Edgar Filing: KADANT INC

kaiform10q2q2010.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

____________________________________________________

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended July 3, 2010

¨	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 1-11406

KADANT INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware		52-1762325
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

One Technology Park Drive
Westford, Massachusetts		01886
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (978) 776-2000

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 x 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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ¨ 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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer o	Accelerated Filer x
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.


		Class			Outstanding at July 30, 2010
		Common Stock, $.01 par value			12,430,675

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1 – Financial Statements

KADANT INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

(Unaudited)

Assets

	July 3,		January 2,
(In thousands)	2010		2010

Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	47,206	$	45,675
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $2,644 and $2,493		39,355		36,436
Inventories (Note 4)		40,903		37,435
Other current assets		11,358		11,229
Assets of discontinued operation		482		496
Total Current Assets		139,304		131,271

Property, Plant, and Equipment, at Cost		96,295		100,700
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		59,895		62,285
		36,400		38,415

Other Assets		37,971		40,348

Goodwill		92,670		97,622

Total Assets	$	306,345	$	307,656

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

KADANT INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (continued)

(Unaudited)

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Investment

	July 3,			January 2,
(In thousands, except share amounts)	2010			2010

Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term obligations (Note 6)	$	500		$	500
Accounts payable		21,877			17,612
Accrued payroll and employee benefits		10,715			11,515
Customer deposits		13,595			11,920
Other current liabilities		15,808			20,380
Liabilities of discontinued operation		2,427			2,427
Total Current Liabilities		64,922			64,354

Other Long-Term Liabilities		24,644			26,521

Long-Term Obligations (Note 6)		22,500			22,750

Shareholders’ Investment:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued		–			–
Common stock, $.01 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized; 14,624,159 shares issued		146			146
Capital in excess of par value		93,221			92,244
Retained earnings		155,455			146,624
Treasury stock at cost, 2,193,484 and 2,219,221 shares		(46,018	)		(46,558	)
Accumulated other comprehensive items (Note 2)		(9,741	)		252
Total Kadant Shareholders’ Investment		193,063			192,708
Noncontrolling interest		1,216			1,323
Total Shareholders’ Investment		194,279			194,031

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Investment	$	306,345		$	307,656

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

KADANT INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended
	July 3,			July 4,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2010			2009

Revenues	$	69,136		$	50,132

Costs and Operating Expenses:
Cost of revenues		37,968			29,348
Selling, general, and administrative expenses		22,681			19,248
Research and development expenses		1,206			1,722
Restructuring costs and other income, net		(21	)		1,013
		61,834			51,331

Operating Income (Loss)		7,302			(1,199	)

Interest Income		32			92
Interest Expense		(339	)		(507	)

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Tax Provision (Benefit)		6,995			(1,614	)
Income Tax Provision (Benefit)		1,717			(398	)

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations		5,278			(1,216	)
Loss from Discontinued Operation (net of income tax benefit of $3 and $2)		(5	)		(5	)

Net Income (Loss)		5,273			(1,221	)

Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		(53	)		28

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Kadant	$	5,220		$	(1,193	)

Amounts Attributable to Kadant:
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations	$	5,225		$	(1,188	)
Loss from Discontinued Operation		(5	)		(5	)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Kadant	$	5,220		$	(1,193	)

Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share from Continuing Operations Attributable to Kadant (Note 3)	$	.42		$	(.10	)

Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share Attributable to Kadant (Note 3)	$	.42		$	(.10	)

Weighted Average Shares (Note 3):
Basic		12,426			12,265

Diluted		12,549			12,265

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

KADANT INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

(Unaudited)

	Six Months Ended
	July 3,			July 4,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2010			2009

Revenues	$	130,257		$	115,089

Costs and Operating Expenses:
Cost of revenues		72,214			69,665
Selling, general, and administrative expenses		43,805			41,453
Research and development expenses		2,578			3,192
Restructuring costs and other income, net (Note 8)		(323	)		1,770
		118,274			116,080

Operating Income (Loss)		11,983			(991	)

Interest Income		70			299
Interest Expense		(697	)		(1,320	)

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Provision for Income Taxes		11,356			(2,012	)
Provision for Income Taxes (Note 5)		2,433			2,066

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations		8,923			(4,078	)
Loss from Discontinued Operation (net of income tax benefit of $5 and $5)		(9	)		(9	)

Net Income (Loss)		8,914			(4,087	)

Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		(83	)		3

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Kadant	$	8,831		$	(4,084	)

Amounts Attributable to Kadant:
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations	$	8,840		$	(4,075	)
Loss from Discontinued Operation		(9	)		(9	)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Kadant	$	8,831		$	(4,084	)

Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share from Continuing Operations Attributable to Kadant (Note 3)	$	.71		$	(.33	)

Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share Attributable to Kadant (Note 3)	$	.71		$	(.33	)

Weighted Average Shares (Note 3):
Basic		12,418			12,386

Diluted		12,521			12,386

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

KADANT INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

	Six Months Ended
	July 3,			July 4,
(In thousands)	2010			2009

Operating Activities:
Net income (loss) attributable to Kadant	$	8,831		$	(4,084	)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		83			(3	)
Loss from discontinued operation		9			9
Income (loss) from continuing operations		8,923			(4,078	)
Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		3,355			3,719
Stock-based compensation expense		1,285			1,308
Provision for losses on accounts receivable		446			499
Gain on the sale of property, plant, and equipment		(233	)		(6	)
Other non-cash items, net		711			617
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		(5,118	)		18,750
Unbilled contract costs and fees		(1,625	)		(1,080	)
Inventories		(4,797	)		13,769
Other assets		110			7,616
Accounts payable		5,667			(9,593	)
Contributions to pension plan		(1,750	)		(2,400	)
Other liabilities		1,434			(10,534	)
Net cash provided by continuing operations		8,408			18,587
Net cash provided by discontinued operation		5			5
Net cash provided by operating activities		8,413			18,592

Investing Activities:
Acquisition consideration		(2,592	)		(1,135	)
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment		(1,292	)		(2,040	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment		677			37
Net cash used in continuing operations for investing activities		(3,207	)		(3,138	)

Financing Activities:
Repayments of short- and long-term obligations		(250	)		(45,035	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term obligations		–			19,000
Purchases of Company common stock		–			(3,722	)
Other, net		6			5
Net cash used in continuing operations for financing activities		(244	)		(29,752	)

Exchange Rate Effect on Cash and Cash Equivalents		(3,431	)		1,225

Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents		1,531			(13,073	)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period		45,675			40,139
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	47,206		$	27,066

Non-cash Financing Activities:
Issuance of Company common stock	$	369		$	78

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

KADANT INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

General

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes presented have been prepared by Kadant Inc. (also referred to in this document as “we,” “Kadant,” “the Company,” or “the Registrant”), are unaudited, and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for a fair statement of the Company’s financial position at July 3, 2010, and its results of operations for the three- and six-month periods ended July 3, 2010 and July 4, 2009 and cash flows for the six-month periods ended July 3, 2010 and July 4, 2009. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.

The condensed consolidated balance sheet presented as of January 2, 2010, has been derived from the consolidated financial statements that have been audited by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes are presented as permitted by Form 10-Q and do not contain certain information included in the annual consolidated financial statements and related notes of the Company. The condensed consolidated financial statements and notes included herein should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2010, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Certain prior-period amounts within operating activities in the statement of cash flows have been reclassified from other non-cash items, net, and shown separately within operating activities to conform to the 2010 presentation.

2.	Comprehensive (Loss) Income

Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Kadant combines net income (loss), other comprehensive items, and comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest. Other comprehensive items represent certain amounts that are reported as components of shareholders’ investment in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet, including foreign currency translation adjustments, deferred gains and losses and unrecognized prior service loss associated with pension and other post-retirement plans, and deferred gains and losses on hedging instruments. The components of comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Kadant are as follows:

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	July 3,			July 4,			July 3,			July 4,
(In thousands)	2010			2009			2010			2009

Net Income (Loss)	$	5,273		$	(1,221	)	$	8,914		$	(4,087	)

Other Comprehensive Items:
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment		(5,813	)		8,308			(9,718	)		4,051
Pension and Other Post-Retirement Liability Adjustments, net (net of income tax of $66 and $108 in the three and six months ended July 3, 2010, respectively, and $(97) and $(118) in the three and six months ended July 4, 2009, respectively)		124			(174	)		204			(215	)
Deferred (Loss) Gain on Hedging Instruments (net of income tax of $(24) and $(179) in the three and six months ended July 3, 2010, respectively, and $49 and $(49) in the three and six months ended July 4, 2009, respectively)		(327	)		316			(668	)		251
		(6,016	)		8,450			(10,182	)		4,087
Comprehensive (Loss) Income		(743	)		7,229			(1,268	)		–
Comprehensive Loss (Income) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		58			(54	)		106			(9	)
Comprehensive (Loss) Income Attributable to Kadant	$	(685	)	$	7,175		$	(1,162	)	$	(9	)

KADANT INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

3.	Earnings (Loss) per Share

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share are calculated as follows:

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	July 3,			July 4,			July 3,			July 4,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2010			2009			2010			2009

Amounts Attributable to Kadant:
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations	$	5,225		$	(1,188	)	$	8,840		$	(4,075	)
Loss from Discontinued Operation		(5	)		(5	)		(9	)		(9	)
Net Income (Loss)	$	5,220		$	(1,193	)	$	8,831		$	(4,084	)

Basic Weighted Average Shares		12,426			12,265			12,418			12,386
Effect of Stock Options, Restricted Stock Units and Employee Stock Purchase Plan		123			–			103			–
Diluted Weighted Average Shares		12,549			12,265			12,521			12,386

Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share:
Continuing Operations	$	.42		$	(.10	)	$	.71		$	(.33	)
Discontinued Operation		–			–			–			–
Net Income (Loss)	$	.42		$	(.10	)	$	.71		$	(.33	)

Options to purchase approximately 161,200 and 41,200 shares of the Company’s common stock for the second quarters of 2010 and 2009, respectively, and 118,100 and 58,500 shares of the Company’s common stock for the first six months of 2010 and 2009, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price for the Company’s common stock and the effect of their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. In addition, the dilutive effect of restricted stock units totaling 63,400 and 38,300 shares of common stock was not included in the computation of diluted loss per share in the three- and six-month periods ended July 4, 2009, respectively, as the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

4.	Inventories

The components of inventories are as follows:

	July 3,		January 2,
(In thousands)	2010		2010
Raw Materials and Supplies	$	15,773	$	15,347
Work in Process		8,454		7,500
Finished Goods		16,676		14,588
	$	40,903	$	37,435

KADANT INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

5.	Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes was $2,433,000, or 21.4% of pre-tax income, and $2,066,000, or (102.7%) of pre-tax loss, in the first six months of 2010 and 2009, respectively. The effective tax rate of 21.4% in the first six months of 2010 was lower than the Company’s statutory rate primarily due to the expected release of valuation allowances associated with the expected utilization in 2010 of various deferred tax assets that had been fully reserved for in prior periods and a favorable geographical distribution of earnings. The provision for income taxes in the first six months of 2009 included income tax expense of $1,216,000 associated primarily with earnings from the Company’s foreign operations and income tax expense of $850,000 associated with applying a valuation allowance to certain foreign deferred tax assets.

6.	Long-Term Obligations

Long-Term Obligations

Long-Term obligations are as follows:

	July 3,			January 2,
(In thousands)	2010			2010

Revolving Credit Facility	$	15,000		$	15,000
Variable Rate Term Loan, due from 2010 to 2016		8,000			8,250
Total Long-Term Obligations		23,000			23,250
Less: Current Maturities		(500	)		(500	)
Long-Term Obligations, less Current Maturities	$	22,500		$	22,750

The weighted average interest rate for long-term obligations was 4.81% as of July 3, 2010.

Revolving Credit Facility

On February 13, 2008, the Company entered into a five-year unsecured revolving credit facility (2008 Credit Agreement) in the aggregate principal amount of up to $75,000,000. The 2008 Credit Agreement also includes an uncommitted unsecured incremental borrowing facility of up to an additional $75,000,000. The principal on any borrowings made under the 2008 Credit Agreement is due on February 13, 2013. As of July 3, 2010, the outstanding balance on the 2008 Credit Agreement was $15,000,000. Based on the Company’s maximum leverage ratio and consolidated EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization), as defined in the 2008 Credit Agreement, as of July 3, 2010 the Company would have been able to borrow an additional $56,282,000 under the Company’s credit agreements.

Commercial Real Estate Loan

On May 4, 2006, the Company borrowed $10,000,000 under a promissory note (2006 Commercial Real Estate Loan), which is repayable in quarterly installments of $125,000 over a ten-year period with the remaining principal balance of $5,000,000 due upon maturity. As of July 3, 2010, the remaining balance on the 2006 Commercial Real Estate Loan was $8,000,000. The 2006 Commercial Real Estate Loan is guaranteed and secured by real estate and related personal property of the Company and certain of its domestic subsidiaries, located in Theodore, Alabama; Auburn, Massachusetts; Three Rivers, Michigan; and Queensbury, New York, pursuant to mortgage and security agreements dated May 4, 2006.

KADANT INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

7.	Warranty Obligations

The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time of sale based on the actual historical occurrence rates and repair costs. The Company typically negotiates the terms regarding warranty coverage and length of warranty depending on the products and applications. While the Company engages in extensive product quality programs and processes, the Company’s warranty obligation is affected by product failure rates, repair costs, service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure, and supplier warranties on parts delivered to the Company. Should actual product failure rates, repair costs, service delivery costs, or supplier warranties on parts differ from the Company’s estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability would be required.

The changes in the carrying amount of accrued warranty costs included in other current liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet are as follows:

	Six Months Ended
(In thousands)	July 3, 2010

Balance at Beginning of Period	$	2,801
Provision		1,221
Usage		(822	)
Currency translation		(234	)
Balance at End of Period	$	2,966

See Note 17 for warranty information related to the discontinued operation.

8.	Restructuring Costs and Other Income, Net

2008 Restructuring Plan

The Company recorded restructuring costs of $4,373,000 in 2008 and 2009 associated with its 2008 Restructuring Plan. These restructuring costs included facility-related costs of $314,000 and severance and associated costs of $4,059,000 related to the reduction of 329 full-time positions in China, North America, Latin America, and Europe, all in its Papermaking Systems segment. These actions were taken to adjust the Company’s cost structure and streamline its operations in response to the weak economic environment, which accelerated in the fourth quarter of 2008, and its negative impact on current and projected order volumes, especially in its stock-preparation equipment product line. The Company recorded additional restructuring costs of $67,000 in the first six months of 2010 associated with its 2008 Restructuring Plan.

2009 Restructuring Plan

The Company recorded restructuring costs of $3,858,000 in 2009 associated with its 2009 Restructuring Plan, which consisted of severance and associated costs related to the reduction of 133 full-time positions in Europe, China, the U.S., and Canada, all in its Papermaking Systems segment. These actions were taken to further adjust the Company’s cost structure and streamline its operations in response to the continued weak economic environment. The Company recorded additional restructuring costs of $114,000 in the first six months of 2010 associated with its 2009 Restructuring Plan.

KADANT INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

8.	Restructuring Costs and Other Income, Net (continued)

A summary of the changes in accrued restructuring costs, of which $659,000 is included in other current liabilities and $459,000 is included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet, is as follows:

(In thousands)	Severance Costs			Other Costs			Total Costs

2008 Restructuring Plan
Balance at January 2, 2010	$	1,334		$	–		$	1,334
Provision		42			25			67
Payments		(663	)		(25	)		(688	)
Currency translation		4			–			4
Balance at July 3, 2010	$	717		$	–		$	717

2009 Restructuring Plan
Balance at January 2, 2010	$	2,302		$	–		$	2,302
Provision		114			–			114
Payments		(1,692	)		–			(1,692	)
Currency translation		(323	)		–			(323	)
Balance at July 3, 2010	$	401		$	–		$	401

The Company expects to pay the remaining accrued restructuring costs as follows: $611,000 in 2010 and $507,000 from 2011 to 2015.

Other Income

In the first quarter of 2010, the Company sold real estate in the U.S. for $465,000, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $285,000. In the second quarter of 2010, the Company recognized a curtailment gain on a pension liability of $219,000 associated with the reduction of 25 full-time positions in France.

KADANT INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

9.	Business Segment Information

The Company has one reportable operating segment, Papermaking Systems, and a separate product line, Fiber-based Products, which is reported in Other Business. In classifying operational entities into a particular segment, the Company aggregated businesses with similar economic characteristics, products and services, production processes, customers, and methods of distribution.

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	July 3,			July 4,			July 3,			July 4,
(In thousands)	2010			2009			2010			2009

Revenues:
Papermaking Systems	$	66,953		$	47,995		$	124,422		$	109,982
Other Business		2,183			2,137			5,835			5,107
	$	69,136		$	50,132		$	130,257		$	115,089

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Tax Provision (Benefit):
Papermaking Systems	$	10,895		$	700		$	17,199		$	3,582
Corporate and Other Business (a)		(3,593	)		(1,899	)		(5,216	)		(4,573	)
Total Operating Income (Loss)		7,302			(1,199	)		11,983			(991	)
Interest Expense, Net		(307	)		(415	)		(627	)		(1,021	)
	$	6,995		$	(1,614	)	$	11,356		$	(2,012	)

Capital Expenditures:
Papermaking Systems	$	534		$	743		$	1,060		$	1,855
Corporate and Other Business		219			140			232			185
	$	753		$	883		$	1,292		$	2,040

(a)

Corporate primarily includes general and administrative expenses.

10.	Stock-Based Compensation

Stock Options

On March 3, 2010, the Company granted stock options to purchase 140,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to certain officers of the Company. The stock options will vest in three equal annual installments on the first, second, and third anniversaries of the grant date, provided that the executive officer remains employed by the Company on the applicable vesting dates. The Company is recognizing compensation expense ratably over the vesting period based on the grant date fair value of $7.39 determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Compensation expense of $86,000 and $115,000 was recognized in the three- and six-month periods ending July 3, 2010, respectively, associated with these stock options. Unrecognized compensation expense related to these stock options totaled approximately $919,000 at July 3, 2010 and will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.7 years.

Restricted Stock Units

On March 3, 2010, the Company granted an aggregate of 20,000 restricted stock units (RSUs) to its outside directors with an aggregate fair value of $283,400, which will vest at a rate of 5,000 shares per quarter on the last day of each quarter in 2010, provided that the recipient is serving as a director on the applicable vesting date. The Company recognized compensation expense of $71,000 and $142,000 in the three- and six-month periods ending July 3, 2010, respectively, associated with these RSUs. On March 3, 2010, the Company also granted to its outside directors an aggregate of 40,000 RSUs with an aggregate fair value of $566,800, which will only vest and compensation expense will only be recognized upon a change in control as defined in the Company’s 2006 equity incentive plan. The 40,000 RSUs will be forfeited if a change in control does not occur during the period beginning on the first day of the second quarter of 2010 and ending on the last day of the first quarter of 2015.

KADANT INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

10.	Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units

On March 3, 2010, the Company granted to certain officers of the Company performance-based RSUs, which represent, in aggregate, the right to receive 59,000 shares (the target RSU amount), subject to adjustment, with a grant date fair value of $14.17 per share. The RSUs will vest in three equal annual installments on March 10, 2011, March 10, 2012 and March 10, 2013, provided that the Company meets certain performance requirements for the 2010 fiscal year and the executive officer is employed by the Company on the applicable vesting dates. The target RSU amount is subject to adjustment based on the achievement of a specified EBITDA target generated from continuing operations for the 2010 fiscal year. The RSUs provide for an adjustment of between 50% and 150% of the target RSU amount based on whether actual EBITDA for the 2010 fiscal year is between 50% and 115% of the EBITDA target. If actual EBITDA is below 50% of the target EBITDA for the 2010 fiscal year, all of the RSUs will be forfeited. In the first six months of 2010, the Company recognized compensation expense based on the probable number of RSUs expected to vest, which was 150% of the target RSU amount.

The performance-based RSU agreements provide for forfeiture in certain events, such as voluntary or involuntary termination of employment, and for acceleration of vesting in the event of a change in control of the Company. If a change in control occurs prior to the end of the performance period, the officer will receive the target RSU amount; otherwise, the officer will receive the number of deliverable RSUs based on the achievement of the performance goal, as stated in the RSU agreements.

Each performance-based RSU represents the right to receive one share of the Company’s common stock upon vesting. The Company has also granted performance-based RSUs in prior periods. Compensation expense associated with performance-based RSUs is recognized ratably over each vesting tranche based on the grant date fair value. The Company recognized compensation expense of $448,000 and $441,000 in the second quarters of 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $624,000 and $931,000 in the first six months of 2010 and 2009, respectively, associated with performance-based RSUs. Unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested performance-based RSUs totaled approximately $1,403,000 at July 3, 2010, and will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.5 years.

Time-Based Restricted Stock Units

On March 3, 2010, the Company granted 85,000 time-based RSUs to certain employees of the Company with a grant date fair value of $14.17 per share. The RSUs generally vest in three equal installments on March 10, 2011, March 10, 2012 and March 10, 2013. The Company also granted time-based RSUs in prior periods to certain employees of the Company. Each time-based RSU represents the right to receive one share of the Company’s common stock upon vesting. The Company is recognizing compensation expense associated with these time-based RSUs ratably over the vesting period based on the grant date fair value. The Company recognized compensation expense of $203,000 and $124,000 in the second quarters of 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $347,000 and $230,000 in the first six months of 2010 and 2009, respectively, associated with time-based RSUs. Unrecognized compensation expense related to the time-based RSUs totaled approximately $1,543,000 as of July 3, 2010, and will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.3 years.

A summary of the changes in the Company’s unvested RSUs for the first six months of 2010 is as follows:

	Units (In thousands)			Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value

Unvested RSUs at January 2, 2010		212		$	17.89
Granted (based on the target RSU amount)		204		$	14.17
Vested		(10	)	$	14.17
Forfeited		(41	)	$	8.31
Unvested RSUs at July 3, 2010		365		$	17.54

KADANT INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

11.	Employee Benefit Plans

The Company sponsors a noncontributory defined benefit retirement plan for the benefit of eligible employees of one of the Company’s divisions and the corporate office. Benefits under the plan are based on years of service and employee compensation. Funds are contributed to a trustee as necessary to provide for current service and for any unfunded projected benefit obligation over a reasonable period. Effective December 31, 2005, this plan was closed to new participants. The Company also has a post-retirement welfare benefits plan for certain retirees of its Kadant Solutions division (included in the table below in “Other Benefits”). No future retirees are eligible for this post-retirement welfare benefits plan, and the plans include limits on the employer’s contributions.

The Company’s Kadant Lamort subsidiary sponsors a defined benefit pension plan (included in the table below in “Other Benefits”). Benefits under this plan are based on years of service and projected employee compensation.

The Company’s Kadant Johnson subsidiary also offers a post-retirement welfare benefits plan (included in the table below in “Other Benefits”) to its U.S. employees upon attainment of eligible retirement age. This plan will be closed to employees who will not meet its retirement eligibility requirements on January 1, 2012.

The components of the net periodic benefit cost (income) for the pension benefits and other benefits plans in the three-and six-month periods ended July 3, 2010 and July 4, 2009 are as follows:

	Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
(In thousands)	July 3, 2010						July 4, 2009
	Pension Benefits			Other Benefits			Pension Benefits			Other Benefits

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income):
Service cost	$	197		$	19		$	205		$	35
Interest cost		322			55			330			64
Expected return on plan assets		(347	)		–			(324	)		–
Recognized net actuarial loss		110			3			124			2
Amortization of prior service cost (income)		14			(15	)		14			(90	)
Net periodic benefit cost		296			62			349			11
Curtailment gain		–			(219	)		–			(279	)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	$	296		$	(157	)	$	349		$	(268	)

The weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost (income) are as follows:

Discount rate		5.75	%		4.88	%		6.25	%		6.20	%
Expected long-term return on plan assets		7.00	%		–			8.50	%		–
Rate of compensation increase		4.00	%		2.00	%		4.00	%		2.00	%

KADANT INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

11.	Employee Benefit Plans (continued)

	Six Months Ended						Six Months Ended
(In thousands)	July 3, 2010						July 4, 2009
	Pension Benefits			Other Benefits			Pension Benefits			Other Benefits

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income):
Service cost	$	426		$	51		$	410		$	70
Interest cost		650			110			660			124
Expected return on plan assets		(718	)		–			(648	)		–
Recognized net actuarial loss		217			6			248			2
Amortization of prior service cost (income)		28			(30	)		28			(273	)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)		603			137			698			(77	)
Curtailment gain		–			(219	)		–			(279	)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	$	603		$	(82	)	$	698		$	(356	)

The weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost (income) are as follows:

Discount rate		5.75	%		5.09	%		6.25	%		6.15	%
Expected long-term return on plan assets		7.00	%		–			8.50	%		–
Rate of compensation increase		4.00	%		2.00	%		4.00	%		2.00	%

The Company recognized a curtailment gain of $219,000 in the three-month period ending July 3, 2010 associated with the reduction of 25 full-time positions in France. The Company recognized a curtailment gain of $279,000 in the three-month period ending July 4, 2009 associated with the reduction of 11 full-time positions in the U.S.

The Company made cash contributions of $1,750,000 to its Kadant Solutions division’s noncontributory defined benefit retirement plan in the first six months of 2010 and expects to make cash contributions of $75,000 per month over the remainder of 2010. For the remaining pension and post-retirement welfare benefits plans, no cash contributions other than the funding of current benefit payments are expected in 2010.

KADANT INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

12.	Derivatives

The Company uses derivative instruments primarily to reduce its exposure to changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates. When the Company enters into a derivative contract, the Company makes a determination as to whether the transaction is deemed to be a hedge for accounting purposes. For a contract deemed to be a hedge, the Company formally documents the relationship between the derivative instrument and the risk being hedged. In this documentation, the Company specifically identifies the asset, liability, forecasted transaction, cash flow, or net investment that has been designated as the hedged item, and evaluates whether the derivative instrument is expected to reduce the risks associated with the hedged item. To the extent these criteria are not met, the Company does not use hedge accounting for the derivative. The changes in the fair value of a derivative not deemed to be a hedge are recorded currently in earnings. The Company does not hold or engage in transactions involving derivative instruments for purposes other than risk management.

Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 815, “Derivatives and Hedging,” requires that all derivatives be recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the related gains or losses on these contracts are deferred as a component of accumulated other comprehensive items. These deferred gains and losses are recognized in the period in which the underlying anticipated transaction occurs. For derivatives designated as fair value hedges, the unrealized gains and losses resulting from the impact of currency exchange rate movements are recognized in earnings in the period in which the exchange rates change and offset the currency gains and losses on the underlying exposures being hedged. The Company performs an evaluation of the effectiveness of the hedge both at inception and on an ongoing basis. The ineffective portion of a hedge, if any, and changes in the fair value of a derivative not deemed to be a hedge, are recorded in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

Interest Rate Swaps

The Company entered into interest rate swap agreements in 2008 and 2006 to hedge its exposure to variable-rate debt and has designated these agreements as cash flow hedges. On February 13, 2008, the Company entered into a swap agreement (2008 Swap Agreement) to hedge the exposure to movements in the three-month LIBOR rate on future outstanding debt. The 2008 Swap Agreement has a five-year term and a $15,000,000 notional value, which decreases to $10,000,000 on December 31, 2010, and $5,000,000 on December 30, 2011. Under the 2008 Swap Agreement, on a quarterly basis the Company receives a three-month LIBOR rate and pays a fixed rate of interest of 3.265% plus the applicable margin. The Company entered into a swap agreement in 2006 (the 2006 Swap Agreement) to convert a portion of the Company’s outstanding debt from floating to fixed rates of interest. The swap agreement has the same terms and quarterly payment dates as the corresponding debt, and reduces proportionately in line with the amortization of the debt. Under the 2006 Swap Agreement, the Company receives a three-month LIBOR rate and pays a fixed rate of interest of 5.63%. The fair values for these instruments as of July 3, 2010 are included in other liabilities, with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive items (net of tax) in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company has structured these interest rate swap agreements to be 100% effective and as a result, there is no current impact to earnings resulting from hedge ineffectiveness. Management believes that any credit risk associated with the swap agreements is remote based on the Company’s financial position and the creditworthiness of the financial institution issuing the swap agreements.

The counterparty to the swap agreement could demand an early termination of the swap agreement if the Company is in default under the 2008 Credit Agreement, or any agreement that amends or replaces the 2008 Credit Agreement in which the counterparty is a member, and the Company is unable to cure the default. An event of default under the 2008 Credit Agreement includes customary events of default and failure to comply with financial covenants, including a maximum consolidated leverage ratio of 3.5 and a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.2. As of July 3, 2010, the Company was in compliance with these covenants. The unrealized loss of $1,827,000 as of July 3, 2010 represents the estimated amount that the Company would pay to the counterparty in the event of an early termination.

KADANT INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

12. Derivatives (continued)

Forward Currency-Exchange Contracts

The Company uses forward currency-exchange contracts primarily to hedge exposures resulting from fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Such exposures result primarily from portions of the Company’s operations and assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of the businesses conducting the operations or holding the assets and liabilities. The Company typically manages its level of exposure to the risk of currency-exchange fluctuations by hedging a portion of its currency exposures anticipated over the ensuing 12-month period using forward currency-exchange contracts that have maturities of 12 months or less.

Forward currency-exchange contracts that hedge forecasted accounts receivable or accounts payable are designated as cash flow hedges. The fair values for these instruments are included in other current assets for unrecognized gains and in other current liabilities for unrecognized losses, with an offset in accumulated other comprehensive items (net of tax). For forward currency-exchange contracts that are designated as fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative, as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item are recognized currently in earnings. The fair values of forward currency-exchange contracts that are not designated as hedges are recorded currently in earnings. The Company recognized a loss of $21,000 and a gain of $57,000 in the second quarters of 2010 and 2009, respectively, and losses of $30,000 and $550,000 in the first six months of 2010 and 2009, respectively, associated with forward currency-exchange contracts that were not designated as hedges. These gains and losses are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the accompanying statement of operations. Management believes that any credit risk associated with forward currency-exchange contracts is remote based on the Company’s financial position and the creditworthiness of the financial institutions issuing the contracts.

The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments designated and not designated as hedging instruments and the location of these instruments in the consolidated balance sheet:

(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Location	July 3, 2010 Asset (Liability) (a)			January 2, 2010 Asset (Liability)

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Derivatives in an Asset Position:
Forward currency-exchange contracts	Other Current Assets	$	23		$	207
Derivatives in a Liability Position:
Forward currency-exchange contracts	Other Current Liabilities	$	(355	)	$	–
Interest rate swap agreements	Other Long-Term Liabilities	$	(1,827	)	$	(1,517	)

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Derivatives in a Liability Position:
Forward currency-exchange contracts	Other Current Liabilities	$	(20	)	$	(98	)

(a)	See Note 13 for the fair value measurements relating to these financial instruments.

As of July 3, 2010, the total notional amounts of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements and forward currency-exchange contracts were $23,000,000 and $6,273,000, respectively. These notional amounts are indicative of the level of the Company’s derivative activity during the first six months of 2010.

KADANT INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

12. Derivatives (continued)

The following table summarizes the activity in accumulated other comprehensive items (OCI) associated with the Company’s derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges as of and for the period ended July 3, 2010:

(In thousands)	Interest Rate Swap Agreements			Forward Currency-Exchange Contracts			Total
Unrealized Loss (Gain), net of tax, at January 2, 2010	$	1,212		$	(138	)	$	1,074
Loss Reclassified to Earnings (a)		(373	)		(7	)		(380	)
Loss Recognized in OCI		682			366			1,048
Unrealized Loss, net of tax, at July 3, 2010	$	1,521		$	221		$	1,742

(a) Included in interest expense for interest rate swap agreements and in revenues for forward currency-exchange contracts in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations.

As of July 3, 2010, $593,000 of the net unrealized loss included in OCI is expected to be reclassified to earnings over the next twelve months.

13.	Fair Value Measurements

Fair value measurement is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value hierarchy is established, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value into three broad levels as follows:

•

Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

•

Level 2—Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly.

•

Level 3—Unobservable inputs based on the Company’s own assumptions.

The following table presents the fair value hierarchy for those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

	Fair Value as of July 3, 2010
(In thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total

Assets:
Forward currency-exchange contracts	$	–	$	23	$	–	$	23

Liabilities:
Forward currency-exchange contracts	$	–	$	375	$	–	$	375
Interest rate swap agreements	$	–	$	1,827	$	–	$	1,827

	Fair Value as of January 2, 2010
(In thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total

Assets:
Forward currency-exchange contracts	$	–	$	207	$	–	$	207

Liabilities:
Forward currency-exchange contracts	$	–	$	98	$	–	$	98
Interest rate swap agreements	$	–	$	1,517	$	–	$	1,517

KADANT INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

13.	Fair Value Measurements (continued)

The Company uses the market approach technique to value its financial assets and liabilities, and there were no changes in valuation techniques during the first six months of 2010. The Company’s financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value comprise derivative instruments used to hedge the Company’s foreign currency and interest rate risks. The fair values of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements are based on LIBOR yield curves at the reporting date. The fair values of the Company’s forward currency-exchange contracts are based on quoted forward foreign exchange rates at the reporting date. The forward currency-exchange contracts and interest rate swap agreements are hedges of either recorded assets or liabilities or anticipated transactions. Changes in values of the underlying hedged assets and liabilities or anticipated transactions are not reflected in the table above.

The carrying amounts of long-term debt obligations approximate fair value as the obligations bear variable rates of interest, which adjust quarterly based on prevailing market rates.

14.	Letters of Credit

Certain of the Company’s contracts, particularly for stock-preparation and systems orders, require the Company to provide a standby letter of credit to a customer as beneficiary, limited in amount to a negotiated percentage of the total contract value, in order to guarantee warranty and performance obligations of the Company under the contract. Typically, these standby letters of credit expire without being drawn by the beneficiary. In 2009, one of the Company’s customers indicated its intention to draw upon all outstanding standby letters of credit issued to the customer as beneficiary to secure warranty and performance obligations under multiple contracts. The Company believes the attempted draws by the customer are for reasons unrelated to the Company’s warranty and performance obligations and the Company has opposed, and intends to continue to vigorously oppose, such actions. To date, the customer had submitted draws against standby letters of credit totaling $4,272,000 and the Company has obtained preliminary injunctions against payment to the customer with respect to such draws. The outstanding standby letters of credit to this customer, including those for which the Company has obtained preliminary injunctions against payment, total $5,823,000. There is no assurance that the Company will be successful in obtaining new or maintaining existing injunctions and, if the Company were unsuccessful, it would incur an expense associated with such payments to the customer, which would adversely affect the Company’s results of operations.

15.	Pending Litigation

The Company was named as a co-defendant, together with the Company’s Kadant Composites LLC subsidiary (Composites LLC) and another defendant, in a consumer class action lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts (the District Court) on December 27, 2007 on behalf of a putative class of individuals who own GeoDeck™ decking or railing products manufactured by Composites LLC between April 2002 and October 2003. The complaint in this matter purported to assert, among other things, causes of action for unfair and deceptive trade practices, fraud, negligence, breach of warranty and unjust enrichment, and it sought compensatory damages and punitive damages under various state consumer protection statutes. The District Court dismissed the complaint against all defendants in its entirety on November 19, 2008. On March 3, 2009, the District Court denied the plaintiffs’ post-judgment motions to vacate this order of dismissal and amend the complaint. The plaintiffs appealed the District Court’s denial of these motions to the U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals, which affirmed the District Court’s ruling on December 23, 2009. The plaintiffs petitioned the U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals for a rehearing en banc, which was denied on February 2, 2010. The time for seeking further appeal of this matter has expired and the dismissal is final.

KADANT INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

15.	Pending Litigation (continued)

The Company was named as a co-defendant in seven state class action complaints filed on behalf of individuals who own GeoDeck™ decking or railing products manufactured by Composites LLC between April 2002 and October 2003, as previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2010. On April 23, 2010, the parties to the litigation agreed to voluntarily dismiss without prejudice the pending state class actions, subject to a tolling agreement that has been extended to August 31, 2010, while the parties pursue potential alternative dispute resolution or other settlement of these matters. To date, the parties have filed dismissals in the litigation pending in the state courts of Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and New Mexico, and the Company anticipates that the plaintiffs will also move to dismiss the complaints pending in Maryland and Washington state courts, which have not been served on the Company. There can be no assurance that the parties to the state court matters will reach a resolution on terms satisfactory to the parties, or that the plaintiffs will not file new complaints in the named states or other states, following the expiration of the tolling period. The Company has not made an accrual related to this litigation as it believes that an adverse outcome is not probable and estimable at this time.

16.	Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2009-13, “Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements,” which amends the multiple-element arrangement guidance under ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition.” This guidance amends the criteria for separating consideration for products or services in multiple-deliverable arrangements. It establishes a selling price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable, eliminates the residual method of allocation, and requires that arrangement consideration be allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables using the relative selling price method. In addition, it significantly expands required disclosures related to a vendor’s multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements. This guidance is effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010 (fiscal 2011). The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of this guidance, but does not anticipate that it will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

17.	Discontinued Operation

In 2005, Composites LLC sold substantially all of its assets to LDI Composites Co. (Buyer). Under the terms of the asset purchase agreement, Composites LLC retained certain liabilities associated with the operation of the business prior to the sale, including the warranty obligations associated with products manufactured prior to the sale date. Composites LLC retained all of the cash proceeds received from the asset sale and continued to administer and pay warranty claims from the sale proceeds into the third quarter of 2007. On September 30, 2007, Composites LLC announced that it no longer had sufficient funds to honor warranty claims, was unable to pay or process warranty claims, and ceased doing business. All activity related to this business is classified in the results of the discontinued operation in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

Through the sale date of October 21, 2005, Composites LLC offered a standard limited warranty to the owner of its decking and roofing products, limited to repair or replacement of the defective product or a refund of the original purchase price. Composites LLC records the minimum amount of the potential range of loss for products under warranty. As of July 3, 2010, the accrued warranty costs associated with the composites business were $2,142,000, which represents the low end of the estimated range of warranty reserve required based on the level of claims received before the subsidiary ceased operations and judgments entered against it in litigation. Composites LLC has calculated that the total potential warranty cost ranges from $2,142,000 to approximately $13,100,000. The high end of the range represents the estimated maximum level of warranty claims remaining based on the total sales of the products under warranty. Composites LLC will continue to record adjustments to the accrued warranty costs to reflect the minimum amount of the potential range of loss for products under warranty based on judgments entered against it in litigation, if any.

See Note 15 for information related to pending litigation associated with the composites business.

KADANT INC.

Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes forward-looking statements that are not statements of historical fact, and may include statements regarding possible or assumed future results of operations. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and are based on the beliefs and assumptions of our management, using information currently available to our management. When we use words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “should,” “likely,” “will,” “would,” or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. They involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Our future results of operations may differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Many of the important factors that will determine these results and values are beyond our ability to control or predict. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. For a discussion of important factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements, you should read carefully the section captioned “Risk Factors” in Part II, Item 1A, of this Report.

Overview

Company Background

We are a leading supplier of equipment used in the global papermaking and paper recycling industries and are also a manufacturer of granules made from papermaking byproducts. Our continuing operations are comprised of one reportable operating segment: Pulp and Papermaking Systems (Papermaking Systems), and a separate product line, Fiber-based Products, reported in Other Business. Through our Papermaking Systems segment, we develop, manufacture, and market a range of equipment and products for the global papermaking and paper recycling industries. We have a large customer base that includes most of the world’s major paper manufacturers. We believe our large installed base provides us with a spare parts and consumables business that yields higher margins than our capital equipment business.

Through our Fiber-based Products business, we manufacture and sell granules derived from pulp fiber for use as carriers for agricultural, home lawn and garden, and professional lawn, turf and ornamental applications, as well as for oil and grease absorption.

Papermaking Systems Segment

Our Papermaking Systems segment designs and manufactures stock-preparation systems and equipment, fluid-handling systems and equipment, paper machine accessory equipment, and water-management systems primarily for the paper and paper recycling industries. Our principal products include:

Stock-preparation systems and equipment: custom-engineered systems and equipment, as well as standard individual components, for pulping, de-inking, screening, cleaning, and refining recycled and virgin fibers for preparation for entry into the paper machine during the production of recycled paper;

Fluid handling systems and equipment: rotary joints, precision unions, steam and condensate systems, components, and controls used primarily in the dryer section of the papermaking process and during the production of corrugated boxboard, metals, plastics, rubber, textiles and food;

Paper machine accessory equipment: doctoring systems and related consumables that continuously clean papermaking rolls to keep paper machines running efficiently; doctor blades made of a variety of materials to perform functions

including cleaning, creping, web removal, and application of coatings; and profiling systems that control moisture, web curl, and gloss during paper production; and

Water-management systems: systems and equipment used to continuously clean paper machine fabrics, drain water from pulp mixtures, form the sheet or web, and filter the process water for reuse.

KADANT INC.

Overview (continued)

Other Business

Our other business consists of our Fiber-based Products business that produces biodegradable, absorbent granules from papermaking byproducts for use primarily as carriers for agricultural, home lawn and garden, and professional lawn, turf and ornamental applications, as well as for oil and grease absorption.

Discontinued Operation

In 2005, our Kadant Composites LLC subsidiary (Composites LLC) sold substantially all of its assets to LDI Composites Co. Under the terms of the asset purchase agreement, Composites LLC retained certain liabilities associated with the operation of the business prior to the sale, including the warranty obligations associated with products manufactured prior to the sale date. Composites LLC retained all of the cash proceeds received from the asset sale and continued to administer and pay warranty claims from the sale proceeds into the third quarter of 2007. On September 30, 2007, Composites LLC announced that it no longer had sufficient funds to honor warranty claims, was unable to pay or process warranty claims, and ceased doing business.

All activity related to this business is classified in the results of the discontinued operation in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

Composites LLC’s inability to pay or process warranty claims has exposed us to greater risks associated with litigation. For more information regarding our current litigation arising from these claims, see Part II, Item 1, “Legal Proceedings,” and Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”

International Sales

During the first six months of 2010 and 2009, approximately 56% and 60%, respectively, of our sales were to customers outside the United States, principally in Europe and Asia. We generally seek to charge our customers in the same currency in which our operating costs are incurred. However, our financial performance and competitive position can be affected by currency exchange rate fluctuations affecting the relationship between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. We seek to reduce our exposure to currency fluctuations through the use of forward currency exchange contracts. We may enter into forward contracts to hedge certain firm purchase and sale commitments denominated in currencies other than our subsidiaries’ functional currencies. These contracts hedge transactions principally denominated in U.S. dollars.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our condensed consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Critical accounting policies are defined as those that reflect significant judgments and uncertainties, and could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. We believe that our most critical accounting policies, upon which our financial condition depends and which involve the most complex or subjective decisions or assessments, are those described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under the section captioned “Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in Part I, Item 7, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2010, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). There have been no material changes to these critical accounting policies since fiscal year-end 2009 that warrant disclosure.

KADANT INC.

Overview (continued)

Industry and Business Outlook

Our products are primarily sold to the global pulp and paper industry. Since the end of 2009, this industry has been recovering from a severe economic downturn, which began a year earlier. Mill operating rates in North America have improved in 2010 compared to the prior year, especially for containerboard, due to healthy demand. Operating rates and demand in Europe and Asia across most grades are also improving. We have benefited from these improved mill operating rates, and since the third quarter of 2009 we have seen sequential quarterly increases in both revenues and bookings. Revenues increased $19.0 million, or 38%, in the second quarter of 2010 compared to the second quarter of 2009, which included increases in all of our major product lines. Revenues in the second quarter of 2010 also increased $8.0 million, or 13%, sequentially. We believe that these increases are partly due to pent-up demand from earlier periods and, as a result, we anticipate some slowdown in activity in the second half of 2010.

We have taken numerous steps since the end of 2008 to optimize our business structure and maximize internal efficiencies, which included integrating multiple operations in a region, merging our sales teams in certain markets, and reducing the number of employees in certain locations. In addition, we continue to concentrate our efforts on several initiatives intended to improve our operating results, including focusing on delivering products and technical solutions that provide our customers with a good return on their investment through energy savings and fiber-yield improvements, expanding our use of low-cost manufacturing bases in locations such as China and Mexico, increasing after-market and consumables sales, and further penetrating existing markets where we see opportunity with our accessories and water management products. We also continue to focus our efforts on managing our operating costs, capital expenditures, and working capital.

We expect several key factors to influence our results for the second half of the year. As noted above, we expect a slowdown in bookings from the levels in the first half of the year, which we believe included some pent-up demand from earlier periods. Also, we believe that gross margin percentages will decline from the first half levels partly due to an unfavorable product mix in the second half of the year. In addition, we anticipate a higher effective tax rate for the year compared to our previous estimate due to a change in the geographic distribution of our earnings. For the third quarter of 2010, we expect to report diluted earnings per share of $.21 to $.23 from continuing operations, on revenues of $60 to $62 million. For 2010, we expect to achieve diluted earnings per share of $1.20 to $1.25 from continuing operations, revised from our previous estimate of $1.10 to $1.20, on revenues of $255 to $260 million, revised from our previous estimate of $255 to $265 million.

KADANT INC.

Results of Operations

Second Quarter 2010 Compared With Second Quarter 2009

The following table sets forth our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations expressed as a percentage of total revenues from continuing operations for the second fiscal quarters of 2010 and 2009. The results of operations for the fiscal quarter ended July 3, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.

	Three Months Ended
	July 3,			July 4,
	2010			2009

Revenues		100	%		100	%

Costs and Operating Expenses:
Cost of revenues		55			59
Selling, general, and administrative expenses		32			38
Research and development expenses		2			3
Restructuring costs and other income, net		–			2
		89			102

Operating Income (Loss)		11			(2	)

Interest Income		–			–
Interest Expense		(1	)		(1	)

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Tax Provision (Benefit)		10			(3	)
Income Tax Provision (Benefit)		2			(1	)

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations		8	%		(2	)%

Revenues

Revenues increased $19.0 million, or 38%, to $69.1 million in the second quarter of 2010 from $50.1 million in the second quarter of 2009. Revenues in the second quarter of 2010 include a $0.7 million decrease from the unfavorable effects of currency translation. Excluding the effects of currency translation, revenues increased $19.7 million, or 39%, in the second quarter of 2010 due to an increase in revenues in all of our major product lines. Excluding the effects of currency translation, the largest revenue increases in the second quarter of 2010 were in our stock-preparation equipment product line, which increased $9.1 million, or 56%, our fluid-handling product line, which increased $5.0 million, or 33%, and our water-management product line, which increased $3.4 million, or 66%. The increases in our stock-preparation equipment and water-management product lines were driven by higher demand for our capital products, while the increase in our fluid-handling product line was primarily due to higher demand for our aftermarket products.

KADANT INC.

Results of Operations (continued)

Revenues for the second quarters of 2010 and 2009 from our Papermaking Systems segment and our other business are as follows:

	Three Months Ended
	July 3,		July 4,
(In thousands)	2010		2009

Revenues:
Papermaking Systems	$	66,953	$	47,995
Other Business		2,183		2,137
	$	69,136	$	50,132

Papermaking Systems Segment. Revenues at the Papermaking Systems segment increased $19.0 million, or 39%, to $67.0 million in the second quarter of 2010 from $48.0 million in the second quarter of 2009. Revenues in the 2010 period include a $0.7 million, or 1%, decrease from the unfavorable effects of currency translation.

Other Business. Revenues from the Fiber-based Products business increased $0.1 million, or 2%, to $2.2 million in the second quarter of 2010 from $2.1 million in the second quarter of 2009.

The following table presents revenues at the Papermaking Systems segment by product line, the changes in revenues by product line between the second quarters of 2010 and 2009, and the changes in revenues by product line between the second quarters of 2010 and 2009 excluding the effect of currency translation. The increase excluding the effect of currency translation represents the increase resulting from the conversion of the current period amounts in local currency translated into U.S. dollars using the prior period exchange rates compared to the prior period amounts in U.S. dollars. The presentation of the changes in revenues by product line excluding the effect of currency translation is a non-GAAP measure. We believe this non-GAAP measure helps investors gain a better understanding of our underlying operations, consistent with how our management measures and forecasts our performance, especially when comparing such results to prior periods. This non-GAAP measure should not be considered superior to or a substitute for the corresponding GAAP measure.

	Three Months Ended				Increase Excluding Effect of
(In millions)	July 3, 2010		July 4, 2009		Increase		Currency Translation

Product Line:
Stock-Preparation Equipment	$	25.0	$	16.4	$	8.6	$	9.1
Fluid-Handling		20.1		15.1		5.0		5.0
Accessories		12.7		10.9		1.8		2.0
Water-Management		8.6		5.2		3.4		3.4
Other		0.6		0.4		0.2		0.2
	$	67.0	$	48.0	$	19.0	$	19.7

Revenues from the segment’s stock-preparation equipment product line increased $8.6 million, or 52%, in the second quarter of 2010 compared to the second quarter of 2009, including a $0.5 million, or 4%, decrease from the unfavorable effect of currency translation. Excluding the effect of currency translation, revenues from the segment’s stock-preparation equipment product line increased $9.1 million, or 56%, primarily due to an increase in revenues in the U.S. and, to a lesser extent, Europe and China. The increases in the U.S. and Europe were principally driven by higher demand for capital products, while the increase in China was due to higher demand for both capital and aftermarket products. While revenues in China increased in the second quarter of 2010 compared to the corresponding prior year period, they were lower than anticipated due to customer-initiated delays in delivering several large recycling systems.

KADANT INC.

Results of Operations (continued)

Revenues from the segment’s fluid-handling product line increased $5.0 million, or 33%, in the second quarter of 2010 compared to the second quarter of 2009 primarily due to increased demand for our aftermarket products across all geographic regions. While revenues from the fluid-handling product line increased in the second quarter of 2010 compared to the corresponding prior year period, revenues were essentially flat on a sequential basis. We expect to see a decrease in revenues in this product line for the remainder of 2010 compared to the first six months of 2010 given a slowdown in order activity.

Revenues from the segment’s accessories product line increased $1.8 million, or 17%, in the second quarter of 2010 compared to the second quarter of 2009, including a $0.2 million, or 1%, decrease from the unfavorable effect of currency translation. Excluding the effect of currency translation, revenues from the segment’s accessories product line increased $2.0 million, or 18%, primarily due to an increase in revenues in North America and Europe. The increase in North America was driven by increased demand for both capital and aftermarket products, while the increase in Europe was primarily due to an increase in demand for our capital products.

Revenues from the segment’s water-management product line increased $3.4 million, or 66%, in the second quarter of 2010 compared to the second quarter of 2009 primarily due to increased demand in North America for our capital products.

Gross Profit Margin

Gross profit margins for the second quarters of 2010 and 2009 are as follows:

	Three Months Ended
	July 3,			July 4,
	2010			2009

Gross Profit Margin:
Papermaking Systems		45	%		41	%
Other Business		51			45
		45	%		41	%

Gross profit margin increased to 45% in the second quarter of 2010 from 41% in the second quarter of 2009 primarily due to improved margins in our Papermaking Systems segment.

Papermaking Systems Segment. The gross profit margin in the Papermaking Systems segment increased to 45% in the second quarter of 2010 from 41% in the second quarter of 2009. Product gross margins were higher in the second quarter of 2010 in all our major product lines, especially our water-management product line, compared to the second quarter of 2009. The improvement in product gross margins in our water-management product line was due, in part, to lower overhead costs associated with the consolidation in 2009 of our water-management manufacturing facility in New York into our facilities in Massachusetts and Mexico. Product gross margins also benefited from several capital projects with relatively higher gross margins compared to prior periods. In addition, we experienced better absorption and cost efficiencies in our worldwide manufacturing operations, reflecting the higher volumes and the significant cost reduction efforts we undertook during 2009. These increases in product gross margins were partly offset by an unfavorable product mix in the second quarter of 2010 compared to the second quarter of 2009. We expect gross margin percentages to decline in the second half of 2010 compared to the first half as capital projects comprise a higher percentage of revenues with lower comparative margins.

Other Business. The gross profit margin in our Fiber-based Products business increased to 51% in the second quarter of 2010 from 45% in the second quarter of 2009 primarily due to the lower cost of natural gas.

KADANT INC.

Results of Operations (continued)

Operating Expenses

Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased to 32% in the second quarter of 2010 from 38% in the second quarter of 2009 due to improved operating leverage related to higher revenues in 2010 compared to the 2009 period. Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased $3.5 million, or 18%, to $22.7 million in the second quarter of 2010 from $19.2 million in the second quarter of 2009. This increase was primarily due to higher incentive compensation associated with the expected improved profitability performance in 2010 compared to 2009 and an increase in commission expense associated with higher revenue in the second quarter of 2010 compared to the second quarter of 2009. This increase also included a $0.2 million increase due to acquisition expenses, offset by a $0.2 million decrease from the favorable effect of foreign currency translation.

Total stock-based compensation expense was $0.8 million and $0.6 million in the second quarters of 2010 and 2009, respectively, and is included in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations. As of July 3, 2010, unrecognized compensation cost related to stock-based compensation was approximately $4.0 million, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years.

Research and development expenses decreased $0.5 million, or 30%, to $1.2 million in the second quarter of 2010 compared to $1.7 million in the second quarter of 2009 and represented 2% and 3% of revenues in the second quarter of 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Restructuring Costs and Other Income, Net

Restructuring costs and other income netted to $21 thousand of income and $1.0 million of expense in the second quarters of 2010 and 2009, respectively. We recognized a curtailment gain on a pension liability of $0.2 million in the second quarter of 2010 associated with the reduction of 25 full-time positions in France, largely offset by restructuring costs of $0.2 million associated with prior period restructurings. We recorded restructuring costs of $1.0 million in the second quarter of 2009 consisting of severance and associated charges primarily related to the reduction of 35 full-time positions in the U.S., Europe, and China in the Papermaking Systems segment.

Interest Income

Interest income decreased to $32 thousand in the second quarter of 2010 from $92 thousand in the second quarter of 2009 due to lower average interest rates in the 2010 period.

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased $0.2 million, or 33%, to $0.3 million in the second quarter of 2010 from $0.5 million in the second quarter of 2009 primarily due to lower average outstanding borrowings during the second quarter of 2010 compared to the second quarter of 2009.

Income Tax Provision (Benefit)

Our income tax provision (benefit) was a provision of $1.7 million, or 24.5% of pre-tax income, and a benefit of $(0.4) million, or 24.7% of pre-tax loss, in the second quarters of 2010 and 2009, respectively. The effective tax rate of 24.5% in the second quarter of 2010 was lower than our statutory rate primarily due to the expected release of valuation allowances associated with the expected utilization in 2010 of various deferred tax assets that had been fully reserved for in prior periods and a favorable geographical distribution of earnings. Our income tax benefit of $0.4 million in the second quarter of 2009 was primarily due to tax benefits associated with our foreign operations. We expect our effective tax rate to be between 22% and 24% in 2010 due to the anticipated profitability in the U.S. and certain foreign tax jurisdictions.

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations

Income from continuing operations was $5.3 million in the second quarter of 2010 compared to a loss from continuing operations of $1.2 million in the second quarter of 2009. The increase in the 2010 period was primarily due to an increase in operating income of $8.5 million (see Revenues, Gross Profit Margin, and Operating Expenses discussed above).

KADANT INC.

Results of Operations (continued)

Loss from Discontinued Operation

Loss from the discontinued operation was $5 thousand in both the second quarters of 2010 and 2009.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2009-13, “Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements,” which amends the multiple-element arrangement guidance under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 605, “Revenue Recognition.” This guidance amends the criteria for separating consideration for products or services in multiple-deliverable arrangements. It establishes a selling price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable, eliminates the residual method of allocation, and requires that arrangement consideration be allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables using the relative selling price method. In addition, it significantly expands required disclosures related to a vendor’s multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements. This guidance is effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010 (fiscal 2011). We are currently evaluating the provisions of this guidance, but do not anticipate that it will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

First Six Months 2010 Compared With First Six Months 2009

The following table sets forth our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations expressed as a percentage of total revenues from continuing operations for the first six months of 2010 and 2009. The results of operations for the first six months of 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.

	Six Months Ended
	July 3,			July 4,
	2010			2009

Revenues		100	%		100	%

Costs and Operating Expenses:
Cost of revenues		55			60
Selling, general, and administrative expenses		34			36
Research and development expenses		2			3
Restructuring costs and other income, net		–			2
		91			101

Operating Income (Loss)		9			(1	)

Interest Income		–			–
Interest Expense		–			(1	)

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Provision for Income Taxes		9			(2	)
Provision for Income Taxes		2			2

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations		7	%		(4	)%

Revenues

Revenues increased $15.2 million, or 13%, to $130.3 million in the first six months of 2010 from $115.1 million in the first six months of 2009. Revenues in the first six months of 2010 included a $1.8 million increase from the favorable effects of currency translation. Excluding the effects of currency translation, revenues increased $13.4 million, or 12%, in the first six months of 2010 primarily due to an $8.2 million, or 27%, increase in our fluid-handling product line and a $4.5 million, or 44%, increase in our water-management product line. The increase in our fluid-handling product line were driven by higher demand for our capital and aftermarket products, while the increase in our water-management product line was primarily due to higher demand for our capital products.

KADANT INC.

Results of Operations (continued)

Revenues for the first six months of 2010 and 2009 from our Papermaking Systems segment and our other business are as follows:

	Six Months Ended
	July 3,		July 4,
(In thousands)	2010		2009

Revenues:
Papermaking Systems	$	124,422	$	109,982
Other Business		5,835		5,107
	$	130,257	$	115,089

Papermaking Systems Segment. Revenues at the Papermaking Systems segment increased $14.4 million, or 13%, to $124.4 million in the first six months of 2010 from $110.0 million in the first six months of 2009, including a $1.8 million, or 1%, increase from the favorable effects of currency translation.

Other Business. Revenues from our Fiber-based Products business increased $0.7 million, or 14%, to $5.8 million in the first six months of 2010 from $5.1 million in the first six months of 2009.

The following table presents revenues at the Papermaking Systems segment by product line, the changes in revenues by product line between the first six months of 2010 and 2009, and the changes in revenues by product line between the first six months of 2010 and 2009 excluding the effect of currency translation. The increase (decrease) excluding the effect of currency translation represents the increase (decrease) resulting from the conversion of the current period amounts in local currency translated into U.S. dollars using the prior period exchange rates compared to the prior period amounts in U.S. dollars. The presentation of the changes in revenues by product line excluding the effect of currency translation is a non-GAAP measure. We believe this non-GAAP measure helps investors gain a better understanding of our underlying operations, consistent with how management measures and forecasts our performance, especially when comparing such results to prior periods. This non-GAAP measure should not be considered superior to or a substitute for the corresponding GAAP measure.

	Six Months Ended				Increase (Decrease) Excluding Effect of
(In millions)	July 3, 2010		July 4, 2009		Increase (Decrease)			Currency Translation

Product Line:
Stock-Preparation Equipment	$	42.8	$	45.6	$	(2.8	)	$	(2.7	)
Fluid-Handling		40.1		30.9		9.2			8.2
Accessories		25.2		22.4		2.8			2.3
Water-Management		15.1		10.3		4.8			4.5
Other		1.2		0.8		0.4			0.3
	$	124.4	$	110.0	$	14.4		$	12.6

Revenues from the segment’s stock-preparation equipment product line decreased $2.8 million, or 6%, in the first six months of 2010 compared to the first six months of 2009 due to a decrease of $10.8 million in Europe, offset in part by increases in North America and China. The decrease in Europe was primarily due to higher revenues in the first six months of 2009 resulting from a large capital equipment project in Vietnam. The increases in North America and China were principally due to increased demand for capital products.

KADANT INC.

Results of Operations (continued)

Revenues from the segment’s fluid-handling product line increased $9.2 million, or 30%, in the first six months of 2010 compared to the first six months of 2009, including a $1.0 million, or 3%, increase from the favorable effect of currency translation. Excluding the effect of currency translation, revenues from the segment’s fluid-handling product line increased $8.2 million, or 27%, due to increases in Europe, and to a lesser extent, North America. The increase in Europe was primarily due to higher demand for capital products, while the increase in North America was driven by increased sales of our parts and consumable products.

Revenues from the segment’s accessories product line increased $2.8 million, or 13%, in the first six months of 2010 compared to the first six months of 2009, including a $0.5 million, or 3%, increase from the favorable effect of currency translation. Excluding the effect of currency translation, revenues from the segment’s accessories product line increased $2.3 million, or 10%, primarily due to an increase in demand in North America for our capital and aftermarket products.

Revenues from the segment’s water-management product line increased $4.8 million, or 47%, in the first six months of 2010 compared to the first six months of 2009, including a $0.3 million, or 3%, increase from the favorable effect of currency translation. Excluding the effect of currency translation, revenues from the segment’s water-management product line increased $4.5 million, or 44%, primarily due to an increase in demand in North America for our capital products.

Gross Profit Margin

Gross profit margins for the first six months of 2010 and 2009 are as follows:

	Six Months Ended
	July 3,			July 4,
	2010			2009

Gross Profit Margin:
Papermaking Systems		44	%		40	%
Other Business