kaiform10q3q2011.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 October 1, 2011

 
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 1-11406

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 x 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 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
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 October 28, 2011
 
 
Common Stock, $.01 par value
 
11,923,856
 

 
 

 
PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1 – Financial Statements


KADANT INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
(Unaudited)

Assets

   
October 1,
   
January 1,
 
(In thousands)
 
2011
   
2011
 
             
Current Assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 46,851     $ 61,805  
Restricted cash (Note 2)
    1,188        
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $2,409 and $2,185
    55,523       49,897  
Inventories (Note 6)
    58,540       41,628  
Other current assets
    12,551       9,876  
Assets of discontinued operation
    380       401  
Total Current Assets
    175,033       163,607  
                 
Property, Plant, and Equipment, at Cost
    105,119       99,346  
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
    66,008       62,435  
      39,111       36,911  
                 
Other Assets
    40,166       38,266  
                 
Goodwill
    107,565       97,988  
                 
Total Assets
  $ 361,875     $ 336,772  























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

 
2



KADANT INC.
 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (continued)
(Unaudited)

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Investment

   
October 1,
   
January 1,
 
(In thousands, except share amounts)
 
2011
   
2011
 
             
Current Liabilities:
           
Short-term obligations and current maturities of long-term obligations
  $ 500     $ 5,500  
Accounts payable
    23,655       23,756  
Accrued payroll and employee benefits
    15,960       15,739  
Customer deposits
    24,529       19,269  
Other current liabilities
    28,658       17,940  
Liabilities of discontinued operation (Note 17)
    3,652       2,397  
Total Current Liabilities
    96,954       84,601  
                 
Other Long-Term Liabilities
    26,504       27,620  
                 
Long-Term Obligations (Note 8)
     16,875       17,250  
                 
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
    92,983       92,935  
Retained earnings
    186,874       165,131  
Treasury stock at cost, 2,700,303 and 2,369,422 shares
    (56,195 )     (48,786 )
Accumulated other comprehensive items (Note 4)
    (3,448 )     (3,586 )
Total Kadant Shareholders’ Investment
    220,360       205,840  
Noncontrolling interest
     1,182       1,461  
Total Shareholders’ Investment
    221,542       207,301  
                 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Investment
  $ 361,875     $ 336,772  






















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

 
3

 


KADANT INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income
(Unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
October 1,
   
October 2,
 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2011
   
2010
 
             
Revenues
  $ 84,358     $ 66,516  
                 
Costs and Operating Expenses:
               
Cost of revenues
    48,347       37,214  
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
    26,080       22,465  
Research and development expenses
    1,408       1,326  
Other income (Note 10)
    (2,282 )     (748 )
      73,553       60,257  
                 
Operating Income
    10,805       6,259  
                 
Interest Income
    122       54  
Interest Expense
    (254 )     (311 )
                 
Income from Continuing Operations Before Provision for Income Taxes
    10,673       6,002  
Provision for Income Taxes
    774       1,431  
                 
Income from Continuing Operations
    9,899       4,571  
Loss from Discontinued Operation (net of income tax benefit of $224 and $2)
    (1,156 )     (5 )
                 
Net Income
    8,743       4,566  
                 
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
    (95 )     (69 )
                 
Net Income Attributable to Kadant
  $ 8,648     $ 4,497  
                 
Amounts Attributable to Kadant:
               
Income from Continuing Operations
  $ 9,804     $ 4,502  
Loss from Discontinued Operation
    (1,156 )      (5 )
Net Income Attributable to Kadant
  $ 8,648     $ 4,497  
                 
Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations Attributable to Kadant (Note 5):
               
Basic
  $ .81     $ .36  
Diluted
  $ .80     $ .36  
                 
Earnings per Share Attributable to Kadant (Note 5):
               
Basic
  $ .71     $ .36  
Diluted
  $ .70     $ .36  
                 
Weighted Average Shares (Note 5):
               
Basic
    12,155       12,336  
                 
Diluted
    12,276       12,487  
                 







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

 
4

 


KADANT INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income
(Unaudited)

   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
October 1,
   
October 2,
 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2011
   
2010
 
             
Revenues
  $ 238,495     $ 196,773  
                 
Costs and Operating Expenses:
               
Cost of revenues
    130,685       109,428  
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
    76,374       66,270  
Research and development expenses
    4,123       3,904  
Restructuring costs and other income, net (Note 10)
    (2,282 )     (1,071 )
      208,900       178,531  
                 
Operating Income
    29,595       18,242  
                 
Interest Income
    343       124  
Interest Expense
    (810 )     (1,008 )
                 
Income from Continuing Operations Before Provision for Income Taxes
    29,128       17,358  
Provision for Income Taxes (Note 7)
    5,974       3,864  
                 
Income from Continuing Operations
    23,154       13,494  
Loss from Discontinued Operation (net of income tax benefit of $229 and $7)
     (1,165 )     (14 )
                 
Net Income
    21,989       13,480  
                 
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
    (246 )     (152 )
                 
Net Income Attributable to Kadant
  $ 21,743     $ 13,328  
                 
Amounts Attributable to Kadant:
               
Income from Continuing Operations
  $ 22,908     $ 13,342  
Loss from Discontinued Operation
    (1,165 )     (14 )
Net Income Attributable to Kadant
  $ 21,743     $ 13,328  
                 
Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations Attributable to Kadant (Note 5):
               
Basic
  $ 1.87     $ 1.08  
Diluted
  $ 1.85     $ 1.07  
                 
Earnings per Share Attributable to Kadant (Note 5):
               
Basic
  $ 1.78     $ 1.08  
Diluted
  $ 1.76     $ 1.07  
                 
Weighted Average Shares (Note 5):
               
Basic
    12,248       12,391  
                 
Diluted
    12,387       12,509  
                 







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

 
5

 


KADANT INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
October 1,
   
October 2,
 
(In thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
 
             
Operating Activities:
           
Net income attributable to Kadant
  $ 21,743     $ 13,328  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
    246       152  
Loss from discontinued operation
     1,165       14  
Income from continuing operations
    23,154       13,494  
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    5,947       5,281  
Stock-based compensation expense
    2,921       2,018  
Provision for losses on accounts receivable
    1,013       587  
Gain on the sale of property, plant, and equipment
    (2,323 )     (1,029 )
Other items, net
    (713 )     734  
Changes in current assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
               
Accounts receivable
    (4,778 )     (7,327 )
Unbilled contract costs and fees
    (1,014 )     (1,098 )
Inventories
    (14,465 )     (5,138 )
Other current assets
    (720 )     (597 )
Accounts payable
    (1,089 )     3,537  
Other current liabilities
    12,241       5,933  
   Contributions to pension plan
    (675 )     (1,975 )
Net cash provided by continuing operations
    19,499       14,420  
Net cash provided by discontinued operation
    111       6  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    19,610       14,426  
                 
Investing Activities:
               
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (Note 3)
    (15,358 )     (5,774 )
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment
    (5,473 )     (2,035 )
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment
    2,329       2,893  
Dividend paid to minority shareholder
    (579 )      
Other, net
    58       (60 )
Net cash used in continuing operations for investing activities
    (19,023 )     (4,976 )
                 
Financing Activities:
               
Repayments of short- and long-term obligations
    (10,892 )     (375 )
Purchases of Company common stock
    (9,445 )     (4,407 )
Proceeds from issuance of short-and long-term obligations
    5,000        
Change in restricted cash (Note 2)
    (1,188 )      
Proceeds from issuance of Company common stock
    149        
Other, net
    7       13  
Net cash used in continuing operations for financing activities
    (16,369 )     (4,769 )
                 
Exchange Rate Effect on Cash and Cash Equivalents
    828       (870 )
                 
Change in Cash from Discontinued Operation
          1  
                 
(Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    (14,954 )     3,812  
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
    61,805       45,675  
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
  $ 46,851     $ 49,487  
                 
Non-cash Investing Activities:
               
Fair value of assets acquired
  $ 21,808     $ 4,672  
Cash paid for acquired business
    (15,849 )     (3,299 )
Liabilities assumed of acquired business
  $ 5,959     $ 1,373  
                 
Non-cash Financing Activities:
               
Issuance of Company common stock
  $ 2,009     $ 422  
 

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

 
6

 


KADANT INC.
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
1.         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 October 1, 2011, and its results of operations for the three- and nine-month periods ended October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010, and cash flows for the nine-month periods ended October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.

The condensed consolidated balance sheet presented as of January 1, 2011, 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 1, 2011, 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 items, net, and are shown separately within operating activities to conform to the current period presentation.

2.
Restricted Cash
 
As of October 1, 2011, the Company had $1,188,000 of restricted cash. This cash serves as collateral for bank guarantees primarily associated with providing assurance to customers in China that the Company will fulfill certain customer obligations entered into in the normal course of business. All of the bank guarantees will expire by September 30, 2012.

3.
Acquisitions
 
           On May 27, 2011, the Company’s Kadant Johnson Europe B.V. subsidiary acquired all the stock of m-clean papertech holding AB (M-Clean), a European-based supplier of equipment that cleans paper machine fabrics and rolls. The aggregate purchase price for this acquisition was $16,104,000, including $15,849,000 paid at closing and $255,000 to be paid in the fourth quarter of 2011. The purchase price included $910,000 of cash acquired and $517,000 of debt assumed.

The Company’s acquisitions have historically been made at prices above the fair value of the acquired assets, resulting in goodwill, due to expectations of synergies from combining the businesses. The Company anticipates several synergies in connection with this acquisition, including the use of the Company’s existing distribution channels to expand sales of the products of the acquired business.

The acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and the results of M-Clean have been included in the accompanying financial statements from the date of its acquisition. The Company recorded acquisition transaction costs of approximately $234,000 in the second quarter of 2011 in selling, general, and administrative expenses. Allocation of the purchase price for the acquisition was based on estimates of the fair values of the net assets acquired. The purchase price allocation includes identifiable intangible assets acquired of $5,777,000, which are being amortized using the straight-line method over a weighted-average period of 8 years. The excess of the acquisition purchase price over the tangible and identifiable intangible assets was recorded as goodwill and totaled $9,641,000, none of which is deductible for tax purposes. The allocation of the acquisition purchase price is subject to adjustment upon finalization of the valuations, and therefore the current measurements of inventory, intangible assets acquired, goodwill, assumed liabilities, and deferred income taxes are subject to change.
 
Pro forma disclosures of the results of operations are not required, as the acquisition is not considered a material business combination as outlined in Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 805, “Business Combinations.”
 
In 2010, the Company’s Papermaking Systems segment completed acquisitions of a Canadian-based supplier of pressure screen baskets and a related dewatering equipment product line, as well as a European supplier of fluid-handling systems. The Company made additional purchase price payments totaling $419,000 in the first nine months of 2011 related to these acquisitions.

 
7

 


KADANT INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
4.
Comprehensive Income
 
Comprehensive income attributable to Kadant combines net income, other comprehensive items, and comprehensive 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 cost associated with pension and other post-retirement plans, and deferred gains and losses on hedging instruments. The components of comprehensive income attributable to Kadant are as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
October 1,
   
October 2,
   
October 1,
   
October 2,
 
(In thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Net Income
  $  8,743     $ 4,566     $ 21,989     $ 13,480  
                                 
Other Comprehensive Items:
                               
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
    (6,852 )     7,675       1,084       (2,043 )
Pension and Other Post-Retirement Liability Adjustments,
net (net of income tax of $48 and $139 in the three and
nine months ended October 1, 2011, respectively, and
              $40 and $148 in the three and nine months ended
              October 2, 2010, respectively)
    97       76       (696 )     280  
Deferred (Loss) Gain on Hedging Instruments (net of income
tax of $(157) and $(126) in the three and nine months
              ended October 1, 2011, respectively, and $164 and $(15)
in the three and nine months ended October 2, 2010,
               respectively)
    (403 )     168       (196 )     (500 )
      (7,158 )     7,919       192       (2,263 )
Comprehensive Income
    1,585       12,485       22,181       11,217  
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
    (21 )      (197 )     (300 )     (91 )
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Kadant
  $ 1,564     $ 12,288     $ 21,881     $ 11,126  


 
8

 


KADANT INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
5.         Earnings per Share
 
Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
October 1,
   
October 2,
   
October 1,
   
October 2,
 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Amounts Attributable to Kadant:
                       
Income from Continuing Operations
  $ 9,804     $ 4,502     $ 22,908     $ 13,342  
Loss from Discontinued Operation
    (1,156 )     (5 )     (1,165 )     (14 )
Net Income
  $ 8,648     $ 4,497     $ 21,743     $ 13,328  
                                 
Basic Weighted Average Shares
    12,155       12,336       12,248       12,391  
Effect of Stock Options, Restricted Stock Units
 and Employee Stock Purchase Plan
    121       151       139       118  
Diluted Weighted Average Shares
    12,276       12,487       12,387       12,509  
                                 
Basic Earnings per Share:
                               
Continuing Operations
  $ .81     $ .36     $ 1.87     $ 1.08  
Discontinued Operation
    (.10 )           (.09 )      
Net Income
  $ .71     $ .36     $ 1.78     $ 1.08  
                                 
Diluted Earnings per Share:
                               
Continuing Operations
  $ .80     $ .36     $ 1.85     $ 1.07  
Discontinued Operation
    (.10 )           (.09 )      
Net Income
  $ .70     $ .36     $ 1.76     $ 1.07  

Options to purchase approximately 81,600 and 161,200 shares of the Company’s common stock for the third quarters of 2011 and 2010, respectively, and 62,800 and 132,400 shares of the Company’s common stock for the first nine months of 2011 and 2010, 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 common stock during the period and the effect of their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

6.         Inventories
 
The components of inventories are as follows:

   
October 1,
   
January 1,
 
(In thousands)
 
2011
   
2011
 
             
Raw Materials and Supplies
  $ 24,606     $ 16,718  
Work in Process
    12,206       8,584  
Finished Goods
    21,728       16,326  
    $ 58,540     $ 41,628  


 
9

 


KADANT INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
7.         Income Taxes
 
The provision for income taxes was $5,974,000 and $3,864,000 in the first nine months of 2011 and 2010, respectively, and represented 21% and 22% of pre-tax income. The effective tax rate of 21% in the first nine months of 2011 was lower than the Company’s statutory rate primarily due to the inclusion of a discrete tax benefit on $1,890,000 due to the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits that resulted primarily from the favorable settlement of a tax audit in a non-U.S. jurisdiction and the expiration of statutes of limitations in various jurisdictions. Also contributing to the effective tax rate of 21% in the first nine months of 2011 was the expected utilization of foreign tax credits that were fully reserved in prior periods and the favorable geographic distribution of worldwide earnings. The effective tax rate of 22% in the first nine months of 2010 was lower than the Company’s statutory rate primarily due to a favorable geographic distribution of earnings, the expected release of valuation allowances associated with the expected utilization in 2010 of various deferred tax assets that had been fully reserved in prior periods, and the utilization of foreign tax credits in the U.S.
 
The Company has established valuation allowances related to certain domestic and foreign deferred tax assets and tax credits. The valuation allowance as of January 1, 2011 was $25,884,000, consisting of $11,375,000 in the U.S. and $14,509,000 in foreign jurisdictions. Compliance with ASC 740 requires the Company to periodically evaluate the necessity of establishing or adjusting a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets depending on whether it is more likely than not that a related tax benefit will be recognized in future periods. When assessing the need for a valuation allowance in a tax jurisdiction, the Company evaluates the weight of all available evidence to determine whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will be realized. As part of this evaluation, the Company considers its cumulative three-year history of earnings before income taxes, taxable income in prior carryback years, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, prudent and feasible tax planning strategies, and expected future results of operations. As of October 1, 2011, the Company was in a three-year cumulative income position in the U.S.; however, due to the uncertainty of profitability in future periods, the Company has maintained its full valuation allowance in the U.S. Assuming, among other positive and negative factors, that the Company meets its 2011 forecasted earnings in the U.S. and has sufficient 2012 forecasted earnings, it may release a portion of its U.S. valuation allowance during the fourth quarter of 2011. The Company’s full valuation allowance in certain foreign jurisdictions was maintained as of October 1, 2011 as a result of the foreign subsidiaries being in a three-year cumulative loss position and the uncertainty of future profitability. Assuming, among other positive and negative factors, that certain of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries meet their 2011 forecasted earnings and have sufficient 2012 forecasted earnings, these foreign jurisdictions would be in a three-year cumulative income position and a portion of the foreign valuation allowance may be released during the fourth quarter of 2011.

8.         Long-Term Obligations
 
Long-term obligations are as follows:

   
October 1,
   
January 1,
 
(In thousands)
 
2011
   
2011
 
             
Revolving Credit Facility
  $ 10,000     $ 15,000  
Variable Rate Term Loan, due from 2011 to 2016
     7,375       7,750  
Total Short- and Long-Term Obligations
    17,375       22,750  
Less: Short-Term Obligations and Current Maturities
     (500 )      (5,500 )
Long-Term Obligations, less Current Maturities
  $ 16,875     $ 17,250  

The weighted average interest rate for the Company’s long-term obligations was 4.88% as of October 1, 2011.

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

 
10

 


KADANT INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
8.         Long-Term Obligations (continued)
 
Agreement is due on February 13, 2013. As of October 1, 2011, the outstanding balance on the 2008 Credit Agreement was $10,000,000 and the Company had $63,819,000 of borrowing capacity available under the committed portion of the 2008 Credit Agreement. The amount the Company is able to borrow under the 2008 Credit Agreement is the total borrowing capacity less any outstanding borrowings, letters of credit and multi-currency borrowings issued under the 2008 Credit Agreement.

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 October 1, 2011, the remaining balance on the 2006 Commercial Real Estate Loan was $7,375,000. 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; and Three Rivers, Michigan, pursuant to mortgage and security agreements dated May 4, 2006.

9.         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:

   
Nine Months Ended
 
(In thousands)
 
October 1, 2011
 
       
Balance at January 1, 2011
  $ 3,778  
Provision
    1,373  
Usage
    (1,563 )
Acquired
    86  
Currency translation
    77  
Balance at October 1, 2011
  $ 3,751  
         
See Note 17 for warranty information related to the discontinued operation.

10.         Restructuring Costs and Other Income, Net
 
  Other income in the three- and nine-month periods ended October 1, 2011 consisted of a pre-tax gain of $2,282,000 from the sale of real estate in China. Other income in the three-month period ended October 2, 2010 consisted of a pre-tax gain of $748,000 from the sale of real estate in the U.S. Restructuring costs and other income, net in the first nine months of 2010 consisted of restructuring costs of $181,000 from adjustments related to prior period restructurings, a pre-tax gain of $1,033,000 from the sale of real estate in the U.S., and a curtailment gain on a pension liability of $219,000 associated with the reduction of 25 full-time positions in France.
 
2008 Restructuring Plan
 
  The Company recorded total restructuring costs of $4,515,000 in prior periods associated with its 2008 Restructuring Plan. These restructuring costs included facility-related costs of $385,000 and severance and associated costs of $4,130,000 related to the reduction of 329 employees in China, North America, Latin America, and Europe, all in its Papermaking Systems segment. The Company took these actions to adjust its cost structure and streamline its operations in response to the weak economic environment at the time.

 
11

 


KADANT INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
10.        Restructuring Costs and Other Income, Net (continued)
 
 A summary of the changes in accrued restructuring costs is as follows:
 
(In thousands)
 
Severance
Costs
 
       
2008 Restructuring Plan
     
Balance at January 1, 2011
  $ 433  
Payments
    (65 )
Currency translation
    13  
Balance at October 1, 2011
  $ 381  
 
The Company expects to pay the remaining accrued restructuring costs from 2011 to 2015.

11.       Business Segment Information
 
The Company has combined its operating entities into one reportable operating segment, Papermaking Systems, and a separate product line, Fiber-based Products. 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
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
October 1,
   
October 2,
   
October 1,
   
October 2,
 
(In thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Revenues:
                       
Papermaking Systems
  $ 82,883     $ 65,269     $ 230,038     $ 189,691  
Fiber-based Products
    1,475       1,247       8,457       7,082  
    $ 84,358     $ 66,516     $ 238,495     $ 196,773  
                                 
Income from Continuing Operations Before
 Provision for Income Taxes:
                 
Papermaking Systems
  $ 14,573     $ 10,101     $ 38,343     $ 27,300  
Corporate and Fiber-based Products (a)
    (3,768 )     (3,842 )     (8,748 )     (9,058 )
Total Operating Income
    10,805       6,259       29,595       18,242  
Interest Expense, Net
    (132 )     (257 )     (467 )     (884 )
    $ 10,673     $ 6,002     $ 29,128     $ 17,358  
                                 
Capital Expenditures:
                               
Papermaking Systems
  $ 1,371     $ 650     $ 5,281     $ 1,710  
Corporate and Fiber-based Products
    138       93       192       325  
    $ 1,509     $ 743     $ 5,473     $ 2,035  

 (a)         Corporate primarily includes general and administrative expenses.

12.         Stock-Based Compensation
 
Stock Options
 
  On March 9, 2011, the Company granted stock options to purchase 81,637 shares of the Company’s common stock to certain officers of the Company. The stock options will vest in three equal annual installments beginning on March 9, 2012, provided that the executive officer remains employed by the Company on the applicable vesting dates. In addition, in 2010, the Company granted stock options to purchase 140,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to certain officers of the Company. The Company is recognizing compensation expense associated with these stock options ratably over the vesting period based on the grant date fair value. Compensation expense of $173,000 and $86,000 associated with these stock options was recognized in the third quarters of 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $455,000 and $201,000 in the first nine months of 2011 and 2010,

 
12

 


KADANT INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
12.      Stock-Based Compensation (continued)
 
respectively. Unrecognized compensation expense related to these stock options totaled approximately $1,342,000 at October 1, 2011, and will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.1 years. 

 
A summary of the Company’s stock option activity for the first nine months of 2011 is as follows:
   
Shares
(In thousands)
   
 
Weighted Average
 Exercise Price
 
 
Weighted Average
 Remaining Contractual Life
               
Options Outstanding at January 1, 2011
    161     $ 14.82    
Granted
    82     $ 24.90    
Exercised
    (8 )   $ 20.01    
Options Outstanding at October 1, 2011
    235     $ 18.15  
8.4 years
 
Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Units
 
On March 10, 2011, the Company granted an aggregate of 25,000 restricted stock units (RSUs) to its non-employee directors with an aggregate fair value of $613,800, which will vest at a rate of 6,250 shares per quarter on the last day of each quarter in 2011, provided that the recipient is serving as a director on the applicable vesting date.

In the first quarter of 2011, the Company also granted to one of its non-employee directors 10,000 RSUs with the same terms and conditions as the 40,000 RSUs in aggregate granted to its other non-employee directors in prior periods. These RSUs will only vest and compensation expense related to these RSUs will only be recognized upon a change in control as defined in the Company’s 2006 equity incentive plan. The 50,000 RSUs will be forfeited if a change in control does not occur before the last day of the first quarter of 2015.
 
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units
 
On March 9, 2011, the Company granted to certain officers of the Company performance-based RSUs, which represented, in aggregate, the right to receive 56,698 shares (the target RSU amount), subject to adjustment, with a grant date fair value of $24.90 per share. The RSUs are subject to adjustment based on the achievement of the performance measure selected for the 2011 fiscal year, which is the target adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), as defined and adjusted in accordance with the RSU agreement, generated from continuing operations. The target RSU amount is adjusted by comparing the actual adjusted EBITDA for the performance period to the target adjusted EBITDA. Actual adjusted EBITDA between 50% and 115% of the target adjusted EBITDA results in an adjustment of 50% to 150% of the target RSU amount. If actual adjusted EBITDA is below 50% of the target adjusted EBITDA for the 2011 fiscal year, all RSUs will be forfeited. In the first nine months of 2011, the Company recognized compensation expense based on the probable number of RSUs expected to vest, which was 150% of the target RSU amount. Following the determination of the number of RSUs earned based on the performance measure, the RSUs will be subject to additional time-based vesting, and will vest in three equal annual installments on March 10 of 2012, 2013, and 2014, provided that the officer is employed by the Company on the applicable vesting dates. The Company also granted performance-based RSUs to certain officers of the Company in prior periods.

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 certain events, such as death, disability or a change in control of the Company. If the officer dies or is disabled prior to the vesting date, then a ratable portion of the RSUs will vest. 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 recognizes compensation expense associated with performance-based RSUs ratably over each vesting tranche based on the grant date fair value. Compensation expense of $426,000 and $362,000 associated with performance-based RSUs was recognized in the third quarters of 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $1,120,000 and $986,000 in the first nine months of 2011 and

 
13

 


KADANT INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
12.         Stock-Based Compensation (continued)
 
2010, respectively. Unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested performance-based RSUs totaled approximately $1,698,000 at October 1, 2011, and will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.5 years.
 
Time-Based Restricted Stock Units
 
The Company granted 357 time-based RSUs on May 25, 2011 and 3,000 time-based RSUs on May 27, 2011 to certain employees of the Company with a grant date fair value of $26.98 and $29.34 per share, respectively. On March 9, 2011, the Company granted 60,988 time-based RSUs to certain employees of the Company with a grant date fair value of $24.90 per share. The RSUs generally vest in three equal installments on March 10 of 2012, 2013, and 2014. 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 time-based RSU agreement provides for forfeiture in certain events, such as voluntary or involuntary termination of employment, and for acceleration of vesting in certain events, such as death, disability, or a change in control of the Company. Compensation expense of $251,000 and $216,000 associated with these time-based RSUs was recognized in the third quarters of 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $801,000 and $563,000 in the first nine months of 2011 and 2010, respectively. Unrecognized compensation expense related to the time-based RSUs totaled approximately $1,919,000 at October 1, 2011, and will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.1 years.

A summary of the changes in the Company’s unvested RSUs for the first nine months of 2011 is as follows:
   
Units
(In thousands)
   
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
 
             
Unvested RSUs at January 1, 2011
    312     $ 16.77  
Granted
    156     $ 24.91  
Vested
    (128 )   $ 21.78  
Forfeited
    (9 )   $ 8.81  
Unvested RSUs at October 1, 2011
    331     $ 18.86  

13.       Employee Benefit Plans
 
The Company sponsors a noncontributory defined benefit retirement plan for the benefit of eligible employees at its Kadant Solutions division 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 the benefit of eligible employees at 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.

In March 2011, the Company approved a Restoration Plan (included in the table below in “Other Benefits”) for the benefit of certain executive officers who are also participants of the noncontributory defined benefit retirement plan. This plan provides a benefit equal to the benefits lost under the noncontributory defined benefit retirement plan as a consequence of applicable Internal Revenue Service limits on the levels of contributions and benefits.

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.
 
 


 
14

 


KADANT INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
13.        Employee Benefit Plans (continued)
 
 The components of the net periodic benefit cost for the pension benefits and other benefits plans are as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
   
 Three Months Ended
 
(In thousands)
 
October 1, 2011
   
October 2, 2010
 
   
Pension Benefits
   
Other
Benefits
   
Pension Benefits
   
Other
Benefits
 
                         
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
                   
Service cost
  $ 209     $ 51     $ 197     $ 25  
Interest cost
    324       61       322       54  
Expected return on plan assets
    (359 )           (347 )      
Recognized net actuarial loss
    107       7       110       3  
Amortization of prior service cost (income)
    14       4       14        (15 )
Net periodic benefit cost
  $  295     $  123     $ 296     $ 67  
                                 
The weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
 
                                 
Discount rate
    5.25 %     5.05 %     5.75 %     4.84 %
Expected long-term return on plan assets
    6.25 %           7.00 %      
Rate of compensation increase
    4.00 %     3.24 %     4.00 %     2.00 %
                                 
   
Nine Months Ended
   
 Nine Months Ended
 
(In thousands)
 
October 1, 2011
   
October 2, 2010
 
   
Pension Benefits
   
Other
Benefits
   
Pension Benefits
   
Other
Benefits
 
                                 
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income):
                         
Service cost
  $ 645     $ 141     $ 623     $ 76  
Interest cost
    975       174       972       164  
Expected return on plan assets
    (1,071 )           (1,065 )      
Recognized net actuarial loss
    326       21       327       9  
Amortization of prior service cost (income)
    42       3       42        (45 )
Net periodic benefit cost
    917       339       899       204  
Curtailment gain
     –              –       (219 )
Net periodic benefit cost (income)
  $  917     $  339     $ 899     $ (15 )
                                 
The weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost (income) are as follows:
 
                                 
Discount rate
    5.25 %     5.03 %     5.75 %     5.01 %
Expected long-term return on plan assets
    6.25 %           7.00 %      
Rate of compensation increase
    4.00 %     3.14 %     4.00 %     2.00 %
 
The Company recognized a curtailment gain of $219,000 in the nine-month period ended October 2, 2010 associated with the reduction of 25 full-time positions in France.
 


 
15

 


KADANT INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
14.       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.

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 income.
 
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 decreased to $10,000,000 on December 31, 2010 and will decrease to $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 a floating to a fixed rate 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 October 1, 2011 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 October 1, 2011, the Company was in compliance with these covenants. The unrealized loss of $1,540,000 as of October 1, 2011 represents the estimated amount that the Company would pay to the counterparty in the event of an early termination.
 
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.

 
16

 


KADANT INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
14.       Derivatives (continued)

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 gains of $10,000 and $44,000 in the third quarters of 2011 and 2010, respectively, and gains of $91,000 and $14,000 in the first nine months of 2011 and 2010, respectively, included in selling, general, and administrative expenses associated with forward currency-exchange contracts that were not designated as hedges. 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, the notional values of the associated derivative contracts, and the location of these instruments in the condensed consolidated balance sheet:

     
October 1, 2011
   
January 1, 2011
 
 
Balance Sheet
 
Asset
   
Notional
   
Asset
   
Notional
 
(In thousands)
Location
 
(Liability) (a)
   
Amount (b)
   
(Liability) (a)
   
Amount
 
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
 
Derivatives in an Asset Position:
                         
Forward currency-exchange contracts
Other Current Assets
  $ 42     $ 563     $ 131     $ 1,794  
Derivatives in a Liability Position:
                                 
Forward currency-exchange contracts
Other Current Liabilities
  $ (379 )   $ 7,998     $ (59 )   $ 1,056  
Interest rate swap agreements
Other Long-Term Liabilities
  $ (1,540 )   $ 17,375     $ (1,595 )   $ 17,750  
                                   
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
 
Derivatives in an Asset Position:
                                 
Forward currency-exchange contracts
Other Current Assets
  $ 10     $ 1,461     $     $  
Derivatives in a Liability Position:
                                 
Forward currency-exchange contracts
Other Current Liabilities
  $     $     $ (48 )   $ 1,816  

(a)  
See Note 15 for the fair value measurements related to these financial instruments.
(b)  
The total notional amount is indicative of the level of the Company’s derivative activity during the first nine months of 2011.



 
17

 


KADANT INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
14.       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 nine-month period ended October 1, 2011:

 
 
(In thousands)
 
Interest Rate Swap Agreements
   
Forward Currency-Exchange Contracts
   
 
Total
 
Unrealized loss (gain), net of tax, at January 1, 2011
  $ 1,290     $ (50 )   $ 1,240  
(Loss) gain reclassified to earnings (a)
    (428 )     202       (226 )
Loss recognized in OCI
    373        49        422  
    Unrealized loss, net of tax, at October 1, 2011
  $ 1,235     $  201     $ 1,436  
                         
(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 income.
 

As of October 1, 2011, $435,000 of the net unrealized loss included in OCI is expected to be reclassified to earnings over the next twelve months.
 
15.       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 October 1, 2011
 
(In thousands)
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
                         
Assets:
                       
Money market funds and time deposits
  $ 22,942     $     $     $ 22,942  
Forward currency-exchange contracts
  $     $ 52     $     $ 52  
                                 
Liabilities:
                               
Forward currency-exchange contracts
  $     $ 379     $     $ 379  
Interest rate swap agreements
  $     $ 1,540     $     $ 1,540  
       
   
Fair Value as of January 1, 2011
 
(In thousands)
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
                                 
Assets:
                               
Money market funds and time deposits
  $ 28,156     $     $     $ 28,156  
Forward currency-exchange contracts
  $     $ 131     $     $ 131  
                                 
Liabilities:
                               
Forward currency-exchange contracts
  $     $ 107     $     $ 107  
Interest rate swap agreements
  $     $ 1,595     $     $ 1,595  
 


 
18

 


KADANT INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
15.       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 nine months of 2011. The Company’s financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value include cash equivalents and derivative instruments used to hedge the Company’s foreign currency and interest rate risks. The Company’s cash equivalents are comprised of money market funds and time deposits that are highly liquid and easily tradable. These investments are fair valued using inputs observable in active markets. 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 value and fair value of the Company’s debt obligations are as follows:

   
October 1, 2011
   
January 1, 2011
 
   
Carrying
   
Fair
   
Carrying
   
Fair
 
(In thousands)
 
Value
   
Value
   
Value
   
Value
 
                         
Long-term debt obligations
  $ 16,875     $ 16,875     $ 17,250     $ 17,250  

The carrying value of long-term debt obligations approximates fair value as the obligations bear variable rates of interest, which adjust quarterly based on prevailing market rates.
 
16.        Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
    Intangibles - Goodwill and Other. In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing for Impairment. The objective of this update is to simplify how entities test goodwill for impairment. Under the amendments in this update, an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing the fair value with the carrying amount of the reporting unit, as described in Topic 350. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then the entity is required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any, as described in Topic 350. Under the amendments in this update, an entity has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to performing the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test. An entity may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. The amendments in this update are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, although early adoption is permitted. Adoption of this new guidance will not have an impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
 
Comprehensive Income. In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. The new guidance eliminates the current option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of stockholders’ equity. Instead, the new rule will require an entity to present net income and other comprehensive income in one continuous statement, referred to as the statement of comprehensive income, or in two separate but consecutive statements. While the new guidance changes the presentation of comprehensive income, there are no changes to the components that are recognized in net income or other comprehensive income under current accounting guidance. This new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company will adopt this new rule in fiscal 2012. While the adoption of this new guidance will change the presentation of comprehensive income, it will not have an impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

 


 
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KADANT INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
16.       Recent Accounting Pronouncements (continued)
 
Fair Value Measurements. In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs). ASU No. 2011-04 establishes a number of new requirements for fair value measurements. These include: (1) a prohibition on grouping financial instruments for purposes of determining fair value, except when an entity manages market and credit risks on the basis of the entity’s net exposure to the group; (2) an extension of the prohibition against the use of a blockage factor to all fair value measurements (that prohibition currently applies only to financial instruments with quoted prices in active markets); and (3) a requirement that for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements, entities disclose quantitative information about unobservable inputs, a description of the valuation process used and qualitative details about the sensitivity of the measurements. In addition, for items not carried at fair value but for which fair value is disclosed, entities will be required to disclose the level within the fair value hierarchy that applies to the fair value measurement disclosed. This ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company will adopt this new rule in fiscal 2012. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

17.       Discontinued Operation
 
In 2005, the Company’s Kadant Composites LLC subsidiary (Composites LLC) sold substantially all of its assets to a third party. 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. 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.

On October 24, 2011, the Company, its Composites LLC subsidiary, and other co-defendants entered into an agreement to settle a nationwide class action lawsuit related to defective composites decking building products manufactured by Composites LLC between April 2002 and October 2003. In connection with the settlement, which is subject to court approval, the Company incurred a charge of $1,185,000 (reported in loss from discontinued operation) in the third quarter of 2011. As of the end of the third quarter of 2011, the Company has accrued $2,577,000 for the payment of claims under the settlement. If the actual claims submitted and approved under the settlement agreement exceed the amount of this reserve, the Company will reflect the amount of the additional claims paid in the results of the discontinued operation in future periods, up to a maximum of $5,000,000 as agreed in the settlement agreement. The Company also accrued $710,000 as of the end of the third quarter of 2011 for the payment of the plaintiffs’ legal fees and incentives to representatives of the class, as agreed in the settlement agreement.
 
 
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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,” “seeks,” “should,” “likely,” “will,” “would,” “may,” “continue,” “could,” 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 a manufacturer of granules made from papermaking byproducts. Our continuing operations are comprised of one reportable operating segment: Papermaking Systems, and a separate product line, Fiber-based Products. Through our Papermaking Systems segment, we develop, manufacture, and market a range of equipment and products for the global papermaking, paper recycling, and process 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.

On May 27, 2011, our Kadant Johnson Europe B.V. subsidiary acquired all the stock of m-clean papertech holding AB (M-Clean), a European-based supplier of equipment that cleans paper machine fabrics and rolls. The aggregate purchase price for this acquisition was $16.1 million, including $15.8 million paid at closing and $0.3 million to be paid in the fourth quarter of 2011. The purchase price included $0.9 million of cash acquired and $0.5 million of debt assumed. We believe that the acquisition of this business will enhance our Papermaking Systems segment’s water management product offerings, strengthen our market position in Europe and China, and offer growth opportunities in North America.

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 consists of the following product lines: stock-preparation, fluid-handling, doctoring, and water-management.

 
-
Stock-preparation: 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;

 
-
Fluid-handling: 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, chemicals, and food;

 
-
Doctoring: doctoring systems and related consumables that continuously clean rolls to keep paper machines running efficiently; doctor blades made of a variety of materials to perform functions including cleaning, creping, web removal, flaking, and the application of coatings; and profiling systems that control moisture, web curl, and gloss during paper converting; and

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

 
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KADANT INC.

Overview (continued)

Fiber-based Products
 
          We produce 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 Composites LLC subsidiary sold substantially all of its assets to a third party. 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 related to 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.

On October 24, 2011, we, our Composites LLC subsidiary, and other co-defendants entered into an agreement to settle a nationwide class action lawsuit related to defective composites decking building products manufactured by Composites LLC between April 2002 and October 2003. In connection with the settlement, we incurred a charge of $1.2 million (reported in loss from discontinued operation) in the third quarter of 2011. As of the end of the third quarter of 2011, we accrued $2.6 million for the payment of claims under the settlement. If the actual claims submitted and approved under the settlement agreement exceed the amount of this reserve, we will reflect the amount of the additional claims paid in the results of the discontinued operation in future periods, up to a maximum of $5.0 million as agreed in the settlement agreement. We also accrued $0.7 million as of the end of the third quarter of 2011 for the payment of the plaintiffs’ legal fees and incentives to representatives of the class, as agreed in the settlement agreement. The settlement is subject to court approval and there is no assurance that it will be approved in its present form or at all.

International Sales
 
During the first nine months of 2011 and 2010, approximately 63% and 57%, respectively, of our sales were to customers outside the United States, principally in Europe and China. 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. Our 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 1, 2011, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). There have been no material changes to these critical accounting policies since fiscal year-end 2010 that warrant disclosure.


 
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KADANT INC.

Overview (continued)

Industry and Business Outlook
 
Our products are primarily sold to the global pulp and paper industry. In North America, printing and writing grades are experiencing weaker demand, while containerboard and tissue producers, which make up a substantial portion of our customers, continue to see relatively healthy demand. Operating rates for containerboard producers are estimated by Resource Information Systems Inc. to be 95% for the first nine months of 2011. Overall, we believe that higher mill operating rates lead to increased demand for our spare parts and consumables products. Many North American paper producers are also facing increases in input costs, particularly with respect to fiber and energy. In many cases, we believe increased input costs will benefit our business since the return on investment of many of our products is based on increasing fiber yield and lowering energy costs. Our revenues in North America in the third quarter of 2011 increased 10% compared to last year’s third quarter and bookings were up 85% in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the prior year quarter primarily as a result of a few large stock preparation orders that are for mills both inside and outside North America.

In Europe, despite an uncertain economic environment, we experienced growth in both revenues and bookings in the second and third quarters of 2011 compared to the prior year periods. Revenues in Europe increased 35% in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010, while bookings increased 59% compared to the same period. Our European businesses serve other parts of the world outside Western Europe including the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia and parts of South America. The macroeconomic conditions in Western Europe currently are tenuous and could adversely affect our business if they deteriorate further.

In China, our revenues increased significantly in the third quarter of 2011 primarily due to large stock-preparation capital orders booked late last year, some of which were shipped in the third quarter of 2011. Revenues in China increased 72% in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the prior year period. However, our bookings, which can be more variable than revenues, decreased 14% in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the prior year period and decreased 56% from the second quarter of 2011. Bookings in China tend to be more variable compared to other regions in which we operate due to the larger proportions of capital orders there. Paper companies in China are scheduled to bring online significant capacity additions through the first half of 2012, which could lead to short-term overcapacity in some grades and potentially impact the timing of our orders from paper companies as the additional capacity is absorbed. However, we continue to have several active prospects, although not at the level of the fourth quarter of 2010 or first quarter of 2011. We continue to optimize our manufacturing capacity in China to meet the demand resulting from the strong bookings in the fourth quarter of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011. We are anticipating recognizing significant revenues from China in the fourth quarter of 2011 and first half of 2012 from orders previously received, although the timing of this revenue is dependent on customer-requested delivery dates and the receipt of progress payments.

We continuously consider initiatives to improve our operating results and are currently concentrating our efforts on the following initiatives: focusing on higher-growth emerging markets, further penetrating existing markets where we see opportunity, growing our market share in low-share regions, increasing our parts and consumables sales, and leveraging our low-cost manufacturing operations in locations such as China and Mexico. We also continue to focus our efforts on managing our operating costs and working capital.

We anticipate our gross margin performance will be lower in the fourth quarter as compared to the first three quarters of 2011 primarily due to the shipment of large capital projects resulting in an unfavorable change in product mix. For the fourth quarter of 2011, we expect to report diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $.56 to $.58 from continuing operations, on revenues of $92 to $94 million. For the full year, we expect to achieve diluted EPS from continuing operations of $2.42 to $2.44 on revenues of $330 to $332 million, revised from our previous guidance of $2.15 to $2.25 on revenues of $325 to $335 million. Adjusted diluted EPS from continuing operations for the year, excluding the gain on the sale of assets and benefit from discrete tax items recorded in the third quarter of 2011, is expected to be $2.09 to $2.11, as compared to our previous guidance of $2.15 to $2.25. Adjusted diluted EPS is a non-GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) 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.

 
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KADANT INC.

 
Results of Operations

Third Quarter 2011 Compared With Third Quarter 2010

The following table sets forth our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of income expressed as a percentage of total revenues from continuing operations for the third fiscal quarters of 2011 and 2010. The results of operations for the fiscal quarter ended October 1, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
October 1,
   
October 2,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Revenues
    100 %     100 %
                 
Costs and Operating Expenses:
               
Cost of revenues
    57       56  
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
    31       34  
Research and development expenses
    2       2  
Other income
     (3 )      (1 )
       87        91  
                 
Operating Income
    13       9  
                 
Interest Income
           
Interest Expense
     –        –  
                 
Income from Continuing Operations Before Provision for Income Taxes
    13       9  
Provision for Income Taxes
     1        2  
                 
Income from Continuing Operations
     12 %     7 %

Revenues
 
Revenues for the third quarters of 2011 and 2010 from our Papermaking Systems segment and Fiber-based Products business are as follows:

   
 Three Months Ended
 
   
October 1,
   
October 2,
 
(In thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
 
             
Revenues:
           
Papermaking Systems
  $ 82,883     $ 65,269  
Fiber-based Products
    1,475       1,247  
    $ 84,358     $ 66,516  

Papermaking Systems Segment. Revenues increased $17.6 million, or 27%, to $82.9 million in the third quarter of 2011 from $65.3 million in the third quarter of 2010, including a $4.0 million increase from the favorable effects of currency translation and a $1.6 million increase from the acquisition of M-Clean in May 2011. Revenues in all our major product lines increased over the third quarter of 2010, including $9.1 million, or 38%, from stock-preparation and $3.7 million, or 17%, from fluid-handling. Revenues for our capital products increased $13.6 million, or 52%, from the third quarter of 2010, primarily due to the sale of systems from our stock-preparation product line in China.

Revenues in the Papermaking Systems segment increased $17.6 million in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the third quarter of 2010, primarily driven by increases in China and Europe. In China, we saw a significant increase in revenues from the shipment of large capital orders received in late 2010 and early 2011 as the paper industry added capacity to meet demand from growth in the region as well as to compensate for government shutdowns of smaller inefficient mills. Our revenues in China increased $7.8 million, or 72%, in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the prior year quarter. In Europe, there was increased demand for our capital and aftermarket products, especially in our fluid-handling product line, resulting in an increase in revenues of $7.4 million, or 35%, in this region in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the prior year quarter.

 
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KADANT INC.

Results of Operations (continued)
 
Fiber-based Products. Revenues increased $0.3 million, or 18%, to $1.5 million in the third quarter of 2011 from $1.2 million in the third quarter of 2010 primarily due to increased demand for our biodegradable granular products.

Papermaking Systems Segment by Product Line. The following table presents revenues for our Papermaking Systems segment by product line and the changes in revenues by product line between the third quarters of 2011 and 2010 including and excluding the effect of currency translation. The change in revenues excluding the effect of currency translation represents the change resulting from the conversion of current period revenues in local currency into U.S. dollars at the prior period exchange rates, and then comparing this result to the prior period revenues 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.

   
 
 
        Three Months Ended
   
Increase
(Decrease)
Excluding
Effect of
 
 
(In millions)
 
October 1,
2011
   
October 2,
2010
   
Increase
   
Currency
Translation
 
                         
Papermaking Systems Product Lines:
                       
Stock-Preparation
  $ 33.0     $ 23.9     $ 9.1     $ 7.6  
Fluid-Handling
    25.3       21.6       3.7       2.1  
Doctoring
    14.0       12.3       1.7       1.2  
Water-Management
    10.0       6.9       3.1       2.8  
Other
    0.6       0.6        –        (0.1 )
    $ 82.9     $ 65.3     $ 17.6     $ 13.6  
 
 
         Revenues in our stock-preparation product line in the third quarter of 2011 increased $7.6 million, or 32%, excluding a $1.5 million increase from the favorable effect of currency translation, compared to the third quarter of 2010, primarily due to higher demand for our capital products in China and, to a lesser extent, North America. In our fluid-handling product line, revenues in the third quarter of 2011 increased $2.1 million, or 10%, excluding a $1.6 million increase from the favorable effect of currency translation, compared to the prior year quarter primarily due to higher demand for our products in Europe offset, in part, by decreased demand for our capital products in North and South America. Revenues from our doctoring product line increased $1.2 million, or 10%, in the third quarter of 2011, excluding a $0.5 million increase from the favorable effect of currency translation, compared to the third quarter of 2010, primarily due to an increase in demand for our capital products in China and Europe and our parts and consumable products in North America and Europe. Revenues from our water-management product line increased $2.8 million, or 40%, in the third quarter of 2011, excluding a $0.3 million increase from the favorable effect of currency translation, compared to the third quarter of 2010, primarily due to the acquisition of M-Clean in May 2011 and increased demand for our capital products in North America.

Gross Profit Margin
 
         Gross profit margins for the third quarters of 2011 and 2010 are as follows:

   
      Three Months Ended
 
   
October 1,
   
October 2,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Gross Profit Margin:
           
Papermaking Systems
    42.8 %     44.4 %
Fiber-based Products
    36.5       28.3  
      42.7 %     44.1 %



 
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KADANT INC.

Results of Operations (continued)

Papermaking Systems Segment. The gross profit margin in the Papermaking Systems segment decreased to 42.8% in the third quarter of 2011 from 44.4% in the third quarter of 2010. This decrease resulted from lower gross profit margins in our stock-preparation product line and an unfavorable change in product mix. We anticipate our gross margin performance will be lower in the fourth quarter as compared to the first three quarters of 2011 primarily due to the shipment of large capital projects resulting in an unfavorable change in product mix.

Fiber-based Products. The gross profit margin in our Fiber-based Products business increased to 36.5% in the third quarter of 2011 from 28.3% in the third quarter of 2010 primarily due to manufacturing efficiencies from the increase in revenues.

Operating Expenses
 
Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues were 31% and 34% in the third quarters of 2011 and 2010, respectively. Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased $3.6 million, or 16%, to $26.1 million in the third quarter of 2011 from $22.5 million in the third quarter of 2010. The increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses was largely due to increases of $1.0 million from the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation, $0.9 million in operating costs from the acquisition of M-Clean, and $0.6 million in bad debt expense associated with a customer bankruptcy.

Total stock-based compensation expense was $1.0 million and $0.7 million in the third quarters of 2011 and 2010, respectively, and is included in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of income. As of October 1, 2011, unrecognized compensation cost related to stock-based compensation was approximately $5.1 million, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years.

Research and development expenses increased $0.1 million to $1.4 million in the third quarter of 2011 compared to $1.3 million in the third quarter of 2010 and represented 2% of revenues in both periods.

Other Income
 
Other income was $2.3 million and $0.7 million in the third quarters of 2011 and 2010, respectively, associated with gains on the sale of assets.

Interest Expense
 
Interest expense was $0.3 million in both the third quarters of 2011 and 2010.

Provision for Income Taxes
 
Our provision for income taxes was $0.8 million and $1.4 million in the third quarters of 2011 and 2010, respectively, and represented 7% and 24%, respectively, of pre-tax income. The effective tax rate of 7% in the third quarter of 2011 was lower than our statutory rate primarily due to the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits that resulted from the favorable settlement of a tax audit in a non-U.S. jurisdiction and the expiration of statutes of limitations in various jurisdictions, the expected utilization of foreign tax credits that were fully reserved in prior periods, and the favorable geographic distribution of worldwide earnings. The effective tax rate of 24% in the third quarter of 2010 was lower than our statutory rate primarily due to a favorable geographic distribution of earnings and the expected release of valuation allowances associated with the expected utilization in 2010 of various deferred tax assets that had been fully reserved in prior periods. We expect our recurring tax rate to be approximately 27% to 28% for the full year 2011and our effective tax rate, which is net of discrete tax benefits, to be approximately 22%, neither of which includes any assumptions related to the potential reversal of a portion of our tax valuation allowance.

We have established valuation allowances related to certain domestic and foreign deferred tax assets and tax credits. The valuation allowance as of January 1, 2011 was $25.9 million, consisting of $11.4 million in the U.S. and $14.5 million in foreign jurisdictions. Compliance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification 740 requires us to periodically evaluate the necessity of establishing or adjusting a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets depending on whether it is more likely than not that a related tax benefit will be recognized in future periods. When assessing the need for a valuation allowance in a tax jurisdiction, we evaluate the weight of all available evidence to determine whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will be realized. As part of this evaluation, we consider our cumulative three-year history of earnings before income taxes, taxable income in prior carryback years, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, prudent and feasible tax planning strategies, and expected future results of operations. As of October 1, 2011, we were in a three-year cumulative income position in the U.S.; however, due to the uncertainty of profitability in

 
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KADANT INC.

Results of Operations (continued)

future periods, we have maintained our full valuation allowance in the U.S. Assuming, among other positive and negative factors, that we meet our 2011 forecasted earnings in the U.S. and have sufficient 2012 forecasted earnings, we may release a portion of our U.S. valuation allowance in the fourth quarter of 2011. Our full valuation allowance in certain foreign jurisdictions was maintained as of October 1, 2011 as a result of the foreign subsidiaries being in a three-year cumulative loss position and the uncertainty of future profitability. Assuming, among other positive and negative factors, that certain of our foreign subsidiaries meet their 2011 forecasted earnings and have sufficient 2012 forecasted earnings, these foreign jurisdictions would be in a three-year cumulative income position and a portion of the foreign valuation allowance may be released during the fourth quarter of 2011.

Income from Continuing Operations
 
Income from continuing operations was $9.9 million in the third quarter of 2011 compared to $4.6 million in the third quarter of 2010. The increase in the 2011 period was primarily due to an increase in operating income of $4.5 million and, to a lesser extent, a decrease in our effective tax rate (see Revenues, Gross Profit Margin, Operating Expenses, and Provision for Income Taxes discussed above).
 
Loss from Discontinued Operation
 
Loss from the discontinued operation was $1.2 million and $5 thousand in the third quarters of 2011 and 2010, respectively. On October 24, 2011, we, our subsidiary, Composites LLC, and other co-defendants entered into an agreement to settle a nationwide class action lawsuit related to defective composites decking building products manufactured by Composites between April 2002 and October 2003. In connection with the settlement, we incurred a charge of $1.2 million in the third quarter of 2011. As of the end of the third quarter of 2011, we have accrued $2.6 million for the payment of claims under the settlement. If the actual claims submitted and approved under the settlement agreement exceed the amount of this reserve, we will reflect the amount of the additional claims paid in the results of the discontinued operation in future periods, up to a maximum of $5.0 million as agreed in the settlement agreement. We also accrued $0.7 million as of the end of the third quarter of 2011 for the payment of the plaintiffs’ legal fees and incentives to representatives of the class, as agreed in the settlement agreement. The settlement is subject to court approval and there is no assurance that it will be approved in its present form or at all.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
Intangibles - Goodwill and Other. In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU)  No. 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing for Impairment. The objective of this update is to simplify how entities test goodwill for impairment. Under the amendments in this update, an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing the fair value with the carrying amount of the reporting unit, as described in Topic 350. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then the entity is required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any, as described in Topic 350. Under the amendments in this update, an entity has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to performing the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test. An entity may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. The amendments in this update are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, although early adoption is permitted. Adoption of this new guidance will not have an impact on our results of operations or financial position.
 
Comprehensive Income. In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. The new guidance eliminates the current option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of stockholders’ equity. Instead, the new rule will require an entity to present net income and other comprehensive income in one continuous statement, referred to as the statement of comprehensive income, or in two separate but consecutive statements. While the new guidance changes the presentation of comprehensive income, there are no changes to the components that are recognized in net income or other comprehensive income under current accounting guidance. This new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. We will adopt this new rule in fiscal 2012. While the adoption of this new guidance will change the presentation of comprehensive income, it will not have an impact on our results of operations or financial position.

 
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KADANT INC.

Results of Operations (continued)

Fair Value Measurements. In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs). ASU No. 2011-04 establishes a number of new requirements for fair value measurements. These include: (1) a prohibition on grouping financial instruments for purposes of determining fair value, except when an entity manages market and credit risks on the basis of the entity’s net exposure to the group; (2) an extension of the prohibition against the use of a blockage factor to all fair value measurements (that prohibition currently applies only to financial instruments with quoted prices in active markets); and (3) a requirement that for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements, entities disclose quantitative information about unobservable inputs, a description of the valuation process used and qualitative details about the sensitivity of the measurements. In addition, for items not carried at fair value but for which fair value is disclosed, entities will be required to disclose the level within the fair value hierarchy that applies to the fair value measurement disclosed. This ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. We will adopt this new rule in fiscal 2012. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

First Nine Months 2011 Compared With First Nine Months 2010

The following table sets forth our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of income expressed as a percentage of total revenues from continuing operations for the first nine months of 2011 and 2010. The results of operations for the first nine months of 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.

   
 Nine Months Ended
 
   
October 1,
   
October 2,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Revenues
    100 %     100 %