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HNI Corporation

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Employees 7600
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FY2008 Annual Report · HNI Corporation
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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, DC 20549 

FORM 10-K 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE  
ACT OF 1934 

(Mark One) 

     X       

For the fiscal year ended January 3, 2009 

OR 

_______ 

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

Commission File Number 1-14225 

An Iowa Corporation 

             408 East Second Street   

            IRS Employer No. 42-0617510 

HNI Corporation 

P. O. Box 1109 
   Muscatine, IA 52761-0071 
563/272-7400 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:  None. 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: 

Common Stock, with par value of $1.00 per share.   
Preferred Stock, with par value of $1.00 per share. 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. 
                                                                         Yes              No       X 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. 
                                                                         Yes              No       X 

Indicate  by  check  mark  whether  the  registrant  (1)  has  filed  all  reports  required  to  be  filed  by  Section  13  or  15(d)  of  the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to 
file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. 
Yes      X        No _____ 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and 
will  not  be  contained,  to  the  best  of  registrant's  knowledge,  in  definitive  proxy  or  information  statements  incorporated  by 
reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller 
reporting  company.    See  definitions  of  "large  accelerated  filer,"  "accelerated  filer"  and  "smaller  reporting  company"  in  Rule 
12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check One):  
    Large accelerated filer 

   Accelerated filer 

    Non-accelerated filer 

 (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) 

   Smaller reporting company 

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

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant, as of June 28, 2008, was $610,437,151, 
assuming all 5% holders are affiliates. 

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock, as of February 6, 2009 was 44,324,409. 

Documents Incorporated by Reference 

Portions of the registrant's Proxy Statement dated March 30, 2009, for the May 12, 2009, Annual Meeting of Shareholders are 
incorporated by reference into Part III. 

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ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PART I 

Item    1. 
Item 1A. 
Item 1B. 
Item    2. 
Item    3. 
Item    4. 

Business  ...................................................................................................................................................
Risk Factors  .............................................................................................................................................
Unresolved Staff Comments  ....................................................................................................................
Properties  .................................................................................................................................................
Legal Proceedings.....................................................................................................................................
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders...............................................................................
Table I – Executive Officers of the Registrant .........................................................................................

PART II 

Item    5.  Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of 

Equity Securities  ......................................................................................................................................
Item    6. 
Selected Financial Data ............................................................................................................................
Item    7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  ...................
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk  .................................................................
Item 7A. 
Financial Statement and Supplementary Data  .........................................................................................
Item    8. 
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure  ..................
Item    9. 
Controls and Procedures ...........................................................................................................................
Item 9A. 
Other Information  ....................................................................................................................................
Item 9B. 

PART III 

Item 10. 
Item 11. 
Item 12. 

Item 13. 
Item 14. 

Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance ......................................................................
Executive Compensation  .........................................................................................................................
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 
Matters  .....................................................................................................................................................
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence .........................................
Principal Accountant Fees and Services  ..................................................................................................

PART IV 

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules  .................................................................................................
Item 15. 
Signatures  ......................................................................................................................................................................
Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting  .............................................................................
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ..........................................................................................
Financial Statements.......................................................................................................................................................
Financial Statement Schedules  ......................................................................................................................................
Index of Exhibits  ...........................................................................................................................................................

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ADDITIONAL ITEMS INCLUDED HEREIN THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-
K FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 27, 2009: 
Management Certifications  ...........................................................................................................................................
Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Return................................................................................................................

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ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K 

PART I 

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS 

General 

HNI Corporation (the "Corporation", "we", "us" or "our") is an Iowa corporation incorporated in 1944.  The Corporation is a 
provider of office furniture and hearth products.  A broad office furniture product offering is sold to dealers, wholesalers, retail 
superstores,  end-user  customers,  and  federal,  state  and  local  governments.    Dealers  and  wholesalers  are  the  major  channels 
based  on  sales.    Hearth  products  include  a  full  array  of  gas,  electric,  wood  and  biomass  burning  fireplaces,  inserts,  stoves, 
facings and accessories.  These products are sold through a national system of dealers and distributors, as well as Corporation-
owned distribution and retail outlets.  In fiscal 2008, the Corporation had net sales of $2.5 billion, of which approximately $2.1 
billion or 83% was attributable to office furniture products and $0.4 billion or 17% was attributable to hearth products.  Please 
refer  to  Operating  Segment  Information  in  the  Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  for  further  information  about 
operating segments. 

The Corporation is organized into a corporate headquarters and operating units with offices, manufacturing plants, distribution 
centers and sales showrooms in the United States, Canada, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.  See Item 2. Properties later in this 
report for additional related discussion. 

Eight operating units, marketing under various brand names, participate in the office furniture industry.  These operating units 
include:    The  HON  Company,  Allsteel  Inc.,  Maxon  Furniture  Inc.,  The  Gunlocke  Company  L.L.C.,  Paoli  Inc.,  Hickory 
Business  Furniture,  LLC  ("HBF"),  HNI  Hong  Kong  Limited  ("Lamex")  and  Omni  Workspace  Company.    Each  of  these 
operating units provides products which are sold through various channels of distribution and segments of the industry.   

The operating unit Hearth & Home Technologies Inc.("Hearth & Home") participates in the hearth products industry.  The retail 
and distribution brand for this operating unit is Fireside Hearth & Home. 

During  fiscal  2008,  the  Corporation  completed  the  acquisition  of  HBF,  a  leading  provider  of  premium  upholstered  seating, 
textiles, wood tables and wood case goods for the office environment for a purchase price of $75 million. 

HNI International Inc. ("HNI International") sells office furniture products manufactured by the Corporation's operating units in 
select markets outside the United States and Canada.  With dealers and servicing partners located in more than fifty countries, 
HNI International provides project management services virtually anywhere in the world.  

Since its inception, the Corporation has been committed to systematically eliminating waste and in 1992 introduced its process 
improvement  approach  known  as  Rapid  Continuous  Improvement  ("RCI"),  which  focuses  on  streamlining  design, 
manufacturing  and  administrative  processes.    The  Corporation's  RCI  program,  in  which  most  members  participate,  has 
contributed to increased productivity, lower manufacturing costs, improved product quality and workplace safety.  In addition, 
the Corporation's RCI efforts enable it to offer short average lead times, from receipt of order to delivery and installation, for 
most of its products.  

The Corporation distributes its products through an extensive network of independent office furniture dealers, office products 
dealers,  wholesalers  and  retailers.    The  Corporation  is  a  supplier  of  office  furniture  to  the  largest  nationwide  distributors  of 
office products, including Office Depot, Inc., Office Max Incorporated and Staples, Inc.  

The  Corporation's  product  development  efforts  are  focused  on  developing  and  providing  solutions  that  are  relevant  and 
differentiated, and deliver quality, aesthetics and style.  

An important element of the Corporation's success has been its member-owner culture, which has enabled it to attract, develop, 
retain and motivate skilled, experienced and efficient members (i.e., employees).  Each of the Corporation's eligible members 
own  stock  in  the  Corporation  through  a  number  of  stock-based  plans,  including  a  member  stock  purchase  plan  and  a  profit-
sharing  retirement  plan,  which  drives  a  unique  level  of  commitment  to  the  Corporation's  success  throughout  the  entire 
workforce.   

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For further financial-related information with respect to acquisitions, restructuring and the Corporation's operations in general, 
refer to "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" later in this report, 
and the following sections in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements:  Nature of Operations, Business Combinations 
and Operating Segment Information. 

Industry 

According  to  the  Business  and  Institutional  Furniture  Manufacturer's  Association  ("BIFMA"),  U.S.  office  furniture  industry 
shipments were estimated to be $11.2 billion in 2008, a decrease of 2% compared to 2007, which was a 6% increase from 2006 
levels.  The Corporation believes the decrease in 2008 was due to weakness in the overall economy and declining white collar 
employment and corporate profitability. 

The  U.S.  office  furniture  market  consists  of  two  primary  segments—the  project  or  contract  segment  and  the  commercial 
segment.    The  project  segment  has  traditionally  been  characterized  by  sales  of  office  furniture  and  services  to  large 
corporations, primarily for new office facilities, relocations or department or office redesigns, which are frequently customized 
to meet specific client and designer preferences.  Project furniture is generally purchased through office furniture dealers who 
typically  prepare  a  custom-designed  office  layout  emphasizing  image  and  design.    The  selling  process  is  often  complex  and 
lengthy and generally has several manufacturers competing for the same projects.  

The  commercial  segment  of  the  market,  in  which  the  Corporation  is  a  leader,  primarily  represents  smaller  orders  of  office 
furniture  purchased  by  businesses  and  home  office  users  on  the  basis  of  price,  quality,  selection  and  speed  and  reliability  of 
delivery.    Office  products  dealers,  wholesalers  and  retailers,  such  as  office  products  superstores,  are  the  primary  distribution 
channels in this market segment.  Office furniture and products dealers publish periodic catalogs that display office furniture 
and products from various manufacturers.  

The  Corporation  also  competes  in  the  domestic  hearth  products  industry,  where  it  is  a  market  leader.    Hearth  products  are 
typically  purchased  by  builders  during  the  construction  of  new  homes  and  homeowners  during  the  renovation  of  existing 
homes.    Both  types  of  purchases  involve  seasonality  with  remodel/retrofit  activity  being  concentrated  in  the  September  to 
December  time-frame.    Distribution  is  primarily  through  independent  dealers,  who  may  buy  direct  from  the  manufacturer  or 
from  an  intermediate  distributor.    The  Corporation  sells  approximately  50%  of  its  hearth  products  to  the  new 
construction/builder channel. 

Growth Strategy 

The Corporation's strategy is to build on its position as a leading manufacturer of office furniture and hearth products in North 
America and pursue select global markets where opportunities exist to create value.  The components of this growth strategy are 
to  introduce  new  products,  build  brand  equity,  provide  outstanding  customer  satisfaction  by  focusing  on  the  end-user, 
strengthen the distribution network, respond to global competition, pursue complementary strategic acquisitions, enter markets 
not currently served and continually reduce costs. 

The  Corporation's  strategy  has  a  dual  focus:    working  continuously  to  extract  new  growth  from  its  core  markets  while 
identifying and developing new, adjacent potential areas of growth.  The Corporation focuses on extracting new growth from 
each of its existing businesses by deepening its understanding of end-users, using new insights gained to refine branding, selling 
and  marketing  and  developing  new  products  to  serve  them  better.    The  Corporation  also  pursues  opportunities  in  potential 
growth drivers outside of, but related to, its core business, such as vertical markets or new distribution models. 

Employees/Members  

As of January 3, 2009, the Corporation employed approximately 12,200 persons, 12,000 of whom were full-time and 200 of 
whom were temporary personnel.  The Corporation employed approximately 300 persons who were members of unions.  The 
Corporation believes its labor relations are good.  

Products and Solutions 

Office Furniture 

The  Corporation  designs,  manufactures  and  markets  a  broad  range  of  office  furniture  in  four  basic  categories:  (i)  storage, 
including vertical files, lateral files and pedestals; (ii) seating, including task chairs, executive desk chairs, conference/training 

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chairs and side chairs; (iii) office systems (typically  modular and moveable workspaces with integrated work surfaces, space 
dividers  and  lighting);  and  (iv)  desks  and  related  products,  including  tables,  bookcases  and  credenzas.    In  order  to  meet  the 
demands of various markets, the Corporation's products are sold under the Corporation's brands – HON®, Allsteel®, Maxon®, 
Gunlocke®, Paoli®, Whitehall®, HBF®, basyxTM and Lamex®, as well as private labels. 

The following is a description of the Corporation's major product categories and product lines:  

Storage 
The  Corporation  offers  a  variety  of  storage  options  designed  either  to  be  integrated  into  the  Corporation's  office  systems 
products or to function as freestanding furniture in office applications.  The Corporation sells most of its freestanding storage 
through  independent  office  products  and  office  furniture  dealers,  nationwide  chains  of  office  products  dealers,  wholesalers, 
office products superstores and mail order distributors.  

Seating  
The  Corporation's  seating  line  includes  chairs  designed  for  all  types  of  office  work.    The  chairs  are  available  in  a  variety  of 
frame colors, coverings and a wide range of price points.  Key customer criteria in seating includes superior design, ergonomics, 
aesthetics, comfort and quality.  

Office Panel Systems  
The  Corporation  offers  a  complete  line  of  office  panel  system  products  in  order  to  meet  the  needs  of  a  wide  spectrum  of 
organizations.    Office  panel  systems  may  be  used  for  team  work  settings,  private  offices  and  open  floor  plans.    They  are 
typically modular and movable workspaces composed of adjustable partitions, work surfaces, desk extensions, storage cabinets 
and electrical lighting systems which can be moved, reconfigured and reused within the office.  Office panel systems offer a 
cost-effective  and  flexible  alternative  to  traditional  drywall  office  construction.    A  typical  installation  of  office  panels  often 
includes related sales of seating, storage and accessories.  

The Corporation offers whole office solutions, movable panels, storage units and work surfaces that can be installed easily and 
reconfigured to accommodate growth and change in organizations.  The Corporation also offers consultative selling and design 
services for its office system products.  

Desks and Related Products  
The Corporation's offering of desks and related products includes stand-alone steel, laminate and wood furniture items, such as 
desks, bookshelves, credenzas and mobile desking.  These products are available in a range of designs and price points.  The 
Corporation's  desks  and  related  products  are  sold  to  a  wide  variety  of  customers  from  those  designing  large  office 
configurations  to  small  retail  and  home  office  purchasers.    The  Corporation  offers  a  variety  of  tables  designed  for  use  in 
conference rooms, private offices, training areas, team work settings and open floor plans.  

Hearth Products 

The  Corporation  is  North  America's  largest  manufacturer  and  marketer  of  prefabricated  fireplaces  and  related  products, 
primarily for the home, which it sells under its widely recognized Heatilator®, Heat & Glo®, Quadra-Fire® and Harman StoveTM 
brand names.   

The Corporation's line of hearth products includes a full array of gas, electric and wood burning fireplaces, inserts, stoves, 
facings and accessories.  Heatilator® and Heat & Glo® are brand leaders in the two largest segments of the home fireplace 
market:  vented-gas  and  wood  fireplaces.    The  Corporation  is  the  leader  in  "direct  vent"  fireplaces,  which  replace  the 
chimney-venting system used in traditional fireplaces with a less expensive vent through the roof or an outer wall.  Pellet-
burning stoves and furnaces in the Quadra-Fire and Harman product lines provide home heating solutions using renewable 
fuel,  an  environmentally  friendly  trend  that  has  come  to  the  fore  front  in  home  heating  and  continues  to  grow.    See 
"Intellectual Property" under this Item 1. Business for additional details. 

Manufacturing 

The  Corporation  manufactures  office  furniture  in  Alabama,  California,  Georgia,  Indiana,  Iowa,  Kentucky,  New  York,  North 
Carolina and China.  The Corporation manufactures hearth products in Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, Washington, California and 
Pennsylvania. 

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The Corporation purchases raw materials and components from a variety of suppliers, and generally most items are available 
from  multiple  sources.    Major  raw  materials  and  components  include  coil  steel,  aluminum,  castings,  lumber,  veneer, 
particleboard, fabric, paint, lacquer, hardware, plastic products and shipping cartons. 

Since its inception, the Corporation has focused on making its manufacturing facilities and processes more flexible while at the 
same time reducing cost, eliminating waste and improving product quality.  In 1992, the Corporation adopted the principles of 
RCI  based  on  the  Toyota  Production  System,  which  focus  on  developing  flexible  and  efficient  design,  manufacturing  and 
administrative processes that remove excess cost.  The Corporation's lean manufacturing philosophy leverages the creativity of 
its  members  to  eliminate  and  reduce  costs.    To  achieve  flexibility  and  attain  efficiency  goals,  the  Corporation  has  adopted  a 
variety of production techniques, including cellular manufacturing, focused factories, just-in-time inventory management, value 
engineering, business simplification and 80/20 principles.  The application of RCI has increased productivity by reducing set-up 
and processing times, square footage, inventory levels, product costs and delivery times, while improving quality and enhancing 
member safety.  The Corporation's RCI process involves production and administrative employees, management, customers and 
suppliers.    The  Corporation  has  facilitators,  coaches  and  consultants  dedicated  to  the  RCI  process  and  strives  to  involve  all 
members in the RCI process.  Manufacturing also plays a key role in the Corporation's concurrent product development process 
that primarily seeks to design new products for ease of manufacturability.  

Product Development 

The  Corporation's  product  development  efforts  are  primarily  focused  on  developing  end-user  solutions  that  are  relevant, 
differentiated  and  focused  on  quality,  aesthetics,  style,  sustainable  design  and  on  reducing  manufacturing  costs.    The 
Corporation  accomplishes  this  through  improving  existing  products,  extending  product  lines,  applying  ergonomic  research, 
improving  manufacturing  processes,  applying  alternative  materials  and  providing  engineering  support  and  training  to  its 
operating units.  The Corporation conducts its product development efforts at both the corporate and operating unit level.  At the 
corporate level, the staff at the Corporation's Stanley M. Howe Technical Center, working in conjunction with operating unit 
staff, seeks breakthrough developments in product design, manufacturability, and materials usage.  At the operating unit level, 
development efforts are focused on achieving improvements in product features and manufacturing processes.  The Corporation 
invested  approximately  $27.8  million,  $24.0  million  and  $27.6  million  in  product  development  during  fiscal  2008,  2007  and 
2006, respectively, and has budgeted $23 million for product development in fiscal 2009.  

Intellectual Property 

As of January 3, 2009, the Corporation owned 357 U.S. and 349 foreign patents and had applications pending for 49 U.S. and 
100 foreign patents.  In addition, the Corporation holds 176 U.S. and 366 foreign trademark registrations and has applications 
pending for 34 U.S. and 70 foreign trademarks.  

The  Corporation's  principal  office  furniture  products  do  not  require  frequent  technical  changes.    The  Corporation  believes 
neither any individual office furniture patent nor the Corporation's office furniture patents in the aggregate are material to the 
Corporation's business as a whole.  

The Corporation's patents covering its hearth products protect various technical innovations.  While the acquisition of patents 
reflects Hearth & Home's position in the market as an innovation leader, the Corporation believes neither any individual hearth 
product  patent  nor  the  Corporation's  hearth  product  patents  in  the  aggregate  are  material  to  the  Corporation's  business  as  a 
whole. 

The Corporation applies for patent protection when it believes the expense of doing so is justified, and the Corporation believes 
the duration of its registered patents is adequate to protect these rights.  The Corporation also pays royalties in certain instances 
for the use of patents on products and processes owned by others.  

The Corporation actively protects its trademarks that it believes have significant value.  

Sales and Distribution: Customers 

In  fiscal  2008,  the  Corporation's  ten  largest  customers  represented  approximately  39%  of  its  consolidated  net  sales.    One 
customer, United Stationers Inc., accounted for approximately 10% of the Corporation's consolidated net sales in fiscal 2008, 
11%  in  fiscal  2007,  and  12%  in  fiscal  2006.    The  substantial  purchasing  power  exercised  by  large  customers  may  adversely 
affect  the  prices  at  which  the  Corporation  can  successfully  offer  its  products.    In  addition,  there  can  be  no  assurance  the 
Corporation will be able to maintain its customer relationships. 

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The Corporation today sells its office furniture products through five principal distribution channels.  The first channel, which 
consists  of  independent,  local  office  furniture  and  office  products  dealers,  specializes  in  the  sale  of  a  broad  range  of  office 
furniture and office furniture systems to business, government, education, health care entities and home office owners. 

The  second  distribution  channel  comprises  national  office  product  distributors  including  Office  Max  Incorporated,  Office 
Depot,  Inc.  and  Staples,  Inc.    These  distributors  sell  furniture  along  with  office  supplies  through  a  national  network  of 
dealerships and sales offices, which assist their customers with the evaluation of office space requirements, systems layout and 
product selection and design and office solution services provided by professional designers.  All of these distributors also sell 
through retail office products superstores.  

The third distribution channel, comprising corporate accounts, is where the Corporation has the lead selling relationship with 
the end-user.  Installation and service are normally provided through a dealer. 

The  fourth  distribution  channel  comprises  wholesalers  that  serve  as  distributors  of  the  Corporation's  products  to  independent 
dealers, national supply dealers and superstores.  The Corporation sells to the nation's largest wholesalers, United Stationers Inc. 
and S.P. Richards Company, as well as to regional wholesalers.  Wholesalers maintain inventory of standard product lines for 
resale to the various dealers and retailers.  They also special order products from the Corporation in customer-selected models 
and  colors.    The  Corporation's  wholesalers  maintain  warehouse  locations  throughout  the  United  States,  which  enables  the 
Corporation to make its products available for rapid delivery to retailers anywhere in the country.   

The fifth distribution channel comprises direct sales of the Corporation's products to federal, state and local government offices. 

The  Corporation's  office  furniture  sales  force  consists  of  regional  sales  managers,  salespersons  and  firms  of  independent 
manufacturers'  representatives  who  collectively  provide  national  sales  coverage.    Sales  managers  and  salespersons  are 
compensated by a combination of salary and incentive bonus. 

Office  products  dealers,  national  wholesalers  and  retailers  market  their  products  over  the  Internet  and  through  catalogs 
published  periodically.    These  catalogs  are  distributed  to  existing  and  potential  customers.    The  Corporation  believes  the 
inclusion  of  the  Corporation's  product  lines  in  customer  catalogs  and  e-business  listings  offers  strong  potential  for  increased 
sales of the listed product lines due to the exposure provided.  

The  Corporation  also  makes  export  sales  through  HNI  International  to  office  furniture  dealers  and  wholesale  distributors 
serving select foreign markets.  Distributors are principally located in Latin America, the Caribbean and Middle East.  With the 
acquisition  of  Lamex  in  2006  the  Corporation  manufactures  and  distributes  office  furniture  directly  to  end-users  through 
independent dealers and distributors in Greater China and Asia.   

Limited  quantities  of  select  finished  goods  inventories  primarily  built  to  order  awaiting  shipment  are  at  the  Corporation's 
principal manufacturing plants and at its various distribution centers. 

Hearth & Home sells its fireplace and stove products through dealers, distributors and Corporation-owned distribution and retail 
outlets.    The  Corporation  has  a  field  sales  organization  of  regional  sales  managers,  salespersons,  and  firms  of  independent 
manufacturers' representatives. 

As  of  January  3,  2009,  the  Corporation  had  an  order  backlog  of  approximately  $130.8  million,  which  will  be  filled  in  the 
ordinary  course  of  business  within  the  first  few  weeks  of  the  current  fiscal  year.    This  compares  with  $162.0  million  as  of 
December  29,  2007,  and  $182.7  million  as  of  December  30,  2006.    Backlog,  in  terms  of  percentage  of  net  sales,  was  5.3%, 
6.3%  and  6.8%,  for  fiscal  2008,  2007  and  2006,  respectively.    The  Corporation's  products  are  typically  manufactured  and 
shipped within a few weeks following receipt of order.  The dollar amount of the Corporation's order backlog is, therefore, not 
considered by management to be a leading indicator of the Corporation's expected sales in any particular fiscal period. 

Competition 

The  Corporation  is  one  of  the  largest  office  furniture  manufacturers  in  the  world  and  believes  it  is  the  largest  provider  of 
furniture to  small-  and  medium-sized  workplaces.   The Corporation  is  the largest  manufacturer and  marketer of fireplaces in 
North America.  

The  office  furniture  industry  is  highly  competitive,  with  a  significant  number  of  competitors  offering  similar  products.    The 
Corporation competes by emphasizing its ability to deliver compelling value products, solutions and a high level of customer 

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service.  The Corporation competes with large office furniture manufacturers, which cover a substantial portion of the North 
America market share in the project-oriented office furniture market, such as Steelcase Inc., Haworth, Inc., Herman Miller, Inc. 
and Knoll, Inc.  The Corporation also competes with a number of other office furniture manufacturers, including The Global 
Group (a Canadian company), Kimball International, Inc., KI and Teknion Corporation (a Canadian company), as well as global 
importers.  The Corporation faces significant price competition from its competitors and may encounter competition from new 
market entrants.   

Hearth  products,  consisting  of  prefabricated  fireplaces  and  related  products,  are  manufactured  by  a  number  of  national  and 
regional competitors.  The Corporation competes primarily against a broad range of manufacturers, including Travis Industries, 
Inc.,  Lennox  International  Inc.,  Monessen  Hearth  Systems  Company,  DESA  Fmi  LLC,  Wolf  Steel  Ltd.  (Napolean)  and  FPI 
Fireplace Products International Ltd. 

Both office furniture and hearth products compete on the basis of performance, quality, price, complete and on-time delivery to 
the  customer  and  customer  service  and  support.    The  Corporation  believes  it  competes  principally  by  providing  compelling 
value  products  designed  to  be  among  the  best  in  their  price  range  for  product  quality  and  performance,  superior  customer 
service and short lead-times.  This is made possible, in part, by the Corporation's on-going investment in product development, 
highly efficient and low cost manufacturing operations and an extensive distribution network.  

For further discussion of the Corporation's competitive situation, refer to "Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" later in this report. 

Effects of Inflation 

Certain  business  costs  may,  from  time  to  time,  increase  at  a  rate  exceeding  the  general  rate  of  inflation.    The  Corporation's 
objective  is  to  offset  the  effect  of  inflation  on  its  costs  primarily  through  productivity  increases  in  combination  with  certain 
adjustments to the selling price of its products as competitive market and general economic conditions permit. 

Investments are routinely made in modernizing plants, equipment, support systems and RCI programs.  These investments 
collectively focus on business simplification and increasing productivity which helps to offset the effect of rising material 
and labor costs.  The Corporation also routinely employs ongoing cost control disciplines.  In addition, the last-in, first-out 
(LIFO) valuation method is used for most of the Corporation's inventories, which ensures that changing material and labor 
costs are recognized in reported income and, more importantly, these costs are recognized in pricing decisions. 

Environmental 

The  Corporation  is  subject  to  a  variety  of  environmental  laws  and  regulations  governing  use  of  materials  and  substances  in 
products, the management of wastes resulting from use of certain material and the remediation of contamination associated with 
releases of hazardous substances used in the past.  Although the Corporation believes it is in material compliance with all of the 
various regulations applicable to its business, there can be no assurance requirements will not change in the future or that the 
Corporation will  not  incur  material  costs  to comply  with  such  regulations.   The  Corporation has  trained  staff  responsible  for 
monitoring compliance with environmental, health and safety requirements.  The Corporation's environmental staff works with 
responsible  personnel  at  each  manufacturing  facility,  the  Corporation's  environmental  legal  counsel  and  consultants  on  the 
management  of  environmental,  health  and  safety  issues.    The  Corporation's  ultimate  goal  is  to  reduce  and,  when  practical, 
eliminate the generation of environmental pollutants in its manufacturing processes. 

The Corporation's environmental management system has earned the recognition of numerous state and federal agencies as well 
as non-government organizations.  The Corporation's lean manufacturing philosophy leverages the creativity of its members to 
eliminate  waste  and  reduce  cost.    Aligning  these  continuous  improvement  initiatives  with  the  Corporation's  environmental 
objectives creates a model of the triple bottom line of sustainable development where members work toward shared goals of 
personal growth, economic reward and a healthy environment for the future. 

Over  the  past  several  years,  the  Corporation  has  expanded  its  environmental  management  system  and  established  metrics  to 
influence product design and development, supplier and supply chain performance, energy and resource consumption and the 
impacts  of  its  facilities.    In  addition,  the  Corporation  is  providing  sustainability  training  to  senior  decision  makers  and  has 
assigned  resources  to  documenting  and  communicating  its  progress  to  an  evermore  sophisticated  market.    Integrating 
sustainable  objectives  into  core  business  systems  is  consistent  with  the  Corporation's  vision  and  ensures  its  commitment  to 
being a sustainable enterprise remains a priority for all members. 

-8- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compliance with  federal, state  and  local  environmental  regulations  has  not had a  material  effect  on  the  capital  expenditures, 
earnings or competitive position of the Corporation to date.  The Corporation does not anticipate that financially material capital 
expenditures  will  be  required  during  fiscal  2009  for  environmental  control  facilities.    It  is  management's  judgment  that 
compliance  with  current  regulations  should  not  have  a  material  effect  on  the  Corporation's  financial  condition  or  results  of 
operations.  However, there can be no assurance new environmental legislation and technology in this area will not result in or 
require material capital expenditures. 

Business Development 

The  development  of  the  Corporation's  business  during  the  fiscal  years  ended  January  3,  2009,  December  29,  2007,  and 
December  30,  2006,  is  discussed  in  "Item  7.  Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of 
Operations" later in this report. 

Available Information 

Information regarding the Corporation's annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 
8-K,  and  any  amendments  to  these  reports,  will  be  made  available,  free  of  charge,  on  the  Corporation's  website  at 
www.hnicorp.com,  as  soon  as  reasonably  practicable  after  the  Corporation  electronically  files  such  reports  with  or  furnishes 
them to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").  The Corporation's information is also available from the SEC's 
Public Reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, or on the SEC website at www.sec.gov.  

Forward-Looking Statements 

Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (this "Report") that are not strictly historical, including statements as to plans, 
outlook, objectives and future financial performance, are "forward-looking" statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of 
the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions 
of  the  Private  Securities  Litigation  Reform  Act  of  1995.    Words,  such  as  "anticipate,"  "believe,"  "could,"  "confident," 
"estimate," "expect," "forecast," "hope," "intend," "likely," "may," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," 
"will," "would" and variations of such words, and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. 

Forward-looking  statements  involve  known  and  unknown  risks  and  uncertainties,  which  may  cause  the  Corporation's  actual 
results in the future to differ materially from expected results.  The most significant factors known to the Corporation that may 
adversely  affect  the  Corporation's  business,  operations,  industries,  financial  position  or  future  financial  performance  are 
described later in this Report under the heading entitled "Item 1A. Risk Factors."  The Corporation cautions readers not to place 
undue reliance on any forward-looking statement which speaks only as of the date made and to recognize that forward-looking 
statements  are  predictions  of  future  results,  which  may  not  occur  as  anticipated.    Actual  results  could  differ  materially  from 
those  anticipated  in  the  forward-looking  statements  and  from  historical  results  due  to  the  risks  and  uncertainties  described 
elsewhere  in  this  Report,  including  under  the  heading  "Item  1A.  Risk  Factors,"  as  well  as  others  that  the  Corporation  may 
consider  immaterial  or  does  not  anticipate  at  this  time.    The  risks  and  uncertainties  described  in  this  Report,  including  those 
under  the  heading  "Item  1A.  Risk  Factors,"  are  not  exclusive  and  further  information  concerning  the  Corporation,  including 
factors that potentially could materially affect the Corporation's financial results or condition, may emerge from time to time. 

The  Corporation  assumes  no  obligation  to  update,  amend  or  clarify  forward-looking  statements,  whether  as  a  result  of  new 
information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.  The Corporation advises you, however, to consult 
any further disclosures made on related subjects in future quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed 
with or furnished to the SEC. 

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS 

The following risk factors and other information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K should be carefully considered.  
The  risks  and  uncertainties  described  below  are  not  the  only  ones  we  face.    Additional  risks  and  uncertainties  not  presently 
known to us or that we presently deem less significant may also adversely affect our business, operating results, cash flows and 
financial  condition.    If  any  of  the  following  risks  actually  occur,  our  business,  operating  results,  cash  flows  and  financial 
condition could be materially adversely affected. 

Unfavorable  economic  and  market  conditions  could  reduce  our  sales  and  profitability  and  as  a  result,  our  operating  results 
may be adversely affected. 

-9- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Economic conditions have recently deteriorated significantly in the U. S. and many of the countries and regions in which we do 
business,  and  may  remain  challenging  for  the  foreseeable  future.    The  recent  downturns  in  the  economy  in  the  U.S.  and  in 
international markets have had, and may continue to have, a significant adverse impact on demand for our products.  General 
business and economic conditions that could affect us include short-term and long-term interest rates, unemployment, inflation, 
fluctuations  in  debt  and  equity  capital  markets,  limited  availability  of  consumer  financing  and  weak  credit  markets,  and  the 
strength of the U.S. economy and the local economies in which we operate. 

In particular, the recent financial crisis affecting the banking system and financial markets and the current uncertainty in global 
economic conditions have resulted in a tightening in the credit markets, a low level of liquidity in many financial markets, and 
volatility  in  credit,  equity  and  fixed  income  markets.    There  could  be  a  number  of  other  effects  from  these  economic 
developments  on  our  business,  including  reduced  demand  for  products;  insolvency  of  our  dealers,  resulting  in  increased 
provisions for credit losses; insolvency of our key suppliers resulting in product delays; inability of customers to obtain credit to 
finance  purchases  of  our  products;  decreased  customer  demand,  including  order  delays  or  cancellations  and  counterparty 
failures negatively impacting our treasury operations. 

In addition, the current negative worldwide economic conditions and market instability makes it increasingly difficult for us, 
our customers and our suppliers to accurately forecast future product demand trends, which could cause us to incur excess costs.  
Additionally, this forecasting difficulty could cause a shortage of products, labor, or materials used in our products that could 
result in an inability to satisfy demand for our products and a loss of market share. 

We  may  need  to  take  additional  impairment  charges  related  to  goodwill  and  indefinite-lived  intangible  assets,  which  would 
adversely affect our results of operations. 

Goodwill and other acquired intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but are annually tested for impairment, and 
when  an  event  occurs  or  circumstances  change  such  that  it  is  reasonably  possible  that  an  impairment  may  exist.  We  test  for 
impairment annually during the fourth quarter of the year and whenever indicators of impairment exist.  We test goodwill for 
impairment  by  first  comparing  the  carrying  value  of  net  assets  to  the  fair  value  of  the  reporting  unit.  If  the  fair  value  is 
determined to be less than carrying value, a second step is performed to determine the implied fair value of goodwill associated 
with the reporting unit.  If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, such excess represents the 
amount of goodwill impairment, and, accordingly such impairment is recognized.  

We estimate the fair values of the reporting units using discounted cash flows.  Forecasts of future cash flows are based on our 
best estimate of longer-term broad market trends.  We combine this trend data with estimates of current economic conditions in 
the U.S., competitor behavior, the mix of product sales, commodity costs, wage rates, the level of manufacturing capacity, and 
the  pricing  environment.    In  addition,  estimates  of  fair  value  are  impacted  by  estimates  of  the  market-participant-derived 
weighted average cost of capital.  Changes in these forecasts could significantly change the amount of impairment recorded, if 
any. 

We operate in a highly competitive environment and, as a result, we may not always be successful. 

Both the office furniture and hearth products industries are highly competitive, with a significant number of competitors in both 
industries  offering  similar  products.    While  competitive  factors  vary  geographically  and  between  differing  sales  situations, 
typical factors for both industries include:  price; delivery and service; product design and features; product quality; strength of 
dealers  and  other  distributors;  and  relationships  with  customers  and  key  influencers,  such  as  architects,  designers,  home-
builders and facility managers.  Our principal competitors in the office furniture industry include The Global Group (a Canadian 
company),  Haworth,  Inc.,  Kimball  International,  Inc.,  Steelcase  Inc.,  Herman  Miller,  Inc.,  Teknion  Corporation  (a  Canadian 
company), KI, and Knoll, Inc.  Our principal competitors in the hearth products industry include Travis Industries, Inc., Lennox 
International  Inc.,  Monessen  Hearth  Systems  Company,  DESA  Fmi  LLC,  Wolf  Steel  Ltd.  (Napolean)  and  FPI  Fireplace 
Products  International  Ltd..    In  both  industries,  most  of  our  top  competitors  have  an  installed  base  of  products  that  can  be  a 
source  of  significant  future  sales  through  repeat  and  expansion  orders.    These  competitors  manufacture  products  with  strong 
acceptance in the marketplace and are capable of developing products that have a competitive advantage over our products. 

Our continued success will depend on many things, including our ability to continue to manufacture and market high quality, 
high performance products at competitive prices and our ability to adapt our business model to effectively compete in the highly 
competitive environments of both the office furniture and hearth products industries.  Our success is also subject to our ability 
to sustain and grow our positive brand reputation and recognition among existing and potential customers and use our brands 
and trademarks effectively in entering new markets. 

-10- 

  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
In both the office furniture and hearth products industries, we also face significant price competition from our competitors and 
from new market entrants who primarily manufacture and source products from lower-cost countries.  Such price competition 
impacts our ability to implement price increases or, in some cases, even maintain prices, which could lower our profit margins.  
In addition, we may not be able to maintain or raise the prices of our products in response to rising raw material prices and other 
inflationary pressures.  Competition from low-cost Asian imports continues to represent a threat to our current market share in 
the office furniture industry.   

There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully in our various markets in the future. 

The concentration of our customer base, changes in demand and order patterns from our customers, particularly the top ten 
customers, as well as the increased purchasing power of such customers, could adversely affect our business, operating results, 
or financial condition. 

We sell our products through multiple distribution channels.  These distribution channels have been consolidating in the past 
several years and may continue to consolidate in the future.  Such consolidation may result in a greater proportion of our sales 
being  concentrated  in  fewer  customers.    In  fiscal  2008,  our  ten  largest  customers  represented  approximately  39%  of 
consolidated net sales.  The increased purchasing power exercised by larger customers may adversely affect the prices at which 
we can successfully offer our products.  As a result of this consolidation, changes in the purchase patterns or the loss of a single 
customer may have a greater impact on our business, operating results or financial condition than such events would have had 
prior to such consolidation.  There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain our relationships with customers if this 
consolidation continues. 

The growth in sales of private label products by some of our largest office furniture customers may reduce our revenue and 
adversely affect our business, operating results or financial condition. 

Private label products are products sold under the name of the distributor or retailer, but manufactured by another party.  Some 
of our largest customers have an aggressive private label initiative to increase sales of office furniture.  If successful, they may 
reduce our revenue and inhibit our ability to raise prices and may, in some cases, even force us to lower prices, which could 
result in an adverse effect on our business, operating results, or financial condition. 

Increases  in  basic  commodity,  raw  material  and  component  costs,  as  well  as  disruptions  to  the  supply  of  such  basic 
commodities, raw materials and components, could adversely affect our profitability. 

Fluctuations  in  the  price,  availability  and  quality  of  the  commodities,  raw  materials  and  components  used  by  us  in 
manufacturing could have an adverse effect on our costs of sales, profitability and our ability to meet the demand of customers.  
We source commodities, raw materials, and components from low-cost, international suppliers for both our office furniture and 
hearth  products.    From  both  domestic  and  international  suppliers,  the  cost,  quality,  and  availability  of  commodities,  raw 
materials and components, including steel, our largest raw material category, have been significantly affected in recent years by, 
among  other  things,  changes  in  global  supply  and  demand,  changes  in  laws  and  regulations  (including  tariffs  and  duties), 
changes  in  exchange  rates  and  worldwide  price  levels,  natural  disasters,  labor  disputes,  terrorism  and  political  unrest  or 
instability.  These factors could lead to further price increases or supply interruptions in the future.  Our profit margins could be 
adversely affected if commodity, raw material and component costs remain high or escalate further, and we are either unable to 
offset  such  costs  through  strategic  sourcing  initiatives  and  continuous  improvement  programs  or,  as  a  result  of  competitive 
market dynamics, unable to pass along a portion of the higher costs to our customers. 

We are affected by the cost of energy, and increases in energy prices could adversely affect our gross margins and profitability. 

Our gross margins and the profitability of our business operations are sensitive to the cost of energy because the cost of energy 
is  reflected  in  our  transportation  costs,  the  cost  of  petroleum-based  materials  like  plastics,  and  the  cost  of  operating  our 
manufacturing  facilities.    If the price  of petroleum-based  products,  the  cost  of operating our  manufacturing  facilities and  our 
transportation costs increase, it could adversely affect our gross margins and profitability. 

We may not be successful in implementing and managing the risks inherent in our growth strategy. 

As a part of our growth strategy, we seek to increase sales and market share by introducing new products, further enhancing our 
existing line of products and continuing to pursue complementary acquisitions.  This strategy depends on our ability to increase 
sales  through  our  existing  customer  network,  principally  dealers,  wholesalers  and  retailers.    Furthermore,  the  ability  to 

-11- 

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
effectuate and manage profitable growth will depend on our ability to contain costs, including costs associated with increased 
manufacturing, sales and marketing efforts, freight utilization, warehouse capacity, product development and acquisition efforts. 

Our  efforts  to  introduce  new  products  that  meet  customer  and  workplace/home  requirements  may  not  be  successful,  which 
could limit our sales growth or cause our sales to decline.  

To keep pace with market trends in both the office furniture and hearth products industries, such as changes in workplace and 
home  design  and  increases  in  the  use  of  technology,  and  with  evolving  regulatory  and  industry  requirements,  including 
environmental,  health,  safety  and  similar  standards  for  the  workplace  and  home  and  for  product  performance,  we  must 
periodically  introduce  new  products.    The  introduction  of  new  products  in  both  industries  requires  the  coordination  of  the 
design, manufacturing and marketing of such products, which may be affected by factors beyond our control.  The design and 
engineering of certain of our new products can take up to a year or more, and further time may be required to achieve client 
acceptance.  In addition, we may face difficulties in introducing new products if we cannot successfully align ourselves with 
independent  architects,  home-builders  and  designers  who  are  able  to  design,  in  a  timely  manner,  high  quality  products 
consistent with our image.  Accordingly, the launch of any particular product may be later or less successful than we originally 
anticipated.  Difficulties or delays in introducing new products or lack of customer acceptance of new products could limit our 
sales growth or cause our sales to decline, and may result in an adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial 
condition. 

We  intend  to  grow  our  business  through  additional  acquisitions,  alliances  and  joint  venture  arrangements,  which  could 
adversely affect our business, operating results or financial condition. 

One  of  our  growth  strategies  is  to  supplement  our  internal  growth  through  acquisitions  of,  and  alliances  and  joint  venture 
arrangements with, businesses with technologies or products that complement or augment our existing products or distribution 
or add new products or distribution to our business.  The benefits of an acquisition, alliance, or joint venture may take more 
time than expected to develop or integrate into our operations, and we cannot guarantee any completed or future acquisitions, 
alliances  or  joint  ventures  will  in  fact  produce  any  benefits.    In  addition,  acquisitions,  alliances  and  joint  ventures  involve  a 
number of risks, including, without limitation: 

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

diversion of management's attention; 
difficulties  in  assimilating  the  operations  and  products  of  an  acquired  business  or  in  realizing  projected  efficiencies, 
cost savings and revenue synergies; 
potential  loss  of  key  employees  or  customers  of  the  acquired  businesses  or  adverse  effects  on  existing  business 
relationships with suppliers and customers; 
adverse  impact  on  overall  profitability  if  acquired  businesses  do  not  achieve  the  financial  results  projected  in  our 
valuation models; 
reallocation  of  amounts  of  capital  from  other  operating  initiatives  or  an  increase  in  our  leverage  and  debt  service 
requirements to pay the acquisition purchase prices, which could in turn restrict our ability to access additional capital 
when needed or to pursue other important elements of our business strategy; 
inaccurate  assessment  of  undisclosed,  contingent,  or  other  liabilities  or  problems  and  unanticipated  costs  associated 
with the acquisition; and 
incorrect estimates made in accounting for acquisitions, incurrence of non-recurring charges and write-off of significant 
amounts of goodwill that could adversely affect our operating results. 

Our  ability  to  grow  through  acquisitions  will  depend,  in  part,  on  the  availability  of  suitable  acquisition  candidates  at  an 
acceptable price, our ability to compete effectively for these acquisition candidates and the availability of capital to complete 
such acquisitions.  These risks could be heightened if we complete several acquisitions within a relatively short period of time.  
In  addition,  there  can  be  no  assurance  we  will  be  able  to  continue  to  identify  attractive  opportunities  or  enter  into  any  such 
transactions with acceptable terms in the future.  If an acquisition is completed, there can be no assurance we will be able to 
successfully  integrate  the  acquired  entity  into  our  operations  or  that  we  will  achieve  sales  and  profitability  that  justify  our 
investment  in  such  businesses.    Any  potential  acquisition  may  not  be  successful  and  could  adversely  affect  our  business, 
operating results or financial condition. 

We are subject to extensive environmental regulation and have exposure to potential environmental liabilities. 

The past and present operation and ownership by us of manufacturing facilities and real property are subject to extensive and 
changing  federal,  state  and  local  environmental  laws  and  regulations,  including  those  relating  to  discharges  in  air,  water  and 
land, the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous waste and the remediation of contamination associated with releases of 

-12- 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
hazardous substances.  Compliance with environmental regulations has not had a  material affect on our capital expenditures, 
earnings or competitive position to date; however, compliance with current laws or more stringent laws or regulations which 
may be imposed on us in the future, stricter interpretation of existing laws or discoveries of contamination at our real property 
sites  which  occurred  prior  to  our  ownership  or  the  advent  of  environmental  regulation  may  require  us  to  incur  additional 
expenditures in the future, some of which may be material. 

The  existence  of  various unfavorable  macroeconomic and  industry  factors  for  a prolonged period  could adversely  affect our 
business, operating results or financial condition. 

Office  furniture  industry  revenues  are  impacted  by  a  variety  of  macroeconomic  factors  such  as  service-sector  employment 
levels, corporate profits, commercial construction and office vacancy rates.  Industry factors, such as corporate restructuring, 
technology changes, corporate relocations, health and safety concerns, including ergonomic considerations and the globalization 
of companies also influence office furniture industry revenues. 

Hearth products industry revenues are impacted by a variety of macroeconomic factors as well, including housing starts, overall 
employment levels, interest rates, consumer confidence, energy costs, disposable income and changing demographics.  Industry 
factors,  such  as  technology  changes,  health  and  safety  concerns  and  environmental  regulation,  including  indoor  air  quality 
standards,  also  influence  hearth  products  industry  revenues.    The  U.S.  homebuilding  industry  is  currently  experiencing  a 
significant  downturn,  the  duration  and  ultimate  severity  of  which  are  uncertain.    Further  deterioration  of  the  economic 
conditions in the homebuilding industry and the hearth products market could further decrease demand for our hearth products 
and have additional adverse effects on our operating results. 

There can be no assurance that current or future economic or industry trends will not adversely affect our business, operating 
results or financial condition. 

Increasing healthcare costs could adversely affect our business, operating results or financial condition. 

We provide healthcare benefits to the majority of our members.  Healthcare costs have continued to rise over time and could 
adversely affect our business, operating results or financial condition. 

Our inability to improve the quality/capability of our network of independent dealers or the loss of a significant number of such 
dealers could adversely affect our business, operating results or financial condition. 

In both the office furniture and hearth products industries, we rely in large part on a network of independent dealers to market 
our  products  to  customers.    We  also  rely  upon  these  dealers  to  provide  a  variety  of  important  specification,  installation  and 
after-market services to our customers.  Our dealers may terminate their relationships with us at any time and for any reason.  
The  loss  or  termination  of  a  significant  number  of  dealer  relationships  could  cause  difficulties  for  us  in  marketing  and 
distributing  our  products,  resulting  in  a  decline  in  our  sales,  which  may  adversely  affect  our  business,  operating  results  or 
financial condition. 

Our increasing international operations expose us to risks related to conducting business in multiple jurisdictions outside the 
United States. 

We primarily sell our products and report our financial results in U.S. dollars; however, we have increasingly been conducting 
business in countries outside the United States, which exposes us to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.  Paying our 
expenses in other currencies can result in a significant increase or decrease in the amount of those expenses in terms of U.S. 
dollars, which may affect our profits.  In the future, any foreign currency appreciation relative to the U.S. dollar would increase 
our  expenses  that  are  denominated  in  that  currency.    Additionally,  as  we  report  currency  in  the  U.S.  dollar,  our  financial 
position is affected by the strength of the currencies in countries where we have operations relative to the strength of the U.S. 
dollar. 

We periodically review our foreign currency exposure and evaluate whether we should enter into hedging transactions.   

Our international sales and operations are subject to a number of additional risks, including, without limitation: 

• 
• 
• 

social and political turmoil, official corruption and civil unrest; 
restrictive government actions, such as the imposition of trade quotas and tariffs and restrictions on transfers of funds; 
changes in labor laws and regulations affecting our ability to hire, retain or dismiss employees; 

-13- 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
• 

• 

• 
• 
• 

the need to comply with multiple and potentially conflicting laws and regulations, including environmental laws and 
regulations; 
preference for locally branded products and laws and business practices favoring local competition; 
less effective protection of intellectual property; 
unfavorable business conditions or economic instability in any particular country or region; and 
difficulty in obtaining distribution and support. 

There  can  be  no  assurance  that  these  and  other  factors  will  not  have  an  adverse  affect  on  our  business,  operating  results  or 
financial condition. 

We may not be able to maintain our effective tax rate. 

We may not be able to maintain our effective tax rate because:  (1) of future changes in tax laws or interpretations of such tax 
laws;  (2) the  losses  incurred  in  certain  jurisdictions  may  not  offset  the  tax  expense  in  profitable  jurisdictions;  (3) there  are 
differences between foreign and U.S. income tax rates; and (4) many tax years are subject to audit by different tax jurisdictions, 
which may result in additional taxes payable. 

Restrictions imposed by the terms of our existing credit facility, term loan credit agreement and note purchase agreement may 
limit our operating and financial flexibility. 

Our existing credit facility, term loan credit agreement, dated as of June 30, 2008, pursuant to which we borrowed $50 million 
in the form of a term loan, and note purchase agreement, dated as of April 6, 2006, pursuant to which we issued $150 million of 
senior, unsecured notes designated as Series 2006-A Senior Notes, limit our ability to finance operations, service debt or engage 
in other business activities that may be in our interest.  Specifically, our credit facility and term loan restrict our ability to incur 
additional indebtedness, create or incur certain liens with respect to any of our properties or assets, engage in lines of business 
substantially different than those currently conducted by us, sell, lease, license, or dispose of any of our assets, enter into certain 
transactions  with  affiliates,  make  certain  restricted  payments  or  take  certain  restricted  actions  and  enter  into  certain  sale-
leaseback arrangements.  Our note purchase agreement contains customary restrictive covenants that, among other things, place 
limits on our ability to incur liens on assets, incur additional debt, transfer or sell our assets, merge or consolidate with other 
persons  or  enter  into  material  transactions  with  affiliates.    Our  credit  facility,  term  loan  and  note  purchase  agreement  also 
require us to maintain certain financial covenants.   

Our failure to comply with the obligations under our credit facility or term loan may result in an event of default, which, if not 
cured or waived, may cause accelerated repayment of the indebtedness under both the credit facility and term loan and could 
result in a cross default under our note purchase agreement.  We cannot be certain we will have sufficient funds available to pay 
any accelerated repayments or that we will have the ability to refinance accelerated repayments on terms favorable to us or at 
all. 

We may require additional capital in the future, which may not be available or may be available only on unfavorable terms. 

Our  capital  requirements  depend  on  many  factors,  including  capital  improvements,  tooling,  new  product  development  and 
acquisitions.  To the extent our existing capital is insufficient to meet these requirements and cover any losses, we may need to 
raise additional funds through financings or curtail our growth and reduce our assets.  Our ability to generate cash depends on 
economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that may be beyond our control.  Future borrowings or 
financings may not be available to us under our credit facility or otherwise in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our debt 
or meet our liquidity needs. 

Any equity or debt financing, if available at all, could have terms that are not favorable to us.  In addition, financings could 
result in dilution to our shareholders or the securities may have rights, preferences and privileges that are senior to those of our 
common stock.  If our need for capital arises because of significant losses, the occurrence of these losses may  make it  more 
difficult for us to raise the necessary capital. 

Our relationship with the U.S. government and various state and local governments is subject to uncertain future funding levels 
and federal, state and local procurement laws and is governed by restrictive contract terms; any of these factors could limit 
current or future business. 

We  derive  a  significant  portion  of  our  revenue  from  sales  to  various  U.S.  federal,  state  and  local  government  agencies  and 
departments.  Our ability to compete successfully for and retain business with the U.S. government, as well as with state and 

-14- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
local governments, is highly dependent on cost-effective performance.  Our government business is highly sensitive to changes 
in procurement laws, national, international, state and local public priorities and budgets at all levels of government. 

Our  contracts  with  these  government  entities  are  subject  to  various  statutes  and  regulations  that  apply  to  companies  doing 
business with the government.  The U.S. government as well as state and local governments can typically terminate or modify 
their  contracts  with  us  either  for  their  convenience  or  if  we  default  by  failing  to  perform  under  the  terms  of  the  applicable 
contract.  A termination arising out of our default could expose us to liability and impede our ability to compete in the future for 
contracts and orders with agencies and departments at all levels of government.  Moreover, we are subject to investigation and 
audit  for  compliance  with  the  requirements  governing  government  contracts,  including  requirements  related  to  procurement 
integrity,  export  controls,  employment  practices,  the  accuracy  of  records  and  reporting  of  costs.    If  we  were  found  to  have 
committed  fraud  or  certain  criminal  offenses,  we  could  be  suspended  or  debarred  from  all  further  federal,  state  or  local 
government contracting. 

Disruptions  in  financial  markets  may  adversely  impact  availability  and  cost  of  credit  and  business  and  consumer  spending 
patterns. 

As noted in other risks identified above, our ability to make scheduled payments or to refinance debt obligations will depend on 
our operating and financial performance, which in turn is subject to prevailing economic conditions and to financial, business 
and  other  factors  beyond  our  control.    Despite the  current  subprime  mortgage  crisis  and disruptions  in the  financial  markets, 
including the bankruptcy or restructuring of certain financial institutions, we believe the lenders participating in our revolving 
credit  facility  will  be  willing  and  able  to  provide  financing  in  accordance  with  their  contractual  obligations.    However,  the 
current economic environment may adversely impact the availability and cost of credit in the future. 

Disruptions in the financial markets may have an adverse effect on the U.S. and world economy, which could negatively impact 
business and consumer spending patterns.  Current tightening of credit in financial markets also adversely affects the ability of 
customers  and  suppliers  to  obtain  financing  for  significant  purchases  and  operations  and  could  result  in  a  decrease  in  or 
cancellation of orders for our products.  There is no assurance government responses to the disruptions in the financial markets 
will restore business and consumer confidence, stabilize the markets or increase liquidity and the availability of credit. 

Our business is subject to a number of other miscellaneous risks that may adversely affect our business, operating results or 
financial condition. 

Other miscellaneous risks include, without limitation: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

uncertainty related to disruptions of business by accidents, third-party labor disputes, terrorism, military action, natural 
disasters, epidemic, acts of God or other force majeure events; 

reduced  demand  for  our  storage  products  caused  by  changes  in  office  technology,  including  the  change  from  paper 
record storage to electronic record storage; 

the  effects  of  economic  conditions  on  demand  for  office  furniture  and  hearth  products,  customer  insolvencies, 
bankruptcies and related bad debts and claims against us that we received preferential payments; 

our ability to realize cost savings and productivity improvements from our cost containment, business simplification, 
manufacturing consolidation and logistical realignment initiatives; 

increased  foreign  sourcing of  components  and  finished  goods  could reduce our level  of  manufacturing  in the  United 
States and cause us to have excess capacity issues; 

volatility  in  the  market  price  and  trading  volume  of  equity  securities  may  adversely  affect  the  market  price  for  our 
common stock; 

changes  in  labor  laws  and  regulations  may  affect  our  ability  to  hire,  retain  or  dismiss  members  and  the  cost  and 
structure of our corporate compliance practices; 

changes  in  securities  laws,  SEC  rules  or  NYSE  listing  standards,  may  increase  governmental  and  non-governmental 
organization oversight of our business, dictate changes in some of our corporate governance, securities disclosure and 
corporate compliance practices and cause our legal and financial accounting costs to increase; 

-15- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

our ability to protect our intellectual property; 

labor or other manufacturing inefficiencies due to items such as new product introductions, a new operating system or 
turnover in personnel; 

our ability to effectively manage working capital; 

future impairment of assets such as facilities or equipment; 

our ability to successfully implement information technology solutions; 

potential claims by third parties that we infringed upon their intellectual property rights; 

our insurance may not adequately insulate us from expenses for product defects; and 

our ability to retain our experienced management team and recruit other key personnel. 

ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 

None. 

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES 

The Corporation maintains its corporate headquarters in Muscatine, Iowa, and conducts its operations at locations throughout 
the United States, Canada, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, which house manufacturing, distribution and retail operations and 
offices totaling an aggregate of approximately 11.5 million square feet.  Of this total, approximately 3.0 million square feet are 
leased. 

Although the plants are of varying ages, the Corporation believes they are well maintained, equipped with modern and efficient 
equipment,  in  good  operating  condition  and  suitable  for  the  purposes  for  which  they  are  being  used.    The  Corporation  has 
sufficient  capacity  to  increase  output  at  most  locations  by  increasing  the  use  of  overtime  or  the  number  of  production  shifts 
employed. 

The Corporation's principal manufacturing and distribution facilities (200,000 square feet in size or larger) are as follows: 

Location 

Approximate 
Square Feet 

Owned or Leased 

Description of Use 

Cedartown, Georgia 

555,559 

Owned 

Dongguan, China 

1,007,716 

Owned 

Florence, Alabama 

304,365 

Hickory, North Carolina 

206,316 

Lake City, Minnesota 

Lithia Springs, Georgia 

Mt. Pleasant, Iowa 

241,500 

585,000 

288,006 

Owned 

Owned 

Owned 

Leased 

Owned 

-16- 

Manufacturing nonwood casegoods 
office furniture  

Manufacturing wood and nonwood 
casegoods and seating office 
furniture 

Manufacturing nonwood casegoods 
office furniture 

Manufacturing wood casegoods and 
seating office furniture 

Manufacturing metal prefabricated 
fireplaces (1) 

Warehousing office furniture 

Manufacturing metal prefabricated 
fireplaces (1) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Location 

Approximate 
Square Feet 

Owned or Leased 

Description of Use 

Muscatine, Iowa 

Muscatine, Iowa 

Muscatine, Iowa 

Muscatine, Iowa 

Muscatine, Iowa 

272,900 

578,284 

236,100 

636,250 

237,800 

Owned 

Owned 

Owned 

Owned 

Owned 

Orleans, Indiana 

1,196,946 

Owned 

Owensboro, Kentucky 

311,575 

South Gate, California 

499,400 

Wayland, New York 

716,484 

Owned 

Owned 

Owned 

(1)  Also includes a regional warehouse/distribution center 

Manufacturing nonwood casegoods 
office furniture 

Warehousing office furniture  

Manufacturing nonwood casegoods 
office furniture 

Manufacturing nonwood casegoods 
and systems office furniture(1) 

Manufacturing nonwood seating 
office furniture 

Manufacturing wood casegoods and 
seating office furniture(1) 

Manufacturing wood seating office 
furniture 

Manufacturing nonwood casegoods 
office furniture (1) 

Manufacturing wood casegoods and 
seating office furniture (1) 

Other Corporation facilities, under 200,000 square feet in size, are located in various communities throughout the United States, 
Canada, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.  These facilities total approximately 3.6 million square feet with approximately 2.3 
million square feet used for the manufacture and distribution of office furniture and approximately 1.3 million square feet for 
hearth products.  Of this total, approximately 2.4 million square feet are leased.  The Corporation also leases sales showroom 
space in office furniture market centers in several major metropolitan areas. 

There are no major encumbrances on Corporation-owned properties.  Refer to Property, Plant, and Equipment in the Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements for related cost, accumulated depreciation and net book value data. 

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 

The  Corporation  is  involved  in various  kinds of  disputes  and legal  proceedings  that  have  arisen  in  the  ordinary  course  of  its 
business, including pending litigation, environmental remediation, taxes and other claims.  It is the Corporation's opinion, after 
consultation with legal counsel, that liabilities, if any, resulting from these matters are not expected to have a material adverse 
effect on the Corporation's financial condition, although such matters could have a material effect on the Corporation's quarterly 
or annual operating results and cash flows when resolved in a future period. 

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS 

None. 

-17- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART I, TABLE I 

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT 
January 3, 2009 

Name 

Stan A. Askren 

Age 

48 

Family 
Relationship 

None 

Steven M. Bradford 

51 

None 

Position 

Chairman of the Board 
Chief Executive Officer 
President 
Director 

Vice President, General 
  Counsel and Secretary 

Position 
Held 
Since 

2004 
2004 
2003 
2003 

2008 

Marshall H. Bridges 

39 

None 

Treasurer and Vice President,  
  Mergers and Acquisitions 

2007 

Gary L. Carlson 

58 

None 

Vice President, Member and  
  Community Relations 

2007 

Bradley D. Determan 

47 

None 

Jerald K. Dittmer 

51 

None 

Executive Vice President 
President, Hearth & Home  
  Technologies Inc. 

Executive Vice President, 
President, The HON 
Company 

2005 
2003 

2008 

Robert J. Driessnack 

50 

None 

Vice President, Controller 

2004 

Other Business Experience  
During Past Five Years 

President and Regional General Counsel for 
The  Americas,  ICI  Group  Services  (2003-
08);  General  Counsel,  North  America,  ICI 
Paints (2004-08) 

(2007);  Mergers 

Treasurer  and  Director,  Mergers  and 
and 
Acquisitions 
Acquisitions  Director  (2006-07);  Mergers 
and  Acquisitions  Manager 
(2004-06); 
Treasury  and  Investor  Relations  Manager 
(2002-04) 

President  and  CEO,  Greater  Muscatine 
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (2003-
07) 

Vice  President  and  Chief  Financial  Officer 
(2001-08) 

Chief  Financial  Officer,  Retail  Division, 
NCR Corporation (2002-04) 

Tamara S. Feldman 

Douglas L. Jones 

Marco V. Molinari 

48 

50 

49 

None 

None 

None 

Vice President, Financial  
  Reporting 

2001 

Vice President and Chief 
Information Officer 

2005 

Vice President, Business Systems (2001-05) 

Executive Vice President 
President, HNI International 
Inc. 

2006 
2003 

International 

President, 
and  Business 
Development  (2003-04);  Vice  President, 
HON Products, The HON Company (2004-
06) 

Director,  Internal  Audit  (2006-08);  Vice 
President,  Audit  Director,  Assurance,  Inc. 
(2001-06) 

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, 
Asia,  Whirlpool  Corporation  (2007-08); 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, 
Pure Fishing, LLC (2001-06) 

Alan R. Moorhead 

57 

None 

Vice President, Internal Audit 

2008 

Jean M. Reynolds 

51 

None 

Kurt A. Tjaden 

45 

None 

Vice President, Corporate 
  Marketing and E-Commerce 
President, Maxon Furniture  
  Inc. 

Vice President and Chief 
Financial Officer 

2008 

1999 

2008 

-18- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II 

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS,  
                AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES 

The Corporation's common stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"), trading symbol HNI.  As of 
year-end 2008, the Corporation had 8,274 stockholders of record. 

As of February 2, 2009, Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, St. Paul, Minnesota, serves as the Corporation's transfer agent and 
registrar  of  its  common  stock.    Shareholders  may  report  a  change  of  address  or  make  inquiries  by  writing  or  calling:    Wells 
Fargo  Shareowner  Services,  P.O.  Box  64874,  St.  Paul,  MN  55164-0874  or  telephone  800/468-9716.    Prior  to  this  date 
Computershare Investor Services, L.L.C. provided this service. 

Common  Stock  Market  Prices  and  Dividends  (Unaudited)  and  Common  Stock  Market  Price  and  Price/Earnings  Ratio 
(Unaudited)  are  presented  in  the  Investor  Information  section  which  follows  the  Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements 
filed as part of this report. 

The  Corporation  expects  to  continue  its  policy  of  paying  regular  quarterly  cash  dividends.    Dividends  have  been  paid  each 
quarter since the Corporation paid its first dividend in 1955.  The average dividend payout percentage for the most recent three-
year period has been 29% of prior year earnings.  Future dividends are dependent on future earnings, capital requirements and 
the Corporation's financial condition. 

The following is a summary of share repurchase activity during the fourth quarter ended January 3, 2009. 

Total Number of  
Shares (or Units) 
Purchased (1) 

(b) Average Price 
Paid per Share or 
Unit 

Period 

(c) Total Number of 
Shares (or Units) 
Purchased as Part of 
Publicly Announced 
Plans or Programs 

(d) Maximum Number (or 
Approximate Dollar Value) of 
Shares (or Units) that May Yet 
be Purchased Under the Plans or 
Programs 

                                 - 

09/28/08- 
11/01/08 
11/02/08- 
11/29/08 
11/30/08- 
01/03/09 
Total 
(1)  No shares were purchased outside of a publicly announced plan or program. 

                                 - 
                                 - 

$                             - 
$                             - 

                                 - 

$                             - 

$                             - 

                                      - 

                                      - 
                                      - 

                                      - 

$                           163,612,128 

$                           163,612,128 

$                           163,612,128 

The Corporation repurchases shares under previously announced plans authorized by the Corporation's Board of Directors as 
follows: 

• 

Plan  announced  November  9,  2007,  providing  share  repurchase  authorization  of  $200,000,000  with  no  specific 
expiration date. 

•  No  repurchase  plans  expired  or  were  terminated  during  the  fourth  quarter,  nor  do  any  plans  exist  under  which  the 

Corporation does not intend to make further purchases. 

-19- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA — FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY 

Per Common Share Data (Basic and Dilutive) 
   Income from Continuing Operations – basic 
   Income from Continuing Operations – diluted 
   Net Income – basic 
   Net Income – diluted 
   Cash Dividends 
   Book Value – year-end 
   Net Working Capital – year-end 
Operating Results (Thousands of Dollars) 
   Net Sales 
   Gross Profit as a % of Net Sales 
   Interest Expense 
   Income from Continuing Operations 
   Income from Continuing Operations as a % of  
      Net Sales 
   Discontinued Operations(a) 
   Net Income 
   Net Income as a % of Net Sales 
   Cash Dividends 
   % Return on Average Shareholders' Equity 
   Depreciation and Amortization 
Distribution of Net Income 
   % Paid to Shareholders 
   % Reinvested in Business 
Financial Position (Thousands of Dollars) 
   Current Assets 
   Current Liabilities 
   Working Capital 
   Current Ratio 
   Total Assets 
   % Return on Beginning Assets Employed 
   Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations 
   Shareholders' Equity 
Current Share Data 
   Number of Shares Outstanding at Year-End 
   Weighted-Average Shares 
      Outstanding During Year – basic 
   Weighted-Average Shares 
      Outstanding During Year – diluted 
   Number of Shareholders of Record at Year-End 
Other Operational Data 
   Capital Expenditures (Thousands of Dollars) 
   Members (Employees) at Year-End 

2008 

$1.03 
1.02 
1.03 
1.02 
.86 
10.13 
1.00 

2007 

$2.57 
2.55 
2.58 
2.57 
.78 
10.24 
2.33 

2006 

2005 

2004 

$ 2.59 
2.57 
2.46 
2.45 
.72 
10.35 
3.04 

$ 2.53 
2.51 
 2.51 
2.50 
.62 
11.46 
2.48 

$ 1.99 
1.97 
1.99 
1.97 
.56 
12.10 
1.96 

$2,477,587 
33.4% 
$     16,865 
       45,450 

$2,570,472 
35.2% 
$     18,161 
     119,864 

$2,679,803 
34.6% 
$     14,323 
     129,672 

$2,433,316 
36.3% 
$       2,355 
     138,166 

$2,084,435 
36.0% 
$          886 
     113,660 

1.8% 
$               - 
       45,450 
1.8% 
$     38,095 
10.0% 
$     70,155 

4.7% 
$          514 
     120,378 
4.7% 
$     36,408 
25.2% 
$     68,173 

5.7% 

           4.8% 
5.5% 
$      (6,297)  $         (746)  $           (78) 
     113,582 
     137,420 
     123,375 
5.4% 
5.6% 
4.6% 
$      32,023 
$     33,841 
$     36,028 
16.5% 
21.8% 
22.6% 
$     66,703 
$     65,514 
$     69,503 

83.8% 
16.2% 

30.2% 
69.8% 

29.2% 
70.8% 

24.6% 
75.4% 

28.2% 
71.8% 

$   417,841 
     373,625 
       44,216 
           1.12 
$1,165,629 
7.0% 
$   267,343 
     448,833 

$   489,072 
     384,461 
     104,611 
           1.27 
$1,206,976 
15.8% 
$   281,091 
     458,908 

$   504,174 
     358,542 
     145,632 
           1.41 
$1,226,359 
18.1% 
$   285,974 
     495,919 

$   486,598 
     358,174 
     128,424 
           1.36 
$1,140,271 
21.2% 
$   103,869 
     593,944 

$   374,579 
     266,250 
     108,329 
           1.41 
$1,021,657 
17.5% 
$       3,645 
     669,163 

 44,324,409 

 44,834,519 

 47,905,351 

 51,848,591 

 55,303,323 

 44,309,765 

 46,684,774 

 50,059,443 

 54,649,199 

 57,127,110 

 44,433,945 
          8,274 

 46,925,161 
          7,625 

 50,374,758 
          7,475 

 55,033,741 
          6,702 

 57,577,630 
          6,465 

$     70,083 
12,241(b) 

$    58,568 

13,271(b) 

$     58,921 
     14,170(b) 

$     38,912 
12,504(b) 

$      32,417 
10,589(b) 

(a)  Component reported as discontinued operations acquired in 2004. 
(b) 

Includes acquisitions completed during the fiscal year. 

ITEM  7.    MANAGEMENT'S  DISCUSSION  AND  ANALYSIS  OF  FINANCIAL  CONDITION  AND  RESULTS 
OF OPERATIONS 

The following discussion of the Corporation's historical results of operations and of its liquidity and capital resources should be 
read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Corporation and related notes.  Statements that are not 
historical are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties, including those discussed under the heading "Item 1A Risk 
Factors" and elsewhere in this report. 

-20- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview 

The  Corporation  has  two  reportable  segments:    office  furniture  and  hearth  products.    The  Corporation  is  the  second  largest 
office  furniture  manufacturer  in  the  world  and  the  nation's  leading  manufacturer  and  marketer  of  gas  and  wood  burning 
fireplaces.    The  Corporation  utilizes  its  split  and  focus,  decentralized  business  model  to  deliver  value  to  its  customers  with 
various  brands  and  selling  models.    The  Corporation  is  focused  on  growing  its  existing  businesses  while  seeking  out  and 
developing new opportunities for growth. 

The  Corporation's  results  were  negatively  impacted  by  macroeconomic  pressures  during  2008.    Small  business  confidence, 
corporate profits and employment all decreased.  Instability in the global financial markets caused credit to become scarce and, 
when available, generally more expensive.  New housing starts continued to decline, reaching historic lows.  Steel and fuel costs 
experienced  rapid,  steep  inflation  before  abating  due  to  widespread  economic  weakness  toward  the  end  of  the  year.    These 
factors impacted the supplies-driven channel of the Corporation's office furniture segment and the hearth segment dramatically 
during 2008.  The contract channel of the office furniture segment began to experience the impact in order trends at the end of 
2008.  As a result the Corporation implemented actions to adjust to lower demand levels.  These included reductions in staffing, 
short work weeks and other actions to reduce labor costs.  The Corporation completed the complicated task of consolidating a 
manufacturing facility, closing two distribution centers and starting up a new distribution center in its office furniture segment 
in 2008. 

Net  sales  during 2008  were  $2.5 billion, a  decrease  of 3.6  percent, compared  to net  sales of  $2.6  billion in 2007.    The  sales 
decline  was  driven by  lower  volume  in  the  supplies-driven  channel of  the office  furniture  segment  and the  new  construction 
channel of the hearth products segment. 

The Corporation completed the acquisition of HBF a leading provider of premium upholstered seating, textiles, wood tables and 
wood case goods for the office environment during 2008.  The Corporation recorded $21.8 million of goodwill and intangible 
impairment charges during 2008 related to reporting units acquired over the past five years in its office furniture segment due to 
current and projected market and economic conditions. 

Management believes the volatile and uncertain economic outlook will negatively impact both segments of its business in 2009.  
The Corporation is working to  mitigate substantial economic and  market weakness by eliminating waste, attacking structural 
cost and streamlining its business.   

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 

General 

Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of  Operations  is  based  upon  the  Consolidated 
Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP").  The 
preparation  of  these  financial  statements  requires  management  to  make  estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect  the  reported 
amounts  of  assets,  liabilities,  revenue  and  expenses,  and  related  disclosure  of  contingent  assets  and  liabilities.    Management 
bases  its  estimates  on  historical  experience  and  on  various  other  assumptions  that  are  believed  to  be  reasonable  under  the 
circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that 
are  not  readily  apparent  from  other  sources.    Senior  management  has  discussed  the  development,  selection  and  disclosure  of 
these estimates with the Audit Committee of the Corporation's Board of Directors (the "Board").  Actual results may differ from 
these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. 

An  accounting  policy  is  deemed  to  be  critical  if  it  requires  an  accounting  estimate  to  be  made  based  on  assumptions  about 
matters that are uncertain at the time the estimate is made, and if different estimates that reasonably could have been used, or 
changes  in  the  accounting  estimates  that  are  reasonably  likely  to  occur  periodically,  could  materially  impact  the  financial 
statements.    Management  believes  the  following  critical  accounting  policies  reflect  its  more  significant  estimates  and 
assumptions used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Fiscal year end – The Corporation follows a 52/53-week fiscal year which ends on the Saturday nearest December 31.  Fiscal 
year 2008 ended on January 3, 2009; 2007 ended on December 29, 2007; and fiscal 2006 ended on December 30, 2006.  The 
financial statements for fiscal year 2008 are on a 53-week basis; 2007 and 2006 are on a 52-week basis.  A 53-week year occurs 
approximately every sixth year. 

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Revenue  recognition  –  The  Corporation  normally  recognizes  revenue  upon  shipment  of  goods  to  customers.    In  certain 
circumstances, the Corporation does not recognize revenue until the goods are received by the customer or upon installation or 
customer acceptance based on the terms of the sale agreement.  Revenue includes freight charged to customers; related costs are 
included in selling and administrative expense.  Rebates, discounts and other marketing program expenses directly related to the 
sale  are  recorded  as  a  reduction  to  sales.    Marketing  program  accruals  require  the  use  of  management  estimates  and  the 
consideration of contractual arrangements subject to interpretation.  Customer sales that achieve or do not achieve certain award 
levels can affect the amount of such estimates, and actual results could differ from these estimates.  Future market conditions 
may require increased incentive offerings, possibly resulting in an incremental reduction in net sales at the time the incentive is 
offered. 

Allowance  for  doubtful  accounts  receivable  –  The  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts  receivable  is  based  on  several  factors, 
including overall customer credit quality, historical write-off experience, the length of time a receivable has been outstanding 
and specific account analysis that projects the ultimate collectability of the account.  As such, these factors may change over 
time causing the Corporation to adjust the reserve level accordingly.   

When  the  Corporation  determines  a  customer  is  unlikely  to  pay,  a  charge  is  recorded  to  bad  debt  expense  in  the  income 
statement  and  the  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts  is  increased.    When  the  Corporation  is  reasonably  certain  the  customer 
cannot pay, the receivable is written off by removing the accounts receivable amount and reducing the allowance for doubtful 
accounts accordingly. 

As of January 3, 2009, there was approximately $247 million in outstanding accounts receivable and $9 million recorded in the 
allowance for doubtful accounts to cover potential future customer non-payments.  However, if economic conditions were to 
deteriorate  significantly  or  one  of  the  Corporation's  large  customers  declares  bankruptcy,  a  larger  allowance  for  doubtful 
accounts might be necessary.  The allowance for doubtful accounts was approximately $11 million at year end 2007 and $13 
million at year end 2006. 

Inventory valuation – The Corporation valued 83% of its inventory by the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method at January 3, 2009.  
Additionally, the Corporation evaluates inventory reserves in terms of excess and obsolete exposure.  This evaluation includes 
such factors as anticipated usage, inventory turnover, inventory levels and ultimate product sales value.  As such, these factors 
may change over time causing the Corporation to adjust the reserve level accordingly.  The Corporation's reserves for excess 
and obsolete inventory were approximately $8 million at year end 2008, $9 million at year-end 2007 and $8 million at year-end 
2006.  

Long-lived  assets  -  The  Corporation  reviews  long-lived  assets  for  impairment  as  events  or  changes  in  circumstances  occur 
indicating  the  amount  of  the  asset  reflected  in  the  Corporation's  balance  sheet  may  not  be  recoverable.    The  Corporation 
compares an estimate of undiscounted cash flows produced by the asset, or the appropriate group of assets, to the carrying value 
to determine whether impairment exists.  The estimates of future cash flows involve considerable management judgment and 
are  based  upon  the  Corporation's  assumptions  about  future  operating  performance.    The  actual  cash  flows  could  differ  from 
management's  estimates  due  to  changes  in  business  conditions,  operating  performance  and  economic  conditions.    Asset 
impairment  charges  associated  with  the  Corporation's  restructuring  activities  are  discussed  in  Restructuring  Related  and 
Impairment Charges in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

The  Corporation's  continuous  focus  on  improving  the  manufacturing  process  tends  to  increase  the  likelihood  of  assets  being 
replaced;  therefore,  the  Corporation  is  regularly  evaluating  the  expected  useful  lives  of  its  equipment  which  can  result  in 
accelerated depreciation.   

Goodwill  and  other  intangibles  –  In  accordance  with  the  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  ("SFAS")  No.  142, 
"Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" the Corporation evaluates its goodwill for impairment  on an annual basis during the 
fourth quarter or whenever indicators of impairment exist.  The Corporation estimates the fair value of its reporting units using 
various valuation techniques, with the primary technique being a discounted cash flow analysis.  The Corporation has eleven 
reporting  units  within  its  office  furniture  and  hearth  products  operating  segments,  of  which  ten  contained  goodwill.    These 
reporting units constitute components for which discrete financial information is available and regularly reviewed by segment 
management.    Determining  the  fair  value  of  a  reporting  unit  involves  the  use  of  significant  estimates  and  assumptions.    The 
estimate of fair value of each reporting unit is based on management's projection of revenues, gross margin, operating costs and 
cash flows considering historical and estimated future results, general economic and market conditions as well as the impact of 
planned business and operational strategies.  The valuations employ present value techniques to measure fair value and consider 
market  factors.    Management  believes  the  assumptions  used  for  the  impairment  test  are  consistent  with  those  utilized  by  a 
market  participant  in  performing  similar  valuations  of  its  reporting  units.    A  separate  discount  rate  was  utilized  for  each 

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reporting unit with rates ranging from 10.5% to 12.0%.  Management bases its fair value estimates on assumptions they believe 
to  be  reasonable  at  the  time,  but  such  assumptions  are  subject  to  inherent  uncertainty.    Actual  results  may  differ  from  those 
estimates.    In  addition,  for  reasonableness,  the  summation  of  all  reporting  units'  fair  values  is  compared  to  the  Corporation's 
market  capitalization.    If  the  fair  value  of  the  reporting  unit  is  less  than  its  carrying  value,  an  additional  step  is  required  to 
determine  the  implied  fair  value  of  goodwill  associated  with  that  reporting  unit.    The  implied  fair  value  of  goodwill  is 
determined by first allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities and then computing the excess 
of the reporting unit's fair value over the amounts assigned to the assets and liabilities.  If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds 
the  implied  fair  value  of  goodwill,  such  excess  represents  the  amount  of  goodwill  impairment,  and,  accordingly  such 
impairment is recognized.   

As a result of the review performed in the fourth quarter of 2008, the Corporation determined the carrying amount of certain 
reporting  units  acquired over  the  past  few  years  in the  office  furniture  segment  exceeded their fair  value.   Management  then 
compared  the  carrying  value  of  goodwill  to  the  implied  fair  value  of  the  goodwill  in  each  of  these  reporting  units,  and 
concluded that $17 million of impairment charges needed to be recognized.  The impacted reporting units included an office 
furniture services unit, dealer distribution unit, and a recent acquisition with goodwill charges of approximately $10 million, $5 
million and $2 million, respectively. 

The  changes  to  fair  value  in  the  reporting  units  that  triggered  impairment  charges  in  the  fourth  quarter  were  primarily 
attributable  to  the  deterioration  in  market  conditions  experienced  in  late  2008  which  also  caused  management  to  change  its 
estimates of future results.  The Corporation factored these current market conditions and estimates into its projected forecasts 
of sales, operating income and cash flows of each reporting unit through the course of its strategic planning process completed 
in the fourth quarter. 

The significant estimates and assumptions used in estimating future cash flows of its reporting units are based on management's 
view of longer-term broad market trends.  Management combines this trend data with estimates of current economic conditions 
in the U.S., competitor behavior, the mix of product sales, commodity costs, wage rates, the level of manufacturing capacity, 
and the pricing environment.  In addition, estimates of fair value are impacted by estimates of the market participant derived 
weighted average cost of capital.  The Corporation's cash flow projections in all of its reporting units assumed declining revenue 
and cash flows in 2009 and that significant recovery would not begin until after 2010.  As a reasonableness test, management 
also compared the market capitalization of the Corporation at January 3, 2009 to the aggregate fair value of the reporting 
units, resulting in an implied control premium of approximately 30 percent.  Management  believes this implied control 
premium  is  reasonable,  in  light  of  the  synergies  across  its  operating  units,  lean  manufacturing  environment  and  strong 
position in the markets it serves. 

Goodwill of approximately $268 million remains on the consolidated balance sheet as of the end of fiscal 2008.     

The Corporation also determines the fair value of indefinite lived trade names on an annual basis during the fourth quarter or 
whenever  indication  of  impairment  exists.    The  Corporation  performed  its  fiscal  2008  assessment  of  indefinite  lived  trade 
names during the fourth quarter.  The estimate of the fair value of the trade names was based on a discounted cash flow model 
using  inputs  which  included:    projected  revenues  from  management's  long  term  plan,  assumed  royalty  rates  that  could  be 
payable  if  the  trade  names  were  not  owned  and  a  discount  rate.    As  a  result  of  the  review  the  Corporation  determined  the 
carrying value of certain trade names acquired over the past few years in the office furniture segment exceeded their fair value 
and  concluded  that  a  $4.8  million  impairment  charge  needed  to  be  recognized.    A  carrying  value  of  trade  names  of 
approximately $61 million remains on the consolidated balance sheet at the end of fiscal 2008. 

The  Corporation  has  definite  lived  intangibles  that  are  amortized  over  their  estimated  useful  lives.    Impairment  losses  are 
recognized if the carrying amount of an intangible, subject to amortization, is not recoverable from expected future cash flows 
and  its  carrying  amount  exceeds  its  fair  value.    No  impairment  losses  related  to  definite  lived  intangibles  were  recorded.  
Intangibles, net of amortization, of approximately $79 million are included on the consolidated balance sheet as of the end of 
fiscal 2008. 

Key to recoverability of goodwill, indefinite-lived intangibles and long-lived assets is the forecast of the depth and duration of 
the economic downturn and its impact on future revenues, operating margins, and cash flows.  Management's projection for the 
U.S. office furniture and domestic hearth markets and global economic conditions is inherently subject to a number of uncertain 
factors, such as the depth and duration of the global economic slowdown, U.S housing market, credit availability and borrowing 
rates, and overall consumer confidence.  In the near term, as management monitors the above factors, it is possible they may 
change  the  revenue  and  cash  flow  projections  of  certain  reporting  units,  which  may  require  the  recording  of  additional  asset 
impairment charges.  There are certain reporting units that have been recently acquired and therefore have a historical cost that 

-23- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
is  closer  to  the  current  fair  value.    For  one  of  its  reporting  units  within  the  office  furniture  segment,  a  minor  downward 
modification  in  forecasted  results  would  result  in  additional  impairment  charges.    This  reporting  unit  has  approximately  $9 
million of goodwill at January 3, 2009.  For all other reporting units, where impairment charges have not been recorded, the 
calculated fair value exceeds the carrying value of the reporting unit by at least 15%. 

Self-insured  reserves  –  The  Corporation  is  partially  self-insured  or  carries  high  deductibles  for  general,  auto,  and  product 
liability; workers' compensation; and certain employee health benefits.  The general, auto, product, and workers' compensation 
liabilities are managed via a wholly-owned insurance captive; the related liabilities are included in the accompanying financial 
statements.    As  of  January  3,  2009,  those  liabilities  totaled  $29  million.    The  Corporation's  policy  is  to  accrue  amounts  in 
accordance with the actuarially determined liabilities.  The actuarial valuations are based on historical information along with 
certain assumptions about future events.  Changes in assumptions for such matters as the number or severity of claims, medical 
cost  inflation,  and  magnitude  of  change  in  actual  experience  development  could  cause  these  estimates  to  change  in  the  near 
term.   

Stock-based  compensation  –  The  Corporation  adopted  the  provisions  of  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  No. 
123(R),  "Share-Based  Payment"  ("SFAS  123(R)"),  beginning  January  1,  2006.    This  statement  requires  the  Corporation  to 
measure the cost of employee services in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the 
award and to recognize cost over the requisite service period.  This resulted in a cost of approximately $1.6 million in 2008, 
$3.6  million  in  2007  and  $3.2  million  in  2006.    The  decrease  in  cost  in  2008  was  due  to  a  true-up  adjustment  to  estimated 
forfeitures based on current year events.   

Income taxes – Deferred income taxes are provided for the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the 
tax  basis  of  the  Corporation's  assets  and  liabilities.    The  Corporation  provides  for  taxes  that  may  be  payable  if  undistributed 
earnings  of  overseas  subsidiaries  were  to  be  remitted  to  the  United  States,  except  for  those  earnings  that  it  considers  to  be 
permanently reinvested. 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements 

In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in 
Income  Taxes"  ("FIN  48").    FIN  48  clarifies  the  accounting  for  uncertainty  in  income  taxes  recognized  in  an  enterprise's 
financial  statements  in  accordance  with  SFAS  No.  109,  "Accounting  for  Income  Taxes."    FIN  48  prescribes  a  recognition 
threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected 
to be taken in a tax return.  FIN 48 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in 
interim periods, disclosure, and transition.  This Interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006.  
The Corporation adopted the provision of FIN 48 on December 31, 2006, the beginning of fiscal 2007.  See Income Taxes in the 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. 

In  September  2006,  the  FASB  issued  SFAS  No.  157  "Fair  Value  Measurements"  ("SFAS  157")  which  provides  enhanced 
guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities.  The standard also expands the amount of disclosure regarding the 
extent to which companies measure assets and liabilities at fair value, the information used to measure fair value, and the effect 
of fair value measurements on earnings.  The standard applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities 
to  be  measured  at  fair  value  but  does  not  expand  the  use  of  fair  value  in  any  new  circumstances.    The  Corporation  partially 
adopted SFAS 157 on December 30, 2007, the beginning of its 2008 fiscal year.  The Corporation has not applied the provisions 
of SFAS 157 to goodwill and intangibles in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position 157-2.  The 
Corporation  will  adopt  the  new  standard  on  January  4,  2009,  the  beginning  of  its  2009  fiscal  year.    The  Corporation  is  still 
evaluating the impact but does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on its financial statements. 

In  February,  2007,  the  FASB  issued  SFAS  No.  159,  "The  Fair  Value  Option  for  Financial  Assets  and  Financial  Liabilities" 
("SFAS 159") which permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that 
are  not  currently  required  to  be  measured  at  fair  value.    The  objective  of  SFAS  159  is  to  improve  financial  reporting  by 
providing  entities  with  the  opportunity  to  mitigate  volatility  in  reported  earnings  caused  by  measuring  related  assets  and 
liabilities differently  without having to  apply complex  hedge  accounting  provisions.   The  Corporation  adopted  SFAS  159  on 
December  30,  2007,  the  beginning  of  fiscal  2008.    As  the  Corporation  did  not  elect  to  fair  value  any  additional  assets  or 
liabilities it did not have a material impact on its financial statements. 

In  December  2007,  the  FASB  issued  SFAS  No.  141  (Revised),  "Business  Combinations"  ("SFAS  141(R)"),  replacing  SFAS 
No.  141,  "Business  Combinations"  ("SFAS  141"),  and  SFAS  No.  160,  "Noncontrolling  Interests  in  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements  –  An  Amendment  of  ARB  No.  51"  ("SFAS  160").    SFAS  141(R)  retains  the  fundamental  requirements  of  SFAS 

-24- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
141,  broadens  its  scope  by  applying  the  acquisition  method  to  all  transactions  and  other  events  in  which  one  entity  obtains 
control  over  one  or  more  other  businesses,  and  requires,  among  other  things,  that  assets  acquired  and  liabilities  assumed  be 
measured  at  fair  value  as  of  the  acquisition  date,  that  liabilities  related  to  contingent  considerations  be  recognized  at  the 
acquisition date and re-measured at fair value in each subsequent reporting period, that acquisition-related costs be expensed as 
incurred and that income be recognized if the fair value of the net assets acquired exceeds the fair value of the consideration 
transferred.  SFAS 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for noncontrolling interests (i.e., minority interests) in a 
subsidiary,  including  changes  in  a  parent's  ownership  interest  in  a  subsidiary  and  requires,  among  other  things,  that 
noncontrolling  interests  in  subsidiaries  be  classified  as  a  separate  component  of  equity.    Except  for  the  presentation  and 
disclosure requirements of SFAS 160, which are to be applied retrospectively for all periods presented, SFAS 141(R) and SFAS 
160  are  to  be  applied  prospectively  in  financial  statements  issued  for  fiscal  years  beginning  after  December  15,  2008.    The 
Corporation is not able to predict the impact this guidance will have on the accounting for acquisitions it may complete in future 
periods.    For  acquisitions  completed  prior  to  January  3,  2009,  the  new  standard  requires  that  changes  in  deferred  tax  asset 
valuation allowances and acquired income tax uncertainties after the measurement period must be recognized in earnings rather 
than  as  an  adjustment  to  the  cost  of  the  acquisition.    The  Corporation  does  not  expect  this  new  guidance  or  the  adoption  of 
FAS160 to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements. 

In  March  2008,  the  FASB  issued  SFAS  No.  161,  "Disclosures  about  Derivative  Instruments  and  Hedging  Activities  –  an 
amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 ("SFAS 161").  SFAS 161 expends disclosures for derivative instruments by requiring 
entities to disclose the fair value of derivative instruments and their gains or losses in tabular format.  SFAS 161 also requires 
disclosures  of  information  about  credit  risk-related  contingent  features  in  derivative  agreements,  counterparty  credit  risk  and 
strategies  and  objectives  for  using  derivative  instruments.    SFAS  161  will  become  effective  for  fiscal  years  beginning  after 
November 15, 2008.  The Corporation will adopt this new accounting standard on January 4, 2009, the beginning of its fiscal 
year.  The Corporation does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on its financial statements. 

Results of Operations 

The following table sets forth the percentage of consolidated net sales represented by certain items reflected in the Corporation's 
statements of income for the periods indicated. 

Fiscal 
Net Sales 
Cost of products sold 
Gross profit 
Selling and administrative expenses 
Restructuring related charges 
Operating income 
Interest income (expense) net 
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and 
    minority interest 
Income taxes 
Minority interest in earnings of subsidiary 
Income from continuing operations 

2008 

        100.0%  
          66.6  
          33.4  
          29.0  
            1.0  
            3.4  
           (0.6) 

            2.8 
            1.0 
            0.0 
            1.8% 

2007 
        100.0% 
          64.8 
          35.2 
          27.3 
            0.4 
            7.5 
          (0.7) 

            6.9 
            2.2 
            0.0 
            4.7% 

2006 

       100.0% 
         65.4 
         34.6 
         26.8 
           0.1 
           7.7 
          (0.5)   

           7.2 
           2.4 
           0.0  
           4.8% 

Net Sales 

Net sales during 2008 were $2.5 billion, a decrease of 3.6 percent, compared to net sales of $2.6 billion in 2007.   Acquisitions 
contributed  $118  million  or  4.6  percentage  points  of  sales.    Higher  price  realization  of  $66  million  was  offset  by  continued 
softness in the supplies driven channel of the office furniture segment and lower volume in the hearth products segment driven 
by the continuing decline in the new construction channel.  Net sales during 2007 were $2.6 billion, a decrease of 4.1 percent, 
compared to net sales of $2.7 billion in 2006.  Acquisitions contributed $46 million or 1.7 percentage points of sales.  Higher 
price realization of $84 million was offset by soft demand in the supplies driven channel of the office furniture segment and 
lower volume in the hearth products segment.   

Gross Profit 

Gross profit as a percent of net sales decreased 1.8 percentage points in 2008 as compared to 2007 due to lower volume, higher 
material costs and restructuring and transition costs offset partially by better price realization.  Gross profit as a percent of net 

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sales  increased  0.6  percentage  points  in  2007  as  compared  to  2006  due  to  better  price  realization  and  increased  cost  control 
offset partially by lower volume. 

Selling and Administrative Expenses 

Selling and administrative expenses increased 2.2 percent in 2008 and decreased 2.1 percent in 2007.  The increase in 2008 was 
due to increased freight and distribution costs due to freight increases and fuel surcharges, additional costs from acquisitions, 
increased  costs  related  to  new  product  development  and  gains  recorded  in  2007  from  the  sale  of  a  facility  and  the  corporate 
airplane.  These were offset partially by lower volume related expenses, lower incentive based compensation costs, favorable 
adjustments to the current fair value of mandatorily redeemable liabilities from prior acquisitions and cost control initiatives.  
The decrease in 2007 was due to lower volume related expenses and cost containment measures offset partially by additional 
costs from acquisitions, increased costs related to brand building, new product and growth initiatives and higher incentive based 
compensation.     

Selling  and  administrative  expenses  include  freight  expense  for  shipments  to  customers,  product  development  costs  and 
amortization expense of intangible assets.  Refer to Selling and Administrative Expenses in the Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements for further information regarding the comparative expense levels for these major expense items. 

Restructuring and Impairment Charges 

During  2008,  the  Corporation  completed  the  shutdown  of  an  office  furniture  facility  in  Richmond,  Virginia,  consolidated 
production  into  other  manufacturing  locations,  closed  two  distribution  centers  and  started  up  a  new  distribution  center.    The 
Corporation  announced  and  started  these  activities  during  third  quarter  2007.      In  connection  with  the  shutdown  of  the 
Richmond  facility,  the  Corporation  recorded  $4.4  million  of  pre-tax  charges  which  included  $0.6  million  of  accelerated 
depreciation of machinery and equipment recorded in cost of sales, and $3.8 million of severance recorded as restructuring costs 
during  2007.    During  2008,  the  Corporation  incurred  $4.2  million  of  current  period  charges  which  included  $0.4  million  of 
accelerated  depreciation  of  machinery  and  equipment  recorded  in  cost  of  sales  and  $3.8  million  of  other  costs  which  were 
recorded as restructuring costs. 

As part of the Corporation's annual impairment review, management concluded due to market and economic conditions that a 
portion of its goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles had carrying values greater than their fair market value and recorded an 
impairment charge of $21.8 million. 

The Corporation made the decision in 2007 to sell several small non-core components of its office furniture services business 
and recorded $2.7 million of impairment charges, included in the restructuring related and impairment charges line item on the 
statement of income, to reflect the fair market value of the assets being held for sale. 

The  Corporation's  hearth  product  segment  consolidated  some  of  its  service  and  distribution  locations  during  2007.    In 
connection  with  those  consolidations,  the  Corporation  recorded  $1.1  million  of  severance  and  facility  exit  costs  which  were 
recorded as restructuring costs in 2007.  The Corporation incurred $0.3 million of current period charges during 2008 which 
were recorded as restructuring costs. 

During 2007, the Corporation completed the shutdown of an office furniture facility, which began in the fourth quarter of 2006.  
The  facility  was  located  in  Monterrey,  Mexico  and  production  from  this  facility  was  consolidated  into  other  locations.    In 
connection with this shutdown, the Corporation recorded $0.8 million of severance costs in 2006.  The Corporation incurred 
$2.1 million of current period charges during 2007.  

During 2006, the Corporation completed the shutdown of two office furniture facilities which began in the third quarter of 2005.  
The  facilities  were  located  in  Kent,  Washington  and  Van  Nuys,  California,  and  production  from  these  facilities  was 
consolidated into other locations.  In connection with those shutdowns, the Corporation incurred $1.9 million of current period 
charges during 2006. 

Operating Income  

Operating income was $84.9 million in 2008, a decrease of 56.2 percent compared to $194 million in 2007.  The decrease in 
2008 was due to lower volume in the supplies-driven channel of the office furniture segment and the hearth products segment, 
higher material and freight and distribution costs, investments in product development, restructuring, transition and impairment 
charges,  gains  recorded  in  2007  from  the  sale  of  a  facility  and  a  corporate  airplane  and  severance  costs.    These  were  offset 

-26- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
partially  by  improved  price  realization,  lower  volume  related  and  incentive  based  compensation  expenses,  favorable 
adjustments to the current fair value of mandatorily redeemable liabilities from prior acquisitions and cost control initiatives.  
Operating income was $194 million in 2007, a decrease of 6.2 percent compared to $206 million in 2006.  The decrease in 2007 
was  due to lower  volume  in  the  hearth  products  segment,  increased  costs  related to brand  building,  new  product and  growth 
initiatives, higher incentive based compensation and restructuring charges offset partially by improved price realization and cost 
containment measures.     

Income From Continuing Operations 

Income  from  continuing  operations  in  2008,  which  excludes  the  Corporation's  discontinued  business  (see  Discontinued 
Operations in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements), was $45.5 million compared with $119.9 million in 2007, a 62.1 
percent decrease.  Income from continuing operations was positively impacted by decreased interest expense of $1.3 million on 
moderate  debt  levels  due  to  lower  average  interest  rates.    Income  from  continuing  operations  in  2007  was  $119.9  million 
compared with $129.7 million in 2006, a 7.6 percent decrease.  Income from continuing operations was negatively impacted by 
increased  interest  expense  of  $4  million  on  moderate  debt  levels.    Income  from  continuing  operations  per  diluted  share 
decreased by 60.0 percent to $1.02 in 2008 and decreased by 0.8 percent to $2.55 in 2007.  

Discontinued Operations 

During December 2006, the Corporation committed to a plan to sell a small non-core component of its office furniture segment.  
The Corporation reduced the assets to the fair market value and classified them as held for sale.  The sale was completed during 
the second quarter of 2007.  Revenues and expenses associated with this component are presented as discontinued operations 
for  all  periods  presented.    This operation was  formerly  reported  within  the  Office Furniture  segment.   Refer  to  Discontinued 
Operations in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. 

Net Income 

Net income decreased 62.2 percent to $45.5 million in 2008 compared to $120.4 million in 2007 which was a decrease of 2.4 
percent  compared  to  2006.    Net  income  per  diluted  share  decreased  by  60.3  percent  to  $1.02  in  2008  and  increased  by  4.9 
percent to $2.57 in 2007.  Net income per diluted share was positively impacted $0.05 per share in 2008 and $0.18 per share in 
2007 by the Corporation's share repurchase program. 

Office Furniture 

Office  furniture  comprised  83  percent,  82  percent  and  78  percent  of  consolidated  net  sales  for  2008,  2007,  and  2006, 
respectively.    Net  sales  for  office  furniture  decreased  3  percent  in  2008  to  $2.05  billion  compared  to  $2.11  billion  in  2007.  
Acquisitions contributed $61 million of additional sales.  Organic sales decreased $115 million or 5 percent, including increased 
price realization of $50 million, due to continuing softness in the supplies-driven channel which was impacted by the current 
economic conditions.  Net sales for office furniture increased 2 percent in 2007 to $2.11 billion compared to $2.08 billion in 
2006.    The  increase  in  2007  was  due  to  approximately  $37  million  of  net  sales  generated  by  the  Corporation's  acquisitions.  
Organic  sales  were  virtually  flat,  including  increased  price  realization  of  $78  million,  due  to  softness  in  the  supplies-driven 
channel of the business.  BIFMA reported 2008 shipments down 2 percent from 2007 levels and 2007 shipments up 6 percent 
from 2006 levels.   

Operating profit as a percent of net sales was 4.9 percent in 2008, 9.2 percent in 2007 and 8.8 percent in 2006.  The decrease in 
operating margins in 2008 was due to additional restructuring and impairment charges of $17 million compared to 2007 as well 
as lower volume, higher material and fuel costs and severance expenses offset partially by better price realization, cost reduction 
initiatives, lower incentive based compensation and favorable adjustments to the current fair value of mandatorily redeemable 
liabilities from prior acquisitions.  The increase in operating margins in 2007 was due to better price realization and benefits of 
cost reduction initiatives partially offset by increased costs related to brand building, new product and growth initiatives, higher 
incentive based compensation and higher restructuring costs.     

Hearth Products 

Hearth  products  sales  decreased  8  percent  in  2008  to  $424  million  compared  to  $462  million  in  2007.    New  acquisitions 
contributed $57 million of net sales.  The decrease in organic sales was due to the continuing decline in new home construction 
which began in 2006 and has reached historic lows.  This was partially offset by the high demand for alternative fuel products.  
Hearth  products  sales  decreased  23  percent  in  2007  to  $462  million  compared  to  $603  million  in  2006.    New  acquisitions 

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contributed  $9  million  of  sales.    The  decrease  in  organic  sales  was  a  result  of  a  severe  and  rapid  decline  in  new  home 
construction.   

Operating  profit  as  a  percent  of  sales  in  2008  was  2.8  percent  compared  to  7.9  percent  in  2007  and  9.7  percent  in  2006, 
respectively.  The decrease in operating margins in 2008 was due to lower overall volume, rising material costs and increased 
mix  of  lower  margin  remodel/retrofit  business  offset  partially  by  price  increases,  cost  reduction  initiatives  and  lower 
restructuring  expenses.    The  decrease  in  operating  margins  in  2007  was  due  to  lower  overall  volume  offset  partially  by  cost 
reduction initiatives.     

Liquidity and Capital Resources 

Cash Flow – Operating Activities 

Cash  generated  from  operating  activities  in  2008  totaled  $174.4  million  compared  to  $291.2  million  generated  in  2007.  
Changes in working capital balances resulted in a $27.6 million source of cash in the current fiscal year compared to a $94.7 
million source of cash in the prior year. 

The  source  of  cash  related  to  working  capital  balances  in  2008  was  primarily  driven  from  lower  trade  receivables  of  $58.6 
million and lower inventory of $31.8 million due to strong collection efforts and the company wide shutdown for the last two 
weeks  of  the  fiscal  year.    These  sources  of  cash  were  offset  partially  by  decreased  current  liabilities  of  $60.4  million.    The 
decrease  in  current  liabilities  is  comprised  of  $36.5  million  of  decreased  trade  accounts  payable,  $1.3  million  in  tax-related 
accruals and $22.6 million of other accruals namely compensation, retirement and marketing expense accruals.   

The source of cash related to working capital balances in 2007 was primarily driven by lower trade receivables of $39.9 million, 
lower  inventory  of  $20.4  million  and  increased  current  liabilities  of  $32.1  million.    The  increase  in  current  liabilities  was 
comprised of $30.9 million of increased trade accounts payable and $1.2 million in tax-related accruals.  The working capital 
investment in 2006 resulted principally from increases in trade receivables and inventory. 

The Corporation places special emphasis on the management and control of its working capital with a particular focus on trade 
receivables and inventory levels.  The success achieved in managing receivables is in large part a result of doing business with 
quality  customers  and  maintaining  close  communication  with  them.    During  these  uncertain  economic  times  management  is 
placing additional emphasis on monitoring its trade receivables.  Management believes its recorded trade receivable valuation 
allowances  at  the  end  of  2008  are  adequate  to  cover  the  risk  of  potential  bad  debts.    Allowances  for  non-collectible  trade 
receivables, as a percent of gross trade receivables, totaled 3.6 percent, 3.8 percent and 3.9 percent at the end of fiscal years 
2008,  2007  and  2006,  respectively.  The  Corporation's  inventory  turns  were  17,  16  and  18,  for  2008,  2007  and  2006, 
respectively.    The  Corporation  increased  its  relative  proportion  of  foreign-sourced  raw  materials  and  finished  goods,  which 
while reducing inventory turns does have a favorable impact on the overall total cost.  

Cash Flow – Investing Activities 

Capital expenditures were $70.1 million in 2008, $58.6 million in 2007, and $58.9 million in 2006.  These expenditures have 
consistently focused on machinery and equipment and tooling required to support new products, continuous improvements in 
our manufacturing processes and cost savings initiatives.  The increase in capital expenditures in 2008 was due to the facility 
consolidations  that  were  completed  in  2008.    The  Corporation  anticipates  capital  expenditures  for  2009  to  total  $30  to  $40 
million and be primarily related to new products and operational process improvement. 

Included in 2008 investing activities is a net cash outflow of $75.5 million related to the acquisition of HBF.  The addition of 
HBF bolsters the Corporation's contract office furniture business with its strong brand recognition among interior designers and 
emphasis on new products.  In 2007, the investing activities reflected a cash outflow of $41.7 million related to the acquisition 
of Harman Stove Company ("Harman") and two small office furniture dealers.  The acquisition of Harman added to the hearth 
products segment alternative fuel business.  In 2006, the investing activities reflected a cash outflow of $78.6 million related to 
the  acquisition  of  Lamex,  a  privately  held  Chinese  manufacturer  and  marketer  of  office  furniture,  as  well  as  a  small  office 
furniture services company, a small office furniture dealer and a small manufacturer of fireplace facings.  The acquisition of 
Lamex  provided  the  Corporation  with  access  to  the  Chinese  market  as  well  as  other  international  expansion  opportunities.  
Refer to the Business Combination note in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. 

In 2008, the Corporation completed the sale of a facility located in Richmond, Virginia.  In 2007, the Corporation completed the 
sale  of  a  corporate  airplane  and  a  facility  located  in  Monterrey,  Mexico.    In  2006,  the  Corporation  completed  the  sale  of  a 

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facility located in Van Nuys, California.  The proceeds from these sales of $5 million, $11 million and $4 million are reflected 
in  the  Consolidated  Statement  of  Cash  Flows  as  "Proceeds  from  sale  of  property,  plant  and  equipment"  for  2008,  2007  and 
2006, respectively.      

Cash Flow – Financing Activities 

On June 30, 2008, the Corporation entered into a term loan credit agreement which allowed for a one-time borrowing of $50 
million in the form of a term loan.  The term loan may not be repaid and reborrowed and must be fully repaid by June 30, 2011, 
unless extended pursuant to the terms of the agreement.  The term loan can be partially or fully repaid prior to June 30, 2011 
without penalty.  Interest payments are due quarterly and the principal is due in quarterly installments of $1.25 million with the 
balance due on the maturity date. 

The Corporation has a revolving credit facility that provides for a maximum borrowing of $300 million.  Amounts borrowed 
under the revolving credit facility may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until January 28, 2011.  As of 
January 3, 2009, $35 million of the borrowings outstanding were classified as short-term as the Corporation expects to repay 
that portion of the borrowings within a year.   

In  2006,  the  Corporation  refinanced  $150  million  of  borrowings  outstanding  under  the  revolving  credit  facility  with  5.54 
percent, ten-year unsecured Senior Notes due in 2016 issued through the private placement debt market.  Interest payments are 
due  semi-annually  on  April  1  and  October  1 of  each year  and  the principal is  due  in a  lump  sum  in  2016.   The Corporation 
maintained the revolving credit facility with a maximum borrowing of $300 million.   

Additional  borrowing  capacity  of  $192  million,  less  amounts  used  for  designated  letters  of  credit,  is  available  through  the 
revolving  credit  facility  in  the  event  cash  generated  from  operations  should  be  inadequate  to  meet  future  needs.    The 
Corporation  does  not  currently  expect  future  capital  resources  to  be  a  constraint  on  planned  growth.    Certain  of  the 
Corporation's credit agreements include covenants that limit the assumption of additional debt and lease obligations.  Long-term 
debt, including capital lease obligations, was 37% of total capitalization as of January 3, 2009, 38% as of December 29, 2007, 
and 37% as of December 30, 2006. 

Certain  of  the  above  borrowing  arrangements  include  covenants  which  limit  the  assumption  of  additional  debt  and  lease 
obligations.  The most restrictive of the financial covenants is a maximum Consolidated Funded Debt to Consolidated EBITDA 
ratio requirement of 3.0 to 1.0.  Adjusted EBITDA is defined as consolidated net income before interest expense, income taxes, 
and depreciation and amortization of intangibles, as well as non-cash, nonrecurring charges and all non-cash items increasing 
net income.  At January 3, 2009, the Corporation was below this ratio by a wide margin.  The Corporation currently expects to 
remain in compliance over the next twelve months.  If the Corporation's actual results over the next twelve months are lower 
than current projections, the margin by which the Corporation is below this covenant ratio will decrease.  However, even if a 10 
percent decline in expected results were to occur, the Corporation would remain in compliance with the covenant. 

In 2008, the Corporation entered into an interest rate swap agreement with one of its relationship banks, designated as a cash 
flow  hedge,  for  purposes  of  managing  its  benchmark  interest  rate  fluctuation  risk.    The  fair  value  of  its  interest  rate  swap 
arrangement, as further described in the Derivative Financial Instrument note in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, 
was a negative $3.1 million at the end of 2008.  The fair value of the swap arrangement changes based on fluctuations in market 
interest rates.  The changes in fair value are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the equity 
section  of  the  Corporation's  consolidated  balance  sheet.    This  interest  rate  swap  had  the  effect  of  increasing  total  interest 
expense by $0.1 million in 2008.    

During 2008, the Corporation repurchased 1,004,700 shares of its common stock at a cost of approximately $28.6 million, or an 
average price of $28.42.    The Board of Directors authorized $200 million on August 8, 2006, and an additional $200 million 
on  November  9,  2007,  for  repurchases  of  the  Corporation's  common  stock.    As  of  January  3,  2009,  approximately  $163.6 
million  of  this  authorized  amount  remained  unspent.    During  2007,  the  Corporation  repurchased  3,581,707  shares  of  its 
common  stock  at  a  cost  of  approximately  $147.7  million,  or  an  average  price  of  $41.23.    During  2006,  the  Corporation 
repurchased 4,336,987 shares of its common stock at a cost of approximately $203.6 million, or an average price of $46.96.  A 
portion of the 2006 repurchases were made out of a previously approved Board repurchase authorization. 

The Board of Directors increased the rate of the quarterly cash dividend in each of the last three fiscal years.  The last increase 
was a 10.3 percent increase in the quarterly dividend effective with the February 29, 2008, dividend payment for shareholders of 
record at the close of business on February 22, 2008.  Cash dividends were $0.86 per common share for 2008, $0.78 for 2007, 
and $0.72 for 2006.  A cash dividend has been paid every quarter since April 15, 1955, and quarterly dividends are expected to 

-29- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
continue.    The  average  dividend  payout  percentage  for  the  most  recent  three-year  period  has  been  29  percent  of  prior  year 
earnings. 

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $49.3 million at the end of 2008 compared to $43.8 million at the end 
of  2007  and  $37.3  million  at  the  end  of  2006.    These  funds,  coupled  with  cash  from  future  operations  and  additional 
borrowings, if needed, are expected to be adequate to finance operations, planned improvements and internal growth.  Due to 
the volatile and uncertain economic outlook for 2009, the Corporation will manage cash to maintain strategic flexibility.  The 
Corporation currently expects to be able to satisfy its cash flow needs over the next twelve months with existing facilities. 

Contractual Obligations 
The following table discloses the Corporation's obligations and commitments to make future payments under contracts: 

(In thousands) 
Long-term debt obligations, including  
    estimated interest (1) 
Capital lease obligations 
Operating lease obligations 
Purchase obligations (2) 
Other long-term obligations (3) 
Total 

Payments Due by Period 

      Total 

Less than 
1 Year 

1 – 3 
Years 

3 – 5 
Years 

More than 
5 Years 

$   390,896 

  $    31,146 

  $  171,932 

  $    16,684 

  $  171,134 

253 
122,329 
107,503 
30,205 
$  651,186 

209 
33,429 
107,503 
6,786 
  $  179,073 

44 
54,030 
                  - 
6,613 
$  232,619 

                  - 
17,743 
                  - 
2,760 
  $    37,187 

                  - 
17,127 
                  - 
14,046 
  $  202,307 

(1)  Interest has been included for all debt at either the fixed rate or variable rate in effect as of January 3, 2009, as applicable. 

(2)  Purchase obligations include agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable, legally binding, and specify all 

significant terms, including the quantity to be purchased, the price to be paid, and the timing of the purchase.   

(3)  Other long-term obligations represent payments due to members who are participants in the Corporation's deferred and long-
term incentive compensation programs,  mandatory purchases of the remaining unowned interest in an acquisition, liability 
for  unrecognized  tax  liabilities  in  accordance  with  FIN  48,  and  contribution  and  benefit  payments  expected  to  be  made 
pursuant  to  the  Corporation's  post-retirement  benefit  plans.    It  should  be  noted  the  obligations  related  to  post-retirement 
benefit  plans  are  not  contractual  and  the  plans  could  be  amended  at  the  discretion  of  the  Corporation.    The  disclosure  of 
contributions and benefit payments has been limited to 10 years, as information beyond this time period was not available. 

Litigation and Uncertainties 

The  Corporation  is  involved  in various  kinds of  disputes  and legal  proceedings  that  have  arisen  in  the  ordinary  course  of  its 
business, including pending litigation, environmental remediation, taxes, and other claims.  It is the Corporation's opinion, after 
consultation with legal counsel, that liabilities, if any, resulting from these matters are not expected to have a material adverse 
effect on the Corporation's financial condition, although such matters could have a material effect on the Corporation's quarterly 
or annual operating results and cash flows when resolved in a future period. 

Looking Ahead 

Management  believes  the  volatile  and  uncertain  economic  outlook  will  result  in  continued  slowing  in  the  office  furniture 
industry during 2009.  The Corporation will leverage its split-and-focus model to adapt to market realities and identify future 
growth opportunities.  The Corporation will continue to invest in new products and brand development.  The Corporation will 
work  to  offset  substantial  market  weakness  and  increased  investment  by  eliminating  waste,  attacking  structural  cost  and 
streamlining its businesses. 

The housing market and demand for alternative fuel products are expected to continue to decline during 2009 putting pressure 
on  both  revenue  and  profit  in  the  Corporation's  hearth  products  segment.    The  Corporation  intends  to  continue  to  manage 
through  and  adapt  to  these  conditions.    The  Corporation's  strong  brands,  manufacturing  capabilities  and  world-class 
service to builders on a national basis position it well when the housing market begins to recover. 

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The  Corporation  remains  focused  on  creating  long-term  shareholder  value  by  growing  its  business  through  investment  in 
building brands, product solutions and selling models, enhancing its strong member-owner culture and remaining focused on its 
long-standing rapid continuous improvement programs to build best total cost and a lean enterprise. 

ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 

During  the  normal  course  of  business,  the  Corporation  is  subjected  to  market  risk  associated  with  interest  rate  movements.  
Interest rate risk arises from our variable interest debt obligations.  For information related to the Corporation's long-term debt, 
refer to the Long-Term Debt disclosure in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements filed as part of this report.  As of 
January 3, 2009, the Corporation has one interest rate swap agreement.  Under the interest rate swap agreement, the Corporation 
pays  a  fixed  rate  of  interest  and  receives  a  variable  rate  of  interest  equal  to  the  one-month  London  Interbank  Offered  Rate 
("LIBOR") as determined on the last day of each monthly settlement period on an aggregated notational principal amount of 
$50 million.  The interest rate swap derivative instrument is held and used by the Corporation as a tool for managing interest 
rate risk.  It is not used for trading or speculative purposes.  The fair market value of the effective swap instrument was negative 
$3.1  million  at  January  3,  2009.    The  impact  of  this  swap  instrument  on  total  interest  expense  was  an  addition  to  interest 
expense of $0.1 million in 2008.  The Corporation does not currently have any significant foreign currency exposure. 

The Corporation is exposed to risks arising from price changes for certain direct materials and assembly components used in its 
operations.    The  most  significant  material  purchases  and  cost  for  the  Corporation  are  for  steel,  plastics,  textiles,  wood 
particleboard and cartoning.  Steel is the most significant raw material used in the manufacturing of products.  The market price 
of plastics and textiles in particular are sensitive to the cost of oil and natural gas.  Oil and natural gas prices have increased 
sharply in the last several years and as a result the cost of plastics and textiles have increased.  The cost of wood particleboard 
has  been  impacted  by  continued  downsizing  of  production  capacity  in  the  wood  market  as  well  as  increased  cost  in 
transportation related to oil increases.  All of these materials are impacted increasingly by global market pressure and impacts.  
The Corporation works to offset these increased costs through global sourcing initiatives and price increases on its products, 
however, margins have been negatively impacted due to the lag between cost increases and the Corporation's ability to increase 
its  prices.    The  Corporation  believes  future  market  price  increases  on  its  key  direct  materials  and  assembly  components  are 
likely.  Consequently, it views the prospect of such increases as an outlook risk to the business. 

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA 

The financial statements listed under Item 15(a)(1) and (2) are filed as part of this Report. 

The Summary of Unaudited Quarterly Results of Operations follows the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements filed as 
part of this Report. 

ITEM  9.    CHANGES  IN  AND  DISAGREEMENTS  WITH  ACCOUNTANTS  ON  ACCOUNTING  AND 
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE 

None.   

ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 

Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Corporation in the 
reports  that  it  files  or  submits  under  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934  (the  "Exchange  Act")  is  recorded,  processed, 
summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures 
are also designed to ensure that information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive 
Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. 

Under the supervision and with the participation of management, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the 
Corporation  have  evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  the  design  and  operation  of  the  Corporation's  disclosure  controls  and 
procedures as defined in Rules 13a – 15(e) and 15d – 15(e) under the Exchange Act.  As of January 3, 2009, and, based on their 
evaluation,  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  have  concluded  that  these  controls  and  procedures  are 

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effective.  There have not been any changes in the Corporation's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during 
the  fiscal  quarter  ended  January  3,  2009  that  have  materially  affected,  or  are  reasonably  likely  to  materially  affect,  the 
Corporation's internal control over financial reporting.   

Management's  annual  report  on  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  and  the  attestation  report  of  the  Corporation's 
independent registered public accounting firm are included in Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules of this report 
under the headings "Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting" and "Report of Independent Registered 
Public Accounting Firm," respectively. 

ITEM 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION 

None. 

PART III 

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 

The  information  under  the  caption  "Election  of  Directors"  of  the  Corporation's  Proxy  Statement  for  the  Annual  Meeting  of 
Shareholders  to  be  held  on  May  12,  2009,  is  incorporated  herein  by  reference.    For  information  with  respect  to  executive 
officers of the Corporation, see Part I, Table I "Executive Officers of the Registrant" included in this report. 

Information  relating  to  the  identification  of  the  audit  committee,  audit  committee  financial  expert  and  director  nomination 
procedures  of  the  registrant  is  contained  under  the  caption  "Information  Regarding  the  Board"  of  the  Corporation's  Proxy 
Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 12, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference. 

Code of Ethics 

The information under the caption "Code of Business Conduct and Ethics" of the Corporation's Proxy Statement for the Annual 
Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 12, 2009, is incorporated herein by reference. 

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance 

The  information  under  the  caption  "Section  16(a)  Beneficial  Ownership  Reporting  Compliance"  of  the  Corporation's  Proxy 
Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 12, 2009, is incorporated herein by reference. 

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 

The  information  under  the  captions  "Executive  Compensation"  and  "Director  Compensation"  of  the  Corporation's  Proxy 
Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 12, 2009, is incorporated herein by reference. 

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND 
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 

The  information  under  the  captions  "Security  Ownership"  and  "Equity  Compensation  Plan  Information"  of  the  Corporation's 
Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 12, 2009, is incorporated herein by reference. 

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR 
INDEPENDENCE 

The  information  under  the  captions  "Information  Regarding  the  Board  -  Director  Independence,"  "Certain  Relationships  and 
Related Transactions," and "Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons" of the Corporation's Proxy 
Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 12, 2009, is incorporated herein by reference. 

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ITEM 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES 

The information under the caption "Fees Incurred for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP" of the Corporation's Proxy Statement for 
the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 12, 2009, is incorporated herein by reference. 

ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES 

(a) (1) 

Financial Statements 

PART IV 

The  following  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the  Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries  included  in  the 

Corporation's 2008 Annual Report to Shareholders are filed as a part of this Report pursuant to Item 8: 

Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting  .............................................  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ..........................................................  

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended January 3, 2009, 
December 29, 2007, and December 30, 2006 ................................................................................  

Consolidated Balance Sheets – January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 ....  

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the Years Ended January 3, 2009, 
December 29, 2007, and December 30, 2006 ................................................................................  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended January 3, 2009, 
December 29, 2007, and December 30, 2006 ................................................................................  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ..................................................................................  

Investor Information ......................................................................................................................  

Page 

35 

36 

37 

38 

39 

40 

41 

64 

(2) 

Financial Statement Schedules 

The following consolidated financial statement schedule of the Corporation and its subsidiaries is attached: 

Schedule II   Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the Years Ended January 3, 2009, 
                      December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 ...........................................................  

65 

All  other  schedules  for  which  provision  is  made  in  the  applicable  accounting  regulation  of  the  SEC  are  not 

required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted. 

(b)  Exhibits 

         An exhibit index of all exhibits incorporated by reference into, or filed with, this Report appears on Page 66.  
The following exhibits are filed herewith: 

Exhibit 

(10vii)      Form of HNI Corporation 2007 Stock-Based Compensation Plan Stock Option Award Agreement 
(21) 
(23) 
(31.1) 
(31.2) 
(32.1) 

Subsidiaries of the Registrant 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
Certification of the CEO Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 
Certification of the CFO Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 
Certification of CEO and CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant  
to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002  

-33- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this 
Annual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. 

SIGNATURES 

Date: February 27, 2009   

HNI Corporation 

By:    /s/ Stan A. Askren   
               Stan A. Askren 
               Chairman, President and CEO 

Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934,  this  report  has  been  signed  below  by  the  following 
persons  on  behalf  of  the  registrant  and  in  the  capacities  and  on  the  dates  indicated.    Each  Director  whose  signature  appears 
below  authorizes  and  appoints  Stan  A.  Askren  as  his  or  her  attorney-in-fact  to  sign  and  file  on  his  or  her  behalf  any  and  all 
amendments and post-effective amendments to this report.   

Signature 

Title 

Date 

/s/ Stan A. Askren 
Stan A. Askren 

/s/ Kurt A. Tjaden 
Kurt A. Tjaden 

/s/ Mary H. Bell 
Mary H. Bell 

/s/ Miguel M. Calado 
Miguel M. Calado 

/s/ Gary M. Christensen 
Gary M. Christensen 

/s/ Cheryl A. Francis 
Cheryl A. Francis 

/s/ John A. Halbrook 
John A. Halbrook 

/s/ James R. Jenkins 
James R. Jenkins 

/s/ Dennis J. Martin 
Dennis J. Martin 

/s/ Larry B. Porcellato 
Larry B. Porcellato 

/s/ Joseph Scalzo 
 Joseph Scalzo  

Chairman, President and CEO, 
Principal Executive Officer, 
and Director 

Vice President and Chief Financial 
Officer, Principal Financial Officer  
and Principal Accounting Officer 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

-34- 

February 27, 2009 

February 27, 2009 

February 27, 2009 

February 27, 2009 

February 27, 2009 

February 27, 2009 

February 27, 2009 

February 27, 2009 

February 27, 2009 

February 27, 2009 

February 27, 2009 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Signature 

Title 

Date 

/s/ Abbie J. Smith 
Abbie J. Smith 

/s/ Brian E. Stern 
Brian E. Stern 

/s/ Ronald V. Waters, III 
Ronald V. Waters, III 

Director 

Director 

Director 

February 27, 2009 

February 27, 2009 

February 27, 2009 

Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

Management  of  HNI  Corporation  is  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  adequate  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  HNI Corporation's internal 
control  over  financial  reporting  is  a  process  designed  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of  financial 
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally 
accepted in  the  United  States  of  America.    HNI  Corporation's  internal  control over  financial  reporting  includes  those  written 
policies and procedures that: 

• 

• 

• 

pertain  to  the  maintenance  of  records  that,  in  reasonable  detail,  accurately  and  fairly  reflect  the  transactions  and 
dispositions of the assets of HNI Corporation; 
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in 
accordance  with  accounting  principles  generally  accepted  in  the  United  States  of  America,  and  that  receipts  and 
expenditures of HNI Corporation are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors 
of HNI Corporation; and 
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of 
assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. 

Internal control over financial reporting includes the controls themselves, monitoring (including internal auditing practices), and 
actions taken to correct deficiencies as identified. 

Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect  misstatements.    Also, 
projections  of  any  evaluation  of  effectiveness  to  future  periods  are  subject  to  the  risk  that  controls  may  become  inadequate 
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

Management  assessed  the  effectiveness  of  HNI  Corporation's  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  January  3,  2009.  
Management  based  this  assessment  on  criteria  for  effective  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  described  in  Internal 
Control  –  Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission.  
Management's assessment included an evaluation of the design of HNI Corporation's internal control over financial reporting 
and  testing  of  the  operational  effectiveness  of  HNI  Corporation's  internal  control  over  financial  reporting.    Management 
reviewed the results of its assessment with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. 

Based on this assessment, management determined that, as of January 3, 2009, HNI Corporation maintained effective internal 
control over financial reporting. 

Management's assessment of the effectiveness of HNI Corporation's internal control over financial reporting as of January 3, 
2009 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report 
which appears herein. 

February 26, 2009 

-35- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of HNI Corporation: 

In  our  opinion,  the  consolidated  financial  statements  listed  in  the  index  appearing  under  Item  15(a)(1),  present  fairly,  in  all 
material  respects,  the  financial  position  of  HNI  Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries  (the  "Corporation")  at  January  3,  2009, 
December 29, 2007, and December 30, 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years 
in  the  period  ended  January  3,  2009  in  conformity  with  accounting  principles  generally  accepted  in  the  United  States  of 
America.  In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents 
fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial 
statements.    Also  in  our  opinion,  the  Company  maintained,  in  all  material  respects,  effective  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting  as  of  January  3,  2009,  based  on  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control  -  Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Corporation's management is responsible 
for  these  financial  statements  and  financial  statement  schedule,  for  maintaining  effective  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the Management 
Report  on  Internal  Control  Over  Financial  Reporting  appearing  under  Item  15.    Our  responsibility  is  to  express  opinions  on 
these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Corporation's internal control over financial reporting 
based on our integrated audits.  We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting 
Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance 
about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial 
reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, 
evidence  supporting  the  amounts  and  disclosures  in  the  financial  statements,  assessing  the  accounting  principles  used  and 
significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  Our audit of internal 
control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the 
risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based 
on  the  assessed  risk.    Our  audits  also  included  performing  such  other  procedures  as  we  considered  necessary  in  the 
circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions. 

A  company's  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  is  a  process  designed  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the 
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally 
accepted accounting principles.  A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures 
that  (i) pertain  to  the  maintenance  of  records  that,  in  reasonable  detail,  accurately  and  fairly  reflect  the  transactions  and 
dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit 
preparation  of  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles,  and  that  receipts  and 
expenditures  of  the  company  are  being  made  only  in  accordance  with  authorizations  of  management  and  directors  of  the 
company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or 
disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. 

Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect  misstatements.    Also, 
projections  of  any  evaluation  of  effectiveness  to  future  periods  are  subject  to  the  risk  that  controls  may  become  inadequate 
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chicago, Illinois 
February 27, 2009 

-36- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HNI CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 

(Amounts in thousands, except for per share data) 

For the Years 

Net sales 

Cost of products sold 

Gross profit 

     2008 

2007 

2006 

$         2,477,587 

$      2,570,472 

$       2,679,803 

           1,648,975 

        1,664,697 

         1,752,882 

             828,612 

          905,775 

            926,921 

Selling and administrative expenses 

             717,870 

          702,329 

            717,676 

Restructuring related and impairment charges 

               25,859 

              9,788 

                2,829 

Operating income 

Interest income 

Interest expense 

               84,883 

          193,658 

            206,416 

                 1,172 

              1,229 

                1,139 

               16,865 

            18,161 

              14,323 

Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes 
and minority interest 

               69,190 

          176,726 

            193,232 

Income taxes 

               23,634 

            57,141 

              63,670 

Earnings from continuing operations before minority  
   interest 

               45,556 

           119,585 

            129,562 

Minority interest in earnings (losses) of subsidiary 

                    106 

                (279) 

                 (110) 

Income from continuing operations 

               45,450 

          119,864 

            129,672 

Discontinued operations, less applicable income taxes 

                        - 

                 514 

              (6,297) 

Net income 

$              45,450 

$         120,378 

$          123,375 

Net income from continuing operations – basic 

$                 1.03 

$              2.57 

$               2.59 

Net income from discontinued operations – basic  

                        - 

                0.01 

                (0.13) 

Net income per common share – basic 

$                 1.03 

$              2.58 

$               2.46 

Weighted average shares outstanding – basic 

         44,309,765 

      46,684,774 

       50,059,443 

Net income from continuing operations – diluted  

$                 1.02 

$              2.55 

$               2.57 

Net income from discontinued operations – diluted  

                        - 

                0.02 

                (0.12) 

Net income per common share – diluted 

$                 1.02 

$              2.57 

$               2.45 

Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. 

         44,433,945 

      46,925,161 

       50,374,758 

-37- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HNI CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 

(Amounts in thousands of dollars and shares except par value) 

As of Year-end 
Assets 
Current Assets 
   Cash and cash equivalents 
   Short-term investments 
   Receivables, net 
   Inventories 
   Deferred income taxes 
   Prepaid expenses and other current assets 
      Total Current Assets 
Property, Plant, and Equipment 
Goodwill 
Other Assets 
      Total Assets 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity 
Current Liabilities 
   Accounts payable and accrued expenses 
   Note payable and current maturities of long-term debt  
      and capital lease obligations 
   Current maturities of other long-term obligations 
      Total Current Liabilities 
Long-Term Debt 
Capital Lease Obligations 
Other Long-Term Liabilities 
Deferred Income Taxes 
Minority Interest in Subsidiaries 
Commitments and Contingencies 
Shareholders' Equity 
Preferred stock - $1 par value 
   Authorized:  2,000 
   Issued:  None 
Common stock - $1 par value 
   Authorized:  200,000 
   Issued and outstanding:  2008-44,324; 2007-44,835;  
      2006-47,906 
Additional paid-in capital 
Retained earnings 
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income 
   Total Shareholders' Equity 
   Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity 

2008 

2007 

2006 

$               39,538 
                   9,750 
               238,327 
                 84,290 
                 16,313 
                 29,623 
               417,841 
               315,606 
               268,392 
               163,790 
$          1,165,629 

$             33,881 
                 9,900 
             288,777 
             108,541 
               17,828 
               30,145 
             489,072 
             305,431 
             256,834 
             155,639 
$        1,206,976 

$            28,077 
                9,174 
            316,568 
            105,765 
              15,440 
              29,150 
            504,174 
            309,952 
            251,761 
            160,472 
$       1,226,359 

$             313,431 

$           367,320 

$          328,882 

                 54,494 
                   5,700 
               373,625 
               267,300 
                        43 
                 50,399 
                 25,271 
                     158 

               14,715 
                 2,426 
             384,461 
             280,315 
                    776 
               55,843 
               26,672 
                        1 

              26,135 
                3,525 
            358,542 
            285,300 
                   674 
              56,103 
              29,321 
                   500 

                         - 

                        - 

                      - 

                 44,324 

               44,835 

              47,906 

                   6,037 
               400,379 
                 (1,907) 
               448,833 
$          1,165,629 

                 3,152 
             410,075 
                    846 
             458,908 
$        1,206,976 

                2,807 
            448,268 
               (3,062) 
            495,919 
$       1,226,359 

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

-38- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HNI CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 

 (Amounts in thousands) 

Balance, December 31, 2005 
Comprehensive income: 
   Net income 
   Other comprehensive income 
Comprehensive income 
Adoption of FAS158 impact 

Cash dividends 
Common shares – treasury: 
   Shares purchased 
   Shares issued under Members' Stock  
     Purchase Plan and stock awards 

Balance, December 30, 2006 
Comprehensive income: 
   Net income 
   Other comprehensive income 
Comprehensive income 

Adoption of FIN 48 impact 

Cash dividends 
Common shares – treasury: 
   Shares purchased 
   Shares issued under Members' Stock  
     Purchase Plan and stock awards 
Balance, December 29, 2007 
Comprehensive income: 
   Net income 
   Other comprehensive income 
Comprehensive income 

Cash dividends 
Common shares – treasury: 
   Shares purchased 
   Shares issued under Members' Stock  
     Purchase Plan and stock awards 

Common 
Stock 
$       51,849 

Additional 
Paid-in 
Capital 
$              941 

Accumulated 
Other 
Comprehensive 
(Loss)/Income 
$                332 

               1,168 

             (4,562) 

Retained 
Earnings 
$     540,822 

       123,375 

       (36,028) 

         (4,337) 

         (19,408) 

     (179,901) 

              394 

           21,274 

Total 
Shareholders' 
Equity 
$       593,944 

         123,375 
             1,168 
         124,543 
            (4,562) 

          (36,028) 

        (203,646) 

           21,668 

         47,906 

             2,807 

       448,268 

             (3,062) 

         495,919 

       120,378 

               3,908 

            (509) 

       (36,408) 

         (3,582) 

         (22,439) 

     (121,654) 

              511 
         44,835 

           22,784 
             3,152 

       410,075 

                  846 

         45,450 

             (2,753) 

       (38,095) 

         (1,005) 

         (10,497) 

       (17,051) 

              494 

           13,382 

         120,378 
             3,908 
         124,286 

               (509) 

          (36,408) 

        (147,675) 

           23,295 
         458,908 

           45,450 
            (2,753) 
           42,697 

          (38,095) 

          (28,553) 

           13,876 

Balance, January 3, 2009 
$           6,037 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. 

$       44,324 

$     400,379 

$           (1,907)  $       448,833 

-39- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Amounts in thousands) 

HNI CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

2008 

2007 

2006 

For the Years 
Net Cash Flows From (To) Operating Activities: 
   Net income 
   Noncash items included in net income: 
      Depreciation and amortization 
      Other postretirement and post-employment benefits 
      Stock-based compensation 
      Excess tax benefits from stock compensation 
      Deferred income taxes 
      Net loss on sales, retirements and impairments of long-lived  
         assets and intangibles 
      Stock issued to retirement plan 
      Other – net 
   Changes in working capital, 
      excluding acquisition and disposition: 
      Receivables 
      Inventories 
      Prepaid expenses and other current assets 
      Accounts payable and accrued expenses 
      Income taxes 
   Increase (decrease) in other liabilities 
         Net cash flows from (to) operating activities 
Net Cash Flows From (To) Investing Activities: 
   Capital expenditures 
   Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 
   Capitalized software 
   Acquisition spending, net of cash acquired 
   Short-term investments – net 
   Purchase of long-term investments 
   Sales or maturities of long-term investments 
   Other – net  
         Net cash flows from (to) investing activities 
Net Cash Flows From (To) Financing Activities: 
   Purchase of HNI Corporation common stock 
   Proceeds from long-term debt 
   Payments of note and long-term debt and other financing 
   Proceeds from sale of HNI Corporation common stock 
   Excess tax benefits from stock compensation 
   Dividends paid 
         Net cash flows from (to) financing activities 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information: 
  Cash paid during the year for: 
   Interest 
   Income taxes 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. 

$         45,450 

           70,155 
             1,509 
             1,616 
                (11) 
             2,600 

           22,691 
             6,592 
           (3,908) 

           58,570 
           31,842 
                306 
         (59,145) 
           (1,255) 
           (2,643) 
         174,369 

         (70,083) 
             6,191 
           (1,413) 
         (75,479) 
              (250) 
         (10,650) 
           20,158 
                    - 
        131,526) 

         (28,553) 
         359,500 
       (334,200) 
             4,151 
                  11 
         (38,095) 
         (37,186) 
            5,657 
           33,881 
$         39,538 

$         17,160 
$         22,852 

$       120,378 

$     123,375 

           68,173 
             2,132 
             3,603 
              (808) 
           (4,935) 

         69,503 
           2,109 
           3,219 
            (865) 
         (3,712) 

             1,662 
             6,611 
           (1,162) 

           4,639 
           7,948 
           1,733 

            39,941 
            20,380 
              2,264 
            30,944 
              1,169 
                 835 
          291,187 

       (24,059) 
         (7,123) 
         (9,541) 
         (2,794) 
         (2,088) 
         (2,742) 
       159,602 

         (58,568) 
             2,145 
              (346) 
         (41,696) 
                   - 
         (24,427) 
          20,576 
               294 
         (92,022) 

       (147,675) 
         289,503 
       (309,297) 
            9,708 
               808 
         (36,408) 
       (193,361) 
            5,804 
          28,077 
$        33,881 

       (58,921) 
          5,952 
         (1,003) 
       (78,569) 
             926 
       (13,600) 
           8,250 
                  - 
     (136,965) 

     (203,646) 
       515,157 
     (352,401) 
          5,786 
             865 
       (36,028) 
       (70,267) 
       (47,630) 
         75,707 
$       28,077 

$        18,213 
$        57,128 

$       12,002 
$       75,266 

-40- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HNI CORPORATION and subsidiaries 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Nature of Operations 
HNI Corporation with its subsidiaries (the "Corporation"), is a provider of office furniture and hearth products.  Both industries 
are  reportable  segments;  however,  the  Corporation's  office  furniture  business  is  its  principal  line  of  business.    Refer  to 
Operating Segment Information for further information.  Office furniture products are sold through a national system of dealers, 
wholesalers, retail superstores, and directly to end-user customers, and federal and state governments. Dealers and wholesalers 
are the major channels based on sales.  Hearth products include a full array of gas, electric, and wood burning fireplaces, inserts, 
stoves,  facings,  and  accessories.    These  products  are  sold  through  a  national  system  of  dealers  and  distributors,  as  well  as 
Corporation-owned distribution and retail outlets.  The Corporation's products are marketed predominantly in the United States 
and Canada.  The Corporation exports select products to a limited number of markets outside North America, principally Latin 
America  and  the  Caribbean,  through  its  export  subsidiary  and  manufactures  and  markets  office  furniture  in  Asia;  however, 
based on sales, these activities are not significant. 

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 
Principles of Consolidation and Fiscal Year-End 
The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  and  transactions  of  the  Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries.  
Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. 

The Corporation follows a 52/53 week fiscal year which ends on the Saturday nearest December 31. Fiscal year 2008 ended on 
January  3,  2009;  2007  ended  on  December  29,  2007;  and  2006  ended  on  December  30,  2006.    The  financial  statements  for 
fiscal year 2008 are on a 53-week basis; fiscal 2007 and 2006 are on a 52-week basis.  A 53-week year occurs approximately 
every sixth year. 

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments 
Cash and cash equivalents generally consist of cash and money market accounts.  These securities have original maturity dates 
not exceeding three months from date of purchase.  The Corporation has short-term investments with maturities of less than one 
year  and  also  has  investments  with  maturities  greater  than  one  year  that  are  included  in  Other  Assets  on  the  Consolidated 
Balance  Sheet.    Management  classifies  investments  in  marketable  securities  at  the  time  of  purchase  and  reevaluates  such 
classification at each balance sheet date.  Equity securities are classified as available-for-sale and are stated at current market 
value  with  unrealized  gains  and  losses  included  as  a  separate  component  of  equity,  net  of  any  related  tax  effect.    The 
Corporation recognized $1.5 million of other than temporary impairments on these investments during 2008 due to the length of 
time  and  extent  of  which  the  market  value  was  below  cost  and  current  financial  conditions.    Debt  securities  are  normally 
classified as held-to-maturity and are stated at amortized cost.  Certain debt securities were reclassified to trading securities at 
the end of 2008 due to the Corporation's intentions to sell.  A loss of $41,000 was recognized on these securities.  The specific 
identification  method  is  used  to  determine  realized  gains  and  losses  on  the  trade  date.    The  Corporation  has  invested  in  an 
investment  fund  in  which  the  Corporation's  ownership  in  this  investment  fund  is  such  that  the  underlying  investments  are 
recorded at fair market value through the income statement. 

-41- 

 
 
 
 
 
At  January  3,  2009,  December  29,  2007  and  December  30,  2006,  cash,  cash  equivalents  and  investments  consisted  of  the 
following (cost approximates market value): 

Year-End 2008 

(In thousands) 
Trading securities 
Debt securities 
Held-to-maturity securities 
Certificates of deposit 
Debt securities 
Available for sale securities 
Equity securities 
Investment in target fund 
Cash and money market 

accounts 

Total 

Year-End 2007 

(In thousands) 
Held-to-maturity securities 
Debt securities 
Available for sale securities 
Equity securities 
Investment in target fund 
Cash and money market 

accounts 

Total 

Cash and cash 
equivalents 

Short-term 
investments 

Long-term 
investments 

$                   - 

$                     - 

$               1,541 

                     - 
                     - 

                       - 
                       - 

                   250 
                   181 

                     - 
                     - 

                       - 
                9,750 

                1,974 
              15,297 

            39,538 
$          39,538 

$              9,750 

$            19,243 

Cash and cash 
equivalents 

Short-term 
investments 

Long-term 
investments 

$                    - 

$                      - 

$               1,858 

                      - 
                      - 

                        - 
                9,900 

                 3,138 
               25,705 

            33,881 
$          33,881 

                       - 
$             9,900 

                        - 
$            30,701 

Year-End 2006 

(In thousands) 
Held-to-maturity securities 
Certificates of deposit 
Investment in target fund 
Cash and money market accounts 
Total 

Cash and cash 
equivalents 

Short-term 
investments 

Long-term 
investments 

$                  - 
                    - 
          28,077 
$        28,077 

$                       - 
                 9,174 
                        - 
$               9,174 

$                   400 
                25,589 
                         - 
$              25,989 

Receivables 
Accounts receivable are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $8.8 million, $11.5 million, and $12.8 million, 
for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The allowance is developed based on several factors including overall customer credit 
quality, historical write-off experience, and specific account analyses that project the ultimate collectibility of the account.  As 
such, these factors may change over time causing the reserve level to adjust accordingly. 

Inventories 
The  Corporation  valued  83%,  87%  and  86%  of  its  inventory  by  the  last-in,  first-out  ("LIFO")  method  at  January  3,  2009, 
December  29,  2007  and  December  30,  2006,  respectively.    During  2008,  inventory  quantities  were  reduced.    This  reduction 
resulted in a liquidation of LIFO inventory quantities carried at lower costs prevailing in prior years as compared with the cost 
of  2008  purchases,  the  effect  of  which  decreased  cost  of  goods  sold  by  approximately  $3.7  million.    Additionally,  the 
Corporation evaluates its inventory reserves in terms of excess and obsolete exposures.  This evaluation includes such factors as 
anticipated usage, inventory turnover, inventory levels, and ultimate product sales value.  As such, these factors  may change 
over time causing the reserve level to adjust accordingly.  The reserves for excess and obsolete inventory were $7.8 million, 
$9.1 million and $7.7 million, at year-end 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. 

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Property, Plant and Equipment 
Property,  plant  and  equipment  are  carried  at  cost.    Depreciation  has  been  computed  using  the  straight-line  method  over 
estimated useful lives:  land improvements, 10 – 20 years; buildings, 10 – 40 years; and machinery and equipment, 3 – 12 years.  

Long-Lived Assets 
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment as events or changes in circumstances occur indicating the amount of the asset 
reflected in the Corporation's balance sheet may not be recoverable.  An estimate of undiscounted cash flows produced by the 
asset,  or  the  appropriate  group  of  assets,  is  compared  to  the  carrying  value  to  determine  whether  impairment  exists.    The 
estimates  of  future  cash  flows  involve  considerable  management  judgment  and  are  based  upon  assumptions  about  expected 
future  operating  performance.    The  actual  cash  flows  could  differ  from  management's  estimates  due  to  changes  in  business 
conditions,  operating  performance  and  economic  conditions.    Asset  impairment  charges  recorded  in  connection  with  the 
Corporation's  restructuring  activities  are  discussed  in  Restructuring  Related  Charges.    These  assets  included  real  estate, 
manufacturing equipment and certain other fixed assets.  The Corporation's continuous focus on improving the manufacturing 
process tends to increase the likelihood of assets being replaced; therefore, the Corporation is regularly evaluating the expected 
lives of its equipment and accelerating depreciation where appropriate.   

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets 
In  accordance  with  SFAS  No.  142,  "Goodwill  and  Other  Intangible  Assets"  ("SFAS  142"),  the  Corporation  evaluates  its 
goodwill for impairment on an annual basis based during the fourth quarter or whenever indicators of impairment exist.  The 
Corporation estimates the fair value of its reporting units using various valuation techniques, with the primary technique being a 
discounted  cash  flow  method.    Determining  the  fair  value  of  a  reporting  unit  involves  the  use  of  significant  estimates  and 
assumptions.    Management  bases  its  fair  value  estimates  on  assumptions  it  believes  to  be  reasonable  at  the  time,  but  such 
assumptions are subject to inherent uncertainty.  Actual results may differ from those estimates. 

The Corporation also determines the fair value of indefinite-lived trade names on an annual basis or whenever indications of 
impairment exist.  The Corporation estimates the fair value of the trade names based on a discounted cash flow model using 
inputs which include projected revenues from management's long term plan, assumed royalty rates that could be payable if the 
trade names  were not owned and a discount rate.  Determining the fair value of a trade name  involves the use of significant 
estimates and assumptions.  Actual results may differ from those estimates. 

The  Corporation  has  definite-lived  intangibles  that  are  amortized  over  their  estimated  useful  lives.    Impairment  losses  are 
recognized if the carrying amount of an intangible, subject to amortization, is not recoverable from expected future cash flows 
and its carrying amount exceeds its fair value.  Intangibles, net of amortization, of approximately $79 million are included on 
the consolidated balance sheet as of the end of fiscal 2008. 

See Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets footnote for further information. 

Product Warranties 
The Corporation issues certain warranty policies on its furniture and hearth products that provides for repair or replacement of 
any  covered product or  component  that  fails  during normal  use  because of  a defect  in  design,  materials or  workmanship.   A 
warranty reserve is determined by recording a specific reserve for known warranty issues and an additional reserve for unknown 
claims  that  are  expected  to  be  incurred  based  on  historical  claims  experience.    Actual  claims  incurred  could  differ  from  the 
original estimates, requiring adjustments to the reserve.  Activity associated with warranty obligations was as follows: 

(In thousands) 
Balance at the beginning of the period 
Accrual assumed from acquisition 
Accruals for warranties issued during the period 
Accrual related to pre-existing warranties 
Settlements made during the period 
Balance at the end of the period 

2008 
$          12,123 
                 250 
            20,008 
              1,368 
           (19,801) 
$          13,948 

2007 
$         10,624 
                703 
           14,831 
                600 
          (14,635) 
$         12,123 

2006 
$         10,157 
                125 
           12,273 
                810 
          (12,741) 
$         10,624 

Revenue Recognition 
Revenue is normally recognized upon shipment of goods to customers.  In certain circumstances revenue is not recognized until 
the goods are received by the customer or upon installation and customer acceptance based on the terms of the sales agreement.  
Revenue includes freight charged to customers; the related costs are recorded in selling and administrative expense.  Rebates, 
discounts  and  other  marketing program  expenses  that  are  directly  related  to the  sale  are  recorded  as  a  reduction  to  net  sales.  
Marketing program accruals require the use of management estimates and the consideration of contractual arrangements that are 

-43- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
subject  to  interpretation.    Customer  sales  that  achieve  or  do  not  achieve  certain  award  levels  can  affect  the  amount  of  such 
estimates and actual results could differ from these estimates. 

Product Development Costs 
Product development costs relating to the development of new products and processes, including significant improvements and 
refinements to existing products, are expensed as incurred.  These costs include salaries, contractor fees, building costs, utilities 
and  administrative  fees.    The  amounts  charged  against  income  were  $27.8  million  in  2008,  $24.0  million  in  2007  and  $27.6 
million in 2006.  

Stock-Based Compensation 
The  Corporation  adopted  the  provisions  SFAS  123(R),  beginning  January  1,  2006,  using  the  modified  prospective  transition 
method.  This statement requires the Corporation to measure the cost of employee services in exchange for an award of equity 
instruments  based  on  the  grant-date  fair  value  of  the  award  and  to  recognize  cost  over  the  requisite  service  period.    See  the 
Stock-Based Compensation footnote for further information. 

Income Taxes 
The Corporation accounts for income taxes under SFAS 109.  This Statement uses an asset and liability approach that requires 
the  recognition  of  deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities  for  the  expected  future  tax  consequences  of  events  that  have  been 
recognized in the Corporation's financial statements or tax returns.  Deferred income taxes are provided to reflect the differences 
between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements.  The Corporation provides 
for taxes that may be payable if undistributed earnings of overseas subsidiaries were to be remitted to the United States, except 
for those earnings it considers to be permanently reinvested.  There were approximately $10.5 million of accumulated earnings 
considered to be permanently reinvested as of January 3, 2009.  The Corporation adopted FIN 48.  See the Income Tax footnote 
for further information. 

Earnings Per Share 
Basic  earnings  per  share  are  based  on  the  weighted-average  number  of  common  shares  outstanding  during  the  year.    Shares 
potentially  issuable  under  options  and  deferred  restricted  stock  have  been  considered  outstanding  for  purposes  of  the  diluted 
earnings per share calculation. 

The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share 
(EPS):  

(In thousands, except per share data) 
Numerators: 
   Numerators for both basic and diluted EPS net income  
Denominators: 
   Denominator for basic EPS weighted-average common  
         shares outstanding 
Potentially dilutive shares from stock option plans 

Denominator for diluted EPS 

Earnings per share – basic 
Earnings per share – diluted 

2008 

2007 

2006 

$ 45,450 

$120,378 

$123,375 

44,310 
      124 

46,685 
      240 

  44,434 

  46,925 

$1.03 
$1.02 

$2.58 
$2.57 

50,059 
       316 

  50,375 

$2.46 
$2.45 

Certain  exercisable  and  non-exercisable  stock  options  were  not  included  in  the  computation  of  diluted  EPS  for  fiscal  years 
2008, 2007 and 2006, because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.  The number of stock options outstanding, which 
met this criterion for 2008, was 1,350,886; for 2007 was 412,916; and for 2006 was 290,366.   

Use of Estimates 
The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  accounting  principles  generally  accepted  in  the  United  States 
requires  management  to  make  estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect  the  amounts  reported  in  the  financial  statements  and 
accompanying notes.  The more significant areas requiring the use of management estimates relate to allowance for doubtful 
accounts, inventory reserves, marketing program accruals, warranty accruals, accruals for self-insured medical claims, workers' 
compensation,  legal  contingencies,  general  liability  and  auto  insurance  claims,  and  useful  lives  for  depreciation  and 
amortization.  Actual results could differ from those estimates. 

-44- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Self-Insurance 
The Corporation is partially self-insured for general, auto and product liability, workers' compensation, and certain employee 
health benefits.  The general, auto, product and workers' compensation liabilities are managed using a wholly owned insurance 
captive; the related liabilities are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  As of January 3, 2009, these 
liabilities  totaled  $29  million.    The  Corporation's  policy  is  to  accrue  amounts  in  accordance  with  the  actuarially  determined 
liabilities.    The  actuarial  valuations  are  based  on  historical  information  along  with  certain  assumptions  about  future  events.  
Changes in assumptions for such matters as legal actions, medical cost inflation and magnitude of change in actual experience 
development could cause these estimates to change in the future. 

Foreign Currency Translations 
Foreign currency financial statements of foreign operations where the local currency is the functional currency are translated 
using exchange rates in effect at period end for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates during the period for results of 
operations.  Related translation adjustments are reported as a component of Shareholders' Equity.  Gains and losses on foreign 
currency  transactions  are  included  in  the  "Selling  and  administrative  expenses"  caption  of  the  Consolidated  Statements  of 
Income. 

Reclassifications 
Certain reclassifications have been made within the footnotes to conform to the current year presentation.   

Recent Accounting Pronouncements 
In  July  2006,  the  FASB  issued  FIN  48.    FIN  48  clarifies  the  accounting  for  uncertainty  in  income  taxes  recognized  in  an 
enterprise's  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  SFAS  No.  109,  "Accounting  for  Income  Taxes."    FIN  48  prescribes  a 
recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken 
or expected to be taken in a tax return.  FIN 48 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, 
accounting  in  interim  periods,  disclosure  and  transition.    This  Interpretation  is  effective  for  fiscal  years  beginning  after 
December 15, 2006.  The Corporation adopted the provision of FIN 48 on December 31, 2006, the beginning of fiscal 2007.  
See Income Taxes footnote for additional information. 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157 which provides enhanced guidance for using fair value to measure assets and 
liabilities.    The  standard  also  expands  the  amount  of  disclosure  regarding  the  extent  to  which  companies  measure  assets  and 
liabilities at fair value, the information used to measure fair value and the effect of fair value measurements on earnings.  The 
standard  applies  whenever  other  standards  require  (or  permit)  assets  or  liabilities  to  be  measured  at  fair  value  but  does  not 
expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances.  The Corporation partially adopted SFAS 157 on December 30, 2007, 
the beginning of its 2008 fiscal year.  The Corporation has not applied the provisions of SFAS 157 to goodwill and intangibles 
in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position 157-2.  The Corporation will adopt the new standard 
on January 4, 2009, the beginning of its 2009 fiscal year.  The Corporation is still evaluating the impact but does not expect the 
adoption to have a material impact on its financial statements. 

For recognition purposes, on a recurring basis the Corporation is required to measure at fair value its marketable securities and 
its  investment  in  target  funds.    The  marketable  securities  were  comprised  of  investments  in  money  market  funds.    They  are 
reported as noncurrent assets as they are not anticipated to be used for current operations.  The target funds are reported as both 
current and noncurrent assets based on the portion that is anticipated to be used for current operations. 

Assets measured at fair value for the year ended January 3, 2009 were as follows: 

(in thousands) 
Marketable securities 
Investment in target funds 
Derivative financial instrument 

Fair value as of 
measurement date 
$                3,696 
$              25,047 
$              (3,106) 

Quoted prices in 
active markets 
for identical 
assets 
(Level 1) 

$             3,696 
$                    - 
$                    - 

Significant other 
observable inputs 
(Level 2) 
$                        - 
$              25,047 
$              (3,106) 

Significant 
unobservable 
inputs 
(Level 3) 
$                       - 
$                       - 
$                       - 

In  February,  2007,  the  FASB  issued  SFAS  159  which  permits  entities  to  choose  to  measure  many  financial  instruments  and 
certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value.  The objective of SFAS 159 is to 
improve  financial  reporting  by  providing  entities  with  the  opportunity  to  mitigate  volatility  in  reported  earnings  caused  by 
measuring  related  assets  and  liabilities  differently  without  having  to  apply  complex  hedge  accounting  provisions.    The 

-45- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporation adopted SFAS 159 on December 30, 2007, the beginning of fiscal 2008.  As the Corporation did not elect to fair 
value any additional assets or liabilities it did not have a material impact on its financial statements. 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141(R), replacing SFAS 141, and SFAS 160.  SFAS 141(R) retains the fundamental 
requirements of SFAS 141, broadens its scope by applying the acquisition method to all transactions and other events in which 
one  entity  obtains  control  over  one  or  more  other  businesses,  and  requires,  among  other  things,  that  assets  acquired  and 
liabilities  assumed  be  measured at  fair  value  as of  the  acquisition date, that liabilities  related  to  contingent considerations  be 
recognized  at  the  acquisition  date  and  re-measured  at  fair  value  in  each  subsequent  reporting  period,  that  acquisition-related 
costs be expensed as incurred, and that income be recognized if the fair value of the net assets acquired exceeds the fair value of 
the  consideration  transferred.    SFAS  160  establishes  accounting  and  reporting  standards  for  noncontrolling  interests  (i.e., 
minority interests) in a subsidiary, including changes in a parent's ownership interest in a subsidiary and requires, among other 
things, that noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries be classified as a separate component of equity.  Except for the presentation 
and disclosure requirements of SFAS 160, which are to be applied retrospectively for all periods presented, SFAS 141 (R) and 
SFAS  160  are  to  be  applied  prospectively  in  financial  statements  issued  for  fiscal  years  beginning  after  December  15,  2008.  
The Corporation is not able to predict the impact this guidance will have on the accounting for acquisitions it may complete in 
future periods.  For acquisitions completed prior to January 3, 2009, the new standard requires that changes in deferred tax asset 
valuation allowances and acquired income tax uncertainties after the measurement period must be recognized in earnings rather 
than  as  an  adjustment  to  the  cost  of  the  acquisition.    The  Corporation  does  not  expect  this  new  guidance  or  the  adoption  of 
FAS160 to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements. 

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS 161.  SFAS 161 expands disclosures for derivative instruments by requiring entities to 
disclose the fair value of derivative instruments and their gains or losses in tabular format.  SFAS 161 also requires disclosure 
of information about credit risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements, counterparty credit risk, and strategies, and 
objectives  for  using  derivative  instruments.    SFAS  161  will  become  effective  for  fiscal  years  beginning  after  November  15, 
2008.  The Corporation will adopt this new accounting standard on January 4, 2009, the beginning of its 2009 fiscal year.  The 
Corporation does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on its financial statements.   

Restructuring Related and Impairment Charges 
During  2008,  the  Corporation  completed  the  shutdown  of  an  office  furniture  facility  in  Richmond,  Virginia,  consolidated 
production  into  other  manufacturing  locations,  closed  two  distribution  centers  and  started  up  a  new  distribution  center  that 
began in third quarter 2007.  In connection with these activities the Corporation recorded $4.4 million of pre-tax charges which 
included  $0.6  million  of  accelerated  deprecation  of  machinery  and  equipment  recorded  in  cost  of  sales  and  $3.8  million  of 
severance which were recorded as restructuring costs in 2007.  The Corporation incurred $4.2 million of current period charges 
during 2008 which included $0.4 million of accelerated depreciation of machinery and equipment recorded in cost of sales and 
$3.8 million of other costs which were recorded as restructuring costs. 

The  Corporation's  hearth  product  segment  consolidated  some  of  its  service  and  distribution  locations  during  2007.    In 
connection  with  those  consolidations,  the  Corporation  recorded  $1.1  million  of  severance  and  facility  exit  costs  which  were 
recorded as restructuring costs in 2007.  The Corporation incurred $0.3 million of current period charges during 2008 which 
were recorded as restructuring costs. 

During 2007, the Corporation completed the shutdown of an office furniture facility, which began in the fourth quarter of 2006.  
The  facility  was  located  in  Monterrey,  Mexico  and  production  from  this  facility  was  consolidated  into  other  locations.    In 
connection with this shutdown, the Corporation recorded $0.8 million of severance costs in 2006.  The Corporation incurred 
$2.1 million of current period charges during 2007. 

During 2006, the Corporation completed the shutdown of two office furniture facilities which began in the third quarter of 2005.  
The facilities were located in Kent, Washington and Van Nuys, California and production from those facilities was consolidated 
into  other  locations.    In  connection  with  those  shutdowns,  the  Corporation  incurred  $1.9  million  of  current  period  charges 
during 2006. 

-46- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table summarizes the restructuring accrual activity since the beginning of fiscal 2006.   

(In thousands) 
Restructuring reserve at December 31, 2005 
Restructuring charges 
Cash payments 
Restructuring reserve at December 30, 2006 
Restructuring charges 
Cash payments 
Restructuring reserve at December 29, 2007 
Restructuring charges 
Cash payments 
Restructuring reserve at January 3, 2009 

Severance 
Costs 
$                       817 
                         865 
                        (841) 
$                       841 
                      3,539 
                        (522) 
$                    3,858 
                        (135) 
                     (3,568) 
$                       155 

Facility 
Termination & 
Other Costs 
$                     1,244 
                       1,964 
                     (3,208) 
$                            - 
                       3,523 
                     (2,533) 
$                       990 
                      4,197 
                     (4,963) 
$                       224 

Total 
$                    2,061 
                      2,829 
                     (4,049) 
$                       841 
                      7,062 
                     (3,055) 
$                    4,848 
                      4,062 
                     (8,531) 
$                       379 

The Corporation recorded $21.8 million of goodwill and trade name impairment charges in 2008, included in the "Restructuring 
Related  and  Impairment  Charges"  line  item  on  the  Consolidated  Statements  of  Income,  as  a  result  of  its  annual  impairment 
testing.  See Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets footnote for more information. 

The Corporation made the decision in 2007 to sell several small non-core components of its office furniture services business 
and recorded $2.7 million of impairment charges, included in the "Restructuring Related and Impairment Charges" line item on 
the Consolidated Statements of Income, to reduce the assets being held for sale to fair market value. 

Business Combinations 
The Corporation completed the acquisition of HBF, a leading provider of premium upholstered seating, textiles, wood tables 
and wood case goods for the office environment on March 29, 2008 for a purchase price of approximately $75 million.  The 
transaction was funded on March 31, 2008 with the proceeds of the Corporation's revolving credit facility.  The Corporation 
finalized  the  allocation  of  the  purchase  price  during  the  fourth  quarter  of  2008.    There  are  approximately  $32.7  million  of 
intangible assets other than goodwill associated with this acquisition.  Of these acquired intangible assets, $19.8  million was 
assigned to a trade name that is not subject to amortization.  The remaining $12.9 million have estimated useful lives ranging 
from four to twenty years with amortization recorded based on the projected cash flow associated with the respective intangible 
assets' existing relationship.  There is approximately $33.0 million of goodwill associated with this acquisition assigned to the 
office furniture segment.  The goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes. 

The  Corporation  completed  the  acquisition  of  Harman,  a  privately  held  domestic  manufacturer  of  free-standing  stoves  and 
fireplace inserts, as well as two small office furniture dealers during 2007.  The combined purchase price of these acquisitions 
less cash acquired totaled $40.9 million.  The Corporation finalized the allocation of the purchase price for the Harman Stove 
Company acquisition in 2008.  A reclassification of $4.2 million between goodwill and other intangible assets occurred in 2008 
based  on  the  final  valuation  report  for  the  Harman  Stove  Company  acquisition.    There  are  approximately  $5.7  million  of 
intangibles associated with these acquisitions.  Of these acquired intangibles, $2.5 million was assigned to trade names that are 
not  subject  to  amortization.    The  remaining  $3.2  million  have  estimated  useful  lives  ranging  from  one  to  fifteen  years  with 
amortization recorded based on the projected cash flow associated with the respective intangible assets' existing relationships.  
There is approximately $4.4 million of goodwill associated with these acquisitions of which $3.6 million was assigned to the 
office furniture segment and $0.8 million was assigned to the hearth products segment.  All goodwill is deductible for income 
tax purposes. 

The Corporation completed the acquisition of Lamex, a privately held Chinese manufacturer and marketer of office furniture, as 
well as a small office furniture services company, a small office furniture dealer, and a small manufacturer of fireplace facings 
during  2006.    The  combined  purchase  price  of  these  acquisitions  less  cash  acquired  totaled  $78.2  million.    The  Corporation 
increased  its  borrowings  under  the  revolving  credit  facility  to  fund  the  acquisitions.    The  Corporation  acquired  controlling 
interest in the office furniture dealer in 2006 and acquired the remaining interest during the fourth quarter of 2008.  There are 
approximately $53.7 million of intangibles associated with these acquisitions.  Of these acquired intangible assets, $14 million 
was  assigned  to  a  trade  name  that  is  not  subject  to  amortization.    The  remaining  $39.7  million  have  estimated  useful  lives 
ranging from two to fifteen years with amortization recorded based on the projected cash flow associated with the respective 
intangible assets' existing relationships.  There is approximately $11.7 million of goodwill associated with these acquisitions, of 
which $8.9 million was assigned to the furniture segment and $2.8 million was assigned to the hearth segment.  Approximately 
$6.9 million of the goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes. 

-47- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The results of the acquired entities have been included in the Consolidated Financial Statements since the date of acquisition.   

Discontinued Operations 
During December 2006, the Corporation committed to a plan to sell a small non-core component of its office furniture segment.  
The  sale  was  completed  during  the  second  quarter  of  2007.    Revenues  and  expenses  associated  with  this  component  are 
presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented.  During the fourth quarter 2006 the Corporation recorded a pre-
tax  charge  of  approximately  $7.1  million  to  reduce  the  assets  to  the  fair  market  value.    The  charge  was  mainly  due  to  the 
writedown of goodwill and other intangibles not deductible for tax purposes. 

Summarized financial information for discontinued operations is as follows: 

(in thousands) 
Discontinued Operations: 
  Operating income (loss) before tax 
  Income tax 
    Net income (loss) from discontinued operations 

Impairment Loss on Discontinued Operations: 
  Impairment loss on discontinued operations before tax 
  Benefit for income tax 
    Net impairment loss on discontinued operations 
    Discontinued operations, net of income tax  

2008 

2007 

2006 

$                   - 
                     - 
                     - 

$                796 
                  282 
                  514 

$            (818) 
              (294) 
              (524) 

                    - 
                    - 
                    - 
$                  - 

                      - 
                      - 
                      - 
$               514 

           (7,125) 
           (1,352) 
           (5,773) 
$         (6,297) 

Inventories 
(In thousands) 
Finished products 
Materials and work in process 
LIFO reserve 

   2008 
$            51,807 
              60,155 
            (27,672) 
$           84,290 

   2007 
$             76,804 
               52,641 
             (20,904) 
$           108,541 

   2006 
$            66,238 
              58,789 
             (19,262) 
$           105,765 

Property, Plant, and Equipment 
(In thousands) 
Land and land improvements 
Buildings 
Machinery and equipment 
Construction and equipment installation in  
      progress 

Less:  accumulated depreciation 

 2008 

$           23,753 
           277,898 
           525,996 

             21,738 
           849,385 
           533,779 
$         315,606 

  2007 
$             23,805 
             268,650 
             501,950 

  2006 
$            27,700 
            266,801 
            550,979 

               25,858 
             820,263 
             514,832 
$           305,431 

              12,936 
            858,416 
            548,464 
$          309,952 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets 
In  accordance  with  SFAS  142,  the  Corporation  evaluates  its  goodwill  for  impairment  on  an  annual  basis  during  the  fourth 
quarter or whenever indicators of impairment exist.  The Corporation estimates the fair value of its reporting units using various 
valuation techniques, with the primary technique being a discounted cash flow analysis.  The Corporation has eleven reporting 
units  within  its  office  furniture  and  hearth  products  operating  segments,  of  which  ten  contained  goodwill  during  the  fourth 
quarter analysis.  These reporting units constitute components for which discrete financial information is available and regularly 
reviewed by segment management.  Determining the fair value of a reporting unit involves the use of significant estimates and 
assumptions.  The estimate of fair value of each reporting unit is based on management's projection of revenues, gross margin, 
operating costs and cash flows considering historical and estimated future results, general economic and market conditions as 
well as the impact of planned business and operational strategies.  The valuations employ present value techniques to measure 
fair value and consider market factors.  Management believes the assumptions used for the impairment test are consistent with 
those  utilized  by  a  market  participant  in  performing  similar  valuations  of  its  reporting  units.    A  separate  discount  rate  was 
utilized  for  each  reporting  unit  with  rates  ranging  from  10.5%  to  12.0%.    Management  bases  its  fair  value  estimates  on 
assumptions they believe to be reasonable at the time, but such assumptions are subject to inherent uncertainty.  Actual results 

-48- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
may  differ  from  those  estimates.    In  addition,  for  reasonableness,  the  summation  of  all  the  reporting  units'  fair  values  is 
compared  to the  Corporation's  market  capitalization.    If  the  fair  value  of  the  reporting  unit  is  less  than  its carrying  value, an 
additional step is required to determine the implied fair value of goodwill associated with that reporting unit.  The implied fair 
value of goodwill is determined by first allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities and then 
computing the excess of the reporting unit's fair value over the amounts assigned to the assets and liabilities.  If the carrying 
value of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, such excess represents the amount of goodwill impairment, and, 
accordingly such impairment is recognized.   

As a result of the review performed in the fourth quarter of 2008, the Corporation determined the carrying amount of certain 
reporting  units  acquired over  the  past  few  years  in the  office  furniture  segment  exceeded their fair  value.   Management  then 
compared  the  carrying  value  of  goodwill  to  the  implied  fair  value  of  the  goodwill  in  each  of  these  reporting  units,  and 
concluded that $17 million of impairment charges needed to be recognized.  The reporting units impacted included an office 
furniture services unit, dealer distribution unit, and a recent acquisition with goodwill charges of approximately $10 million, $5 
million and $2 million, respectively. 

The  changes  to  fair  value  in  the  reporting  units  that  triggered  impairment  charges  in  the  fourth  quarter  were  primarily 
attributable  to  the  deterioration  in  market  conditions  experienced  in  late  2008  which  also  caused  management  to  change  its 
estimates of future results.  The Corporation factored these current market conditions and estimates into its projected forecasts 
of sales, operating income and cash flows of each reporting unit through the course of its strategic planning process completed 
in the fourth quarter. 

The significant estimates and assumptions used in estimating future cash flows of its reporting units are based on management's 
view of longer-term broad market trends.  Management combines this trend data with estimates of current economic conditions 
in the U.S., competitor behavior, the mix of products sales, commodity costs, wage rates, the level of manufacturing capacity, 
and the pricing environment.  In addition, estimates of fair value are impacted by estimates of the market participant derived 
weighted average cost of capital.  The Corporation's cash flow projections in all of its reporting units assumed declining revenue 
and cash flows in 2009 and that significant recovery would not begin until after 2010.  As a reasonableness test, management 
also compared the market capitalization of the Corporation at January 3, 2009 to the aggregate fair value of the reporting units, 
resulting in an implied control premium of approximately 30 percent.  Management believes this implied control premium is 
reasonable,  in  light  of  the  synergies  across  its  operating  units,  lean  manufacturing  environment  and  strong  position  in  the 
markets it serves.   

The Corporation also owns trade names having a net value of $60.6 million as of January 3, 2009, $43.5 million as of December 
29, 2007, and $43.2 million as of December 30, 2006.  The trade names are deemed to have an indefinite useful life because 
they are expected to generate cash flow indefinitely.  The Corporation determines the fair value of indefinite lived trade names 
on an annual basis during the fourth quarter or whenever indication of impairment exists.  The Corporation performed its fiscal 
2008 assessment of indefinite lived trade names during the fourth quarter.  The estimate of the fair value of the trade names was 
based on a discounted cash flow model using inputs which included:  projected revenues from management's long term plan, 
assumed royalty rates that could be payable if the trade names were not owned and a discount rate.  As a result of the review the 
Corporation  determined  the  carrying  value  of  certain  trade  names  acquired  over  the  past  few  years  in  the  office  furniture 
segment  exceeded  their  fair  value and  recorded  a  $4.8  million  impairment  charge.    The  Corporation  recorded  an  impairment 
charge of $1.0 million in 2006 which was included in discounted operations on the Consolidated Statements of Income.   

The  table  below  summarizes  amortizable  definite-lived  intangible  assets,  which  are  reflected  in  Other  Assets  in  the 
Corporation's Consolidated Balance Sheets: 

(In thousands) 
Patents 
Customer lists and other 
Less:  accumulated amortization 
Net intangible assets 

2008 

2007 

$          19,325  $         18,780 
         101,320 
          115,664 
            56,098 
           45,833 
$          78,891  $         74,267 

2006 
$         18,780 
         103,492 
           39,796 
$         82,476 

Amortization  expense  for  definite-lived  intangibles  for  2008,  2007,  and  2006,  was  $10.3  million,  $9.2  million,  and  $10.4 
million,  respectively.    Based  on  the  current  amount  of  intangible  assets  subject  to  amortization,  the  estimated  amortization 
expense for each of the following five fiscal years is as follows: 

-49- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions) 
Amortization expense 

2009 
$9.1 

2010 
$8.6 

2011 
$7.4 

2012 
$6.4 

2013 
$5.9 

The occurrence of events such as acquisitions, dispositions, or impairments in the future may result in changes to amounts. 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill since December 31, 2005, are as follows by reporting segment: 

(In thousands) 
Balance as of December 31, 2005 
Goodwill increase during period 
Goodwill decrease during period 
Balance as of December 30, 2006 
Goodwill increase during period 
Goodwill decrease during period 
Balance as of December 29, 2007 
Goodwill increase during period 
Goodwill decrease during period 
Balance as of January 3, 2009 

Office 
Furniture 
$             77,659 
               12,810 
                (5,654) 
$             84,815 
                 3,577 
                (3,118) 
$             85,274 
               33,020 
              (16,955) 
$           101,339 

Hearth 
Products 
$           164,585 
                 2,790 
                   (429) 
$           166,946 
                 5,001 
                   (387) 
$           171,560 
                        - 
                (4,507) 
$           167,053 

Total 
$             242,244 
                 15,600 
                  (6,083) 
$             251,761 
                   8,578 
                  (3,505) 
$             256,834 
                 33,020 
                (21,462) 
$             268,392 

The goodwill increases relate to acquisitions completed.  See the Business Combinations note.  The decrease in goodwill in the 
office  furniture  segment  in  2008  is  due  to  the  impairment  charge  described  above.    The  decrease  in  goodwill  in  the  office 
furniture segment in 2007 is due to goodwill associated with office services business units held for sale and final purchase price 
allocations for previous acquisitions.  The decrease in goodwill in the office furniture segment in 2006 is due to the impairment 
of the goodwill associated with discontinued operations.  The decreases in the hearth products segment relates to the sale of a 
few small service and distribution locations and final purchase price allocations for previous acquisitions. 

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses 
(In thousands) 
Trade accounts payable 
Compensation 
Profit sharing and retirement expense 
Marketing expenses 
Other accrued expenses 

2008 
$           96,820 
             27,764 
             26,905 
             51,786 
           110,156 
$         313,431 

2007 
$          133,293 
              30,544 
              30,441 
              61,568 
            111,474 
$          367,320 

2006 
$          102,436 
              27,835 
              29,545 
              64,736 
            104,330 
$          328,882 

-50- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-Term Debt 
(In thousands) 
Note payable to bank, revolving credit agreement with 
  interest at a variable rate (2008-0.79%; 2007-5.46%; 
  2006-5.70%) 
Note payable to bank, with interest at a fixed rate 
  (2008-3.08%; 2007-5.03%; 2006-6.11%) 
Senior notes due in 2016 with interest at a fixed rate 
  of 5.54% per annum. 
Note payable to bank, with interest at a variable rate 
  (2008-2.36%) 
Industrial development revenue bonds, payable 2018 
  with interest at a variable rate (2008-1.40%; 2007- 
  3.55%; 2006-4.02%) 
Other notes and amounts 
Total debt 
Less:  current portion 
Long-term debt 

2008 

2007 

2006 

$        107,500 

$           128,000 

$           144,000 

            14,294 

               14,205 

               14,200 

          150,000 

             150,000 

             150,000 

            47,500 

                        - 

                        - 

              2,300 
                 2,300 
                      63 
                     - 
             294,568 
          321,594 
            54,294 
               14,253 
$        267,300  $           280,315 

                2,300 
                   794 
            311,294 
              25,994 
$          285,300 

Aggregate maturities of long-term debt are as follows: 
(In thousands) 
2009 
2010 
2011 
2012 
2013 
Thereafter 

$                     54,294 
                         5,000 
                     110,000 
                                - 
                                - 
$                  152,300 

On January 28, 2005, the Corporation replaced a $136 million revolving credit facility entered into on May 10, 2002 with a new 
revolving credit facility that provided for a maximum borrowing of $150 million subject to increase (to a maximum amount of 
$300 million) or reduction from time to time according to the terms of the facility.  On December 22, 2005, the Corporation 
increased the facility to the maximum amount of $300 million.  Amounts borrowed under the revolving credit facility may be 
borrowed,  repaid,  and  re-borrowed  from  time  to  time  until  January  28,  2011.    As  of  January  3,  2009,  $35  million  of  the 
borrowings outstanding were classified as short-term as the Corporation expects to repay that portion of the borrowings within a 
year. 

On April 6, 2006, the Corporation refinanced $150 million of borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility with 
5.54 percent ten-year unsecured Senior Notes due in 2016 issued through the private placement debt market.  Interest payments 
are due semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year and the principal is due in a lump sum in 2016.  The Corporation 
maintained the revolving credit facility with a maximum borrowing of $300 million. 

On June 30, 2008, the Corporation entered into a Credit Agreement which allowed for a one-time borrowing of $50 million in 
the form of a term loan.  The term loan may not be repaid and re-borrowed and must be fully repaid by June 30, 2011, unless 
extended  pursuant  to  the  terms  of  the  agreement.    Interest  payments  are  due  quarterly  and  the  principal  is  due  in  quarterly 
installments of $1.25 million with the balance due on the maturity date. 

Certain  of  the  above  borrowing  arrangements  include  covenants  which  limit  the  assumption  of  additional  debt  and  lease 
obligations.  The Corporation has been and currently is in compliance with the covenants related to these debt agreements.  The 
fair value of the Corporation's outstanding variable rate long-term debt obligations at year-end 2008 approximates the carrying 
value.    The  fair  value  of  the  Corporation's  outstanding  fixed  rate  long-term  debt  obligations  is  estimated  to  be  $137  million 
slightly below the carrying value of $150 million. 

-51- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling and Administrative Expenses 
(In thousands) 
Freight expense for shipments to customers 
Amortization of intangible and other assets 
Product development costs 
Other selling and administrative expenses 

2008 

$          169,219 
              12,349 
              27,845 
            508,457 
$          717,870 

2007 
$           164,062 
               11,702 
               23,967 
             502,598 
$           702,329 

2006 
$           182,814 
               12,456 
               27,567 
             494,839 
$           717,676 

Income Taxes 
Significant  components  of  the  provision  for  income  taxes  including  those  related  to  minority  interest  and  discontinued 
operations are as follows: 

(In thousands) 
Current: 
   Federal 
   State 
   Foreign 
   Current provision 
Deferred: 
   Federal 
   State 
   Foreign 
   Deferred provision 

2008 

2007 

2006 

$                18,165 
                    2,402 
                       482 
                  21,049 

$               53,965 
                   6,588 
                      811 
                 61,364 

$               61,399 
                   8,671 
                      678 
                 70,748 

                    3,265 
                       222 
                      (954) 
                    2,533 
$                23,582 

                  (3,031) 
                     (353) 
                     (418) 
                  (3,802) 
$               57,562 

                  (7,528) 
                     (651) 
                     (483) 
                  (8,662) 
$               62,086 

A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the Corporation's effective income tax rate for continuing operations 
is as follows: 

Federal statutory tax rate 
State taxes, net of federal tax effect 
Credit for increasing research activities 
Deduction related to domestic production activities 
Extraterritorial income exclusion 
Excludable foreign income 
True-up of deferred tax items 
Basis in subsidiary 
Valuation allowance 
Other – net 
Effective tax rate 

2008 
                35.0% 
                  2.5 
                 (2.5) 
                 (1.8) 
                     - 
                 (1.6) 
                     - 
                 (4.5) 
                  4.5 
                  2.6 
                34.2% 

2007 
             35.0% 
               2.3 
              (0.9) 
              (1.4) 
                  - 
              (2.0) 
                   - 
                   - 
                   - 
              (0.7) 
             32.3% 

2006 
              35.0% 
                2.8 
               (0.7) 
               (0.8) 
               (0.4) 
               (0.7) 
               (2.1) 
                    - 
                    - 
               (0.1) 
              33.0% 

The Corporation recorded additional deferred tax assets for the tax basis in the stock of a subsidiary in excess of the net tax 
basis  of  the  subsidiary's  assets  and  liabilities.    The  valuation  allowance  relates  to  capital  losses  that  are  expected  to  expire 
unused. 

In the fourth quarter of 2006, the Corporation completed a detailed analysis of all deferred tax accounts and determined that net 
deferred income tax liabilities were overstated by $4.1 million.  This overstatement primarily relates to a deferred tax liability 
associated with property, plant and equipment, partially offset by an overstated deferred tax asset associated with inventory.  In 
analyzing  the  difference,  the  Corporation  determined  the  items  originated  in  fiscal  years  prior  to  2002.    To  correct  this 
difference,  the  Corporation  reduced  income  tax  expense  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2006  by  $4.1  million.    The  effect  of  this 
adjustment is to reduce the effective income tax rate related to continuing operations by 2.1 percentage points for the year and 
increase earnings per share from continuing operations by $0.08. 

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities 
for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.  

-52- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Significant components of the Corporation's deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows: 

(In thousands) 

2008 

2007 

2006 

Net long-term 
  deferred tax liabilities: 
  Tax over book depreciation 
  Compensation 
  Goodwill 
  Basis in subsidiary 
  Valuation allowance  
  Other – net 
Total net long-term deferred tax liabilities 
Net current deferred tax assets: 
  Allowance for doubtful accounts 
  Vacation accrual 
  Inventory differences 
  Deferred income 
  Warranty accruals 
  Valuation allowance 
  Other – net 
Total net current deferred tax assets 
Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets 

$              (1,028)  $             1,614 
               4,624 
                 3,175 
            (38,559) 
              (42,802) 
                      - 
                 5,314 
                      - 
                (1,981) 
               5,649 
               12,051 
            (26,672) 
              (25,271) 

$              (1,052) 
                 4,899 
              (33,826) 
                        - 
                        - 
                    658 
              (29,321) 

               3,491 
                 2,601 
               5,302 
                 3,646 
               2,572 
                 3,878 
              (4,484) 
                (3,836) 
               4,234 
                 5,177 
                      - 
                (1,092) 
               6,713 
                 5,939 
               16,313 
             17,828 
$              (8,958)  $            (8,844) 

                 3,563 
                 5,323 
                 3,096 
                (5,880) 
                 3,906 
                        - 
                 5,432 
               15,440 
$            (13,881) 

In June 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48.  FIN 48 addresses the determination of whether tax benefits claimed or expected to be 
claimed on a tax return should be recorded in the financial statements.  Under FIN 48, the Corporation may recognize the tax 
benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by 
the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position.  The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from 
such a position should be measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized 
upon  ultimate  settlement.    FIN  48  also  provides  guidance  on  de-recognition,  classification,  interest  and  penalties  on  income 
taxes, and accounting in interim periods and requires increased disclosures. 

The  Corporation  adopted  the  provisions  of  FIN  48  on  December  31,  2006,  the  beginning  of  fiscal  2007.    As  a  result  of  the 
implementation of FIN 48, the Corporation recognized a $1.7 million increase in the liability for unrecognized benefits.  This 
increase in liability resulted in a decrease to the December 31, 2006 retained earnings balance in the amount of $0.5 million and 
a reduction in deferred tax liabilities of $1.2 million. 

(in thousands) 
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period 
Increases in positions taken in a prior period 
Decreases in positions taken in a prior period 
Increases in positions taken in a current period 
Decreases due to settlements 
Decrease due to lapse of statute of limitations 
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of period 

2008 
$             2,839 
                  796 
                  (52) 
                  834 
                (392) 
                (380) 
$             3,646 

2007 
$             3,895 
                    49 
                    (6) 
              1,018 
             (2,117) 
                     - 
$             2,839 

The  amount  of  unrecognized  tax  benefits  which  would  impact  the  Corporation's  effective  tax  rate,  if  recognized,  was  $3.2 
million at January 3, 2009, $2.3 million at December 29, 2007 and $2.7 million at December 31, 2006. 

The Corporation recognized interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in operating 
expenses  which  is  consistent  with  the  recognition  of  these  items  in  prior  reporting.    Interest  and  penalties  recognized  in  the 
Consolidated Statements of Income amounted to a benefit of $0.1 million.  The Corporation had recorded a liability for interest 
and  penalties  related  to  unrecognized  tax  benefits  of  $0.4  million,  $0.4  million,  and  $0.9  million  as  of  January  3,  2009, 
December 29, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.   

The Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") has completed the examination of all federal income tax returns through 2004 with no 
issues pending or unresolved.  The years 2005 through 2008 remain open for examination by the IRS.  The years 2004 through 
2008 are currently under examination or remain open to examination by several states. 

-53- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of January 3, 2009, it is reasonably possible the amount of unrecognized tax benefits may increase or decrease within the 
twelve months following the reporting date.  These increases or decreases in the unrecognized tax benefits would be due to new 
positions that may be taken on income tax returns, settlement of tax positions and the closing of statues of limitation.  It is not 
expected that any of the changes will be significant individually or in total to the results or financial position of the Corporation. 

Derivative Financial Instruments 
The  Corporation  uses  derivative  financial  instruments  to  reduce  its  exposure  to  adverse  fluctuations  in  interest  rates.    In 
accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging 
Activities," on the date a derivative is entered into, the Corporation designates the derivative as (i) a fair value hedge, (ii) a cash 
flow hedge, (iii) a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation or (iv) a risk management instrument not eligible for hedge 
accounting.  The Corporation recognizes all derivatives on its consolidated balance sheet at fair value. 

In June 2008, the Corporation entered into an interest rate swap agreement, designated as a cash flow hedge, for purposes of 
managing its benchmark interest rate fluctuation risk.  Under the interest rate swap agreement, the Corporation pays a fixed rate 
of interest and receives a variable rate of interest equal to the one-month LIBOR as determined on the last day of each monthly 
settlement period on an aggregated notional principal amount of $50 million.  The net amount paid or received upon monthly 
settlements  is  recorded  as  an  adjustment  to  interest  expense,  while  the  change  in  fair  value  is  recorded  as  a  component  of 
accumulated other comprehensive income in the equity section of the Corporation's Consolidated Balance Sheet.  The interest 
rate swap agreement matures on May 27, 2011. 

The aggregate fair market value of the interest rate swap as of January 3, 2009 was a liability of $3.1 million, of which $1.3 
million is included in current liabilities and $1.8 million is included in long-term liabilities in the Corporation's Consolidated 
Balance Sheet as of January 3, 2009.  For the year ended January 3, 2009, the Corporation recognized an aggregate net loss 
related to the agreement of $3,183,000 of which $78,000 was recorded as interest expense and $3,105,000 pre-tax was recorded 
in other comprehensive income. 

Shareholders' Equity  

Common Stock, $1 Par Value 
  Authorized 
  Issued and outstanding 
Preferred Stock, $1 Par Value 
  Authorized 
  Issued and outstanding 

2008 

2007 

2006 

         200,000,000 
           44,324,409 

          200,000,000 
            44,834,519 

            200,000,000 
              47,905,351 

             2,000,000 
                           - 

              2,000,000 
                            - 

                2,000,000 
                              - 

The  Corporation  purchased  1,004,700;  3,581,707  and  4,336,987  shares  of  its  common  stock  during  2008,  2007  and  2006, 
respectively.    The  par  value  method  of  accounting  is  used  for  common  stock  repurchases.    The  excess  of  the  cost  of  shares 
acquired  over  their  par  value  is  allocated  to  Additional  Paid-In  Capital  with  the  excess  charged  to  Retained  Earnings  on  the 
Corporation's Consolidated Balance Sheet. 

Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consist of the following: 

(In thousands) 
Balance at beginning of period 
Foreign currency translation adjustments  
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on  
  marketable securities – net of tax 
Change in pension and postretirement 
  liability – net of tax 
Change in fair value of derivative  
  financial instrument – net of tax 
Adjustment to initially apply 
  SFAS 158, net of tax 
Balance at end of period 

2008 

$                   846 
                  1,355 

2007 
$                  (3,062) 
                        765 

2006 

$                    332 
                      631 

                      14 

                       (147) 

                          - 

                (2,184) 

                     3,290 

                     537 

                (1,938) 

                            - 

                         - 

                        - 
$              (1,907) 

                            - 
$                      846 

                 (4,562) 
$               (3,062) 

In  May  2007,  the  Corporation  registered  300,000  shares  of  its  common  stock  under  its  2007  Equity  Plan  for  Non-Employee 
Directors  of  HNI  Corporation,  as  amended  (the  "Director  Plan").    This  plan  permits  the  Corporation  to  issue  to  its  non-
employee directors options to purchase shares of Corporation common stock, restricted stock of the Corporation and awards of 
-54- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporation common stock.  The plan also permits non-employee directors to elect to receive all or a portion of their annual 
retainers and other compensation in the form of shares of Corporation common stock. Upon approval of this plan in May 2007, 
no awards are granted under the 1997 Equity Plan for Non-Employee Directors of HNI Corporation, but all outstanding awards 
previously  granted  under  that  plan  shall  remain  outstanding  in  accordance  with  their  terms.    During  2008,  2007,  and  2006, 
31,599; 17,349; and 13,947 shares, respectively, of Corporation common stock were issued under these plans. 

Cash dividends declared and paid per share for each year are: 

(In dollars) 
Common shares 

2008 
$.86 

2007 
$.78 

2006 
$.72 

During 2002, shareholders approved the 2002 Members' Stock Purchase Plan, as amended January 1, 2007.  Under the plan, 
800,000 shares of common stock were registered for issuance to participating members.  Beginning on June 30, 2002, rights to 
purchase  stock  are  granted  on  a  quarterly  basis  to  all  members  who  customarily  work  20  hours  or  more  per  week  and  who 
customarily work for five months or more in any calendar year.  The price of the stock purchased under the plan is 85% of the 
closing price on the exercise date.  No member may purchase stock under the plan in an amount which exceeds a maximum fair 
value of $25,000 in any calendar year.  During 2008, 209,061 shares of common stock were issued under the plan at an average 
price  of  $17.90.    During  2007,  127,436  shares  of  common  stock  were  issued  under  the  plan  at  an  average  price  of  $33.43.  
During 2006, 114,397 shares of common stock were issued under the plan at an average price of $40.03.  An additional 71,119 
shares were available for issuance under the plan at January 3, 2009.   

The  Corporation  previously  granted  rights  to  purchase  shares  of  the  Corporation's  common  stock  pursuant  to  a  shareholders' 
rights plan, which rights expired on August 20, 2008.  The rights become exercisable in connection with certain acquisitions of 
20% or more of the Corporation's common stock by any person or group in a transaction not approved by the Board.  Each right 
entitled its holder to purchase shares of common stock of the Corporation with a market value of $400 at a price of $200, unless 
the Board authorized the rights be redeemed.  The rights could have been redeemed for $0.01 per right at any time before the rights 
become exercisable.  In certain instances, the right to purchase applied to the capital stock of the acquirer instead of the common stock 
of the Corporation.  The Corporation reserved preferred shares necessary for issuance should the rights be exercised.   

The  Corporation  has  entered  into  change  in  control  employment  agreements  with  certain  corporate  officers  and  other  key 
members.  According to the agreements, a change in control occurs when a third person or entity becomes the beneficial owner of 
20%  or  more  of  the  Corporation's  common  stock  when  more  than  one-third  of  the  Board  is  composed  of  persons  not 
recommended by at least three-fourths of the incumbent Board, upon certain business combinations involving the Corporation or 
upon  approval  by  the  Corporation's  shareholders  of  a  complete  liquidation  or  dissolution.    Upon  a  change  in  control,  a  key 
member is deemed to have a two-year employment agreement with the Corporation, and all of his or her benefits vest under the 
Corporation's compensation plans.  If, at any time within two years of the change in control, his or her employment is terminated 
by the Corporation for any reason other than cause or disability, or by the key member for good reason, as such terms are defined in the 
agreement, then the key member is entitled to receive, among other benefits, a severance payment equal to two times (three times for 
the Corporation's Chairman, President and CEO) annual salary and the average of the prior two years' bonuses. 

Stock-Based Compensation 
Under the Corporation's 2007 Stock-Based Compensation Plan (the "Plan"), as amended effective May 8, 2007, the Corporation 
may award options to purchase shares of the Corporation's common stock and grant other stock awards to executives, managers 
and key personnel.  Upon shareholder approval of the Plan in May 2007, no future awards were granted under the Corporation's 
1995 Stock-Based Compensation Plan, but all outstanding awards previously granted under that plan shall remain outstanding 
in accordance with their terms.  As of January 3, 2009, there were approximately 4.4 million shares available for future issuance 
under  the  Plan.    The  Plan  is  administered  by  the  Human  Resources  and  Compensation  Committee  of  the  Board.    Restricted 
stock awarded under the Plan is expensed ratably over the vesting period of the awards.  Stock options awarded to members 
under the Plan must be at exercise prices equal to or exceeding the fair market value of the Corporation's common stock on the 
date of grant.  Stock options are generally subject to four-year cliff vesting and must be exercised within 10 years from the date 
of grant. 

As discussed above, the Corporation also has a shareholder approved Members' Stock Purchase Plan (the "MSP Plan").  The 
price of the stock purchased under the MSP Plan is 85% of the closing price on the applicable purchase date.  During 2008, 
209,061 shares of the Corporation's common stock were issued under the MSP Plan at an average price of $17.90. 

-55- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Corporation adopted the provisions of SFAS 123(R) beginning January 1, 2006.  This statement requires the Corporation to 
measure the cost of employee services in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the 
award and to recognize cost over the requisite service period.   

Compensation cost that has been charged against operations for the two plans described above was $1.6 million, $3.6 million, 
and  $3.2  million  for  the  years  ended  January  3,  2009,  December  29,  2007,  and  December  30,  2006,  respectively.    The  total 
income  tax  benefit  recognized  in  the  income  statement  for  share-based  compensation  arrangements  was  $0.5  million,  $1.2 
million and $1.1 million for the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007, and December 30, 2006, respectively. 

Adoption of SFAS 123(R) also affected the presentation of cash flows.  The change is related to tax benefits associated with tax 
deductions  that  exceed  the  amount  of  compensation  expense  recognized  in  the  financial  statements.    For  the  years  ending 
January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007, and December 30, 2006, cash flow from operating activities was reduced by $0.0 million, 
$0.8  million  and  $0.9  million,  and  cash  flow  from  financing  activities  was  increased  by  $0.0  million,  $0.8  million  and  $0.9 
million, respectively, as a result of the new standard. 

The  stock  compensation  expense  for  the  years  ended  January  3,  2009,  December  29,  2007  and  December  30,  2006,  was 
estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model that used the following assumptions by grant year: 

Expected term 
Expected volatility: 
   Range used 
   Weighted-average 
Expected dividend yield: 
   Range used 
   Weighted-average 
Risk-free interest rate: 
   Range used 

Year Ended 
Jan. 3, 2009 
7 years 

Year Ended 
Dec. 29, 2007 
7 years 

25.62% - 30.61% 
26.15% 

2.71% - 5.06% 
3.11% 

3.48% - 4.62% 

26.97% 
26.97% 

1.60% 
1.60% 

4.71% 

Year Ended 
Dec. 30, 2006 
7 years 

29.75% - 31.23% 
31.21% 

1.24% - 1.43% 
1.24% 

4.62% - 5.09% 

Expected volatilities are based on historical volatility as the Corporation does not feel that future volatility over the expected 
term  of  the  options  is  likely  to  differ  from  the  past.    The  Corporation  used  a  simple-average  calculation  method  based  on 
monthly frequency points for the prior seven years.  The Corporation used the current dividend yield as there are no plans to 
substantially increase or decrease its dividends.  The Corporation elected to continue to use the simplified method as allowed by 
Staff  Accounting  Bulletin  No.  110  ("SAB  110"),  which  amended  SAB  No.  107,  to  determine  the  expected  term  since  the 
awards qualified as "plain vanilla" options accounted for under FAS123R Share-Based Payment.  The risk-free interest rate was 
selected based on yields from U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected term of the options 
being valued. 

The following table summarizes the changes in outstanding stock options since the beginning of fiscal 2005. 

Outstanding at December 31, 2005 
Granted 
Exercised 
Forfeited 
Outstanding at December 30, 2006 
Granted 
Exercised 
Forfeited 
Outstanding at December 29, 2007 
Granted 
Exercised 
Forfeited or Expired 
Outstanding at January 3, 2009 

Number of 
Shares 

                      1,128,650 
                         135,946 
                          (68,500) 
                          (22,480) 
                      1,173,616 
                         185,823 
                        (214,000) 
                        (102,373) 
                      1,043,066 
                         560,786 
                          (19,500) 
                        (119,293) 
                      1,465,059 

Weighted-Average 
Exercise Price 
                          $31.84 
                            58.06 
                            22.51 
                            39.91 
                          $35.27 
                            48.66 
                            24.86 
                            46.14 
                          $38.72 
                            28.70 
                            21.00 
                            38.13 
                          $35.17 

-56- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A summary of the Corporation's nonvested shares as of January 3, 2009 and changes during the year are presented below: 

Nonvested Shares 
Nonvested at December 29, 2007 
Granted 
Vested 
Forfeited 
Nonvested at January 3, 2009 

Shares 
            546,916 
            560,786 
           (134,000) 
           (101,293) 
            872,409 

Weighted-Average 
Grant-Date 
Fair Value 
$                        17.34 
                            6.64 
                          17.60 
                          11.41 
$                        11.11 

At  January  3,  2009,  there  was  $4.0  million  of  unrecognized  compensation  cost  related  to  nonvested  awards,  which  the 
Corporation expects to recognize over a weighted-average period of 1.4 years.  Information about stock options that are vested 
or expected to vest and that are exercisable at January 3, 2009, follows: 

Options 
Vested or expected to vest 
Exercisable 

Number 
1,389,144 
592,650 

Weighted-Average 
Exercise Price 
$35.11 
$32.11 

Weighted-Average 
Remaining Life in 
Years 
6.5 
4.0 

Aggregate 
Intrinsic 
Value 
($000s) 
- 
- 

The  weighted-average  grant-date  fair  value  of  options  granted  was  $6.64,  $15.67  and  $21.39,  for  2008,  2007  and  2006, 
respectively.  Other information for the last three years follows: 

(In thousands) 
Total fair value of shares vested 
Total intrinsic value of options exercised 
Cash received from exercise of stock options 
Tax benefit realized from exercise of stock options 

Jan. 3, 2009 

Dec. 30, 2006 
Dec. 29, 2007 
$                 2,358  $                 2,261  $              1,702 
                1,987 
                   4,673 
                      222 
                1,542 
                   5,321 
                      410 
                   725 
                   1,551 
                        79 

Retirement Benefits 
The Corporation has defined contribution profit-sharing plans covering substantially all employees who are not participants in 
certain  defined  benefit  plans.    The  Corporation's  annual  contribution  to  the  defined  contribution  plans  is  based  on  employee 
eligible earnings and results of operations and amounted to $24.5 million, $28.1 million, and $28.2 million, in 2008, 2007 and 
2006, respectively.  A portion of the annual contribution is in the form of common stock of the Corporation.  The amount of the 
stock contribution was $6.6 million, $6.6 million and $7.9 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. 

The  Corporation  sponsors  defined  benefit  plans  which  include  a  limited  number  of  salaried  and  hourly  members  at  certain 
subsidiaries.  The Corporation's funding policy is generally to contribute annually the minimum actuarially computed amount.  
Net pension costs were not material in 2008, 2007 and 2006.  The actuarial present value of obligations, less related plan assets 
at fair value, is not significant. 

The  Corporation  also  participates  in  a  multi-employer  plan,  which  provides  defined  benefits  to  certain  of  the  Corporation's 
union  employees.    Pension  expense  for  this  plan  amounted  to  $320,000,  $376,000  and  $352,000,  in  2008,  2007  and  2006, 
respectively. 

Postretirement Health Care 
The Corporation adopted SFAS No. 158, "Employers' Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, 
an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)" for its 2006 year-end financial statement and recognized on 
the 2006 balance sheet the funded status of other postretirement benefit plans.  The following table provides the information 
required by SFAS No. 158.   

-57- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In thousands) 
Change in benefit obligation 
      Benefit obligation at beginning of year 
      Service cost 
      Interest cost 
      Plan changes 
      Benefits paid 
      Actuarial (gain)/loss 
      Benefit obligation at end of year 

Change in plan assets 
      Fair value at beginning of year 
      Actual return on assets 
      Employer contribution 
      Transferred out 
      Benefits paid 
      Fair value at end of year 

2008 

2007 

2006 

$             15,603 
                    396 
                    963 
                        - 
                (1,147) 
                   (951) 
$             14,864 

$             19,082 
                    480 
                 1,067 
                   (584) 
                (1,361) 
                (3,081) 
$             15,603 

$           19,738 
                  326 
               1,053 
                      - 
              (1,218) 
                 (817) 
$           19,082 

$               5,819 
                   (274) 
                    159 
                (4,557) 
                (1,147) 
$                      - 

$               6,693 
                    487 
                        - 
                        - 
                (1,361) 
$               5,819 

$             7,582 
                  326 
                      3 
                      - 
              (1,218) 
$             6,693 

Funded Status of Plan 

$            (14,864)  $              (9,784)  $          (12,388) 

Amounts recognized in the Statement of Financial 
Position consist of: 
      Current liabilities 
      Noncurrent liabilities 

Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other 
Comprehensive Income (before tax) consist of: 
      Actuarial (gain)/loss 
      Transition (asset)/obligation 
      Prior service cost 

Change in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income 
(before tax): 
      Amount disclosed at beginning of year 
      Actuarial (gain)/loss 
      Change due to the adoption of SFAS 158 
      Amortization of actuarial gain or loss 
      Amortization of transition amount 
      Amortization of prior service cost 
      Amount disclosed at end of year 

Estimated Future Benefit Payments (In thousands) 

Fiscal 2009 
Fiscal 2010 
Fiscal 2011 
Fiscal 2012 
Fiscal 2013 
Fiscal 2014 – 2018 

Expected Contributions During Fiscal 2009 

Total 

$               1,089 
$             13,775 

$                      - 
$               9,784 

$                    - 
$           12,388 

$              (1,592)  $             (1,273) 
                2,654 
                 2,147 
                        - 
                        - 
$               1,381 
$                  555 

$             2,069 
               3,618 
                  431 
$             6,118 

$               1,381 
                   (319) 
                        - 
                        - 
                   (507) 
                        - 
$                  555 

$               6,118 
                        - 
                        - 
                (3,342) 
                   (964) 
                   (431) 
$               1,381 

$                    - 
                      - 
               6,118 
                      - 
                      - 
                      - 
$             6,118 

1,089 
1,090 
1,090 
1,103 
1,119 
6,196 

$1,089 

-58- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plan Assets – Percentage of Fair Value by Category 

Cash Equivalents 
Equity 
Debt 
Other 
Total 

2008 
0% 
0% 
0% 
   0% 
   0% 

2007 
0% 
25% 
75% 
    0% 
100% 

2006 
1% 
25% 
74% 
    0% 
100% 

The discount rates at fiscal year-end 2008, 2007 and 2006, were 6.7%, 6.4% and 5.8%, respectively.  The Corporation payment 
for  these  benefits  has  reached  the  maximum  amounts  per  the  plan;  therefore,  healthcare  trend  rates  have  no  impact  on  the 
Corporation's cost.  Approximately $4.5 million of assets previously held in a voluntary employee benefit association (VEBA) 
fund designated to pay retiree healthcare claims were transferred into a VEBA fund designated to pay active healthcare claims 
during 2008.   

Components of Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (in thousands) 
     Service cost 
     Interest cost 
     Expected return on assets 
     Amortization of net (gain)/loss 
     Amortization of unrecognized transition (asset)/obligation 
     Net periodic postretirement benefit cost/(income) 

2009 
$             391 
               959 
                   0 
                  (9) 
               508 
$          1,849 

A discount rate of 6.7% was used to determine net periodic benefit cost for 2009.  The discount rate is set at the measurement 
date to reflect the yield of a portfolio of high quality, fixed income debt instruments.  There are no plan assets invested. 

Leases 
The Corporation leases certain warehouse and plant facilities and equipment.  Commitments for minimum rentals under non-
cancelable leases at the end of 2008 are as follows: 

(In thousands) 
2009 
2010 
2011 
2012 
2013 
Thereafter 
Total minimum lease payments 
Less:  amount representing interest 
Present value of net minimum lease payments, including 
  current maturities of $200 

Operating 
Leases 
$                    33,429 
                      29,204 
                      24,826 
                      11,479 
                        6,264 
                      17,127 
$                  122,329 

Capitalized 
Leases 

$                       209 
                           44 
                             0 
                              - 
                              - 
                              - 
                         253 
                           10 

$                       243 

Property, plant and equipment at year-end include the following amounts for capitalized leases: 

(In thousands) 
Buildings 
Machinery and equipment 
Office equipment 

Less:  allowances for depreciation 

2008 
$      - 
869 
- 
869 
126 
$  743 

2007 
$3,299 
906 
- 
4,205 
3,084 
$1,121 

2006 
$3,299 
- 
- 
3,299 
2,954 
$  345 

The Corporation purchased the leased building and sold it during 2008. 

-59- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rent expense for the years 2008, 2007 and 2006, amounted to approximately $43.2 million, $35.6 million and $32.1 million, 
respectively.    The  Corporation  has  an  operating  lease  for  a  production  facility  with  annual  rentals  totaling  approximately 
$357,000 with a corporation in which the minority owner of one of the Corporation's consolidated subsidiaries is an investor.  
Contingent rent expense under both capitalized and operating leases (generally based on mileage of transportation equipment) 
amounted to $0, $0 and $165,000, for the years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. 

Guarantees, Commitments and Contingencies 
The Corporation utilizes letters of credit in the amount of $24 million to back certain financing instruments, insurance policies 
and payment obligations.  The letters of credit reflect fair value as a condition of their underlying purpose and are subject to fees 
competitively determined. 

The Corporation is involved in various kinds of disputes and legal proceedings that have arisen in the course of its business, 
including  pending  litigation,  environmental  remediation,  taxes,  and  other  claims.    It  is  the  Corporation's  opinion,  after 
consultation with legal counsel, that additional liabilities, if any, resulting from these matters are not expected to have a material 
adverse effect on the Corporation's quarterly or annual operating results and cash flows when resolved in a future period. 

Significant Customer 
One  office  furniture  customer  accounted  for  approximately  10%,  11%  and  12%  of  consolidated  net  sales  in  2008,  2007  and 
2006, respectively. 

Operating Segment Information 
In accordance with SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information," management views 
the Corporation as being in two operating segments:  office furniture and hearth products, with the former being the principal 
segment.  The office furniture segment manufactures and markets a broad line of metal and wood commercial and home office 
furniture which includes storage products, desks, credenzas, chairs, tables, bookcases, freestanding office partitions and panel 
systems and other related products.  The hearth products segment manufactures and markets a broad line of gas, electric, wood 
and biomass burning fireplaces, inserts, stoves, facings and accessories, principally for the home. 

For  purposes  of  segment  reporting,  intercompany  sales  transfers  between  segments  are  not  material,  and  operating  profit  is 
income before income taxes exclusive of certain unallocated corporate expenses.  These unallocated corporate expenses include 
the  net  costs  of  the  Corporation's  corporate  operations,  interest  income,  and  interest  expense.    Management  views  interest 
income  and  expense  as corporate  financing  costs and not as  an  operating  segment  cost.    In addition,  management  applies an 
effective income tax rate to its consolidated income before income taxes so income taxes are not reported or viewed internally 
on a segment basis.  Identifiable assets by segment are those assets applicable to the respective industry segments.  Corporate 
assets consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, long-term investments and corporate office real 
estate and related equipment. 

No geographic information for revenues from external customers  or for long-lived assets is disclosed since the Corporation's 
primary market and capital investments are concentrated in the United States. 

-60- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reportable segment data reconciled to the consolidated financial statements for the years ended 2008, 2007 and 2006, is as follows 
for continuing operations: 

(In thousands) 
Net sales: 
Office furniture 
Hearth products 

Operating profit: 
Office furniture (a)(b) 
Hearth products (c) 
Total operating profit 
Unallocated corporate expenses 
Income before income taxes 
Depreciation and amortization expense: 
Office furniture 
Hearth products 
General corporate 

Capital expenditures: 
Office furniture 
Hearth products 
General corporate 

Identifiable assets: 
Office furniture 
Hearth products 
General corporate 

2008 

2007 

2006 

$           2,054,037 
                423,550 
$           2,477,587 

$          2,108,439 
               462,033 
$          2,570,472 

$          2,077,040 
               602,763 
$          2,679,803 

$              101,289 
                  11,759 
                113,048 
                 (44,016) 
$                69,032 

$            194,692 
                36,444 
              231,136 
               (53,992) 
$            177,144 

$             181,811 
                 58,699 
               240,510 
                (47,105) 
$             193,405 

$                50,511 
                  15,212 
                    4,432 
$                70,155 

$              49,294 
                14,453 
                  4,426 
$              68,173 

$               48,753 
                 16,559 
                   4,191 
$               69,503 

$                59,101 
                  10,530 
                    1,865 
$                71,496 

$              47,408 
                  8,736 
                  2,770 
$              58,914 

$               42,126 
                 11,093 
                   6,705 
$               59,924 

$              730,348 
                326,168 
                109,113 
$           1,165,629 

$             724,447 
               356,273 
               126,256 
$          1,206,976 

$             748,285 
               359,646 
               118,428 
$          1,226,359 

(a)  Included in operating profit for the office furniture segment are pretax charges of $25.5 million, $8.7 million and $2.8 million,   
     for closing of facilities and impairment charges in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. 
(b)  Includes minority interest. 
(c)  Included in operating profit for the hearth products segment are pretax charges of $0.3 million and $1.1 million for closing facilities in 
    2008 and 2007, respectively. 

Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) 
The following table presents certain unaudited quarterly financial information for each of the past 12 quarters.  In the opinion of 
the Corporation's management, this information has been prepared on the same basis as the consolidated financial statements 
appearing  elsewhere  in  this  report  and  includes  all  adjustments  (consisting  only  of  normal  recurring  accruals)  necessary  to 
present fairly the financial results set forth herein.  Results of operations for any previous quarter are not necessarily indicative 
of results for any future period. 

-61- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year-End 2008: 
(In thousands, except per share data) 
  Net sales 
  Cost of products sold 
  Gross profit 
  Selling and administrative expenses 
  Restructuring related charges (income) 
  Operating income 
  Interest income (expense) – net 
  Earnings from continuing operations before  
     income taxes and minority interest 
  Income taxes  
  Minority interest in earnings of a subsidiary 
  Net income 
  Net income per common share – basic 
  Weighted-average common shares 
    outstanding – basic  
  Net income per common share – diluted 
Weighted-average common shares 
    outstanding – diluted 
As a Percentage of Net Sales 
  Net sales 
  Gross profit 
  Selling and administrative expenses 
  Restructuring related charges 
  Operating income 
  Income taxes 
  Net income 

First 
Quarter 
$       563,383 
         379,345 
         184,038 
         172,555 
                818 
           10,665 
           (3,414) 

Second 
Quarter 
$     613,114 
       403,671 
       209,443 
       182,673 
           2,029 
         24,741 
         (4,184) 

Third 
Quarter 
$     663,141 
       438,423 
       224,718 
       189,577 
           1,497 
         33,644 
         (4,037) 

Fourth 
Quarter 
$      637,949 
        427,536 
        210,413 
        173,065 
          21,515 
          15,833 
           (4,058) 

            7,251 
            3,180 
                 94 
$          3,977 
$            0.09 

         20,557 
           7,095 
                (7) 
$       13,469 
$           0.30 

        29,607 
        10,107 
               11 
       19,489 
$         0.44 

          11,775 
            3,252 
                   8 
$          8,515 
$            0.19 

          44,537 
$            0.09 

         44,233 
$           0.30 

       44,213 
$         0.44 

          44,259 
$            0.19 

          44,706 

         44,371 

       44,340 

          44,386 

          100.0% 
            32.7 
            30.6 
              0.1 
              1.9 
              0.6 
              0.7 

         100.0% 
           34.2 
           29.8 
             0.3 
             4.0 
             1.2 
             2.2 

         100.0% 
           33.9 
           28.6 
             0.2 
             5.1 
             1.5 
             2.9 

          100.0% 
            33.0 
            27.1 
              3.4 
              2.5 
              0.5 
              1.3 

-62- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year-End 2007: 
(In thousands, except per share data) 
  Net sales 
  Cost of products sold 
  Gross profit 
  Selling and administrative expenses 
  Restructuring related charges (income) 
  Operating income 
  Interest income (expense) – net 
  Earnings from continuing operations before  
     income taxes and minority interest 
  Income taxes  
  Minority interest in earnings of a subsidiary 
  Income from continuing operations 
  Discontinued operations, less applicable taxes 
  Net income 
  Net income from continuing operations – basic 
  Net income from discontinued operations – basic 
  Net income per common share – basic 
  Weighted-average common shares 
    outstanding – basic  
  Net income from continuing operations – diluted 
  Net income from discontinued operations – diluted  
  Net income per common share – diluted 
Weighted-average common shares 
    outstanding – diluted 
As a Percentage of Net Sales 
  Net sales 
  Gross profit 
  Selling and administrative expenses 
  Restructuring related charges 
  Operating income 
  Income taxes 
  Income from continuing operations 
  Discontinued operations, less applicable taxes 
  Net income 

First 
Quarter 
$       609,200 
         402,500 
         206,700 
         170,814 
              (136) 
           36,022 
           (4,036) 

           31,986 
           11,363 
                (28) 
           20,651 
                  30 
$         20,681 
$               .43 
                 .00 
$               .43 

Second 
Quarter 
$     618,160 
       402,523 
       215,637 
       169,559 
              728 
         45,350 
         (4,578) 

         40,772 
         14,404 
              (25) 
        26,393 
             484 
$      26,877 
$            .56 
              .01 
$            .57 

Third 
Quarter 
$      674,628 
        434,385 
        240,243 
        176,904 
            4,264 
          59,075 
           (4,489) 

          54,586 
          19,342 
                (63) 
          35,307 
                   - 
$        35,307 
$              .76 
                   - 
$              .76 

Fourth 
Quarter 
$    668,484 
      425,289 
      243,195 
      185,052 
          4,932 
        53,211 
         (3,829) 

        49,382 
        12,032 
            (163) 
        37,513 
                 - 
$       37,513 
$             .82 
                  - 
$             .82 

           47,996 
$               .43 
                 .00 
$               .43 

        46,937 
$            .56 
              .01 
$            .57 

          46,256 
$              .76 
                   - 
$              .76 

         45,550 
$             .82 
                  - 
$             .82 

           48,278 

        47,199 

          46,487 

         45,775 

          100.0% 
            33.9 
            28.0 
             (0.0) 
              5.9 
              1.9 
              3.4 
              0.0 
              3.4 

         100.0% 
           34.9 
           27.4 
             0.1 
             7.3 
             2.3 
             4.3 
             0.1 
             4.3 

          100.0% 
            35.6 
            26.2 
              0.6 
              8.8 
              2.9 
              5.2 
                 - 
              5.2 

         100.0% 
           36.4 
           27.7 
             0.7 
             8.0 
             1.8 
             5.6 
                - 
             5.6 

-63- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year-End 2006: 
(In thousands, except per share data) 
  Net sales 
  Cost of products sold 
  Gross profit 
  Selling and administrative expenses 
  Restructuring related charges (income) 
  Operating income 
  Interest income (expense) – net 
  Earnings from continuing operations before  
     income taxes and minority interest 
  Income taxes (1) 
  Minority interest in earnings of a subsidiary 
  Income from continuing operations 
  Discontinued operations, less applicable taxes 
  Net income 
  Net income from continuing operations – basic 
  Net income from discontinued operations – basic 
  Net income per common share – basic 
  Weighted-average common shares outstanding – basic  

First 
Quarter 
$    645,565 
      416,610 
      228,955 
      181,188 
          1,719 
        46,408 
         (1,108) 

        44,940 
        16,403 
              (39) 
        28,576 
            (106) 
$      28,470 
$            .55 
             (.00) 
$            .55 
        51,836 

Second 
Quarter 
$    667,706 
      434,060 
      233,646 
      184,806 
             228 
        48,612 
         (3,425) 

         45,187 
         16,493 
              (22) 
        28,716 
              (64) 
$      28,652 
$            .56 
             (.00) 
$            .56 
        51,009 

Third 
Quarter 
$     684,317 
       447,587 
      236,730 
      176,134 
              (27) 
        60,623 
         (4,111) 

        56,512 
        20,627 
              (24) 
        35,909 
            (147) 
$      35,762 
$            .73 
             (.00) 
$             .73 
         49,324 

Fourth 
Quarter 
$    682,215 
      454,625 
      227,590 
      175,548 
             909 
        51,133 
         (4,540) 

        46,593 
        10,147 
              (25) 
        36,471 
         (5,980) 
$      30,491 
$            .76 
             (.13) 
$            .63 
        48,069 

  Net income from continuing operations – diluted 
  Net income from discontinued operations – diluted  
  Net income per common share – diluted 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – diluted 
As a Percentage of Net Sales 
  Net sales 
  Gross profit 
  Selling and administrative expenses 
  Restructuring related charges 
  Operating income 
  Income taxes 
  Income from continuing operations 
  Discontinued operations, less applicable taxes 
  Net income 

$            .55 
             (.00) 
$            .55 
        52,229 

$           .56 
            (.00) 
$           .56 
       51,339 

$            .72 
             (.00) 
$            .72 
        49,592 

$            .75 
             (.12) 
$            .63 
        48,363 

        100.0% 
          35.5 
          28.1 
            0.3 
            7.2 
            2.5 
            4.4 
           (0.0) 
            4.4 

         100.0% 
           35.0 
           27.7 
             0.0 
             7.3 
             2.5 
             4.3 
            (0.0) 
             4.3 

         100.0% 
           34.6 
           25.7 
           (0.0) 
             8.9 
             3.0 
             5.2 
            (0.0) 
             5.2 

         100.0% 
           33.4 
           25.7 
             0.1 
             7.5 
             1.5 
             5.3 
            (0.9) 
             4.5 

(1)  The Corporation recorded a $4.1 million tax benefit in the 4th quarter of 2006 as discussed in the Income Taxes footnote. 

INVESTOR INFORMATION 

Common Stock Market Prices and Dividends (Unaudited) 
Quarterly 2008 – 2006 
2008 by Quarter 
1st 
2nd 
3rd 
4th 

High 
$37.97 
 28.37 
 34.37 
 25.76 

       Total Dividends Paid 

Low 
$26.64 
  18.07 
  16.71 
    9.09 

Dividends per Share 
  $.215 
    .215 
    .215 
    .215 
$.86 

-64- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2007 by Quarter 
1st 
2nd 
3rd 
4th 
Total Dividends Paid 

2006 by Quarter 
1st 
2nd 
3rd 
4th 
Total Dividends Paid 

High 
$51.65 
 47.94 
 45.35 
 44.32 

High 
$61.68 
 59.70 
 46.14 
 48.31 

Low 
$43.95 
  40.14 
  35.56 
  33.79 

Low 
$54.83 
  44.68 
  38.34 
  41.05 

Dividends per Share 
  $.195 
    .195 
    .195 
    .195 
$.78 

Dividends per Share 
  $ .18 
    .18 
    .18 
    .18 
  $.72 

Common Stock Market Price and Price/Earnings Ratio (Unaudited) 
Fiscal Years 2008 – 2004 

Year 
2008 
2007 
2006 
2005 
2004 

Five-Year Average 

Market Price 

High 
$37.97 
51.65 
61.68 
62.41 
45.71 

Low 
$ 9.09 
33.79 
38.34 
38.80 
35.25 

Diluted 
Earnings 
per 
Share 

$1.02 
$2.57 
2.45 
2.50 
1.97 

Price/Earnings Ratio 

High
37 
20 
25 
25 
23 
26 

Low 
9 
13 
16 
16 
18 
14 

SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS 

HNI CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 

January 3, 2009 

COL. A 

COL. B 

COL. C 
ADDITIONS 

(1) 
CHARGED 
TO COSTS 
AND 
EXPENSES 

(2) 
CHARGED 
TO OTHER 
ACCOUNTS 
(DESCRIBE) 

COL. D 

COL. E 

DEDUCTIONS 
(DESCRIBE) 

BALANCE 
AT END OF 
PERIOD 

BALANCE AT 
BEGINNING OF 
PERIOD 

DESCRIPTION 

(In thousands) 
Year ended January 3, 2009: 
   Allowance for doubtful accounts 
   Valuation allowance for deferred 
     tax asset 

Year ended December 29, 2007: 
   Allowance for doubtful accounts 

Year ended December 30, 2006: 
   Allowance for doubtful accounts 

$                 11,458 

$          3,107 

                    - 

$        5,777 (A) 

$            8,788 

                            - 

$          3,073 

                    - 

                 - 

$            3,073 

$                 12,796 

$         3,906 

                    - 

$        5,244 

$          11,458 

$                11,977 

$         3,363 

                    - 

$        2,544 (A) 

$          12,796 

Note A:  Excess of accounts written off over recoveries. 

-65- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 15(c) - INDEX OF EXHIBITS 

Exhibit Number 

Description of Document 

(3i) 

(3ii) 

(4i) 

(10i) 

(10ii) 

(10iii) 

(10iv) 

(10v) 

(10vi) 

Articles of Incorporation of HNI Corporation, as amended, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to the 
Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 8, 2007  

By-laws  of  HNI  Corporation,  as  amended,  incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  3(ii)  to  the  Registrant's 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 12, 2008 

Rights Agreement dated as of August 13, 1998, by and between HNI Corporation and Harris Trust and 
Savings  Bank,  as  Rights  Agent,  incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.1  to  Registration  Statement  on 
Form 8-A filed August 14, 1998, as amended by Form 8-A/A filed September 14, 1998, incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 4.1 on Form 8-K filed August 10, 1998  

HNI Corporation 2007 Stock-Based Compensation Plan, as amended effective May 8, 2007, incorporated 
by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.1  to  the  Registrant's  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarter  ended 
September 29, 2007 * 

2007 Equity Plan for Non-Employee Directors of HNI Corporation, as amended effective May 8, 2007, 
incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.2  to  the  Registrant's  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the 
quarter ended September 29, 2007* 

Form  of  HNI  Corporation  Change  In  Control  Employment  Agreement,  incorporated  by  reference  to 
Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 16, 2006* 

HNI  Corporation  ERISA  Supplemental  Retirement  Plan,  as  amended  effective  January  1,  2005, 
incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.3  to  the  Registrant's  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the 
quarter ended September 29, 2007* 

Form  of  HNI  Corporation  Amended  and  Restated  Indemnity  Agreement,  incorporated  by  reference  to 
Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 14, 2007* 

Form  of  2007  Equity  Plan  For  Non-Employee  Directors  of  HNI  Corporation  Participation  Agreement, 
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10vii to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year 
ended December 29, 2007* 

(10vii) 

Form of HNI Corporation 2007 Stock-Based Compensation Plan Stock Option Award Agreement* 

(10viii) 

(10ix) 

(10x) 

(10xi) 

(10xii) 

(10xiii) 

Credit Agreement dated as of January 28, 2005, among HNI Corporation, as Borrower, certain domestic 
subsidiaries of the Borrower from time to time party thereto, as Guarantors, the lenders parties thereto and 
Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 
to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 2, 2005 

Description of Material Compensatory Arrangements Contained in Offer Letter between HNI Corporation 
and Kurt Tjaden, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 
10-Q for the quarter ended September 27, 2008* 

HNI  Corporation  Long-Term  Performance  Plan,  as  amended  effective  January  1,  2005,  incorporated  by 
reference  to  Exhibit  10.6  to  the  Registrant's  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarter  ended 
September 29, 2007*  

First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of December 22, 2005, by and among HNI Corporation, 
as Borrower, certain domestic subsidiaries of HNI Corporation, as guarantors, certain lenders party thereto 
and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
99.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 17, 2006 

HNI  Corporation  Executive  Deferred  Compensation  Plan,  as  amended  effective  January  1,  2005, 
incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.5  to  the  Registrant's  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the 
quarter ended September 29, 2007* 

Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of April 6, 2006, by and among HNI Corporation as 
borrower, certain domestic subsidiaries of HNI Corporation, as Guarantors, certain lenders party thereto 
and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 10, 2006 

-66- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit Number  Description of Document 

(10xiv) 

(10xv) 

(10xvi) 

(10xvii) 

(10xviii) 

(10xix) 

(10xx) 

(10xxi) 

(10xxii) 

10xxiii) 

(21) 

(23) 

(31.1) 

(31.2) 

(32.1) 

Note Purchase Agreement dated as of April 6, 2006, by and among HNI Corporation and the Purchasers 
named therein, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K 
filed April 10, 2006 

HNI  Corporation  Directors  Deferred  Compensation  Plan,  as  amended  effective  January  1,  2005, 
incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.7  to  the  Registrant's  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the 
quarter ended September 29, 2007* 

Third Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of November 8, 2006, by and among HNI Corporation as 
borrower, certain domestic subsidiaries of HNI Corporation, as Guarantors, certain lenders party thereto 
and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 8, 2006 

HNI Corporation Executive Bonus Plan as amended effective January 1, 2005, incorporated by reference 
to  Exhibit  10.4  to  the  Registrant's  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarter  ended  September  29, 
2007* 

Form of HNI Corporation Amendment No. 1 to Change in Control Employment Agreement incorporated 
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 10, 2007* 

HNI Corporation Stock-Based Compensation Plan, as amended effective August 8, 2006, incorporated by 
reference  to  Exhibit  10.1  to  the  Registrant's  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarter  ended 
September 30, 2006* 

Form  of  Exercise  Stock  Option  granted  under  the  HNI  Corporation  Stock-Based  Compensation  Plan, 
incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.2  to  the  Registrant's  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the 
quarter ended September 27, 2008* 

Form of HNI Corporation Stock-Based Compensation Plan Stock Option Award Agreement, incorporated 
by reference to Exhibit 99D to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 22, 2005* 

Fourth  Amendment  to Credit  Agreement  dated as  of June 20,  2008,  by  and  among  HNI  Corporation as 
Borrower,  certain  domestic  subsidiaries of  HNI  Corporation as  Guarantors,  certain  lenders party  thereto 
and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 7, 2008 

Credit  Agreement  dated  as  of  June  30,  2008,  by  and  among  HNI  Corporation,  as  Borrower,  certain 
domestic subsidiaries of HNI Corporation from time to time party thereto, as Guarantors, certain lenders 
party  thereto  and  Wachovia  Bank,  National  Association,  as  Administrative  Agent,  incorporated  by 
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 7, 2008 

Subsidiaries of the Registrant  

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

Certification of CEO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

Certification of CFO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

Certification of CEO and CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of 
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

* Indicates management contract or compensatory plan. 

-67- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management Certifications 

On May 23, 2008, the Corporation submitted to the NYSE, the Annual CEO Certification required by Section 303A.12(a) of the 
NYSE  Listed  Company  Manual  certifying  that  the  Corporation's  CEO  is  not  aware  of  any  violation  by  the  Corporation  of 
NYSE corporate governance listing standards.  The Corporation also filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission the 
CEO/CFO Certifications regarding the quality of the Corporation's public disclosure required under Sections 302 and 906 of the 
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as Exhibits 31.1, 31.2 and 32.1 to the Corporation's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year 
ended January 3, 2009. 

Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Return 

Annual Return 
HNI Corporation 
S&P500 
OFIG* 

2003 
$100.0 
$100.0 
$100.0 

2004 
$100.7 
$111.2 
$104.7 

2005 
$130.1 
$116.6 
$110.9 

2006 
$106.8 
$135.0 
$147.6 

2007 
$87.1 
$143.4 
$126.6 

2008 
$41.5 
$92.6 
$57.9 

*The Office Furniture Industry Group ("OFIG") is a composite peer index constructed by the Corporation and weighted by market 
capitalization and is comprised of the following companies:  Herman Miller, Inc.; Kimball International, Inc. and Steelcase Inc.  It is 
weighted  at  the  beginning  of  each  quarter  according  to  the  market  capitalization  of  its  constituents  on  the  last  trading  day  of  the 
Corporation's  prior  fiscal  quarter.    Teknion  Corporation,  included  in  prior  years'  10-K,  was  excluded  from  the  calculation  as  the 
company became private.  

Total returns for HNI Corporation, S&P 500 and OFIG are depicted at the end of Corporation's fiscal years.  The total return assumes 
$100.00 invested in each of the Corporation's Common Stock, the S&P 500 and the Office Furniture Industry Group Stocks at the end 
of HNI Corporation FY 2003 (January 3, 2004), plus further reinvestment of dividends on the date of the dividend payment.  S&P 500 
returns assume S&P 500 dividends are paid and reinvested on the last trading day of the Corporation's fiscal quarter.  

The comparative performance of the Corporation's Common Stock against the indexes as depicted in this graph is dependent on the 
price of  stock at  a  particular measurement  point  in  time.    Since  individual  stocks  are more  volatile  than  broader  stock  indexes,  the 
perceived  comparative  performance  of  the  Corporation's  Common  Stock  may  vary  based  on  the  strength  or  weakness  of  the  stock 
price at the new measurement point used in each future proxy statement graph.  For this reason, the Corporation does not believe this 
graph should be considered as the sole indicator of the Corporation's performance. 

-68-