UNITED STATES

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                              Washington, DC 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 Quarter Ended March 30, 2002

[   ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
      Exchange Act of 1934

                         Commission File Number 1-11406

                                   KADANT INC.
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware                                                              52-1762325
(State or other jurisdiction of             (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)

One Acton Place, Suite 202
Acton, Massachusetts                                                       01720
(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 and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for
the past 90 days. Yes [ X ] No [  ]

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 April 26, 2002
    ----------------------------            -----------------------------
    Common Stock, $.01 par value                      12,246,567



PART I - Financial Information

Item 1 - Financial Statements
- -----------------------------

                                   KADANT INC.

                           Consolidated Balance Sheet
                                   (Unaudited)

                                     Assets
March 30, December 29, (In thousands) 2002 2001 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 98,285 $102,807 Available-for-sale investments, at quoted market value (amortized cost of $18,240 and $16,625) 18,240 16,625 Accounts receivable, less allowances of $2,503 and $2,515 35,372 39,178 Unbilled contract costs and fees 6,192 10,126 Inventories: Raw materials and supplies 13,645 13,625 Work in process 5,323 6,962 Finished goods (includes $1,545 and $1,917 at customer locations) 11,405 12,947 Deferred tax asset 8,436 6,991 Other current assets 3,379 3,198 -------- -------- 200,277 212,459 -------- -------- Property, Plant, and Equipment, at Cost 68,132 71,710 Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization 42,594 43,225 -------- -------- 25,538 28,485 -------- -------- Other Assets 10,126 10,441 -------- -------- Goodwill (Note 7) 116,194 116,269 -------- -------- $352,135 $367,654 ======== ======== 2 KADANT INC. Consolidated Balance Sheet (continued) (Unaudited) Liabilities and Shareholders' Investment March 30, December 29, (In thousands except share amounts) 2002 2001 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current Liabilities: Current maturities of long-term obligations $ 585 $ 573 Accounts payable 15,571 18,661 Accrued payroll and employee benefits 6,816 7,990 Accrued warranty costs 4,233 4,598 Customer deposits 2,388 3,070 Accrued merger consideration - 2,824 Other accrued expenses (Note 5) 13,042 15,360 -------- -------- 42,635 53,076 -------- -------- Deferred Income Taxes and Other Deferred Items 11,488 11,457 -------- -------- Long-term Obligations: Subordinated convertible debentures (Note 6) 115,263 118,138 Notes payable 925 1,129 -------- -------- 116,188 119,267 -------- -------- Minority Interest 298 297 -------- -------- Shareholders' Investment: Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued - - Common stock, $.01 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized; 12,745,165 shares issued 127 127 Capital in excess of par value 81,229 81,229 Retained earnings 142,145 143,504 Treasury stock at cost, 506,098 and 505,146 shares (21,359) (21,345) Deferred compensation - (5) Accumulated other comprehensive items (Note 2) (20,616) (19,953) -------- -------- 181,526 183,557 -------- -------- $352,135 $367,654 ======== ======== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 3 KADANT INC. Consolidated Statement of Operations (Unaudited) Three Months Ended ------------------------------ March 30, March 31, (In thousands except per share amounts) 2002 2001 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues $43,340 $58,900 ------- ------- Costs and Operating Expenses: Cost of revenues 27,187 36,196 Selling, general, and administrative expenses 12,691 15,856 Research and development expenses 1,288 1,792 Restructuring and unusual costs (Note 5) 3,637 - ------- ------- 44,803 53,844 ------- ------- Operating Income (Loss) (1,463) 5,056 Interest Income 655 2,141 Interest Expense (1,429) (1,873) ------- ------- Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes, Minority Interest, and Extraordinary Item (2,237) 5,324 Benefit (Provision) for Income Taxes 850 (2,219) Minority Interest Income (Expense) (1) 24 ------- ------- Income (Loss) Before Extraordinary Item (1,388) 3,129 Extraordinary Item (net of income taxes of $18; Note 6) 29 - ------- ------- Net Income (Loss) $(1,359) $ 3,129 ======= ======= Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share Before Extraordinary Item $ (.11) $ .25 ======= ======= Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share (Note 3) $ (.11) $ .25 ======= ======= Weighted Average Shares (Note 3): Basic 12,239 12,277 ======= ======= Diluted 12,239 12,290 ======= ======= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 4 KADANT INC. Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) Three Months Ended ------------------------------ March 30, March 31, (In thousands) 2002 2001 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating Activities: Net income (loss) $ (1,359) $ 3,129 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Noncash restructuring and unusual costs (Note 5) 2,441 - Extraordinary item (Note 6) (29) - Depreciation and amortization 1,342 2,381 Provision for losses on accounts receivable - 1,295 Minority interest (income) expense 1 (24) Other noncash items 170 (1) Changes in current accounts: Accounts receivable 3,315 304 Unbilled contract costs and fees 3,918 1,243 Inventories 3,116 (3,471) Other current assets (1,849) (1,991) Accounts payable (3,073) 2,848 Other current liabilities (4,747) (3,602) -------- -------- Net cash provided by operating activities 3,246 2,111 -------- -------- Investing Activities: Acquisition of minority interest in subsidiary (1,364) - Purchases of available-for-sale investments (1,615) - Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale investments - 67,028 Advances to former affiliates, net - 1,890 Purchases of property, plant, and equipment (595) (1,178) Proceeds from repayments of note receivable 200 600 Other, net (161) (334) -------- -------- Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (3,535) 68,006 -------- -------- Financing Activities: Repurchases of Company subordinated convertible debentures (Note 6) (2,806) - Acquisition of subsidiary common stock (1,461) - Net proceeds from issuance of Company and subsidiary common stock 469 20 Repayments of long-term obligations (192) (182) -------- -------- Net cash used in financing activities $ (3,990) $ (162) -------- -------- 5 KADANT INC. Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (continued) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended ------------------------------ March 30, March 31, (In thousands) 2002 2001 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Exchange Rate Effect on Cash $ (243) $ 1,178 -------- -------- Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents (4,522) 71,133 Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period 102,807 62,461 -------- -------- Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period $ 98,285 $133,594 ======== ======== Noncash Activities: Amounts forgiven in exchange for the acquisition of 49% minority interest in Kadant Composites Inc. $ - $ 2,053 ======== ======== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 6 KADANT INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 1. General The interim consolidated financial statements presented have been prepared by Kadant Inc. (also referred to in this document as "we" or "the Company") without audit and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for a fair statement of the financial position at March 30, 2002, and the results of operations and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 30, 2002, and March 31, 2001. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. The consolidated balance sheet presented as of December 29, 2001, has been derived from the consolidated financial statements that have been audited by the Company's independent public accountants. The consolidated financial statements and notes are presented as permitted by Form 10-Q and do not contain certain information included in the annual financial statements and notes of the Company. The consolidated financial statements and notes included herein should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2001, as amended, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 2. Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive income (loss) combines net income (loss) and "other comprehensive items" that represent certain amounts that are reported as components of shareholders' investment in the accompanying balance sheet, including foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized net of tax gains and losses on available-for-sale investments, and deferred gains and losses on foreign currency contracts. The Company had a comprehensive loss of $2,022,000 in the first quarter of 2002 and comprehensive income of $4,034,000 in the first quarter of 2001. 3. Earnings (Loss) per Share Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share were calculated as follows: Three Months Ended ---------------------------- March 30, March 31, (In thousands except per share amounts) 2002 2001 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Basic Income (Loss) Before Extraordinary Item $(1,388) $ 3,129 Extraordinary Item (net of income taxes of $18) 29 - ------- ------- Net Income (Loss) $(1,359) $ 3,129 ------- ------- Weighted Average Shares 12,239 12,277 ------- ------- Basic Earnings (Loss) per Share: Income (Loss) Before Extraordinary Item $ (.11) $ .25 Extraordinary Item - - ------- ------- $ (.11) $ .25 ======= ======= 7 KADANT INC. 3. Earnings (Loss) per Share (continued) Three Months Ended ---------------------------- March 30, March 31, (In thousands except per share amounts) 2002 2001 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diluted Income (Loss) Before Extraordinary Item $(1,388) $ 3,129 Extraordinary Item (net of income taxes of $18) 29 - ------- ------- Net Income (Loss) $(1,359) $ 3,129 ------- ------- Weighted Average Shares 12,239 12,277 Effect of Stock Options - 13 ------- ------- Weighted Average Shares, as Adjusted 12,239 12,290 ------- ------- Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share: Income (Loss) Before Extraordinary Item $ (.11) $ .25 Extraordinary Item - - ------- ------- $ (.11) $ .25 ======= ======= Options to purchase 2,473,600 and 430,400 shares of common stock for the first quarter of 2002 and 2001,respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because the options' exercise prices were greater than the average market price for the common stock and/or their effect would have been antidilutive. In addition, the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share for each period excludes the effect of assuming the conversion of the Company's 4 1/2% subordinated convertible debentures, convertible at $60.50 per share, because the effect would be antidilutive. 4. Business Segment Information Three Months Ended ---------------------------- March 30, March 31, (In thousands) 2002 2001 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues: Pulp and Papermaking Equipment and Systems $40,577 $55,987 Composite and Fiber-based Products 2,763 2,913 ------- ------- $43,340 $58,900 ======= ======= 8 KADANT INC. 4. Business Segment Information (continued) Three Months Ended ---------------------------- March 30, March 31, (In thousands) 2002 2001 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes, Minority Interest, and Extraordinary Item (a): Pulp and Papermaking Equipment and Systems (b) $ 1,883 $ 6,979 Composite and Fiber-based Products (c) (d) (2,473) (983) Corporate (e) (873) (940) ------- ------- Total Operating Income (Loss) (1,463) 5,056 Interest Income (Expense), Net (774) 268 ------- ------- $(2,237) $ 5,324 ======= ======= Capital Expenditures: Pulp and Papermaking Equipment and Systems $ 332 $ 384 Composite and Fiber-based Products 263 794 ------- ------- $ 595 $ 1,178 ======= ======= (a) Excluding restructuring and unusual costs of $3,637,000, consolidated operating income was $2,174,000 in the 2002 period. Includes consolidated goodwill amortization of $864,000 in the 2001 period. (b) Excluding restructuring and unusual costs of $1,998,000, operating income was $3,881,000 in the 2002 period. Includes goodwill amortization of $806,000 in the 2001 period. (c) Excluding restructuring and unusual costs of $1,639,000, operating loss was $834,000 in the 2002 period. Includes goodwill amortization of $58,000 in the 2001 period. (d) Includes operating losses from the composite building products business of $1,054,000, excluding restructuring and unusual costs in the 2002 period, and $584,000 in the 2001 period. (e) Primarily general and administrative expenses.
5. Restructuring and Unusual Costs During the first quarter of 2002, the Company recorded restructuring and unusual costs of $3,637,000. Restructuring costs of $1,028,000, which were accounted for in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3, related to severance costs for 62 employees across all functions primarily at the Company's Pulp and Papermaking Equipment and Systems segment, 50 of whom have been terminated as of March 30, 2002. These actions were taken in an effort to improve profitability and were in response to a continued weak market environment and reduced demand. Unusual items of $2,609,000 include noncash charges of $2,441,000 for asset writedowns, consisting of $953,000 for the impairment of a laboratory in Ohio held for sale at the Papermaking Equipment segment, and $1,488,000 for the writedown of fixed assets held for sale at the Composite and Fiber-based Products segment; and $168,000 for related disposal and facility-closure costs. 9 KADANT INC. 5. Restructuring and Unusual Costs (continued) A summary of the changes in accrued restructuring costs, which are included in other accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, follows:
(In thousands) Severance - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance at December 29, 2001 $ 56 Provision 1,028 Usage (555) ------- Balance at March 30, 2002 $ 529 ======= The Company expects to pay the remaining accrued restructuring costs primarily during the remainder of 2002.
6. Extraordinary Item During the first quarter of 2002, the Company repurchased $2,875,000 principal amount of its 4 1/2% subordinated convertible debentures for $2,806,000 in cash, resulting in an extraordinary gain of $29,000, net of deferred debt charges and net of income tax provision of $18,000. As of March 30, 2002, $115,263,000 principal amount of the debentures remained outstanding. Subsequent to March 30, 2002, the Company repurchased $21,522,000 principal amount of the debentures for $21,043,000 in cash, resulting in an extraordinary gain of $204,000, net of deferred debt charges and net of income tax provision of $125,000. 7. Recent Accounting Pronouncements "Business Combinations" and "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" - ------------------------------------------------------------------ In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) released for issuance Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141, "Business Combinations" and SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." SFAS No. 141 requires the use of the purchase method of accounting and prohibits the use of the pooling-of-interests method of accounting for business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001. SFAS No. 141 also requires that the Company recognize acquired intangible assets apart from goodwill if the acquired intangible assets meet certain criteria. It also requires, upon adoption of SFAS No. 142, that the Company reclassify the carrying amounts of intangible assets and goodwill based on the criteria in SFAS No. 141. SFAS No. 142 requires, among other things, that the Company no longer amortize goodwill, but instead test goodwill for impairment at least annually. In addition, SFAS No. 142 requires that the Company identify reporting units for the purpose of assessing potential future impairments of goodwill, reassess the useful lives of other existing recognized intangible assets, and cease amortization of intangible assets with indefinite useful lives. An intangible asset with an indefinite useful life is to be tested for impairment in accordance with the guidelines in SFAS No. 142. SFAS No. 142 is required to be applied for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001, to all goodwill and other intangible assets recorded at that date, regardless of when those assets were initially recognized. SFAS No. 142 requires the Company to complete a transitional goodwill impairment test within six months from the date of adoption. Amortization of goodwill in the first quarter of 2001 was $864,000 on a pretax basis, and $577,000 on an after-tax basis, or approximately $.05 per diluted share. Amortization of goodwill in 2001 was $3,447,000 on a pretax basis, and $2,340,000 on an after-tax basis, or approximately $.19 per diluted share. The Company is evaluating the impact of the new impairment standards and has not yet determined the effect, if any, of adoption on its financial statements. 10 KADANT INC. Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Throughout this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, we make forward-looking statements, which are statements concerning possible or assumed future results of operations. When we use words such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "should," "likely," "will," or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. They involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions and are based on the beliefs and assumptions of our management, using information currently available to our management. 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. 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 "Forward-looking Statements' in Exhibit 13 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2001, as amended, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Overview Company Background Kadant operates in two segments: the Pulp and Papermaking Equipment and Systems (Papermaking Equipment) segment and the Composite and Fiber-based Products segment. Through our Papermaking Equipment segment, we develop, manufacture, and market a range of equipment and products for the domestic and international papermaking and paper recycling industries. Our principal products include custom-engineered systems and equipment for the preparation of wastepaper for conversion into recycled paper; accessory equipment and related consumables important to the efficient operation of papermaking machines; and water-management systems essential for draining, purifying, and recycling process water. We have been in operation for more than 100 years and have a large, stable customer base that includes most paper manufacturers in the world. We also have one of the largest installed bases of equipment in the pulp and paper industry, which provides us with a higher-margin spare parts and consumables business, which we believe is less susceptible to the cyclical trends in the paper industry. Through the Composite and Fiber-based Products segment, we manufacture and sell agricultural carriers derived from cellulose fiber and develop, manufacture, and market fiber-based composite products for the building industry. Prior to our incorporation, we operated as a division of Thermo Electron Corporation. We were incorporated in Delaware in November 1991 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Thermo Electron. In November 1992, we conducted an initial public offering of our common stock and became a majority-owned public subsidiary of Thermo Electron. On July 12, 2001, we changed our name from Thermo Fibertek Inc. to Kadant Inc., and on August 8, 2001, we were spun off from Thermo Electron and became a fully independent public company. Pulp and Papermaking Equipment and Systems Segment Our Papermaking Equipment segment designs and manufactures stock-preparation equipment, paper machine accessories, and water-management systems for the paper and paper recycling industries. Principal products manufactured by this segment include: - custom-engineered systems and equipment for the preparation of wastepaper for conversion into recycled paper; - accessory equipment and related consumables important to the efficient operation of papermaking machines; and - water-management systems essential for the continuous cleaning of papermaking machine fabrics and the draining, purifying, and recycling of process water for paper sheet and web formation. 11 KADANT INC. Overview (continued) Composite and Fiber-based Products Segment Our Composite and Fiber-based Products segment consists of two product lines: our fiber-based granular products and our composite building products. We employ patented technology to produce biodegradable absorbing granules from papermaking byproducts. These granules are primarily used as agricultural carriers. In our composite building products business, we develop, produce, and market fiber-based composite products, primarily for the building industry, used for applications such as decking and roof tiles. In January 2001, we acquired the remaining 49% equity interest that we did not already own in Kadant Composites Inc., which is responsible for our composite building products business. We manufacture our composite building products in Green Bay, Wisconsin. International Sales During 2001, approximately 55% of our sales were to customers outside the United States, principally in Europe. 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 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. Critical Accounting Policies The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these 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 financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Critical accounting policies are defined as those that reflect significant judgments and uncertainties, and could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. We believe that our most critical accounting policies, upon which our financial condition depends and which involve the most complex or subjective decisions or assessments, are those described in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" under the section captioned "Critical Accounting Policies" in Exhibit 13 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2001, as amended, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There have been no material changes since year-end 2001 that warrant further disclosure. Industry and Business Outlook Our products are primarily sold to the pulp and paper industry. The paper industry has been in a prolonged downcycle, characterized by weak pulp and paper prices, decreased capital spending, and consolidation of paper companies within the industry. As paper companies continue to consolidate, they frequently reduce capacity and postpone or even cancel capacity addition or expansion projects. This trend, along with paper companies' actions to quickly reduce operating rates and restrict capital spending and maintenance programs when they perceive weakness in their markets, has adversely affected our business. Over the long term, as the markets recover, we expect that the consolidation in the paper industry and the improved capacity management will have a positive effect on paper companies' financial performance and, in return, will be favorable to both paper companies and their suppliers. 12 KADANT INC. Overview (continued) There has been a significant amount of papermaking downtime in the pulp and paper industry in 2001 and in the first quarter of 2002. This, coupled with weakened conditions in the world economy has produced a difficult market environment. Our financial performance in the first quarter of 2002 was adversely affected by weak bookings in the fourth quarter of 2001 and the prolonged pulp and paper industry downcycle. We anticipate gradual improvement in our bookings rates throughout 2002, as evidenced by an increase of 14% in bookings in the first quarter of 2002 compared with the fourth quarter of 2001. We continue to focus our efforts on managing our operating costs, capital expenditures, and working capital. We have reaffirmed our previous guidance and earnings estimates of $.14 to $.17 per diluted share on revenues of $43 to $45 million in the second quarter of 2002. Although startups are difficult to forecast, we believe the composite building products business will generate approximately $1.5 million of revenues in the second quarter of 2002, up from $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2002, and we continue to expect $4 to $6 million of revenues from this business in 2002. Excluding restructuring and unusual costs (Note 5), we expect earnings for the year to be $.70 to $.80 per diluted share on revenues of $185 to $195 million, as stated previously. The earnings estimate for 2002 includes the favorable effect of ceasing goodwill amortization of approximately $.19 per diluted share resulting from the adoption of SFAS No. 142, but excludes the possible unfavorable effect of impairment charges resulting from the adoption of SFAS No. 142 (Note 7). In October 2001, we terminated for nonperformance a distributor's exclusive rights to market and sell certain of our composite building products in exchange for minimum purchase commitments. We are now building and expanding our distribution network for composite building products and have begun a program of advertising in trade magazines, in-store promotions, and exhibiting at trade and home shows. We now have twelve distribution centers throughout the U.S. for our products. We believe that the market for composite building products will grow as consumer awareness of the advantages of these products increases their acceptance as an alternative to traditional wood products, especially in light of the phase-out of widely used pressure-treated lumber that contains potentially harmful chemicals. Results of Operations First Quarter 2002 Compared With First Quarter 2001 - --------------------------------------------------- Revenues Revenues decreased to $43.3 million in the first quarter of 2002 from $58.9 million in the first quarter of 2001. Excluding the unfavorable effects of currency translation in 2002 of $0.6 million due to a stronger U.S. dollar relative to the functional currencies in countries in which we operate, revenues in 2002 decreased by $15.0 million, or 25%. Pulp and Papermaking Equipment and Systems Segment. Excluding the effect of currency translation, revenues in the Papermaking Equipment segment decreased $14.8 million, or 26%, in the first quarter of 2002. Revenues from the Papermaking Equipment segment's stock-preparation equipment product line decreased $10.2 million primarily as a result of a decrease in sales in North America and Europe due to adverse market conditions and, to a lesser extent, a decrease in export sales to China. Revenues from the segment's water-management and accessories product lines decreased $3.1 million and $1.5 million, respectively, primarily as a result of a decrease in demand in North America. Composite and Fiber-based Products Segment. The Composite and Fiber-based Products segment revenues decreased $0.2 million, primarily as a result of a decrease in revenues at its fiber-based granular products business due to a decrease in demand from one of our largest agricultural carrier customers, slightly offset by an increase in sales of our composite building products. 13 KADANT INC. First Quarter 2002 Compared With First Quarter 2001 (continued) - --------------------------------------------------- Gross Profit Margin Gross profit margin decreased to 37% in the first quarter of 2002 from 39% in the first quarter of 2001. The gross profit margin at the Papermaking Equipment segment decreased to 38.7% in 2002 from 39.8% in 2001 primarily due to the lower revenues and the resulting underabsorbed overhead costs. The gross profit margin at the Composite and Fiber-based Products segment increased to 16% in 2002 from 14% in 2001 primarily due to a decrease of $0.3 million in the cost of natural gas used in the production of fiber-based granules, offset in part by increased negative gross margins as a result of startup efforts at our composite building products business. Other Operating Expenses Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues increased to 29% in the first quarter of 2002 from 27% in the first quarter of 2001 due to the lower revenues. Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased to $12.7 million in 2002 from $15.9 million in 2001 primarily due to cost-reduction efforts at the Papermaking Equipment segment. Research and development expenses as a percentage of revenues were 3% in both periods. Research and development expenses decreased to $1.3 million in the first quarter of 2002 compared with $1.8 million in the first quarter of 2001, primarily at the Papermaking Equipment segment. Restructuring and Unusual Costs During the first quarter of 2002, the Company recorded restructuring and unusual costs of $3.6 million. Restructuring costs of $1.0 million, which were accounted for in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3, related to severance costs for 62 employees across all functions primarily at the Company's Papermaking Equipment segment, 50 of whom have been terminated as of March 30, 2002. These actions were taken in an effort to improve profitability and were in response to a continued weak market environment and reduced demand. Unusual items of $2.6 million include noncash charges of $2.4 million for asset writedowns, consisting of $1.0 million for the impairment of a laboratory in Ohio held for sale at the Papermaking Equipment segment, and $1.4 million for the writedown of fixed assets held for sale at the Composite and Fiber-based Products segment; and $0.2 million for related disposal and facility-closure costs (Note 5). Operating Income (Loss) Operating losses were $1.5 million in the first quarter of 2002 compared with operating income of $5.1 million in the first quarter of 2001. Excluding restructuring and unusual costs in 2002, operating income at the Papermaking Equipment segment decreased to $3.9 million in 2002 from $7.0 million in 2001. Excluding restructuring and unusual costs in 2002, operating losses at the Composite and Fiber-based Products segment decreased to $0.8 million in 2002 from $1.0 million in 2001. Operating losses from the composite building products business, excluding restructuring and unusual costs, were $1.1 million and $0.6 million in the first quarters of 2002 and 2001, respectively. Interest Income and Expense Interest income decreased to $0.7 million in the first quarter of 2002 from $2.1 million in the first quarter of 2001. Of the total decrease in interest income in 2002, approximately $1.0 million was due to lower prevailing interest rates, and $0.5 million was due to lower average invested balances. The decrease in average invested balances primarily related to repurchases of our subordinated convertible debentures in late 2001 and in the first quarter of 2002 (Note 6), the redemption in September 2001 of our Thermo Fibergen subsidiary's common stock, and to a lesser extent, consideration paid to Thermo Fibergen shareholders for the acquisition of its minority interest. Interest expense decreased to $1.4 million in the first quarter of 2002 from $1.9 million in the first quarter of 2001, as a result of repurchases of our subordinated convertible debentures. 14 KADANT INC. First Quarter 2002 Compared With First Quarter 2001 (continued) - --------------------------------------------------- Income Taxes The effective tax rate was 38% in the first quarter of 2002 and 42% in the first quarter of 2001. The effective tax rates exceeded the statutory federal income tax rate primarily due to the impact of state income taxes and nondeductible expenses. The effective tax rate decreased in 2002 as a result of the elimination of goodwill amortization, including nondeductible goodwill, under SFAS No. 142 (Note 7) and various tax planning initiatives. Minority Interest Minority interest income (expense) in the first quarters of 2002 and 2001 represents the minority investors' share of earnings or losses in our majority-owned subsidiaries. Extraordinary Item During the first quarter of 2002, we repurchased $2.9 million principal amount of our 4 1/2% subordinated convertible debentures for $2.8 million in cash, resulting in an extraordinary gain of $29,000, net of deferred debt charges and net of income tax provision of $18,000 (Note 6). Liquidity and Capital Resources Consolidated working capital was $157.6 million at March 30, 2002, compared with $159.4 million at December 29, 2001. Included in working capital are cash, cash equivalents, and available-for-sale investments of $116.5 million at March 30, 2002, compared with $119.4 million at December 29, 2001. Of the total cash, cash equivalents, and available-for-sale investments at March 30, 2002, $7.5 million was held by our majority-owned Fiberprep Inc. subsidiary, and the remainder was held by us and our wholly owned subsidiaries. At March 30, 2002, $51.3 million of our cash, cash equivalents, and available-for-sale investments was held by our foreign subsidiaries. During the first quarter of 2002, cash of $3.2 million was provided by operating activities compared with $2.1 million in the first quarter of 2001. A decrease in accounts receivable and unbilled contract costs and fees provided cash of $3.3 million and $3.9 million, respectively, primarily at the Papermaking Equipment segment due to improved collection efforts and the timing of billings and receipt of payments. In addition, a decrease in inventories provided cash of $3.1 million, primarily at the Papermaking Equipment segment as a result of our efforts to match inventory levels with demand. A decrease in accounts payable used cash of $3.1 million primarily in the Papermaking Equipment segment due to the timing of payments. In addition, a use of cash of $4.7 million resulted from a decrease in other accrued liabilities, primarily accrued interest, accrued payroll and employee benefits, and to a lesser extent, accrued income taxes. Our investing activities, excluding available-for-sale investments and advances to former affiliates activity, used $1.9 million of cash in the first quarter of 2002, compared with $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2001. During the first quarter of 2002, we purchased property, plant, and equipment for $0.6 million, including $0.3 million at the Composite and Fiber-based Products segment, the effects of which were offset in part by the collection of $0.2 million from a note receivable related to the September 2000 sale of a fiber-recovery and water-clarification services plant. In addition, we paid $1.4 million in connection with the acquisition of the minority interest of our Thermo Fibergen subsidiary. Our financing activities used cash of $4.0 million in the first quarter of 2002, compared with $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2001. During the first quarter of 2002, we used $2.8 million to fund the repurchase of our subordinated convertible debentures (Note 6), as well as $0.2 million to fund the payment of long-term obligations. In addition, we also paid $1.5 million in connection with the acquisition of common stock of our Thermo Fibergen 15 KADANT INC. Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued) subsidiary. These uses of cash were offset in part by $0.5 million of cash provided by the issuance of our subsidiary's common stock through the exercise of stock options. In September 2001, our board of directors authorized the repurchase, through September 24, 2002, of up to $50 million of our debt and equity securities in the open market, or in negotiated transactions. As of March 30, 2002, we had $13.1 million remaining under this authorization. In April 2002, our board of directors authorized the repurchase, through April 9, 2003, of up to an additional $50 million of our debt and equity securities in the open market or in negotiated transactions. Subsequent to March 30, 2002, we repurchased an additional $21.0 million of our subordinated convertible debentures. At March 30, 2002, we had $81.8 million of undistributed foreign earnings that could be subject to tax if remitted to the U.S. We do not currently intend to repatriate undistributed foreign earnings into the U.S., and do not expect that this will have a material adverse effect on our current liquidity. In compliance with the IRS ruling on our spinoff from Thermo Electron, our former parent company, we intend to issue equity in the range of 10 to 20 percent of our outstanding common stock to the public within one year of the spinoff to support our current business plan, which includes repayments of debt, acquisitions, creation of strategic partnerships, and investments in our core papermaking equipment business and composite building products business. Our net debt (calculated as total short- and long-term debt and common stock of subsidiary subject to redemption, less cash, cash equivalents, and available-for-sale investments) was $0.2 million at March 30, 2002, compared with $0.4 million at December 29, 2001. During the remainder of 2002, we plan to make expenditures for property, plant, and equipment of approximately $2.4 million. Our ability to use our cash and to incur additional debt is limited by financial covenants in our distribution agreement with Thermo Electron. These financial covenants, as amended, require that (1) the ratio of our net indebtedness to net capitalization not exceed 40% and (2) on a rolling four quarter basis, that the sum of our (a) operating income (excluding restructuring and other unusual items, such as gains on sales of assets, included in operating income), (b) amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets, and (c) interest income, be at least four times greater than interest expense. In instances where our net indebtedness to net capitalization is less than or equal to 20% for any measurement date, the coverage ratio of four times greater than interest expense is lowered to three times greater than interest expense. As of March 30, 2002, we were in compliance with all the financial covenants of the agreement, as amended. If we are unable to comply with the financial covenants, Thermo Electron could require us to refinance our debentures, conduct an exchange offer for the debentures, or repay in full the underlying obligation. If we were required to take these actions, we might not have sufficient cash or credit capacity to engage in transactions, such as a significant acquisition, that might otherwise benefit our business. These circumstances could also impair our ability to continue to engage in transactions that have been integral to historical operations. We believe that our existing resources are sufficient to meet the capital requirements of our existing operations for the foreseeable future. Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - ------------------------------------------------------------------- Our exposure to market risk from changes in interest rates, equity prices, and foreign currency exchange rates has not changed materially from our exposure at year-end 2001. 16 KADANT INC. PART II - OTHER INFORMATION Item 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K - ----------------------------------------- (a) Exhibits See Exhibit Index on the page immediately preceding exhibits. (b) Reports on Form 8-K None. 17 KADANT INC. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized as of the 10th day of May 2002. KADANT INC. /s/ Thomas M. O'Brien ---------------------------------------------------- Thomas M. O'Brien Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 18 KADANT INC. EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Number Description of Exhibit - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 Directors Restricted Stock Plan 19
                                                                      Exhibit 10

                                   KADANT INC.

                         DIRECTORS RESTRICTED STOCK PLAN


1.       PURPOSE

         The purpose of this Directors Restricted Stock Plan is to further align
the interest of the Directors of Kadant Inc. (the "Company") with its
stockholders, by enabling the Directors to acquire and hold shares of the
Company's common stock in lieu of receiving cash compensation for their service
as Directors, subject to certain conditions contained in the Plan.

2.       DEFINITIONS

         (a) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

         (b) "Change in Control" means an event or occurrence set forth in any
one or more of subsections (1) through (4) below (including an event or
occurrence that constitutes a Change in Control under one of such subsections
but is specifically exempted from another such subsection):

                        (1)    the acquisition by an individual, entity or
group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) (a "Person") of
beneficial ownership of any capital stock of the Company if, after such
acquisition, such Person beneficially owns (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3
promulgated under the Exchange Act) 40% or more of either (i) the
then-outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the "Outstanding Company
Common Stock") or (ii) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding
securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors (the "Outstanding Company Voting Securities"); provided, however, that
for purposes of this subsection (1), the following acquisitions shall not
constitute a Change in Control: (i) any acquisition by the Company, (ii) any
acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or
maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company, or (iii)
any acquisition by any corporation pursuant to a transaction which complies with
clauses (i) and (ii) of subsection (3) of this Section (b); or

                        (2)    such time as the Continuing Directors (as
defined below) do not constitute a majority of the Board (or, if applicable, the
Board of Directors of a successor corporation to the Company), where the term
"Continuing Director" means at any date a member of the Board (i) who was a
member of the Board on the date of the approval of this Plan or (ii) who was
nominated or elected subsequent to such date by at least a majority of the
directors who were Continuing Directors at the time of such nomination or
election or whose election to the Board was recommended or endorsed by at least
a majority of the directors who were Continuing Directors at the time of such
nomination or election; provided, however, that there shall be excluded from
this clause (ii) any individual whose initial assumption of office occurred as a
result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election
or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or
consents, by or on behalf of a person other than the Board; or

                        (3)    the consummation of a merger, consolidation,
reorganization, recapitalization or statutory share exchange involving the
Company or a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets
of the Company in one or a series of transactions (a "Business Combination"),
unless, immediately following such Business Combination, each of the following
two conditions is satisfied: (i) all or substantially all of the individuals and
entities who were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Stock
and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business
Combination beneficially own,directly or indirectly, more than 60% of the
then-outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the
then-outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors, respectively, of the resulting or acquiring corporation in such
Business




Combination (which shall include, without limitation, a corporation which as a
result of such transaction owns the Company or substantially all of the
Company's assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) (such
resulting or acquiring corporation is referred to herein as the "Acquiring
Corporation") in substantially the same proportions as their ownership,
immediately prior to such Business Combination, of the Outstanding Company
Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities, respectively; and (ii)
no Person (excluding the Acquiring Corporation or any employee benefit plan (or
related trust) maintained or sponsored by the Company or by the Acquiring
Corporation) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 40% or more of the then
outstanding shares of common stock of the Acquiring Corporation, or of the
combined voting power of the then-outstanding securities of such corporation
entitled to vote generally in the election of directors; or

                        (4)    approval by the stockholders of the Company
of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

         (c) "Committee" means a committee of at least two non-employee
Directors designated by the Board to administer this Plan.

         (d) "Company" means Kadant Inc., a Delaware corporation.

         (e) "Director" means, for purposes of this Plan, members of the
Company's Board of Directors who are not currently employed by the Company or an
officer of the Company.

         (f) "Non-employee Directors" shall mean a director meeting the
definition of "non-employee director" set forth in Rule 16b-3 promulgated under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor rule.

         (g) "Plan" means this Directors Restricted Stock Plan.

         (h) "Plan Year" means the period from April 1 to the following
March 31 for each year the Plan is in effect.

         (i) "Stock" means the common stock of the Company, par value $.01
per share.

 3.      DIRECTORS' FEES

         (a) The Directors' annual retainer fees and meeting fees (collectively,
the "Fees") are set forth in Exhibit A, which may be amended by the Board not
more than annually prior to the beginning of each Plan Year.

         (b) No later than April 1 of each Plan Year, each Director must elect
to receive as compensation for such Plan Year (i) the Fees set forth in Exhibit
A, or (ii) 2,500 shares of Stock. The election shall take effect on April 1 of
each Plan Year. If a Director elects Stock compensation, the shares will be
issued from shares held as treasury shares by the Company no later than April 30
of that Plan Year. Upon shareholder approval of the Plan, such shares may be
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on a Form S-8.

         (c) All Stock acquired under the Plan shall be (i) held in compliance
with the Company's insider trading policy and insider trading procedures, as in
effect from time to time, applicable securities laws and other laws and (ii)
reported, as applicable, pursuant to Section 16 of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended. The Company shall not make any guarantees or representations
whatsoever as to the price or fair market value of any shares so acquired nor as
to the future performance of the Company.

         (d) The Company will not be obligated to deliver any shares of Common
Stock pursuant to the Plan (i) until, in the opinion of the Company's counsel,
all applicable federal and state laws and regulations have been complied with,
(ii) if the outstanding Common Stock is at the time listed on any stock
exchange, until the shares have been listed or authorized to be listed on such
exchange upon official notice of issuance, or, in the opinion of the Company



                                       2


counsel, the shares are exempt from the listing requirements, and (iii) until
all other legal matters in connection with the issuance and delivery of such
shares have been approved by the Company's counsel. The Company shall require
that the certificates evidencing shares of Stock issued under the Plan bear an
appropriate legend restricting transfer.

         (e) In the event a Director resigns or is not re-nominated or
re-elected as a Director upon the occurrence of, or within one year following, a
Change in Control, he will be entitled to receive the number of shares he would
have received had he remained a director through the end of the Plan term. For
purposes of this Section 3(e), it will be assumed that the affected Director
would have elected to be compensated in stock.

         (f) The amount payable to a Director under Section 3(e) will not be
reduced irrespective of whether any or all of such payments would constitute
"excess parachute payments" within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal
Revenue Code. In addition, the Company agrees to reimburse an affected Director,
through a "gross-up" payment, for any excise tax imposed on the Director by the
Internal Revenue Code based on a determination that any portion of the payments
provided by the Company to the Director pursuant to Section 3(e) above
constitute "excess parachute payments" within the meaning of Section 280G of the
Internal Revenue Code.

         (g) In the event of any reclassification, recapitalization, merger,
consolidation, reorganization, stock dividend, stock split or reverse stock
split, combination or exchange of shares, repurchase of shares or any other
change in corporate structure which in the judgment of the Board materially
affects the value of shares, the number of shares issued to a Director as set
forth in Section 3(b) above (2,500 shares) may be adjusted by the Board. The
number of shares issued shall be adjusted automatically for stock dividends or
stock splits without any further action required by the Board.

4.       RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER

         (a) For so long as the Director is a member of the Board during the
term of the Plan, he or she agrees not to sell, transfer, pledge or assign any
of the shares of Stock acquired under this Plan except (i) that number of shares
of Stock approximately equal to the federal and state income taxes payable by
the Director as a consequence of the issuance of the shares (it being assumed
for this purpose that the Director is in the highest marginal tax bracket for
federal income tax) or (ii) as the Committee may permit in its discretion,
because of a financial hardship incurred by the Director, or for such other
reason the Committee determines.

         (b) The restrictions set forth in Section 4(a) above shall lapse and be
of no further force and effect in the event the Director shall cease to be a
member of the Board during the term of the Plan or upon the death of the
Director.

         (c) Each Director shall be responsible for compliance with the
requirements for any federal, state or local laws or regulations in connection
with the sale, transfer, pledge or assignment of shares of Stock acquired under
this Plan. The Company will not be obligated to deliver any shares of Common
Stock pursuant to the Plan or to remove any restriction from shares previously
delivered under the Plan (i) until, in the opinion of the Company's counsel, all
applicable federal and state laws and regulations have been complied with, and
(ii) until all other legal matters in connection with the issuance and delivery
of such shares have been approved by the Company's counsel. If the sale of
Common Stock has not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, the Company may require, as a condition to the sale or other transfer
of the shares of Stock, such representations or agreements as counsel for the
Company may consider appropriate to avoid violation of such act.

5.       ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

         The Board shall delegate to the Committee the power and authority to
administer the Plan. Except as otherwise provided herein and subject to the
provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have full and conclusive authority
to interpret the Plan and to make all other determinations necessary or
advisable for the proper day to day administration of the Plan. The Committee
shall not have the power or authority to materially increase any benefits
offered under the



                                       3


Plan; to materially increase the Company's financial commitments; or to
prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan. Any
interpretation by the Committee of the terms and provisions of the Plan and the
administration thereof, and all action taken by the Committee, shall be final,
binding and conclusive on all parties and any person claiming under or through
any party. No Director shall be liable for any action or determination made in
good faith.

6.       MISCELLANEOUS

         (a) The Plan shall become effective on April 1, 2002 (the "Effective
Date") and shall terminate on March 31, 2007.

         (b) No benefit under the Plan shall in any manner be liable for or
subject to the debts, contracts, liabilities, engagements, or torts of the
Directors entitled to benefits under the Plan, and any attempt to anticipate,
sell, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber, or charge the same shall be void.
Neither the adoption of the Plan nor the issuance of shares of Stock will confer
upon any person any right to continue as a Director of the Company or to be
nominated for election as a Director at the Company's Annual Meeting of
Shareholders. Except as specifically provided by the Committee in any particular
case, the loss of existing or potential profit in shares of Stock issued or to
be issued under the Plan will not constitute an element of damages in the event
of the termination of service on the Board.

         (c) The titles and headings of the Sections of the Plan are for
convenience of reference only, and in the case of any conflicts, the text of the
Plan, rather than the titles or headings, shall control.

         (d) The provisions of the Plan shall be governed by and interpreted in
accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to any
applicable conflicts of law.



                                       4


                                   KADANT INC.
                         DIRECTORS RESTRICTED STOCK PLAN


                                   SCHEDULE A

Type of Fee Director's Fee - ----------- -------------- Annual (payable in quarterly installments) $10,000.00 Attendance at Regular Meeting $ 1,000.00 Attendance (by phone) at Special Meeting $ 500.00 Attendance at Committee Meeting $ 500.00 Attendance at Committee Meeting by Committee Chairman (in addition to Committee Meeting Fee) $ 500.00
5