TENNANT CO - Quarter Report: 2021 March (Form 10-Q)

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

☑

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021

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.)

 

10400 Clean Street

Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(763) 540-1200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

______________________________________________

 

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

 

Title of each class		Trading Symbol(s)		Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.375 per share		TNC		New York Stock Exchange

 

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

☑

No

☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

 

Yes

☑

No

☐

 

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

Large accelerated filer	☑		Accelerated filer	☐
Non-accelerated filer	☐		Smaller reporting company	☐
Emerging growth company	☐

 

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

☐

 

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

 

Yes

☐

No

☑

 

As of April 23, 2021, there were 18,610,727 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

 

1

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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

TENNANT COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

(Unaudited)

(In millions, except shares and per share data)

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

TENNANT COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(In millions, except shares and per share data)

Tennant Company ("the Company, we, us or our") is a world leader in designing, manufacturing and marketing solutions that empower customers to achieve quality cleaning performance, significantly reduce environmental impact and help create a cleaner, safer, healthier world.

Basis of Presentation – The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) requirements for interim reporting. In our opinion, the 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, 2020. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Reclassification – We reclassified $1.3 million of costs from Selling and Administrative Expense to Cost of Sales in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2020 as part of a global alignment of cost across all regions.

We documented the summary of significant accounting policies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. Other than the accounting policies noted above, there have been no material changes to our accounting policies since the filing of that report.

Income Taxes

On January 1, 2021, we adopted ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. The impact of this amended guidance on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures was immaterial.

Disaggregation of Revenue

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

Net Sales by geographic area

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

Net Sales by groups of similar products and services

^(a) On February 1, 2021, we sold our coatings business.  Further details regarding the sale are discussed in Note 5.

Net Sales by sales channel

Contract Liabilities

Sales Returns

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

Sales Incentives

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

The change in our sales incentive accrual balance was as follows:

Deferred Revenue

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

The change in the deferred revenue balance was as follows:

At March 31, 2021, $6.5 million and $3.5 million of deferred revenue was reported in Other Current Liabilities and Other Liabilities, respectively, on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Of this, we expect to recognize the following approximate amounts in Net Sales in the following periods:

At December 31, 2020, $5.9 million and $3.4 million of deferred revenue was reported in Other Current Liabilities and Other Liabilities, respectively, on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Restructuring Actions

In the fourth quarter of 2020, we implemented a restructuring action as part of our global reorganization efforts. The pre-tax charge of $3.5 million consisted of severance-related costs included in Selling and Administrative Expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income in 2020. The charge primarily impacted our Europe, Middle East and Africa ("EMEA") operating segment but also impacted the Americas and Asia Pacific ("APAC") operating segments. We expect no further charges related to this restructuring action. We estimate the savings will offset the pre-tax charge approximately one year from the date of the action.

In the third quarter of 2020, we implemented a restructuring action to consolidate our Gaomei business and our existing China business in order to deliver cost synergies and improve profitability. The pre-tax charge of $3.1 million consisted of $1.4 million of severance-related costs and $1.7 million of other costs in 2020. Of the restructuring costs, $1.2 million were included in Cost of Sales and $1.9 million in Selling and Administrative Expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The charge impacted our APAC operating segment. We expect no further charges related to this restructuring action. We estimate the savings will offset the pre-tax charge approximately one year from the date of the action.

In the first quarter of 2020, we implemented a restructuring action in an effort to streamline our operating model in Japan. The pre-tax charge of $2.0 million consisted of $1.3 million of severance-related costs and $0.7 million of other costs in 2020. Of the restructuring costs, $0.3 million were included in Cost of Sales and $1.7 million in Selling and Administrative Expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The charge impacted our APAC operating segment. We expect no further charges related to this restructuring action. We estimate the savings will offset the pre-tax charge approximately one year from the date of the action.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending liability balances is as follows:

Other Actions

In 2019, we made the decision to discontinue certain product lines. In the first quarter of 2020, we recorded an additional $1.7 million in Cost of Sales in the Consolidated Statements of Income to reflect our estimate of inventory that will not be sold.

Coatings

During the first quarter of 2021, we sold the Coatings business. The resulting pre-tax gain was $9.8 million and is reflected within Selling and Administrative Expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income.

Gaomei

On January 4, 2019, we completed the acquisition of Hefei Gaomei Cleaning Machines Co., Ltd. and Anhui Rongen Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd. (collectively "Gaomei"), privately held designers and manufacturers of commercial cleaning solutions based in China. The financial results for Gaomei have been included in the consolidated financial results since the date of closing. The purchase price included contingent consideration. A payment of $0.5 million was paid in the first quarter of 2021. The final payment of $1.3 million is expected to be paid in the second quarter of 2021.

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, and consisted of the following:

^(a) Inventories of $36.4 million as of March 31, 2021, and $32.6 million as of December 31, 2020, were valued at LIFO. The difference between replacement cost and the stated LIFO inventory value is not materially different from the reserve for the LIFO valuation method.

The changes in the carrying value of Goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were as follows:

The balances of acquired Intangible Assets, excluding Goodwill, were as follows:

The divestiture of Goodwill during the first quarter of 2021 was the result of the sale of the coatings business disclosed in Note 5.

During the first quarter of 2021, we divested Identified Intangible Assets, excluding Goodwill, with a carrying value of $0.9 million and $1.4 million in the categories of Customer Lists and Trade Names, respectively, as a result of the sale of the coatings business disclosed in Note 5.

Amortization expense on Intangible Assets for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020 was $5.3 million and $5.0 million, 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:

Financial Covenants

In 2017, the Company and certain of our foreign subsidiaries entered into a secured Credit Agreement (the "2017 Credit Agreement") with JPMorgan, as administrative agent, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as syndication agent, Wells Fargo National Association, U.S. Bank National Association, and HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as co-documentation agents, and the lenders (including JPMorgan) from time to time party thereto. The 2017 Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants, including, but not limited to, covenants restricting the Company’s ability to incur indebtedness and liens and merge or consolidate with another entity, and expires in April 2022. The 2017 Credit Agreement also contains financial covenants requiring us to maintain a net leverage ratio of consolidated net indebtedness to consolidated earnings before income, taxes, depreciation and amortization, subject to certain adjustments ("Adjusted EBITDA") of not greater than 4.00 to 1, as well as requiring us to maintain an interest coverage ratio of consolidated Adjusted EBITDA to consolidated interest expense of no less than 3.50 to 1 for the quarter ended March 31, 2021. The 2017 Credit Agreement also contains a financial covenant requiring us to maintain a senior secured net leverage ratio of consolidated senior secured net indebtedness to consolidated Adjusted EBITDA ratio of not greater than 3.50 to 1. These financial covenants may restrict our ability to pay dividends and purchase outstanding shares of our common stock. We were in compliance with our financial covenants at March 31, 2021.

Senior Notes Guarantees

Our Senior Notes (the "Notes") are unconditionally and jointly and severally guaranteed by Tennant Sales and Service Company (the "Guarantor" or "Guarantor Subsidiary"), which is a 100% owned subsidiary of the Company.

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

In the second quarter of 2020, the Company early adopted the SEC's rule titled "Financial Disclosures about Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities and Affiliates Whose Securities Collateralize a Registrant's Securities," which simplifies the disclosure requirements related to the Notes under Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X. Under this amended rule, the Company is not required to disclose separate financial statements for the guarantee as it no longer has a reporting requirement. The Company has filed a Form 15 for the Guarantor to suspend the Company's duty to file reports on the guarantor financial statements.

Debt Outstanding

Debt outstanding consisted of the following:

As of March 31, 2021, we had outstanding borrowings under our Senior Unsecured Notes of $300.0 million. In addition, we had outstanding borrowings of $10.0 million under our revolving facility and had letters of credit and bank guarantees outstanding in the amount of $3.2 million, leaving approximately $186.8 million of unused borrowing capacity on our revolving facility. Commitment fees on unused lines of credit for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were $0.2 million. The overall weighted average cost of debt is approximately 5.5% and net of a related cross-currency swap instrument is approximately 4.4%. Further details regarding the cross-currency swap instrument are discussed in Note 10.

In April 2021, we signed an agreement that restructured our existing credit agreement. In May 2021, we plan to use the proceeds from the amended agreement to retire our Senior Notes. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more detail on the amended credit agreement. 

We record a liability for warranty claims at the time of sale. The amount of the liability is based on the trend in the historical ratio of claims to sales, the historical length of time between the sale and resulting warranty claim, new product introductions and other factors. Warranty terms on machines generally range from one to four years. However, the majority of our claims are paid out within the first six to nine months following a sale. The majority of the liability for estimated warranty claims represents amounts to be paid out in the near term for qualified warranty issues, with immaterial amounts reserved to be paid for older equipment warranty issues.

The changes in warranty reserves were as follows:

Hedge Accounting and Hedging Programs

We recognize all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and measure them at fair value. Gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value are accounted for depending on the use of the derivative and whether it is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting.

We evaluate hedge effectiveness on our hedges that are designated and qualify for hedge accounting at the inception of the hedge prospectively, as well as retrospectively, and record any ineffective portion of the hedging instruments along with the time value of purchased contracts in the same line item of the income statement as the item being hedged on our Consolidated Statements of Income.

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

Balance Sheet Hedging

Hedges of Foreign Currency Assets and Liabilities

We hedge our net recognized foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities with foreign exchange forward contracts to reduce the risk that the value of these assets and liabilities will be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates. These contracts hedge assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies and are carried at fair value as either assets or liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets with changes in the fair value recorded to Net Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss) in our Consolidated Statements of Income. These contracts do not subject us to material balance sheet risk due to exchange rate movements because gains and losses on these derivatives are intended to offset gains and losses on the assets and liabilities being hedged. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the notional amounts of foreign currency forward exchange contracts outstanding not designated as hedging instruments were $50.7 million and $57.3 million, respectively.

Cash Flow Hedging

Hedges of Forecasted Foreign Currency Transactions

In countries outside the U.S., we transact business in U.S. dollars and in various other currencies. We may use foreign exchange option contracts or forward contracts to hedge certain cash flow exposures resulting from changes in these foreign currency exchange rates. These foreign exchange contracts, carried at fair value, have maturities of up to one year. We enter into these foreign exchange contracts to hedge a portion of our forecasted foreign currency denominated revenue in the normal course of business, and accordingly, they are not speculative in nature. The notional amounts of outstanding foreign currency forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges were $2.8 million as of March 31, 2021 and $2.7 million as of December 31, 2020. The notional amounts of outstanding foreign currency option contracts designated as cash flow hedges were $7.6 million and $8.2 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

Foreign Currency Derivatives

We use foreign currency exchange rate derivatives to hedge our exposure to fluctuations in exchange rates for anticipated intercompany cash transactions between Tennant Company and its subsidiaries. We entered into Euro to U.S. dollar foreign exchange cross-currency swaps for all of the anticipated cash flows associated with an intercompany loan from a wholly-owned European subsidiary. We enter into these foreign exchange cross-currency swaps to hedge the foreign currency denominated cash flows associated with this intercompany loan, and accordingly, they are not speculative in nature. These cross-currency swaps are designated as cash flow hedges. The hedged cash flows as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 included €157.8 million and €159.6 million of total notional values, respectively. As of March 31, 2021, the aggregate scheduled interest payments over the course of the loan and related swaps amounted to €7.8 million. The scheduled maturity and principal payment of the loan and related swaps of €150.0 million are due in April 2022. There were no new cross-currency swaps designated as cash flow hedges as of March 31, 2021.

The fair value of derivative instruments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets was as follows:

As of March 31, 2021, we anticipate reclassifying approximately $2.1 million of gains from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to net income during the next 12 months.

The following tables include the amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Income in which the effects of cash flow hedges are recorded and the effects of cash flow hedge activity on these line items:

The effect of foreign currency derivative instruments designated as hedges and of foreign currency derivative instruments not designated as hedges in our Consolidated Statements of Income was as follows:

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:

Our population of assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements at March 31, 2021 is as follows:

Our population of assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements at  December 31, 2020 is as follows:

Our foreign currency forward exchange contracts are valued using observable Level 2 market expectations at the measurement date and standard valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present value amount. Further details regarding our foreign currency forward exchange and option contracts are discussed in Note 10.

Contingent consideration is valued using a probability-weighted analysis of projected gross profit and integration milestones. Actual results may differ significantly from those used in the estimate above, which may affect future payments. Changes in future payments will be reflected in future operating results as they occur.

The carrying amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, Accounts Receivable, Other Current Assets, Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities approximate fair value due to their short-term nature.

The fair value and carrying value of total debt, including current portion, were $320.3 million and $308.3 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2021. The fair value and carrying value of total debt, including current portion, were $323.4 million and $308.5 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2020. The fair value was calculated based on the borrowing rates currently available to us for bank loans with similar terms and remaining maturities, which is a Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

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

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax, within the Consolidated Balance Sheets, are as follows:

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

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 2018 and, with limited exceptions, state and foreign income tax examinations for taxable years before 2015. We are currently undergoing income tax examinations in various foreign jurisdictions. Although the final outcome of these examinations cannot be currently determined, we believe that we have adequate reserves with respect to these examinations.

We recognize potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in Income Tax Expense. In addition to the liability of $5.4 million for unrecognized tax benefits as of March 31, 2021, there was approximately $0.7 million for accrued interest and penalties. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate as of March 31, 2021 was $5.3 million. 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.

Our share-based compensation plans are described in Note 18 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we recognized total Share-Based Compensation Expense of $3.1 million and $2.8 million, respectively. The total excess tax benefit recognized for share-based compensation arrangements during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was $0.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

The computations of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share were as follows:

Excluded from the dilutive securities shown above were options to purchase and shares to be paid out under share-based compensation plans of 142,027 and 206,680 shares of common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. These exclusions were made if the exercise prices of the options are greater than the average market price of our common stock for the period, if the number of shares we can repurchase under the treasury stock method exceeds the weighted average shares outstanding in the options or if we have a net loss, as these effects are anti-dilutive.

Credit Facility

On April 5, 2021, we and certain of our foreign subsidiaries entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “2021 Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMorgan”), as administrative agent, U.S. Bank National Association, and HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as co-syndication agents, Bank of the West, BMO Harris Bank, N.A., and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as co-documentation agents, and the Lenders (including JPMorgan) as defined in the 2021 Credit Agreement (the “Lenders”). The 2021 Credit Agreement provides us and certain of our foreign subsidiaries access to a senior secured credit facility until April 3, 2026, consisting of a term loan facility in an amount up to $100.0 million and a revolving facility in an amount up to $450.0 million with an option to expand the credit facility by up to $275.0 million, with the consent of the Lenders willing to provide additional borrowings in the form of increases to their revolving facility commitment or funding of incremental term loans. Borrowings may be denominated in U.S. dollars or certain other currencies.

The fee for committed funds under the revolving facility of the 2021 Credit Agreement ranges from an annual rate of 0.15% to 0.30%, depending on our leverage ratio. Borrowings denominated in U.S. dollars under the 2021 Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum equal to (a) the greatest of (i) the prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% and (iii) the adjusted LIBO rate for a one month period, but in any case, not less than 1%, plus, in any such case, 1.0%, plus an additional spread of 0.10% to 0.70%, depending on our leverage ratio, or (b) the LIBO Rate, as adjusted for statutory reserve requirements for eurocurrency liabilities, but in any case, not less than 0%, plus an additional spread of 1.10% to 1.70%, depending on our leverage ratio.

In connection with the 2021 Credit Agreement, we reaffirmed our security interest in favor of the lenders in substantially all our personal property, and pledged the stock of our domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the stock of our first tier foreign subsidiaries. The obligations under the 2021 Credit Agreement are also guaranteed by certain of our first tier domestic subsidiaries and those subsidiaries also provided a security interest in their similar personal property.

The 2021 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 2021 Credit Agreement contains the following covenants:

Redemption of Senior Notes

On April 2, 2021, we issued a conditional notice of redemption for $300.0 million principal amount outstanding of our 5.625% Senior Notes due 2025 (CUSIP 880345 AB29) (the "Notes") in May 2021, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions. The redemption of the Notes is subject to and conditioned upon Tennant’s receipt prior to the redemption date of funds from its term and revolving loan facility, that together with cash on hand, are sufficient to pay, in the sole discretion of the Company, the redemption price. We plan to use the proceeds from the borrowings under the amended credit agreement to retire our Senior Notes and pay the $8.4 million call premium due upon redemption. In addition, at the time of redemption of the Senior Notes, we will be writing off $2.8 million of unamortized debt issuance costs.

Overview

Tennant Company is a world leader in designing, manufacturing and marketing solutions that empower customers to achieve quality cleaning performance, reduce environmental impact and help create a cleaner, safer, healthier world. The Company is committed to creating and commercializing breakthrough, sustainable cleaning innovations to enhance its broad suite of products, including floor maintenance and cleaning equipment, detergent-free and other sustainable cleaning technologies, aftermarket parts and consumables, equipment maintenance and repair service, and asset management solutions. Our products are used in many types of environments, including retail establishments, distribution centers, factories and warehouses, public venues such as arenas and stadiums, office buildings, schools and universities, hospitals and clinics, and more. Customers include contract cleaners to whom organizations outsource facilities maintenance as well as businesses that perform facilities maintenance themselves. The Company reaches these customers through the industry's largest direct sales and service organization and through a strong and well-supported network of authorized distributors worldwide.

Impact of COVID-19

Because we are a global company, our results of operations are affected by macroeconomic conditions. We continue to see economic and geopolitical uncertainty in many regions around the world. The coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic has increased the uncertainty globally and has resulted in general economic disruption. Governments across the world have taken numerous actions to limit the spread of COVID-19, including stay-at-home orders, which have reduced operating activities across global businesses, and have recently begun rolling out vaccine programs.

We continue to actively manage our business to respond to the COVID-19 impact. We have prioritized the health and safety of our employees and customers. We have established a dedicated enterprise-wide response team and implemented work-from-home processes for much of our workforce, which remain in effect. We have established cross-functional and daily communications with suppliers to review, track and prioritize high-risk components. We have also identified and activated alternative suppliers, materials and components as needed. To date, we have been able to avoid major supply disruptions. Regarding transportation, we have set up tracking, reporting and communication channels with carriers to understand their risks and to evaluate available options where necessary. In addition, all of our factories currently have the ability to operate at full capacity.

We continue to monitor the evolving situation and guidance from authorities. The timing and extent of the impact of the pandemic is influenced by factors such as variants, vaccination rates and broader economic impacts. Accordingly, we cannot reasonably estimate the long-term impact of the pandemic on our financial results.

Results

The following table compares the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and as a percentage of Net Sales (in millions, except per share data and percentages):

Net Sales

Consolidated Net Sales for the first quarter of 2021 totaled $263.3 million, a 4.4% increase as compared to consolidated Net Sales of $252.1 million in the first quarter of 2020.

The 4.4% increase in consolidated Net Sales in the first quarter of 2021 as compared to the same period in 2020 was driven by:

The following table sets forth the Net Sales by geographic area for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 and the percentage change from the prior year (in millions, except percentages):

Americas

Net Sales in the Americas were $157.8 million for the first quarter of 2021, a decrease of 3.0% from the first quarter of 2020. Foreign currency exchange within the Americas unfavorably impacted Net Sales by approximately 0.8% in the first quarter of 2021. The divestiture of the Coatings business resulted in a decline in Net Sales of approximately 2.6%. Organic sales growth in the Americas favorably impacted Net Sales by approximately 0.4% for the first quarter of 2021 particularly due to growth in direct and distributor sales in North America and strength in Brazil, partially offset by declines from prior period strong comparable sales performance in the strategic account channel.

Europe, Middle East and Africa ("EMEA")

EMEA Net Sales were $80.9 million for the first quarter of 2021, an increase of 12.4% from the first quarter of 2020. Foreign currency exchange within EMEA favorably impacted Net Sales by approximately 10.1% in the first quarter of 2021. Organic sales growth in EMEA favorably impacted Net Sales by approximately 2.3% for the first quarter primarily due to market growth in France, Italy, and Germany, partially offset by declines in the United Kingdom and Central, Eastern Europe and the Middle East and Africa due to pandemic-related restrictions.

Asia Pacific ("APAC")

APAC Net Sales were $24.6 million for the first quarter of 2021, an increase of 40.6% from the first quarter of 2020. Foreign currency exchange within APAC favorably impacted Net Sales by approximately 8.8% in the first quarter of 2021. Organic sales growth in APAC favorably impacted Net Sales by approximately 31.8% for the first quarter. Organic sales growth was driven by growth across the region and particularly in China where the prior year quarter was substantially impacted by pandemic-related restrictions.

Gross Profit

Gross Profit margin of 43.0% was 220 basis points higher in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the first quarter of 2020. The increase primarily reflected increased productivity, product mix and actions related to the Company's enterprise strategy, including pricing and cost reduction initiatives, partially offset by higher freight and material costs.

Operating Expense

Research and Development Expense

Research and Development ("R&D") Expense was $7.4 million, or 2.8% as a percentage of Net Sales, for the first quarter of 2021, flat compared to the first quarter of 2020.

We continue to invest in developing innovative products and technologies at levels necessary to propel our technology and innovation leadership position.

Selling and Administrative Expense

Selling and Administrative Expense ("S&A Expense") was $69.6 million for the first quarter of 2021, a decrease of $11.4 million compared to the first quarter of 2020. As a percentage of Net Sales, S&A Expense for the first quarter of 2021 decreased 570 basis points to 26.4% from 32.1% in the first quarter of 2020. The S&A Expense decrease in the first quarter of 2021 was primarily driven by a 380 basis point impact related to a pre-tax gain on the sale of the Coatings business and restructuring costs in 2020 that did not repeat 2021. In addition, we experienced temporary savings in 2021 related to suspension of travel and in-person customer events along with a continued focus on expense management.

Total Other Expense, Net

Interest Income

Interest Income was $0.7 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2020.

Interest Expense

Interest Expense was $4.6 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to $5.1 million in the first quarter of 2020.

Net Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss)

Net Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss) in the first quarter of 2021 was a gain of $0.5 million compared to a loss of $4.1 million in the first quarter of 2020. The favorable impact from foreign currency transactions in the first quarter of 2021 was primarily due to the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar during this time. The unfavorable impact from foreign currency transactions in the first quarter of 2020 was primarily due to significant strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Brazilian real and Mexican peso.

Other (Expense) Income, Net

Other (Expense) Income, Net was $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2021, a decrease of $0.1 million compared to the same period in 2020, respectively.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2021 was 22.1%, as compared to the first quarter of 2020 of 18.0%.

The tax expense for the first quarter of 2021 included a $2.3 million tax expense associated with $9.8 million gain on sale of business, which increased the effective tax rate by 0.7%.

The tax expense for the first quarter of 2020 included a $0.3 million tax benefit associated with a $0.8 million restructuring charge and a $0.4 million tax benefit associated with $1.7 million of product discontinuance costs, which decreased the effective tax rate by 2.5%.

Excluding these non-recurring expenses, the first quarter effective tax rate increased primarily due to the mix in expected full year taxable earnings by country and a decrease in recognized discrete tax benefit items.

In general, it is our practice and intention to permanently reinvest the earnings of our foreign subsidiaries and repatriate earnings only when the tax impact is zero or immaterial. No deferred taxes have been provided for withholding taxes or other taxes that would result upon repatriation of our foreign investments to the United States.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash totaled $175.2 million at March 31, 2021, as compared to $141.0 million as of December 31, 2020. Wherever possible, cash management is centralized and intercompany financing is used to provide working capital to subsidiaries as needed. Our current ratio was 1.9 as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, and our working capital was $253.3 million and $239.3 million, respectively. Our debt-to-capital ratio was 42.3% as of March 31, 2021, compared to 43.2% as of December 31, 2020.

In April 2021, we signed an agreement that restructured our existing credit agreement. This amended agreement will provide greater flexibility with less restrictive covenants and more favorable interest rates than the previous arrangement. As a result, we expect future interest expense to be lower by approximately $1.0 million per month. In May 2021, we plan to use the proceeds from the amended agreement to retire our Senior Notes. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more detail on the amended credit agreement. 

Cash Flow From Operating Activities

Operating Activities provided $18.4 million of cash for the three months ended March 31, 2021. Cash provided by operating activities was driven primarily by inflows from Net Income adding back non-cash items of $7.4 million and an increase in Other Current Liabilities of $5.6 million. These cash inflows were partially offset by cash outflows resulting from an increase in Inventories of $18.3 million and a decrease in Employee Compensation and Benefit liabilities of $5.7 million.

Cash Flow From Investing Activities

Investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2021 provided $19.8 million, resulting from $24.7 million of proceeds from the sale of our Coatings business net of cash divested, offset by $4.8 million of net capital expenditures.

Cash Flow From Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $1.8 million during the first three months of 2021. Proceeds from the issuance of Common Stock of $3.1 million were offset by payment of a contingent consideration of $0.5 million, payment of credit facility borrowings of $0.2 million, and dividend payments of $4.2 million.

Newly Issued Accounting Guidance

See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on new accounting pronouncements.

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

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; uncertainty surrounding the impacts and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic; our ability to comply with global laws and regulations; our ability to adapt to customer pricing sensitivities; the competition in our business; fluctuations in the cost, quality or availability of raw materials and purchased components; our ability to adjust pricing to respond to cost pressures; unforeseen product liability claims or product quality issues; our ability to attract, retain and develop key personnel and create effective succession planning strategies; our ability to effectively develop and manage strategic planning and growth processes and the related operational plans; our ability to successfully upgrade and evolve our information technology systems; our ability to successfully protect our information technology systems from cybersecurity risks; the occurrence of a significant business interruption; our ability to maintain the health and safety of our workers; our ability to integrate acquisitions; and, our ability to develop and commercialize new innovative products and services.

We caution that forward-looking statements must be considered carefully and that actual results may differ in material ways due to risks and uncertainties both known and unknown. Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Additional information about factors that could materially affect our results can be found in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and Part II, Item 1A of this Form 10-Q.

We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Investors are advised to consult any further disclosures by us in our filings with the SEC and in other written statements on related subjects. It is not possible to anticipate or foresee all risk factors, and investors should not consider any list of such factors to be an exhaustive or complete list of all risks or uncertainties.

There have been no material changes in our market risk since December 31, 2020. For additional information, refer to Item 7A of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2021 (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Principal Financial and Accounting Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and our principal financial officers, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Controls

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

There are no material pending legal proceedings other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business.

We documented our risk factors in Item 1A of Part I of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. There have been no material changes to our risk factors since the filing of that report.

On October 31, 2016, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional 1,000,000 shares of our common stock. This is in addition to the 390,396 shares remaining under our prior repurchase program. Share repurchases are made from time to time in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, primarily to offset the dilutive effect of shares issued through our share-based compensation programs. As of March 31, 2021, our 2017 Credit Agreement restricts the payment of dividends or repurchasing of stock requiring that, after giving effect to such payments, no default exists or would result from such payment. Additionally, cash dividends are restricted to $5.0 million per quarter and approved levels of other restricted payments range from $50.0 million to unlimited based on our net leverage ratio (not taking into account any acquisition holiday) after giving effect to such payment. Our Senior Notes due 2025 also contain certain restrictions, which are generally less restrictive than those contained in the 2017 Credit Agreement and the amended and restated 2021 Credit Agreement.

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.