TNC

Industrials

Tennant Company · Industrial - Machinery · $1B

UQS Score — Balanced Preset
41.8
Below Average

Tennant Company scores 41.8/100 using the Balanced preset.

UQS vs Industrials Sector
TNC
41.8
Sector avg
42.4
Quality
Weak
Moat
Weak
Growth
Neutral
Risk
Neutral
Valuation
Good

What is Tennant Company?

Tennant Company is a small-cap industrial manufacturer specializing in professional floor cleaning equipment and related services. Operating across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific, Tennant serves a broad range of commercial and institutional customers worldwide.

Tennant designs, manufactures, and markets floor cleaning machines and sustainable cleaning technologies. Revenue comes from equipment sales, aftermarket parts, consumables, and service contracts. The company also offers financing, rental, and leasing programs, along with machine-to-machine asset management solutions. Its products serve retail centers, warehouses, factories, hospitals, schools, stadiums, and public spaces, sold through direct sales teams and a network of authorized distributors.

Founded in 1870 and headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Tennant has built a long operating history in the cleaning equipment industry.

  • Floor maintenance and cleaning equipment across multiple brands
  • Detergent-free and sustainable cleaning technologies
  • Aftermarket parts, consumables, and repair services
  • Specialty surface coatings and asset management solutions
  • Financing, rental, and equipment leasing programs

Is TNC a Good Stock to Buy?

UQS Score rates TNC as Below Average overall, reflecting a mixed profile across its five analytical pillars.

The Risk pillar stands out as a relative bright spot, suggesting the business carries a manageable financial risk profile compared to many small-cap peers. Valuation also registers as Good, meaning the stock does not appear obviously expensive relative to its fundamentals — a potential consideration for patient investors.

The Moat and Growth pillars both register as Weak, pointing to limited competitive differentiation and subdued growth momentum. The Quality pillar lands at Neutral, offering little additional offset.

See the exact pillar breakdown and full financial metrics by signing up for a UQS Pro account. Sign up free →

Past performance does not guarantee future results. UQS Score is based on fundamental data and is not a buy/sell recommendation.

Does TNC pay dividends?

Yes — Tennant Company pays a dividend.

Tennant Company pays a regular dividend, which is relatively uncommon among small-cap industrials. This reflects the company's long operating history and its ability to generate recurring cash flows from aftermarket parts, services, and consumables. Income-oriented investors may find the dividend cadence appealing, though the overall UQS profile warrants careful review before relying on it as a primary investment thesis.

When does TNC report earnings?

Tennant Company reports earnings on a quarterly cadence, consistent with standard practice for US-listed equities.

Growth and quality metrics have been under pressure in recent periods, as reflected in the Weak Growth and Neutral Quality pillar ratings. The Risk pillar suggests the balance sheet remains on relatively stable footing despite these headwinds.

For the most recent quarter's results and guidance, visit Tennant Company's investor relations page directly.

TNC Price History

+1.9% over 5Y

Monthly close, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment.

TNC Long-term Outlook

The fundamental outlook for TNC is cautious. Weak Growth and Weak Moat pillar ratings suggest limited near-term revenue acceleration and thin competitive insulation from peers. On the positive side, a Good Risk rating indicates the company is not in financial distress, and a Good Valuation rating means downside from current price levels may be partially cushioned. The path to a stronger UQS profile likely depends on demonstrating improved competitive positioning and sustainable top-line expansion.

Growth drivers

  • Expansion of sustainable and detergent-free cleaning technology offerings
  • Growth in aftermarket parts, consumables, and recurring service revenue
  • International market penetration across Asia Pacific and EMEA regions

Key risks

  • Weak moat leaves Tennant exposed to pricing pressure from lower-cost competitors
  • Subdued growth trajectory may limit earnings upside in the near term
  • Small-cap industrial stocks face heightened sensitivity to economic slowdowns

TNC vs Peers

Tennant operates in a competitive industrial landscape alongside companies with differing business models and end markets.

ENOVTNC scores higher
Enovis Corporation

Enovis focuses on medical technology and orthopedic devices, operating in a higher-margin healthcare segment rather than commercial cleaning equipment.

CYDTNC scores lower
China Yuchai International Limited

China Yuchai is a diesel and natural gas engine manufacturer serving the Chinese commercial vehicle market, with a very different geographic and product focus.

BLDP.TOTNC scores higher
Ballard Power Systems Inc.

Ballard Power Systems develops hydrogen fuel cell technology for heavy-duty transport, representing a longer-horizon clean energy play versus Tennant's established equipment business.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Tennant Company do?

Tennant Company designs, manufactures, and markets professional floor cleaning equipment and related technologies. Its product range includes cleaning machines, sustainable detergent-free systems, aftermarket parts, and service contracts. The company also provides financing and leasing programs, serving customers in retail, healthcare, education, warehousing, and public venues across global markets.

Does TNC pay dividends?

Yes, Tennant Company pays a regular dividend. This is relatively uncommon for a small-cap industrial company and reflects the firm's long operating history and recurring revenue streams from parts and services. Investors should review the current dividend details on Tennant's investor relations page for the most up-to-date information.

When does TNC report earnings?

Tennant Company follows a standard quarterly earnings cadence for US-listed companies. Specific upcoming report dates are not covered by our data source. For the latest scheduled earnings dates and recent results, check Tennant Company's investor relations page.

Is TNC a good stock to buy?

UQS Score rates TNC as Below Average overall. The Risk and Valuation pillars are relatively constructive, but Weak Moat and Weak Growth ratings temper the overall picture. Whether TNC fits a portfolio depends on individual risk tolerance and investment goals. The full pillar breakdown is available to UQS Pro members.

Is TNC overvalued?

The UQS Valuation pillar for TNC is rated Good, suggesting the stock does not appear obviously overpriced relative to its fundamentals. However, valuation alone does not make a complete investment case — the Weak Moat and Weak Growth ratings are important context. Pro members can view the complete valuation metrics behind this rating.

How does TNC compare to its competitors?

Tennant's listed peers — Enovis, China Yuchai, and Ballard Power Systems — operate in quite different end markets, from medical devices to fuel cell technology. Tennant's differentiation lies in its established cleaning equipment brands and global distribution network, though its Weak Moat rating suggests this advantage is not strongly entrenched versus the broader competitive landscape.

What is TNC's market cap bracket?

Tennant Company is classified as a small-cap stock. Small-cap industrials like TNC can offer niche market exposure but typically carry higher volatility and less analyst coverage than large-cap peers. Investors should factor in liquidity and size-related risks when evaluating TNC.

Who founded Tennant Company?

Tennant Company was founded in 1870, giving it one of the longer operating histories among publicly traded small-cap industrials. Detailed founding history, including the original founders, is widely available through the company's official website and public records.

Is TNC a long-term quality indicator?

From a long-term quality perspective, TNC's UQS profile is mixed. The Good Risk rating suggests financial stability, but Weak Moat and Weak Growth ratings indicate the company has not demonstrated strong competitive durability or consistent expansion. Long-term investors should weigh these factors carefully alongside the company's dividend history.

What is the main competitive advantage of Tennant Company?

Tennant's primary competitive strengths include its multi-brand portfolio, long-standing customer relationships, and global distribution network spanning direct sales and authorized distributors. However, the UQS Moat pillar rates as Weak, suggesting these advantages have not translated into a strongly defensible market position relative to peers.

What sector does TNC belong to?

Tennant Company belongs to the Industrials sector, specifically within commercial and professional cleaning equipment manufacturing. The industrials sector is broadly sensitive to economic cycles, capital spending trends, and end-market demand from commercial, institutional, and industrial customers.

Is TNC a growth stock or value stock?

Based on UQS pillar labels, TNC leans toward neither category cleanly. The Growth pillar is rated Weak, making a growth-stock classification difficult to support. The Valuation pillar is rated Good, which may appeal to value-oriented investors — though a Weak Moat limits the margin of safety that classic value investing typically requires.

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Pro Analysis

TNC — Score History

3540455055Apr 2Apr 12Apr 22May 2May 12May 22May 24v5
Score changes· 12 most recent
DateUQSQualityMoatGrowthRiskValueChange
May 22, 202641.832.529.041.050.770.8-0.2
May 20, 202642.032.529.041.050.772.0-3.6
May 7, 202645.642.629.039.960.870.7-0.3
May 3, 202645.942.629.039.960.872.8-0.1
Apr 29, 202646.042.629.039.960.873.4+0.2
Apr 26, 202645.842.629.039.460.872.3-0.2
Apr 19, 202646.042.629.039.460.873.80.0
Apr 18, 202646.042.629.039.460.873.6-0.1
Apr 14, 202646.142.629.039.460.874.3-0.1
Apr 12, 202646.242.629.039.460.875.2-0.8

TNC — Pillar Breakdown

Quality

32.5/100 (25%)

Tennant Company currently shows below-average quality metrics, suggesting challenges with profitability.

Capital Efficiency (ROIC)Weak

How effectively capital is deployed to generate returns.

Return on EquityWeak

Profitability relative to shareholders' equity.

Operating ProfitabilityWeak

Ability to convert revenue into operating profit.

Net ProfitabilityWeak

Bottom-line profit as a share of revenue.

Gross Profit / AssetsStrong

Asset productivity — how much gross profit each dollar of assets generates.

Cash GenerationWeak

Free cash flow relative to market value.

Growth

41.0/100 (20%)

Tennant Company shows steady but unspectacular growth, typical for mature companies.

Recent Revenue TrendWeak

Revenue trajectory over the last twelve months.

3Y Revenue CAGRWeak

Compound annual revenue growth rate over 3 years.

EPS GrowthWeak

Year-over-year earnings per share growth.

Forward Revenue OutlookModerate

Analyst consensus for future revenue growth.

Forward EPS GrowthStrong

Analyst consensus for future earnings growth.

Risk

50.7/100 (15%)

Tennant Company has some risk factors including moderate leverage or solvency concerns.

Financial LeverageWeak

Debt levels relative to earnings capacity.

Debt/EquityStrong

Total debt relative to shareholder equity.

Current RatioModerate

Short-term liquidity — ability to pay near-term obligations.

Interest CoverageWeak

Earnings capacity relative to interest payments.

Valuation

70.8/100 (15%)

Tennant Company trades at a reasonable valuation with decent earnings yield and FCF multiples.

Earnings YieldStrong

Inverse of forward P/E — higher yield means cheaper stock.

Price to Free Cash FlowModerate

How many years of FCF the market cap represents.

PEG RatioStrong

P/E relative to earnings growth — lower is more attractive.

EV/EBITDA vs SectorModerate

Enterprise value multiple relative to sector median.

Moat

29/100 (25%)

Tennant Company operates in a highly competitive environment with limited sustainable advantages. The Moat pillar evaluates competitive advantages across five dimensions: Switching Costs, Network Effects, Cost Advantage, Intangible Assets, and Scale & Ecosystem. Sign in to customize moat ratings for TNC.

Score Composition

Quality
32.5×25%8.1
Growth
41.0×20%8.2
Risk
50.7×15%7.6
Valuation
70.8×15%10.6
Moat
29.0×25%7.3
Total
41.8Below Average

Financial Data

More Stock Analysis

How is the TNC UQS Score Calculated?

The UQS (Unified Quality Score) for Tennant Company is calculated using a proprietary 6-pillar framework with 29 financial metrics. Each pillar evaluates a different dimension on a 0–100 scale, then combines into a single weighted score. Scoring thresholds are calibrated per sector. Momentum is an optional Pro toggle — without it, you get the 5-pillar / 25-metric core shown below.

Quality (25%) measures profitability and capital efficiency — ROIC, ROE, margins, GP/Assets, and FCF Yield.

Moat (25%) assesses Tennant Company's competitive advantages across switching costs, network effects, cost advantages, intangible assets, and ecosystem scale.

Growth (20%) tracks revenue trajectory and earnings momentum, combining historical results with analyst forward estimates.

Risk (15%) is inversely scored — lower leverage and strong balance sheet health result in higher scores.

Valuation (15%) measures whether Tennant Company is fairly priced using earnings yield, price-to-FCF, PEG ratio, and EV/EBITDA relative to sector peers.

Six investor-inspired presets are available, each with different pillar weights: Balanced, Buffett, Munger, Lynch, Cathie Wood, and Graham. The public score shown here uses the Balanced preset. Learn more in our FAQ.