Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations

Kadant Inc. (collectively, "Kadant," "the Company," or "the Registrant") was incorporated in Delaware in November 1991 and currently trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "KAI."

The Company and its subsidiaries' operations include two reportable operating segments, Papermaking Systems and Wood Processing Systems, and a separate product line, Fiber-based Products.

Through its Papermaking Systems segment, the Company develops, manufactures, and markets a range of equipment and products primarily for papermaking, paper recycling, recycling and waste management, and other process industries worldwide. The Company's principal products in this segment include custom-engineered stock-preparation systems and equipment for the preparation of wastepaper for conversion into recycled paper and balers and related equipment used in the processing of recyclable and waste materials; fluid-handling systems and equipment used in industrial piping systems to efficiently transfer fluid, power, and data; doctoring systems and equipment and related consumables important to the efficient operation of paper machines and other industrial processes; and filtration and cleaning systems essential for draining, purifying, and recycling process water and cleaning fabrics, belts, and rolls in various process industries.

Through its Wood Processing Systems segment, the Company develops, manufactures, and markets debarkers, stranders, and timber harvesting equipment used in the production of lumber and oriented strand board (OSB), an engineered wood panel product used primarily in home construction. Through this segment, the Company also provides refurbishment and repair of pulping equipment for the pulp and paper industry.

Through its Fiber-based Products business, the Company manufactures and sells granules derived from papermaking by-products primarily for use as agricultural carriers and for home lawn and garden applications, as well as for oil and grease absorption.

Interim Financial Statements

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes presented have been prepared by the Company, 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 September 30, 2017 and its results of operations and comprehensive income for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, and its cash flows and stockholders' equity for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year or for any other interim period.

The condensed consolidated balance sheet presented as of December 31, 2016 has been derived from the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. The condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes are presented as permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules and regulations for 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 December 31, 2016, filed with the SEC.

Critical Accounting Policies

Critical accounting policies are defined as those that entail significant judgments and estimates, and could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. The Company believes that the most critical accounting policies upon which its financial position depends, and which involve the most complex or subjective decisions or assessments, concern revenue recognition and accounts receivable, warranty obligations, income taxes, the valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, inventories and pension obligations. A discussion of the application of these and other accounting policies is included in Notes 1 and 3 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

Although the Company makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of its condensed consolidated financial statements or in the application of accounting policies, if business conditions were different, or if the Company were to use different estimates and assumptions, it is possible that materially different amounts could be reported in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

Supplemental Cash Flow Information



	Nine Months Ended
(In thousands)	September 30, 2017			October 1, 2016
Non-Cash Investing Activities:
Fair value of assets acquired	$	241,141		$	87,060
Cash paid for acquired businesses	(206,447		)	(58,894		)
Liabilities assumed of acquired businesses	$	34,694		$	28,166
Non-Cash Financing Activities:
Issuance of Company common stock	$	3,018		$	3,260
Dividends declared but unpaid	$	2,312		$	2,074

Restricted Cash

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had restricted cash of $766,000 and $2,082,000, respectively. This cash serves as collateral for bank guarantees primarily associated with providing assurance to customers that the Company will fulfill certain customer obligations entered into in the normal course of business. The majority of the bank guarantees will expire by the end of 2018.

Banker's Acceptance Drafts

The Company's Chinese subsidiaries may receive banker's acceptance drafts from customers as payment for their trade accounts receivable. The banker's acceptance drafts are noninterest-bearing obligations of the issuing bank and mature within six months of the origination date. The Company's subsidiaries may sell the drafts at a discount to a third-party financial institution or transfer the drafts to vendors in settlement of current accounts payable prior to the scheduled maturity date. These drafts, which totaled $16,687,000 and $7,852,000 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, are included in accounts receivable in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet until the subsidiary sells the drafts to a bank and receives a discounted amount, transfers the banker's acceptance drafts in settlement of current accounts payable prior to maturity, or obtains cash payment on the scheduled maturity date.

Inventories

The components of inventories are as follows:



	September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
(In thousands)	September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
Raw Materials and Supplies	$	40,969	$	21,086
Work in Process	20,158		12,293
Finished Goods	29,323		21,572
Total Inventories	$	90,450	$	54,951

Intangible Assets, Net

The changes in the carrying amount of intangible assets are as follows:



	September 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
(In thousands)	September 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
Indefinite-Lived, Gross	$	8,100		$	8,100
Acquisition (Note 2)	8,500			—
Currency translation	271			—
Indefinite-Lived, Net	16,871			8,100

Definite-Lived, Gross	101,743			77,052
Acquisitions (Note 2)	75,540			24,691
Accumulated amortization	(56,913		)	(49,040		)
Currency translation	(2,010		)	(8,073		)
Definite-Lived, Net	118,360			44,630

Total Intangible Assets, Net	$	135,231		$	52,730

Intangible assets by major asset class are as follows:



(In thousands)	Gross		Currency Translation			Accumulated Amortization			Net
September 30, 2017
Customer relationships	$	111,801	$	(821	)	$	(26,404	)	$	84,576
Intellectual property	46,501		(817		)	(18,846		)	26,838
Tradenames	21,827		(39		)	(1,382		)	20,406
Other	13,754		(62		)	(10,281		)	3,411
	$	193,883	$	(1,739	)	$	(56,913	)	$	135,231
December 31, 2016
Customer relationships	$	59,101	$	(5,202	)	$	(21,805	)	$	32,094
Intellectual property	27,101		(2,052		)	(17,105		)	7,944
Tradenames	12,547		(591		)	(1,065		)	10,891
Other	11,094		(228		)	(9,065		)	1,801
	$	109,843	$	(8,073	)	$	(49,040	)	$	52,730

Intangible assets are initially recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition and are stated net of accumulated amortization and currency translation in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company amortizes definite-lived intangible assets over lives that have been determined based on the anticipated cash flow benefits of the intangible asset.

Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment are as follows:



(In thousands)	Papermaking Systems Segment			Wood Processing Systems Segment		Total
Balance at December 31, 2016
Gross balance	$	219,699		$	17,265	$	236,964
Accumulated impairment losses	(85,509		)	—		(85,509		)
Net balance	134,190			17,265		151,455
2017 Adjustments
Acquisitions (Note 2)	15,277			84,606		99,883
Currency translation	9,937			3,565		13,502
Total 2017 adjustments	25,214			88,171		113,385
Balance at September 30, 2017
Gross balance	244,913			105,436		350,349
Accumulated impairment losses	(85,509		)	—		(85,509		)
Net balance	$	159,404		$	105,436	$	264,840

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, as well as knowledge of any specific warranty problems that indicate that projected warranty costs may vary from historical patterns. 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)	September 30, 2017			October 1, 2016
Balance at Beginning of Year	$	3,843		$	3,670
Provision charged to income	1,931			2,454
Usage	(1,506		)	(2,574		)
Acquisitions	790			991
Currency translation	382			(19		)
Balance at End of Period	$	5,440		$	4,522

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Section A-Summary and Amendments That Create Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and Other Assets and Deferred Costs-Contracts with Customers (Subtopic 340-40). In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The new guidance provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, which further clarifies the guidance on the principal versus agent considerations within ASU No. 2014-09. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10 to expand the guidance on identifying performance obligations and licensing within ASU 2014-09. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-11, which rescinds certain previously-issued guidance, including, among other items, guidance relating to accounting for shipping and handling fees and freight services effective upon adoption of ASU No. 2014-09. Also in May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, which narrowly amended the revenue recognition guidance regarding collectability, noncash consideration, presentation of sales tax and transition. In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, which clarifies narrow aspects of Topic 606 and corrects unintended application of the guidance. These new ASUs are effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2018. Early adoption is permitted in fiscal 2017. The Company is continuing to assess the potential effects of these ASUs on its condensed consolidated financial statements, business processes, systems and controls. While the assessment process is ongoing, the Company currently anticipates adopting these ASUs using the modified retrospective transition approach. Under this approach, this guidance would apply to all new contracts initiated in fiscal 2018. For existing contracts that have remaining obligations as of the beginning of fiscal 2018, any difference between the recognition criteria in these ASUs and the Company’s current revenue recognition practices would be recognized using a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The Company is also in the process of developing and implementing appropriate changes to its business processes, systems and controls to support the recognition criteria and disclosure requirements of these ASUs.

Inventory (Topic 330), Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, which requires that an entity measure inventory within the scope of this ASU at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Substantial and unusual losses that result from subsequent measurement of inventory should be disclosed in the financial statements. The Company adopted this ASU at the beginning of fiscal 2017. Adoption of this ASU did not have a material effect on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

Leases (Topic 842). In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, which requires a lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for operating leases, initially measured at the present value of the future lease payments, in its balance sheet. This ASU also requires a lessee to recognize a single lease cost, calculated so that the cost of the lease is allocated over the lease term, generally on a straight-line basis. This new guidance is effective for the Company in fiscal 2019. Early adoption is permitted. As part of the implementation of this new standard, the Company is in the process of reviewing current accounting policies and assessing the practical expedients allowed under this new guidance. The Company expects that most of its operating lease commitments will be subject to the new standard and recognized as operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets upon adoption, which is required using the modified retrospective transition method. The Company is currently evaluating the other effects that the adoption of this ASU will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, which significantly changes the way entities recognize impairment of many financial assets by requiring immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over their remaining lives. This new guidance is effective for the Company in fiscal 2020. Early adoption is permitted beginning in fiscal 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the effects that the adoption of this ASU will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, which simplifies the diversity in practice related to the presentation and classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows under Topic 230. This ASU addresses the following eight specific cash flow issues: debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance; distributions received from equity method investees; beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. This new guidance is effective for the Company in fiscal 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not believe that adoption of this ASU will have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

Income Taxes (Topic 740), Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, which requires an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs and eliminates the exception for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. This new guidance is effective for the Company in fiscal 2018 with adoption required on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of this ASU will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Restricted Cash. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, which requires inclusion of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents within cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. This new guidance is effective for the Company in fiscal 2018. Early adoption is permitted. As this ASU is presentation-related only, adoption of this ASU will not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

Business Combinations (Topic 805), Clarifying the Definition of a Business. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, which clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. The revised definition of a business under this ASU will reduce the number of transactions that are accounted for as business combinations. This new guidance is effective on a prospective basis for the Company in fiscal 2018. Early adoption is allowed for certain transactions. The Company is currently evaluating the effects that the adoption of this ASU will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, which eliminates Step 2 in goodwill impairment testing, which requires that goodwill impairment losses be measured as the difference between the implied value of a reporting unit’s goodwill and its carrying amount. This ASU will reduce the cost and complexity of impairment testing by requiring goodwill impairment losses to be measured as the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill and related goodwill tax effects, over its fair value. This new guidance is effective on a prospective basis for the Company in fiscal 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not believe that adoption of this ASU will have a material effect on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Post-retirement Benefit Cost. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, which requires employers to include only the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic post-retirement benefit cost in operating expenses in the same income statement line item as the related employees' compensation costs. The other components of net benefit cost, including interest costs, amortization of prior service costs and settlement and curtailment effects, are to be included in non-operating expenses. The ASU also stipulates that only the service cost component of net benefit cost is eligible for capitalization. This new guidance is effective on a retrospective basis for the Company in fiscal 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effects that adoption of this ASU will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting. In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, which provides clarity on which changes to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards require entities to apply the modification accounting provisions required in Topic 718. This new guidance is effective on a prospective basis for the Company in fiscal 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not believe that adoption of this ASU will have a material effect on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements in Accounting for Hedging Activity. In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, which provides improvements to current hedge accounting to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities and to simplify the application of current hedge accounting guidance. This new guidance is effective on a prospective basis for the Company in fiscal 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not believe that adoption of this ASU will have a material effect on its condensed consolidated financial statements.