture, we recorded a pre-tax gain of $784 in our Profit from Operations in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
M&F is now a master distributor of Tennant products in the Central Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa markets. In addition, as further discussed in Note 16, M&F is a related party to Tennant. We have identified M&F as a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and have performed a qualitative assessment that considered M&F's purpose and design, our involvement and the risks and benefits and determined that Tennant is not the primary beneficiary of this VIE. The only financing Tennant has provided to M&F was related to the SPA as noted above and there are no arrangements that would require us to provide significant financial support in the future.
The assets and liabilities transferred under the Share Purchase Agreement on the date of sale were as follows:
Accounts Receivable
$
4,398

 
Inventory
4,271

 
Other Current Assets
87

 
Current Assets
8,756

 
Property, Plant and Equipment, net
170

 
Total Assets Divested
8,926

 
Current Liabilities
1,121

 
Total Liabilities Divested
1,121

 
Net Assets Divested
$
7,805

 

8



5.
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Inventories at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 consisted of the following:
 
September 30,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
Inventories carried at LIFO:

 

 
Finished goods
$
36,005

 
$
32,648

 
Raw materials, production parts and work-in-process
15,072

 
16,611

 
LIFO reserve
(27,926
)
 
(27,926
)
 
Total LIFO inventories
23,151

 
21,333

 
Inventories carried at FIFO:
 

 
 

 
Finished goods
25,514

 
31,912

 
Raw materials, production parts and work-in-process
12,288

 
12,667

 
Total FIFO inventories
37,802

 
44,579

 
Total inventories
$
60,953

 
$
65,912

 
The LIFO reserve approximates the difference between LIFO carrying cost and FIFO.
6.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The changes in the carrying value of Goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were as follows:
 
Goodwill
 
Accumulated
Impairment
Losses
 
Total
 
Balance as of December 31, 2011
$
66,523

 
$
(46,220
)
 
$
20,303

 
Foreign currency fluctuations
1,641

 
(2,165
)
 
(524
)
 
Balance as of September 30, 2012
$
68,164

 
$
(48,385
)
 
$
19,779

 
The balances of acquired Intangible Assets, excluding Goodwill, as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:

Customer Lists
and
Service Contracts
 
Trade
Name
 
Technology
 
Total
 
Balance as of September 30, 2012

 

 

 

 
Original cost
$
23,642

 
$
4,559

 
$
7,115

 
$
35,316

 
Accumulated amortization
(9,309
)
 
(1,450
)
 
(2,645
)
 
(13,404
)
 
Carrying value
$
14,333

 
$
3,109

 
$
4,470

 
$
21,912

 
Weighted-average original life (in years)
15

 
14

 
13

 
 

 
Balance as of December 31, 2011
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Original cost
$
25,987

 
$
4,583

 
$
7,136

 
$
37,706

 
Accumulated amortization
(10,387
)
 
(1,209
)
 
(2,352
)
 
(13,948
)
 
Carrying value
$
15,600

 
$
3,374

 
$
4,784

 
$
23,758

 
Weighted-average original life (in years)
14

 
14

 
13

 
 

 
The additions to Goodwill and Intangible Assets during 2011 were based on the purchase price allocation of Water Star as described in Note 4. The Water Star intangible asset consisted of technology with an estimated life of 15 years.

9


We recorded an impairment loss on a customer list and technology intangible assets during the second quarter of 2011 , totaling $1,805 due to our strategic decision to discontinue our two Hofmans outdoor city cleaning products. The impairment was included within Selling and Administrative Expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Amortization expense on Intangible Assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $663 and $2,095 , respectively. Amortization expense on Intangible Assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $829 and $2,533 , respectively.
Estimated aggregate amortization expense based on the current carrying value of amortizable Intangible Assets for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter is as follows:
Remaining 2012
$
575

 
2013
2,299

 
2014
2,240

 
2015
2,228

 
2016
2,188

 
Thereafter
12,382

 
Total
$
21,912

 
7.
Debt
Debt outstanding is summarized as follows:
 
September 30,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
Long-Term Debt:
 
 
 
 
Bank borrowings
$
25

 
$
49

 
Credit facility borrowings
30,000

 
30,000

 
Notes payable
750

 
1,500

 
Collateralized borrowings
60

 
127

 
Capital lease obligations
2,813

 
4,779

 
Total Long-Term Debt
33,648

 
36,455

 
Less: Current Portion
2,731

 
4,166

 
Long-Term Portion
$
30,917

 
$
32,289

 
As of September 30, 2012 , we had committed lines of credit totaling $125,000 and uncommitted lines of credit totaling $87,576 . There was $10,000 in outstanding borrowings under our JPMorgan facility and $20,000 in outstanding borrowings under our Prudential facility as of September 30, 2012 . In addition, we had stand alone letters of credit of $2,014 outstanding and bank guarantees in the amount of $1,025 . Commitment fees on unused lines of credit for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $238 .
Our most restrictive covenants are part of our 2011 Credit Agreement (as defined below) with JPMorgan (as defined below), which are the same covenants in the Shelf Agreement (as defined below) with Prudential (as defined below), and require us to maintain an indebtedness to EBITDA ratio of not greater than 3.00 to 1 and to maintain an EBITDA to interest expense ratio of no less than 3.50 to 1 as of the end of each quarter. As of September 30, 2012 , our indebtedness to EBITDA ratio was 0.46 to 1 and our EBITDA to interest expense ratio was 30.47 to 1 .
Credit Facilities
JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association
On May 5, 2011 , we entered into a Credit Agreement (the “2011 Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N. A. (“JPMorgan”), as administrative agent and collateral agent, U.S. Bank National Association, as syndication agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, and RBS Citizens, N.A., as co-documentation agents, and the Lenders (including JPMorgan) from time to time party thereto. Upon entry into the 2011 Credit Agreement, we repaid and terminated our June 19, 2007 Credit Agreement. The 2011 Credit Agreement provides us and certain of our foreign subsidiaries access to a senior unsecured credit facility until May 5, 2016 , in the amount of $125,000 , with an option to expand by up to $62,500 to a total of $187,500 . Borrowings may be denominated in U.S. Dollars or certain other currencies. The 2011 Credit Agreement contains a $100,000 sublimit on borrowings by foreign subsidiaries.

10


The fee for committed funds under the 2011 Credit Agreement ranges from an annual rate of 0.25% to 0.40% , depending on our leverage ratio. Borrowings under the 2011 Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the prime rate, (b) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% and (c) the adjusted LIBOR rate for a one month period plus 1.0% , plus, in any such case, an additional spread of 0.50% to 1.10% , depending on our leverage ratio.
The 2011 Credit Agreement gives the lenders a pledge of 65% of the stock of certain first tier foreign subsidiaries. The obligations under the 2011 Credit Agreement are also guaranteed by our first tier domestic subsidiaries.
The 2011 Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants, including but not limited to covenants restricting our ability to incur indebtedness and liens and merge or consolidate with another entity. Further, the 2011 Credit Agreement contains the following covenants:
a covenant requiring us to maintain an indebtedness to EBITDA ratio as of the end of each quarter of not greater than 3.00 to 1 ;
a covenant requiring us to maintain an EBITDA to interest expense ratio as of the end of each quarter of no less than 3.50 to 1 ;
a covenant restricting us from paying dividends or repurchasing stock if, after giving effect to such payments, our leverage ratio is greater than 2.00 to 1 , in such case limiting such payments to an amount ranging from $50,000 to $75,000 during any fiscal year based on our leverage ratio after giving effect to such payments; and
a covenant restricting our ability to make acquisitions, if, after giving pro-forma effect to such acquisition, our leverage ratio is greater than 2.75 to 1 , in such case limiting acquisitions to $25,000 .
As of September 30, 2012 , we were in compliance with all covenants under the 2011 Credit Agreement. There was $10,000 in outstanding borrowings under this facility at September 30, 2012 , with a weighted average interest rate of 1.75% .
Prudential Investment Management, Inc.
On May 5, 2011 , we entered into Amendment No. 1 to our Private Shelf Agreement (“Amendment No. 1”), which amends the Private Shelf Agreement, dated as of July 29, 2009 , with Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (“Prudential”) and Prudential affiliates from time to time party thereto (the “Shelf Agreement”). The Shelf Agreement provides us and our subsidiaries access to an uncommitted, senior unsecured, maximum aggregate principal amount of $80,000 of debt capital.
Amendment No. 1 principally provides the following changes to the Shelf Agreement:
elimination of the security interest in our personal property and subsidiaries;
an amendment to the Maximum Leverage Ratio to not greater than 3.00 to 1 for any period ending on or after March 31, 2011 ;
an amendment to our restriction regarding the payment of dividends or repurchase of stock to restrict us from paying dividends or repurchasing stock if, after giving effect to such payments, our leverage ratio is greater than 2.00 to 1 , in such case limiting such payments to an amount ranging from $50,000 to $75,000 during any fiscal year based on our leverage ratio after giving effect to such payments; and
an amendment to Permitted Acquisitions restricting our ability to make acquisitions, if, after giving pro-forma effect to such acquisition, our leverage ratio is greater than 2.75 to 1 , in such case limiting acquisitions to $25,000 .
On July 24, 2012, we entered into Amendment No. 2 to our Private Shelf Agreement (“Amendment No. 2”), which amends the Shelf Agreement. The principal change effected by Amendment No. 2 is an extension of the Issuance Period for Shelf Notes under the Shelf Agreement. The Issuance Period now expires on July 24, 2015 .
As of September 30, 2012 , there was $20,000 in outstanding borrowings under this facility, consisting of the $10,000 Series A notes issued in March 2011 with a fixed interest rate of 4.00% and a 7 year term serially maturing from 2014 to 2018 and the $10,000 Series B notes issued in June 2011 with a fixed interest rate of 4.10% and a 10 year term serially maturing from 2015 to 2021 . We were in compliance with all covenants under the Shelf Agreement as of September 30, 2012 .
The Royal Bank of Scotland Citizens, N.A.
On September 14, 2010 , we entered into an overdraft facility with The Royal Bank of Scotland Citizens, N.A., in the amount of 2,000 Euros or approximately $2,576 . There was no balance outstanding on this facility as of September 30, 2012 .

11


HSBC Bank (China) Company Limited, Shanghai Branch
On September 30, 2012 , we entered into a banking facility with the HSBC Bank (China) Company Limited, Shanghai Branch in the amount of $5,000 . There was no balance outstanding on this facility as of September 30, 2012 .
Notes Payable
On May 31, 2011 , we incurred $1,500 in debt related to installment payments due to the former owners of Water Star in connection with our acquisition of Water Star, of which $750 remains outstanding as of September 30, 2012 .
8.
Warranty
We record a liability for warranty claims at the time of sale. The amount of the liability is based on the trend in the historical ratio of claims to sales, the historical length of time between the sale and resulting warranty claim, new product introductions and other factors. Warranty terms on machines generally range from one to four years.
The changes in warranty reserves for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30
 

2012
 
2011
 
Beginning balance
$
8,759

 
$
7,043

 
Additions charged to expense
9,384

 
9,404

 
Reserve (divested) acquired
(236
)
 
10

 
Foreign currency fluctuations
(37
)
 
(45
)
 
Claims paid
(8,647
)
 
(8,433
)
 
Ending balance
$
9,223

 
$
7,979

 
9.
Fair Value Measurements
Estimates of fair value for financial assets and financial liabilities are based on the framework established in the accounting guidance for fair value measurements. The framework defines fair value, provides guidance for measuring fair value and requires certain disclosures. The framework discusses valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow) and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost). The framework utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three levels:
Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions.
Our population of assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements at September 30, 2012 is as follows:
 
Fair
Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Assets:

 

 

 

 
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
53

 

 
53

 

 
Total Assets
$
53

 
$

 
$
53

 
$

 
Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
$
169

 
$

 
$
169

 
$

 
Total Liabilities
$
169

 
$

 
$
169

 
$

 
Our foreign currency forward exchange contracts are valued based on quoted forward foreign exchange prices at the reporting date.

12


We use derivative instruments to manage exposures to foreign currency only in an attempt to limit underlying exposures from currency fluctuations and not for trading purposes. Gains or losses on forward foreign exchange contracts to economically hedge foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities are recognized in Other Current Assets and Other Current Liabilities within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and are recognized in Other Income (Expense), Net under Net Foreign Currency Transaction (Losses) Gains within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. As of September 30, 2012 , the fair value of such contracts outstanding was an asset of $53 and a liability of $169 . As of September 30, 2011 , the fair value of such contracts outstanding was an asset of $123 and a liability of $469 . We recognized a net gain of $1,059 and a net loss of $1,302 on these contracts during the first nine months of 2012 and 2011 , respectively. At September 30, 2012 and 2011 , the notional amounts of foreign currency forward exchange contracts outstanding were $39,814 and $40,027 , respectively.
The carrying amounts reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for Cash and Cash Equivalents, Accounts Receivable, Other Current Assets, Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities approximate fair value.
The fair value of our Long-Term Debt approximates cost based on the borrowing rates currently available to us for bank loans with similar terms and remaining maturities.
10.
Retirement Benefit Plans
Our defined benefit pension plans and postretirement medical plan are described in Note 11 of the 2011 annual report on Form 10-K. We have contributed $517 and $186 during the third quarter of 2012 and $1,512 and $425 during the first nine months of 2012 to our pension plans and to our postretirement medical plan, respectively.
The components of the net periodic benefit cost for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
September 30
 

Pension Benefits
 
Postretirement
 

U.S. Plans
 
Non-U.S. Plans
 
Medical Benefits
 

2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
Service cost
$
175

 
$
163

 
$
33

 
$
25

 
$
34

 
$
33

 
Interest cost
485

 
503

 
131

 
122

 
140

 
153

 
Expected return on plan assets
(569
)
 
(581
)
 
(118
)
 
(109
)
 

 

 
Amortization of net actuarial loss
281

 
7

 

 

 
17

 

 
Amortization of prior service cost
94

 
137

 
38

 
40

 
(145
)
 
(145
)
 
Foreign currency

 

 
(10
)
 
(325
)
 

 

 
Net periodic cost
$
466

 
$
229

 
$
74

 
$
(247
)
 
$
46

 
$
41

 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30
 

Pension Benefits
 
Postretirement
 

U.S. Plans
 
Non-U.S. Plans
 
Medical Benefits
 

2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
Service cost
$
514

 
$
489

 
$
99

 
$
75

 
$
104

 
$
99

 
Interest cost
1,446

 
1,509

 
392

 
366

 
419

 
459

 
Expected return on plan assets
(1,709
)
 
(1,744
)
 
(353
)
 
(325
)
 

 

 
Amortization of net actuarial loss
849

 
21

 

 

 
51

 

 
Amortization of prior service cost
286

 
412

 
115

 
118

 
(435
)
 
(435
)
 
Foreign currency

 

 
13

 
(248
)
 

 

 
Net periodic cost
$
1,386

 
$
687

 
$
266

 
$
(14
)
 
$
139

 
$
123

 

13



11.
Commitments and Contingencies
Certain operating leases for vehicles contain residual value guarantee provisions, which would become due at the expiration of the operating lease agreement if the fair value of the leased vehicles is less than the guaranteed residual value. As of September 30, 2012 , of those leases that contain residual value guarantees, the aggregate residual value at lease expiration was $9,387 , of which we have guaranteed $5,462 . As of September 30, 2012 , we have recorded a liability for the estimated end of term loss related to this residual value guarantee of $578 for certain vehicles within our fleet. Our fleet also contains vehicles we estimate will settle at a gain. Gains on these vehicles will be recognized at the end of the lease term.
During the second quarter of 2012 , we entered into a three year agreement with a supplier, commencing January 1, 2013 , with a total commitment of $2,102 which is still outstanding as of September 30, 2012 .
12.
Income Taxes
We and our subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of numerous state and foreign jurisdictions. We are generally no longer subject to U.S. federal tax examinations for taxable years before 2011 and with limited exceptions, state and foreign income tax examinations for taxable years before 2004 .
We recognize potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in Income Tax Expense. In addition to the liability of $3,404 for unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2012 was approximately $476 for accrued interest and penalties. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate as of September 30, 2012 was $3,182 . To the extent interest and penalties are not assessed with respect to uncertain tax positions, amounts accrued will be revised and reflected as an adjustment of the Income Tax Expense.
Unrecognized tax benefits were reduced by $315 during the first nine months of 2012 for expiration of the statute of limitations in various jurisdictions.
The Internal Revenue Service completed its examination of the U.S. income tax returns for the years 2009 and 2010 during the third quarter of 2012. The IRS's adjustments to certain tax positions were not material and were fully reserved.
We are currently undergoing income tax examinations in various state and foreign jurisdictions covering 2004 to 2010 for which settlement is expected prior to year end. Although the final outcome of these examinations cannot be currently determined, we believe that we have adequate reserves with respect to these examinations.
13.
Stock-Based Compensation
Our stock-based compensation plans are described in Note 15 of the 2011 annual report on Form 10-K. During the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 we recognized total Stock-Based Compensation Expense of $3,264 and $1,079 , respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 we recognized total Stock-Based Compensation Expense of $7,175 and $3,569 , respectively. The total income tax benefit recognized in the income statement for share-based compensation arrangements during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was $1,213 and $801 , respectively. During the first nine months of 2012 we granted 34,972 restricted shares. The weighted average grant date fair value of each share awarded was $43.07 . Restricted share awards generally have a 3 year vesting period from the effective date of the grant. The total fair value of shares vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was $524 and $623 , respectively.

14



14.
Earnings Per Share
The computations of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30
 
September 30
 

2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
Numerator:

 

 

 

 
Net Earnings
$
8,745

 
$
9,728

 
$
27,740

 
$
21,449

 
Denominator:


 


 


 


 
Basic - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
18,468,546

 
18,741,524

 
18,594,508

 
18,881,132

 
Effect of dilutive securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share-based compensation plans
572,329

 
529,550

 
560,336

 
535,929

 
Diluted - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
19,040,875

 
19,271,074

 
19,154,844

 
19,417,061

 
Basic Earnings per Share
$
0.47

 
$
0.52

 
$
1.49

 
$
1.14

 
Diluted Earnings per Share
$
0.46

 
$
0.50

 
$
1.45

 
$
1.10

 
 
Excluded from the dilutive securities shown above were options to purchase 251,704 and 180,551 shares of Common Stock during the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 , respectively. Excluded from the dilutive securities shown above were options to purchase 268,698 and 145,238 shares of Common Stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 , respectively. These exclusions are made if the exercise prices of these options are greater than the average market price of our Common Stock for the period, if the number of shares we can repurchase exceeds the weighted shares outstanding in the options, or if we have a net loss, as the effects are anti-dilutive.
15.
Segment Reporting
We are organized into four operating segments: North America; Latin America; Europe, Middle East, Africa; and Asia Pacific. We combine our North America and Latin America operating segments into the “Americas” for reporting Net Sales by geographic area. In accordance with the objective and basic principles of the applicable accounting guidance, we aggregate our operating segments into one reportable segment that consists of the design, manufacture and sale of products used primarily in the maintenance of nonresidential surfaces.
Net Sales attributed to each geographic area for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were as follows: 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30
 
September 30
 

2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
Americas
$
118,624

 
$
121,280

 
$
365,726

 
$
358,912

 
Europe, Middle East, Africa
38,355

 
44,599

 
125,573

 
139,591

 
Asia Pacific
21,289

 
21,111

 
60,174

 
62,336

 
Total
$
178,268

 
$
186,990

 
$
551,473

 
$
560,839

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

15



16.
Related Party Transactions
On July 31, 2012, we entered into a share purchase agreement with M&F, as further discussed in Note 4. Two of the M&F shareholders are individuals who were employed by Tennant prior to the transaction date and are no longer employed by Tennant as of the transaction date.
Our May 31, 2011 acquisition of Water Star includes installment payments totaling $1,500 to the former owners of Water Star, as further discussed in Note 4. The former owners of Water Star are current employees of Tennant.
We have an exclusive technology license agreement with Global Opportunities Investment Group, LLC. A current employee of Tennant owns a minority interest in Global Opportunities Investment Group, LLC. Royalties under this license agreement are not material to our financial position or results of operations.
During the second quarter of 2008 , we acquired Sociedade Alfa Ltda. and entered into lease agreements for certain properties owned by or partially owned by the former owners of these entities. Some of these individuals are current employees of Tennant. Lease payments made under these lease agreements are not material to our financial position or results of operations.

16



Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
Tennant Company is a world leader in designing, manufacturing and marketing solutions that help create a cleaner, safer, healthier world. Our products include equipment for maintaining surfaces in industrial, commercial and outdoor environments; chemical-free and other sustainable cleaning technologies; and coatings for protecting, repairing and upgrading surfaces. We sell our products through our direct sales and service organization and a network of authorized distributors worldwide. Geographically, our customers are located in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. We strive to be an innovator in our industry through our commitment to understanding our customers’ needs and using our expertise to create innovative products and solutions.
Net Earnings for the third quarter of 2012 were $8.7 million , or $0.46 per diluted share, as compared to Net Earnings of $9.7 million , or $0.50 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2011. Net Earnings during the third quarter of 2012 were adversely impacted by lower Net Sales somewhat offset by favorable impacts from higher gross profit margin, driven by product mix, stable commodity costs and production efficiencies, and decreased Selling and Administrative (“S&A”) Expense, due to continued tight cost controls and improved operating efficiencies. Net Earnings for the third quarter of 2012 were favorably impacted by $0.4 million of net foreign currency transaction losses, versus $1.4 million of net foreign currency transaction losses in the prior year quarter, due to the volatility of foreign exchange rates.
Net Earnings for the first nine months of 2012 were $27.7 million , or $1.45 per diluted share, as compared to Net Earnings of $21.4 million , or $1.10 per diluted share, in the first nine months of 2011. Net Earnings during the first nine months of 2012 were favorably impacted by higher gross profit margin and lower S&A Expense.
Net Earnings for the first nine months of 2011 were impacted by our strategic decision to discontinue our two Hofmans outdoor city cleaning products in order to focus our resources on our more innovative Green Machines products. This decision resulted in a $3.8 million after-tax charge, or a loss of $0.20 per diluted share, during the second quarter of 2011, and consisted of the following items: increased inventory reserves and fixed asset write-offs of approximately $1.5 million; write-down of intangible assets of approximately $1.8 million; accrued severance of approximately $1.0 million; and a tax benefit of approximately $0.5 million. In addition, the severance due under the settlement agreement related to the departure of our Vice President of International resulted in a $1.2 million after-tax charge, or a loss of $0.06 per diluted share, which also impacted Net Earnings for the first nine months of 2011.

17

Table of Contents


Historical Results
The following table compares the historical results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and as a percentage of Net Sales (in thousands, except per share data and percentages):  
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30
 
September 30
 

2012
 
%
 
2011
 
%
 
2012
 
%
 
2011
 
%
 
Net Sales
$
178,268

 
100.0

 
$
186,990

 
100.0

 
$
551,473

 
100.0

 
$
560,839

 
100.0

 
Cost of Sales
100,705

 
56.5

 
106,737

 
57.1

 
309,640

 
56.1

 
325,188

 
58.0

 
Gross Profit
77,563

 
43.5

 
80,253

 
42.9

 
241,833

 
43.9

 
235,651

 
42.0

 
Operating Expense:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Research and Development Expense
7,353

 
4.1

 
7,240

 
3.9

 
21,558

 
3.9

 
20,236

 
3.6

 
Selling and Administrative Expense
57,193

 
32.1

 
57,250

 
30.6

 
177,326

 
32.2

 
181,222

 
32.3

 
Gain on Sale of Business
(784
)
 
(0.4
)
 

 

 
(784
)
 
(0.1
)
 

 

 
Total Operating Expense
63,762

 
35.8

 
64,490

 
34.5

 
198,100

 
35.9

 
201,458

 
35.9

 
Profit from Operations
13,801

 
7.7

 
15,763

 
8.4

 
43,733

 
7.9

 
34,193

 
6.1

 
Other Income (Expense):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Interest Income
229

 
0.1

 
224

 
0.1

 
871

 
0.2

 
476

 
0.1

 
Interest Expense
(640
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(654
)
 
(0.3
)
 
(2,021
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(1,614
)
 
(0.3
)
 
Net Foreign Currency Transaction (Losses) Gains
(385
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(1,390
)
 
(0.7
)
 
(1,496
)
 
(0.3
)
 
49

 

 
Other Income (Expense), Net
99

 
0.1

 

 

 
175

 

 
(33
)
 

 
Total Other (Expense) Income, Net
(697
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(1,820
)
 
(1.0
)
 
(2,471
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(1,122
)
 
(0.2
)
 
Profit Before Income Taxes
13,104

 
7.4

 
13,943

 
7.5

 
41,262

 
7.5

 
33,071

 
5.9

 
Income Tax Expense
4,359

 
2.4

 
4,215

 
2.3

 
13,522

 
2.5

 
11,622

 
2.1

 
Net Earnings
$
8,745

 
4.9

 
$
9,728

 
5.2

 
$
27,740

 
5.0

 
$
21,449

 
3.8

 
Earnings per Diluted Share
$0.46
 
 
 
$
0.50

 
 

 
$
1.45

 
 

 
$
1.10

 
 
 
Net Sales
Consolidated Net Sales for the third quarter of 2012 totaled $178.3 million, a 4.7% decrease as compared to consolidated Net Sales of $187.0 million in the third quarter of 2011. Consolidated Net Sales for the first nine months of 2012 totaled $551.5 million, a decrease of 1.7% as compared to consolidated Net Sales of $560.8 million in the same period of 2011.
The components of the consolidated Net Sales change for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same periods in 2011 were as follows:

2012 v. 2011
 

 Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30
 
September 30
 
Organic (Decline) Growth:

 

 
Volume
(2.2)%
 
(0.7)%
 
Price
0.5%
 
1.5%
 
Organic (Decline) Growth
(1.7)%
 
0.8%
 
Foreign Currency
(3.0)%
 
(2.5)%
 
Total
(4.7)%
 
(1.7)%
 
 

18

Table of Contents

The 4.7% decrease in consolidated Net Sales in the third quarter of 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011 was driven by:
an organic sales decrease of approximately 1.7% , excluding the effects of acquisitions and foreign currency exchange, primarily due to an approximate 0.5% increase in pricing and an approximate 2.2% volume decrease primarily in large industrial equipment sales; and
an unfavorable direct foreign currency exchange impact of approximately 3.0% .
The 1.7% decrease in consolidated Net Sales in the first nine months of 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011 was driven by:
an organic sales increase of approximately 0.8% , excluding the effects of acquisitions and foreign currency exchange, primarily due to an approximate 1.5% increase in pricing and an approximate 0.7% volume decrease primarily in large industrial equipment sales; and
an unfavorable direct foreign currency exchange impact of approximately 2.5% .
The following table sets forth the Net Sales by geographic area for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 and the percentage change from the prior year (in thousands, except percentages):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30
 
September 30
 

2012
 
2011
 
%
 
2012
 
2011
 
%
 
Americas
$
118,624

 
$
121,280

 
(2.2)
 
$
365,726

 
$
358,912

 
1.9
 
Europe, Middle East and Africa
38,355

 
44,599

 
(14.0)
 
125,573

 
139,591

 
(10.0)
 
Asia Pacific
21,289

 
21,111

 
0.8
 
60,174

 
62,336

 
(3.5)
 
Total
$
178,268

 
$
186,990

 
(4.7)
 
$
551,473

 
$
560,839

 
(1.7)
 
Americas
Net Sales in the Americas were $118.6 million and $365.7 million for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 , a decrease of 2.2% and an increase of 1.9% , respectively, from the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011 . Organic sales in the third quarter ended September 30, 2012 were unfavorably impacted by a volume decline, primarily in industrial equipment in North America, partially offset by robust growth in Latin America, sales of scrubbers equipped with ec-H2O™ technology and selling price increases. Organic sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 benefited from sales to strategic account customers and sales of scrubbers equipped with ec-H2O technology and increased selling prices. The direct impact of foreign currency translation exchange effects within the Americas unfavorably impacted Net Sales by approximately 1.5% during the third quarter and 1.5% during the first nine months of 2012. Organic sales declined approximately 0.7% in the third quarter and grew 3.4% in the first nine months of 2012.
Europe, Middle East and Africa
In our markets within Europe, the Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”), Net Sales decreased 14.0% and 10.0% to $38.4 million and $125.6 million, respectively, for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 , compared to the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011 . Direct foreign currency exchange fluctuations unfavorably impacted EMEA Net Sales by approximately 8.5% and 7.0%, respectively, in the third quarter and first nine months of 2012. Organic sales declined approximately 5.5% and 3.0%, respectively, in the third quarter and first nine months of 2012. EMEA organic sales in the third quarter ended September 30, 2012 were unfavorably impacted by the uncertain economic conditions in Europe and a continued tight credit environment that made it difficult for customers to obtain financing to purchase our equipment, and during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 this was somewhat offset by higher sales of outdoor city cleaning equipment.
Asia Pacific
Net Sales in the Asia Pacific market for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 totaled $21.3 million and $60.2 million, respectively, an increase of 0.8% and decrease of 3.5% , respectively, from the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011 . Organic sales in the third quarter ended September 30, 2012 increased approximately 1.3% due to higher sales in most markets, partially offset by lower sales in Japan. Organic sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 decreased by 4.0% primarily from lower equipment volume in mature markets due to softer economic conditions, partially offset by robust volume growth in China. Direct foreign currency translation exchange effects unfavorably impacted sales by approximately 0.5% in the third quarter and favorably increased sales by approximately 0.5% during the first nine months of 2012.

19

Table of Contents

Gross Profit
Gross margin was 43.5% and 43.9% for the third quarter and first nine months of 2012, as compared with 42.9% and 42.0% , respectively, for the same periods of 2011. Gross margin increased by 60 and 190 basis points in the third quarter and the first nine months of 2012, respectively, primarily driven by product mix, stable commodity costs and production efficiencies.
Gross margin for the first nine months of 2011 was impacted by increased inventory reserves and fixed asset write-offs of $1.5 million related to the Hofmans product discontinuance, which unfavorably impacted gross margin by 30 basis points in the first nine months of 2011.
Operating Expense
Research & Development Expense
Research and Development (“R&D”) Expense in the third quarter of 2012 was up 1.6% to $7.4 million as compared with $7.2 million in the third quarter of 2011. R&D Expense as a percentage of Net Sales was 4.1% for the third quarter of 2012, an increase as compared to 3.9% of Net Sales for R&D Expense in the third quarter of 2011, primarily from continued investment in developing innovative new products for our traditional core business, as well as our Orbio business.
R&D Expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $21.6 million, up 6.5% from $20.2 million in the same period in 2011. R&D Expense as a percentage of Net Sales was 3.9% for the first nine months of 2012 as compared to 3.6% for the first nine months of 2011, primarily from continued investment in developing innovative new products for our traditional core business, as well as our Orbio business.
Selling & Administrative Expense
S&A Expense in the third quarter of 2012 was $57.2 million as compared to $57.3 million in the third quarter of 2011. The decrease in S&A Expense was primarily attributable to continued tight cost controls and improved operating efficiencies. S&A Expense as a percentage of Net Sales was 32.1% for the third quarter of 2012, up 150 basis points from 30.6% in the comparable 2011 quarter. Included in S&A Expense in the third quarter of 2012 was a restructuring charge of $0.8 million, or 40 basis points.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 , S&A Expense decreased to $177.3 million from $181.2 million in the comparable period last year due to continued tight cost controls and improved operating efficiencies. S&A Expense as a percentage of Net Sales was 32.2% for the first half of 2012 versus 32.3% in the comparable period last year. S&A Expense in the first nine months of 2012 was impacted by a restructuring charge of $0.8 million, or 20 basis points. S&A Expense in the first nine months of 2011 was impacted by charges related to the Hofmans product discontinuance and international executive severance of $4.0 million, or 70 basis points.
Gain on Sale of Business
During the third quarter of 2012, we completed the sale of our Tennant CEE GmbH subsidiary and a minority ownership in a joint venture, OOO Tennant, for a pre-tax gain of $0.8 million.
Other Income (Expense), Net
Interest Income
There was no significant change in Interest Income in the third quarter of 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011. Interest Income increased $0.4 million in the first nine months of 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011. The increase between 2012 and 2011 is due to higher interest rates on higher average levels of cash and cash equivalents.
Interest Expense
There was no significant change in Interest Expense in the third quarter of 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011. Interest Expense increased $0.4 million in the first nine months of 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011. The increase in Interest Expense between periods was primarily due to a higher interest rate in the current period as compared to the same period in 2011.
Net Foreign Currency Transaction (Losses) Gains
Net Foreign Currency Transaction Losses in the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 were $0.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively, as compared to Net Foreign Currency Transaction Losses of $1.4 million and a small gain in the same periods in the prior year. The unfavorable change in the impact from foreign currency transactions in the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 was due to fluctuations in foreign currency rates and settlement of transactional hedging activity in the normal course of business.

20

Table of Contents

Other Income, Net
There was no significant change in Other Income, Net in the third quarter and the first nine months of 2012 as compared to the same periods in 2011.
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate in the third quarter of 2012 was 33.3% compared to the effective rate in the third quarter of the prior year of 30.2%. The tax expense for the third quarter of 2012 included a $0.2 million tax expense associated with the $0.02 million one-time net gain related to the sale of a business in Europe and a restructuring charge which materially increased the overall effective tax rate. Excluding these charges, the 2012 third quarter overall effective tax rate would have been 31.9%.
The year-to-date overall effective tax rate was 32.8% for 2012 compared to 35.1% for 2011. Excluding the special items described above, the 2012 overall effective tax rate would have been 32.3%. The tax expense for the first nine months of 2011 included a $0.5 million tax benefit associated with the $5.5 million one-time expense related to the Hofmans product obsolescence and international executive severance which materially increased the overall effective rate. Excluding these charges, the 2011 overall effective tax rate would have been 31.4%.
The increase in the overall year-to-date effective tax rate, excluding the effect of these special items, was primarily related to the mix in expected full year taxable earnings by country and changes related to the Federal R&D tax credits. The 2012 third quarter tax rate did not include any benefit for Federal R&D tax credits as we are not allowed to consider these credits in our tax rate until they are formally reenacted.
We do not have any plans to repatriate the undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries. Any repatriation from foreign subsidiaries that would result in incremental U.S. taxation is not being considered. It is management's belief that reinvesting these earnings outside the U.S. is the most efficient use of capital. 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity
Cash and Cash Equivalents totaled $62.7 million at September 30, 2012 , as compared to $52.3 million as of December 31, 2011 . Wherever possible, cash management is centralized and intercompany financing is used to provide working capital to subsidiaries as needed. Our current ratio was 2.3 as of September 30, 2012 and 2.2 as of December 31, 2011 , based on working capital of $152.8 million and $148.1 million, respectively. Our debt-to-capital ratio was 12.8% and 14.2% at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 , respectively.
Cash Flow Summary
Cash provided by (used for) our operating, investing and financing activities is summarized as follows (in thousands):
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
Operating Activities
$
43,282

 
$
36,019

 
Investing Activities:


 


 
Purchases of Property, Plant and Equipment, Net of Disposals
(10,830
)
 
(7,178
)
 
Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired
(750
)
 
(2,916
)
 
Proceeds from Sale of Business
1,014

 

 
Decrease in Restricted Cash
3,089

 

 
Financing Activities
(26,514
)
 
(20,870
)
 
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents
1,069

 
(311
)
 
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
10,360

 
$
4,744

 
Operating Activities
Operating activities provided $43.3 million of cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 . Cash provided by operating activities was driven primarily from Net Earnings of $27.7 million and increased Income Tax liabilities of $4.9 million partially offset by increases in Other Assets and Liabilities and Inventories. The change in Income Taxes and Other Assets and Liabilities is primarily due to timing of payments. The increase in Inventories is a result of a slightly lower level of production in our manufacturing facilities during the third quarter of 2012.

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Operating activities provided $36.0 million of cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 . Cash provided by operating activities was driven primarily by Net Earnings of $21.4 million and increased Accounts Payable of $11.3 million, partially offset by increased Inventories. The increase in Accounts Payable is primarily due to increased production in our manufacturing facilities as a result of the unit volume increase in sales as well as timing of payments. The increase in Inventories is a result of higher production levels in our manufacturing facilities.
Management evaluates how effectively we utilize two of our key operating assets, Accounts Receivable and Inventories, using Accounts Receivable “Days Sales Outstanding” (DSO) and “Days Inventory on Hand” (DIOH), on a FIFO basis. The metrics are calculated on a rolling three month basis in order to more readily reflect changing trends in the business. These metrics for the quarters ended were as follows (in days):  
 
September 30,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
September 30,
2011
DSO
63
 
58
 
63
DIOH
86
 
88
 
92
As of September 30, 2012 , DSO remained the same as compared to September 30, 2011 due to continued management of our receivables by enforcing tight credit limits and continuing to successfully collect past due balances. As of September 30, 2012 , DSO increased 5 days as compared to December 31, 2011 , primarily due to the variety of terms offered and mix of business.
As of September 30, 2012 , DIOH decreased 6 days as compared to September 30, 2011 and decreased 2 days as compared to December 31, 2011 , primarily due to progress from inventory reduction initiatives.
Investing Activities
Investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 used $7.5 million in cash. Net capital expenditures used $10.8 million and the installment payment to the former owners of Water Star used $0.8 million. This was partially offset by decreases in restricted cash which provided $3.1 million. Capital expenditures included investments in tooling related to new product development and manufacturing and information technology process improvement projects.
Investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 used $10.1 million in cash. Net capital expenditures used $7.2 million and our acquisition of Water Star used $2.9 million. Capital expenditures included investments in information technology and infrastructure upgrades and tooling related to new product development and manufacturing.
Financing Activities
Net cash used by financing activities was $26.5 million during the first nine months of 2012. The purchases of our Common Stock per our authorized repurchase program used $18.6 million, dividend payments used $9.5 million and the payment of Long-Term Debt used $2.5 million, partially offset by proceeds from the issuance of Common Stock of $2.8 million and the tax benefit on stock plans of $1.2 million.
Net cash used by financing activities was $20.9 million during the first nine months of 2011. The issuance of Long-Term Debt provided $20.0 million, proceeds from issuance of Common Stock upon exercise of stock options provided $3.2 million and a $0.8 million tax benefit on stock plans also provided cash, which were more than offset by $18.1 million in repayments of Long-Term Debt, $17.1 million in purchases of Common Stock and dividend payments of $9.7 million.
Indebtedness
As of September 30, 2012 , we had committed lines of credit totaling $125.0 million and uncommitted lines of credit totaling $87.6 million . There was $10.0 million in outstanding borrowings under our JPMorgan facility and $20.0 million in outstanding borrowings under our Prudential facility as of September 30, 2012 . In addition, we had stand alone letters of credit of $2.0 million outstanding and bank guarantees in the amount of $1.0 million . Commitment fees on unused lines of credit for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $0.2 million .
Our most restrictive covenants are part of our 2011 Credit Agreement (as defined below) with JPMorgan (as defined below), which are the same covenants in the Shelf Agreement (as defined below) with Prudential (as defined below), and require us to maintain an indebtedness to EBITDA ratio of not greater than 3.00 to 1 and to maintain an EBITDA to interest expense ratio of no less than 3.50 to 1 as of the end of each quarter. As of September 30, 2012 , our indebtedness to EBITDA ratio was 0.46 to 1 and our EBITDA to interest expense ratio was 30.47 to 1 .

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Table of Contents

Credit Facilities
JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association
On May 5, 2011 , we entered into a Credit Agreement (the “2011 Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N. A. (“JPMorgan”), as administrative agent and collateral agent, U.S. Bank National Association, as syndication agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, and RBS Citizens, N.A., as co-documentation agents, and the Lenders (including JPMorgan) from time to time party thereto. Upon entry into the 2011 Credit Agreement, we repaid and terminated our June 19, 2007 Credit Agreement. The 2011 Credit Agreement provides us and certain of our foreign subsidiaries access to a senior unsecured credit facility until May 5, 2016 , in the amount of $125.0 million , with an option to expand by up to $62.5 million to a total of $187.5 million . Borrowings may be denominated in U.S. Dollars or certain other currencies. The 2011 Credit Agreement contains a $100.0 million sublimit on borrowings by foreign subsidiaries.
The fee for committed funds under the 2011 Credit Agreement ranges from an annual rate of 0.25% to 0.40% , depending on our leverage ratio. Borrowings under the 2011 Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the prime rate, (b) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% and (c) the adjusted LIBOR rate for a one month period plus 1.0% , plus, in any such case, an additional spread of 0.50% to 1.10% , depending on our leverage ratio.
The 2011 Credit Agreement gives the lenders a pledge of 65% of the stock of certain first tier foreign subsidiaries. The obligations under the 2011 Credit Agreement are also guaranteed by our first tier domestic subsidiaries.
The 2011 Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants, including but not limited to covenants restricting our ability to incur indebtedness and liens and merge or consolidate with another entity. Further, the 2011 Credit Agreement contains the following covenants:
a covenant requiring us to maintain an indebtedness to EBITDA ratio as of the end of each quarter of not greater than 3.00 to 1 ;
a covenant requiring us to maintain an EBITDA to interest expense ratio as of the end of each quarter of no less than 3.50 to 1 ;
a covenant restricting us from paying dividends or repurchasing stock if, after giving effect to such payments, our leverage ratio is greater than 2.00 to 1 , in such case limiting such payments to an amount ranging from $50.0 million to $75.0 million during any fiscal year based on our leverage ratio after giving effect to such payments; and
a covenant restricting our ability to make acquisitions, if, after giving pro-forma effect to such acquisition, our leverage ratio is greater than 2.75 to 1 , in such case limiting acquisitions to $25.0 million .
As of September 30, 2012 , we were in compliance with all covenants under the 2011 Credit Agreement. There was $10.0 million in outstanding borrowings under this facility at September 30, 2012 , with a weighted average interest rate of 1.75% .
Prudential Investment Management, Inc.
On May 5, 2011 , we entered into Amendment No. 1 to our Private Shelf Agreement (“Amendment No. 1”), which amends the Private Shelf Agreement, dated as of July 29, 2009 , with Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (“Prudential”) and Prudential affiliates from time to time party thereto (the “Shelf Agreement”). The Shelf Agreement provides us and our subsidiaries access to an uncommitted, senior unsecured, maximum aggregate principal amount of $80.0 million of debt capital.
Amendment No. 1 principally provides the following changes to the Shelf Agreement:
elimination of the security interest in our personal property and subsidiaries;
an amendment to the Maximum Leverage Ratio to not greater than 3.00 to 1 for any period ending on or after March 31, 2011 ;
an amendment to our restriction regarding the payment of dividends or repurchase of stock to restrict us from paying dividends or repurchasing stock if, after giving effect to such payments, our leverage ratio is greater than 2.00 to 1 , in such case limiting such payments to an amount ranging from $50.0 million to $75.0 million during any fiscal year based on our leverage ratio after giving effect to such payments; and
an amendment to Permitted Acquisitions restricting our ability to make acquisitions, if, after giving pro-forma effect to such acquisition, our leverage ratio is greater than 2.75 to 1 , in such case limiting acquisitions to $25.0 million .
On July 24, 2012, we entered into Amendment No. 2 to our Private Shelf Agreement (“Amendment No. 2”), which amends the Shelf Agreement. The principal change effected by Amendment No. 2 is an extension of the Issuance Period for Shelf Notes under the Shelf Agreement. The Issuance Period now expires on July 24, 2015 .

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Table of Contents

As of September 30, 2012 , there was $20.0 million in outstanding borrowings under this facility, consisting of the $10.0 million Series A notes issued in March 2011 with a fixed interest rate of 4.00% and a 7 year term year term serially maturing from 2014 to 2018 and the $10.0 million Series B notes issued in June 2011 with a fixed interest rate of 4.10% and a 10 year term year term serially maturing from 2015 to 2021 . We were in compliance with all covenants under the Shelf Agreement as of September 30, 2012 .
The Royal Bank of Scotland Citizens, N.A.
On September 14, 2010 , we entered into an overdraft facility with The Royal Bank of Scotland Citizens, N.A., in the amount of 2.0 million Euros or approximately $2.6 million . There was no balance outstanding on this facility as of September 30, 2012 .
HSBC Bank (China) Company Limited, Shanghai Branch
On September 30, 2012 , we entered into a banking facility with the HSBC Bank (China) Company Limited, Shanghai Branch in the amount of $5.0 million . There was no balance outstanding on this facility as of September 30, 2012 .
Notes Payable
On May 31, 2011 , we incurred $1.5 million in debt related to installment payments due to the former owners of Water Star in connection with our acquisition of Water Star, of which $0.8 million remains outstanding as of September 30, 2012 .
Newly Issued Accounting Guidance
Testing Intangibles for Impairment
In July 2012, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance on the periodic testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. This updated accounting guidance permits us to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset's fair value is less than its carrying amount before applying the two step goodwill impairment test. If we determine through this qualitative analysis that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, it is not necessary to calculate annually the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset. This guidance is effective for fiscal periods beginning after September 15, 2012; however, early adoption is permitted. We do not expect this guidance to have an impact on our results of operations or financial position as we do not currently hold any indefinite-lived intangible assets.
Cautionary Statement Relevant to Forward-Looking Information
This Form 10-Q, including “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 2, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “project,” or “continue” or similar words or the negative thereof. These statements do not relate to strictly historical or current facts and provide current expectations of forecasts of future events. Any such expectations or forecasts of future events are subject to a variety of factors. Particular risks and uncertainties presently facing us include: geopolitical and economic uncertainty throughout the world; the competition in our business; our ability to effectively manage organizational changes; our ability to comply with laws and regulations; our ability to effectively maintain and manage the data in our computer systems; unforeseen product liability claims or product quality issues; our ability to develop and fund new innovative products and services; our ability to attract and retain key personnel; our ability to successfully upgrade and evolve the capabilities of our computer systems; the occurrence of a significant business interruption; fluctuations in the cost or availability of raw materials and purchased components; our ability to acquire, retain and protect proprietary intellectual property rights; and the relative strength of the U.S. dollar, which affects the cost of our materials and products purchased and sold internationally. We caution that forward-looking statements must be considered carefully and that actual results may differ in material ways due to risks and uncertainties both known and unknown. Information about factors that could materially affect our results can be found in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and Part II, Item 1A of this Form 10-Q. Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Investors are advised to consult any further disclosures by us in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in other written statements on related subjects. It is not possible to anticipate or foresee all risk factors, and investors should not consider any list of such factors to be an exhaustive or complete list of all risks or uncertainties.

24

Table of Contents


Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
There have been no material changes in our market risk since December 31, 2011 . For additional information, refer to Item 7A of our 2011 annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 .
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures for the period ended September 30, 2012 (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Principal Financial and Accounting Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and our principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Controls
There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
There are no material pending legal proceedings other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the Company’s business.
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
We documented our risk factors in Item 1A of Part I of our annual report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 . There have been no material changes to our risk factors since the filing of that report.
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
On April 25, 2012, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 1,000,000 shares of our common stock. This was in addition to the 618,050 shares remaining under our prior repurchase program as of March 31, 2012. Share repurchases are made from time to time in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, primarily to offset the dilutive effect of shares issued through our stock-based compensation programs. Our 2011 Credit Agreement and Shelf Agreement restrict the payment of dividends or repurchasing of stock if, after giving effect to such payments, our leverage ratio is greater than 2.00 to 1, in such case limiting such payments to an amount ranging from $50.0 million to $75.0 million during any fiscal year.
For the Quarter Ended
September 30, 2012
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (1)
 
Average Price
Paid Per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
 
July 1 - 31, 2012
 
89

 
$
39.95

 

 
1,359,981

 
August 1 - 31, 2012
 
67,744

 
42.28

 
66,108

 
1,293,873

 
September 1 - 30, 2012
 
11,800

 
41.93

 
11,800

 
1,282,073

 
Total
 
79,633

 
$
42.22

 
77,908

 
1,282,073

 
(1) Includes 1,725 shares delivered or attested to in satisfaction of the exercise price and/or tax withholding obligations by employees who exercised stock options or restricted stock under employee stock compensation plans.

25

Table of Contents


Item 6.
Exhibits
Item #

Description

Method of Filing
3i


Restated Articles of Incorporation

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3i to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2006.
3ii


Certificate of Designation

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.
3iii


Amended and Restated By-Laws

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(iii) to the Company’s Form 8-K dated December 14, 2010.
10.1

 
Tennant Company Executive Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, as restated effective January 1, 2009, as amended*
 
Filed herewith electronically.
10.2

 
Amendment No. 2 to Private Shelf Agreement dated as of July 24, 2012
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K dated July 26, 2012.
31.1


Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of CEO

Filed herewith electronically.
31.2


Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of CFO

Filed herewith electronically.
32.1


Section 1350 Certification of CEO

Filed herewith electronically.
32.2


Section 1350 Certification of CFO

Filed herewith electronically.
101


The following financial information from Tennant Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2012, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011; (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011; and (v) Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.**
 
Filed herewith electronically.
* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.
** Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to this quarterly report on Form 10-Q shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be deemed part of the registration statement, prospectus or other document filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filings.

26

Table of Contents


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 

 

TENNANT COMPANY
 

 

 
Date:

October 30, 2012

                /s/ H. Chris Killingstad
 

 

H. Chris Killingstad
President and Chief Executive Officer
 

     

 
Date:

October 30, 2012

                /s/ Thomas Paulson
 

 

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

 


27






















TENNANT COMPANY
EXECUTIVE NONQUALIFIED
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
(as restated effective January 1, 2009)






TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE 1.
PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION OF PLAN
1

Section 1.1.
Purpose
1

Section 1.2.
Description of Plan
1

ARTICLE 2.
DEFINITIONS, GENDER, AND NUMBER
2

Section 2.1.
Definitions
2

Section 2.2.
Gender and Number
8

ARTICLE 3.
PARTICIPATION
8

Section 3.1.
Who May Participate
8

Section 3.2.
Time and Conditions of Participation
8

Section 3.3.
Termination and Suspension of Participation
8

Section 3.4.
Missing Persons
9

Section 3.5.
Relationship to Other Plans
9

ARTICLE 4.
ESTABLISHMENT OF AND ENTRIES TO ACCOUNTS
10

Section 4.1.
Establishment of Accounts
10

Section 4.2.
Compensation Reduction Contributions
10

Section 4.3.
Discretionary Contributions
14

Section 4.4.
Supplemental Profit Sharing Plan Contributions
14

Section 4.5.
Crediting Rate
15

ARTICLE 5.
VESTING IN ACCOUNTS
16

ARTICLE 6.
DISTRIBUTION OF ACCOUNTS
16

Section 6.1.
Benefit Commencement
16

Section 6.2.
Form of Benefit Payment
16

Section 6.3.
Payment of Accounts on Death
17

ARTICLE 7.
SUPPLEMENTAL PENSION BENEFIT
18

Section 7.1.
Eligibility to Receive Supplemental Pension Benefit
18

Section 7.2.
Amount of Supplemental Pension Benefit
18

Section 7.2.
Distribution of Supplemental Pension Benefit
19

Section 7.4.
Forfeiture for Cause Termination
20

ARTICLE 8.
EXCEPTIONS TO PLAN PAYMENT TERMS
20

Section 8.1.
Small Benefit Amounts
20

Section 8.2.
Delay of Distributions
21

Section 8.3.
Acceleration of Distributions
22

Section 8.4.
When a Payment Is Deemed to Be Made
24

ARTICLE 8.
FUNDING
24

Section 9.1.
Source of Benefits
24

Section 9.2.
No Claim on Specific Assets
24

ARTICLE 9.
ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCES
24

Section 10.1.
Administration
24

Section 10.2.
Powers of Plan Administrator
24

Section 10.3.
Actions of the Plan Administrator
25

Section 10.4.
Delegation
25










Section 10.5.
Reports and Records
25

Section 10.6.
Claims Procedure
25

ARTICLE 10.
AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION
27

Section 11.1.
Amendments
27

Section 10.2.
Termination
27

ARTICLE 12.
MISCELLANEOUS
28

Section 12.1.
No Guarantee of Employment
28

Section 12.2.
Release
28

Section 12.3.
Notices
28

Section 12.4.
Nonalienation
28

Section 12.5.
Withholding
28

Section 12.6.
Captions
28

Section 12.7.
Binding Agreement
28

Section 12.8.
Invalidity of Certain Provisions
28

Section 12.9.
No Other Agreements
29

Section 12.10.
Incapacity
29

Section 12.11.
Counterparts
29

Section 12.12.
Participating Affiliates
29

Section 12.13.
Applicable Law
29

Section 12.14.
Electronic Media
29

Section 12.15.
USERRA Compliance
29

EXHIBIT A
 
31








TENNANT COMPANY
EXECUTIVE NONQUALIFIED
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
(as restated effective January 1, 2009)


The Tennant Company (the “Company”) previously adopted two nonqualified deferred compensation plans for the benefit of certain of the Company's executive employees. These plans are the Tennant Company Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”) and the Tennant Company Excess Benefit Plan (the “Excess Benefit Plan”). The Company merged the Excess Benefit Plan into the Deferred Compensation Plan and restated the Deferred Compensation Plan, effective January 1, 2003. As part of that restatement, the Deferred Compensation Plan was renamed the Tennant Company Executive Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Plan”).

Since the Plan became effective, it has been amended to include the Company's outside Directors as individuals eligible to participate. In addition, changes have been made to the law pursuant to Section 409A that affect nonqualified deferred compensation plans. Finally, the Company made some changes in the design and operation of the Plan, including the addition of a Deferred Stock Unit feature. The Company restated the Plan, effective January 1, 2005, to reflect these changes. In the case of the changes required by Section 409A, the restatement reflected the Proposed Treasury Regulations issued under Section 409A.

The Company hereby again amends and restates the Plan, as set forth herein, effective January 1, 2009, to comply with the final regulations issued under Section 409A. Amounts deferred and vested under the Plan prior to January 1, 2005 (the effective date of Section 409A) are subject to the terms of the Plan, as in effect prior to January 1, 2005, and are not subject to the terms of the Plan, as restated effective January 1, 2005, or as restated herein. Such amounts are “grandfathered” under Section 409A and are therefore not subject to Section 409A.

ARTICLE 1. PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION OF PLAN

Section 1.1. Purpose . The purpose of the Plan is to provide Eligible Employees with benefits that supplement those provided under certain of the tax-qualified plans maintained by the Company. More specifically, the Plan is intended to permit Eligible Employees to defer a portion of their compensation on a pre-tax basis, and to provide certain other benefits on a nonqualified plan basis that are not otherwise provided under the tax-qualified plans.

Section 1.2. Description of Plan . In the case of Participants who are employees, the Plan is intended to be (and shall be construed and administered as) an employee benefit pension plan under the provisions of ERISA, which is unfunded and maintained primarily for the purpose of providing deferred compensation for a select group of management or highly‑compensated employees, as described in ERISA Sections 201(2),

1



301(a)(3) and 401(a)(1). The Plan is not intended to be qualified under Code Section 401(a).
The obligation of the Company to make payments under the Plan constitutes an unsecured (but legally enforceable) promise of the Company to make such payments and no person, including any Participant or Beneficiary, shall have any lien, prior claim or other security interest in any property of the Company as a result of the Plan.

ARTICLE 2. DEFINITIONS, GENDER, AND NUMBER

Section 2.1 . Definitions . Whenever used in the Plan, the following words and phrases have the meanings set forth below unless the context plainly requires a different meaning, and when a defined meaning is intended, the term is capitalized.
    
(1)
Account ” means the device used to measure and determine the amount of deferred compensation to be paid to a Participant or Beneficiary under the Plan, other than pursuant to Article 7. An employee Participant shall have the opportunity to maintain two Accounts under the Plan, Account A, and Account B. A Director Participant shall have only one Account under the Plan, Account A.

(2)
Affiliate ” means the Company and any entity with which the Company would be considered a single employer under Code Section 414(b) (employees of controlled group of corporations) and Code Section 414(c) (employees of partnerships, proprietorships, etc., under common control).

(3)
Base Compensation ,” of a Participant for any Plan Year, means the total annual base salary paid by all Affiliates to such individual during such Plan Year for his or her employment with the Affiliate, including any amount that would be included in the definition of Base Compensation but for the individual's election to defer some of his or her compensation pursuant to the Plan or any other deferred compensation plan established by an Affiliate; but excluding any other remuneration paid by an Affiliate, such as overtime, severance pay, Incentive Compensation, stock options, distributions of compensation previously deferred, restricted stock, allowances for expenses (including moving expenses, travel expenses and automobile allowances), fringe benefits whether payable in cash or in a form other than cash, and disability pay. In the case of an individual who is a participant in a plan sponsored by an Affiliate that is described in Code Section 401(k), 125 or 132(f), the term Base Compensation shall include any amount that would be included in the definition of Base Compensation but for the individual's election to reduce his or her Base Compensation and have the amount of the reduction contributed to or used to purchase benefits under such plan.

(4)
Beneficiary ” or “ Beneficiaries ” means the persons or trusts designated by a Participant in writing pursuant to Section 6.3(b) as being entitled to receive the Participant's Accounts, or the benefit described in Section 7.3(b)(ii), by

2



reason of the death of the Participant, or, in the absence of such designation, the persons specified in 6.3(c).

(5)
Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Company as constituted at the relevant time.

(6)
Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time and any successor statute. References to a Code section shall be deemed to be to that section or to any successor to that section.

(7)
Committee ” means the Company's Retirement Committee, or any successor committee appointed by the Board to perform substantially similar functions.

(8)
Company ” means the Tennant Company, a Minnesota corporation, and its successors and assigns, by merger, purchase or otherwise.

(9)
Compensation ,” of an employee Participant for an period, means the Participant's Base Compensation, STIP Compensation, and LTIP Compensation for that period. “Compensation,” of a Director Participant for any period, means the annual retainer and meeting fees earned by the Director for that period for his or her services as a member of the Company's Board.

(10)
Compensation Reduction Contribution ” means a contribution to the Plan made by a Participant pursuant to a Deferral Election Agreement that the Participant enters into with the Company. Compensation Reduction Contributions shall be made according to the terms of the Plan set forth in Section 4.2.

(11)
Deferred Compensation Plan ” means the Tennant Company Deferred Compensation Plan, as in effect prior to January 1, 2003.

(12)
Deferral Election Agreement ” means the agreement described in Section 4.2 in which the Participant designates the amount of his or her Compensation that he or she wishes to contribute to the Plan, the proportion in which such contribution is to be allocated between his or her Account A and Account B under the Plan, and acknowledges and agrees to the terms of the Plan.

(13)
Deferred Stock Unit ” means a unit of interest under the Plan entitling a Participant to receive a share of Stock at a future date. A Deferred Stock Unit is not a present interest in Stock; rather it is a right to receive a payment under the Plan in the future in the form of Stock. Accordingly, a Participant has no rights as a shareholder of the Company with respect to any Deferred Stock Unit.

(14)
Director ” means a member of the Company's Board who is not an employee of the Company.


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(15)
Domestic Relations Order ” has the same meaning as in Code Section 414(p).

(16)
Eligible Employee ” means any key employee of an Affiliate designated by the Committee who is a member of a select group of management or highly compensated employees of the Affiliate, within the meaning of ERISA Sections 201(2), 301(a)(3) and 401(a)(1), and any Director.

(17)
Enrollment Period , ” for a Plan Year, means the period designated by the Committee during which a Deferral Election Agreement may be entered into with respect to an Eligible Employee's Compensation for the Plan Year. The beginning and end of the Enrollment Period for a Plan Year shall be specified by the Committee from time to time, but unless an exception described in Section 4.2 applies, in no event shall the end of the Enrollment Period be later than the last day of the Plan Year immediately preceding the Plan Year in which the services giving rise to the Compensation to be deferred are performed. As described in Section 4.2, an exception may be made to this requirement for individuals who first become eligible to participate in the Plan and for Performance-based Compensation. In addition, other exceptions may be made by the Company from time to time consistent with the requirements of Section 409A.

(18)
ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time and any successor statute. References to an ERISA section shall be deemed to be to that section or to any successor to that section

(19)
Excess Benefit Plan ” means the “Tennant Company Excess Benefit Plan,” as in effect prior January 1, 2003.

(20)
Highly-Compensated Employee ” has the same meaning as in the Profit Sharing Plan.

(21)
Incentive Compensation ,” of a Participant, means the Participant's STIP or LTIP Compensation.

(22)
LTIP ” means the Company's Long-term Incentive Plan, as in effect from time to time.

(23)
LTIP Compensation ,” of a Participant for a Plan Year, means the compensation (payable in cash or Stock) under the LTIP in which the Participant vests under the LTIP during the Plan Year, including any amount that would be included in the definition of LTIP Compensation but for the individual's election to defer some of his or her compensation pursuant to the Plan or any other deferred compensation plan established by an Affiliate. In the case of an individual who is a participant in a plan sponsored by an Affiliate that is described in Code Section 401(k), 125 or 132(f), the term LTIP

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Compensation shall include any amount that would be included in the definition of LTIP Compensation but for the individual's election to reduce his or her LTIP Compensation and have the amount of the reduction contributed to or used to purchase benefits under such plan.

(24)
Participant ” means: (a) an Eligible Employee who has satisfied the requirements set forth in Section 3.2; and (b) and any other employee of the Company described in Section 3.1 who has satisfied the requirements set forth in Section 3.2.

(25)
Pension Plan ” means the “Tennant Company Pension Plan,” as in effect from time to time.

(26)
Performance-Based Compensation, ” of a Participant for a period, means the Incentive Compensation of the Participant for such period where the amount of, or entitlement to, the Incentive Compensation is contingent on the satisfaction of pre-established organizational or individual performance criteria relating to a performance period of at least 12 consecutive months. Organizational or individual performance criteria are considered pre-established if established in writing by not later than 90 days after the commencement period of service to which the criteria relate, provided that the outcome is substantially uncertain at the time the criteria are established. Performance-based Compensation may include payment based on performance criteria that are not approved by the Board or the Committee or by the stockholders of the Company. Performance-based Compensation does not include any amount or portion of any amount that will be paid either regardless of performance or based upon a level of performance that is substantially certain to be met at the time the criteria are established.

(27)
Plan ” means the Tennant Company Executive Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, as set forth herein, and as may be amended from time to time.

(28)
Plan Year” means the 12-month period commencing each January 1 and ending the following December 31.

(29)
Profit Sharing Plan ” means the “Tennant Company Profit Sharing Plan and Employee Stock Ownership Plan,” as may be amended from time to time.

(30)
Qualified Plans ” means the Profit Sharing Plan and the Pension Plan.

(31)
Restatement ” means the Plan, as set forth herein.

(32)
Section 401(a)(17) Limit ” means the dollar limit on the amount of compensation that may be taken into account under the Qualified Plans under Code Section 401(a)(17).


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(33)
Section 401(k) Limit ” means the limit on pre-tax contributions that may be made by a Highly-Compensated Employee under a plan described in Code Section 401(k) as a result of the application of the nondiscrimination tests under Code Section 401(k)(3).

(34)
Section 401(m) Limit ” means the limit on matching contributions that may be made on behalf of a Highly-Compensated Employee under a plan described in Code Section 401(m) as a result of the application of the nondiscrimination tests under Code Section 401(m)(2).

(35)
Section 402(g) Limit ” means the limit on the amount of compensation that may be deferred by an individual on a pre-tax basis under an arrangement described in Code Section 401(k).

(36)
Section 409A ” means Code Section 409A.

(37)
Section 415 Limit ” means the limit on accruals for defined benefit plans and the limit on allocations for defined contribution plans that are imposed by Code Sections 415(b) and 415(c).

(38)
Separation from Service ” or “ Separate from Service ,” with respect to a Participant, means the Participant's separation from service with all Affiliates, within the meaning of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) and the regulations under such section. Solely for this purpose, a Participant who is an Eligible Employee will be considered to have a Separation from Service when the Participant dies, retires, or otherwise has a termination of employment with all Affiliates. The employment relationship is treated as continuing intact while the Participant is on military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence if the period of such leave does not exceed six months, or if longer, so long as the individual retains a right to reemployment with an Affiliate under an applicable statute or by contract. For purposes hereof, a leave of absence constitutes a bona fide leave of absence only if there is a reasonable expectation that the Participant will return to perform services for an Affiliate. If the period of leave exceeds six months and the individual does not retain a right to reemployment under an applicable statute or by contract, the employment relationship is deemed to terminate on the first date immediately following such six-month period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, where a leave of absence is due to any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than six months, where such impairment causes the employee to be unable to perform the duties of his or her position of employment or any substantially similar position of employment, the Company may substitute a 29-month period of absence for such six-month period.

Whether a termination of employment has occurred is determined based on whether the facts and circumstances indicate that the Affiliate and the

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Participant reasonably anticipated that no further services will be performed after a certain date or that the level of bona fide services the Participant will perform after such date (whether as an employee or independent contractor) will permanently decrease to no more than 40 percent of the average level of bona fide services performed (whether as an employee or independent contractor) over the immediately preceding 36-month period (or the full period of services if the Participant has been providing services for less than 36 months).

Notwithstanding anything in Section 2.1(2) to the contrary, in determining whether a Participant has had a Separation from Service with an Affiliate, an entity's status as an “Affiliate” shall be determined substituting “50 percent” for “80 percent” each place it appears in Code Section 1563(a)(1),(2), and (3) and in Treasury Regulation Section 1.414(c)-2.

The Company shall have discretion to determine whether a Participant has experienced a Separation from Service in connection with an asset sale transaction entered into by an Affiliate, provided that such determination conforms to the requirements of Section 409A and the regulations and other guidance issued under such section, in which case the Company's determination shall be binding on the Participant.

A Director is considered to have a Separation from Service when he or she ceases to perform services as a Director and the Company does not then anticipate that the Director will continue to perform services for any Affiliate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Participant provides services both as a Director and an employee, the services provided as a Director are not taken into account in determining whether the Participant has a Separation from Service as an employee for purposes of the Plan contributions made with respect to services performed as an employee, and the services provided as an employee are not taken into account for purposes of determining whether the Participant has had a Separation from Service for purposes of Plan contributions made with respect to services performed as a Director.

(39)
STIP ” means the Company's Short-term Incentive Plan, as in effect from time to time.

(40)
STIP Compensation ,” of a Participant for a Plan Year, means the compensation earned by the Participant under the STIP for the Plan Year, including any amount that would be included in the definition of STIP Compensation but for the individual's election to defer some of his or her compensation pursuant to the Plan or any other deferred compensation plan established by an Affiliate. In the case of an individual who is a participant in a plan sponsored by an Affiliate that is described in Code Section 401(k), 125 or 132(f), the term STIP Compensation shall include any amount that would be included in the definition of STIP Compensation but for the

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individual's election to reduce his or her STIP Compensation and have the amount of the reduction contributed to or used to purchase benefits under such plan.

(41)
Supplemental Pension Benefit ” means the benefit described in Article 7 that supplements the benefit provided under the Pension Plan.

(42)
Specified Employee ” means an employee of an Affiliate who is subject to the six-month delay rule described in Code Section 409A(2)(B)(i). The Company shall establish a written policy for identifying Specified Employees in a manner consistent with Section 409A, which policy may be amended by the Company from time to time as permitted by Section 409A.

(43)
Stock ” means the common stock, $.375 par value per share (as such par value may be adjusted from time to time), of the Company.

(44)
Stock Sub-Account ,” of a Participant, means a Sub-Account maintained under an Account for the benefit of the Participant that is credited with Deferred Stock Units.

Section 2.2 . Gender and Number . Except as otherwise indicated by context, masculine terminology used herein also includes the feminine and neuter, and terms used in the singular may also include the plural.

ARTICLE 3. PARTICIPATION

Section 3.1 . Who May Participate . Participation in the Plan is limited to Eligible Employees. The Committee shall have sole discretion to determine whether an employee is an Eligible Employee. In addition, an employee of an Affiliate who is entitled to receive a benefit under Section 4.4 or Article 7 of the Plan shall be a Participant with respect to such benefit, provided the employee is a member of a select group of management or highly compensated employees of the Affiliate, within the meaning of ERISA Sections 201(2), 301(a)(3) and 401(a)(1), as determined by the Committee in its discretion, and satisfies the requirements set forth in Section 3.2. The Committee may make such projections or estimates as it deems desirable in applying the eligibility requirements, and its determination shall be conclusive.

Section 3.2 . Time and Conditions of Participation . An individual who satisfies the eligibility requirements set forth in Section 3.1 shall become a Participant only upon his or her compliance with such terms and conditions as the Committee may from time to time establish for the implementation of the Plan, including but not limited to, any condition the Committee may deem necessary or appropriate for the Company to meet its obligations under the Plan.

Section 3.3 . Termination and Suspension of Participation . Once an individual has become a Participant in the Plan, participation shall continue until the first to occur of: (a) payment in full of all benefits to which the Participant or his or her Beneficiary is

8



entitled under the Plan; or (b) the occurrence of the event specified in Section 3.4, Article 5, or Article 7 that results in loss of benefits. However, if the Committee determines in its discretion that a Participant is no longer, or no longer will be, a member of a select group of management or highly compensated employees of an Affiliate, within the meaning of ERISA Sections 201(2), 301(a)(3) and 401(a)(1), or otherwise is no longer, or no longer will be, eligible to participate in the Plan on an active basis, the Participant shall cease to be eligible to receive the Company contributions described in Section 4.3 and 4.4 and the benefit accruals described in Article 7 immediately upon such determination, and shall cease to be eligible to make the Compensation Reduction Contributions described in Section 4.2 as of the first day of the Plan Year immediately following such determination.

Section 3.4 . Missing Persons . Each Participant and Beneficiary entitled to receive benefits under the Plan shall be obligated to keep the Company informed of his or her current address until all Plan benefits that are due to be paid to the Participant or Beneficiary have been paid to him or her. If after having made reasonable efforts to do so, the Company is unable to locate the Participant or Beneficiary for purposes of making a distribution, the amount of the Participant's benefits under the Plan that would otherwise be considered as nonforfeitable will be forfeited. If the missing Participant or Beneficiary is located after the date of the forfeiture, the benefits for the Participant or Beneficiary will not be reinstated. In no event will a Participant's or Beneficiary's benefits be paid to him or her later than the date otherwise required by the Plan and Section 409A.

Section 3.5 . Relationship to Other Plans . Participation in the Plan shall not preclude participation of the Participant in any other fringe benefit program or plan sponsored by an Affiliate for which such Participant would otherwise be eligible. The terms of such other plan or plans shall govern in determining the extent to which the Participant's Compensation and Plan benefits are considered in determining eligibility for, and the amount of, the benefit provided under such other program or plan.



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ARTICLE 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND ENTRIES TO ACCOUNTS

Section 4.1 .      Establishment of Accounts

(a)      Accounts A and B . The Company shall establish two Accounts under the Plan for each Participant, termed “Account A” and “Account B;” provided, however, that Director Participants shall have only an Account A.

(i)
Account A . Account A shall consist of: (i) all Compensation Reduction Contributions made to the Plan that the Participant elects to have allocated to Account A pursuant to a Deferral Election Agreement, adjusted for gains and losses thereon pursuant to Section 4.5; and (ii) all contributions made by the Company to the Plan on behalf of the Participant pursuant to Section 4.3 or 4.4, adjusted for gains and losses thereon pursuant to Section 4.5.

(ii)
Account B . Account B shall consist of all Compensation Reduction Contributions made to the Plan that the Participant elects to have allocated to Account B, adjusted for gains and losses thereon pursuant to Section 4.5.
 
(b)      Stock Sub-Accounts . If a Participant enters into an election pursuant to Section 4.2 to reduce some or all of the portion of LTIP Compensation otherwise payable to him or her in Stock and receive such Stock at a later date under the Plan, then the Stock shall be converted to Deferred Stock Units (as described in Section 4.2) which shall be credited to a Stock Sub-Account established for the benefit of the Participant under the Account or Accounts (Account A, Account B or both) designated by the Participant in his or her Deferral Election Agreement. The Stock Sub-Account shall consist of the Deferred Stock Units credited to it from time to time.

Section 4.2 . Compensation Reduction Contributions . Each Eligible Employee may make Compensation Reduction Contributions to the Plan for a Plan Year according to the rules set forth in this Section 4.2.

An Eligible Employee wishing to make a Compensation Reduction Contribution under the Plan for a Plan Year shall enter into a Deferral Election Agreement during the Enrollment Period for the Plan Year. In order to be effective, the Deferral Election Agreement must be completed and submitted to the Company at the time and in the manner specified by the Committee, which may be no later than the last day of the Enrollment Period.


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For the Plan Year in which an individual first becomes eligible to participate in the Plan, the Committee may, in its discretion, allow the individual to enter into a Deferral Election Agreement within 30 days after he or she first becomes eligible. In order to be effective, the Deferral Election Agreement must be completed and submitted to the Committee on or before the 30-day period has elapsed. The Committee will not accept Deferral Election Agreements entered into after the 30-day period has elapsed. If the eligible individual fails to complete a Deferral Election Agreement by such time, he or she may enter into a Deferral Election Agreement during any succeeding Enrollment Period in accordance with the rules described in the preceding paragraph. For Compensation that is earned based upon a specified performance period (for example an annual bonus) where a Deferral Election Agreement is entered into in the first year of eligibility but after the beginning of the performance period, the Deferral Election Agreement must apply to Compensation paid for services performed after the Deferral Election Agreement is entered into. For this purpose, a Deferral Election Agreement will be deemed to apply to Compensation paid for services performed after the Deferral Election Agreement is entered into if the Deferral Election Agreement applies to no more than an amount equal to the total amount of the Compensation for the performance period multiplied by the ratio of the number of days remaining in the performance period after the Deferral Election Agreement is entered into over the total number of days in the performance period. The term “Plan,” for purposes of this paragraph, means the Plan and any other plan required to be aggregated with the Plan pursuant to Section 409A and the regulations and other guidance under such section. Accordingly, if an Eligible Employee has previously been eligible to participate in a plan required to be aggregated with the Plan, then the 30-day exception described in this paragraph shall not apply to him or her.
Deferral Election Agreements for Base Compensation, Incentive Compensation (other than Performance-Based Compensation), and Director Compensation, must be completed and submitted to the Company at the time described above that is ordinarily applicable to Deferral Election Agreements (subject to the exception for individuals who are newly eligible to participate). Deferral Election Agreements for Incentive Compensation that is Performance-Based Compensation must be completed and submitted to the Company no later than six months before the end of the performance period for the Incentive Compensation; provided, however, that in order for such an election to be valid the Participant must perform services continuously from the beginning of the performance period (or the date the performance criteria are established, if later) through the date the Deferral Election Agreement is entered into, and provided further, that in no event may a Deferral Election Agreement be effective to defer Incentive Compensation after the Incentive Compensation has become reasonably ascertainable. For purposes hereof, if Incentive Compensation is a specific or calculable amount, the Incentive Compensation is readily ascertainable if and when the amount is first substantially certain to be paid. If the Incentive Compensation is not a specific or calculable amount (for example, the amount may vary based upon the level of performance) the Incentive Compensation, or any portion thereof, is readily ascertainable when the amount is both calculable and substantially certain to be paid. Accordingly, in general, any minimum amount that is both calculable and substantially certain to be paid will be treated as readily ascertainable. The Committee shall

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determine from time to time whether an item of Incentive Compensation is considered Performance-Based Compensation for these purposes.

The Deferral Election Agreement shall specify the amount of Compensation the Participant wishes to have deducted from his or her pay and contributed to the Plan by type and percentage, subject to the following rules:

(a)      Employee Compensation

(i)
Base Compensation . Each employee Participant may elect to make a Compensation Reduction Contribution under the Plan for a Plan Year in an amount equal to any whole percentage (up to 25%) of his or her Base Compensation for the Plan Year, determined on a pay period basis.

(ii)
STIP Compensation. Each employee Participant may elect to make a Compensation Reduction Contribution under the Plan for a Plan Year in an amount equal to any whole percentage (up to 100%) of his or her STIP Compensation for the Plan Year.

(iii)
LTIP Compensation . Each employee Participant may elect to make a Compensation Reduction Contribution under the Plan for a Plan Year in an amount equal to any whole percentage (up to 100%) of his or her LTIP Compensation for the Plan Year that is Performance-Based Compensation.

For Plan Years commencing before January 1, 2007, the election to make a Compensation Reduction Contribution with respect to LTIP Compensation may be made only with respect to the cash portion of the Participant's LTIP Compensation. For Plan Years commencing on or after January 1, 2007, a Participant may make a Compensation Reduction Contribution with respect to the Stock portion as well as the cash portion of the Participant's LTIP Compensation. A Participant who wishes to make an election with respect to the Stock portion of his or her LTIP Compensation for a Plan Year shall specify the percentage of shares of Stock in which he or she will vest during the Plan Year that he or she wishes to have contributed to the Plan. Only whole shares may be contributed and in the event that the election yields a fractional share contribution, the Company shall round down to the nearest whole share. Shares that a Participant elects to contribute to the Plan in this manner shall be converted to Deferred Stock Units on a one to one basis (i.e., one share

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of Stock shall be converted to one Deferred Stock Unit) as of the date on which such shares would otherwise have been distributed to the Participant. The Deferred Stock Units shall be held under the Plan in the Account (Account A or Account B) designated by the Participant in his or her Deferral Election Agreement until distributed to him or her pursuant to Article 6.

(b)
Director Compensation

(i)
Annual Retainer . Each Director Participant may elect to make a Compensation Reduction Contribution under the Plan for a Plan Year in an amount equal to 0%, 50% or 100% of his or her annual retainer for such Plan Year.

(ii)
Meeting Fees . Each Director Participant may elect to make a Compensation Reduction Contribution under the Plan for a Plan Year in an amount equal to 0% or 100% of his or her meeting fees for such Plan Year

An employee Participant shall specify in his or her Deferral Election Agreement the proportions, as a percentage, in which his or her Compensation Reduction Contributions are to be allocated between his or her Account A and Account B. A Participant may elect to allocate any percentage (from 0% to 100%) for this purpose. At the time an employee Participant first elects to allocate a percentage of his or her Contribution Reduction Contributions to an Account, the Participant shall, as part of his or her Deferral Election Agreement, elect the manner of distribution of the Account in accordance with Section 6.2, and with respect to his or her Account B, the date on which distribution will commence pursuant to Section 6.1. At the time a Director Participant first enters into a Deferral Election Agreement under the Plan, the Participant shall, as part of his or her Deferral Election Agreement, elect the manner of distribution of his or her Account A in accordance with Section 6.2.

In general, a Deferral Election Agreement shall become irrevocable as of the last day of the Enrollment Period applicable to it. However, if a Participant incurs an “unforeseeable emergency,” as defined in Section 8.3.(h), or becomes entitled to receive a hardship distribution under the Profit Sharing Plan pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.401(k)-1(d)(3) after the Deferral Election Agreement otherwise becomes irrevocable, the Deferral Election Agreement shall be cancelled as of the date on which the Participant is determined to have incurred the unforeseeable emergency or becomes eligible to receive the hardship distribution and no further Compensation Reduction Contributions will be made under it. In addition, if a Participant becomes “disabled” (as defined below), the Company may, in its discretion, cancel the Participant's Deferral Election Agreement then in effect, provided that such cancellation is made no later than end of the Plan Year in which the Participant becomes disabled, or if later, the 15 th day of the third month following the date on which the Participant becomes disabled, and provided further that the Company does not allow the Participant a direct or indirect

13



election regarding the cancellation. For purposes of the preceding sentence, “disability” means any medically determinable physical or mental impairment resulting in the Participant's inability to perform the duties of his or her position or any substantially similar position, where such impairment can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than six months.

Section 4.3 . Discretionary Contributions . The Company may from time to time in its discretion make contributions to the Plan on behalf of one or more Participants in addition to those specified in Sections 4.2, above, and 4.4, below. The Committee shall determine, in its discretion, the Participants, if any, entitled to such a contribution and the amount of each such contribution. A contribution on behalf of a Participant pursuant to this Section 4.3 shall be credited to the Account A of the Participant at the time specified by the Committee in its discretion.

Section 4.4 . Supplemental Profit Sharing Plan Contributions . Each Plan Year the Account A of each Participant who is also a participant in the Profit Sharing Plan shall be credited with an amount equal to the amount in (a) less the amount in (b), below.

(a)
The aggregate Profit Sharing Contributions and Matching Contribution that would have been allocated to the Participant under the Profit Sharing Plan for the Plan Year if:

(i)
The amount the Participant elected to contribute under the Profit Sharing Plan as a 401(k) Contribution had been equal to four percent of his or her Certified Earnings (as adjusted pursuant to (iii) and (v), below) and had not been reduced as a result of the application of the 402(g) Limit or 401(k) Limit;

(ii)
The Matching Contribution allocated to the Participant under the Profit Sharing Plan had not been reduced as a result of the application of the 401(m) Limit;

(iii)
The Participant's Certified Earnings under the Profit Sharing Plan were not reduced as a result of the application of the 401(a)(17) Limit;

(iv)
The Participant's Annual Additions under the Profit Sharing Plan were not reduced as a result of the application of the 415 Limit;

(v)
The amount of the Participant's Base Compensation and Incentive Compensation contributed to the Plan as a Compensation Reduction Contributions (that would have been included in the Participant's Certified Earnings under the Profit Sharing Plan but for such contribution to the Plan) were included in Certified Earnings.


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(b)
The amount of Profit Sharing Contributions and Matching Contributions actually allocated to the Participant under the Profit Sharing Plan for such Plan Year.

(c)
For purposes of Section 4.4(a), any amount deferred from Base Compensation or Incentive Compensation under the Plan (or the Prior Plan or Deferred Compensation Plan) that are subsequently paid to the Participant shall be excluded from Certified Earnings at the time of payment. Performance Share payouts and deferrals of such payouts shall be excluded from Certified Earning at all times.

A contribution on behalf of a Participant pursuant to this Section 4.4 shall be credited to the Participant's Account A within 90 days after the close of the Plan Year for which it is made. For purposes of this Section 4.4, the terms “Matching Contribution,” “Profit Sharing Contribution,” “401(k) Contribution,” “Annual Addition,” and “Certified Earnings” shall have the same meaning as in the Profit Sharing Plan.

Section 4.5 . Crediting Rate

(a)      In General . The Committee shall designate the manner in which a Participant's Accounts are to be credited with gains and losses as described on Exhibit A hereto, which Exhibit may be amended from time to time in the Committee's discretion. If the Committee designates specific investment funds to serve as an index for crediting gains and losses to a Participant's Accounts: (i) the Participant shall be entitled to designate which such fund or funds shall be used to measure gains and losses on his or her Accounts in accordance with rules established by the Committee; (ii) the Participant's Accounts will be credited with gains and losses as if invested in such fund or funds in accordance with the Participant's designation and the rules established by the Committee; and (iii) the Committee may, in its sole discretion, eliminate any investment fund or funds previously designated by it, substitute a new investment fund or funds therefore, or add investment fund or funds, at any time. If the Committee makes any such investment funds available for this purpose, the Committee shall have no obligation to actually invest any amounts in any such investment funds.

(b)      Dividend Equivalents Credited to Deferred Stock Units . On each date on which the Company pays a cash dividend (the “dividend date”), a Participant's Stock Sub-Account (or Stock Sub-Accounts as the case may be) shall be credited with an additional number of Deferred Stock Units determined by dividing the dollar amount that the Corporation would have paid as a dividend if the Deferred Stock Units held in the Participant's Stock Account as of the record date for the dividend were actual shares of Stock divided by the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the dividend date. Appropriate adjustments in the Stock Sub-Account shall be made as equitably required to prevent dilution or enlargement of the Sub-Account from any Stock dividend, Stock split, reorganization or other such corporate transaction or event. For purposes hereof

15



“Fair Market Value,” of a share of Stock, has the same meaning as in the Tennant Company 2007 Stock Incentive Plan.

ARTICLE 5. VESTING IN ACCOUNTSARTICLE 5. VESTING IN ACCOUNTS

A Participant's Accounts under the Plan shall be 100% vested at all times. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if a Participant's employment with any Affiliate is terminated for Cause, the Participant shall immediately forfeit any portion of his or her Account attributable to contributions made by the Company pursuant to Sections 4.3 and 4.4 (adjusted for gains and losses thereon pursuant to Section 4.5). For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term “Cause” shall mean: (i) the Participant's gross negligence, fraud, disloyalty, dishonesty or willful violation of any law or significant policy or staff by-law of an Affiliate, committed in connection with the position and resulting in a material adverse effect on an Affiliate; or (ii) the Participant's failure to substantially perform (for reasons other than disability) the duties reasonably assigned or appropriate to the position, in a manner reasonably consistent with the practices in the industry which failure results in a material adverse effect on an Affiliate; provided, however, that “Cause” will not include ordinary negligence or failure to act, whether due to an error in judgment or otherwise, if the Participant has exercised substantial efforts in good faith to perform the duties reasonably assigned or appropriate to the position.

ARTICLE 6. DISTRIBUTION OF ACCOUNTS

Section 6.1 . Benefit Commencement . Distribution of a Participant's Account A shall commence to the Participant within 90 days following the Participant's Separation from Service. Distribution of a Participant's Account B shall commence to the Participant at the date specified in the Deferral Election Agreement that the Participant enters into at the time the Participant first allocates a Contribution Reduction Contribution to this Account. This date (the “specified distribution date”) must be at least two years following the beginning of the Plan Year in which Compensation Reduction Contributions to Account B are first made. However, if the Participant terminates employment prior to the specified distribution date, distribution of the Participant's Account B shall commence within 90 days following the Participant's Separation from Service.

Section 6.2 . Form of Benefit Payment . A Participant shall elect the manner in which each of his or her Accounts is to be distributed from the available distribution options set forth below:

(a)
a lump sum; or

(b)
substantially equal quarterly installments over a period of years elected by the Participant (not exceeding ten), with the Participant's Account balance credited with gains and losses (and dividend equivalents, as the case may be) pursuant to Section 4.5 during the payment period.

    

16



The election shall be made with respect to each Account at the time the Participant first allocates his or her Compensation Reduction Contributions to the Account. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for contributions made pursuant to Section 4.3 and 4.4, if the Participant has not yet elected the form of distribution of his or her Account A prior to the Plan Year that he or she performs the services for the Company giving rise to the contribution, distribution shall be in the form of a lump sum.

Distributions from Stock Sub-Accounts shall be made in the form of Stock, with each Stock Unit converted to a share of Stock at the time of distribution; provided, however, that the Company may, in its discretion, withhold such number of whole or partial shares of Stock from any such distribution as it, in its discretion, deems necessary or desirable to satisfy any applicable withholding requirements pursuant to Section 12.5. All other distributions from the Plan shall be made in the form of cash.

Section 6.3 . Payment of Accounts on Death

(a)      Lump Sum Payment on Death . In the event a Participant dies before his or her entire Account has been distributed, the Account (or the balance of the Account if distributions have commenced) shall be paid to the Beneficiary in the form of a lump sum within 90 days following the Participant's death.

(b)      Designation by Participant . Each Participant has the right to designate primary and contingent Beneficiaries for death benefits payable under the Plan. Such Beneficiaries may be individuals or trusts for the benefit of individuals. A Beneficiary designation by a Participant shall be in writing on a form acceptable to the Committee and shall only be effective upon delivery to the Company. A Beneficiary designation may be revoked by a Participant at any time by delivering to the Company either written notice of revocation or a new Beneficiary designation form. The Beneficiary designation form last delivered to the Company prior to the death of a Participant shall control.

(c)      Failure to Designate Beneficiary . In the event there is no Beneficiary designation on file with the Company at the Participant's death, or if all Beneficiaries designated by a Participant have predeceased the Participant, the Beneficiary shall be the beneficiary designated by the Participant under the Company's group life insurance program. If a Beneficiary has not been designated under the Company's group life insurance program, the Beneficiary shall be the Participant's spouse, and if there is no spouse, the Beneficiary shall be the Participant's estate.


17



ARTICLE 7. SUPPLEMENTAL PENSION BENEFIT

Section 7.1. Eligibility to Receive Supplemental Pension Benefit An employee described in this Section 7.1 who is eligible to receive a benefit under the Pension Plan shall be eligible to receive the Supplemental Pension Benefit described in Section 7.2 in addition to any other benefit he or she is eligible to receive under the Plan. In order to be eligible to receive the Supplemental Pension Benefit, the employee must satisfy the requirements set forth in Sections 3.1 and 3.2 and his or her benefit under the Pension Plan must be limited: (a) by operation of Section 6.11 of the Pension Plan due to the Section 415 Limit; (b) because of the dollar limit on Certified Earnings described in Section 2.7(f) of the Pension Plan as a result of application of the Section 401(a)(17) Limit; or (c) because amounts contributed under the Plan or under the Deferred Compensation Plan as a Compensation Reduction Contribution which otherwise would have been included in Certified Earnings (but for the election to defer such amounts under the Plan or Deferred Compensation Plan) are excluded from Certified Earnings. In additional, a member of Operating Management who is not described in the previous sentence but who is eligible to defer part or all of a salary increase for a year beginning on or after January 1, 1993, is also eligible for a benefit under this Article 7 if such individual satisfies the requirements of Sections 3.1 and 3.2, except that paragraphs (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) of Section 7.2(a) shall not apply to such person.

Section 7.2 . Amount of Supplemental Pension BenefitSection . The Supplemental Pension Benefit shall be an amount equal to the amount in (a) less the amount in (b), below, expressed, in the case of the portion of the Participant's Supplemental Pension Benefit described in Sections 7.3(a) and 7.3(b)(i), as a monthly benefit to the Participant (or to the Participant's surviving spouse, contingent annuitant or beneficiary, as the case may be, under the Pension Plan) payable at the same time and in the same form as under the Pension Plan; and, in the case of the portion of the Participant's Supplemental Pension Benefit described in Section 7.3(b)(ii), in the form elected by the Participant pursuant to Section 7.3(b)(ii) (or otherwise payable pursuant to such section) commencing on the Participant's Separation from Service.

(a)
The amount which would have been payable under the Pension Plan if:

(i)
The limitations imposed by Section 6.11 of the Pension Plan were not applicable;

(ii)
The dollar limit in Section 2.7(f) of the Pension Plan was not applicable;

(iii)
STIP Compensation were not excluded from Certified Earnings under Section 2.7(a) of the Pension Plan;

(iv)
Compensation Reduction Contributions to the Plan (or the Deferred Compensation Plan prior to the Restatement Date) from Base Compensation and STIP Compensation, but disregarding

18



performance share pay-outs and deferrals of such amounts, were included in Certified Earnings for the Plan Year in which each such contribution would have been so included but for the Compensation Reduction Contribution (and are not included for the Plan Year when paid from the Plan).

(v)
Deferred salary increases were included in Certified Earnings for the Plan Year in which each such amount would have been paid in the absence of the deferral (and are not included for the Plan Year in which such deferred amounts are actually paid).

(b)
The amount actually payable under the Pension Plan.

(c)      For purposes of this Section 7.2: (i) the term ”Certified Earnings” has the same meaning as in the Pension Plan; and (ii) the portion of the Supplemental Pension Benefit described in Section 7.3(b)(ii) shall be determined by determining the amount that would have been payable under the Pension Plan with respect to such portion, assuming that such portion was paid to the Participant in the form of a monthly life annuity commencing on the earliest date permitted under the Pension Plan on or following the Participant's Separation from Service, and converting that benefit to the form payable under Section 7.3(b)(ii) commencing on Separation from Service, using the actuarial equivalence, and if applicable, early commencement reduction factors then applicable under the Pension Plan.

Section 7.3 . Distribution of Supplemental Pension Benefit

(a)      Grandfathered Supplemental Pension Benefit . Any portion of a Participant's Supplemental Pension Benefit that was accrued and vested prior to January 1, 2005, shall be grandfathered under Section 409A (and accordingly not subject to Section 409A). This portion of the Participant's Supplemental Pension Benefit shall be distributed under the terms of the Plan, as in effect prior to January 1, 2005 (which requires that distribution be made at the same time and in the same form as under the Pension Plan), and shall not be subject to the terms of the Restatement or the terms of the Plan, as restated effective January 1, 2005. Accordingly, this portion shall be distributed to the Participant (or to the Participant's surviving spouse, contingent annuitant or beneficiary, as the case may be, under the Pension Plan ) at the same time and in the same form as under the Pension Plan.

(b)      Non-Grandfathered Benefits . Any portion of a Participant's Supplemental Pension Benefit that accrues or vests on or after January 1, 2005, shall be subject to the following rules:

(i)      Transition Rule Supplemental Pension Benefit . If commencement of such portion is prior to January 1, 2009, distribution shall be made to the Participant (or to the Participant's surviving spouse, contingent annuitant or beneficiary, as the case may be, under the Pension Plan) under the Section 409A transition rule which permits distributions to be made in accordance with the

19



terms of the Plan as in effect prior to January 1, 2005. Accordingly, such portion shall be distributed pursuant to the same rules as set forth in Section 7.3(a), notwithstanding any contrary provision of the Plan.

(ii)      Distributions that Commence on or After January 1, 2009 . If commencement of such portion is on or after January 1, 2009, distribution shall commence within 90 days following the Participant's Separation from Service and shall be made in one of the following forms as elected in writing by the Participant prior to January 1, 2009 (or such earlier date as may be specified by the Company, in its discretion) pursuant to the transition rule under Section 409A which permits Participants to enter into payment elections prior to January 1, 2009, for benefits subject to Section 409A; provided, however, that if the Participant has Separated from Service prior to January 1, 2009, distribution shall be made in the form of a lump sum on March 1, 2009:

(A)
a lump sum; or

(B)
substantially equal monthly, quarterly, or annual installments over a period of years elected by the Participant (not exceeding 15).
  
If the Participant dies prior to receiving the entire portion of his or her Supplemental Pension Benefit described in this Section 7.3(b)(ii), any amount not yet distributed to the Participant shall be paid to the Participant's Beneficiary in a lump sum within 90 days following the Participant's death. The Participant shall have the right to designate a Beneficiary for this portion according to the rules set forth in Section 6.3(b) (and the rules set forth in Section 6.3(c) for failure to designate a Beneficiary shall also apply to this portion).

Section 7.4 . Forfeiture for Cause Termination . Notwithstanding anything in this Article 7 to the contrary, if a Participant's employment with any Affiliate is terminated for “Cause,” as defined in Article 5, no benefit will be payable to, or with respect to, the Participant under this Article 7.

ARTICLE 8. EXCEPTIONS TO PLAN PAYMENT TERMS

Notwithstanding anything in the Plan or a Participant's Deferral Election Agreement to the contrary, the following terms, if applicable, shall apply to the payment of Plan benefits other than those described in Section 7.3(b)(i).

Section 8.1 . Small Benefit Amounts . If at any time the present value of any benefit under the Plan that would be considered a “single plan” under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(c)(2) together with the present value of any benefit required to be aggregated with such benefit under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(c)(2), is less than the dollar limit set forth in Code Section 402(g), the Company may, in its discretion, distribute such benefit (or benefits) to the Participant in the form of a lump sum, provided that the payment results in the liquidation of the entirety of the Participant's interest under the “single plan, “ including all benefits required to be

20



aggregated as part of the “single plan” under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(c)(2).

Section 8.2 . Delay of Distributions

8.2.1      Specified Employees . If a Participant is a Specified Employee as of the date of his or her Separation from Service, any distributions that under the terms of the Plan are to commence to the Participant on his or her Separation from Service (“separation distributions”) shall commence on the Participant's “delayed distribution date” (as defined below). In this event, the Company shall, in its discretion, determine whether the first separation distribution to the Participant shall include the aggregate amount of any separation distributions that, but for this Section 8.2.1, would have been paid to the Participant from the date of his or her Separation from Service until the delayed distribution date, or whether each separation distribution shall be delayed for six months. For purposes of this Section 8.2.1, a Specified Employee's “delayed distribution date” is the first day of the seventh month following the Participant's Separation from Service, or if earlier, the date of the Participant's death.

8.2.2      Other Permitted Delays . A payment under the Plan may be delayed by the Company under any of the following circumstances so long as all payments to similarly situated Participants are treated on a reasonably consistent basis:

(a)      The Company reasonably anticipates that if such payment were made as scheduled, the Company's deduction with respect to such payment would not be permitted under Code Section 162(m), provided that the payment is made either during the first Plan Year in which the Company reasonably anticipates, or should reasonably anticipate, that if the payment is made during such year the deduction of such payment will not be barred by application of Code Section 162(m) or during the period beginning with the date of the Participant's Separation from Service and ending on the later of the last day of the Company's fiscal year in which the Participant has a Separation from Service or the 15 th day of the third month following the Separation from Service.

(b)      The Company reasonably anticipates that the making of the payment will violate Federal securities laws or other applicable law, provided that the payment is made at the earliest date at which the Company reasonably anticipates that the making of the payment will not cause such violation.


21



(c)      Upon such other events as determined by the Company and according to such terms as are consistent with Section 409A or are prescribed by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue.

Section 8.3 . Acceleration of Distributions . The Company may, in its discretion, distribute all or a portion of a Participant's Accounts or the benefit described in Section 7.3(b)(ii) at an earlier time and in a different form than specified in the Plan under the circumstances described below:

(a)      Domestic Relations Order . As may be necessary to fulfill a Domestic Relations Order. Any payment pursuant to a Domestic Relations Order will be made according to such conditions, rules and procedures as may be specified from time to time by the Company in its discretion.

(b)      Conflicts of Interest . To the extent reasonably necessary to avoid the violation of ethics laws or conflict of interest laws pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(j)(ii).

(c)      FICA . To pay FICA on amounts deferred under the Plan and the income tax resulting from such payment.

(d)      Failure to Comply with Section 409A . To pay the amount required to be included in income as a result of the Plan's failure to comply with Section 409A.

(e)      Liquidation of the Plan . If the Company determines, in its discretion, that it is advisable to liquidate the Plan, or any portion thereof, in connection with a termination of the Plan pursuant to Section 11.2 as permitted by Section 409A.

(f)      Satisfaction of Debt . As satisfaction of a debt of the Participant to an Affiliate, where such debt is incurred in the ordinary course of the service relationship between the Affiliate and the Participant, the entire amount of the reduction in any Plan Year does not exceed $5,000, and the reduction is made at the same time and in the same amount as the debt otherwise would have been due and collected from the Participant.

(g)      State, Local or Foreign Taxes . To pay state, local or foreign tax obligations that may arise with respect to amounts deferred under the Plan and the income tax resulting from such payment.


22



(h)      Unforeseeable Emergency . In the case of a Participant's Accounts (and not the benefit described in Section 7.3(b)(ii)), if the Participant has an unforeseeable emergency. For these purposes an “unforeseeable emergency” is a severe financial hardship to the Participant, resulting from an illness or accident of the Participant, the Participant's spouse, the Beneficiary, or the Participant's dependent (as defined in Code Section 152, without regard to Code Section 152(b)(1), (b)(2), and (d)(1)(B)); loss of the Participant's property due to casualty (including the need to rebuild a home following damage to a home not otherwise covered by insurance, for example, not as a result of a natural disaster); or other similar extraordinary and unforeseeable circumstances arising as a result of events beyond the control of the Participant. For example, the imminent foreclosure of or eviction from the Participant's primary residence may constitute an unforeseeable emergency. In addition, the need to pay for medical expenses, including non-refundable deductibles, as well as for the cost of prescription drug medication, may constitute an unforeseeable emergency. Finally, the need to pay for funeral expenses of a spouse, Beneficiary, or a dependent (as defined in Code Section 152, without regard to Code 152(b)(1), (b)(2), and (d)(1)(B)) may also constitute an unforeseeable emergency. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 8.3(h), the purchase of a home and the payment of college tuition are not unforeseeable emergencies. Whether a Participant or Beneficiary is faced with an unforeseeable emergency permitting a distribution under this Section 8.3(h) is to be determined based on the relevant facts and circumstances of each case, but, in any case a distribution on account of an unforeseeable emergency may not be made to the extent that such emergency is or may be relieved through reimbursement or compensation from insurance or otherwise, by liquidation of the Participant's assets, to the extent the liquidation of such assets would not cause severe financial hardship, or by cessation of Elective Deferrals.

Distributions because of an unforeseeable emergency must be limited to the amount reasonably necessary to satisfy the emergency need (which may include amounts necessary to pay any Federal, state, local, or foreign income taxes or penalties reasonably anticipated to result from the distribution). A determination of the amounts reasonably necessary to satisfy the emergency need must take into account any additional compensation that is available due to cancellation of the Participant's Deferral Election Agreement pursuant to Section 4.2 as a result of this paragraph 8.3(h).

    

23



Notwithstanding anything in this Section 8.3 to the contrary, except for a Participant's election to request a distribution due to an unforeseeable emergency under Section 8.3(h) (which the Participant, in his or her discretion, may elect to make or not make), the Company shall not provide the Participant with discretion or a direct or indirect election regarding whether a payment is accelerated pursuant to this Section 8.3.

Section 8.4 . When a Payment Is Deemed to be Made . Except as otherwise required by Section 409A, any payment that is due to be distributed as of a particular date pursuant to the provisions of the Plan, will be deemed to be distributed as of that date if it is distributed on such date or a later date within the same calendar year, or, if later, by the 15 th day of the third calendar month following the date, and the Participant is not permitted, directly or indirectly, to designate the calendar year of payment. For purposes of the foregoing, if the payment is required to be made during a period of time, the specified date is treated as the first day of the period of time.

ARTICLE 9. FUNDING

Section 9.1 . Source of Benefits . All benefits under the Plan shall be paid when due by the Company out of its assets. Any amounts set aside by the Company for payment of benefits under the Plan are the property of the Company.

Section 9.2 . No Claim on Specific Assets . No Participant or Beneficiary shall be deemed to have, by virtue of being a Participant or Beneficiary in the Plan, any claim on any specific assets of the Company such that the Participant or Beneficiary would be subject to income taxation on his or her benefits under the Plan prior to distribution and the rights of Participants and Beneficiaries to benefits to which they are otherwise entitled under the Plan shall be those of an unsecured general creditor of the Company.

ARTICLE 10. ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCES

Section 10.1 . Administration . The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. The Company shall bear all administrative costs of the Plan other than those specifically charged to a Participant or Beneficiary.

Section 10.2 . Powers of Committee . In addition to the other powers granted under the Plan, the Committee shall have all powers necessary to administer the Plan, including, without limitation, powers:

(a)
to interpret the provisions of the Plan;

(b)
to establish and revise the method of accounting for the Plan and to maintain the Accounts; and

(c)
to establish rules for the administration of the Plan and to prescribe any forms required to administer the Plan.

    

24



Section 10.3 . Actions of the Committee . The Committee (including any person or entity to whom the Committee has delegated duties, responsibilities or authority, to the extent of such delegation) has total and complete discretionary authority to determine conclusively for all parties all questions arising in the administration of the Plan, to interpret and construe the terms of the Plan, and to determine all questions of eligibility and status of employees, Participants and Beneficiaries under the Plan and their respective interests. Subject to the claims procedures of Section 10.6, all determinations, interpretations, rules and decisions of the Committee (including those made or established by any person or entity to whom the Committee has delegated duties, responsibilities or authority, if made or established pursuant to such delegation) are conclusive and binding upon all persons having or claiming to have any interest or right under the Plan.
    
Section 10.4 . Delegation . The Committee, or any officer or other employee of the Company designated by the Committee, shall have the power to delegate specific duties and responsibilities to officers or other employees of the Company or other individuals or entities. Any delegation may be rescinded by the Committee at any time. Each person or entity to whom a duty or responsibility has been delegated shall be responsible for the exercise of such duty or responsibility and shall not be responsible for any act or failure to act of any other person or entity.

Section 10.5 . Reports and Records . Section 10.5 . Reports and Records The Committee, and those to whom the Committee has delegated duties under the Plan, shall keep records of all their proceedings and actions and shall maintain books of account, records, and other data as shall be necessary for the proper administration of the Plan and for compliance with applicable law.

Section 10.6 . Claims Procedure . Section 10.6 . Claims Procedure A Participant is not required to file a claim in order to receive benefits under the Plan. However, if the Participant wishes to contest the amount of his or her Plan benefit or otherwise wishes to contest the application of the Plan's terms to him or her, the Participant must bring a claim under the Plan according to the procedures set forth below. Such claim must be brought within one year following the date on which the Participant is (or would be) first entitled to receive the contested benefit. Any claim brought after that date will not be considered by the Plan.

The Company shall notify a Participant in writing within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed 90 days, following the Plan's receipt of the Participant's written claim for benefits, of the Participant's eligibility or noneligibility (i) for benefits under the Plan or, (ii) if the claim is for different or greater benefits, for the benefits claimed by the Participant. If the Company determines that a Participant is not eligible for benefits or for the benefits claimed, the notice shall set forth:
(a)
the specific reasons for the adverse determination,
(b)
a reference to the specific provisions of the Plan on which the determination is based,

25



(c)
a description of any additional information or material necessary for the Participant to perfect the claim and an explanation of why it is needed, and
(d)
a description of the Plan's claims review procedure and the time limits applicable to such procedures, including a statement of the Participant's right to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a), following an adverse benefit determination on review.
If the Company determines that there are special circumstances requiring additional time to make a decision, the Company shall notify the Participant of the special circumstances and the date by which a decision is expected to be made, and may extend the time for up to an additional 90-day period.
The Participant shall have the opportunity to have a full and fair review of the claim and the adverse benefit determination by the Company by filing a petition for review with the Company within 60 days after receipt by the Participant of the notice issued by the Company or within 60 days after the end of the 90 day period if no notice has been received by the Participant. Said petition shall state the specific reasons the Participant believes he or she is entitled to benefits or greater or different benefits and may be accompanied by written comments, document, records and other information relating to the claim for benefits. The Participant or the Participant's representative shall be permitted, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records and other information relevant to the claim for benefits. Whether information is “relevant” shall be determined by the Company taking into account Department of Labor Regulation Section 2560.503-1(m)(8).
If a Participant does not appeal within the Plan's required time period, the Participant will lose the right to appeal and the Participant will have failed to exhaust the Plan's internal administrative appeal process, which is generally a prerequisite to bringing a suit under ERISA.
Within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed 60 days, following receipt by the Company of said petition, the Company shall review the petition, taking into account all comments, documents, records and other information submitted by the Participant relating to the claim, without regard to whether such information was submitted or considered in the initial benefit determination. If the Company's determination is adverse to the Participant, the Company shall notify the Participant of its decision in writing, setting forth:
(a)
the specific reasons for the adverse determination,
(b)
a reference to the specific provisions of the Plan on which the determination is based,
(c)
a statement that the Participant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records and other information relevant to the claim for benefits; and

26



(d)
a statement of the Participant's right to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a).
If the 60-day period is not sufficient, the Company shall notify the Participant of the special circumstances and the date by which a decision is expected to be made, and may extend the time for up to an additional 60-day period.
In the event an appeal of a denial of a claim for benefits is denied, any lawsuit to challenge the denial of such claim must be brought within one year of the date the Company has rendered a final decision on the appeal.

In the event of the death of a Participant, the same procedure shall be applicable to the Participant's Beneficiaries.

ARTICLE 11. AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION

Section 11.1 . Amendments . The Company, by action of the Committee, may amend the Plan, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time. The Vice President of Human Resources may amend the Plan, without approval or authorization of the Board or the Committee, provided that any such amendment: (a) does not materially increase the cost of the Plan to the Company; or (b) is required in order to comply with the law, in which case the Vice President of Human Resources shall amend the Plan in such manner as he or she deems necessary or desirable to comply with the law. The Committee shall from time to time specify, by resolution, the criteria to be used by the Vice President of Human Resources in determining whether an amendment materially increases the cost of the Plan to the Company. No amendment may be effective to eliminate or reduce any Account balance (other than as may result from a change in Plan investments pursuant to Section 4.5), or the dollar amount of any benefit that has accrued pursuant to Article 7, determined as of the date of such amendment, of any Participant or of any Beneficiary then eligible for benefits without such Participant's or Beneficiary's consent. Any Plan amendment shall be filed with the Plan documents.

Section 11.2 . Termination . The Company reserves the right to terminate the Plan at any time by action of the Board. Upon termination of the Plan, all Compensation Reduction Contributions and Company contributions will cease and no future Compensation Reduction Contributions or Company contributions will be made, and all benefit accruals under Article 7 will cease. Termination of the Plan shall not operate to eliminate or reduce any Account balance, or the dollar amount of any benefit that has accrued pursuant to Article 7, determined as of the date of such termination, of any Participant or of any Beneficiary then eligible for benefits, without such Participant's or Beneficiary's consent. If the Plan is terminated, payments from the Plan shall be made at the time and in the manner specified in Articles 6 and 7. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may terminate the Plan and distribute benefits under the Plan in a lump, in accordance with the provisions of Section 409A permitting acceleration of payments upon termination.
 

27



ARTICLE 12. MISCELLANEOUS

Section 12.1 . No Guarantee of Employment . Neither the adoption and maintenance of the Plan nor the execution by the Company of a Deferral Election Agreement with any Participant shall be deemed to be a contract of employment between an Affiliate and any Participant. Nothing contained herein shall give any Participant the right to be retained in the employ of an Affiliate or to interfere with the right of an Affiliate to discharge any Participant at any time, nor shall it give an Affiliate the right to require any Participant to remain in its employ or to interfere with the Participant's right to terminate his or her employment at any time.

Section 12.2 . Release . Any payment of benefits to or for the benefit of a Participant or a Beneficiary that is made in good faith by the Company in accordance with the Company's interpretation of its obligations hereunder shall be in full satisfaction of all claims against the Company for benefits under the Plan to the extent of such payment.

Section 12.3 . Notices . Any notice permitted or required under the Plan shall be in writing and shall be hand-delivered or sent, postage prepaid, by first class mail, or by certified or registered mail with return receipt requested, to both the office of the Committee and the office of the General Counsel of the Company, if to the Company, or to the address last shown on the records of the Company, if to a Participant or Beneficiary. Any such notice shall be effective as of the date of hand-delivery or mailing.

Section 12.4 . Nonalienation . No benefit payable at any time under the Plan shall be subject in any manner to alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, levy, attachment, or encumbrance of any kind by any Participant or Beneficiary, except with respect to a Domestic Relations Order pursuant to Section 8.3(a).

Section 12.5 . Withholding . The Company may withhold from any payment of benefits or other compensation payable to a Participant or Beneficiary such amounts as the Company determines are reasonably necessary to pay any taxes or other amounts required to be withheld under applicable law.

Section 12.6 . Captions . Article and section headings and captions are provided for purposes of reference and convenience only and shall not be relied upon in any way to construe, define, modify, limit, or extend the scope of any provision of the Plan.

Section 12.7 . Binding Agreement . The Plan shall be binding on the parties hereto, their heirs, executors, administrators, and successors in interest.

Section 12.8 . Invalidity of Certain Provisions . If any provision of the Plan is held invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of the Plan and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if such provision had not been included.

    

28



Section 12.9 . No Other Agreements . The terms and conditions set forth herein, together with the Deferral Election Agreements entered into between the Company and Participants, constitute the entire understanding of the Company and the Participants with respect to the matters addressed herein.

Section 12.10 . Incapacity . In the event that any Participant is unable to care for his or her affairs because of illness or accident, any payment due may be paid to the Participant's spouse, parent, brother, sister or other person deemed by the Committee to have incurred expenses for the care of such Participant, unless a duly qualified guardian or other legal representative has been appointed.

Section 12.11 . Counterparts . This Plan may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when duly executed by the Company shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall together constitute but one instrument, which may be evidenced by any counterpart.
    
Section 12.12 . Participating Affiliates . Any Affiliate may adopt the Plan with the permission of the Company and according to such rules as may be established from time to time by the Company in its discretion, and thereby become a “participating affiliate” in the Plan.

Section 12.13 . Applicable Law . The Plan and all rights hereunder shall be governed by and construed according to the laws of the State of Minnesota, except to the extent such laws are preempted by the laws of the United States of America.

Section 12.14 . Electronic Media . Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, but subject to the requirements of ERISA, the Code, or other applicable law, any action or communication otherwise required to be taken or made in writing by a Participant or Beneficiary or by the Company or Committee shall be effective if accomplished by another method or methods required or made available by the Company or Committee, or their agent, with respect to that action or communication, including e-mail, telephone response systems, intranet systems, or the Internet.

Section 12.15 . USERRA Compliance . The Participant deferral and payment election requirements set forth in the Plan are deemed met to the extent a deferral election or payment election is provided to satisfy the requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, as amended.




29








Dated: _______________

TENNANT COMPANY

By___________________________
Its ______________________




30



EXHIBIT AEXHIBIT A


Method of Crediting Gains and Losses to Accounts
(Plan Section 4.5)

    
Until and unless changed by the Committee or the Board pursuant to a resolution:

A Participant's Accounts (other than Stock Sub-Accounts) will be credited with interest on a monthly basis. The applicable rate of interest for a Plan Year will be specified by the Executive Compensation Committee of the Board at its last meeting immediately prior to the commencement of the Plan Year. The rate will be one (1) percentage point over the U.S. 10-year Treasury bond rate.



31



First Amendment to

TENNANT COMPANY
EXECUTIVE NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
(as restated effective January 1, 2009)


WHEREAS, Tennant Company (the “Company”) previously established the Tennant Company Executive Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) for the benefit of certain executive employees and directors of the Company, which Plan was most recently amended effective January 1, 2009; and

WHEREAS, the Plan currently permits a Participant to enter into an election under the Plan to have the shares of Company stock otherwise payable to him or her under the Company's Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) deferred under the Plan in the form of deferred stock units; and

WHEREAS, the Plan, at Section 11.1, permits the Vice President of Human Resources of the Company (the “VPHR”) to amend the Plan without further approval or authorization if such amendment does not materially increase the cost of the Plan to the Company; and

WHEREAS, the VPHR has determined that it is in the Company's best interest to cease the election described above with respect to deferral elections entered into for Plan years commencing on or after January 1, 2011, such that commencing with such election, Plan participants shall no longer be permitted to defer the stock portion of their LTIP payment under the Plan; and the VPHR has also determined that such Plan change will not materially increase the cost of the Plan to the Company.

NOW, THEREFORE, RESOLVED, that as of the date set forth below the Plan is hereby amended as follows:


1.
Section 2.1.23 of the Plan (the definition of LTIP Compensation) . The words “or Stock” shall be deleted from the parenthetical in the second line of Section 2.1.23 so that the section, as amended, shall read:

LTIP Compensation ,” of a Participant for a Plan Year, means the compensation (payable in cash) under the LTIP in which the Participant vests under the LTIP during the Plan Year, including any amount that would be included in the definition of LTIP Compensation but for the individual's election to defer some of his or her compensation pursuant to the Plan or any other deferred compensation plan established by an Affiliate. In the case of an individual who is a participant in a plan sponsored by an Affiliate that is described in Code Section 401(k), 125 or 132(f), the term LTIP Compensation shall include any amount that would be included in the definition of LTIP Compensation but for the individual's election to reduce his or her LTIP Compensation and have the amount of the reduction contributed to or used to purchase benefits under such plan.
 
    


2.
Section 4.1(b) (Stock Sub-Accounts) . The following sentence shall be added at the end of Section 4.1(b):

Pursuant to Section 4.2(a)(iii), for Plan Years commencing on or after January 1, 2011, Participants may no longer enter into this election.






3.
Section 4.2(a)(iii) (LTIP Compensation ). The following sentence shall be added at the end of the second paragraph of Section 4.2(a)(iii):

For Plan Years commencing on or after January 1, 2011, the election to make a Compensation Reduction Contribution with respect to LTIP Compensation may be made only with respect to the cash portion of a Participant's LTIP Compensation. Accordingly, commencing January 1, 2011, no additional Deferred Stock Units shall be credited under the Plan.

Dated: December 30, 2010              _______________________________
Vice President, Human Resources
Tennant Company





Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATIONS
 
I, H. Chris Killingstad, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Tennant Company;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

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

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

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

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

5.
The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

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

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

Date:
 
October 30, 2012
 
/s/ H. Chris Killingstad
 
 
 
 
H. Chris Killingstad
President and Chief Executive Officer




Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATIONS
 
 
I, Thomas Paulson, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Tennant Company;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

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

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

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

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

5.
The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

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

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

Date:
 
October 30, 2012
 
/s/ Thomas Paulson
 
 
 
 
Thomas Paulson
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)




Exhibit 32.1
 
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
 
 
PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
 
In connection with the quarterly report of Tennant Company (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended  September 30, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, H. Chris Killingstad, President and Chief Executive Officer, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
 
(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)
The information contained in this periodic report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date:
 
October 30, 2012
 
/s/ H. Chris Killingstad
 
 
 
 
H. Chris Killingstad
 
 
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer




Exhibit 32.2
 
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
 
 
PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
 
In connection with the quarterly report of Tennant Company (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended  September 30, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Thomas Paulson, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
 
(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)
The information contained in this periodic report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date:
 
October 30, 2012
 
/s/ Thomas Paulson
 
 
 
 
Thomas Paulson
 
 
 
 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer